Chapter Text
Jungkook is a hopeless romantic. The first time he understood the concept of soulmates was when he turned five when he overheard some older kid talking about it in the playground. When he went home that day, he asked his mom about soulmates, how, and where to find one and to say that he was disappointed really didn’t do it justice. He bawled his eyes out, even though he didn’t even understand what a soulmate is when his mom said he would only find out about it until he turns twenty and hears them sing inside his head. As he grew older and finally understood better about its concept, Jungkook, being the romantic that he is, started to practice singing, at first for the sake of not embarrassing himself when his soulmate heard him later but he eventually fell in love with singing and decided to pursue it as a career.
“You’re adding more songs to your potential love songs for my soulmate list?” Jimin plops down beside Jungkook on the couch, eating his second bag of chips today. “How many are there now? Twenty?”
“Twenty three , to be exact, hyung.”
His family and closest friends know that he took this matter very seriously. Jungkook always tries to do his best in everything and that includes choosing the best song he will sing for his soulmate when he turns twenty.
“Your birthday is soon so you have to decide soon.”
“Don’t put too much pressure on me, Jimin-hyung,” Jungkook whines, bottom lips jutting out in a pout. “Not everyone has the perfect love story like you and Tae hyung.”
“I’ve been summoned.” Hair still damp and a towel clinging onto his neck, Taehyung gave a peck on Jimin's lips before squeezing himself in between his two friends. “We’re on the soulmate topic again?”
“I mean you’ve been friends with each other basically your whole life and the first thing Tae hyung heard on his birthday is you , singing him a happy birthday song holding a cake.” If his hyung lived in the era when soulmate concepts just got discovered, Jungkook is pretty sure they would be the prime example.
“I mean we’re just lucky,” Jimin shrugs.
“Yeah, just lucky.” It’s not news anymore that Jungkook is pretty much jealous of what his friends have. “What if—”
Suddenly, Taehyung’s big hand is squeezing Jungkook’s cheeks, stopping him from saying whatever what-if scenario he’d spit out. “Nope. I’m pretty sure the universe will give you an amazing person as your soulmate.”
“The only what-if I allow on this damn couch is what if your soulmate sucks at singing?” Jimin snorts when he sees Jungkook rolling his eyes.
“I don’t care. They’re still my soulmate.”
“Jimin-ah, you know he’s head over heels about his soulmate. He won’t care about details like that.”
Taehyung and Jimin's reputation is being that type of soulmates— Disgustingly cute, sometimes unbearable-kissing in your face and anyone who stays near them would pretty much be that ‘excuse me some of us are singles’ meme. They consider themselves lucky as it was easy for them to meet, basically having been around each other years before they knew they were soulmates.
“Like how am I supposed to find them though? We’re not able to sing our names, places we’re at and all that. Such a complicated world.”
“You’ll get bald if you try to put logic in that, Jungkookie. You’ll meet them eventually. It’s just how the world works.” Jimin pats Jungkook's head, smiling, while Taehyung pinches his cheeks, trying to make his pout gone.
“If they don’t want me then—”
“Then you’re joining us,” Jimin says, cutting Jungkook off.
Taehyung chuckles, easily nodding despite Jungkook's confused look. “Agree.”
“I really don’t understand you both.”
---
To be honest, the one being worried-sick about not having a soulmate is Namjoon only. His parents and his closest friends are being optimistic about the whole ordeal. Five years is a long time to wait for your soulmate, at least that's what Namjoon thinks, although a big age gap is common. It still makes Namjoon anxious when all the people around him already found theirs. Not to mention almost all Namjoon’s past relationships (although not much) ended because his partner finally met their soulmates and even though he understood that, as Namjoon would probably do the same if he found a connection more than a platonic one with his soulmate, it's still heartbreaking no matter what. Even to the point that Namjoon promised himself not to date anyone again because he knew everyone will leave him in the end.
What scares him is the possibilities of why he hasn’t heard anything from them. Of course, it could be an age gap, but then again Namjoon doesn’t know when exactly his soulmate will turn twenty. What if after more years of waiting, there’s actually no soulmate at all waiting for him?
He's really on the verge of giving up on this whole soulmate thing. He just needed to admit that sometimes life doesn't give everything you want and move on. After all, Namjoon is now studying to get his master's degree and working part-time as a TA too, he should probably focus more on that instead of pitying his own self every chance he got.
“September is coming soon and like every year, you’re thinking about your soulmate again more than any other day, huh?” Jin sits beside Namjoon with a huff, giving him the coffee he just bought on his way to the park.
“How come you always knew what I’m thinking about, hyung? You sure you don’t have mind reading abilities?”
"I wish," Jin chuckles. “I asked Yoongi and Hoseok if they want to tag along but, clearly …”
Namjoon snorted. He had this conversation way too many times to not know what his friends are doing. “Cuddling.”
“It gets hot sometimes to cuddle two people.”
“Better than no one to cuddle, hyung.”
Jin chokes when his coffee goes into the wrong way, even some ended up in his nose, leaving him gasping for air as his hand desperately holds onto Namjoon’s sweater. “Oh god Joon-ah, that’s depressing.”
