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The conductor's baton meets with her stand, sending out a distinct click over the music,
"Hold on. Jungkook-ssi,"
His attention snaps up to the front of the ensemble,
"Huh?? Oh! I'm so sorry - I missed my cue."
"Yes, yes you did," By now, everyone who didn't need to fully turn around to see him was definitely staring at him, save for two faces in the strings, "But it's alright, let's go again."
Everyone's instruments come back up to position, Jungkook's included. The conductor calls the first rehearsal mark, counts off, and the heartful sound of Holst's The Planets, Op. 32: Venus fills the room once again.
Of the violin players that turned around to see him, he only knew one: his name was Hoseok and he's older than Jungkook. Aside from that, he really doesn't know much about him.
One thing is for certain though: Jungkook can't keep his eyes off of him - so much so that he has been missing crucial parts in the music that they're all playing. Nobody is really upset, everyone makes mistakes or doesn't breathe enough, but it's just weird how it's the first horn doing it rather than the third or fourth. If only they knew...
Either way, he goes back to playing, eyes firmly on the conductor and his music.
-
Jungkook would proudly refer to himself as the romantic type. Thoughts of candlelit dinners made at home, bringing a partner out in the summer nights to lay and stare at the stars, hands held together on the grass, and walks in the sun with hands held tightly together fill his mind often. Sure, some of the thoughts are cliché, but he thinks they'd be fun and that he could find new ways to make them meaningful; his problem was that he didn't have anyone to take on romantic dates.
He could bring his friends, but he's not interested in them that way - in the kissing, hugging, and intimate physical affection way. It's not that he hates physical touch (cuddling is the best thing ever), he just feels more comfortable giving and receiving it when it's between people who are dating or more involved.
And now that the chamber orchestra at his college is playing a series of emotional works with one that is over-the-top romance, it's really doing a number on his heartstrings - and that's just as is. Add in a gorgeous person who he barely knows and is currently imagining sitting with them all cozy while it snows outside? Its torture!
The funny thing is that this is weird for him. He doesn't usually have this sort of interest in a person, especially one he's never talked with. It takes time, a lot of talking, and knowing he's comfortable with someone before he likes-likes them - but he wouldn't turn down love at first sight, would like to give it a chance. Something similar to this happened not that long ago with an education major named Namjoon.
Namjoon is, wow. Thighs. It's still warm in Seoul, so Namjoon is all over shorts - has been since Jungkook first saw him in the summer during a campus tour. He was talking to one of the caretakers while they tidied up the hedges. Jungkook couldn't hear everything, between Namjoon being a distance away and the guide explaining the place to him, but the way he was using almost his whole body to talk to them about the plants... Jungkook couldn't help but adore him. Lucky for him, they share an English elective course this semester, so Jungkook can get to know him.
If only that was the case for Hoseok.
He and Hoseok share several classes and even walk the same way to go home every night, although Jungkook gets home later and never gets to go with him, but why is it that Jungkook hasn't even been able to say hello yet?
Maybe it's because it seems like Hoseok already has a partner. It's an awfully big assumption to make, but he and one of the upright bassists, Eunjeong, look so close and are so friendly with each other that it doesn't feel like it could be anything but that. He doesn't watch them during rehearsal and afterwards - no, that's creepy - he just happens to catch a lot of their interactions because he's staring at Hoseok, not them. How can you blame him when Hoseok is literally an angel in disguise?
-
Jungkook taps the liquid out of his mouthpiece against his leg, careful not to hit it on the chair. The action is routine and muscle memory by now, having played horn and other brass instruments since he was a young kid, so he can let his mind wander off to wherever it wants.
Right now, it seems to want to think about how Hoseok is talking and leaving rehearsal with Eunjeong, one of the upright bassists.
Something flares up inside him - it isn't that intense, and he doesn't think he's angry, but it feels... wrong? As if he just watched something that he either wasn't supposed to see or didn't /want/ to see. The feeling is foreign to him and he kind of hates it. It makes less sense when he considers that he doesn’t know either of them past their names; he’s sure Eunjeong is nice, but seeing her with Hoseok gives him bad vibes.
His only close friend in orchestra, Yoongi, has already left, rushing off to work on a few songs he's producing, but Jungkook is in real need of some guidance, so he sends him a text,
kook: hey hyung!
kook: are u busy? i need some help ):
yoonie: Never for you Gguk, what's wrong?
kook: idk... it sounds dumb now that im actually talking about it ):
yoonie: Take your time, hyung will wait for you.
kook: gosh ur the best
kook: <3<3<3<3
kook: do u know any of the violins?
yoonie: Yeah, a few of them went to the same high school as me, why?
kook: well there’s this one… he’s really pretty and he sits right in my line of sight, his name is Hoseok
yoonie: Ahh Hoseok, I do know him. He’s a friend of Seokjin-hyung.
yoonie: I was about to ask if he was being mean to you, but you just called him pretty, so I’m willing to guess that somebody has feelings~
kook: hyung!! shhhh!!
Jungkook smiles at his phone, able to hear Yoongi teasing him from his text.
kook: besides, i don’t even know him ):
yoonie: True – but your heart might know what it wants before you can realize it.
yoonie: Anyway Gguk, it sounds like you’re jealous? Scared that someone will steal him away from you?
