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The first time Jeongguk sees Taehyung, he's only nineteen.
Nineteen and overwhelmed by the noise of the crowd, the atmosphere, the elbows digging into his sides as his friend Jimin drags him to their seats. It's dark, a hush falling over the audience in anticipation, and then it's so bright; lights flashing and cheers sounding from all around.
Jeongguk, seeing as it had been his first concert, doesn't have an idea of what awaits him. But even though Jimin had talked about the upcoming show for hours prior, Jeongguk hadn't been prepared to have the best night of his life.
Maybe the best is an exaggeration, but Jeongguk had been awestruck upon Taehyung's presence. He would later thank the gods for peaking Jimin's interest in the idol's debut showcase, enough to choose his concert as the planned celebratory event for getting into college.
Jeongguk's fingers had itched for his camera as they watched the show. Nothing had triggered the urge to keep a moment in his pocket like seeing Taehyung, new to this world of fame, play with the crowd. Although they weren't very close to the stage, Jeongguk felt himself fall for Taehyung's character as if he had been the girl in first row who had been winked at by Taehyung.
He fit in with the lights, the stage, everything. It was a scenery Jeongguk wanted to capture in better quality than his eyes could, mind reeling about how stunning the idol would look if captured in just the right second.
When Jimin ranted to him about how much he liked it on their way home, Jeongguk could only nod.
That had been almost three years ago, and ever since the night they watched the fireworks go off after Taehyung's performance, he had made it his mission to show the world more of the idol's beauty.
Juggling college work while photographing doesn't sound like the easiest life, but a well worked out schedule of Taehyung's schedule on an excel sheet and supportive friends make it bearable. Thus, he's earned some money from posting the pictures online. Not that Jeongguk cares about recognition. Getting to take pictures of his muse and receive love for it is rewarding enough.
And it's thanks to his growing follower count and dedication to saving up money that after so many months, Jeongguk is able to afford the ticket to not only Taehyung's next concert, but also the adjoining hi-touch event.
Maybe he cries about it on Twitter and bothers his friends about it for days to come. But it doesn't compare to the excitement blooming in his chest the less time is left until the concert.
Jeongguk wishes he could say he got the perfect shot tonight. But they all turn out to be somewhat blurry. He blames it on how shaky his hands have gotten throughout. Eventually he gives up on taking pictures, enjoying the concert itself entirely for the first time in a while.
It distracts him for a bit, but as soon as the concert ends and Jeongguk has to head towards the nearby location of the hi-touch, he’s starting to shake again. It’s a good type of nervosity though, a pleasant reminder that something exciting is about to happen.
It's organized, but hectic nonetheless.
Jeongguk gets in quite soon, the line moving at a steady pace. There's a moment where he fears he'll wake up any second and realize it was only a dream. Nothing happens. Life goes on, the noise around him loud enough to show that it isn't a dream.
He's there, Taehyung is there, and Jeongguk will touch his hand. See his pretty moles up close. It's an unreal feeling, and Jeongguk relates to the girls shuffling in line before him. Once Taehyung is within sight, Jeongguk's brain shuts down instead of gasping along with the other fans in line.
Seeing him stand in this room, around other people, is so remarkably different to seeing him on stage up close. It seems more personal. More real. That he's just a human, an incredible, beautiful human, but a human nonetheless, not a winged entity floating over the stage. He's within reach like this, a graspable concept.
In a physical sense too, the more the line moves. Jeongguk can see his face well by now. He's dressed in the same clothes as for his last stage, presumably having gotten here right after. Jeongguk immediately feels much more appreciative of him, knowing it must be exhausting to go from a concert to the next scheduled event.
Although he must be tired, it doesn't show. He's still a star, something entrancing about him even in this simple room, no stage lights or backdrops to accentuate his presence. Jeongguk doesn't pause one second to consider he may be the only one experiencing such a pull towards the singer.