“Tell me something I don’t know, hyung,” Namjoon pouts. “You got not one, but two soulmates and I’m here probably having no soulmate.”
“Hey, like I said multiple times, I’m sure the universe won’t fuck you up too bad, Joon.”
Namjoon knows his friends are aware of how privileged they are by having two soulmates and it didn’t take a long time for them to find each other. Some might find Namjoon dramatic. Even sometimes Namjoon finds himself being too dramatic over this matter but the wait is getting unbearable.
“You know my parents aren’t soulmates, right? And they’re doing amazing.” The now warm coffee slides down Jin’s throat, giving him a sense of comfort. “So even if you don’t have one, which I doubt, you’ll find someone who’ll love you even without the ability to hear them sing in your head.”
Namjoon sighs. "I think I'm just gonna give up and move on with my life."
Jin's hand stops midway, cup of coffee hoveringa his mouth. "Joon," He simply says. There's sadness in his eyes but Jin knows Namioon wouldn't want him to pity his best friend. "I want you to be happy."
"I want to be happy too," Namjoon winces when he notices the tremble in his voice. "Maybe just a different way from most people."
"I'm sure you'll find someone who makes you happy. Whether they're your soulmate or not."
"Yeah, maybe after this I could finally put all my focus to my studies and work."
Namjoon indeed is serious about his studies and work and that’s also what brought him to know Yoongi who also teaches as a part time job and studies for a master's degree like him. After they became friends, he eventually knew Seokjin and Hoseok too and his life quickly changed as if all three of them had always been a constant part of his life. Somehow he's a little bit happier around them.
An hour ago, Namjoon sent the group chat a message, asking his friends if they’re up to have a morning coffee with him which is not a rare occasion. After all, they understand how Namjoon works, the way he copes with his feelings, and how nature brings him peace.
Yoongi and Hoseok would probably call him later in the day when Jin tells them what he said earlier. Maybe Hoseok would cling to him when they hang out next time but at least Namjoon already hasg a closure now.
---
“Hyung, is this class empty at least for an hour?” Before Yoongi takes another step towards the door, probably heading to eat his lunch, Jungkook stops him as he practically yanks on Yoongi’s sleeve.
“You’re going to sing here again?” Yoongi says, unfazed. “I’m not helping you if you get into trouble this time.”
Jungkook pouts, hand still tightly gripping on Yoongi’s sleeve when the older is trying to leave. “Eat your lunch here and help me choose the song.”
“That’s what you said last week.”
Yoongi doesn’t even remember exactly how he and Jungkook became friends but he remembers the shy Jungkook he met when they first knew each other. Somehow that side of Jungkook is nowhere to be seen now.
“Okay then top ten today,” Jungkook grins, purposely ignoring Yoongi’s sigh.
“I already told you that there’s a possibility that your soulmate is not twenty yet, so if you put too much effort and they can’t hear you, it’s going to be a wast—”
“But what if they can hear me?”
Since it is not the first time Yoongi has ever been in this situation, he should’ve known that there’s no use in arguing about this with Jungkook in the first place. He could leave and do what he wants but of course Yoongi will stay, just because he can (yes, he has a soft spot for Jungkook).
“Go on then,” Yoongi finally answers after closing the class’ door then sitting in one of the chairs with the lunch Jin made for him on the table.
“Okay but how come I never asked what was the song you’ve heard for both of your soulmates? What song did they hear from you for the first time?”
“Let me at least have a bite of this lunch first,” Yoongi says before eating a spoonful of rice. “I heard Jin hyung attempt at singing this one rock song.” The memory makes Yoongi chuckle. “He’s good.”
“And Hoseok hyung?”
“It was the baby shark song and he sang it with a cute voice too. I honestly thought my soulmate was a kid for a second until I remembered he’s indeed twenty.”
Jungkook's body shakes when he laughs, imagining his hyung's reaction when that happened. But then again it was something Hoseok would do so it was not really a surprise. “Okay but that’s cute.”
“Yeah, it was cute.” Yoongi says, smiling fondly while he picks at the food his soulmate made. “Okay so, how many songs do you have on your list?”
“More than twenty.” Jungkook smiles sheepishly. “What? I’ve only added five songs since last week, hyung.”
“Please don’t tell me you have a whole Spotify playlist for your soulmate.” With one last bite of his lunch, Yoongi says that without much thinking. Just a simple half serious joke but apparently Jungkook’s face says otherwise. “Wow, you really are a hopeless romantic."
"My soulmate deserves the best."
"I heard you're performing for the festival next month?"
Jungkook freezes. "H-how do you know?"
"Some students talk about it in the hallway," Yoongi smirks. "You have quite a lot of secret admirers you know."
"But—"
"But you only have eyes for your soulmate. Yes. Which you haven't met yet."
Should Jungkook be offended by that or embarrassed about the fact that everyone knows how whipped he is for his soulmate already?
"You don't have to attack me like that."