He knows Yoongi doesn’t mean that in a rude way, his delivery is just blunt, but it strikes a chord in him – is he jealous? Jealous of what? Hoseok isn’t his, Hoseok probably doesn’t know he exists other than being the horn that manages to halt rehearsal at least once each time. It would make sense, though – seeing him with Eunjeong making him feel like… that.
Jungkook sends a thank you text back and locks his phone. The rest of his cleanup is spent planning out how to talk to Hoseok more, even just basic things like a compliment on his playing during rehearsal, and his mind cooks up something even better: he’ll ask him to practice together.
It’s the perfect idea – he gets to talk to Hoseok, spend time together, and improve their skill! It’s a triple win! Now all he has to do is… do it.
-
He paces in front of the coffee table, the flurry of thoughts almost visible coming out from his head.
"There's something bothering you, Kook." Taehyung speaks up from the couch, "I get if you want to just spend time together, but you're as transparent as a window - what's up?"
A wrong turn results in Jungkook bumping his foot on the table and Jimin sits up out of worry. He waves Jimin off, a silent I'm fine (but OUCH), and plops down next to them with a heavy exhale.
"So, I like someone."
"Okay. Is that -"
Taehyung cuts Jimin off, "Wait, as in just as a person? Or like, romantic feelings?"
Jimin's attention whips from Taehyung to Jungkook to Taehyung, trying to engage with both of them while in the middle and eventually settling on Jungkook, who had told Taehyung a few months ago that he was questioning demisexual. Jimin is thankful that he felt comfortable enough to share that with him recently; he was still working on telling his other two housemates - Yeonjun and Keonhee, hesitant because he’s still unsure about that part of himself (not that he needs to be sure, he knows he could be label-less if he so chooses), but he’ll get there if he wants to.
Jimin watches Jungkook's chest heave with a stressed sigh, hopes the hand on his knee is reassuring and not overstepping a boundary (Jungkook loves to hang on him and Taehyung, but /being/ touched weirds him out a little); thankfully it seems to work, because Jungkook drops his hand down to play with his fingers.
"It's... I think it's romantic? I haven't liked anyone like that since Namjoon-hyung - not that I don't still feel that way about him, but he just doesn't seem interested? And I don't know if I should stop trying to..." He gestures with his free hand, "You know? Because it feels kind of wrong, as if I'm leading him along when I'm - well when I think I'm interested in someone else? It doesn’t help that I don’t know if he’s in a relationship or not."
Taehyung hums, "He’s pretty shy when it comes to dating – he isn’t afraid of his feelings, but he has trouble expressing those kinds of emotions to others. If he’s in a relationship, it’ll probably be obvious, since he knows he can openly love whoever he’s with.” He speaks so confidently Jungkook thinks they must be close but decides to ask later. “Have you started talking to this new person yet? Usually you're not -"
"I haven't! That's the thing!" Jimin's hand is wrenched to the side as Jungkook turns to look at them and tosses his hands up, "I've said hi maybe once or twice, and that's why I'm so confused - I barely know him!"
A little smile breaks out on Jimin's face, Jungkook can’t help but be precious even when he’s having a crisis.
"Oh~ a "him", do we know him?" The tease comes from Taehyung, edging his way over Jimin's lap.
"Ah, Hyung," Jungkook drops Jimin's hand and his brain chooses to pick at his cuticles instead, "Hoseok, Jung Hoseok? He's older than me."
"H-," Jimin turns to Taehyung and without saying a word, manages to get his thoughts across that soul-connection they have, "He plays violin, right? In the first row?"
"Yeah! I can see him from my seat."
Jimin falls back against Taehyung, small hand covering his face while he squeaks from laughter. Taehyung giggles with him and sets a hand on his shoulder.
"What! What's so funny!"
"Jungkook! Hoseok-hyung is my roommate!"
Jungkook's stunned face sends Jimin farther into Taehyung, both of their laughs washing over him. He’d never been over Jimin’s place before, Jimin always staying at their apartment so much that it felt like he lived with them more than with Hoseok. He settles back down against the opposite arm of the couch, facing the couple now.
"Well, that... Huh."
Jimin looks at him once more and coos at his empty gaze, still laughing a bit.
"I do have a question though! It’s actually really important."
"Yeah, Gguk?"
"Is Hoseok-hyung straight?"
Taehyung snorts, "You know, it’s funny you ask that; so many people have that same question."
"And? Are they right?"
Jimin plops his small feet on his lap, Jungkook grabs a hold of them and squishes the arches.
"Nope!" Jimin cracks a big smile, "Hoseokie-hyung likes boys very much - he likes girls too, but he carries himself like a straight person, so nobody can ever figure it out unless they ask. He makes really easy friends with girls and that only throws it off more."
Jungkook stews on that answer while they start talking about Namjoon again. If Hoseok does like boys, that means he actually has a chance if he wants to take it, instead of just blindly jumping into the dark. Sure, he doesn't know if Hoseok has a type, and- oh!
"Not to interrupt, but Jimin-hyung, you would know," he squeezes his foot again, "Is hyung single?
