Archive of Our Own

He falls into the huge pile of leaves and lets them blanket him, smother his flushed cheeks with soft kisses and caresses. Scarlet-maple and gold hands flutter around him in a flurry, tickling his eyelids that slip shut as another body falls down right beside him.

The air is crisp and chilly despite the layers of clothes he has on. Nips at his nose and hands, colouring them a lovely shade of pink, makes his breath fog up and release in little puffs of milky white.

When he opens his eyes, it’s to a maze of branches on top of him, a swirl of deep reds and bright oranges and a hint of fading green is all he can see. Sunlight filters through the twisting wings of the trees, making his eyes squint in an attempt to see past the glowing light.

Long gone are the warm sun filled days of summer, full of crowds of laughing people in scarce clothing and holding melting ice-creams. Now, autumn has dressed herself for the coming months, enrobed in long coats of vibrant hues and breezy winds.

The trees are giggling once more, donned in their carnival clothes that is the boldness of autumn. Autumn- that has arrived with her regal presence, nature blooming and trees that can’t help but bud and blossom as fiery foliage that dance proudly in the sky before bursting as confetti to the soft grounds.

The scent of petrichor is a constant reminder that mother nature has once again blessed the lands with the beauty of her homely daughter. Allowing fire places to be lit and fluffy scarves to be wrapped tight. Allowing the anticipation of beautiful rainfalls and the promise of many warm butter beers to be felt.

He inhales the rich aroma of the earth and turns to the boy next to him- the boy who is grinning lazily, arms and legs spread wide in the leaf pile where they lay.

His eyes are closed, long lashes a shadow on his face. Head tilted back to bask in what little warmth the sun offers, dark hair framing his golden skin and pretty lips bitten to a blooming red not so different from that of the blushing leaves.

He is the epitome of warmth that Jeongguk takes no time to snuggle into, letting his own head rest gently on the others shoulders.

Autumn is everything to Jeongguk. And Taehyung is like autumn.

Beautiful and bold. Fierce and passionate. Comforting and calm. Cold and different to everyone who only sees him on the outside, but warm and caring once you see past the chill and the mute exterior.

Only good memories come to mind when he thinks of this season , and Jeongguk can’t think of autumn without thinking of Taehyung. Days of laughter and playing exploding snap near the fireplace. Jumping into leaf piles and making hot chocolate with his parents. Spending the evenings with his friends, mindless chatter and jokes shared between them.

Jeongguk looks at the Slytherin with a small smile on his face, one that quickly drops when Taehyung opens his eyes and catches him staring.

His cheeks flush, and suddenly the cold air is permeated with heat. “Shut up,” He grumbles out as Taehyung snickers at him, a mischievous smirk playing at his lips.

“Anyone ever tell you that staring is rude Jeon?” Sometimes Jeongguk hates him. Sometimes being most of the time but he doesn’t like to dwell on technicalities. Plus the only reason he ‘hates’ Taehyung is because the Slytherin is always- and I mean always, teasing him.

Not that he minds that much, seeing Taehyung with that signature smirk on his stupidly hot face and his normally intense eyes soften in playfulness does something to Jeongguk’s heart.

Like the fluttering, tipsy-turvy ‘oh fuck why is it beating so fast’ kinda something. And no, he will never acknowledge the harbouring feelings he has for Taehyung because. They’re friends.

On his best days he likes to think that he has all the power in the world- can march up to Taehyung and kiss the lips that have been the star in all his daydreams. However that never happens, because most of the time, his days are not the best.

School is hard, transitioning into fifth year was like getting chucked into the freezing cold black lake. Suddenly his break times are shorter, hours at the library growing rapidly. OWL’s are this year, and he’s afraid of drowning.

It’s only been a month and a bit since school started again, and already he’s stressing. The timetables plastered in every classroom are nagging reminders that don’t leave his head.

Even now, as his cheeks are painted in a blush and his stomach is filled with butterflies, the thought of his piling homework makes him panic.

Jeongguk feels a poke to his cheek and turns to Taehyung, who leans against his arm when he finally catches Jeongguk’s attention again.

“What?” He asks, body squirming in an attempt to get away from Taehyung’s fingers that still try to poke him.

“Ow hey. Stop that, your rings hurt.” Pain flares at his hip, “I will bite you, get away.” Despite his threatening words, Jeongguk can’t help but pout as he rubs at his side.

The slytherin rolls his eyes fondly, hands relaxing and resting at Jeongguk’s hip, rubbing gently to soothe the pain. He fails to notice how the Hufflepuff completely shuts down, body going limp, eyes growing wide.

“We need to go back soon,” He glances at the castle, “It’s getting late.”

Autumn is everything to Jeongguk. And Taehyung is like Autumn.

You can always tell when Autumn is coming, and though her differences are subtle and develop over a period of time, it still surprises you when you suddenly see the pavements littered in daring russet leaves.

Like now, Taehyung’s hands on Jeongguk’s hips. Taehyung- who at every chance he gets, calls Jeongguk his friend, then, as if unaware, starts a series of actions and words that makes him think otherwise.

Like holding his hand when they were running into the leaf pile, like adjusting Jeongguk’s scarf with a soft smile on his face. Then there’s this- the bold actions. The one step forward kinda move. The changes that leave him surprised.

He’s not blind to the small shift in their relationship- the shift that occurred last year. Jimin said they would look cute as a couple- everything changed then, or at least to him it did. Hoseok says that they’ve always been touchy, Jeongguk just hadn’t noticed how much until it was voiced out.

But he tells himself- friend. He’s his friend. Cold, mean, harsh Kim Taehyung, rumoured to be associated with the dark arts. Who walks around like a predator waiting for their prey, who barely talks, who apparently had a dark mark on his arm (he doesn’t- Jeongguk checked).

Cold, mean, harsh Kim Taehyung, who- to everyone’s surprise, allowed the little doe eyed first year Jeongguk to chatter away with him, even helping him to his classes. Who calls Jeongguk his closest friend, who ruffles his hair, who smiles at him, who’s willing to take part in any stupid adventure Jeongguk wants.

No one, not even Jeongguk, knows why Taehyung allowed himself to befriend the Hufflepuff. But they watch, day by day, as the two play around with each other. They watch as Kim Taehyung laughs at Jeongguk’s jokes, watch as the younger blushes a bright red when the Slytherin gets too close. Watch as they eat together, barely acknowledging the outside world, always in their own little bubble.

And they wonder, just what did this Hufflepuff boy have that cracked the hard exterior of the Slytherin.

And so with all this Jeongguk can’t help but realise he likes his friend in a way much more than just friendship. He can’t help it when Taehyung treats him in such a way no one has before. In a way that gets himself feeling shy and excited whenever he even thinks about the other.

“-ongguk. Oi, stop spacing out on me,” Cold, mean, harsh Kim Taehyung, who whines these words with an irritated pout on his face.

Jeongguk- though still trying not to scream, skin burning from the contact of Taehyung’s fingers on his hip, giggles, and allows himself to be pulled up by the Slytherin.

They shake leaves off themselves, the ground crunching underneath their shoes, and start walking up to the glamourous castle in front of them. Small smiles on their faces.

Autumn is everything to Jeongguk. And Taehyung is like Autumn.

And it’s inevitable not to fall in love with something that means everything to oneself.

~

The hoard of students is suffocating, people pushing and hands grabbing. His own thoughts barely heard over the shouts of rowdy, hungry teenagers ranging from small terrified first years to exhausted seventh years.

Jeongguk pants as he makes his way to the Great Hall, trying to move in between the hundreds of students who are making their way to dinner. Mind focused on finding Hoseok and emotionally blackmailing him into helping him with his transfiguration homework that he hasn’t completed yet, he nealy slams into a wall of students who block the path.

Standing on tiptoes to try seeing over the sea of heads, he manages to find the source fixation for the students. There is a sudden rise of shouts near the entrance of the Hall and Jeongguk gets fed with the cheer of ‘fight fight fight’.

He groans.

He manages to elbow his way to the front of the crowd and sighs deeply at the sight of a group of Gryffindor boys and a single Slytherin boy with a mop of black hair sneering at each other.

The swarm of students are split between the four houses. Behind the Gryffindors, there are mixtures of red, yellow and blue, while on the other, the majority is green.

Which really, doesn’t surprise Jeongguk, none of the other houses like to side with Slytherin because of their constant enigma with seemingly always producing dark wizards.

Most of them really aren’t that bad, but of course, some people- Gryffindors- like to make hating on Slytherins their whole personality.

He spots Jin and Namjoon casually talking, ignoring the commotion around them. Jin looks two seconds away from exploding with laughter, Namjoon looks frustrated- hands waving around frantically as if trying to prove a point.

Yoongi is leaning against a stone wall, looking thoroughly bored, twirling his wand between his fingers.

Jimin’s shouting, eyes narrowed as he spits insults at the Gryffindors. His wand is out, and Jeongguk knows he’s itching to hex someone, if the shouts “I’m gonna fucking hex you” are anything to go by.

Jeongguk meets Hoseok’s worried eyes and closes his own, breathing deeply before stalking forwards.

He nears the middle of the circle of students surrounding the boys but is stopped by a huge seventh year Gryffindor, who steps in his way, and effectively blocks him from advancing. The ugly pricks face holds a menacing look, but Jeongguk just rolls his eyes.

He scowls when the Seventh year stops him from his attempt to move away, “Oh for Helena’s sake, move!”

Jae, one of the Gryffindors engaged with the fight, turns when he hears his shout. He smiles, a big ugly smirk that twists his face, radiating nothing but smugness.

He looks towards the lone Slytherin in the centre of the circle, smirk stretching wider on his lips. The boys are in the middle of arguing about something, the Gryffindors pushing up their sleeves and the other subtly sliding his wand out of his robe.

“Oi Kim!” Jae calls, the hall simmers down a bit, everyone’s attention on the call of the prized Gryffindor quidditch captain.

Taehyung turns as well, dark eyes blazing with fury and jaw locked. He spots Jeongguk and grimaces. Jeongguk glares.

“Look who’s come here to save you Kim. It’s your little boy toy! Gonna dump him like your mum did to your dad?” He wheels towards Jeongguk, “Little mudblood gonna be daddy’s little present huh?”

The hall quietens quickly then. Students gasping, some shuffling in discomfort at the sudden tense atmosphere and the use of the slur, others just opt to stay pin drop silent.

Namjoon and Jin have abruptly halted their conversation, Hoseok has a hand clapped over his mouth, Jimin hisses profanities under his breath, Yoongi has pushed off the wall, suddenly looking alert and clenching his fists together.

Jeongguk’s jaw has gone slack, eyes widening impossibly wide. His whole body burns with embarrassment and anger, his eyes water.

Blood rushes in his ears, the ferocious pounding of his heart the only sound he can hear. His body is frozen. Hands shaking and mind racing with thoughts he never thought he was capable of thinking.

Taehyung lets out a snarl, eyes flashing dangerously, “You little bastard. I’ll cut your fucking tongue out.”

Jae laughs, obnoxiously loud, still smug. “What? Is he not your boy toy? Your rich and from a proud pureblood family, surely you just keep him around for entertain-”

Sometimes, autumn is harsh. The cold bites at your skin and leaves you shivering. Sometimes a rough gust of wind catches you by surprise and you’re left stumbling back into the ground that’s become mud.

Autumn has her good days- as well as her bad. Sometimes, she likes gentle breezes and rainbow skies. While others, she lets the world suffer from her wrath. Strong winds and terrifying rain that pelts down in sharp bullets.

Taehyung is like Autumn.

The castle is cold and dreary when Taehyung leaves McGonagall's office with a sharp scolding and two week's worth of detention. Jeongguk looks up from where he’s sat on the wall.

“You shouldn’t have done that.”

The Slytherin just scoffs, a sneer curling at his lips. The sight makes Jeongguk uneasy- he’s too used to the radiant smiles and playful looks that's normally directed at him.

Taehyung notices Jeongguk’s sudden quietness and his expression softens, he lets out a sigh, “I’m sorry.”

Eyeing the outstretched hand that’s adorned with silver rings, he huffs as he takes it and is pulled up from his spot on the wall. He gives Taehyung a pointed look, “No you’re not.”

They begin walking down the hall, Jeongguk letting Taehyung lead him on to wherever they’re going. The elder turns to look at him when they reach the Great Hall once again. This time it’s deserted, everyone still in the middle of the- delayed -dinner.

“He insulted you.”

Jeongguk opens his mouth to protest but Taehyung cuts him off, “He insulted you Jeongguk. Called you a slur and my,” he pauses, suddenly looking uncomfortable, “-my boy toy.”

Jeongguk’s heart rate picks up, he too feels discomfort at the reminder of what he was called. He doesn’t care that much though, long use to the mean words and whispered insults. Sometimes being a Hufflepuff has its cons- like people looking down on you because you’re not from a “popular’ house. Especially so if you’re friends with some of the most popular students in school.

He looks towards Taehyung when the slytherin speaks again, “You’re crazy if you think he could say that about you and get away with it. And that comment about me dumping you.” He scoffs, then nudges Jeongguk, a familiar smirk flashing across his face. Jeongguk suddenly dreads hearing his next words.

“You know, we were fighting in the first place because those gits came up to me and asked how good you were in bed.” He scowls deeply for a second, a dark look flashing across his features.

Then he grins again, “Who in their right mind would dump you if they got the chance to fuck you. You, a whole ass cutie? No no, so first you see, I’d take proper care of you, you’re probably into vanilla aren’t you? So gently and-”

Jeongguk hates Taehyung. Officially. Irrevocably. One hundred and ten percent loathes him with all his guts.

He punches Taehyung in the gut actually, then pivots and begins fast walking the other way, his face might as well be on fire at this point.

He hears Taehyung’s wheeze of laughter and the sound of hurried footsteps in his direction. He walks faster but is grabbed on the arm, then swung around so hard he completely crashes into the elder.

Jeongguk swears he’s seen this exact scene in all those muggle romcoms he likes to watch. The slow motion falling, the arms circling around his waist to protect him against the stone floor, the little thump they make when they fall onto said stone floor.

He wants to ground to swallow him up. Not only did Taehyung make that embarrassing comment earlier, now, he’s laying on top of the Slytherin, hands planted on his firm chest and faces inches away from each other.

Taehyung’s eyes are beautiful. A dark, rich brown shade that holds so much intensity. One eye a monolid and one a double, a tiny mole sits under his left eye. His lashes are long and dark, framing his face beautifully. His eyebrows-

“Um Gguk?” Jeongguk startles out of his reverie, huge eyes blinking down at Taehyung, who only looks back with an amused stare.

“Huh?” Oh god. Taehyung’s laughing at him now, can feel the slight vibrations and rumbles of his chest. He cheeks colour impossibly more. A red so bright he’s sure he resembles a tomato.

“You gonna.. get off? Not that I’m complaining, being this close to you is like a dream come true.” At those words Jeongguk scrambles to get up, practically moving at the speed of fucking light to get away from the Slytherin, who’s dissolved in a fit of laughter.

He splutters, “W-why would you, I- oh my god,” He groans, long and loud, head banging against a suit of armour, making a rattling clanging noise that makes him cringe.

Taehyung just giggles, and pinches Jeongguk’s burning cheeks.

“C’mon, wanna go to Madame Pomfrey, these cuts sting like a bitch.”

Jeongguk refuses to let Taehyung go to school nurse, and instead leads him to the Hufflepuff dormitories, where, once there, seats him down onto his four poster and takes out a first aid kit.

“Why do you even have that? We have magic,” Taehyung gets comfortable on Jeongguk’s bed, stretching out his muscles and letting his head fall back against his pillow. He picks up one of Jeongguk’s homework parchments and snorts over his title of choice.

“The greatest love potion in the world, amortentia. Said to leave the drinker with a powerful infatuation to the person who distributed it. The scent differs for everyone, the fragrance smelling of what attracts a person," He reads off, cackling when Jeongguk snatches the paper back and nearly tears it in the process. Cradling it to his chest, he scowls vehemently at Taehyung.

“Yes- you, ugh it was what the book said okay? Now shut up and let me clean your stupid cuts.” He flips the kit open and takes out alcohol rub. Taehyung’s still amused, lips pursed in an attempt to not laugh, so Jeongguk presses extra hard when he wipes at his wounds.

“Ow! What the fu- Gguk that hurts,” He hisses out, jerking back and glaring at the younger.

Jeongguk rolls his eyes and snipes out, “Too bad. It’s your own fault anyways.”

Taehyung grins now, leaning close to the younger, who edges back at the teasing flare that overtakes Taehyung’s face.

“So petty. Just say you’re embarrassed about falling for me and go.”

Jeongguk slaps the elder on the arm, a fierce jab that makes Taehyung double over in laughter, has him jumping up and tackling the Slytherin.

They fall against the bed and Jeongguk’s so flushed and flustered he barely takes notice of the fact that he’s straddling Tae.

Jabbing a finger at the other, he says, “First of all, I fell on you because you were being an idiot. And secondly, you escalated the fight by hexing him. If you didn’t and simply left it, you wouldn’t be in this position.” He pouts slightly, “And now you’re hurt.”

Taehyung glances down at their position but says nothing, just stares at the younger with fond eyes.

He squishes Jeongguk’s pink cheeks together so his lips are jutted out and coos, “You’re so cute.”

Jeongguk is going to combust. Like just burst into flames and disappear completely.

So he avoids the comments and instead opts to try not to stutter his way through his next sentences, “Just-just promise me you’ll stop going and picking fights.”

Taehyung says nothing, suddenly interested with his fingernails. Jeongguk glares and pinches his neck, “Tae promise me.”

Rubbing against his now aching neck, Taehyung sighs, “I’ll try. Also why can’t we just go to Madame Promfrey, you’re not even fixing me.” He mock pouts, pointing at the forgotten alcohol swab and the turned over first aid kit.

They both settle down again, Jeongguk still on Taehyung’s lap- yes he’s noticed it, but he’s annoyed and is quite comfortable, so even though his ears are singed red, he says nothing, instead taking to avoiding Taehyung’s knowing stare.

It’s a couple of minutes later when Taehyung speaks again, though hesitantly, “You know, I’ve got to say, the stupid Gryffindors comments was very,” He waves his hand dismissively and goes cross eyed when Jeongguk puts a little medicine on the bridge of his nose, “Slytherin.”

The Hufflepuff bites his lip, not keen to start talking about the incident yet, “Yea well. He’s probably lost a great deal of friends and fans. Aren’t a lot of Gryffindors muggleborn anyways?”

Taehyung wearily eyes the alcohol swab Jeongguk’s got in his hand again and hums in agreement, “Hmm.. the prick got two weeks detention too,” He glowers, “Should’ve been a whole month if you ask me.”

“Well good thing no one did ask then isn’t it.” Jeongguk snipes out,”Now stop moving away, I need to clean that gash on your cheek.”

Taehyung protests, trying to cover his face and chooses to try and wiggle out from underneath the younger, who in turn tightens his hold on him so he can’t move.

Jeongguk grabs a plaster, all the while going on about how Taehyung is going to heal like a muggle because it’s what he deserves for fighting four dudes way bigger than him.

“Fine,” Taehyung slumps out like it’s the most exhausting words to say, then he grins cheekily, “But only if you’ll be my pretty little nurse the whole time.”

Many pillows are thrown that evening, Jeongguk’s homework gets torn, and when Hoseok walks in to still see Jeongguk on top of Taehyung, suffocating him with a cushion, he freezes in confusion.

“Uhm so you want me to come back or…?”

Jeongguk screams.

~

The middle of October rolls by in a blur, fifth years so preoccupied with the heavier workloads that Jeongguk feels he can’t breathe.

It happens when he’s in the library. Assignments fanning out across two tables, an almost empty pot of ink and several quills lay scattered across his work. He’s hunched over, irritatedly flipping through pages of his charms textbook, trying to find the chapter he needs on the confundus charm, when a loud shout from a second year breaks his focus.

He watches, horrified, as half his books go tumbling off the mahogany table, his arm jerks back, a long scribble on his textbook. His transfiguration essay is drenched with spilt ink.

He bursts into tears.

Head resting against his folded arms, he cries- as quietly as he can, into his hands and lets out a whispered frustrated yell. Quickly of course- because he’s got things to do and can unfortunately only schedule a few sob sessions a day.