His hand is tingling by the time there are only four people in front of him left. Jeongguk watches them touch their hand to Taehyung's for a split moment, thankfully keeping to the regulations (not that the security placed all over would leave room for any other thoughts).
In a flash, it's Jeongguk's turn. His breath catches in his throat when their eyes lock first, Taehyung always being so attentive to his fans. He reaches his left hand out to go in for the gentlest high five he can manage within the two seconds given to him. Before he knows it, their palms have touched.
Jeongguk almost jerks his hand back as if burned. There was - did Taehyung give him an electric shock? But it had felt much more intense, and it wasn't painful either the way those are supposed to be. Instead, it felt like lightning passed through his whole body at once, a spark beginning from the spot where their skin touched.
Taehyung is equally stunned, his hand still hovering mid-air, and Jeongguk is confused and wants to ask if the same happened to Taehyung too, but then the line is moving, and people are pushing into him, and he can see security look up at the commotion from the corner of his eye, so he stumbles away, neck twisting, unable to tear his eyes away even as he's ushered out of the door.
The encounter stays in Jeonggk's mind, to say the least. He replays their meeting in his head over and over again until it's branded into his eyelids, haunting him even when he's trying to sleep. But perhaps haunted is the wrong word.
It didn’t feel bad. No, it had felt wonderful, just right. What makes Jeongguk tense and worried all week after are his own emotions. The confusion and denial of what occured back then. It's a lot to unpack.
Of course Seokjin notices right away. Jeongguk has always been an open book, and Seokjin doesn't ignore problems once he knows they're there. As his older brother, he knows Jeongguk just needs a little encouragement to vent his pent up emotions.
And that's what he does, spills it over lunch on a Wednesday afternoon. Seokjin listens attentively, nodding along the way as if the situation made any sense. Which it doesn't, of course. Jeongguk chooses to ignore the only logical explanation expertly.
"Do you want to know what I think?" Seokjin asks.
Jeongguk nods, desperate to be told he's making all the false assumptions and scenarios up in his head.
“I think that you know that we both know what’s going on here,” he concludes, giving Jeongguk a sharp look.
Jeongguk ignores the mess of words, fully aware that not responding only proves Seokjin’s point.
“I won’t push you,” Seokjin reassures him, “I’m sure things will sort themselves out. Just don’t worry your cute head off.”
Jeongguk shoves dessert into his mouth, faking a grumpy expression that earns him a flick on the forehead and the admonishment that he should be thankful for the advice.
Jeongguk almost doesn't go to Music Bank the following week.
The encounter has left him nervous and somewhat unsure. It's a lot to think about, and usually Jeongguk would spend hours considering it and somehow weighing his emotions, but today he decides to push himself. Besides, he feels it's his duty and he doesn't want to keep the people anticipating his pictures waiting.
And maybe there's another factor having a lot to do with the feeling in his stomach. It's queasy, and has been bothering Jeongguk since a few days ago, but he hadn't wanted to call Seokjin about it again.
That's how he finds himself standing amongst the masses of people waiting for Taehyung's arrival. An outlier, since he doesn't want to squeeze himself between the shouting bodies. He's confident in his abilities, knowing some distance won't keep him from taking a good shot.
Camera dangling from his neck, he's probably recognized as a fansite, or a very young reporter. He's been approached by fans before, but prefers to stay to himself. There has been an incidence where he passed out sets of photocards he had printed out, but he hasn't had the time recently.
Once the crowd becomes louder, he knows it's time for Taehyung to come out. Jeongguk quickly slips around the fans to poise himself by the edge of the gates, camera poised in his hands by the time he hears the first shutter sounds.
A chorus of voices calling Taehyung's name rises, and with it Taehyung appears after a row of security, as if he had been summoned. Jeongguk lands the first shot, barely breathing as Taehyung approaches at notable speed.
Music bank exits are usually fast, especially since there's impatience radiating off the awaiting fans, causing the scene to be more hectic than necessary. Also, entrances allow time for media photos.