Little toes wiggle in response, and Jimin stops talking to tell him no, he isn't seeing anyone.
He might just go for it.
-
“Noona! How was your date?”
Hoseok greets Eunjeong from his seat, waving as she walks over.
“Ahh, good afternoon Hobi-ssi!” She takes the empty seat next to him, that player not having arrived yet, “It went… okay, but I don’t think we’ll go out again.”
"What happened?? He seemed like such a good guy." His hands occupy themselves and bring his violin case into his lap, needing something to tinker with while he talks.
Eunjeong shrugs, body language displaying disappointment, but betrayed by the smile on her face.
“I think we just didn’t have as much in common as I thought – he was so engaging over our calls, but in person he sort of fell flat,” she laughs, “Plus his eyes were super big, like huge. And that’s not a bad thing, that’s just not what I look for in a guy, you know?”
“Mm I understand. You’re probably not looking for anyone else right away, but what about Minji-noona? Are you two still talking- ah!”
A firm punch to his arm and a glare from Eunjeong shut him up fast, “Don’t- don’t say that too loud! You know I’m not –“ She gestures out from her chest, “So shush. I’m sorry I hit you so hard, I just don’t want anyone to know…”
Hoseok tends to the sore spot on his arm and nods through a grimace. He apologizes, so used to being out and comfortable with his friends in private that he forgot Eunjeong was still in the closet and very protective about it (as she has every right to be).
“But yeah, we’re still talking. I’m actually seeing her this weekend, we were going to go to the dance studio and then to Gangnam – she wanted to get some photos of the city at night and I’ve been dying for some street food, but its just as friends,” Hoseok’s natural habit of adding in little hm’s and right’s during conversation carrying on, letting Eunjeong know he’s still listening, “I want someone else, but I have to work up the guts to ask them out- “
She’s cut off by a younger member falling into the strings rack, nearly toppling over her instrument in the process, so she sprints over to catch it before it hits the ground.
Her scolding filters in from the background noise while he wonders who the mystery person is.
-
"Guys, I don't think Namjoon-hyung likes me."
Jungkook flops onto his usual spot on the sofa - lodged up against Jimin where he's nestled into Taehyung.
"What do you mean "doesn't like you"? Namjoon loves spending time with you, you can see it in his face when you're talking; trust me, I've seen his disinterested face and it is not that." Taehyung speaks literally over Jimin, peeking across the top of his head to try to make eye contact with Jungkook (who is facing sideways to him - the effort was there).
"Ugh, maybe you're right," Jungkook lets out a long, exasperated sigh, "I just get the feeling that he doesn't like me like that, like he's got someone else he's thinking of - wait, I didn't know you guys were friends?" The question has Jungkook craning his neck up to see Taehyung; Jimin stares at the cute mole on the underside of his nose while he talks.
"Oh, yeah! He and I had a fling back in my freshman year. It was mostly for the sex - Jimin-ah you remember? But, well, you already know how easy it is to be around him, we used to talk a lot before his major caught up with him and he needed more time than he could find. We don't really talk now - school and whatnot, but we aren't mortal enemies."
“Ah, so you don’t talk … I was gonna ask if you could find out if he’s single or not, just so I could give up before I embarrass myself.”
His pout catches Jimin's attention - now that he can see his face - who reaches over to pet his hair. He speaks up, not quite involved with the people they're talking about but wanting to help nonetheless,
"Don't you know, uh, what's his name? The hyung that's shorter than me and plays the piano?"
A shock darts across Jungkook’s face and he sits up, "Yoongi-hyung?!"
"Yes!" Jimin points towards him, "That's his name, why couldn't I remember that?" The last part is mostly to himself, and Jungkook is still in shock.
"He is /so/ not shorter than you! Hyung," He starts laughing at the affronted look on Jimin's face, "All due respect, but Yoongi-hyung is at least an inch taller than y-"
Jimin chooses that moment to jump on Jungkook and roll him to the floor, saving his dignity and the conversation in one fell swoop. He and Jungkook were a decent match in strength, but since Jungkook was still giggling over a fact that was totally incorrect and always will be, he could just sit on top of Jungkook's chest and gently shake his head by the hair.
"Anyway!" He tugs his head to the left, "Jungkook!" To the right, "Doesn't Yoongi-hyung know Namjoon-hyung!" And back and forth a few times for emphasis.
Jungkook's laughter dies down, the smile on his face is still there and he can hear Taehyung chuckling from the couch in that silent-laugh way he does, and he nods.
"I'll catch him tomorrow before rehearsal, thanks hyung," Jimin lets go of his hair and tries to reshape it, leaving Jungkook to wonder, "Sometimes I feel like there's so much I don't know about you two."
The movement of Jungkook's hands to Jimin's thighs has Taehyung staring, suddenly stirring up memories of the year prior. Jimin is still fixing his hair, more playfully than trying, when he asks what he means.
They share a look before Taehyung starts talking. Jungkook can only see Jimin's face in profile, but Taehyung doesn't look upset, so it must just be them silently communicating as usual; probably asking which one of them wants to tell it.
Once no words had been spoken, it seems the story was left to Taehyung, so Jimin helps him up to go sit back down.