Then he angrily shoves his school supplies in his bag and storms out of the library. He’s in such a hurry to get to his common room that he takes no notice of when he’s intercepted by three guys. He looks up and rolls his eyes when he notices it's three out of four of those Gryffindor seventh years from a few days before.

He sighs out loud, thoroughly and utterly not in the mood for whatever the three prats want to say to him. They approach slowly, three pairs of eyes locked wildly on the Hufflepuff and he feels his heart rate start to pick up when the guy in the center steps a little too close.

“Little hufflepuff, no one here to protect you now have you?”

The boy’s hand reaches out and Jeongguk stumbles back, his hands frantically searching for his wand. He realises too late that he’d chucked it in his bag in his moment of fury and frustration at the library.

His back scrapes against a jagged stone on the wall and he hisses out as the pain flares ever so slightly. The three Gryffindors glance at each other with looks of triumph on their faces, edging ever closer than before. They’ve circled around him, effectively blocking out any paths he could escape.

Jeongguk’s fingers itch to grab his wand and hex the boys till no tomorrow but instead he breathes out deeply and curls his hands into a fist.

If the guys start hitting him he could fight back, would probably lose pretty quickly since it’s three versus one but he thinks he can manage it. They’re much bigger than him, and are probably stronger too, but he’s got agility and six years of taekwondo on his side. However if they attack with magic… then he’s fucked.

The taller, plump student on the left takes out his wand with a devilish grin and spits out, “Your bastard boyfriend got Jae suspended from playing quidditch.”

“The teams probably better off without ugly offensive talentless brutes like him anyways,” Dammit Jeon, really?

The boy in the middle snarls and extends his arm back to punch Jeongguk. The younger gets ready to duck, breath coming out in small sharp huffs. Oh god, he’s totally gonna get socked in the face. Oh god. There’s no way he can explain the bruise he’s most definitely going to get to his hyungs without them going ballistic.

He closes his eyes, readying himself for the impact. One of them (no Jeongguk hasn’t and will never bother to learn their names) chuckles darkly and swings his arm forward, Jeongguk ducks, but not fast enough.

The hit rattles him to his core- the gasp he lets out his loud and pained, and he clutches his throbbing jaw with his hand. The other prick goes for another hit but this time Jeongguk’s ready- he ducks and swings his legs beneath the guy. The Gryffindor falls with a thud that makes a suit of armour shake. The other two bastards stare at their friend- who lets out a groan, and round back on Jeongguk.

They both corner him completely and take out their wands to-most likely- hex him when-

“Just what,” A deep voice drawls out, “do you think you’re doing?”

A pointed wand inches from his face, Jeongguk turns his head and exhales in relief when he finds Taehyung leaning against a wall. Wand twirling in his long fingers, eyes dark and menacingly boring into the Gryffindors, who in turn literally leg it after dragging their still groaning friend up. But not without a last threatening glance at the other two.

“Hey, hey. Gguk? Are you okay? Are you hurt bad?” Jeongguk doesn’t realise his hands are shaking until Taehyung takes them in his own, larger tan hand practically enveloping his own smaller one. The breath he releases is shaky and uneven.

A warm finger caresses his stinging chin for a beat before his face is being lifted up from where Jeongguk had tucked it against his chest in an attempt to cave in on himself- to hide. He meets Taehyung's eyes.

Not two minutes ago those same eyes were blazing with fury, dark and deep and terrifying. Now, their brown is soft and mellow. Friendly and open and pleasant and full of such adoration and warmth that makes Jeongguk sorta want to cry and scream and jump and up down in joy all at the same time. Because the anger is replaced by the concern and affection Taehyung only shows when it’s just the two of them.

The grip under his chin loosens when Jeongguk tilts his head up, Taehyung’s crowding around his whole body. One hand on his face and the other hurriedly patting to check for any other injuries.

A blush rises to the younger's face and he gently captures Taehyung’s frantic hands in his own and cuts off his worried rambling and questions asking if he’s okay with a short ‘I’m fine.’ Taehyung rolls his eyes at his answer but lets the topic shift after conjuring an ice pack for Jeongguk to hold against his jaw.

“Wanna go to the lake?” He says casually, hand finding Jeongguk’s and he begins pulling him down the dimly lit hall without waiting for an answer.

Sometimes Jeongguk thinks he’s a pretty lonely person. He watches all those muggle highschool shows and wonders what it's like to be so popular- to have so many friends and be adored by everyone around you.

Sometimes he wishes that he was some legendary quidditch player that was the pride and joy to his school and to his family. When he was in first year, he craved to live among the elite. He wanted pats on the back and people howling with laughter when he made a joke.

Growing up, all he wanted was to be surrounded by everybody and anybody really. He disregarded the first person who came up to him in his first year because he was trying to look ‘cool’ and be in line with the popular kids.

Then he saw how the boys face dropped- how upset and disappointed and heartbroken he looked when Jeongguk ignored him. So he went up to him and said sorry- even gave up his pumpkin pasty as an apology. The boys answering smile was worth skipping out on his only meal that day.

Jeongguk realised that he doesn’t need the whole world to love him, just a few good people. Who really cared for him, loved him, helped him, knew him so well that he was a regular figure in their thoughts.

Now Jeongguk sits on the soft grass, wrapped in a thick cloak that smells of spices and sweat, on a beautiful chilly evening- and can't help but feel thankful he’s surrounded by people who he knows loves him with all their hearts.

The black lake is always fascinating- it's even more so in Autumn. Russet, auburn and burnt orange sprinkle the surface- a splash of colour to the deep murky depths. The glow of the setting sun reflects the shiny shield, cascading the world in a fiery gleam.

Taehyung’s face is illuminated by the light, practically glowing in the sunset. Skin looking shiny and clear as ever, small moles more prominent, red-bitten lips forming words of a song he says his mother used to sing to him every night.

“Can you tell me?” It’s whispered into the evening, soft and laced with curiosity and Taehyung answers with a questioning hum, briefly glancing at the younger before a splash from the sparkling lake snags his attention again.

Jeongguk hesitates for a long minute, before carefully murmuring, “Your mother. Can you tell me what she was like?”

Taehyung tenses, cuts his soft singing off right in the middle of Jeongguk’s favourite lyrics and makes a point of not meeting Jeongguk’s begging eyes.

Taehyung is like Autumn.

Many view her as a nuisance- too busy with their everyday lives to take the time to appreciate her beauty. Too busy complaining about the dropping temperatures and muddy grounds- never finding time to look beyond.

Then there are those who take a chance to look a bit more- these people find the smaller beauties. Her colourful coat, her grounds teeming with life, her small wooshes of wind that make them giggle in delight.

Then there are those that implore- that risk that double and triple take and find absolute wonders. Autumn is mysterious to Jeongguk. Bold, unashamed and loud, sure, but look closer- and find that she comes as a choir, harmonised and homely.

Yet there’s always a limit- look too deep and you’ll find the dying, wilting leaves. Look too close and you’ll see as the sweet breezes are exchanged for harsh, prickling winds.

Jeongguk has yet to go past that limit with Taehyung- always too afraid he’ll be shut out. But today, he finds himself with a burst of courage that leads him to asking a question that Taehyung never answers. He looks away, ready to be told Taehyung can’t- can’t talk about his mother.

But then Taehyung speaks.

While the withering leaves and bitter cold air might seem to put those who dare venture beyond off- there comes a point where one realises: to understand something, you must look within. Then you must rid yourself of the disappointment of finding seemingly nothing- and look harder. Only then, will you find what you are looking for.

Taehyung speaks of his mother with glazed eyes- evidently looking nostalgic as he reconciles his past. She was ethereal, he says, so full of life that a whole room would brighten up just from seeing her smile. Her eyes were-

“So bright, so open and full of innocent curiosity about the world around her- so much like you,” Jeongguk’s breath hitches but Taehyung only continues softly after he throws Jeongguk a fond look.

“She was everything home was to me- long stories about two starcrossed lovers that she made up but eventually wrote out, just so I could read it whenever I wanted. Sweet chocolates she got from France, that she used to sneak into my room so we could split one in half without father noticing.”

The smile on his lips dim a bit, “Father was so happy around her- he used to always kiss her on this one spot on her wrist, where he had accidentally burnt when they were partners in potions back when they were here.” He laughs, the sound a bit throaty and wet.

“He used to grab her and start dancing whenever she was upset or angry. She couldn’t help but laugh- and always made me dance along with them. Mother used to tell me that when she says I Love You, she is reminding me I’m her life. But she left me,” Taehyung turns fully to look at Jeongguk, eyes shining with unshed tears that make Jeongguk want to fight the world for this precious, broken boy who just wants love.

Who hides himself in a persona others have made for him, only showing his true self when he’s with certain people. But even then, he doesn’t like to talk much about himself.

Taehyung- who gets into fights on a daily, just to protect and defend the people he cares about, who acts like he doesn’t care because if he shows even an ounce of emotion the world will be terrified.

So Jeongguk doesn’t say anything, just allows his lips to curve into a soft smile as he cards his fingers through Taehyung’s hair. The slytherin closes his eyes in content and a crystal of a tear gracefully traces down his glowing skin, it falls to the ground and he opens his eyes, looking directly into Jeongguk’s.

“She was my Autumn.”

~

It’s a few hours later, the sun’s already bid adieu. The two boys still sit near the lake, not saying anything- just being together is enough for them.

Taehyung lets out a deep sigh and when Jeongguk looks over from where he was amusedly watching two squirrels fight over a nut, he finds Taehyung’s eyes ever so intense- holding some sort of emotion the younger can’t quite fathom.

He nudges the Slytherin and asks, “What are you thinking about?”

Taehyung tilts his head towards him and quirks his lips into a small smile, “You.”

The answer is said with no hesitancy that Jeongguk’s head is left whirling and lagging. His eyes widen in surprise- going so big and round that Taehyung bursts out laughing.

“Me?” He sounds incredulous and quite frankly, way too flustered for his liking. Taehyung chuckles softly at his blush and highly embarrassed state.

“Yea, you,” The elder settles back against their school bags with a relaxed grin, “Just… thinking. You’re pushing yourself too hard and we’re not even halfway through the first term of school. You need to chill a bit.”

Jeongguk starts to protest even though his heart flutters at the thought of Taehyung noticing something like that. The Slytherin cuts off his sentence by poking his arm- repeatedly and with vigor.

“Ow! Why do you- fucking stop- always resort to- ah- violence,” Jeongguk whines, trying and failing to squirm away from Taehyung’s stupid fingers- fingers he dreams way too much about but, whatever.

Slowing down his poking attack, Taehyung speaks seriously again, “I can tell you were crying.” His hand hesitantly reaches up and with the lightest of pressure, traces a track on his face where his tears would have rolled down.

The hufflepuff takes a sharp inhale- Taehyung is looking at him with nothing but pure concern in his eyes. “Slow down a bit Gguk, you’ve got time okay?”

Taehyung’s hand hasn’t stopped it’s exploration of Jeongguk’s face, and when Jeongguk answers with a whispered ‘okay’, the Slytherin affectionately tickles under his chin with a small smile on his lips. He retracts completely then, and Jeongguk instantly misses the soft touches and the warmth it brought him.

He just sits uptight, staring as Taehyung settles back against their bags and mumbles a slightly smug, “Good boy.”

The slytherin almost gets shoved in the Black lake for that, but the two boys are laughing happily while doing so. Playfully wrestling and competing to see which one of them can conjure the giant squid- Jeongguk manages to do so, the squid flicking up one tentacle in greeting after he had called out to it.

Taehyung accuses Jeongguk of cheating and won’t stop complaining so the hufflepuff casts a silencing charm on the elder.

That only results in a lively duel between them- Taehyung wins by kissing Jeongguk’s cheek. The younger- shy and embarrassed and flushed so red he could rival a tomato, refuses to talk to the elder for an entire half-hour.

They lie back against the cold grass in a fit of giggles and battling hands. It’s late now- if any teachers find them they’ll be royally fucked- but Jeongguk’s too giddy to care. Instead he twists his body to face the slytherin- who mimics his actions.

The night is quiet, most of the students would be in their dorms already, teachers doing their last rounds before they head off to bed as well. The two boys stare at the sky above them, brilliant pearls twinkling on their soft velvet cushion, and owl hoots in the distant.

“Taehyungie?”

“Yea?”

“Could you tell me the story about the star-crossed lovers?”

The lake ripples and a small splash is heard, the singing of the insects grows a bit louder, the owl hoots again- the world awaits with child-like anticipation.

“Once upon a time..”

~

Halloween approaches fast after that- true to his word, Jeongguk has let himself have a bit more free time, not much, but it's a start. He’s less stressed and gets to spend more time with his hyungs.

The Great Hall is decorated with both extravagance and tackiness only Hogwarts could possess. Ginormous, orange pumpkins, carved into grueling faces hang suspended up in the air. They twirl and laugh maniacally at random times- making several students almost piss themselves in fright.

The magical ceiling is enchanted to look like a stormy night, inky grey clouds swirling up ahead. There’s music playing in the background- some tune that’s meant to sound creepy but only receives multiple eyerolls at the childishness of it.

The long tables are glittering with shiny golden plates, all of them waiting excitedly to be filled up with food.

Small bats zoom around the hall, landing in students' hair and generally racking havoc at the Hufflepuff table- which the creatures seem to have taken a liking to.

Jeongguk ducks yet another screeching creature and laughs giddily when one of the spelled pumpkins wink at him.

The Great Hall is slowly filling, students dressed in costumes ranging from werewolves to pixies. The headmaster allowed the students to actually dress up this year- which to the delight of Jeongguk, was being taken quite seriously amongst the students.

He himself has dressed up as a vampire- not very original he knows, but it was fun making his teeth pointy and using a spell to charm his skin a pasty white colour.

Plus, he’s having the time of his life pulling the cloak up to his face and saying ‘bleh bleh bleh’- the purebloods (and a few half bloods) faces are priceless.

Once the hall has settled, Jeongguk looks around the room for his friends. Hoseok is seated besides him, rubbing his stomach and grumbling about how he’s practically starving. Jeongguk had positively cracked up when he saw the costume his friend had picked.

“I’m a phoenix!” Hoseok had shouted when Jeongguk keeled over in a fit of laughter.

“Looking a bit more like a crossover between a racoon and mickey mouse but- wait. If you're a pheonix why do you have whiskers?” The younger had wheezed out.

“I have not the slightest fucking clue what a mickey mouse is,” He had crossed his arms and glares at the still laughing boy, “And these,” He jabbed a finger to his face, “Are feathers!”

Jeongguk almost loses his life due to a rip off mickey mouse-phoenix hybrid dude, and he grins wide when he catches Hoseok eyes.

The elder rolls his eyes and just about shoves him off the bench. Jeongguk fumbles and manages to sit upright just as the headmaster stands up and the hall falls silent.

“Happy Halloween! I hope you're all adjusting well to the new school year, and I am pleasantly surprised to see all your creative and- sometimes questionable,” He glances at Hoseok, Jeongguk barely muffles his snickering, Hoseok looks absolutely betrayed, “costumes. Such a festive mood there is tonight. Now now I know you’re all hungry but just a few announcements-”

Jeongguk tunes out the headmaster in favour to look for the rest of his hyungs. He spots Namjoon and Jin at the Gryffindor table, both listening attentively to the announcement.

Namjoon is dressed as a muggle historian- his robes fancy with silver glasses perching on his nose. Unsurprisingly, Jin’s gone all out. He’s dressed as the Gryffindor lion, wild mane and everything.

The hufflepuffs eyes slide over the Slytherin table that’s a bit further way. Taehyung sits with Jimin and Yoongi. Yoongi is dressed up as a cat- Jimin forced him- while Jimin lounges comfortably with glittering makeup and extravagant clothes. Jimin’s half veela, and the makeup just helps to make him look positively magical and breathtaking- not that he isn’t already.

Taehyung sits- back straight and hair falling into his eyes, besides Jimin. He dressed in long, ripped, black robes, the faint shadow of dark makeup on his face.

Jeongguk isn’t sure what he’s supposed to be dressed up as, but he’s happy that the Slytherin put some effort- no matter how little, because Jeongguk pleaded with him to dress up two days before.

The slytherin is sitting with an air of indifference and boredom, fiddling with his wand as his eyes wander the room with mild interest as he takes in the many costumes.

His face is reflected by the flickering light of the lit pumpkins, making his features look even more sharp and pronounced. He looks spectacular, and Jeongguk can’t take his eyes off him.

When their gazes meet, Jeongguk can only weakly wave while he wills his blush down. The slytherin gives a smirk and a lazy wave back, his other hand running through his dark hair- Jeongguk almost dies then and there.

Because Taehyung- the stupid hot git, is wearing rings. And not like your average rings mind you, but gleaming snakes ones that slither around his fingers snugly.

Some are thick grey bands embedded with curse words and another has a large glittering emerald sitting proudly in the middle. With the rings on his hands, Taehyung's fingers look even longer and thinner, more slender and delicate.

So Jeongguk wants to cry over his best friends hands- what’s new. It’s not like it's his fault Taehyung has such drool worthy hands that must be worshiped and appreciated at all times.

And it’s certainly not his fault when he can’t tear his eyes away from the slytherin, who in turn just quirks a thick eyebrow, silently asking him if he’s okay.

However Jeongguk can see the smug smile Taehyung’s trying to fight down, can see the way his darkened eyes shine with amusement and his face is knowing.

They stare at each other until Jeongguk’s breath starts to become slightly harsh and his heart rate picks up- because everything about Taehyung just screams hotness and smugness and it's all so intense Jeongguk doesn’t know if he wants to punch the dude or kiss him.

He thinks the latter is much more appealing but, whatever.

Their ardent staring contest is broken when the hall suddenly fills with loud chatter and the mouthwatering smell of food. Jeongguk looks away first, not missing how Taehyung grins triumphantly- an action to which he rolls his eyes to and looks down.

Golden platters are now overflowing with foods of all kinds: steaming roast chicken, soft baked potatoes, stews and soups of all varieties.

There are grilled sandwiches and sausage rolls and the familiar smell of pumpkin juice makes Jeongguk’s stomach rumble. He grabs everything he can find and piles it onto his plate, just as he’s about to take his first bite he finally takes notice of the stare Hoseok is pining him with.

It’s silent for a moment- Hoseok is still staring at him, his wide eyes filled with a strange look and his mouth is gaping open. Jeongguk frowns and begins shovelling mash potato in his mouth, “The fuck’s up with you?”

Hoseok seems to shake himself out of his stupor and he wipes off the bits of mash that flew onto his face with a disgusted glare aimed at the younger- who shrugs and continues eating.

“What do you mean, the fucks up with me? Did you- that was,” Hoseok stutters all over his words and Jeongguk’s just left staring at him in confusion because what is going on right now.

“You know,” He says slowly, as if talking to a child, “If you want me to answer the question you so clearly want to ask, perhaps… I don’t know? Ask it?” His head gets a hard slap for that.

“What was that?” Hoseok asks incredulously, as if trying to comprehend something.

Jeongguk pouts and rubs his head, “What was what?”

“That!” He practically shouts and points over to the Slytherin table, where all three of their friends are looking back at them. Taehyung looks confused when Yoongi leans over to tell him something, and Jimin looks positively delighted.

“Uh… What?”

Hoseok scowls and fails his arms around as he tries to come up with comprehensible sentences. Jeongguk is, confused. To say the least.

He has no clue what Hoseok is talking about, or why he sees both Jin and Namjoon look between the Slytherin and Hufflepuff table.

Just as he’s about to take a huge bite of chicken, Hoseok’s hand grips his shoulders. His face is serious and sure, Jeongguk still wants to laugh because of his ridiculous costume, but his friends' eyes are devoid of any playfulness.

“Jeongguk,” He starts slowly and seriously, voice dropping, “Are you and Taehyung dating?”

The hufflepuff starts choking on his food, racking up a coughing fit and attracting a few students' attention. He feels thumps on his back and a glass of juice being shoved in his hand. He takes a large gulp and when he’s finally breathing okay again, says in a hoarse voice, “What.”

“Dating,” Hoseok repeats, a slow grin blooming on his face, “Are you two dating?”

“No-no what the fuck hyung no,” Jeongguk coughs out, hitting his chest a couple times. His whole face is flaming at this point, and he knows even the pale makeup he has on can’t cover the red on his cheeks.

Hoseok narrows his eyes at his response then abruptly turns his head to the Gryffindor table, where Jin and Namjoon are, looking over almost expectantly.