Jeongguk can't seem to focus. He's normally at it at lightning speed, but today his finger hovers above the shutter.
Suddenly, Taehyung is looking at him. And it's like he had been searching the crowd for something until he spots Jeongguk, eyes increasing in size.
His step falters and Jeongguk is staring, camera forgotten in his grasp. He almost drops it as his hand goes to reach for his stomach, then chest with one hand, something coursing through his body.
Almost tripping into the metal bars, he can't help but lean forwards, towards Taehyung. They don't break eye contact for one second, and he's sure Taehyung recognizes him. He sees it in how he seems to linger in place, something flickering across his eyes.
He hopes it's not obvious who Taehyung is looking so intensely at while practically not moving forwards at all, having gone from a speedy walk to almost standing in place.
The wind rushes in Jeongguk's ears. Or maybe it's his blood with the way his heart rate has picked up over the past minute. Taehyung nearly mirrors Jeongguk's stance, one of his hands hovering in front of his abdomen as if he feels it too.
But it can't be. It can't be, yet it feels so right and not enough at the same time. Jeongguk wants to break down the barrier and reach for Taehyung's hands, ask him if it's the same for him. Instead he's frozen, unmoving as the whistles from the crowd become mute.
The world goes on, it has to. So once again Taehyung is nudged away before they can cause a scene. The man trying to pull Taehyung along spots Jeongguk, and it makes him take a step backwards. He doesn't want Taehyung's management to file him as a stalker, worse, blacklist him. Jeongguk doesn't think he could survive not being allowed near Taehyung.
Especially now that he feels the intense craving in his chest to be close to him.
They're headed in the same direction, to the fansign Taehyung will attend in two hours. Jeongguk takes a break, considers calling Seokjin to describe the encounter in detail. He wants to add that he feels dizzy again. But he knows what Seokjin will say. Jeongguk isn't ready to acknowledge that whole thing just yet.
The sick feeling continues to plague him throughout the day. Seeing Taehyung fixes it momentarily, but Jeongguk notices immediately that something is off. He's not his usual sunny self, something keeping his smile from being entirely authentic.
When he thinks no one is looking, Taehyung's face falls, and he looks so unhappy that it hurts Jeongguk. He doesn't take any pictures, not meaning to be disrespectful, and knowing that other pictures of this day will be posted by others anyways.
Being so filled with worry about the state of Taehyung's health, he almost loses track of his own. But he begins to notice his own pain again as it starts to increase. There has been a light ache working its way up his chest since breakfast, and while Jeongguk had been expertly ignoring it, it has grown. Now it demands for attention, searing hot and uncomfortable.
In the back of his mind, Jeongguk knows medicine wouldn't help. He knows what his body longs for is a person, but it's a new feeling and somewhat intrusive, and Jeongguk is scared. Not of him but the circumstance. The irrational fear of rejection is one that Jeongguk best copes with by paying it no mind.
It almost physically hurts to deny himself the contact as it's time to go. Jeongguk hadn't gotten a ticket for an album signature in his distraught condition. In hindsight he's glad, not wanting to seem pushy by appearing before Taehyung twice in one day.
He's still packing away his camera when a man approaches him. Jeongguk notices his suit and ear pieces. A manager. He panics, absolutely panics internally, but wills himself to remain calm. A normal guy who doesn't behave like a sasaeng.
"Hello," the man says, "may I see your ticket please?"
Jeongguk scrambles to pull it from his neck and hand it to the man. He eyes it for a split second and nods.
"Jeon Jeongguk? Follow me please."
Jeongguk's brain melts. His legs feel like jelly as he swings his bag over his shoulder to trail after the manager. The man escorts him into the rooms at the back of the location, seemingly dressing rooms.
Jeongguk swallows, afraid although he doesn’t have any reason to be. The tug in his chest tells him all he needs to know about where they’re going. He doesn’t need the man to guide him. But he lets himself be guided anyways, all the way to a door leading into a small room.