Yoongi laughs. He actually finds Jungkook and his dedication for his soulmate cute. If romance dramas were something realistic based on people's lives then Yoongi is sure Jungkook's life would be the perfect scenario.
"Okay give me the list. I have class in half an hour, Kook-ah."
---
"Joon-ah, you're late," Yoongi says, not exactly annoyed but confused since it's not in Namjoon's nature to be late at all. "Wait, are those hickeys?"
Hoseok who's busy clinging to Jin's back slumps down to the floor and quite literally sprints to Namjoon. "What the fuck?"
"What? Why?"
"You met someone?"
Great , Namjoon thought. Now everyone is crowding around him. "Yeah, why?"
Jin looks at Namjoon's hickeys with wide eyes, half amused and half terrified with how red it is. "Good for you, Joon-ah."
"What about yo—"
Yoongi nudges Hoseok's side with his elbows. To be honest, all of them are somehow still not used to this Namjoon. The Namjoon who gave up on his soulmate and started sleeping with random people from the bar. It's just something he rarely did before.
"It's all safe, Hoba. I'm an adult, you don't have to worry about me too much."
"Sorry, I was just being me, as always." Hoseok smiles sheepishly.
"Let's eat first and talk later okay? I'm hungry." Jin grumbles, clearly the one who's not entirely affected by this new side of Namjoon.
They soon fell into a comfortable silence. Only the sound of spoons and plates clinking with each other is heard throughout the room while the soulmates chat quietly, complimenting each other and being the cute triad that they are.
His friends are great, both as his friends and boyfriends for each other. Instead of feeling jealous, Namjoon feels more of a longing feeling when he sees them. What they have with each other is something Namjoon could have if the universe didn't hate him this much.
Namjoon is happy for them and fate really did wonders when they decided to make all three of them soulmates. So why does it have to be him? He just needs at least one person and he'll be content for the rest of his life. But of course even after five years, instead of his soulmate's voice, his mind is occupied with stress, what-ifs, study, and work.
After he finally says he's giving up on his soulmate, his friends ask him a bunch of questions and Hoseok pretty much asks, are you sure? every five minutes. Yoongi gave him the talk but at the end of the conversation they all respected Namjoon's decisions. Almost as if they know there's sadness visible in his friend's eyes. As if they actually don't want Namjoon to give up, for him to hold onto his hope at least for one more day. But they also don't have any evidence to convince Namjoon that he has a soulmate. The universe, soulmates , are something no one really can understand with logic sometimes. It just meant to be that way.
"Is there something wrong with the food, Joon-ah?" Jin asks while looking at Namjoon picking on his food and with his head in the clouds. Clearly something is on his mind.
"No, it's delicious hyung. I was just… Thinking of something."
"So…" Jin gulps. "Are you seeing someone serious right now or just.. You know?"
"The fuck?" Namjoon snorted. "Why are you talking like a shy teenager, hyung?"
"I don't know, I thought you don't want to talk about it."
Does he mind? Namjoon doesn't even know, honestly. More than to vent all his frustration and sadness by having a one night, he was just trying to see if he could really move on from his destiny. He's a responsible adult and knows his limits and boundaries, as well as for other people so clearly, nothing to worry about. "Well just don't ask too many details."
"Maybe Joon will find someone good for him there." Yoongi finally says, joining the conversation.
"That's true, I guess. I'm sure Joon has a lot of admirers." Hoseok smiles, resting his chin on his left hand. Looking at Namjoon always with kindness and hope, never pity. Namjoon really appreciates that from him.
"Don't speak too highly of me, Hoseok-ah." Namjoon is great at a lot of things, but one he still has a hard time with is accepting compliments.
"You don't understand." Hoseok groans in frustration. "Jin hyung, tell him."
"You're a ten." Before Namjoon could protest, Jin shuts him up with his spoon, pointing it directly at Namjoon's face. "I know because I'm also a ten, Joon-ah."
Yoongi groans, looking away from his boyfriend. He heard that probably more than thirty times already.
"Yoongichi, I know you know I'm a ten."
Yoongi is a terrible liar when it comes to his feelings for his boyfriends. Somehow, that side of him always comes out easily when he's around them— Whether it's the way he blushes, the tips of his ears turning red, or the fond smile he fails to suppress each time his boyfriends does something endearing. "I didn't say anything."
Namjoon chuckles at his friends' antics as he glances at Hoseok who's just there, chuckling with the biggest grin directed towards his boyfriend.
"Anyway, what I'm saying is. You have a great body, perfect smile, and big…" Jin hesitates for a second. "Brain."
"Hyung meant boobs." Hoseok clarified, not caring of Namjoon's whines, face already burning red.
"And dimples." Yoongi added.
"The fucking dimples."
"What do you have against my dimples, Jin hyung?" Namjoon laughs when Jin starts to try to poke his dimples from across the table but fails to do so.
"Dimples are dangerous weapons."
"I know where this is going." Yoongi glances at Hoseok who doesn't seem to notice it.
"Have you seen Hobi's lil' dimples? I need to sue him for causing me heartaches."