"You know Jimin-ssi and I have been together since high school, right?" Jungkook nods, plays with his sleeve hem. "Well, I met Namjoon-hyung at the town library when I worked behind the desk - he was looking for a certain book we had on loan, in a big rush, so he left me his number to text when we got the book back. I don't know why he didn't ask for us to e-mail him a reminder, maybe it was just quicker to write down a phone number, I never asked." A set of socked feet worm their way under Jungkook's thigh, cute little toes wiggling underneath him. "Anyway, he texted me out of the blue one night a while after I let him know the book was back, told me upfront that he wanted to meet up to fuck, as a stress reliever you know? I don't think he knew Jimin and I were together, so I had us three all go to coffee the next morning to actually talk about what we wanted to do."
A soft, affirmative noise leaves Jungkook. He notices Jimin toying with his boyfriend's fingers; it's not common that he has a nervous or shy energy - could be embarrassment, though.
"Lucky for all of us," he sets a hand on Jimin's shoulder and grins, "Our Jimin-ie is a voyeur and Namjoon-hyung loves being watched, so we had a fun thing going for a while." The hand on his shoulder squeezes then rubs away the pressure, delicate fingers dipping under Jimin's shirt collar.
"Wah... What happened after that? Probably too much work, right?"
Taehyung nods, looking a little disheartened. It was the usual pattern of having some fun, getting behind on your work, and then being eternally behind on your work no matter how much you try to get back ahead (he has had a few personal experiences with that cycle, it's not great), but he and Jimin are grateful for it while it lasted.
Jungkook is thankful that Taehyung kept the details rather vague, even though he most likely didn't intend it. His interest in Namjoon only goes so far as emotional, wanting to spend time together but not necessarily with any type of touching. Perhaps that’s where it’ll stay, if Namjoon does turn out to be in a relationship.
-
“Are you friends with Namjoon-hyung?"
Yoongi nods and keeps his eyes on the production software filling up his computer screen, "He comes over sometimes to eat with me and Jin-hyung; knows a lot about music and sometimes we produce together. It all stays on file, but some day we might release a song or two to the public." Bars of sound clips and the mixer fly around, Yoongi clearly proficient at this kind of thing, and it captures Jungkook's attention for a solid few minutes before he remembers that they were having a conversation.
"Um, you wouldn't happen to know if he's single, would you?"
A sheepish feeling washes over Jungkook as a second voice cuts in from down the hall.
"Namjoon-ssi? Why, are you interested in my boyfriend, Kook-ah~?"
Seokjin pads into the room in his pajamas, phone in one hand and fluffy white stuffed animal in the other; a chuckle sounds off to his left.
"W- no! No, I was just-" A hand in his hair silences his attempt at explaining himself and he sighs, accepting defeat.
"It’s alright, I know Joon-ah is hot," Yoongi chokes, "Now if only I could get him to realize that, then all of our lives would be easier. Do you want some water, Yoongi-chi?" He waves a no and tries to resume work, still struggling, "Alright. You, Kook-ah?"
"No thanks, hyung. I have one in my bag."
"'Kay." He wanders over to the kitchen counter and takes a barstool, sits and looks over to Jungkook, "You know, if you're really interested in Namjoon-ah, then I'm sure he wouldn't mind. He loves to spend time with you already, so it’s not like you're a stranger to him or us."
Jungkook doesn't say anything at first, unsure of if he should at all - it's an extremely generous offer, but his intentions of asking seem to have been misconstrued.
"Ah, you're too good to me hyung, but I'll have to turn you down. I wanted to know about Namjoon-hyung because while I do like him, I maybe have my eyes on someone else..."
It’s only a little surprising when Seokjin doesn't start teasing him; Yoongi lets go of his mouse to hold Jungkook's hand, and the eldest gently smiles at him. They like to bicker and wrestle, but Seokjin is much more observant than people give him credit for; Jungkook thinks that maybe emotional intelligence is a trait he subconsciously seeks out.
“I won’t press; I hope it goes well for you, Gguk-ah.” Seokjin sets his glass down and Jungkook feels a reassuring squeeze from Yoongi, who lets go. He’s very grateful to have friends like these two; they know when to tease and when to take things seriously, always looking out for his heart.
-
Today is the day, Jungkook decides, that he’s going to talk to Hoseok; he’s going to ask him to practice together and hope that he says yes.
The only issue is that Eunjeong is practically glued to Hoseok.
Now that he’s had time to think about it, he’s been paying attention to them a lot more (as in not just staring at Hoseok) and Eunjeong spends a lot of time next to him. She always finds him and says hello to him first when she walks in, sometimes goes to him during water breaks to chat, and usually leaves with him once rehearsal is over. And that’s fine! Jungkook has nothing against them talking, he’s glad that they’re friends and seem comfortable with each other, he won’t interfere with that – it’s the uncertainty that gets to him. The unknown of who-likes-who.
Right now, none of that matters too much, because he has to catch Hoseok before he leaves.
Packing up a violin is much faster than horn – just put everything away in your case, don’t forget your music and you’re good to go, so Jungkook abandons his process to make his way to Hoseok.