It could be used as a large wardrobe, coat hangers dangling by the side and seating accommodations available, but Jeongguk blends out his surroundings as soon as he spots Taehyung. He doesn’t notice the manager behind him slip away and out of the door as all of his focus gathers around Taehyung.
There is a flower crown still sitting on his head from the fansign. It has the same effect as a halo, adding something angelic to Taehyung's look. Maybe he's just a figment of Jeongguk's fever after all, as unreal as he looks. Suddenly the idea of having passed out during the fansign and experiencing a fever dream of meeting Taehyung doesn't seem so unlikely.
Taehyung watches him intently, and if Jeongguk weren't so in awe of his beauty, it would have him looking to the floor any other day.
"Hi," his deep voice says, "Jeongguk?"
Jeongguk, admittedly, adores Taehyung's voice and has fallen asleep listening to his v-lives. Hearing Taehyung say Jeongguk's name is something he never thought he would experience. Yet here he is, just across the room, speaking to him.
"Yes. That's me," Jeongguk responds, voice too high for his liking.
"Can we talk? Would that be alright?"
Jeongguk breathes in, the nerves suddenly flooding back in now that he has accepted the situation; that Taehyung is here and wants to talk to him, and that they both know why.
"Of course," he tells Taehyung.
Taehyung unclasps his hands, motioning for Jeongguk to sit on the cubicle across to him. Jeongguk walks slowly, not trusting his legs to give out under him. It's a relief to sit down, but his heart doesn't slow its beats with Taehyung sitting a meter away.
The thing in his chest grows and warps, but it's not nearly as painful as it had been when Jeongguk was at a farther distance. It still pulls him, them, together. Instead of feeling starved, something impatient tingles within Jeongguk now. Something anticipating.
They're so close, Jeongguk could easily reach out to touch Taehyung. Curious to see whether Taehyung has the same struggles, he observes the idol carefully. Nothing indicates distress, but his left leg bounces a little and his fingers are firmly pressed into the edges of the seat, as if to ground himself.
It's silent. It would be awkward if the air wasn't charged with suspense and obvious attraction.
"Hi," Taehyung finally repeats, breaking out into a smile.
This hi is different, and Jeongguk understands. He's not being greeted as a stranger that Taehyung had asked to talk to in private - no, this was a hi directed at Jeongguk , like Taehyung is welcoming his other half into his life.
"Hi again," Jeongguk responds nervously.
Something about Taehyung's aura has always been intoxicating, Jeongguk knows this. He has an incredible presence, easily putting anyone under his spell. It's one of the reasons his popularity rose so fast and why Jeongguk didn't hesitate to select him as his muse.
Similarly, Taehyung has always had a soothing effect on Jeongguk. Not only because he's a comforting person as someone Jeongguk admires and cares for, but also because his face is so gentle. Kind, eyes alight with benevolence. Even now his posture seems inviting. His voice is deep and relaxing, sounding like the taste of hot chocolate.
And so the near sedative effect Taehyung creates takes over. It may also have something to do with their meeting being natural. Being in each other's presence being a predestined event. Taehyung is supposed to awaken these sweet, calming things inside of Jeongguk.
“Your nose is so cute,” Taehyung compliments him then, and it breaks Jeongguk’s inner peace.
It must be very visible how it affects Jeongguk because Taehyung’s eyes grow wide, his hands flying up as if to prevent an accident.
"Oh my god, I'm sorry. Are you okay? I'm sorry, I shouldn't have-"
"It's alright!" Jeongguk wheezes.
His cheeks must be burning red, and it only becomes worse with how worried Taehyung looks for his well being.
"It's fine, I swear," Jeongguk promises, "just caught me off guard."
"Sorry, I just," Taehyung is back to fiddling with the sleeves of his shirt, "noticed."