Without hesitation, Hoseok flashes all of them his dimples. He giggles when everyone's eyes around the tables quickly look at it. "It's a great weapon to get my way sometimes."
"Joon-ah, you really need to be more aware of how attractive you are."
"Okay Jin hyung, thanks for the pep talk. Sadly being attractive doesn't really bring me a soulmate in this weird world."
It was uncalled for. Namjoon doesn't even have the reasons to back himself up when the statement slips through his mouth just like that. He bites his lips, trying not to blurt out any more things he'll regret.
"Sorry it just slips out. Don't think about it too much, guys."
"We understand, don't worry." Hoseok gives him a reassuring smile. Even without actually saying it, all his friends know he's thankful for what they did when he sighs in relief.
"Alright, let's finish our food and move to the couch. We gotta finish that series."
"Promise not to get your snot all over my shirt again when you cry this time, hyung."
"Fine." Jin pouts. "I'll just cry on Hobi's shoulder, this time, Yoongi."
"How about on Joon's shoulder, hyung?" Hoseok suggests, teasing Jin who pouts even harder now.
"Joon, you can adopt them as your new soulmates."
---
Jungkook keeps staring at his phone, waiting for a reply from Yoongi. His thumb lightly taps on his chat with the teaching assistant and emails back and forth, to see if Yoongi even read his message. Maybe it's weird to remember random things, but Jungkook remembers Yoongi mentioned that he doesn't have class before noon on Wednesday.
It's not urgent, but Jungkook is having a problem with his project partner and they just don't work out together so he's going to ask Yoongi if he could possibly find a new partner.
Right before Junglook's about to go and buy some snacks before his next class while waiting for Yoongi's answer, his phone lights up.
Sorry kook-ah. I'm with a friend and didn't check my phone. If you want to talk, I'll be in the building D hallway. Right outside the door.
That's not too far from his class, Junglook thought. He took a long stride across the park, passing a few more buildings until he saw a familiar figure with a coffee in his hands in front of the building. A tall man wearing a beige cardigan is standing in front of Yoongi, chatting with the man. They seem close.
At first Jungkook hesitates to approach them but Yoongi catches him first and waves his hand at him. "Hi Jungkook-ah."
"Hi hyung." Jungkook bows, both to Yoongi and his friend. He's a little timid and shy around new people but Yoongi's friends seem nice as he greets Jungkook back, their hands clasped together in a firm handshake.
"This is Namjoon. He studies and works as a teacher too here." The friend whose name is Namjoon bows to him again, right hand covering the side of his neck which Jungkook thought is just him being shy just like him.
"Stop covering your hickey, he's old enough to not be embarrassed about it."
"Hyung, you really don't have to snitch on me like that."
Despite his tall and buff figure, Namjoon blushes, jutting out his bottom lips in an adorable pout and obviously avoiding Jungkook's eyes while his palm seems to stick even tighter to his neck.
It's not like Jungkook could just ignore the sight. Yes, he's all whipped for his soulmate but he could appreciate a fine man if there's one in front of him.
"So, what is it about?"
"Can I possibly get a new project partner?"
Yoongi hums. "Have you tried talking to them?"
Jungkook sighs, remembering the last three days when all his effort to make the project together were in vain. "I have– Countless times actually." He groans when Yoongi starts to quirk his eyebrows at him. "No, it's not me being a perfectionist, hyung."
"I'll see what I can do, Kook-ah."
At this point everyone knows Jungkook is kind of Yoongi's favorite student. But that doesn't let Jungkook slack around and perhaps people don't comment about it since he's doing great even without any 'favoured' help.
"Uh, so you're one of hyung's students, huh?"
"Yes." Jungkook squeaked out an answer. Fuck . This Namjoon guy has no business being so effortlessly stunning and making him flustered all of a sudden. "I'm his friend too. Right, hyung?"
"Of course. You've been to my apartment and eaten my snacks more than three times so that counts you as my friend."
Namjoon's chuckle was low, almost as if Jungkook could feel the vibration in his own chest. The corner of his lips tugging up into a soft smile, he could feel his face burning. But his thoughts wander to Namjoon's soulmate. They must've been living the best life to have someone like Namjoon by their side. It's hard to pinpoint since this is the first time Jungkook met the man, but Namjoon gives off a really warm glow, a comfortable feeling, and contentment.
"So we're the same I guess, Jungkook-ssi. Hyung lives with three people so they always have a mountain of snacks."
"Yeah." Jungkook huffed out a laugh, ignoring Yoongi's whine. "Just Jungkook is fine."
"Then call me hyung."
"Okay, hyung." Jungkook sees the way Namjoon raises his eyebrows when Jungkook scrunches his nose. Something he's always been doing when feeling pleased but shy.
When Jungkook glances at his phone, he knows he needs to go to his next class and maybe buy a little snack before that to fill his stomach. It's such a shame since he's having a great time with the other two. "Ah, I need to go."
"So soon?" Namjoon looks disappointed.
"I have class."
"Then go before you're late. I'll text you about that project partner." Yoongi pats Jungkook's shoulder a few times. "Bye Kook-ah."