Obviously, someone has had more practice (and fewer chairs and people with instruments to walk through) on going to Hoseok, so Eunjeong beats him there. Jungkook refuses to back down and makes a last-minute change to his original plan that he thinks might go even better than before. He's expecting awkwardness, the shy first greeting of your crush with someone else there.
He finally arrives at the front of the ensemble after almost tripping on a bassoon player and stands next to Eunjeong before bowing softly and speaking,
"Hi Eunjeong-noona, hi Hoseok-hyung!"
Jungkook didn't want to interrupt them, but neither of them noticed him and he knows Hoseok likes to get a move on to get home.
Eunjeong turns to the side to face him and Hoseok looks his way, most of Jungkook's confidence escaping through the blush painting his cheeks. He looks between both of them and lingers on Hoseok for a second too long, lost in the shape of his eyes before he looks up at Eunjeong.
"Oh! Uh, I wanted to ask if you guys wanted to have some practice time together tomorrow? Or the day after? Whichever works for you! I just noticed that our parts bounce off of each other in Venus, and there's a lot going on in Mars, so maybe-" Jungkook cuts himself off, "Yeah!"
The red dusting his cheeks has made its way to his ears; Eunjeong smiles at him and Hoseok nods, reaching for his instrument case.
"That sounds great! You're Jungkook, right?"
His eyebrows disappear under his bangs, "Oh, oh my god. I never introduced myself - I'm so sorry, yes I'm Jungkook: first chair french horn, you probably know me as the one who misses their cues all the time."
Hoseok laughs, and Jungkook thinks he wants to hear that for every waking moment of his life.
"Okay, how about tomorrow afternoon? I don't have a class, and noona I think you're free too, right?"
She nods, tucks some hair behind her ear after Hoseok gestures to her.
"That's perfect! I'll meet you two here then!"
Jungkook gives another bow and hurries back to his chair, his path much clearer now that most of the players have packed up and left. It was a little messy, but it was a victory; he now has a date with H- date...? Alright, he's too caught up in his own dream world, he can't forget the Eunjeong is coming, that it’s supposed to be time to bond and to practice, not to simply exist next to Hoseok.
For once, he puts his horn away without looking up.
-
Yoongi watches Jungkook maneuver around seats and cases to go talk to Hoseok. From the back of the room, he can see the three of them clearly, often glancing between them at the end of rehearsal (he likes to close his eyes when he’s on harp, so he can’t see them during - it’s just one of those things).
It’s a fond sight, watching the shy kid he always kept by his side go off and assuredly do his own thing, find his way. He still comes to Yoongi for advice, likes to spend time with him at his apartment in comfortable silence while they both do their own work, and occasionally prank Seokjin for the hell of it.
Speaking of Seokjin, his phone pings with the custom tone set for his roommate (it’s the Maplestory level up sound effect, per his request)
Jjin-hyung: yoongichi, are you coming home soon? i invited namjoon over and im making bossam for us all
Min Yoongi: Yeah, I’m packing up now. Do you want me to pick up any makgeolli on the way?
Jjin-hyung: yes!! i forgot to get some earlier and i can’t leave right now (you know how joon is around cooking…)
Min Yoongi: Lol no problem hyung, see you soon! Thank you for dinner~
Jjin-hyung: any time <33
Jjin-hyung: now hurry! i want to eat with my two favorite people
Yoongi chuckles and put his phone in his pocket, shaking his head in adoration.
He looks up just in time to see Jungkook return to his seat with a satisfied – yet red – look on his face. He wonders if Jungkook will tell him about how it went, or if he’ll find out when he and Hoseok walk into rehearsal hand in hand. Either way, he’s happy for him, taking hold of what he wants most
-
The muffled beeping of his keypad lock grabs his attention. He doesn't turn around though, because he knows only two other people know the number,
"Hyung!"
And one of them never gets it right the first try. A breathless Jungkook practically falls into the foyer, taking his shoes off and talking and trying to shut the door at the same time. Yoongi simply sets his phone down in his lap and looks over, happy to wait and give him all the time he needs.
"Hyung! When were you going to tell me that you, Seokjin-hyung, and Namjoon-hyung were dating?!"
Yoongi's eyebrows move up in surprise, "Dating?"
Both shoes finally off, Jungkook rushes over to him on the couch,
"Yes, dating! Jimin-hyung told me that Jin-hyung told him at lunch that you three were, you know-" Jungkook meshes his fingers together and looks expectantly at Yoongi, knowing he'll understand.
And Yoongi does, to an extent. He never explicitly stated that they were all together - Seokjin and Namjoon were dating, and with Namjoon spending so much time at their place while also hanging with Yoongi, they sort of naturally absorbed him into their relationship. So smoothly that apparently, Yoongi didn't even notice.
"Huh, I guess we are. I don't have an exact date, sorry Gguk-ah, but it was probably within the last few weeks or so." A smile creeps up on his face as he speaks, thinking about how silly it is that he didn't realize.
Jungkook, working through whatever exhilaration he had going on, was finding it funny too, giggling at the story.
"Gosh, Hyung. I didn't think stuff like that happened in real life, it all seems so," he gestures, "Rigorous and hard work. But I'm happy for you! I was nearby and got the text from Jimin-hyung and figured I would just come over." Ah, that explains why he was out of breath. "You should call Jin-hyung and tell him what you told me - I bet he'll get a kick out of it."