The air is back to being loaded with unsaid thoughts, and Jeongguk feels the urge to break it immediately and fill Taehyung in on the exact details of his life.
"You noticed me?"
It sounds stupidly hopeful, and Jeongguk calls himself a fool for being so insecure about their fate.
"You felt it too, right?" Taehyung finally asks.
Jeongguk nods.
"Yeah," he confirms, "of course I did."
Taehyung smiles, unabashed but as if he’s holding himself back so he won’t scare Jeongguk again.
"You're probably expecting this, but - I want to see you again."
Jeongguk nods for the umpteenth time, trusting his muscles more than his mind to form a coherent sentence.
"Yes," he manages to say, "me too. Yes please."
Taehyung grins, shoulders lifting up. It's so genuine and so sweet, and it's meant for Jeongguk. Jeongguk did that, made him smile like that. It gets him giddy all over and he can't help but reciprocate.
As there’s a knock on the door, Taehyung apologizes again, revealing that he’s short on time.
"I - I'll be in touch. Definitely. So don't worry, alright?"
Jeongguk believes him. Taehyung looks ready to leave, but Jeongguk isn't satisfied yet. Something tells him the craving in his bones won't ever be satisfied, but Jeongguk can only do so much, so he acts quickly before Taehyung reaches the door.
"Taehyung"? Please touch me again.
Taehyung turns, and Jeongguk wonders if he's thinking the same. If their minds are as connected as their bodies seem to be already. Jeongguk stretches his arms, palms facing upward in a silent request.
Taehyung's face blooms with the intensity of his smile, and it's the most stunning one Jeongguk has seen on him so far. He doesn't wait for Jeongguk to process the plea he had just made instinctively and grabs his hands with such determination that it fuels Jeongguk's confidence.
Their hands clasp together tightly, and it's an instant shot of every happy chemical known to mankind, like injecting happiness directly into his veins. Jeongguk gasps with the intensity of the warmth, fatigue draining from his body within seconds.
Taehyung's hands are warm and soft. The rings which adorn his slender fingers are a beautiful contrast to the bold lines of Jeongguk's tattoos. Jeongguk doesn't ever want to stop holding Taehyung's hands, doesn't ever want to stop touching or holding Taehyung and he can't imagine what it's like to touch him anywhere else, feel his body pressed against Jeongguk's.
They're standing so close together that their foreheads almost bump as they watch their intertwined hands in amazement. It's a simple gesture, no great physical spectacle, but the emotions of comfort and security it invokes are overwhelming.
Jeongguk has heard that the first few touches between soulmates tend to be especially powerful, and he cherishes sensation as much as he can.
Taehyung is close enough for Jeongguk to smell his flowery scent, and it's like an anesthetic to his brain, warding off any negative thoughts and fears. Jeongguk vaguely remembers Seokjin telling him that one's senses can heighten when around their soulmate, bodies being especially open to receive their presence.
It feels just like that. Taehyung sighs. He must be feeling equally relieved of his pain. The touch of a soulmate not only fulfills the desire to be with the other, but also recharges any additional energy lost during a stressful time. In a way, it contradicts itself; without touch, the bond would cause weakness and fatigue, but with it, it brings more spirit and liveliness than anything else, a cure to other symptoms of bad health as well.
They seperate all too soon, Taehyung having a schedule to follow. Jeongguk pouts, unhappy with having to let go, but Taehyung promises him once more to stay in touch. Jeongguk almost asks how, since they haven't exchanged any means of personal contact, but then he remembers that Taehyung has an entire team that could find his social media in a heartbeat.
He receives the letter a few days later. It arrives in neat packaging, a purple flower attached to it. Jeongguk knows who it's from immediately, almost passing out from excitement as he shows it to Seokjin.
He had informed his brother about their first proper meeting, and Seokjin had only nodded, deeming it obvious that they would have met sometime very soon.