The hall is filled with loud chatter- students, teachers and ghosts alike laughing and talking as they eat, but when Hoseok shouts over to Jin and Namjoon, everyone quietens a bit.

“You saw that too?” He calls over. Jin and Namjoon exchange a look and nod their heads in unison. Jeongguk sees Yoongi snickering into his hand and Jimin nodding his head along with the other two boys. Taehyung looks like he doesn’t know whether to be amused or embarrassed.

Jin lets out an appreciative whistle, his eyes glinting with mischief, “Quite some intense eye-fucking there Jeonggukie,” He shouts back.

Besides him, Namjoon’s pressing his lips together to hold in his laughter. Jimin and Yoongi are practically howling, both of them almost off their seats.

“Mr Kim! No swearing in school, in front of the younger ones as well!” The potions teacher scolds.

A first year shouts ‘fuck!’ then ducks to hide, some students burst out in quiet giggles, Jin grins wide, “Sorry prof.”

Then almost everybody’s attention is trained on Jeongguk, who wants to slide down under the table and die. Hoseok pats his back and says, “Most intimate staring contest I've ever seen let me tell you, I felt like I was seeing something I shouldn’t!”

“Oooh Jeongguk,” Jimin cackles, “Aw look how red he is, it’s okay! You can admit you’re in love with Tae-”

Taehyung- eyes wide and face panicked, slaps a hand over Jimin’s mouth, almost tackling him off the bench. The whole student body erupts in fits of laughter, loud hoots and whistles are heard.

Jeongguk slides down lower in his seat, practically eye level with his roast chicken sandwich. He scowls up at Hoseok- trying to act as if his whole body isn’t bright red, and telepathically telling him that when they get back to the common room he will be hexed.

He thinks Hoseok understands because the boys emitting a loud laugh a second later, his own eyes glinting with mirth.

“W-what the heck, Hobi hyung. You git, why would you- no! Sit down!” Jeongguk hisses through his teeth, “No!”

The younger Hufflepuff boy is hauled up to his feet- unwillingly of course- and feels the weight of a hand grabbing the collar of the cape he has on. He struggles- squirming and yelling out curses, but Hoseok is relentless.

Jeongguk never realised how strong the damn motherfucker is- and slumps defeatedly as he lets himself be fucking heaved across the room.

He does nothing to help Hoseok move him, in fact he digs his shoes into the stone and even grabs Namjoon when they pass him- eyes wide and pleading.

Namjoon shakes him off and laughs good naturedly, shaking his head in amusement. The entire hall is watching, everybody looking either curious and amused, some going as far as calling out suggestive comments.

Even the teachers are observing the scene happening with similar looks of entertainment on their faces. The headmaster and professor McGonagall look at each other and their hands move under the table. Jeongguk catches a glint of gold and his mouth drops open.

His teachers are fucking betting on him.

“Why are you so,” Hoseok pants, hands tightening to get a better grip, “bloody heavy?”

Jeongguk struggles, then he meets Taehyung's gaze and he suffers a mid life crisis for a couple seconds- seconds in which he deeply considers making a run for it.

The Slytherins hands cover the bottom half of his face- he looks as if he’s maintaining a sombre expression, but his eyes are bright and open with amusement, the curve of his lips just peeking out.

And god, does Jeongguk want to scream. Here he is, getting his ass dragged across the floor, and the person that practically caused all of this is sitting there laughing his ass off.

When they finally reach the Slytherin table, most of all the hall has gone to back to whatever the fuck they were doing before, though almost everybody glances over every so often, no doubt intrigued with what’s gonna happen.

Hoseok unceremoniously dumps Jeongguk onto a seat, who in turn lets out a small oof of surprise, rubbing his ass and pouting- there are probably gonna be bruises and scrapes from the floor now.

Jin and Namjoon walk leisurely to the table and sit down- then five pairs of eyes are looking at Taehyung and Jeongguk, who are quietly talking to one another. Taehyung’s asking if Jeongguk’s okay- Jeongguk turns beet red and tries to reassure him he’s fine.

They’re so absorbed in their own conversation, (“What in the creatures are you supposed to be?” An offended gasp, “A dementor Gguk, I even have the ripped robes and everything!”) that Jimin has to clear his throat twice for them to finally take notice of the others. Once they do, there are a couple of seconds of awkward silence.

“Well?” Jin asks, raising one gold coloured eyebrow in question, “Are you two dating?”

Jeongguk shrinks in on himself and goes to answer but is cut off by Jimin’s laugh of glee, “Of course they’re dating, did you see how they were looking at each other. Waaaay too much intimacy for people who are meant to be friends.” He wiggles his eyebrows and winks.

God. Can someone Avada Kedavra themself? Because if yes Jeongguk would like to do so. Right now.

His so called friends erupt in a bout of loud chatter, betting how long they’ve been together and wondering aloud how they kept it in secret. Jin claps his hands together and yells, “now kiss!”

“Can you shut up. You’re all dick-heads I swear to Merlin-” Jimin gasps dramatically and slaps a hand over his heart, feigning shock.

“Jeonggukie!” He scolds, “Didn’t you hear prof? No bad language!” Then the half-veela looks at Taehyung and seriously says, “Tae, you should cover your ears, you're too young to be hearing such language.”

Taehyung throws Jeongguk an exasperated look and is about to say something in retort when Hoseok slaps his hand down loudly on the table, spoons and plates rattling.

“I knew it!” Everyone in the hall whips their heads over again, looking eager at the sudden development.

Yoongi glares at anyone who looks their way and yells “Fuck off," to which another teacher condemns him for but no one’s listening really. People turn away again, looking thoroughly disappointed.

Hoseok lowers his voice and leans in, the rest of the boys copy him so they can hear him better. The elder Hufflepuff is grinning from ear to ear.

“I knew it,” He says again, though more softly this time, “Remember the day Taehyung got into that fight? With those soddy Gryffindors?”

There’s a round of nods, Hoseok smiles wider, a pleased look on his face. He sits back and stretches leisurely, grabbing a piece of cinnamon pie off the table.

“Well these two wankers here,” He glances pointedly at Taehyung and Jeongguk, “Were all over each other that day let me tell ya. Jeongguk,” He leans in to whisper, “Was on this gits bloody lap.”

Jeongguk goes into cardiac arrest. His heart stops beating and his air is whooshed out of his lungs, “What the fuck, no! It wasn’t- I was just-” The boys aren’t listening, instead they're laughing loudly and making some very crude gestures.

“He was hurt and I was cleaning his wounds okay!” Jeongguk bursts out, he thinks his fucking hair might as well be red now, with the heat that’s rolling off him.

Hoseok casts him a disbelieving look, “On his lap, Gguk. Like fuck was it just a friendly check up.”

Jeongguk wheels on Taehyung, who’s snickering into his hands. When he sees Jeongguk’s outraged expression he quickly stops laughing and puts his hands up in defense, “To be fair, you were sitting on my lap a good portion of that night Gguk.”

Jimin falls onto the floor in a fit of laughter, Jin joins him a second later. Jeongguk splutters, “Who’s side are you on you stupid Slytherin,” He hisses and abruptly stands up, “I hate you all!”

Namjoon, shaking in an attempt to muffle his laughter, grabs Jeongguk’s costume and drags him back down to his seat. He lets out a last chuckle and shushes the others, “Alright c’mon c’mon guys, give him a break.”

The boys all quiet down, though six of them still snicker again from time to time, only to be pinned with Jeongguk’s furious glare.

“No but. Be honest, are you two actually dating or what?” Jimin asks, a small smile on his lips.

“No!” Jeongguk pipes out the same second Taehyung drawls a slow, “Maybe.”

“Taehyung!” The Hufflepuff slaps the elders head- hard.

“Ow!”

“You’re so- so infuriating! Stupid bloody gits,” Jeongguk mumbles out, words going incoherent at the end as he mutters swear words and every hex he knows under his breath.

“Aw c’mon Gguk, we’re only teasing,” Namjoon says. “But seriously, you’re not dating?”

The rest of the boys begin howling and making more vulgar comments. Jeongguk looks helplessly at Taehyung, who shrugs and ruffles his hair, laughing along with the others.

His eyes crinkle and glitter with such happiness that Jeongguk wishes to freeze time and capture this moment forever. Because even though he’s the victim in this situation, and the one getting laughed at, Taehyung looks beautiful when he’s happy.

His boxy smile that people rarely get to see is out and exposed in the open, the cheeks full and rounded with joy, his wand is tucked behind his ear, his black wavy hair falls into his eyes.

While on the outside he seems like just your regular lad who’s laughing with his friends, his hands however, tell another story. Slender fingers are curling around Jeongguk’s, cold metal making the Hufflepuff shiver when it makes contact with his skin.

Then Taehyung flashes a quick smirk at the younger before tugging him to his side with one rough pull and loud yelp from the Hufflepuff.

Jeongguk- now plastered right next to Taehyung- with the Slytherins arms around his waist, with absolutely no space between them, blushes a violent red at the hoots and catcalls it brings from his friends.

“‘We’re not dating’ blah blah sure Gguk, sure.” Jin mocks out, flashing a sarcastic thumbs up and laughing deafeningly.

Jeongguk bangs his head against the table. What did he ever do to deserve this.

~

It’s cold.

The outside is dreary and bleak and cold. Rain splatters down from the sky, colouring the ground and making it look ever so dark and grimy. The moon can barely be seen from their hiding place which is the thick sullen clouds that loom overhead the castle.

Jeongguk sits near an arched window, looking out at the leaden sky with an expression not so dissimilar to that of the stormy outdoors. He’s dressed in black from head to toe, his hair tousled and untidy.

He looks like the victim of mother nature’s harsh winds- messy and tired and gloomy. He sits, curled up on himself- sad and moody. Scared and angry at himself. Confused- so confused.

It seems Autumn is also having a bad night. She’s upset about something or another, and is taking her anger out on everything around her. Most of her loyal subjects are now bare and exposed- their colourful clothing nowhere to be seen in the terrifying darkness.

Just a few days ago, she was the picture of relaxed and convivial. Now however, she reflects everything Jeongguk is feeling inside.

The Hufflepuff pushes the palms of his hands against his eyes and lets out a quiet, frustrated, scream.

Then- with his lips wobbling in an attempt not to burst out sobbing, and his eyes screwed tight, leans his head back against the rough wall and allows his face to be littered with cold air and prickling raindrops that smash through the open window.

He lets out a shaky breath and silently wills for all his bad thoughts to go away. Please, he begs his mind, please please, don’t allow me to overthink things. His jumbled up thoughts are interrupted by a small thump a little ways away from him.

He snaps his eyes open and quietly whispers ‘nox’, before shrinking himself back into the shadows, hoping that whoever is there doesn’t find him, else he will probably be fucked.

A familiar voice rings out a whispered set of curse words and he sighs in relief, moving out of the darkness and a little ways into the light of the dimly lit hall.

“Yoongi hyung?” Said boy whips his head up at his call, looking thoroughly surprised.

“Kid?” He asks, frown slipping into his face, “What are you doing here this late at night?”

Jeongguk looks away, forcing a smile onto his face, “Ah nothing really, just wanted to watch the storm.”

Yoongi raises an eyebrow, looking disbelieving, “...Right,” Then he smiles and moves to sit where Jeongguk is leaning, wincing slightly at the force of the freezing air that rushes in through the window.

“Jeez kid, it’s freezing here,” He shivers, quickly getting out his wand and casting a warming charm on them both.

Jeongguk immediately untenses, exhaling at the sudden warmth he feels that the spell brings him- like a blanket being wrapped around him on those cold winter days.

“Thanks,” he mutters, restlessly going back to look out at autumn and all her depressive self.

He hears Yoongi’s tired sigh, “Want to tell me what’s wrong?”

“Nothings wrong!” Jeongguk blurts out, too fast and too defensive, and Yoongi just looks unimpressed by his outburst, expression clearly saying ‘I ain’t buying that excuse.'

“So you’re telling me you’re sitting here at ass o’clock at night, in the freezing fucking cold, getting wet, when you could be in your bed, under a nice, warm blanket- and nothing’s wrong?” Yoongi says incredulously.

“I- what are you doing here anyways, you should be in your dorms too, hyung,” Jeongguk snips back, crossing his arms in a guarding gesture.

Yoongi only rolls his eyes, which fuels a sudden rush of anger in Jeongguk- a big, ugly emotion that startles himself.

“Why do you even care why I’m here,” He finally mumbles. He hears an exasperated sigh but only goes to looking out the window again.

“First of all, I was doing extra credit for Professor Flitwick. And secondly, cut the crap Gguk. Of course,” He pinches the Hufflepuff arm, “I care why you’re here, and I definitely know it has something to do with what happened on Halloween night.”

Something akin to nervousness and fright stirs up in Jeongguk’s belly and he gulps, “How do you know?”

“Well,” Yoongi starts dryly, “For one, you’ve been avoiding Taehyung like the plague. You’re running away whenever he gets close, you have breakfast and dinner when you know he’s not in the great hall,” He then nudges Jeongguk’s shoulder, “And you’re not talking to the rest of us too.”

Jeongguk feels his eyes sting and he gasps over a sob that racks his body in sudden movements. Yoongi says nothing, just curls an arm over his shoulder and pulls him in for a side hug.

“Gguk-ah. We’re sorry if we overstepped any boundaries that day. It’s just,” He pauses, hesitating, considers his next words wisely, “We see, everyday, the way you two act around each other, you’re so sweet,” He wrinkles his nose in feigned disgust. Jeongguk can’t help the wet giggle that escapes, Yoongi gives a small smile back.

“We were just teasing- we know how much you like him,” Then he pauses and adds in a whisper, “And how much he likes you.”

Jeongguk wheels back, shaking his head so fast he almost gives himself whiplash, “No. No.” He begins shakily, “Taehyung doesn’t like me- he. He always, always flirts with me. Says dirty things and makes suggestive comments but that doesn’t-”, He shakes his head again, then looks away sadly, “It doesn’t mean he likes me.”

Yoongi looks like he wants to slap Jeongguk, and he does exactly that.

“Ow hyung, what was that for?” The Hufflepuff pouts.

“You stupid idiot,” Yoongi huffs in disbelief, “I don’t know if you’ve realised, but Taehyung’s not one for romantic affection Gguk. The flirting is his way of saying he likes you. And please,” The Slytherin laughs, “The way he looks at you- a goner he is. It’s like you’re his whole universe, he cares for you so much- you know he does.”

Jeongguk doesn’t know what to think. He knows Taehyung cares for him, loves him, wants the best for him, but are there really romantic feelings involved?

He reminisces about all the little things- Taehyung remembers his schedule, brings his food when he’s studying, meets him by the lake at least once a week because he knows it’s Jeongguk’s favourite place on the school grounds.

But-but. Self-doubt and insecurities are ugly things- drowns a person so fast they barely have time to breathe. So no, Jeongguk doesn’t believe his best friend likes him back because he’s just that- his best friend.

His stupid, mischievous best friend. Slytherin galore. Certified ‘bad boy’. The person that flirts with him but also makes him feel so so special.

“If he likes me,” Jeongguk whispers, “Maybe he could show it, better? Because, because right now I just feel like the person he teases just for fun. He could be more serious, hyung.” He turns to Yoongi, a desperate look on his face.

“I don’t feel like he really likes me. Not like how I like him. Halloween night proved that, everyone was making fun of me and he just- played along.”

Yoongi can’t feel anything besides helplessness and sadness and a sharp sprout of guilt at the youngers pleading face- a face that just wishes he had reassurance that the person he likes- heck, the person he loves- has an ounce of genuine feelings back.

“Just, just give it time Gguk,” Yoongi suggests with a frown tugging on his face, not knowing what else to say, “He’ll come round, I promise.”

He stalls for a couple of seconds, “And please talk to him again- talk to all of us again- I’m sorry we made you feel that way but, we’re going insane without your stupid ass. Taehyung especially won’t stop whining- the big baby.” He attempts to joke.

But Jeongguk says nothing, only gives a small nod, eyes shining with such pure utter misery in the faint light, and leans his head against his friends shoulder- who looks at him with great sadness.

They two boys sit by the uncomfortable stone wall, doing nothing but looking outside the window. They sit for hours- until the rain has stopped pouring down and the moon finally comes in all their grace.

The stars are fairy lights hanging up in the night sky, twinkling merrily down at him- a great contrast to how he’s feeling. The moon is bright and full and round- a beautiful beam of joy that immediately wipes away the gloom of the previous atmosphere.

But the Hufflepuff still gazes outside with a whirlwind of emotions raging in him. Why are feelings so bloody annoying?

Autumn, he thinks, he pleads, autumn help me.

But autumn doesn’t answer.

Instead she regards the boy who adores her with all his heart with a small, gentle smile. Instead, she allows a breeze to tickle the boys face lovingly, trying to tell him that she cannot help- because this is his own fight.

Then she allows a small troop of her most devoted children to flow smoothly through the open gap in the window, and land softly on the boys lap.

Jeongguk looks at the small flurry of leaves in surprise, ignoring Yoongi’s ‘how the fuck’. The leaves are soft to the touch, glossy and smooth- each a different shade of autumns rainbow rain.

The boy looks out of the window with a small delighted grin on his pretty face- no longer looking the epitome of dismay, and clutches the foliage to his heart, and whispers thank you.

Autumn is everything to Jeongguk. And he realises, as he looks outside at all the beauty and magnificence of this season, that Taehyung is autumn.

Autumn smiles.

~

Now here’s the thing.

Taehyung’s an idiot.

He was just terrified really, when he realised that Jeon Jeongguk- the person who means everything to him, was avoiding him. The day after Halloween, when Taehyung tried talking to Jeongguk before classes started, the Hufflepuff had legged it.

Taehyung had frowned, thinking maybe Jeongguk was perhaps late for class or that he had forgotten something- but found him five minutes later standing outside his classroom, casually talking to another Hufflepuff boy.

He tried approaching him again, at dinner that same day, but Jeongguk only took one bored glance at him and turned to talk to somebody else. He had met Hoseok’s eyes, who looked confused, but shrugged it off as nothing.

Then the next day passed, and Jeongguk still wasn’t speaking to Taehyung. Then a whole week passed, and Taehyung was growing desperate- the pit of dread and confusion was growing rapidly day by day. He had asked the rest of the boys, but soon realised Jeongguk wouldn’t talk to them either.

So, drastic circumstances called for drastic measures.

Taehyung looks at the raging chaos around him and grimaces at the huge mess. So maybe he went a bit overboard. And maybe he’s the world biggest idiot- but, what’s new.

“You-you absolute twit!” He receives a sharp slap to his head- one that has his head reeling and his eyes blinking fast to make the world stop spinning.

He winces, looking sheepishly at the Hufflepuff boy who stands in front of him in all his glory- his arms crossed, his hair cutely mussed, an irritated but adorable pout on his lips.

And maybe Taehyung’s way too gone for the boy, too busy staring at the beauty in front of him- that he misses most of the boy’s lecture.

He receives another firm slap- this time on the chest, and he snaps out of his stupor, pouting as he rubs his chest.

“Are you even listening to me?”

Taehyung looks up- like a deer caught in headlights, and watches as Jeongguk continues to chastise him about the over-the-top and way too excessive of an apology the slytherin had tried to make.

The younger goes on and on, about how stupid he is, how painfully idiotic and dumb he is, for trying to pull something like this.

This- being Taehyung’s idea of a hearty apology. No, he did not understand what he was actually apologising for, but Jeongguk was mad at him.

And he just, he just panicked. Now a panicking Taehyung is never good to begin with, but a panicking Taehyung who has excess to the kitchens- well.

So, the panicking led to a chain reaction of bad. Bad, in the fact that the Hogwarts kitchen was on fire, and the house-elves were going crazy.

Bad, as in the fact that once the kitchen caught on fire, Taehyung tried to put it out. With magic. A simple spell really- but Taehyung was panicking.

Now, the entirety of the basement floor, leading all the up to Hufflepuff common room- was on fire. And fucking magical fire at that. The teachers had come running down from the Great Hall when a terrified Hufflepuff girl had run in yelling about a huge fire.

Putting out the fire took a couple of swishes and flicks of the headmaster's wand (Taehyung's spell had made the fire especially hard to put out)- it was the aftermath that was chaotic.

Many of the portraits located on the floor of the fire were charred and singeing, their occupants covered in soot or crying hysterically.