Yoongi looks at him, something mischievous creeping along his face.
“Actually, he should be getting home soon, he only has two classes today and work later. Do you think if I greet him at the door, he’ll kiss me? And then I tell him what happened?”
That little devious plan makes Jungkook do his nose-scrunch smile, a series of tiny claps accompanying it. He nods and stays on the couch while Yoongi goes and stands near the coat rack; if Seokjin walks in, he won’t see Jungkook until he leaves the hyeongwan, so his attention will stay on Yoongi.
Only a few minutes later, the digital sound of the keypad being pressed interrupts their conversation. Jungkook shuffles around on the couch so he can just barely peek around the corner at Yoongi, ready to act in his play.
“Ah – Hi hyung, I was just hanging this up, let me take your jacket. How was class?”
Seokjin hands it to him, “Wow, such service Yoongi-chi. C’mere,” He hikes his bag up higher on his shoulder and waits for Yoongi to hang up his coat, then brings Yoongi over by the hips to give him a quick kiss on the mouth. “Class went fine, Miyoung-noona got in a fight with someone in the hallway, but even the people way in the back could hear her! I’d like her to be my lawyer if I ever need one.”
He lets go so they can both laugh, Yoongi sporting one of his prized gummy smiles. Jungkook tries to stifle his own from across the room, doing just fine since Seokjin was fussing with his bookbag and making enough noise to cover him.
“Sounds like an eventful day. I have a question, though, hyung.”
“Yeah?”
Yoongi leans against the wall, “Are we together, dating? You, Namjoon-ssi and I?”
“Of course we are! What makes you ask?”
“I had no clue. I just thought you guys suddenly liked to touch and kiss more than usual, and you know I would never turn down some hand holding, so I just went along with it.”
Seokjin freezes on the spot - still bent over his bag - and looks up at Yoongi. Jungkook can see his face right now and it’s taking everything in him not to snort at his blanched expression.
“You- you, we never said anything?! Oh my god, I thought Namjoon asked you! I- “ He straightens up and takes out his phone, pout in full blast, “I’m calling him right now, I can’t believe- “
“Hyung!” Yoongi has to reach out and hold Seokjin’s wrist to keep him from calling Namjoon, “It’s alright, I wasn’t bothered! I like it and I want to be together, even though I just found out we already are.”
That eases Seokjin, his shoulders visibly relaxing, he pockets his phone. But before he has a chance to speak,
“Oh, and by the way,” Yoongi gestures to the couch, “Jungkook-ssi is here.”
Neither of them was expecting that. Jungkook sits upright for a second, locks eyes with Seokjin and dives behind the couch, giggling the whole way.
“Yah! You brat, get over here!”
Seokjin toes off his shoes and foregoes house slippers, running past Yoongi (almost barreling him over) and chasing after Jungkook before he can get around the furniture and escape. It’s a short game of cat and mouse, but Seokjin catches him when he tries to hop over the couch – totally sits on him and traps him in a big clingy hug. Jungkook tries his best to roll over so he can at least face his captor, but Seokjin is too strong so he stays with his face in the cushions.
“How in the world did you know that Joon-ah and I liked Yoongi-chi before he did?!”
Jungkook laughs without air and turns it into a weak yell, fussing underneath Seokjin again.
“Hah – Jimin-hyung told me! He said that you were talking about Yoongi-hyung over lunch, that you were happy that he liked being with you and Namjoon-hyung!” He can feel Seokjin release a little bit of his grip at that and takes it to his advantage, pushing up and dumping him off his back onto the empty side of the couch. Yoongi plods over and looks down at Seokjin from where he’s stunned on his back.
“Talking about me, huh?”
Even upside down, Seokjin can see the wily grin on his face. He groans and covers his own face with his hands, red ears peeking out. Yoongi and Jungkook both laugh at him, but its because his embarrassment is endearing, not with any intent to shame.
“Ughhh, you’re lucky I love the both of you.”
-
Jungkook waits in the rehearsal room the next day, early as always, but wanting to be there first so he could greet them. To his complete and utter surprise, only Hoseok walks in at 12:02, looking like somebody just told him off - the little triangle pout on his face was kind of cute, though, he'd never seen it before, which makes sense considering he can only ever see the back of Hoseok's head and occasionally his side profile.
"Hyung! Where's Eunjeong-noona?"
His expression softens a bit when he meets eyes with Jungkook, letting out a sigh and shaking his head.
"It’s nothing, Jungkook-ah. Let's just get to practice, okay?"
He walks past Jungkook who, still shell-shocked from the eye contact, eventually sounds his agreement and follows Hoseok into the practice room, grabbing stands for them on the way (chairs never seem to leave the rooms, much to the music director's dismay, but it’s convenient).
They set up in silence, Hoseok taking the time to organize his sheet music while Jungkook adjusts his horn. He breaks the quiet by asking where they wanted to start, making Jungkook jump in his seat; his hyung chuckles, sounding much more lifeless than the other day.
"Sorry Gguk-ah, didn't mean to scare you."
Jungkook's hand flies to his chest, half in faux shock and half in real shock because okay, he's already picked out a nickname, if it turns into anything cuter then Jungkook isn't sure he'll make it.