"He's so sweet," Jeongguk had gushed, adoration for Taehyung seeming to flow from him more rapidly than usual.
Seokjin has to be used to Jeongguk venting his love for the idol by now, but this week has been bringing next level amounts of it. It's a Taehyung love fest, really. But Seokjin, being the best brother he is, doesn't fail to listen to him once. He has to know the importance of this moment, the joy that comes with this vital part of one's life in their world.
The letter, which had contained a ticket to Taehyung's next concert, is now stored safely under Jeongguk's bed. Next to his journal, where he will undoubtedly profess his feelings for Taehyung a thousand more times in the days to come. Jeongguk knows they've barely talked once, but he's overly content with their progress already. He's overjoyed to have met his soulmate at such a young age, allowing for more time for them to grow and learn together.
Although the concert is two weeks away, it doesn't create any ache within Jeongguk, as he knows that they will meet again soon, and the glee of their meeting still lingers.
-
Back when Taehyung was still nervous about going on stage, getting his makeup done used to provide a good distraction. Many would call it uncomfortable, but to Taehyung, feeling the brushes and smelling the cosmetics and creams was soothing.
Now that the stage had become something like his second home, a distraction wasn't necessary anymore. Tonight is different. Tonight, the nerves are there, and they're clawing at Taehyung's abdomen.
But it's not because of the roaring fans he can hear outside, or the blinding lights. It's because Taehyung is waiting. Waiting for the boy with the gentle eyes and toothy smile. He knows Jeongguk has been to concerts of his, countless probably. He has seen Taehyung perform more times than he can remember.
Tonight is different because Taehyung is now aware of Jeongguk's presence, and its meaning. His soulmate. It's new, thrilling, to even just think the words in his head. Jeongguk, his soulmate. He tests the sound of it for the fifth time this evening, trying to make it more real, progressing it.
Sometimes good things are equally as hard to let sink in as bad ones.
When Jeongguk had finally looked up back then, hair falling out of his eyes and properly meeting Taehyung’s eyes for the first time, Taehyung’s heart missed a beat. Or perhaps it started to beat at last, like the missing piece to his life had filled his chest.
The familiar, speedy beat of his heart, all the signs of being nervous, they're there again as Taehyung watches the stylist comb his hair. It causes him to have thoughts he usually doesn't bother with, like will Jeongguk like his style tonight? His voice?
He wants to put on a show for Jeongguk. Present himself as worthy of his attention, it's only natural.
Taehyung thinks back to what his best friend told him. To have faith in the bond, but most of all the person. Taehyung's soulmate couldn't be someone judging, not that Jeongguk gave him the impression. But it feels nice to reassure himself that this is it, they're made for each other. Taehyung trusts Jeongguk.
It eases his nerves when he's ushered towards the stage and into the center of everyone's attention. There's a rush that comes with standing on the stage, and Taehyung welcomes it. Welcomes his fans.
Without meaning to, he casts close glances at the faces in the crowd, scanning. It's during the middle of the show that he finds the person he's always meant to find, among any crowd.
The surge of energy he feels as their eyes lock lifts him up, bewinging him. Jeongguk watches him with big eyes. He has brought his camera again, but similarly to the other day, he's only holding it. Relentlessly focussing on Taehyung.
Taehyung looks away, heat crawling to his face, almost missing the next line. Being an idol, having the attention of countless people is a given. But there's something intimate about being so intently watched by a single person.
The rest of the night passes in a blur. Most concerts do. Taehyung never wants them to end, especially not tonight. It takes all of his will power not to jump off the stage and leap into Jeongguk's arms.
Having to go backstage, leave him again, it seems punishing. Rolling away in a car, away from Jeongguk. He leans against the window as the night flashes by. It's cold outside. Taehyung wishes he had Jeongguk by his side to hold his warm hand.