The house-elves were in a frenzy, one moment they were peacefully cleaning, and the next they were surrounded by burning hot flames.

Thankfully, Taehyung had gotten them to safety in time. The walls were charred a bit and looking awfully dirty, and the round door to the Hufflepuff common room was completely burnt down.

Overall, it was a mess.

Taehyung- yet again, dodges another hit that’s aimed his way and tries to stop the frantic boy who’s shouting at him.

“What exactly were you doing, you blubbering git! Students and house-elves could’ve gotten hurt, poor old Mr.Greg from the garden portrait almost had a heart attack.” The hufflepuff boy looks dumbfounded and incredulous.

Jeongguk had come waltzing out of his common room, with Hoseok by his side, leisurely making his way to dinner- only to be faced with a fucking fire right in front of his face, a fire that had a wide-eyed Kim Taehyung in the middle of it.

“You know what, you’re lucky you’re not too badly hurt. What, What were you thinking? How did you even manage to start a fucking fire Taehyung? Honestly what were you doin-”

“You!” Taehyung interrupts loudly. He can take this no longer- here he is, his hand stinging from a slight burn he managed to acquire, his hair distastefully rumpled, his robes flayed. He’s tired, he’s inhaled way too much smoke to be healthy, and he’s still in shock.

All he wanted was to apologise.

“I- it was for you, okay?” He huffs, turning away. Goddamn Jeon Jeongguk, reducing the proud, pureblooded Kim Taehyung into a soft, mushy pile of whipped.

Jeongguk looks disbelieving, though he’s stopped trying to attack him- so Taehyung counts that as a win.

“Me?”

“You you, listen, uh look, I was-” Taehyung cuts off his own stupid rambling and takes a deep breath. Goddamn Jeon Jeongguk, making the proud, pureblooded Kim Taehyung too nervous and embarrassed to speak.

He breathes deeply through his nose and speaks again, more quietly, “I was trying to cook okay? For you. You mentioned that- that stupid muggle movie. The one where the girl kisses the frog,” He takes a moment to let the disgust show on his face-

“And that one food you always wanted to try, the, the.. Bennies?” Jeongguk does nothing but stare at him, mouth gaping and expression unreadable, and the slytherin panics once again and rushes to continue.

“Gguk its- you were avoiding me, and I just wanted to say sorry for whatever I did. And I am. Sorry that is.” Taehyung looks down at his blackened loafers, face coloured in red hot embarrassment.

Jeongguk doesn’t say anything and Taehyung continues to glare holes into the floor, acting as if the stone betrayed him or something. When Jeongguk speaks, it’s soft and disbelieving.

“Beignets. Tae- you, you tried to make me beignets? To apologise? From the Disney movie I told you about months ago?” Taehyung’s eyes flash up to Jeongguk’s face, that’s screwed in emotion, and the Slytherin looks sheepish, rubs the back of his neck awkwardly, “Uh I don’t know what a Disney is but.. yes?”

One second, Taehyung’s standing and wishing for the ground to swallow him up, and the next, he’s on the floor with a whole ass Jeon Jeongguk blubbering all over him. Taehyung splutters and panics, trying to shush and calm the crying boy.

“Jeongguk? Jeongguk, why are you crying? Are you hurt? Did I say something wrong-” Jeongguk shakes his head profusely and cries even harder, circling his arms tight around Taehyung’s neck. Taehyung, though incredibly confused and still very much embarrassed, allows the boy to cry into his neck.

Finally- finally, after what feels like a lifetime, Jeongguk lifts his head. Taehyung’s heart aches at the sight of his tear stained face and red eyes, and he’s never loathed himself more- how dare he make such a precious boy cry like this.

“Tae,” Jeongguk says quietly, hesitantly reaching out to touch the elders cheek. Taehyung closes his eyes and relishes the soft touch and the smell that always lingers on Jeongguk- a sweet smell, like freshly baked cinnamon rolls and raspberries.

Jeongguk smiles tenderly, lovingly and says, “You’re such an idiot.”

“I- what? I just told you that I-” Jeongguk shushes him with a little giggle and oh does Taehyung melt.

“I can’t believe you caused all this,” He looks around pointedly, “Just so you can make me fucking beignets- I’m, tae,” Jeongguk trails off in disbelieving laughter, eyes crinkling at the edges and a few more tears spilling down.

God. Taehyung’s so endeared by this boy. So, so endeared.

Taehyung laughs quietly along with Jeongguk and is about to reply when a sharp yell cuts him off and makes him want to bonk his head on the nearest wall.

“Mr Kim!” Professor McGonagall sweeps into the hall, looking unprofessionally put out of place. “What exactly were you doing bo-” She pauses, eyes taking in the position of the two students (Taehyung- flustered and pink cheeked, and Jeongguk, on Taehyung's lap- clearly just having finished crying) with a baffled but also slightly knowing look on her face.

Taehyung’s own eyes widen, and he scrambles up in a haste, pulling a bright red Jeongguk with him. They both shuffle quite awkwardly on their feet when McGonnagall says nothing, just regards them with thin lips.

She peers over her small glasses, eyes now thoroughly amused, “Ah. I see.”

Taehyung frowns- see? What does she see?

She then turns to Taehyung, her face contorting to her usual sharp, no-nonsense one, “Mr Kim,” She says, not unkindly, “This is quite a serious situation you have landed yourself in. And after you come to my office and give me the details as to what exactly happened- though I can take a guess,” She glances at a confused Jeongguk.

Oh. That’s what she sees. Taehyung’s cheeks burn and he silently prays to whatever deity up there to save him from this horrifying moment.

“-You will promptly be having another two week detention with me,” She continues on, voice firm.

“What? Oh c’mon Professor, I just finished my last two weeks-” Taehyung protests, he doesn’t have time to do detention, he needs to make up the weeks worth of lost time with Jeongguk.

“No arguments Mr Kim.” The professor says, finality in her tone, “Honestly, I get affectionate proposals for your loved ones, but must you really set the school on fire?”

Taehyung hears a strangled choked sound from where Jeongguk is and finds the boy a brilliant bright red, hands covering his flaming cheeks, his doe eyes wide and ever so bright.

And although Taehyung wants to fucking bury himself and never breathe again, he can’t help but admire how pretty Jeongguk looks when he’s blushing.

“We- Tae’s not, that wasn’t a propos-” Jeongguk stammers and abruptly cuts himself off to fan his face, “Oh jesus it’s hot in here.” He breathes, tips of his ears the colour of fucking cherries at this point.

Now really, Taehyung’s not in control of the amused, endeared laugh that bubbles out of him, nor the next words he coos, “You’re so cute.”

Jeongguk- if possible, reddens even further and is so speechless and flustered that Taehyung blinks and the boys suddenly on the floor.

The slytherin is overwhelmed with the pure, utter fondness that washes over him as he watches Jeongguk try to shrink into himself.

“Gguk,” He laughs, loud and way too openly affectionate for his liking, “C’mon get up, you big baby. I was only teasing.”

At that, Jeongguk looks up, face still as pink as ever, but the bright twinkle he has in his eyes dims a bit, and the silly, uncontrolled, embarrassed smile that decorated his face before slips off his face. Taehyung startles a bit at the sudden shift in atmosphere but turns away when his teacher clears her throat.

“Right,” Professor McGonnagall smiles wryly, “After you’re done here please meet me in my office Mr.Kim.” She begins walking away, movements graceful and professional once more, “And I expect you to be ready to apologise to every house elf there is.” She calls over her shoulder.

Taehyung watches her stalk around the corner and turns back to where Jeongguk is, face now sullen and silent, his blush fading slowly.

The slytherin is confused, what happened in those short minutes that made Jeongguk so.. Oh. He’s got the same look on his face that he’d had all week long. That distant one, where his eyes were in such intense conflict.

“Jeongguk?” He opts to say carefully, “Are you alright?”

Said boy jumps a little at the sound of his name and smiles. But it’s forced and doesn’t reach his eyes- Taehyung wants to cry.

“Yea, yea I’m fine. I gotta go to dinner now.” He shakily says and starts walking off.

Taehyung feels a wave of anxiety and nausea at the prospect of jeongguk ignoring him again, so he runs up to the other and catches him by the sleeve.

“Wait,” He says breathlessly, “Wait, no. Gguk. What- what did I do wrong?”

“Nothing,” Jeongguk says, quickly and defensively. Taehyung has known the Hufflepuff a long time, and knows he’s hiding something, why would he be avoiding him?

Jeongguk tries to tug out of his grasp but Taehyung only tightens it, “No! Jeongguk please. Talk to me. I know I did something wrong and I’m sorry. Just, just don’t go back to pretending I don’t exist,” He sounds pleading and so distraught and he hates it. He hates that he can’t go five minutes without thinking of Jeongguk but the other seems perfectly fine with cutting him out.

“Please,” He whispers into the tense silence. Jeongguk’s face overcomes so many emotions at once that Taehyung finds it hard to keep up, but the younger finally defeatedly sighs and allows himself to be pulled closer.

“Tae,” He mummers, uncertainty coating every syllable.

“Will you at least tell me what I did wrong?” Taehyung looks at him, eyes begging and vulnerable. Jeongguk, once again, looks conflicted and slowly shakes his head. The slytherin feels his heart crack and he desperately wills down the tears in his eyes.

“Tae,” Jeongguk says again, then soft skin is lifting up his chin and Taehyung’s breath catches at the intensity and fear swirling in Jeongguk’s beautiful eyes. “I won’t tell you- not, not yet,” Then he gives a small smile, “But I won’t avoid you anymore, promise. And I'll forgive you if- hey! Put me down you knob!”

Taehyung- who suffered about ten aneurysms in the time it took Jeongguk to complete his sentence, lets out an undignified whoop of joy and lifts Jeongguk up for a hug, twirling around in the poorly masked relief and happiness that rushed through him.

The younger lets out squeals of laughter as they spin around and giggles uncontrollably at the ear splitting grin on Taehyung’s face, “I wasn’t finished yet,” He huffs, pretending to be annoyed.

God. Taehyung likes him so much.

He feels a sharp poke to his chest, “I’ll only forgive you if you make me the beignets- without setting the school on fire this time.” Jeongguk looks up at Taehyung, stars in his eyes, a cheeky grin on his lips as he makes his request and yep-

Scratch liking the boy. Taehyung’s in love.

~

The next day, Taehyung makes his way down to breakfast smiling- for the first time in days, and desperately hoping the day before wasn’t a dream and that it was true that Jeongguk had forgiven him.

Because sure, he was still majorly unclear as to the reason why Jeongguk wasn’t talking to him in the first place, but he trusted the other would tell him, within his own time.

So. He makes his way down to breakfast, looking as if Christmas has come early. He receives several wide-eyed, strange looks from any passersby, but barely spares them a glance in his haste to see Jeongguk.

In fact, he’s so distracted and giddy, that he misses the call of his name, and only regains his senses when a heavy weight lands on his back. He stumbles and narrowly avoids colliding into a suit of armour, grumbling at the loud laughter is his ears.

The warmth that explodes in his heart reminds him of sun filled days in autumn. Jeongguk’s favourite season, Jeongguk’s everything.

He hadn’t had the slightest clue as to why Jeongguk loved it so much, but then he started spending more and more timeout during autumn days. And now he associates the things he loves with autumn.

He knows Jeongguk does too, if the thorough and in depth rant Jeongguk had one day about the very topic was anything to go by; Taehyung, the lovesick fool he is, sat by and listened attentively to every word the other was spewing with a look of complete and utter infatuation.

The result of this: Taehyung now loves autumn the most. Fuck winter or whatever the other seasons names are. Autumn is where it’s at.

Jeongguk’s still clinging onto his back, and Taehyung’s so glad the other can’t see his love-struck expression, else he be teased to no eternity.

He calms himself down- a very hard thing to do when one Jeon Jeongguk is associated- and maintains an air of casual indifference.

“Get off me you brat, do you know how heavy you are?”

Now Taehyung doesn’t really give two boggarts about how heavy Jeongguk is- he’d carry him till his arms are burning if it would mean he gets to be close to the boy.

Jeongguk only giggles lightly and pinches his neck in reprimand when Taehyung pretends to drop him. God the things those adorable airy giggles does to him.

“Onwards you peasant! To the magnificent Great Hall for my first meal of the day,” Jeongguk points ahead, kicking his legs into Taehyung's sides (ow) and grabbing his hair lightly as his reigns.

Taehyung chuckles, looking over his shoulder to give an amused grin to the other, “Yes, your highness. As you wish.”

By the time they reach the Great hall, they’re a giggling mess, and Taehyung’s whole body is aching from having to carry Jeongguk up several flights of stairs- and it certainly didn’t help that the whole way, Jeongguk was squirming and kicking him (he’s not complaining he just likes his body, I dunno, functional?)

“Okay,” Taehyung pants as Jeongguk slides off his back- he immediately misses his warmth and the comfort his closeness brought him. He puts his hands on his knees, trying to regain his breath, and waves a dismissive hand, “Go eat now.”

Taehyung sighs, stretching out his muscles- no, he is most definitely not trying to impress Jeongguk- and rolls his eyes when Jeongguk doesn't move.

The younger just crosses his arms and pouts petulantly, “Trying to get rid of me are you? I see how it is.”

The slytherin allows himself a quick grin before whining out, “Wait what I never said that!”

Taehyung tries- and fails- to fight the dumb smile that tries to overtake his face when Jeongguk rolls his eyes sassily and flips imaginary long hair over his shoulder.

“It’s whatever. I’m better off without the likes of you anyways,” Jeongguk’s lips curl meanly, “Bloody peasants.” He sniffs, then looks at Taehyung as if he’s the dirt on the bottom of his damn shoe or something.

Taehyung lets out a gasp so loud and dramatic that he ends up choking on air, coughing and hitting his chest in an attempt to breathe.

A glass of water is shoved under his nose and Taehyung grabs it and gulps it down in a couple of seconds. He wheezes out a strained ‘thanks’ and collapses at the end of the Slytherin table, throat still stinging and eyes blinking to stop the watering

“Bloody hell,” He croaks, then he looks up to see Jeongguk with his lips pressed together tightly, body fucking spasming as he tries to keep his laughter down.

Taehyung almost goes to gasp again but pauses halfway, remembering how his life flashed before his eyes just a few seconds ago, and instead opts to get gape at the younger instead.

“Why are you laughing at me,” He holds a hand to his hand, expression utterly forlorn and betrayed, “You, you were supposed to be,” He gulps- Jeongguk presses a hand to his mouth, eyes shining with bright and amused, “Supposed to be my support system Gguk. But instead you’ve left me, to suffer on my own.”

Taehyung slumps forwards, head in his hands, body limp and defeated. He gets ready to look up and continue his theatrics- because Jeongguk looks so happy right now and Taehyung will read fucking shakespeare if it means seeing Jeongguk happy- but is shoved off his chair instead.

In the background, he hears Jeongguk burst out in loud, delighted giggles, and rolls on his back only to be met with the sight of an unimpressed, and entirely disgusted Yoongi.

“Hyung what was that for?” The slytherin pouts, wincing as he stands up. Jeongguk’s next to him in a flash, concerned face popping into his line of vision.

“Oh no, Yoongi-hyung! You pushed him too hard, Tae are you hurt?” And the sight of the younger, looking oh so worried because he simply fell- knocked down- to the floor makes him want to dissolve in thin air.

Jeongguk- with his big imploring eyes that hold the entire galaxy. Jeongguk- who’s pretty pink pink pink shiny lips are pulled into a pout he doesn’t even realise he’s making.

And Oh Salazar he knows he looks like a love-struck buffoon right about now because Yoongi is scoffing and muttering ‘unbelievable’ and Jeongguk looks even more concerned.

“Tae? Are you sure you’re okay?” He asks, pulling the other up and frantically checking if he’s alright. Taehyung feels his cheeks warm and he clears his throat hurriedly and tries to withhold a cool composure which he knows is failing if Yoongi’s snort of laughter is anything to go by.

"I'm okay Gguk really. And like… I love having your hands on me and all, but don't you think it's a little inappropriate for this kind of setting?"

Jeonnguk's fussing over him stops and Taehyung can also stare, amused and overwhelmingly fond, as Jeongguk shoves him back with little squeak of surprise.

Taehyung leans in closer, eyebrow quirking, "We are in school darling," He whispers matter-of-factly, "It can wait until we get to the bedroom at least- Holy mother of Merlin!"

"Shut the fuck up you prick, jeez,"

Taehyung's gasping, still doubled over from the hard punch Jeongguk drove into his stomach. Jeongguk just looks flustered, and the sight has Taehyung straightening with a grin- a pained one though, his stomach is recovering from the hit.

The urge to squeeze Jeongguk's pouting face is so strong that he has to plonk himself down on a seat and sit on his hands so he doesn't go and make the boy fucking curse him or something.

"You okay there darling? Looking a twee bit red," He says cheerfully, beginning to butter himself some toast.

Jeongguk looks like he doesn't know whether to punch him again or hex him into the next century and Taehyung doesn't want either so he holds up the bread as a peace offering, eyes wide in fake innocence.

Jeongguk stares at him and there's a couple of seconds of an intense stare off where Taehyung tries to convey how much he wants to nom the boy.

Jeongguk unfortunately, does not understand his polite request, and shoves the toast back in his face, "Oh fuck off and eat your toast."

"I'll drop you to your first class...darling," Taehyung calls over as Jeongguk leaves. The younger flips him off but Taehyung can see the faint pink on his cheeks.

Turning back to his breakfast with a pleased grin, Taehyung's eyes meet with Jimin and Yoongi’s, who both look like they've seen death ten times over.

"Excuse me while I rip out my fucking eyeballs." Jimin makes a pained noise, face screwed up in disgust.

Taehyung ignores him, choosing to stare after Jeongguk with a dazed smile over his face. Jimin and Yoongi share a look of absolute revulsion that Taehyung chooses to deftly take no notice of.

Jimin rolls his eyes and with a muttered ‘fucking lovesick arsehole’, picks up a spoon and lobs it at Taehyung.

The slytherin yelps and grabs the back of his head, a wounded groan sounding from him, he looks up and glares at a snickering Jimin.

“Serves you right you disgusting sap,” Taehyung splutters and protests profusely.

“What’s so wrong with me actively declaring my undying profound love for such an amazing, beautiful, wonderful, gorgeous, pretty, beautiful, beautifu- stop fucking throwing spoons at me!”

Taehyung groans, scowling at Jimin, who shrugs and points another spoon at the other- Taehyung cowers behind Yoongi, who looks totally uninterested.

“Kim Taehyung, you insinuating that you’d like to fuck Jeongguk- which is fucking disgusting by the way- all the time is not how a person declares their love you twat,” Jimin harshly says, rolling his eyes.

Taehyung pouts, “What’s that supposed to mean? I literally flirt with him all the time. He just doesn’t take the hint.”

Yoongi finally looks up from his cereal, looking exasperated and so done with Taehyung’s bullshit, “You’re an idiot Taehyung.”

Honestly, Taehyung’s confused with his friends' words. He does show Jeongguk that he likes him- all the time, and sure a lot of his flirting is made up of crude words and sneaky touches, but he’s trying. Like, c’mon- he even set the school on fire for the boy!

That’s love, in Taehyung’s opinion anyways. Jeongguk would most probably snap in that cute bratty voice of his ‘Good thing no one cares about your opinion’... Yea Taehyung’s definitely an expert at declaring his love in the most extravagant (stupid) ways.

“What did I even do?” The slytherin whines, completely put off and miffed when Yoongi only rolls his eyes at his answer.

The elder Slytherin looks like he’s contemplating throwing himself off a cliff, but because he- unfortunately- does not have access to a cliff right now, bangs his head repeatedly on the table, making his cereal pour onto the table.

He glowers at the spilt cereal like it killed his fucking cat or something then just tiredly sighs, “Taehyung, Gguk is a romantic. Maybe if you tried being sweet in your approach to ‘declaring your undying love’,” He goes quiet for a moment, then says in a low serious voice, “Maybe he’ll take you seriously.”

Taehyung feels dizzy all of a sudden- seriously? Does Jeongguk not think he’s serious about him? Seeing his frown, Yoongi’s expression softens, and he continues gently, “You flirting with him like you do now only serves as a catalyst to Jeongguk’s insecurities Tae.”

“Wait wait, did Jeongguk tell you all this?” Taehyung says in a hoarse voice, eyes wide- reflecting worry and regret.