"It's alright! Do you want to start at the andante? That's your solo, but if you want to do something else to warm up first-?"
"Nope, that sounds good. Count off?" Hoseok brings his violin up under his chin, bow ready, and Jungkook just has to stare - he's never seen him play from the front. Thankfully, Jungkook has this part of his music memorized, so he's free to watch and listen to Hoseok.
He's heard this solo before several times, whether it be in recordings or during rehearsal; he has a good idea on how it’s supposed to go. However, Hoseok keeps stopping and starting again. Jungkook can’t usually hear just him over the whole band, but since it’s a solo that turns into a soli, he can pick out most of it, and this hasn't happened before. As he reaches the point of his highest note in the passage, he hits it flat and drops position with an angry groan.
"Hyung?"
"Jungkook-" He sets his instrument down in its case, "Ugh, I'm sorry to unload on you when this is literally only the second time we've talked, but Eunjeong and I had a huge fight last night and that's why she didn't show up."
He watches Hoseok run a hand through his hair, frustrated.
"It's alright, I don't mind listening. What happened? If it’s okay for me to ask."
"Yeah it’s fine, thanks Gguk. She just. We, I- We grew up together, in school, so we've always been good friends, but lately she's been so possessive - I don't mind! It’s not like it’s getting in the way of anything, but she got upset at the fact that I was talking about you last night and blew up at me, said I was betraying her and ignoring her feelings; I didn't even know she had any for me!" The way he talks is all in his gestures and face, delicate hands telling the story just as much as his words were.
Jungkook tries his best to understand Hoseok, but a large part of his mind is now stuck on the fact that he was talking about him. Out of school. To someone else. Who also apparently had feelings for him.
"What-" He clears the haze out of his throat, "What about me set her off? I mean, we pretty much just met yesterday."
It was Hoseok's turn to look bashful, diverting his attention back to his violin, picking it up and plucking quietly at the strings.
"I was just saying how nice it is that you wanted to practice with us, not a lot of other people outside of our section offer to do that and I thought it would be really fun! She was fine with that, but then I called you cute, talked about how big your eyes are and how you look like a little deer sometimes, and that’s when she started getting mad..."
He trails off and Jungkook is about two seconds away from evaporating. The nervous chuckle that leaves him without his permission makes Hoseok look up at him over his stand, and Jungkook watches his eyebrows go up when he sees how red his face is. Hoseok rings out a laugh that has much more of his bright tone to it, unlike earlier.
"Um, I, lets- do you want to play Jupiter, uh, for now?" Gosh, Jungkook is in shambles.
Hoseok makes a suggestive noise, blinding smile back on his face as he rifles through his music to pull out Jupiter, "Anything you want, Jungkookie~"
Yep, he’s done for.
-
The rest of their practice time went smoothly - once the semi-permanent blush left Jungkook’s face. He helped Hoseok with a particularly brutal run, and Hoseok gave him some pointers on one of his solo lines; they got along better than Jungkook was hoping despite Hoseok's upset mood at the start. He's incredibly easy to like, and Jungkook understands now why he makes so many friends.
Lying in bed that night and staring hopelessly up at the ceiling, noises of a video game squabble filter in from the living room, but he doesn't register them - too lost in thought over Hoseok. It's crazy just how much some simple eye contact can make Jungkook blush, make his head all fuzzy and his tummy heat up. He could go on and on about what it's like to be able to see Hoseok and watch his eyes light up when he laughs, to see the creases under them make little fish shapes. All his sound effects and mannerisms (foot-tapping usually annoys Jungkook, but it's precious when Hoseok does it...) - he's beyond loveable and Jungkook really just wants to hold his hand.
And it’s not only the physical parts of him, his personality and charm are shining silver bells in Jungkook's winter scenery, each facet of him something glittering and new,
"Hey Gguk-ah, Keonhee just lost, d- are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm alright. Just thinking about Hoseok-hyung." He sniffles and realizes that oh, he's crying? Why? "Okay, that's only a little embarrassing. What's up about Keonhee-ssi?"
Taehyung gives him this look that he can’t quite make out, given that the only light is coming from behind him where he stands in the doorway, it feels worried and just a tiny bit judgmental, but he doesn't pay it any mind.
"I'm always here if you need an ear. But yeah, we're taking a quick snack break, I wanted to ask if you wanted to join us and take Keonhee-ssi's place - he needs to recover."
That makes them both chuckle, and Jungkook dries his face with his sleeve.
"Sounds good, I'll meet you out there."
-
“Hyu~ng! Come see how bad I just destroyed Keonhee-hyung.”
Yeonjun beckons him over rather excitedly, pulls him down onto the sofa between himself and Keonhee and points to the screen.
“See?” He says in English to his opponent, “I’m better than you.”
Keonhee rolls his eyes and flops over the arm of the couch, “Tae-hyung, Yeonjun-ssi is being mean again.”
“Sorry bud, can’t help you there,” Taehyung comes in from the kitchen and sits on the floor in front of Jungkook, “Our Yeonjun-ah does what he wants.”