Back home, Taehyung usually collapses, heading straight for his bed. Today he heads towards his laptop, curiosity driving him to open Twitter. Jeongguk is a fansite, this is a fact. Although he hadn't been taking many pictures in the times they've seen each other, he must surely have an account to share them.
It takes Taehyung a record-breaking twenty minutes to find him. What made it easier was that Jeongguk seems to be rather popular amongst fansites, his follower count astonishingly high. But once Taehyung scrolls down to view his pictures, it makes sense.
He's seen press photos of himself. Seen himself in the media and in ads. Jeongguk's pictures of him are nothing like those. They hold emotion. Does Jeonggguk see Taehyung this way? Is he as beautiful to the younger as his pictures portray him?
Those questions and more occupy Taehyung's mind as he lies in bed that night. There's also the ache in his stomach. It's the same as previously, causing Taehyung to feel sick. Nauseous, almost. Before he eventually succumbs to sleep, he musters up the courage to open the link to Jeongguk's personal account linked below his contact information.
His finger hovers over the button to send a direct message for a few seconds, but then he does it. It ends up being something along the lines of,
hey, it's tae
i may have asked my managers to find your social media i swear it's not as creepy as it sounds
anyways
i dont want to scare you off or anything but
is it starting to hurt again for you too?
like it's not exactly pain but i dont feel good and i know its because i need to be around you
so i thought about it
and i could propose an invitation i guess
to my home?? haha
if that doesnt scare you off we're really meant to be
no but i hope you understand it's difficult to have a good time in public when there are cameras shoved into your face
i hope you consider it
sleep well jeongguk
Waking up to a message from Jeongguk saves Taehyung's morning. And day. And week. The entire time until the day the two of them agree to meet on.
Taehyung reads their conversation at least once daily. It's not obsessive behavior, he's just excited. Maybe a tiny, healthy bit obsessed. But getting to know your soulmate is an exciting thing, and Taehyung tells himself he has every right to freak out over it.
Jeongguk looks just as charmingly boyish as before when Taehyung opens the door on the day he had anticipated. He's dressed in all black again, strikingly handsome even though his clothes are casual and his hair loose and unstyled. His lips are a pretty cherry red, and in the two seconds it takes for Taehyung to finish taking Jeongguk's appearance in, he's already wondering if it's natural or if Jeongguk likes to use makeup.
As enthusiastic and fast paced as his mind is, the smile Taehyung gives Jeongguk is shy, reserved like the younger's pose. Jeongguk smiles back, and it immediately helps broaden Taehyung's.
"Hi," he greets Jeongguk, stepping to the side to let him in.
"Hi," Jeongguk greets Taehyung back, sounding a little breathless even though the house Taehyung lives in has an elevator.
Without second thought, Taehyung pulls him into a hug. It's instant, the way his body recharges, energy flooding his and Jeongguk's bodies. It feels right, and Taehyung sighs in content when he feels Jeongguk hug him back.
The fatigue of the last week dwindles, becoming meaningless as he can finally be in contact with his sun again. When they part,Taehyung closes the door behind them slowly, stepping backwards to give Jeongguk space to adjust and overcome the (good) shock of their hug.
He carefully eyes his surroundings, taking his boots off slowly and placing them next to Taehyung's most used sets. Taehyung closes the door behind them slowly, smiling at the organized way he arranges his shoes.
Jeongguk had been so sweet, respectful, from his behavior to the way he sat on the chair as they talked in the waiting room at the fansign. Taehyung had wanted to take his hand too badly. So he did.
And now that boy is standing in his apartment, eyes glistening as he looks around, spinning to catch every angle of the room. It makes Taehyung giggle, and he almost doesn't notice that Jeongguk is asking him a question.
"Doesn't it ever get lonely here all by yourself?"
As soon as he asked it, Jeongguk goes stiff, a bashful look taking over his face.
"I'm sorry. That wasn't appropriate."
"No! It's fine! It is quite the large space for one person, isn't it?"
Jeongguk nods, looking relieved. He does a little turn, flopping his arms.