Yoongi pushes away his food and regards Taehyung with an unreadable expression, “Jeongguk didn’t tell you, did he? About why he was avoiding you,” He looks guilty all of a sudden, “Avoiding all of us.”

Taehyung shakes his head and looks over to where Jeongguk sits with Hoseok, happily chattering away. His eyes regularly flicker to the slytherin table, and when he meets Taehyung’s eyes he blushes and turns away.

God, Taehyung’s heart aches, does Jeongguk really not believe Taehyung would move the whole world five times over for him? Would take care of him and give him anything the boy wants? Would die for him?

“Tae,” Jimin begins, seeing the guilt on his face and tremble of Taehyung’s lips when he looks over at the Hufflepuff.

“Tae,” He repeats, this time more stern, “Look at me.”

Taehyung’s gaze slowly drifts over to his friend, and both Jimin and Yoongi frown at the sadness that’s there.

“There’s no point worrying over this now.” Taehyung sneers and crosses his arms, jaw clenching.

“No point? Of course there’s a point-”

“Shut up you fucker I didn’t finish!,” Jimin glares at him, then reaches over and pokes his head, ignoring Taehyung’s yelp.

“What I mean,” He continues with a pointed look, “Is that there’s no point dwelling on what might’ve happened in the past, the question is what are you going to do about it now.”

“Don’t forget though,” Yoongi starts, looking thoughtful, “You can’t just ignore the problem as well. If- when, you confess- properly-” The elder glares, Taehyung gulps and nods his head fast.

“Then you’ll have to discuss any problems that happened before, okay? Otherwise there’ll always be that underlying… bitterness, in your relationship.”

Jimin nods along with Yoongi, looking utterly serious. Taehyung feels warm on the inside and he scoffs to hide the smile that threatens to bloom across his face, “Jeez, you guys should become fucking relationship therapists or whatever the heck they’re called.”

Yoongi rolls his eyes, but a smile is tugging at the corner of his lips and Jimin laughs happily,

“Okay okay but like, your confession better be the best and most beautiful confession ever- like happy tears and huge smiles, or else I will castrate you,” Yoongi threatens.

Taehyung looks back at the Hufflepuff table, and this time when he meets Jeongguk’s eyes, he gives a soft smile. Jeongguk practically beams back, nose scrunching and eyes twinkling so radiantly that they shine brighter than any star Taehyung’s ever seen.

He feels a mixture of pure fondness and reverence wash over him in a wave so strong he can barely breathe. Okay so, he fucked up without realising, and now he has to fix it. His face lights up and he turns back to Yoongi and Jimin, who both smile knowingly.

“I have an idea.”

~

The next few days pass by in a series of whispered plans and a shit ton of time trying to distract Jeongguk. Like a lot.

The Hufflepuff’s curious, and most definitely suspicious that the others are planning something- not that Taehyung blames him, they’re all shit at keeping secrets and trying to be discreet.

Just the other day, they were discussing if they should get fireworks or not- Yoongi was horrified at the idea- and Jeongguk had walked in the room.

Almost at the speed of light, all the boys abruptly stopped talking, except for namjoon, who went on about fireworks that could take the shape of a fucking duck, and Jeongguk had titled his head, asking what they need fireworks for.

Needless to say, Namjoon woke up with bright pink hair, and Taehyung was incredibly sad that they had to scrap that idea.

In between trying to plan his confession, classes, and having to deal with a sulky Jeongguk because he’s not being included in the others little project- Taehyung is tired.

So when McGonagall approaches him after classes one day, reminding him of his two weeks detention, he quite literally runs to the courtyard and screams so loud his throat ends up hurting.

“Uhhh Tae?” Taehyung whips around, robes catching in the slightly strong winds and slapping his face. He huffs and shoves them away with sharp movements, then jerks his head to Jeongguk, who flinches at his angry looks.

He wants to throw himself into the black lake- seeing Jeongguk shrink back in surprise, because of him, makes Taehyung yell in frustration again. Jeongguk approaches him cautiously, face still shocked and Taehyung scowls at his own stupidness.

“God,” He mutters, then pulls Jeongguk in for a hug. The younger lets out a startled squeak at the sudden movement but hugs back almost immediately.

The two boys fall onto the soft grass in a heap and Taehyung cuddles into Jeongguk, basking in his warmth and mummering apologies under his breath.

Jeongguk laughs softly and cards his fingers through Taehyung’s hair, “It’s fine Tae, I know you’re stressed.”

It’s silent for a moment and Taehyung opens his eyes to look up from where his head is resting against the others chest- and he stares.

Jeongguk’s eyes are wide and sparkling as he takes in his surroundings- reflecting nothing but open curiosity and child-like excitement.

Taehyung follows his line of vision to the trees at the start of the forbidden forest. Ah. Autumn.

The slytherin will admit- autumn is beautiful. The colours, the breeze, the activities it allows one to do- he knows that’s why Jeongguk adores the season so much. But Taehyung’s a sap, and if you ask him, he’ll say the thing he most adores about autumn is Jeongguk.

“Tell me,” Taehyung whispers drawing hearts on Jeongguk’s coat sleeve, “About your day.”

Jeongguk finally looks at him, grinning wide and Taehyung almost has a heart attack when the younger leans in super close and puts his hands next to his ear, as if he wants to tell Taehyung a secret. The slytherin goes willingly, moving forwards too, till their both nose to nose and Oh Merlin.

Jeongguk’s lips are right there- looking so so enticing, so pretty and pink. Taehyung pinches himself, no, wait till the confession you loser, he scolds.

Still, Taehyung feels disappointed when Jeongguk turns his head to whisper in his ear, “Today was boring,” He pouts, then he smiles radiantly, “But tomorrow, tomorrow we’re making amortentia for potions class.”

Taehyung pulls back, looking thoroughly amused at how Jeongguk’s practically vibrating in excitement underneath him, hands clapping together gleefully and Taehyung huffs a laugh at his enthusiasm..

“Yea? What do you think you’re gonna smell?” He leans closer and tilts his head, looking Jeongguk directly in the eyes- any closer and they’ll be kissing, “Or who, rather?”

The younger has gone stock still under Taehyung, eyes now impossibly wide and face a lovely bright red. He shoves Taehyung off him with an airy, nervous giggle, hands awkwardly fumbling to button his jacket back up again when he stands.

“I- I don’t know,” His eyes dart down to Taehyung and he quickly looks away when the latter simply raises an eyebrow.

Taehyung can’t help but grin wickedly at Jeongguk’s flustered state and he relaxes on the ground again, drawls out, “No? Well I know if I were there, I’d smell something similar to y-”

Jeongguk tackles Taehyung, and they go rolling down the hill they were at in a bundle of flailing arms and legs, “God,” Jeongguk breathes, hands covering Taehyung’s mouth, “Shut up.”

Taehyung smirks, delighted that Jeongguk didn’t push away his attempt at flirting ‘romantically’ for once. He sits up and starts tickling Jeongguk, the boys letting out loud peals of laughter and bantered words, rolling around in russet and orange leaves.

Somewhere in the distance, Autumn laughs softly at the two boys antics, and grins in anticipation of what’s to come.

~

He pants heavily as he practically collapses on a chair, throwing an arm over his sweating face and groaning out in the empty classroom- long and tired and loud.

“Ah, Mr.Kim. I see you’re back already,” Professor McGonagall quips as she strides into the room. She pauses, peering over her small square glasses and taking in the sight of the Slytherin sixth year lounging in a chair- she blinks.

“Whatever in the world are you doing there?” She questions with a stern glance.

“Up you get Mr.Kim, I need you to take these boxes to the potions classroom for me. While there, make sure to help the professor by separating the lacewing flies and the dried leeches- they’re in that box over there,” She points out and begins making her way out of the door.

Taehyung- still trying to catch his breath after running up and down the astronomy tower, only slumps lower in his seat with a low groan.

The professor stops right in front of the door and rolls her eyes playfully, “You sitting here feeling pity for yourself isn’t going to get these dragon livers downstairs any faster, Mr.Kim. I suggest you get a move on now.” And with that, she sweeps out of the room.

The slytherin looks after her with a pained expression before turning to glare at the boxes in front of him, mumbling about ‘absolute betrayal’ and ‘bloody dragon livers’.

Then with a huge dramatic sigh, he finally drags his arse off his seat and begrudgingly picks up the boxes with an annoyed grunt.

Taehyung makes his way out of the classroom and down the hundreds of flights of stairs Hogwarts so generously offers- he’s convinced the school adds more and more stairs each year in order to slowly kill off students.

Jeongguk had looked at him with a ‘The fuck’ expression on his face before pushing him off several steps when he first explained his theory.

Smiling slightly at the memory, Taehyung starts making his way down to the dungeons with a little skip in his step- funny, how even the thought of the cute Hufflepuff puts him in a good mood. Jimin called him revoltingly enamoured but Taehyung had just sighed dreamily.

There’s a loud smash and Taehyung startles out of his stupor in a frenzy, eyes quickly darting to the floor- where Park Jimin is sprawled out, scowling up at him.

“The fuck you doing over there?” Taehyung snickers, laughing louder when he realises a few bat spleens have made their way to Jimin’s luxurious silver hair. The shorter slytherin snarls at Taehyung, and whips out his wand to mutter a quick spell.

“Oh fuck,” Taehyung yelps as his legs are suddenly locked together and he starts falling to the ground like a tree that’s been cut down.

Now it’s Jimin’s turn to snicker as Taehyung, shouting multiple curse words, ends up on the ground with bloody dragons guts all over his robes.

Taehyung lets out a long whine while Jimin just rolls his eyes and cleans everything up with a wave of his wand. The slytherin pauses halfway through his theatrics when he feels the weight of the ingredients disappear. He peers down at his now clean robs and looks back up with a grin, “Thanks.”

Jimin rolls his eyes- again, and levitates all the boxes, “Why were you even carrying them you dipshit,” He waves his wand with a bright sarcastic smile.

“And next time, look where you’re going,” He snaps, then gives Taehyung an exasperated but amused smile, “I was practically yelling at you to slow the fuck down, but your arse was walking with that stupid dumb love-struck smile again.”

Taehyung feels his cheeks warm but he huffs and pouts, “It’s not my fault that Jeongguk-”

“Is the best cutest person ever, the star in all your dreams, the flame to your heart yea yea Romeo whatever come on we need to get these to the potions classroom before we never see the light of day again,” Jimin grimaces.

“Wait, I didn’t know you had detention,” Taehyung ponders, getting up and brushing any dust off his robes. Jimin avoids his questioning eyes, looking down at the floor with a faintly embarrassed face, “Um yea.”

The two boys start walking- Taehyung keeps on questioning Jimin the whole way to the classroom, but Jimin doesn’t budge, opting to just throw small glowers in his direction instead. When they near the door, and Taehyung still doesn’t have any answers, he resorts to blackmail.

“If you don’t tell me why you got detention I’ll tell Yoongi you’ve had a crush on him since First Year-” Jimin yelps, hands slapping over Taehyung's mouth and he almost loses enough concentration to send the boxes he’s levitating tumbling to the floor.

Luckily, he saves them just as they’re about to hit the ground, and he rounds on Taehyung with a fierce scowl, “It’s because of Yoongi that I got the detention, okay?” At Taehyung’s expectant face, Jimin rolls his eyes again, “McGonagall caught us making out after hours.”

Taehyung gapes at his friend, not believing his ears, “Wait what?” He wheezes out, then punches Jimin on the arm, hard enough to almost send his sprawling again.

“You bugger! Why didn’t you tell me you guys were together?” Taehyung hollers, eyes wide but grin bright and happy.

Jimin makes a face and looks away, cheeks red, “Because we’re not together- yet anyways. We just, we just confessed, that’s all.”

Now Taehyung laughs gleefully, “Really? I’m so happy for you what the fuck, Jiminie. But still, why didn’t you tell me,” He complains.

Jimin huffs amusedly, “Because you numpty, it was completely unplanned, one second we were talking and the next we were kissing.”

He nudges Taehyung, “Not like you’re whipped ass- the pining, the denial, the planned out confession,” He scoffs, but smiles fondly.

“Only the best for my darling, Jimin, only the best,” Taehyung says solemnly, Jimin bursts out laughing.

“You nerd,” He giggles.

Taehyung goes to answer him but they’re interrupted by the door opening- the potions professor standing before them. A thick cloud of smoke rises from behind her and the two boys cough at the pungent smell.

The teacher sighs, giving the slytherin’s a dry look, “Good, you’re here. Now come in, straight to the back please- Willingsly! Stop trying to drink it!”

Taehyung and Jimin enter the classroom with the floating boxes and are met with the sight of fifth year Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs working on some sort of potion.

Many of them are peering into their cauldrons and taking deep sniffs, giggling and whispering to each other in excitement.

“Mr.Jeon! Stop staring at Mr.Kim and continue with your potion please,” The professor sing-songs from the back of the room. Taehyung looks to his right, where Jeongguk stands over his own cauldron, looking like a deer caught in headlights as several students pause their work to snigger.

Jeongguk turns a bright red when he meets Taehyung’s amused stare and ducks to hide his face, “It’s okay Jeonggukie, I stare at you too,” The whole class bursts into a series of giggles and hoots but Jeongguk just emerges from behind the table to give Taehyung a lovely middle finger and scowl.

From beside him, Jimin laughs as well before pulling Taehyung along to the back of the classroom where the potions storage is.

Taehyung follows after him reluctantly, too busy ogling Jeongguk’s graceful and precise movements as he makes his potion (his cheeks are still red- Taehyung’s smug)

When Jeongguk catches Taehyung’s stare, he flushes to the tips of his ears and fumbles in his movement, accidentally spilling some powdered moonstone in his haste to avoid Taehyung. He gets shoved by an annoyed Jimin.

“Stop distracting the poor boy with your creepy gawking you twat,” He commands, and drags Taehyung further into the store room.

Taehyung gasps offendly but before he can even say anything Jimin’s shoving ingredients into his hands with a harsh, “Shut up and get a move on.”

When the teacher comes round to check on them again, Taehyung can only follow through with his task, wanting it to be over and done with.

Just as they finish, a loud whoop beckons their attention to the middle of the classroom, where a pair of students have finished with their potion, looking elated. The professor congratulates them and tells the rest of the class to hurry up.

Curious to see what the students are making, Taehyung and Jimin waltz over to where Jeongguk is nearer the back of the room.

He’s so focused on his work that he hardly notices when Taehyung stands behind him with a signalled shush at Jimin, who lingers back with a mischievous grin.

The slytherin leans closer to the unaware Hufflepuffs back until his mouth is at his ear, “What you doing?”

The shout Jeongguk lets out is surprised and loud, and he catches Taehyung off guard by shoving his elbow in his stomach. Taehyung goes down, clutching his stomach and wheezing.

“Oh fuck, Tae,” Jeongguk gasps,”Are you okay?” Taehyung holds out a single finger and gestures to him to wait a second, then he stands up with a wince.

“Yea yea, my fault anyways,” Jeongguk still looks worried and Taehyung’s heart warms at the concern in his face, “I’m fine Gguk I swear.”

Jimin walks over, snickering to himself and pokes Taehyung’s arm, “Serves you right.” The slytherin rolls his eyes, “Piss off Jimmy.”

Jimin ignores the name and instead peers over Jeongguk’s shoulder, “What you guys making Jeonggukie?”

“Amortentia,” Jeongguk says brightly, and it suddenly dawns on Taehyung- Jeongguk told him the day before that he was going to make amortentia.

And Taehyung had said… oh. Well now he’s ten times more curious- he doesn’t doubt that he’ll smell Jeongguk, but he wonders what the other will smell.

His heart twinges at the thought of Jeongguk smelling something- someone- that isn’t him but he takes a deep breath and ignores the questioning look Jeongguk gives him, and ignores the knowing one from Jimin.

“Are you done yet?" He says casually, maintaining his cool persona and sitting on the edge of a stool with a mildly unbothered look.

He peers up to where Jeongguk is, the younger already looking at him with a strangely pained? Look on his face.

The Hufflepuff clears his throat after a second and turns back to his cauldron, “Yea almost, just need to,” He takes a quick glance at his textbook, “Add the mother of pearl and then mix until it becomes a pinkish pearl colour.”

The boys watch as Jeongguk swiftly adds the measured amounts of the last ingredient and begins stirring.

Taehyung smiles softly at the excited anticipation on Jeongguk’s face, wishing the potion were done faster so he can see the tiny grin become a full blown out smile- the one that gets his heart racing fast and makes him want to do anything for the boy.

Jimin pokes him in the arm with the tip of his wand, “You are not subtle in the slightest Romeo,” Taehyung grins wider, throws back a, “Who says I’m trying to be subtle.” He receives an eyeroll and can only chuckle at the disgusted look on Jimin’s face.

A loud gasp makes the two slytherins look to where Jeongguk is- the boy turns to them with that signature Jeongguk bunny smile and Taehyung wants to coo.

Instead he allows himself to be pulled up by an eager Jeongguk who declares his potion is done.

“Come on,” He tugs harder at Taehyung’s robes, eyes bright, “Let’s smell it.”

Jimin approaches the cauldron first when the other two hesitate and leans down to take a sniff. He stands upright and looks at them with a shrug, a small smile playing on his lips at their expectant gazes, “Powdered doughnuts, my family's garden and...Yoongi,” He confirms.

Taehyung grins, thrilled and gasps a little then abruptly turns to Jeongguk, “Yoongi hyung and Jimin confessed! And kissed!” He attempts to keep his voice down, but ends up practically shouting the words, much to Jimin’s horror.

Jeongguk’s amused expression confuses Taehyung immensely, “Why aren’t you screaming? You’re supposed to be screaming for Jimin.”

Both Jimin and Jeongguk burst out into laughter and Jeongguk manages to giggle out, “I know Tae, Jiminie told me yesterday.”

Taehyung stares, mouth dropped open, looking absolutely betrayed, “Jimin!” He sounds perplexed and petulant but hey, it’s not his fault his supposed best friend- Jeongguk was his best friend, now he’s his everything, don’t worry, Taehyung would never betray him- is a traitor.

Jeongguk pats Taehyung’s hand sympathetically but can’t help laughing at Taehyung’s positively heartbroken expression, “I swear, if you were a muggle, you’d be taking drama.”

“How would I be taking drama? That doesn’t make any sense,” Taehyung asks, tilting his head.

Jeongguk shakes his own head and says, “No like, you can take it as a subject.”

Taehyung wrinkles his nose, “Why would you want to do that?”

“To you know, become an actor or something,” Taehyung stares blankly at the younger, who looks a little frustrated that Taehyung doesn’t get what he means. Jimin’s looking back and forth between the two boys, looking completely done.

“Okay!” He interrupts their conversation and pushes them in the direction of the cauldron roughly. Glaring over his shoulder at an innocent looking Jimin, Taehyung reaches the cauldron and slowly leans down to smell the contents.

A gentle wave of aroma washes over him and floods into his senses- it’s as if he’s back near the lake again, cuddling into Jeongguk’s chest and inhaling the scent of everything so unquestionably him. It’s a divine smell really- so sweet, but not overbearingly so.

There’s the scent of Jeongguk’s favourite fresh baked cinnamon bread that the house elves prepare especially for him, there’s the more fruity smell of the sweet raspberries Jeongguk eats nearly everyday, there’s his perfume- a lighter smell, like baby powder.

Then as Taehung inhales deeply again, he realises the more subtle scent that linger- the light whiff of wet earth, the petrichoral fragrance bathing his senses and reminding him of the long days he spends out on the grounds with Jeongguk.

He smells what Autumn is to him: sweet, lively, crystal rainfalls and clear skies. Bright laughter and chilly winds that give him an excuse to bury deeper into the warmth.

Long conversations and inside jokes that leave them giggling till they’re out of breath. Soft lingering touching and bright blushing cheeks that match the colour of the vibrant hues that litter the floor. Small comfortable silences that consist of steaming butterbeers and the occasional loving glance.

“Taehyung,” A smooth silvery voice whispers his name- a soft fleeting kiss to his ears. He sighs in content, wanting to dive into the pot and smell this aroma for the rest of his life.

“Taehyung,” The voice says again, this time it’s less silky and more like honey. Still sweet and kind, but more prominent to his hearing. He inhales again.