Jungkook bows again before leaving, bidding them a last goodbye and turns his back on them. Walking through the brick road, stepping on some leaves that has fallen to the ground. He found himself singing in his head, deep down hoping his birthday will come sooner so he could hear his soulmate.
"So… Jungkook…” Namjoon says, glancing at Yoongi through the corner of his eyes.
"Sorry Joon, he only has eyes for his soulmate."
"N-no that's not what I mean." Namjoon blushes, of course not because of the thought of Jungkook, but simply because of Yoongi's teasing smile. "Seriously. I was going to ask how you guys became so close."
"Music of course. He asks me a lot of questions." Yoongi sips on his now already cold coffee. "He's whipped for his soulmate even though he hasn't turned twenty yet."
"Oh? He's young." Namjoon is genuinely shocked. "I feel old now, thanks."
"He's taking the first song for his soulmate seriously. I needed to help him sort it out."
It's cute, Namjoon must admit. No one knows but he used to take it seriously too. A bunch of Spotify playlists for his soulmate, neatly curated to fit the feelings he wants to convey to his soulmate. Even after five years, he still hasn't deleted any of it, probably it has become his last string of hope or maybe it'll eventually just become a bittersweet memory.
"I hope he finds his soulmate."
"Me too." Yoongi says softly.
I hope you find yours too, Namjoon-ah.
---
The night seems to be quieter as August will soon come to an end, the moon now high up in the sky, lighting down the street with its lights. Jungkook paces around his apartment, hands clasped together while ignoring his friends' protests to calm down and sit.
“I’m getting dizzy watching you, Kook.” Jimin groans, plopping down on Taehyung’s lap. “Just sit here or I won’t sing you happy birthday.”
“I don’t think that matters more than his soulmate agenda, Jimin-ah.”
Technically, it's his birthday but Jungkook finds himself more nervous but also excited about singing for his soulmate. There's no guarantee that they'll hear him, but it's worth the try, right?
"My heart is gonna burst any second, I swear." Jungoook takes a deep breath, putting his hand on his chest while trying to calm his heart down.
"One more minute, Kook." Taehyung's grin gets bigger while Jungkook bites his bottom lips harder. Jimin is worried the younger will draw blood any second. "We'll go as planned, okay? Me and Jiminie will sing happy birthday and let you blow the candle first."
"It's time!" Jimin chirps loudly, startling both his soulmate and Jungkook.
"Happy Birthday Jungkook-ah!" Suddenly hands are wrapping around Jungkook, pulling him into an almost suffocating hug.
His hyungs start to sing Happy Birthday, at some point between their laughs while Jimin is holding the cake and Taehyung claps excitedly. As Jungkook clasps his hands together, making a wish before blowing out the candle, he shuts his eyes, calling to his soulmate on his head.
"Go on birthday boy, sing." Jimin smiles fondly, putting the cake on the table and dragging Taehyung to the couch to give Jungkook some space.
Things just might work out
And that's so great
Jungkook starts to sing, voice echoing throughout the apartment. His eyelashes flutter open, purposely not looking at his friends in case he might mess up and laugh when their eyes meet.
I wanna be your happiness
Cause maybe I'm the best for you
He could feel his voice tremble. Jungkook doesn't even know why he feels so nervous when he doesn't even know if there's someone listening to him from a block away, or across the city, even the country. Jungkook promises himself not to feel disappointed when he doesn't get an immediate response, but deep down, at least he really hopes his soulmate is listening.
So I'll wait
Cause I know you're the best for me
It was exactly three days before Jungkook's birthday when he finally decided the song he'd sing tonight. After all he could always sing for his soulmate again anytime and anywhere. Yoongi said it's the cheesiest song on his list but honestly, Jungkook loves cheesy. This whole ordeal the universe let them all go through is already cheesy, so why not add a little more sprinkle of cheese?
You mean so much to me can't you see
My heart is locked, but you are the key
When the song ends, Jungkook turns his gaze to his friends who haven't made any noise at all. As expected, he laughs at the sight of Jimin and Taehyung hugging each other with one hand and a tissue on their other hand.
"Ah, hyung seriously?" The sound of sniffles make Jungkook laugh even harder. "Why are you crying?"
"I don't know the tears are suddenly… there." Jimin says between tears, trying not to bawl again but fails. "It's Taehyung's fault."
"Okay, what?" Taehyung pouts, practically drowning in tissues. Jungkook doesn't even know why he needs to use that much tissues. "It's Jungkook's fault of course."
"But you cried first, Tae."
At first, Jungkook planned to do all of this alone but of course his hyungs wouldn't let that happen. They just need to be there, give him a cake, and an extra hug like every birthday he went through after they met. It proves Jungkook that it is indeed the right decision to have them there.
"That's beautiful by the way Kook." Taehyung finally says, wiping away his tears. "So? Do you hear anything?"
Jungkook comes to a realization when Taehyung asks that question. He'd been too busy laughing at his friends, he forgot to listen to his 'head'.
"Right." Jungkook stops and tries to catch any sounds inside his head, but he could only hear his own thoughts and nothing else. "I don't hear anything."