"I may not show it, but I'm actually burning up with excitement."
It evokes a laugh from Taehyung and it's also when he knows that this is going to be easy. That there is no reason to stress or fret. Being with Jeongguk is easy.
It comes to them naturally. There is no awkwardness from their first meetings lingering anymore. Taehyung shows him around the apartment, and Jeongguk compliments it, large lonely space or not.
Jeongguk stays for dinner, of course. Doesn't hesitate to accept when Taehyung dares ask him. It tickles in Taehyung's stomach, a happy burn in his chest. Any symptoms of separation have disappeared, replaced with the fulfilling feeling of completion that comes with spending time with your other half.
They end up discussing their interests over dinner. Taehyung tells Jeongguk the rather short story of what had led him to want to become an idol. Jeongguk listens attentively, nodding, immersed into the story as if there was some greater meaning to it.
Taehyung has been playing with the thought for a while, but then he does ask Jeongguk why he chose to photograph Taehyung. It makes Jeongguk shy. His shyness quickly transfers to Taehyung when Jeongguk goes into a longer monologue about what he finds fascinating about Taehyung. His eyes take on a dreamy glow as the word muse slips into the conversation, and Taehyung doesn't know what to do with how cherished he feels.
One, or two, or three hours later (the concept of time melts the longer they talk) they find themselves on Taehyung's couch, immersed in a discussion about Taehyung's Spotify playlist. Jeongguk pulls his own phone out, and they compare their taste in music.
It turns out, they share more interests than Taehyung had initially hoped for. The phrase made for each other flashes through Taehyung's mind as they simultaneously launch into a rendition of Never Not. It's funny, but then Taehyung asks Jeongguk to sing, seriously, and it makes Taehyung gape.
From their hours of talking, Taehyung knows Jeongguk is talented. But the subject of singing somehow hadn't been brought up. Jeongguk's smooth, gentle voice easily becomes Taehyung's favorite sound. He can't stop praising Jeongguk afterwards, watching the younger's ears turn red.
They end up holding hands, Taehyung reaching for Jeongguk's dainty ones in an attempt to end his flusterment after teasing him for turning red. It ends up flustering both of them even more, but they don't let go.
"Hey, Koo?"
"Mh?"
"I'm," Taehyung has to pause to sort all the words he wants to say, "thankful. So thankful. Thank you."
Jeongguk giggles at his awkward wording.
"I know what you mean. I feel the same."
"I'm glad."
Later, after they spend the next hour singing their favorite songs in duets, Taehyung makes sure Jeongguk gets to his car safely. It's a five minute escort, but Taehyung enjoys it nonetheless. It's not a painful goodbye since they've already agreed on their meeting. Nothing that Jimin would deem "exciting" happens, but they share a happy, knowing expression, carrying the joy the day has brought on their faces with pride. It's enough to let Taehyung know everything is perfect.
Way enough for there to be a second date, and a third, and a fourth, and all the times afterwards.
-
Taehyung couldn't be any happier. Living the life of an idol and receiving love every day may be one thing contributing to his constant happiness, but nothing has made him glow these days like Jeongguk.
He thinks about it a lot when they meet. What a relief it is to be destined to share his life with such a wonderful person. Nothing beats the euphoria of holding Jeongguk's hand, falling into his embrace after an exhausting day.
It gives him an idea. They haven't talked about making their relationship public yet, although it's obvious that they both want to let the world know they've found each other. Posting a cover seems like a discreet enough way to appreciate Jeongguk in front of his fans.
Taehyung doesn't mention it being dedicated to anyone, but it's a song that holds much meaning to both of them. He knows Jeongguk has seen it and understands when the younger crashes into his studio in the middle of the same day to thank him.
It's the same day that they agree to publicize their love. Jeongguk writes a long letter on Twitter, and Taehyung posts a picture of Jeongguk calling him his other half.
Thank you for completing me.
♡