“Taehyung!” He jerks back, the reverie he was in shattering like glass, and he blinks numerous times to get ahold of himself. Jeongguk is standing in front of him- hands on his hips, lips pursed in discontent. Jimin is standing next to the younger, trying to muffle his laughter in his hands.

“Yea?” Taehyung says, albeit quite dazily, as if he’s been enchanted with a powerful spell. Jimin has to whirl away from them, trying- and failing- to smother his wheezing laughter. Jeongguk looks annoyed, yet a little amused at the same time.

“You were standing there inhaling that shit like it was a fucking drug or something. And you were there for like five minutes straight,” Jeongguk says dryly, then moves to where Taehyung is standing next to the potion.

Taehyung frowns- huh, five minutes? It felt less than one to him. He glances at Jeongguk, who looks nervous about smelling the amortentia. Taehyung’s insides churn in nervousness too, and he waits, eyes wide with hope and emotion.

The Slytherin gives the younger an encouraging smile and nods his head to the bubbling cauldron, "Your turn."

Jeongguk, slowly and cautiously, leans closer to the caldron. Just as his nose is near the rim he straightens up again, pouty lips downturned, a little furrow appearing between his brow.

“What happened?” Taehyung asks, curiosity laced in his tone.

“Nothing,” Jeongguk says, lips still pouting, “I can’t smell anything besides your stupid perfume cause you’re too close to me.”

Behind the two boys, Jimin chokes.

Taehyung stares, heart hammering so wildly and ferociously in his chest that he’s afraid the whole school can hear its beating.

“What?” Jeongguk looks confused.

Behind the two boys, Jimin laughs.

Taehyung stares, mind lagging and trying to piece together Jeongguk’s words, oh so hoping they’re what he thinks they are.

“What,” Jeongguk repeats again, impatience colouring his tone.

Behind the two boys, Jimin mutters, “idiots”

Taehyung stares. Then he croaks out slowly, “I’m not wearing perfume.”

Realisation dawns on Jeongguk’s porcelain features, his face drains of colour and his eyes go as wide as saucers. He looks at the pastel pink potion, then looks at Taehyung- his pretty red lips part.

“Oh.”

~

Jeongguk tries to run away when Taehyung approaches him that evening. But the Slytherin has prepared for this moment, and manages to catch Jeongguk by the arm before he gets too far away.

"No, let go," Taehyung just shakes his head and starts dragging Jeongguk to a more secluded area.

The younger doesn’t make it easy for him though. He kicks up a ruckus, squirming and dragging his feet so they move at a fucking snails pace.

“Gguk,” Taehyung huffs. And even though his heart is aching because Jeongguk’s trying to avoid him again, he had practically confessed the day before, and Taehyung needs to talk to him

Jeongguk starts shouting and Taehyung curses, and in a moment of panic and desperation, swoops the younger up into his arms in a bridal style position, grunting a little and stumbling at the extra weight.

Jeongguk lets out a small screech of surprise, arms circling around Taehyung’s neck to ensure he doesn’t fall.

Taehyung’s breathing is laboured slightly as they silently stare at each other. Jeongguk’s eyes are wide and round in surprise, his body limp and pliant in Taehyung’s arm.

The slytherin swallows and looks away from Jeongguk's intense stare that drills holes into the side of his face-don’t scream, don’t scream, don’t scream.

To be fair, Taehyung wasn’t really thinking when he had picked the younger up, just did so because his frustrations got the best of him. Now, his heart is pounding in rhythm with his nervousness, with his fear of being rejected and ignored.

Jeongguk doesn’t say anything the whole entire time they’re moving, instead taking to looking down at the floor, but Taehyung can feel the way his warm hands shake slightly from where they rest against his neck.

Nudging open a random door and checking to make sure the rooms empty, Taehyung then strides into the classroom and sighs shakily.

Carefully, he loosens his grip on Jeongguk and sets him down on the floor, hands coming to the others hip involuntarily to steady him when he stumbles.

Jeongguk jerks away from his touch as if his hands were on fire and Taehyung tries not to let the hurt show on his face, though he really does want to just sit down and cry in pity for himself.

Apparently, he’s really shit at hiding his emotions in front of Jeongguk because the next second the latter is whispering an apology, looking guilty and regretful. Taehyung shakes his head and swallows thickly. Right, he can do this.

He can’t do this. Jeongguk is looking at him curiously and slightly impatiently with his big bright eyes and round cheeks and pouty mouth and silky messy hair. Oh god, Taehyung’s horrified with himself, did he really think he could do this?

After a few seconds of strained silence Jeongguk tuts and scowls at him, starting to make his way to the door because Taehyung’s not saying anything, just staring at him, mouth agape and eyes unfocused. Oh fuck, he’s already messing this up.

“Wait!” He practically yells as panic surges through him.

Jeongguk stops with his back to the Slytherin and he looks uninterested, but then he tilts his head to show he’s listening. Taehyung fumbles over his thoughts and words and ends up not talking for a long minute.

Jeongguk sighs impatiently and whirls around with an angry furrow in his brow, “Bloody hell Taehyung, just spit it out already.”

Now you see, Taehyung had a plan. He was just going to walk over to Jeongguk and ask him out to Hogsmeade that weekend. A simple plan really.

But nothing ever goes the way he wants it because the universe hates him. So here he is, sweating and stuttering over his words, while the love of his life is looking at him like he’s grown five heads.

Jeongguk looks disappointed when he doesn’t say anything and just folds his arms over his chest, “I’m just gonna leave,” He starts walking backwards but falters, “I’m- I’m sorry for making things weird between us.”

That spurs Taehyung into action and he practically sprints to where Jeongguk is. He skids on the floor and falls. Gets back up like nothing happened and stops in front of a startled Jeongguk, breathing heavy.

“Hogsmeade,” He blurts breathlessly, hands clenching and unclenching in nervousness. The Hufflepuff cocks his head in question, lips pursing.

“You- do you,” Get ahold of yourself Kim, it’s just Jeongguk. Jeongguk- the light of your life, your happiness, the only person you feel truly happy with. Fuck.

He exhales through his nose loudly, trying to calm himself down, “Do you want to go to Hogsmeade. This weekend,” Jeongguk stares, “With me.”

“I- what?” Disbelief is colouring the younger boys words and face, he looks puzzled and perplexed. Taehyung coughs apprehensively.

“Uhm. Hogsmeade, with me. Like,” He gestures between them frantically, “Just us.”

Jeongguk blinks, “Just us?” He repeats softly, then his eyes dart up and he takes a shuddering breath, “I thought, um, yesterday. I-” His cheeks start gaining colour, he presses his hands to his face to cover them. Taehyung melts.

“I know! I’m,” Taehyung rapidly shakes his head, “It’s- I know. It’s okay.”

He tries to convey everything he’s feeling into those words, voice soft but strong, gaze brimmed with emotion and empathy. Trying to say-. hey- it’s okay, I’m scared too, but as long as you’re here then we’ll get through it.

Hey- it’s okay. Please don’t push me away, I’m here. Hey- I think I love you but don’t know how to say it. Hey- please tell me you feel the same way, because I know you do.

Jeongguk looks at Taehyung with conflicted eyes and the slytherin wants nothing more than to wrap him up and hug him and protect him from every hurtful emotion and insecurity he feels.

But he can’t, because the Hufflepuff is a stubborn shit and doesn’t want to ever talk about how he feels, and he can’t, because he’s afraid of saying the wrong thing and fucking up the relationship that means most to him.

Taehyung shuffles on his feet when Jeongguk doesn’t answer him, the anxiety he feels increases ten times over when the silence stretches out for longer. He isn’t really sure of how to feel- the younger hasn’t said no yet he feels disappointment rise fast.

A breeze flutters through the open window of the classroom and swirls around the two boys, making them shiver and unconsciously step closer into each other's warmth. The sounds of trees swaying in the wind can be heard, an owl hoots, a student laughs.

“Okay,” Jeongguk finally- finally, whispers. Taehyung’s breath hitches and his heart stutters.

“Really?” He breathes, grin adorning his face, happiness now radiating from the smile he lets out. Jeongguk giggles at the look on his face and never in all of Taehyung’s life had the urge to kiss someone been so prominent.

The Hufflepuff gives a small nod and Taehyung beams at him. Jeongguk gives a shy smile back, his nose scrunching up and bunny teeth on display.

Then he shuffles over to the door and mumbles about being late for class, he looks over his shoulder before he leaves and gives Taehyung a breathtaking smile, cheeks ever so pink.

“Wait!” Taehyung suddenly shouts, eyes lighting up as he remembers something, “I’ll pick you up from your dorm at 1 on Saturday okay? Dress warmly. And bring a bag!”

Jeongguk gives a little laugh and chirps, “Sure Tae,” as he exits through the door, a little skip in his step.

The second the boy’s gone, Taehyung lets out a relieved breath and whispered ‘fuck yea’. They haven’t officially labelled this as a date, nor have they talked about what took place the day before.

But it’s okay, they’ll get there eventually. Take it step by step Taehyung, He reminds himself, And don’t mess up.

Taehyung looks out the window- at the clear sky and the rustling auburn leaves and the bright sun that beams back at him.

Phase 1 is a go.

~

The pathway is long and uneven, squat stone walls stand on either side, their grey sheen being overridden by damp green moss. The ground crunches beneath his boots, and he looks down to see a never ending flood of warm colours.

There’s more yellow and chestnut brown than there is red and orange now that winter is steadily approaching and the temperatures are dropping even more.

The sun gleams brightly in the sky yet keeps all its warmth to itself, the chill of the winds too overbearing for it to keep up with.

All around him, students walk in pairs or groups, chattering amongst themselves excitedly as they make their way down to the village at the end of the path.

The breeze picks up with an elated giggle and the trees around them rock side to side in a steady rhythm, blowing leaves and twigs along the stone.

The brush of a gloved hand against his own makes him turn his head to the side, where Jeongguk walks in time with him.

He’s dressed fashionably yet warmly and Taehyung doesn’t have to look twice to notice he’s put more effort into his outfit- not that Taehyung hasn’t, in fact he spent two whole hours having a breakdown over what he was gonna wear. In the end, Yoongi had thrown some clothes at him and told him to piss the fuck off.

Jeongguk’s clothes radiate autumn.

The colours, the style- everything. He wears black skinny jeans that make his thighs look even more sculptured than usual, a thick knitted black sweater that drapes over his delicate frame lovelily, and a deep maroon coloured scarf is wrapped snugly around his neck. His hair is styled a little, pushed to the side so his forehead and eyebrows are visible.

Basically- he looks gorgeous. Really gorgeous. And if Taehyung almost had a seizure when he first caught a glimpse of him, that's no one's concern but his own.

The Hufflepuffs cheeks and tip of his nose is flushed a light pink from the cold, and he shivers slightly, bringing his sweater pawed hands up to cover his face in an attempt to ward away the cold.

Taehyung's going to combust.

As if noticing his gawking, Jeongguk peers at him from beneath his dark lashes and catches his eyes, face blooming a darker pink at the others intense gaze, "Stop staring at me," He mumbles, looking at the ground to avoid Taehyung's eyes.

The slytherin grins and moves closer to him, till they're practically leaning on each other and sharing body heat, "Can't help it darling, you're too pretty," He makes a point of sighing deeply, swaying his body a little to make himself look dazed.

Jeongguk shoves him so hard that he loses his balance, and yelps as he lands on his back on the hard stone floor. There’s a beat of silence before Jeongguk’s red face pops into his line of vision.

“Holy fuck Tae I didn’t mean to do that I swear,” His eyes are wide and apologetic and Taehyung can only let out a laugh at his worried tone.

He reaches his arms up and makes grabby hands at the younger, who looks ever so flustered, and is pulled up with surprising strength. He stumbles into Jeongguk and has to wrap his arms around the other to stop him from falling this time.

Jeongguk almost falls back but Taehyung pulls him in by his waist and the others hands rest on his chest to ensure he doesn’t go sprawling.

Their faces are inches away from each other, warm breaths mingling and coming out in small puffs of white air.

Being this close, Taehyung can see every inch of Jeongguk’s flawless face. His cheeks are even more pink up close, and Taehyung can see the faint shimmer of eyeshadow on his lids. His lips are shiny and glossy and red, the mole under his lower lip more visible.

Letting out a wheeze of flustered laughter, Taehyung lets go of him slowly, retracting his arms and praying to whatever deity is up there that Jeongguk didn’t feel the furious pounding of his heart just then. Jeongguk takes a small step back, face shy and embarrassed.

“Right,” Taehyung says breathlessly, “We have got to stop doing that.”

He looks down his bronze pocket watch and frowns. Dammit, they’ve lost half an hour of shopping time.

“C’mon, we gotta get a move on,” He grabs Jeongguk’s head and starts pulling him along. The boy resists for a second, protesting, but allows himself to be tugged forwards until they’re walking side by side again.

Their hands are awkwardly linked together from when the Slytherin had just randomly grabbed the other's hand, and Taehyung’s wrist is starting to ache- he says or does nothing about it though, too shy to actually readjust their hand positions.

Fingers beings threaded through his has him startling, and he’s left gaping down at their intertwined hands with an expression of utter disbelief.

Taehyung glances at Jeongguk- who has apparently made it his life mission to avoid Taehyung’s stare- and back down at their hands.

He suppresses the big, giddy grin that threatens the corners of his mouth and instead tightens his grip on Jeongguk’s hand, humming a familiar tune he knows Jeongguk loves. Almost instantaneously, the latter’s eyes are darting to his, and a little smile tugs at Jeongguk’s lips.

Taehyung hums a little louder, swinging their arms in wide motions until they reach the entrance of the village that’s bustling with students, teachers, creatures and the local townspeople. The atmosphere is cheery and bright even though the weather is otherwise- it’s perfect.

“What are we doing here?” Jeongguk asks, yanking Taehyung closer by their linked hands to avoid a large group of buzzing third years. The Slytherin tries to calm the racing thing in his chest- stupid heart- and looks around and shrugs.

“First thing on today’s agenda- shopping!” He does jazz hands, relishing the giggle that jeongguk emits. Then he starts dragging the boy through the crowded grounds and turns halfway to ask him where he wants to go first.

Jeongguk perks up at his question and grins mischievously, “Can we go Zonko’s?” Taehyung laughs and rolls his eyes fondly, already pulling the other in the direction of the joke shop.

He can feel the way Jeongguk is practically quivering in eagerness- lets the boy skip in front of him, tugging impatiently at his hand, “Lets go lets go lets go!”

Taehyung almost dies on the spot from Jeongguk’s cuteness and manages to regain a cool composure by the time they reach the joke shop that’s teeming with hoards of students who buzz around like busy bees in a hive, trying to get their hands on everything and anything.

Inside, they can barely move, and Taehyung has to duck several times to avoid relentless ever-bashing boomerangs that try to hit him repeatedly.

Caught up in the frenzy, the Slytherin barely notices the hand slipping from his and only panics when he realises Jeongguk is no longer beside him.

“Gguk?” He calls over the mob of students, standing on his tiptoes to try and see past the towering heads. He finally spots the younger near the dung bombs and groans slightly when Jeongguk picks up a huge pile of them and shoves them in a basket.

Taehyung’s been the victim of Jeongguk's dung bomb pranks more times than he would like to admit- he swears he can still faintly smell the stench if he really thinks about it.

Disgruntled, the elder barges his way through the overwhelming throng of people and finally reaches Jeongguk- who’s now examining the frog-spawn soap and muttering about exchanging Hoseok’s soap for this.

“Poor Hobi-hyung,” Taehyung tuts.

Jeongguk jumps a little and lights up like Christmas lights, then proceeds to dump the basket and several more items into Taehyung’s unsuspecting hands, “Good, you can hold those for me.” He grins.

Taehyung can only stand there helplessly- watching with an amused and affectionate smile, as Jeongguk flits around the shop like a child in a candy store, the basket in Taehyung hands groaning under the weight of the many items once he finally announces he’s done.

Sighing in relief, Taehyung grabs his hand with less hesitancy than before, and drags him to the checkout station.

He wrinkles his nose in incredulity as he sees more and more of the ridiculous items Jeongguk’s picked out.

“Stink pellets? Really?” He snipes as Jeongguk rolls his eyes and nods resolutely, “To put in Jin-hyungs bed,” He supplies helpfully and takes out one last pack of pranks.

“Nose-biting teacups?” Taehyung says, horrified. He suddenly fears for his life- especially when all Jeongguk does is give him a little smirk that’s full of malicious intent. Taehyung looks heavenward, God please save him for the torture that is bound to come.

Jeongguk pulls out his money bag, but Taehyung intercepts his hand and instead pulls out his own- wincing when Jeongguk glares at him and protests, “No- what. Taehyung, you are not paying for my stuff.”

Struggling to hold back a glowering ferocious bunny and attempting to count the right sum of money is almost impossible, but they walk out the shop eventually- Taehyung grinning smugly and Jeongguk looking sulky.

Arms ladened with the bags Jeongguk had forced him to carry when he realised that Taehyung would not let him pay- he grapples for his wand and manages to shrink the bags and tuck them away in his pockets.

“Where to next, Jeonggukie?” Jeongguk scowls and at him and stomps away- Taehyung laughs as he catches up with him.

“Aw come on, stop pouting,” He nudges the other teasingly, but just receives a frown back.

“No, I know you’re a pureblood and have more money but I’m perfectly capable of paying myself Tae,” Jeongguk whines, slight lisp making an appearance like it always does when he’s annoyed or frustrated.

Taehyung presses his lips together to stop himself from saying something stupid like ‘I wanna nom you’- Jeongguk will most definitely hex him then. Jeongguk starts fast walking once more and Taehyung has to jog to keep up.

He catches the sleeve of Jeongguk’s sweater, “Hey, I know you’re capable,” He gives a shrug, “But it’s nice spoiling you.”

The younger goes silent after that, cheeks going so red that he has to bring his scarf up to cover half his face- which does nothing really, the flaming tips of his ears are still visible.

Taehyung chuckles to himself and feels his heart warm as he looks at the other with adoring eyes.

They reach the next store- Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop, and go inside with a chime of a bell that sits atop the door. Taehyung looks around this time, grabbing quills and inks and long sheets of parchment.

An elegant black feathered quill stands proudly on its display, little gold chains decorating the ends in a beautiful pattern. Jeongguk stands near the display, looking interestingly at the writing tool, “It’s so pretty,” He murmurs.

You’re pretty, Taehyung thinks as he walks up next to him and reaches out the same time Jeongguk does- their hands brush accidentally and an electric spark crackles between them.

They both draw back instantly, red cheeked and shy. Taehyung’s tummy erupts with great tingling butterflies and he clears his throat to hide his flush.

“You want it?” He asks, already reaching for it again. Jeongguk says no but his eyes say otherwise, “Kim Taehyung you will not buy this for me I swear to Merlin-”

Taehyung ends up buying the quill and has to deal with an exasperated and pissed Jeongguk for the entire walk to their next destination.

The hufflepuff seems to forget about his anger towards Taehyung when they arrive in front of the animal emporium. He wheels to Taehyung, clapping in excitement.

"You said you wanted to take a look at the cats didn't you?" The slytherin smiles and opens the door. Jeongguk grins giddily, a happy blush on his cheeks.

They shop for hours, going to what seems like almost every store in Hogsmeade has to offer. The entirety of the afternoon passes in a stream of endless laughter, childish banter and a shit ton of flirting (on Taehyung's part).

Jeongguk's ears and cheeks seem to be permanently stained a bright red from the slytherin’s blatant flirting.

They visit Honeydukes, where Taehyung makes sure to get as much junk food as possible for phase two of the plan- the bag Taehyung had asked Jeongguk to bring comes in handy here.

The hufflepuff has excitedly dragged him to the shrieking shack even though Taehyung had profusely protested the entire way, never one to be a fan of scary things.

Jeongguk finally gets him back- teases him for the next half hour, only calming down once they enter a potions shop.

While Taehyung's looking at brass scales and generally just minding his own fucking business, Jeongguk decided to knock over an entire crate of live frogs.

Taehyung had stood, shocked and surprised, as the tiny creatures created a ruckus, making everyone in the premises go bat shit crazy too.

Jeongguk had only looked slightly guilty as he pushed a bewildered Taehyung out the door, yelling a hearty 'sorry' at the shrieking owner, who was shaking his fist and yelling for them to come back.