"Oh." Taehyung and Jimin respond in union. Looking more disappointed than what Jungkook is feeling. "You sure?"
"It's alright, hyung. I already gave myself a pep talk before this so…"
"Maybe they're sleeping." Jimin pouts.
"Maybe they haven't turned twenty yet." Taehyung says absentmindedly which gets him an elbow in the side. "What? I'm just stating the obvious."
"It's okay Jimin hyung. He's right." Jungkook is well aware of it and somewhat it doesn't make him overly disappointed. "I'll wait for them."
---
Namjoon's breath hitches. The moment of shock overwhelms him, like a bolt of lightning just struck outside his apartment and made a loud thunder sound. The pen he's holding clatters to the floor as it rolls under his bed. He stares blankly, not actually focusing on anything with his mouth agape, still processing the beautiful melodies he just heard inside his head.
When the voice stops singing Namjoon finally realizes how blurry his vision is. Like moving underwater, it feels heavy even just to move his hand to his now wet cheeks. He pinches his cheeks, just in case it was some kind of fever dream and he was only hearing things. But when Namjoon winces in pain, it's enough confirmation that he did just hear his soulmate sing.
Namjoon knows he should be happy right now, jumping on his feet in glee, or singing back to his soulmate to make sure they know he's here. He has been here for almost five years now, waiting for them to sing any day and night, even just one note.
"God, why now ?" Namjoon huffed out a bitter laugh, not sure what he should feel right now. After he found his own closure, decided to look for love the other way and started to feel comfortable with how he lives his life now, the universe decides to dump all this information to him.
This is what you've been waiting for, right?
The questions keep repeating itself inside Namjoon's head but Namjoon doesn't seem able to answer it. Maybe he's bitter and angry at the universe and whoever up there is writing his fate because why does it need five years and for him to give up his hope for them to finally let Namjoon hear his soulmate. If his soulmate did just turn twenty, then they'll have a five years age gap. Would they be able to make it work?
All the questions make Namjoon's head spin. His book is somewhere under his blanket after he tossed it a few minutes ago. It's past midnight and his mind was pretty much already occupied with worries about his exam already before he heard his soulmate sang. Namjoon groans as he flops down on the bed, hoping the soft sheets would lull him into a deep sleep.
---
"Joon, wanna hang out tomorrow night?" Yoongi is walking ahead of Namjoon out of the hall. His sleepiness seems to fade away once Yoongi gets fresh air and not the coldness from the air conditioner.
"Sure." Namjoon says as he takes bigger steps, trying to catch up to Yoongi.
Suddenly, Yoongi comes to a halt, making Namjoon bump into him and almost lose his balance. He turns around ever so slowly while he looks at Namjoon narrowly.
"What?"
"You're not going to the bar?"
"Um, I actually haven't been going there for two weeks." Namjoon smiles sheepishly, averting his gaze from Yoongi's shock expression.
"You're seeing someone?" The tone of Yoongi's question is laced with accusation.
Namjoon almost chokes on his own saliva, flailing his arms in front of Yoongi while he tries to compose himself. "No! I just don't have time."
He's not a good liar and everyone knows that, but then again what Namjoon just said is not entirely a lie. With his packed schedule of teaching, grading, his own exams and papers to write, Namjoon had basically stayed cooped up in his apartment. Though the bigger reason is because of his soulmate. There's no written rule that he can't sleep with people before you meet your soulmates and yes, Namjoon said he gave up on all these soulmate things. But if anyone were to be put in his shoes, it wouldn't be easy to give up when the said soulmate you've been waiting for for years finally comes, right? It's not fair for them to be given up without an actual reason.
It's just a spark of hope and happiness starting to glow again inside him. Since two weeks ago his soulmate hasn't stopped singing. Perhaps waiting for him to sing back or solely just wanting Namjoon to listen. Various genres of songs, all kinds of lyrics, and sometimes just soft hums which radiates happiness.
Namjoon has a guess. His soulmate is either a singer or they just really love singing since they sing almost all day. Sometimes singing repeated songs as if they're trying to improve their technique.
As days pass, Namjoon starts to look forward to his soulmate’s voice. He considers himself lucky to have a soulmate with a great singing voice and immaculate song taste. Despite his mixed feelings and doubts, Namjoon appreciates his soulmate for not giving up.
If his soulmate actually just turned twenty, Namjoon won't lie that he worries about the age gap. Wouldn't they want a soulmate that is still as young as them? What if they'd prefer someone who's fun to hang out with and not busy dealing with books and teaching all the time.
"If you hit a tree because you're zoning out while walking, I won't help you Joon."
Namjoon finally snaps out of his daydream, clearing his throat as he tries to remember the topic he and Yoongi were talking about. "Sorry."
"If you want to talk about something, you know you don't have to hesitate and tell me."
"I know hyung. Don't worry." Right after Namjoon says that, a beautiful melody fills his head and as if he's afraid that Yoongi might be able to listen to what's inside his head, Namjoon squeaks in panic.
What if I can't get you out of my thoughts?