The tumult around him lets his mind wander. Yeonjun puts the controller in his lap and he takes it, focus turning to the TV as the screen changes to an active game; it needs his attention more than his daydreaming though, so he vocalizes it instead.
“I think I wanna ask Hoseok-hyung on a date soon.”
“Ooh, where are you gonna take him? Some place romantic~?” Keonhee bumps their shoulders together.
Jungkook pouts, not having actually thought about where they could go or what they can do.
“I don’t know yet, haven’t got that far. Maybe something simple? I don’t want to go all out right at the beginning.”
“How about just to a café? You guys can get coffee and share some dessert or sweet bread, I think he’d like that. Plus, if it's nice out, you could walk along the Han if you’re close enough.”
He hums, considering Taehyung’s suggestion. It would be nice to just spend some time with Hoseok, do his current favorite thing (stare at Hoseok) and be near each other. It's not December yet, so the temperature outside should be warm enough for jackets – he should wear a scarf in case Hoseok gets cold, then he could do that thing from dramas and wrap it around him. He’s sold.
“Thanks, hyung. I think I’ll go with that.”
Yeonjun snorts from beside him, “That was awfully fast. You’re a quick thinker though, I’m excited for you hyung- HAH! THAT’S RIGHT!”
Another victory for Yeonjun as he barrels into Jungkook, shoving him over onto Keonhee and making a laughing pile of friends, Taehyung climbing up to lay on Yeonjun.
Jungkook adores his roommates.
-
The more time that passed, the more Hoseok and Jungkook grew comfortable with each other. Hoseok would come over to Jungkook after rehearsal to say goodbye, occasionally ruffling his hair or setting a hand on his shoulder if another band member nearby wanted to talk. Jungkook would always indulge Hoseok, pushing up into his hand or holding it. Occasionally he would feel a set of eyes on the back of his head, but he couldn’t be bothered to care.
This evening isn’t any different. A late rehearsal means its dark out when they finish, everybody trying to tidy up as quickly as they can to get home or get to their last class of the night, but Hoseok stays back for a change. He puts his instrument away, no rush, and brings it with him to Jungkook.
The horn next to him had left, so Hoseok was free to sit there.
“Jungkookie! How are you~”
His face instantly lights up at the sound of Hoseok’s squeaky cute voice, “Hyung! I’m doing alright, sort of tired. I stayed over Jin- and Yoongi-hyung’s last night and we were up late night talking,” He hums, “How about you, hyung?”
“I’m great! I feel like practice went well today. Do you want to walk home together? Its dark and cold out and I… don’t wanna walk home alone.”
Hoseok breaks out his puppy eyes, even though Jungkook would ever say no to him.
“Of course! Let me finish putting my horn away and then we can go.” Hoseok wiggles in his seat, keeping his eyes on Jungkook until he’s done.
-
The cold air hits them from all around, this particular street acting like a wind tunnel. They walk with their sides pressed together to keep warm.
“So you’re telling me that you’ve never watched anime?!” He pulls his collar up around his neck, trying to protect himself from the wind.
“That’s not true! I’ve watched a lot of Crayon Shin Chan!”
Jungkook doubles over in laughter, totally out of it. It's rather contagious because Hoseok is laughing as well and leaning on him for support. Unfortunately (fortunately?), the extra weight on Jungkook and his own weakened, giggly state can’t keep up and he topples to the ground, taking Hoseok with him. His body acts as a landing mattress for Hoseok – and he’s fine with that because he didn’t want Hoseok to get hurt, and also he’s currently under Hoseok, looking up at his face from a very small distance.
“Uh, um- “
Hoseok giggles, expression changing from surprise to content. Jungkook can smell the fragrance of his detergent on his coat; it’s a clean scent, barely floral – he loves it.
“Hey, Jungkook,” A delicate hand comes up to brush the hair out of his face, “Do you want to go on a date? Tomorrow?”
His eyes must bug out, because Hoseok smiles and looks all over his face. Even though his entire world is only the view of Hoseok right now (the mole on his upper lip is really pushing his limits), the knowledge that they’re currently borderline cuddling in public freaks him out and he feels uneasy.
Jungkook gently sits up, having Hoseok kneel while his own legs are splayed out around him. He takes a second to collect himself and stares at their laps, his hands planted firmly on Hoseok’s shoulders lest he drift off with the wind. Everything feels surreal – the few streetlights illuminating half of Hoseok’s face, making his beautiful profile even more prominent and Jungkook is struggling not to just lean forward and hug him and nuzzle into the crook of his neck.
“I- I’d love to, hyung.”
Hoseok beams, taking Jungkook’s hands off of his shoulders and interlacing their fingers. He makes a happy noise, stands up, and helps Jungkook up too.
“It’s funny,” Jungkook keeps one of their hands together, Hoseok doesn’t pull away, “I was going to ask you that when we got to your door.”
“Oho, great minds think alike~” They resume walking, finally leaving that street, “Where do you wanna go tomorrow? I saw that it wasn’t supposed to rain, not like that would stop me.”
Jungkook squeezes his hand, “We could walk to the Han? They’ll have the lights on earlier since the sun goes down around five now.”
“I like that. I like you.”
Jungkook feels his whole face turn red and returns the sentiment, finally confessing to Hoseok.