They collapse next to a wall opposite Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop in a fit of breathless pants and giggles. Taehyung watches with a disgusted expression as the many couples inside the tea shop feed each other with and basically just look like fools.

While the Slytherin knows he looks very much similar to those inside the shop when he looks at Jeongguk, he doesn’t think he’ll ever bring himself to sit inside the overtly bright pink outlet without throwing up.

He turns his head to look at Jeongguk, whose chest is still rising and falling rapidly from their run and he observes how Jeongguk looks almost- longingly? Towards the couples tea shop.

Taehyung grins devilishly and knocks with shoulder against Jeongguk’s, “Oh yea, you’re a romantic aren’t you?”

The Hufflepuffs quickly tears his gaze from a couple that are practically eating each others faces out and rolls his eyes, cheeks pink, “Fuck off.”

Stifling a laugh at Jeongguk’s affronted expression, Taehyung looks down at his pocket watch for the second time that afternoon while furrowing his brows. Suddenly the sunlight and view of the tea shop are obscured by a looming shadow.

Taehyung squints up and sees Namjoon and Jin standing with amused expressions on their faces.

"Looks like you guys are having fun,” Jin remarks, quirking an eyebrow in question. Jeongguk giggles and nods his head shyly- the relief Taehyung feels at the gesture makes him beam as a response.

Jin and Namjoon exchange doting smirks and the latter looks down at the two boys with an exuberant grin, “Well I hope you two have fun on your little date- oh no sorry, friendly hang out,” Jin looks at Taehyung with a wide eyed meaning look and Jeongguk chokes a little at the word date.

“Thanks,” Taehyung stands and brushes off his clothes, looks at an embarrassed Jeongguk with a small smile, holds out a hand, “Let’s go.”

Jeongguk takes his hand and Taehyung pulls his up, then looks to the other two who are watching with excited eyes, “All set for phase two,” Namjoon mouths when Jeongguk isn’t looking, then he passes Tae a small remote and Jin mutters, “Please press the right buttons Tae.”

Taehyung bounces on the balls of his feet and rolls his eyes, “Yea yea I will,” He flashes a contagious grin, “And thanks.”

The slytherin takes Jeongguk’s hand again and starts leading him towards the part of the village that most students don’t venture off to- the local peoples houses.

Jeongguk looks around with a puzzled face, tugging Taehyung’s hand sharply when all he does is walk further into the village.

“Tae, where are we going? We’re not supposed to be here,” He hisses when an elderly couple walks past with a suspicious side eye at them. Taehyung says nothing, too overwhelmed by the restlessness he feels bubbling in the pit of his stomach.

“Taehyung,” Jeongguk complains, trying to stop the elder from walking onwards. Taehyung swivels his head to see the others nervous face, he squeezes his hand in assurance and flashes him a tender smile, “Just trust me, okay?”

Jeongguk’s eyes turn curious and he gives a hesitant affirmative nod in response. They walk on until the edge of the village, where a small cluster of bushes and trees cover anything beyond their line of sight.

Taehyung- unfortunately- has to let go of Jeongguk’s hand to push past a throng of leaves and vines, and hears Jeongguk’s surprised gasp behind him.

“Um well, Jin and Joon actually helped me set this up and- and it’s not much but I know you love muggle movies so- hmp!” He gets tackled to the ground in a big hug and laughs loudly as he brings his arms to wrap around Jeongguk’s waist.

“Taehyung,” Jeongguk puffs on a delighted laugh, eyes bright, looking around happily, “I love it.”

It, being a small clearing just beyond the village edge, shaded by tall handsome trees and little blooms of red and orange flowers. There’s a grey fluffy blanket on the forest floor, along with several pillows and drinks.

A huge white screen hangs from between the two largest trees, suspended by strings. A projector sits right in front of it, showing off the beginning of a movie. Small glittering fairy lights are draped around the trees and ground, casting a lovely gold glow.

Jeongguk drags them over to the blanket as Taehyung takes the remote and bag of sweets from his pockets, the younger’s still drinking in the sight with a disbelieving and enraptured look, he settles down on the blanket and snuggles into one of the pillows, looking up at Taehyung and looking so beautiful in the dim light that the slytherin is left speechless for a second.

“What are we watching?” Jeongguk asks curiously when Taehyung- yes!- manages to press the correct buttons on the small- and very confusing- device.

Taehyung bites his lip, crosses his fingers in hopes Jeongguk likes his movie choice and takes a deep breath.

“Well uh, last christmas, you said your favourite movie was, Love Actually?” Seeing Jeongguk’s downright baffled expression- jaw dropped open and everything, Taehyung begins panicking, rambling, “I- I know it’s not christmas yet but like I thought it would still be nice,” Jeongguk stares at him with tears glistening in his eyes, “Oh my god don’t cry please, do you not want to watch it? I can find something else to do-”

“You idiot,” Jeongguk sniffles, rubs his eyes with balled up fists and lets out a choked laugh, “How do you remember something I mentioned for like two second so long ago?”

Taehyung frowns- of course he remembers what Jeongguk’s favourite things are, how couldn’t he, when he spends a lot of his time attentively listening to every single thing Jeongguk says, “Of course I remember,” He says matter-of-factly, like it’s not a big deal he recalls random thing the hufflepuff said fucking years ago, “I pay a lot of attention to you.”

Jeongguk slaps a hand over his mouth and lets out a boisterous laugh that seems to escape him without his consent, he lips wobble and his eyes shine.

“You- I can’t believe,” He trails off in quiet giggles and shakes his head, blush bright and easily noticeable even in the small amount of light they have.

Taehyung laughs along with him and gets comfortable on the mess of blankets and cushions, finally allowing the movie to start.

Taehyung tries not to ask too many questions while they’re watching but really can’t help it when he doesn’t even know what many of the props are- Jeongguk gets frustrated and slaps him, tells him to either shut up or leave (Taehyung shuts up).

Half-way through the movie, Jeongguk’s head has migrated and made its way onto Taehyung’s chest, and Taehyung’s arms are wrapped around the other octopus style.

Jeongguk begins to complain but Taehyung knows he doesn’t mind because he glares at him when the slytherin tries to pull away- Taehyung’s incredibly fond.

Later on in the film Jeongguk starts blubbering and sniffling, “Mark’s a creepy and rude prick, but the cue cards scene is so,” He pauses to wipe his tears, “Cute. He loved both his best friend and Juliet enough to walk away,” He pouts when Taehyung doesn’t even attempt to stifle his laughter.

“Stop laughing at me,” He whines when Taehyung just buries his face in Jeongguk’s neck to freely chuckle, “It’s sad okay!”

He struggles out of the unrelenting hold Taehyung has on him to throw multiple pillows at the slytherin, who can’t help but tease him.

“Aw,” He squishes Jeongguk’s cheeks, who looks just plain offended by the action. Taehyung coos at his adorably soft cheeks and jutted out lips, squeezing harder- Jeongguk makes a startled noise and grabs his wrist to pry Taehyung’s hands off his face. He pouts as he rubs his red cheeks and pushes Taehyung away from him.

Taehyung suddenly feels like crying- but like, good crying. Because he can’t comprehend how fucking cute Jeongguk is, and just wants to hold him and cuddle him forever and ever.

The younger still has a disgruntled look on his face as they settle down again to finish off the remainder of the movie. By the end of it, Taehyung still doesn’t know what the fuck happened in the film, but Jeongguk’s beaming happily as he stretches out his arms and legs with a content yawn, “That was so good.” He grins.

Squashing down the open affection that threatens his face, Taehyung pulls out three packages and hands them to the younger, who looks dumbfounded and confused, “Oh my god Tae, you’ve already brought me so much today what are you doing-”

“Just open them, please,” Taehyung interrupts, silenting praying Jeeongguk likes the gifts.

First Jeongguk pulls out still warm bottles of butterbeer- something that he ‘oohs’ at and opens immediately. He gives one to Taehyung with a warm grin and Taehyung’s heartwants to beat out his chest.

The next gift makes Taehyung fidgety, he bites his lip and shakes his leg in an attempt to play down the nervousness he feels.

Jeongguk lets out a giggle and shouts, “Beignets!” He gingerly picks up a piece of the pastry and takes a bite, eyes focused on Taehyung the whole time.

Taehyung holds his breath, “Well?” He urges, “Are they okay?” Jeongguk just continues chewing, taking an even bigger bite before he’s even finished swallowing the last one, Taehyung sighs in relief, “I take that as a yes.”

Jeongguk just nods with wide eyes and offers a beignet to Taehyung, holds it in front of his mouth with an expectant look that Taehyung takes in stride.

He opens his mouth and allows Jeongguk to feed him the beignets with loving eyes- distinctly in the back of his mind he realises this is exactly what the couples in Madam Puddifoot’s were doing, and mentally slaps himself for thinking it looked too sappy or gross. He’d let Jeongguk feed him like this for the rest of his life if the other boy wished to do so.

After they’ve finished having their share of sweet treats, Jeongguk reaches for the last package, which is much bigger than the others.

He looks inquisitively at him, and Taehyung just nods his head as an encouragement, “Go on.”

The hufflepuff carefully peels back the wrapping paper and peers through the little hole, “Gguk, just open it properly."

Taehyung laughs at Jeongguk’s playful huff. Then the boy rips open the wrapping in quick movements and gapes down at the gift with wide eyes.

“What the fuck, wow,” He says breathlessly, hands lightly skimming over the glossy wood.

An antique bronze and gold gramophone sits proudly in the middle of the dark green wrapping paper, a shiny vinyl record already placed carefully on the turntable.

Taehyung wrings his hands together, throat clogged up in anxiety, “It- it was my mothers,” Jeongguk’s head snaps up, “I was supposed to give it to you for your birthday but um,” He chuckles nervously, “Chickened out I guess,” He pauses then continues hesitantly, “Do you… like it?”

Before he’s even finished his question, Jeongguk’s shouting out, “Yes!” He stands up and throws his arms around an unsuspecting Taehyung, giggling airily.

It’s warm- the hug. Jeongguk is warm.

The chilly November air is now muffled by the blanket that Jeongguk has draped over him, so it’s not cold. But Jeongguk's warm.

The kind of warm that brings comfort and makes you want to snuggle in a large fluffy blanket and drink steaming hot chocolate together.

The kind that makes you wanna smile and let out small giggles into his neck and allow him to hold you tight so all you can feel is him.

The kind of warmth that makes Taehyung dream of autumn because he realises in that moment that he loves autumn because he loves Jeongguk.

Taehyung pulls away- just an inch or two, but it still has Jeongguk letting out a whine in protest and all the slytherin feels is Jeongguk Jeongguk Jeongguk.

He holds out a hand- soft smile on his face, heart beating fast, "Come with me."

It's time, Autumn whispers to her companions and children, an adoring and excited smile on her face, Get ready.

~

The lake glitters and gleams from the faint glow of the moon, reflective in the reds and oranges of the trees and blacks of the night- a vast canvas for the view.

The water ripples and twinkles in time with the stars above, the whole scene is both wonderful and slightly frightening.

Deep hues of the lake seem endless and unforgiving, threatening to pull you in if you get too close to the sodden muddy grass.

But the world around is teeming with life. Even in the late night, a chorus of birdsong can be heard from the skies, a long howl from deep inside the forbidden forest makes Taehyung shiver and press closer to the Hufflepuff, who loops his arms through his and smiles radiantly at him.

Taehyung sucks in a sharp breath and holy fuck Jeongguk always looks beautiful but now- now he's looks absolutely magnificent.

He stands with his back facing the moon, a white glow framing his hair like a halo, an angel. His skin looks like it’s sparkling- clear and flawless. His lips, still so glossy and so red and so kissable.

And his eyes- oh his eyes shine brighter than the moon itself, looking deep into its depths Taehyung can swear he sees galaxies in those big doe eyes of his.

The dark brown radiating the warmth of an everlasting hearth, just the sight of them setting Taehyung’s heart ablaze in a flame of affection and love.

They come to a stop at the edge of the forbidden forest, just next to the Black Lake. A small breeze giggles in Taehyung’s ears and he knows that autumn is watching too. Can feel it in his soul.

Jeongguk looks around with analytical eyes but there's nothing to see but darkness besides the weak glare of the moon and the little specks of light that can be seen from inside Hogwarts.

Taehyung takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, the nerves from before making an unwelcome appearance again.

A battle rages inside of him- one part telling him to flee lest he fuck this up, the other, though much louder, urges him gently.

Do it before Autumn ends, before the vibrant tints of the leaves disappear and Jeongguk gets that sad longing look in his eyes again- the one where he wishes Autumn was back again.

His eyes open and he takes out his wand, waves it twice. The dark night is suddenly illuminated by the fiery light of several flames- casting an orange glow in the picturesque scene.

Small jars stand in attention like troops ready to march into battle, their flames flickering in that vulnerable way fire does, but they remain strong even though the wind threatens to blow them out- proud little soldiers in a world too big and too messed up for their kind hearts.

The candles are in the formation of a huge heart- cliche he knows, but as Yoongi said, Jeongguk’s a romantic. And Taehyung dearly hopes and prays he appreciates the sentiment.

Taking the gramophone from a frozen Jeongguk’s hands, Taehyung sets it gently on the grass and places the needle on the vinyl.

A small scratchy noise erupts first before a smooth melody of guitar chords take over. The tune is sweet and soft, the night is lively and autumn is beautiful.

Jeongguk is beautiful. Taehyung’s never been more in love.

He holds out a hand- soft smile on his face, heart beating fast, “Would you care to dance?”

The younger just watches with a hand over his mouth, big eyes glistening with unshed tears and Taehyung tries not to choke on his own sob that wants to wrack through him.

So many years have gone by, where he thought of this exact moment- in his dreams it was perfect but unrealistic.

Because in his dreams he was brave and cool and he gave the most love filled confession in the way he thought was okay- flirting.

Flirting- which he now realises makes Jeongguk disregard Taehyung's fond looks and lingering touches. His little smile that he reserves only for the Hufflepuff, the one that's matched with intense eyes and a tender expression.

He disregards Taehyung's actions and words because he doesn't think he's serious. And though Taehyung wants to be mad he can't find it in himself to do so because it's his fault.

For knowing Jeongguk as well as he does and to look past the definitely more than friends relationship they have but not look deeper. He didn't risk that double and triple take and so he didn't find the absolute wonders.

And therefore he didn't go past that limit, he didn't find the bad, the ugly, the harsh winds and dying leaves. He didn't look hard enough into the person he claims he loves but now he does.

He searches as much as Jeongguk does Autumn, and what he discovers shocks him but he's not disappointed, because he looks harder. And he finds what he's looking for.

A beautiful boy who’s afraid.

"My mother," He speaks softly and tenderly into the night, hand gripping onto Jeongguk’s cold ones, trying to warm them up, "Once told me about this word muggles use."

They step into the fire of hearts, eyes staring into each other's and bodies moving fluidly yet hesitantly- still afraid, still unsure. Taehyung only wants certainty, Taehyung only wants love.

Love that he lost when his mother left, but found again once he realised that anybody could be his autumn.

The first verse of the song starts, Taehyung gently grasps Jeongguk's hips, the latters hands winding around his neck.

"The word was Skinny Love," They press closer, Taehyung can feel the rapid pace of Jeongguk's heart, and knows Jeongguk can feel how his own is mirroring his.

"It means," The tune picks up, lyrics soulful and heartbreaking, "When two people love each other, but are too shy to admit it."

Jeongguk's breath hitches, his face streaked with crystal clear tears that shine in the dim light, "Yet they show it anyway," Taehyung continues, smile fond as he caresses Jeongguk's skin, wiping away the tears.

"I found out that there's a muggle song called skinny love too," He jerks his head to where the music is flowing from, "Not exactly the vibe I was going for since the meaning is sad and all but," Taehyung shrugs, "It's a nice song, for muggles anyways."

Jeongguk laughs wetly, brings his now warm hands to Taehyung's face, "I'm scared."

Taehyung nods- he knows, though his heart aches, he knows, "I am too. I'm sorry," He whispers.

The younger frowns, lips pouting- God, does Taehyung want to kiss them, "Why are you sorry?" He questions softly, swaying in time to the music.

"I was stupid- still am but whatever," Jeongguk giggles, mirth finally making an appearance in his expressive eyes. Taehyung rolls his eyes playfully and pinches his waist lightly.

"No, listen. I was stupid before, and often forgot that we're two completely different people, who love different things and want different things. I was careless," Jeongguk goes to protest but Taehyung covers his mouth with a joking glare.

"I was careless in the way I approached things. In the way I approached us, but now I think, I think I finally realise that one of the things we both love, is each other,"

His throat clogs up and he panics, hurriedly blurts out, "Unless I was wrong and you don't actually like me back and I took things completely out of proportion and then I'll be devastated and bury myself in a hole and never come out-"

"Taehyung," Jeongguk laughs, cheeks unbelievably pink, face shy but open, "And you were doing so well," He teases.

The slytherin runs his hands through his hair, feels unfathomable emotions and feelings rise in him, "Sorry sorry," They still gently sway to the music, Taehyung pulls Jeongguk closer.

"Right uh, where was I- dammit I knew I should've memorised a speech- stupid Jimin, say it from your heart he said, stupid heart."

Jeongguk looks incredibly amused and entertained, doesn't try to interupt him and Taehyung knows he's expecting something more so he continues after inhaling deeply to calm himself.

"Okay um, well. We- we love autumn too. You love it, you adore it. Your eyes light up when you see the falling leaves and, and when we're outside you always smile like your whole world's complete," He pauses midway in his rambling, breathing fast, "So… Here."

The song finishes and he takes a step back- much to Jeongguk's dismay.

Taehyung laughs at his affronted expression and accios a stack of white cards into his hand from where they were laying on the forest floor.

Jeongguk gapes, "Oh my god."

"Well I'm not gonna do the whole Carol singers thing cause you know, its not christmas and I'm definitely not leaving you just saying, but, oh fucking hell why is this so hard," Taehyung's mentally slaps himself, heart beating way too fast to be healthy- the things Jeongguk does to him.

He shows the first card.

I think we both know what we feel

He shows the second.

Autumn feels it too

He shows the third.

I know you love her

The third card slips from his hands to reveal the last one.

And I love her cause I love you

Before he's finished putting down the last card Jeongguk's throwing his body against his, and Taehyung lets out a surprised noise before hugging back, laughing under his breath.

"You're such a dork," Jeongguk wails, burying his face in Taehyung's neck, "I love you too Tae."

He pulls back, and Taehyung doesn't realise he's crying as well until Jeongguk's wiping his tears away.

"You said before, that your mum was your autumn. Well you-" He tilts his head, face trying to say something he can't, "You're my autumn."

Warmth and overwhelming love fills Taehyung's heart and he doesn't know what to say so he just hugs Jeongguk tighter, "I'm sorry it took us so long to get to this."

Jeongguk hums, "We really are both idiots aren't we?"

Taehyung laughs and Jeongguk laughs with him, "So I'm thinking I really want to kiss you right now."

Jeongguk reels back, eyes surprised, "If, if you want?" Taehyung continues, fearing he'd said the wrong thing.

But the younger only surges forwards with determination and when their lips meet it's everything Taehyung dreams about and more.

So much more. Soft, warm, loving, fireworks in his stomach and stars in his eyes.

The moon shines ever so brightly in the sky, the stars cheer, the leaves dance happily from their branches and the wildlife celebrates the love of two young boys who really don't know what they're doing but want nothing besides each other.

Autumn smiles.

~

And so Autumn watches as the two boys progress in life with a soft expression.

The day after the confession, Taehyung waltzes into the Great Hall, where most of the students are peacefully eating breakfast, and proceeds to kiss Jeongguk in front of everyone.

There are gasps and cheers, gold coins being passed around at the teachers table- but no one is particularly surprised.

The loudest cheers come from five boys- who hoot and clap and stomp their feet with huge smiles on their faces.

“Well it’s about fucking time,” Hoseok beams, ruffling Jeongguk’s hair- who is still a bright bright red from Taehyung’s kiss.

“You know you really should be thanking us,” Jimin comments dryly, though there’s no denying the fond look he has in his eyes, “We practically did all the work while Romeo here was too busy pining over you.”

Taehyung proceeds to protest profusely- promising Jeongguk that he did most of it- he swears!

Autumn rolls her eyes playfully.

A few weeks later and Taehyung is feeling Jeongguk deprived. Like he’s suffering from withdrawals.