What if my seasons don't change?
"Seriously, you're acting weird, Joon-ah."
"It's nothing." Namioon knows Yoongi wouldn't buy it but he really doesn't know what to do in that situation. "I-i saw a squirrel and it startled me."
What if you love me then you love me not?
And we fade away
The voice sounds beautiful that Namjoon needs to personally take a moment and listen. Desperately trying to hold onto something so he could hide his smile. He knows sooner or later Yoongi will find out or he'll come to Yoongi himself to tell him the truth. But for now, Namjoon needs time to think so he wouldn't make a decision he'll regret. Or that's what he wants to believe other than running from his fate because he's scared.
"You're a terrible liar, you know."
Namjoon stays silent, not denying Yoongi's statement but he figures it's better to shut his mouth in case he blabbers everything out.
"Also why are you following me? You're teaching somewhere else, Joon."
"Fu— i mean, oh no ." Namjoon realizes he just missed a turn and only has five minutes before the class starts.
"Just curse, for fuck’s sake. There's no toddler around here."
"Sorry. Bye hyung." Namjoon quite literally flees and jogs to the direction of his building, not even sparing his hyung one last glance.
"I'll find out sooner or later."
Namjoon can't help but laugh when Yoongi literally screams that, making sure Namjoon could hear him even if he's already feet away from him.
---
Yeah baby
You make the sunlight look like it's faded
"Jungkook-ah, what are you doing at the balcony? It's freaking pouring." The blanket is way bigger than Jimin's frame, the soft material sweeps the floor as Jimin drags it around with a hot chocolate in his hands.
Got me singing outside when it's raining
"Your soulmate gonna think you're actually singing under the rain, Kook." For some reason Jimin is still there, a few feet away, listening to him singing but not stepping out to the cold balcony.
"That sounds romantic." Jungkook says, still not planning to go inside.
Jimin rolls his eyes, also stuck at where he's standing. "No, that's stupid because you'll catch a cold."
When we're dancing you make me feel weightless
So weightless
Jungkook continues, ignoring Jimin's protest because he knows his best friend is secretly enjoying the show.
"But seriously, you're going to catch a cold." Jimin says once again but Jungkook still doesn't budge. "If you catch a cold, you're not going to be able to sing, Jungkook-ah."
Jungkook sighs, finally giving in and stepping inside where the room is warmer. Jimin smiles in contentment when the cool breeze coming into the apartment is finally gone as Jungkook closes the door behind him. The sound of rainfall is now muted, replacing it with the chatter from the TV show Jimin is currently watching.
"I see that the ultimate way to bribe you now is to insert soulmate in there."
Jungkook snorts, shaking his head in disbelief. "Really? Like you're not one of those people?"
"Hey, you literally invented the word whipped. No one can beat you." The steps Jimin takes to the couch is careful, not wanting the hot chocolate to spill on the floor or worse, his blanket. "Have you heard from them?" The couch dips when he and Jimin sit at the same time.
"No." Jungkook pouts, slumping his body to Jimin’s side who’s not even flinching from the added weight, already used to it. “The wait after you turn twenty is even nerve racking.”
Jimin only hums. Jungkook understands that his friends don't really know how it feels like since he’s considered lucky to have found his soulmate even before twenty, not realizing they’ve met even earlier than that.
“You’re cuddling without me?” The loud voice startled Jungkook and Jimin. Taehyung stands at the door with a frown on his face. “I want the middle spot.” He demands. When Jimin and Taehyung's eyes meet, as if Jimin's gaze is a flame and Taehyung's cheeks are a match, it burns and turns bright red.
“Jungkook, guess.” Jimin says, smirking at him.
At first he’s confused but then it clicked in him after a few seconds. “You sang that song?”
“I didn’t!” Taehyung still denies even when he perfectly knows Jimin could listen even to the softest hums he let out.
“I can hear you, soulmate. ” Jimin chuckles when Taehyung let out a defeated sigh as he practically jumped to his friends' laps, hiding his face between the crook of their necks. “You said you hate the song.”
“Okay, maybe I kinda like it after all.”
“See, Jimin hyung? It’ll grow on him.” Jungkook chuckles, patting Taehyung in the back.
As silly as it gets, sometimes Jimin and Taehyung argue about the songs they keep hearing in their head. Most of the time, they have similar taste in music but once either of them doesn’t like the song their soulmate sings, there will be a constant banter. Lately Jimin has been singing a song that apparently Taehyung ‘hates’ since it's played on the radio over and over again while he works.
“It’s because you sing it all the time so it’s also stuck in my head.”
“Yeah, yeah, let’s sing it together next time tae tae.”
It makes Jungkook wonder if his soulmate actually listens to him, are there any songs they hate? Jungkook doesn’t hate any particular genre but he hopes all the songs he has been singing lately at least becomes a pleasant sound in their head.