Yoongi slaps him over the head and tells him to quit being an insolent prat and just go see the boy if he’s that desperate.

“I’m not desperate hyung, Gguk’s studying and told me not to disturb him. But I just haven’t kissed my lovely beautiful precious boyfriend for nineteen hours. Nineteen hours! A tragedy! The universe hates me, I tell you, hates me!”

And Yoongi, poor Yoongi, has to listen to Taehyung’s whining for two whole hours until he gets up and drags Jeongguk over to the Slytherin common room himself- where he then has to watch with an utterly tortured expression as Taehyung attacks the giggling younger with long wet smooches all over his face.

Autumn giggles along with Jeongguk.

They walk near the Black Lake on New Years eve, hand in hand, cuddled close for warmth. Green grass can no longer be seen, instead a powdery white has settled over the grounds, coating everything and anything in its crystalline presence.

Jeongguk talks animatedly about how he used to skate over the frozen lake near his home with his childhood best friend, with a longing look on his face. Taehyung’s totally not jealous- no nope definitely not.

He tries to impress Jeongguk by stepping onto the iced-over lake and skidding around- ends up falling flat on his back and sliding over to where Jeongguk’s watching amusedly on the shore, arms crossed and face knowing.

The slytherin comes to a stop right next to Jeongguk and quickly adjusts his position so he looks cool- lying sideways, one knee bent and legs crossed, a hand holding up his head. He smirks lazily at Jeongguk, “You come here often?”

“You dork!” Jeongguk bursts out laughing and doesn’t stop until Taehyung pouts and pulls him down so he falls against the ice as well.

Except, the ice breaks, and Jeongguk is left spluttering and shivering as he’s dunked in ice cold water.

Taehyung gapes before trying to leg it. Jeongguk hexes him.

Although Autumn is long gone, she still watches over them, laughing exasperatedly at their shenanigans.

The Hufflepuff is stressed. Exams are right around the corner and he spends most of his hours pouring over his books and sobbing into his hands.

Taehyung takes one look at his boyfriends physically and emotionally exhausted state and determinedly drags him away from his studies despite Jeongguk’s protests, “You need to take better care of yourself Gguk, you’re on the verge on collapsing, c’mon at least eat.”

They have a fight. Jeongguk insists he’s not hungry and just needs to study and Taehyung just wants him to be healthy.

They argue until Jeongguk sobs so hard that he falls. Taehyung wants to pitch himself off the astronomy tower.

That night they lay tucked in Jeongguk’s bed, the younger clinging onto Taehyung and the latter stroking his hair softly, gently.

He keeps apologising and Jeongguk ends up shutting him up with a chaste kiss, whispering that it’s okay. He’ll take better care of himself now, he promises.

“I only want the best for you darling,” Taehyung mumbles as Jeongguk lulls into a well needed sleep.

Autumn looks down with a sad expression, wishing the best for both of them.

Jeongguk finishes his last exam and is so happy that he tackles Taehyung the second he spots the other and they go tumbling onto the floor. Jin and Namjoon complain irritatedly as they giggle between each other, ignoring them.

“It’s like we’re fucking invisible or something,” Jin whines, then whirls on Namjoon, “You know what, we’re gonna be a couple now. Joon, hold my hand!”

Namjoon stares wide eyed with a baffled face, and Taehyung and Jeongguk burst out laughing as they watch Jin harass and even try to blackmail Namjoon into being his boyfriend.

Taehyung kisses the top of Jeongguk’s head and hugs him closer, “Well done darling, I’m proud of you.”

Autumn beams happily.

Jeongguk’s lounging on his bed, minding his own fucking business and reading a book, when suddenly a voice speaks from above him.

“Hey.”

He shrieks and chucks the first thing he sees in the direction of the voice- which so happens to be his heavy hardcover book.

“Ow!”

Taehyung sits nursing his head, wincing as Jeongguk scolds him and seemingly forgets about his injury to slap him in the exact place he hit.

Taehyung lets out a pained groan as Jeongguk gasps and begins apologising profusely, kissing his head multiple times.

Then the younger huffs and says he’s mad at Taehyung. The Slytherin pulls Jeongguk down on top of him and rolls them over until he’s hovering over a red and flustered Jeongguk, “I’m sorry my love.” He whispers regretfully and places a small kiss on Jeongguk’s nose.

Jeongguk scrunches his nose second, trying to suppress his giggles by pouting angrily, “No shut up I’m supposed to be mad at you.” Taehyung just stares down at the boy- forehead aching, but completely and utterly smitten.

Autumn covers her mouth to smother her laugh and looks away- the moment’s almost too intimate to be witnessing.

Taehyung grins, wide and happy and excited, as they get off the train. The summer holidays have officially begun.

The excited Slytherin turns to his lover, face faltering when he sees how Jeongguk watches him with a slightly constipated expression.

“What? Are you okay? Is there something on my face?”

Taehyung frowns and touches his cheek self-consciously. Jeongguk’s quick to shake his head, hand reaching out to poke Taehyung’s cheek, he looks down, suddenly shy.

“No it’s just-” He peers up from beneath his lashes, Taehyung’s breath hitches at how beautiful he looks, “Your smile is pretty,” Jeongguk says earnestly, looks away and hides his face in his hands.

Taehyung’s heart speeds up and he feels his own face warm up, he takes Jeongguk’s wrist and and pulls his hands away from his face, presses a quick kiss to his lips.

“You know this smile only exists when I’m with you right?”

Autumn raises an eyebrow, what a sap.

The air is chilly, the trees are dressed in bright colours, the ground is shaded in vibrant hues of orange and red and yellow.

Jeongguk giggles delightedly as a small breeze tickles his face and ruffles his hair. Taehyung wraps an arm around his waist and looks out to the Black Lake, head leaning on the younger's shoulder.

They sit in a pile of auburn and burnt orange and enjoy each other's presence- soft kisses are exchanged from time to time, Taehyung still flirts like his life depends on it, they stare at each other with adoring smiles on their faces.

Autumn’s here again, though they both know she was never really gone- always watching over them because they love her like they love each other.

~

“Tae?”

The Slytherin hums slowly to show he’s listening, not looking up from where he’s furiously scribbling down points for his transfiguration essay.

There’s silence for a couple of long moments, and it makes Taehyung frown and he peers up to observe how Jeongguk seems to be struggling to say something- mouth opening and closing repeatedly, brows furrowed, mouth pinched in that cute way it does when the boy gets frustrated.

Taehyung puts down his quill and pushes his work away from him, turning his full attention to the Hufflepuff, who scowls and mumbles to himself in annoyance.

“Darling,” Jeongguk startles at the pet name, cheeks redding into a lovely blush even after a year of being called that- Taehyung grins at his reaction, reaches out to stroke his warm skin, “What’s wrong?”

Jeongguk leans into the touch, eyes fluttering shut as he sighs, “Nothings- nothing’s wrong, I just wanted to ask,” He’s fidgeting now, body squirming in what Taehyung takes for nervousness and he tilts his head curiously, hand cupping Jeongguk’s face gently as he hums in encouragement.

The younger boy struggles with his words for a few moments, expression conflicted and he looks like he’s debating with himself on whether or not he should say what he wants.

Taehyung moves closer to him, fingers gripping his chin as he cranes Jeongguk’s face up to look at him.

“C’mon,” He teases, “What you waiting for, next year?” Jeongguk rolls his eyes at that, shoves him away lightly as he clambers onto Taehyung’s lap- who falls back against the sofa with a surprised sound at suddenness of the actions.

He relaxes quickly enough though, body untensing, and he curls his arms around Jeongguk’s waist, sighing in content when the boy instinctively moves closer, tightening the hold his thighs have on Taehyung’s hips.

“Baby,” Jeongguk says seriously, Taehyung glances up at him and has to suppress a laugh at the expression on the others face.

He receives a harsh slap to his chest, one that makes him burst out in laughter. He tugs the disgruntled boy closer, squeezing his cheeks until his pink mouth is awkwardly pushed out and he’s whining in complaint.

Taehyung’s not listening- not when there’s pretty puckered lips in front of him, just begging to be smooched. So he does- places a feather light kiss onto Jeongguk’s mouth, snickering when the latter whines and struggles out the fierce grip he has on his face.

“Come on,” He murmurs, places another kiss, this one with slightly more pressure; Jeongguk’s breath hitches audibly and Taehyung smirks against his jutted out lips, “What do you wanna say?”

When the boy finally, finally, is released- not without a couple more disgustingly soft and wet kisses of course- he pouts and oh. His cheeks are so so flushed. The outline of Taehyung’s hands visible, a red that’s even darker than the one that stains his cheeks.

Jeongguk rubs his face with a deep scowl aimed Taehyung’s way- Taehyung tries his best not to coo out loud, lest he wants to face the wrath of a pouty and sulky (adorable) Jeongguk.

The Hufflepuff is back to being shy, his fingers twidling and twisting the hem of the oversized green sweater he has on- it’s Taehyungs, the boy stole it from him months ago and he looks so fucking cute in it that Taehyung donated half his bloody wardrobe to him after that day.

“Taehyungie,” Jeongguk speaks again, “You know last year? Um, what- what did you smell? In the amortentia?” He asks slowly and hesitantly, head ducking in an attempt to hide his blushing face.

Taehyung can’t help but snort and break off into a fit of laughter, “Seriously? That’s what you were so shy to ask me about?”

He giggles amusedly, staring at a now glaring Jeongguk with loving, fond eyes. God the things this boy does to him, might as well be six feet under with all the heart attacks he gets.

“Hey!” Jeongguk scowls and crosses his arms angrily, sliding off Taehyung’s lap- much to the Slytherin’s utter dismay, “I just, wanted to know.”

And he looks so flustered and nervous at the prospect of perhaps Taehyung didn’t smell anything akin to him back then that Taehyung immediately feels bad.

He grabs Jeongguk’s hand and interlocks their fingers, squeezing in comfort as he draws the boy in.

“You’re so cute,” He crowds around the boy, pinching his cheeks and places sloppy kisses on every visible inch of his face until Jeongguk’s giggling loudly and trying to push him away.

“S-stop!,” He laughs louder when Taehyung bites his cheeks, squeaking and jolting away in alarm. Jeongguk glares at him, but it’s harmless really, with his big sparkling mirthful eyes and crimson cheeks.

Jeongguk snatches Taehyung’s hands so they stop touching him and pushes his face away with a groan when Taehyung just tries to bite him again, “Stop biting me! I am not cake!”

When Taehyung gasps, it’s loud and dramatic, “Oh my god,” He exclaims, eyes wide, “Jeonggukie! I- i knew it!”

Jeongguk sighs deeply and mutters a petulant ‘bloody hell’, before Taehyung’s floundering again, “All this time! You see, I had my suspicions, but, but I wasn’t sure,” He groans and leans impossibly close to Jeongguk’s face- pokes his cheek experimentally.

“I should have known,” He looks up, meets his boyfriends done and frankly, unimpressed expression with a look of serenity.

If jeongguk didn’t know better, he’d have thought Taehyung saw a fucking angel or something with the way he’s acting as if he’s discovered something marvellous.

“Taehy-” The slytherin cuts him off by kissing his cheek loudly and obnoxiously, then licking his lips after with a thoughtful look on his face, he hums, thinks some more, then gives a resolute, firm nod. Jeongguk raises an eyebrow in question.

“Cake,” Taehyung helpfully supplies, smile mischievous and purposeful- smug motherfucker.

“Oh my god- shut up you twat,” God does Jeongguk hate him, he says as much, and Taehyung just struggles not to cry and scream over the adorably affronted expression on his boyfriends face.

The slytherin grins again, pulls Jeongguk closer until they’re practically on top of each other, “Answer the question please,” Jeongguk pouts, biting his already red lips in a bout of sudden anxiety. Taehyung’s endeared, so unbelievably endeared, and can only huff out a rise of laughter.

“Darling,” He begins, voice soft and fond enough to grab Jeongguk’s attention, doe eyes rising slowly to meet his own tender eyes- he sees a whole galaxy.

“Baby, angel, precious, sweetheart,” The Hufflepuff gapes, tips of his ears a deep pink and Taehyung can feel the heat coming from him at the use of the pet names he knows makes the boy shy and giddy.

He moves closer, hand cupping a soft cheek and marvelling at how perfectly it fits into his palm.

“Darling,” Taehyung whispers again- voice devoid of any playfulness, forefinger stroking lightly underneath Jeongguk’s eye, “Firstly, amortentia is just an infatuation potion, it does not tell one their true feelings."

Jeongguk frowns but Taehyung quickly shushes him and continues softly, " But what else would I have smelt, if not your everlasting, divine, sweet scent?”

Jeongguk’s eyes widen, shining and reflective in the bright light of the warm fire that they sit aside, his lips press together, “Hyung-”

“What,” Taehyung places a delicate finger over Jeongguk’s shiny lips- they part under his touch, his eyes wider than ever before, an emotion akin to pure overwhelming love reflective in them, “else would I have smelt if not the scent of everything that makes me happy?

“Autumn,” He says quietly as he traces a heart on Jeongguk’s cheek, looking deep into the others celestial eyes and giving a small smile, “You. Of course it’s you Gguk- it’s always been you.”

When Jeongguk surges forward with a small noise, their noses bump together awkwardly and they erupt into a fit of quiet giggles and chuckles.

Taehyung runs a hand through Jeongguk’s hair, savouring the silkiness and fluffiness of it, smiling at the content little sigh Jeongguk emits when he continues his administrations.

The younger reaches out and touches Taehyung’s face with the pads of his fingers, hand moving so he’s gently cradling the slytherin’s face.

Their lips meet in a kiss- innocent and sweet and soft and God does Taehyung’s heart do cartwheels when he feels Jeongguk’s hands slide from his face to his shirt, bunching it up between his hands and holding Taehyung in place.

The Slytherin can’t help but smile into the kiss, lips stretching wide enough that Jeongguk has to pull away with a huff. “Stop smiling,” He tugs at Taehyung’s shirt- firm and demanding.

When Taehyung just laughs some more and coos at him, he scowls, “Give me a kiss.” He demands it with another harsh pull of Taehyung’s clothes, says it in that petulant and bratty tone, tilts his chin in defiance, eyes blazing in a way that stirs competitiveness in Taehyung.

The boy uses this particular tone when he thinks Taehyung will deny him something- oh how wrong he is. Because, who is Taehyung, to refuse, to deny, his darling, when all he’s asking is for a simple kiss?

Who is Taehyung, to deny Jeongguk anything, when he knows he will raze the world two times over if the other asked it of him?

So he obliges quickly- of course he does, hands settling on that small dainty waist he could write entire sonnets about, and he pulls Jeongguk in slowly. The other’s mouth is fixated on his lips, his eyes full of determination and want and Taehyung’s heart sort of wants to beat out of his chest at how cute Jeongguk looks.

This time, the kiss is pressed with more pressure, it’s still innocent enough, still maintains that softness that is them, always them- because they can’t be anything other than soft soft soft. Soft giggles and soft hugs and soft songs and evenings spent out in autumn’s breeze cuddled up in a soft blanket.

They pull apart moments later- Taehyung tries to kiss him again, he gets denied of the kisses he wants and he can only pout when Jeongguk leans further away from him, holding him back by pressing his hands against his chest.

“I smelt you too you know,” Jeongguk says, arms looping around Taehyung’s neck and his fingers begin fiddling with longer locks of hair that adorns Taehyung’s head.

The touch is gentle and soothing, urges Taehyung to lean fully against Jeongguk’s chest, buries his face in the soft sweater.

“Yes,” He comments drily, amusedly, “Seeing as I was present at that time, I think I realised.”

“No shut up I’m not done,” Jeongguk peers down with a glare, hands pulling Taehyung’s hair once, harsh enough to elicit a groan of pain from the elder, who sits up and rubs the back of his head while pinching Jeongguk’s hip.

Jeongguk giggles and smiles angelically at Taehyung, his hands never stop trying to pull him closer again. “You said, autumn. And yea. I smelt everything autumn and everything you. But I- I was scared that perhaps you didn’t, you know, smell me too. And I was terrified that everything we had was just gonna fall apart after that.”

Taehyung’s heart cracks under the soft, regret ridden voice of his boyfriend and his throat feels clogged up.

“Baby,” He sighs, a sigh that suspiciously like a huff of laughter.

“I flirted with you every chance I got, I even told you I knew what I would smell, I set the school on fucking fire because you weren’t talking to me. Heck, I even carried your heavy ass up a million flights of stairs- God,” He groans when Jeongguk tries to cut him off.

“I can’t believe I went through all that and you still didn’t realise how much I loved- love, you,” Jeongguk makes an indignant noise, eyes rolling, though the tips of his ears are a bright shade of pink, and his eyes look shinier than before.

“Well to be fair, your flirting mainly consists of sex jokes so how would I have realised,” Jeongguk sniffs, haughty and with a pointed look aimed Taehyung’s way.

The Slytherin gasps, slaps a hand over his chest in feigned hurt, “Well I’m sorry that I was simply trying to express my love for you in a unique, profound, life-changing way-”

Jeongguk laughs, high pitched and bright- his eyes crinkle and his lips form the bunny smile Taehyung’s ever so fond of.

“Not life-changing, jeez, Tae- ew no,” The Hufflepuffs too overridden with endless laughter that he can barely form a sentence. He clings onto Taehyung’s arm, fingers grasping tight and relentless, as if he needs to hold on to him in order to stay afloat.

The elder just watches with a small smile and loving, openly affectionate eyes as Jeongguk tries calming himself down, fanning his warm face and gulping down air.

Alas, though his laughter ceases, the huge smile on his face lingers, as if he is unable to get rid of its presence.

Taehyung feels a buzz in his mind and stomach and heart, a buzz and warmth that he only associates to Jeongguk- can only associate to Jeongguk because he is everything warm and light and beautiful in Taehyung’s world.

“Please don’t doubt my love for you,” The slytherin says as earnestly as he can. His hands find their way to Jeongguk’s, wraps together and locks their fingers in a gentle, familiar hold. He squeezes once, expression soft when Jeongguk just looks at him with bright eyes, “It’s the only thing I am sure of.”

“Oh Tae,” The younger utters- a hush whisper that’s filled to the brim with unfathomable emotions. And if Jeongguk’s voice is filled with emotions, then Taehyung’s positively overflowing with them- they threaten to drown him and never release their hold.

Taehyung shifts so he and Jeongguk are face to face on the plush sofa they reside on, eyes aligned, noses brushing, lips inches from each other.

The elder places one warm hand on his lovers face and gently caresses the soft skin, revels in the pleased hum it gets him.

“You are unlike no other darling. From the moment I saw you, when you were still a little first year- you came up to me with those big round expressive eyes of yours, and lively, curious face and from that moment you drew me in.

“I do not have an explanation as to how you drew me in, you just did. I was fascinated by you- still am. You have always possessed this.. Gravity, that I have never been able to overcome. But I don’t think I want to.”

When Jeongguk sniffles, it’s loud and his pretty lips are downturned into a displeased expression, “Shut up,” He glares, face streaks with shiny pearls of silver and Merlin, does he look ethereal in the moonlight that filters through the small stone arched window- face rivaling that of an angels, eyes the moon itself, dark hair a glittering like a halo.

“One second you’re being dumb and annoying and the next you-” His face crumples with the next onslaught of tears that flow out his eyes and Taehyung just cups his face, lovingly kissing his pouting mouth- once, twice, three times.

“You’re so pretty lovely. So wonderful, so deserving of everything the world possesses and more.”

Taehyung’s shoved away with a flustered whine that makes him quirk his lips amusedly, unbearingly fond.

“God, why do you always, make me cry, you prick- you stupid, dastardly, hot prick. I hate you,” Jeongguk wails, rubbing his eyes furiously, still putting on a show of fighting against Taehyung’s advances on him.

The elder grabs onto the boys wrist and places a tender kiss on his knuckles- effectively making the boy freeze in place, breath hitch and cheeks redden.

“Come on,” Taehyung whispers softly, holds a hand out to Jeongguk- smile doting and ever so happy, “Let’s go say hi to Autumn, shall we.”

Jeongguk- still pouting and sniffling and muttering to himself how much he hates Taehyung, still places his hand in the others, still allows himself to be pulled up and into a loving embrace, still hugs back and makes sure to tell Taehyung he loves him too by kissing him endlessly.

And they make their way down to the Black Lake to greet Autumn, who delightedly greets them back.

♡