---
Namjoon doesn’t know why he’s hiding or running away from his soulmate. He’s not sure if he’s more scared of reality or himself. Maybe the self doubt and waiting for years tires him out and slowly eats him alive. He knows sooner or later, there's a time where he should sing whether he wants it or not. Karaoke or when he graduates, singing university anthem but after a lot of thinking, Namjoon doesn’t want the circumstances to be ‘forced’. It’s not fair both for his soulmate and himself, who spent a long time waiting for the moment to finally hear his soulmate. He just needs the right time to sing.
“Hoba, why did you sing baby shark the first time you turn twenty?”
Hoseok raises his eyebrows, not expecting that kind of question out of nowhere. “Why?”
“Just curious.” Namjoon realizes he needs to start working on his lying skill.
“My family threw me a surprise party and my niece demanded that she want to sing for me.” Hoseok chuckles, recalling the memories that day. “The only song she knows is baby shark at that time so yeah. I sang along.”
From all scenarios that could possibly happen, Namjoon believes that one was solely assigned by the universe for Hoseok. It just seems appropriate if it was him to actually sing a kid song for the first time.
“That’s cute.”
“Are you thinking about what song to sing for your soulmate?”
That question sure takes Namjoon by surprise. Not only was Hoseok the only one still unsure about Namjoon's decision of giving up, after all these weeks, he’s also the one who sees right through him.
“Uh… I guess?” Namjoon says, still not having the courage to tell his friend all of it, but that will do for now, he thought.
There’s a beat of silence after that. Hoseok’s eyes get bigger, almost comically upon hearing his answer. He fists Namjoon’s sweater tightly, face so close to him Namjoon could barely see Hoseok’s nose. “Please tell me you’re not joking.”
“I don’t know.” Namjoon whines while trying to push Hoseok away from him, face heating up because of the attention.
“So you haven’t actually given up on your soulmate, right?” For some reasons, Hoseok whispers that instead of normally talking. “I knew it!”
“Please don’t tell me you and hyungs bet on this and you won.”
“What? Of course, not. That would be mean, Joon-ah.” Despite his pout, there’s a visible happiness on Hoseok’s face. As if his usual bright self became even brighter, almost blinding. “I just knew from the start. It’s all over your face.”
“But I did come into that conclusion.” Or so Namjoon thought that day. “I just can’t let go of the last string of hope.”
“I don’t want to give you false hope, but I really feel like they’re there , Joon.” Hoseok closes his eyes, sighing as his back meets the plush cushions. “Maybe I’m a psychic.” He jokes.
Namjoon snorts. “Yeah, sure.” He’s almost convinced that Hoseok, or anyone, has figured out that his soulmate does exist. At least for now, Namjoon thought.
The sound of a lock being open redirects Namjoon and Hoseok’s attention from each other to the door. They get up to help Yoongi and Jin with the groceries bag after they finally close the door behind them. Hoseok doesn’t let the chance to steal a kiss from his soulmates slip. He laughs when Yoongi protests, saying Hoseok should’ve helped him with the groceries first before kissing him. The sight makes Namjoon think if he would get along with his soulmate and would they be as sappy as their friends but also banter all day just because they can.
“Joon-ah, you’re gonna stay for dinner?”
“I don’t know hyung.” Namjoon smiles sheepishly when he sees Seokjin pout. “I need to grade the students’ papers and study.”
“I thought you finished grading last night?” Namjoon did mention about grading his students’ paper last night when they were talking about something. But no one needs to know how his soulmate’s voice distracted him and quite literally lulled him to sleep, leaving his work unfinished.
“Right.” Namjoon clears his throat. “I actually haven’t finished it.”
“Something distracted you?”
“As you weren't distracted last night, Yoongichi?” Jin teases, wiggling his eyebrows. “But you seem to enjoy the distraction .”
Yoongi groans, really wondering why he needs to put up with his hyung for the rest of his life (he enjoys it, shush). “How am I supposed to focus when you and Hoseok are eating each others’ faces in front of me?”
“You’ve been ignoring us all day.” Hoseok pouts.
“I was busy, you big babies.”
In the midst of his friend's banters, a voice fills Namjoon’s head. His soulmate is humming to something, melodies that seem really familiar to him. Something he’s been listening to lately but he can’t really put his fingers on what song it is until his soulmate starts to actually sing.
We'll take one small step and it'll take us
well let's not worry 'bout a thing 'cuz
I can feel nothing will hurt us
It sounds beautiful. His soulmate has an euphonious voice, it’s soft and soothing, Namjoon finds himself closing his eyes as his lips tugging into a fond smile. His heart clenches, feeling silly to feel this happy because his soulmate is singing his current favorite song. In a way, Namjoon feels even more connected with them.
And I know
I'm the one who worry
But you know how just calm me down now
For a moment, Namjoon is lost in the moment. Completely forgetting his surroundings, not even aware of how his friends are looking at him sitting on the couch, looking content more than he has ever been.
Maybe it's the perfect moment. As Namjoon finds himself gaining courage, finally accepting his fate, slowly leaving all scars of the wait behind him, he sings.
It'll start from my heart
then go 'round my back
I gotta say I I I love this
Namjoon sings along, lyrics rolling through his tongue. At the end of the chorus, he laughs to himself because wow that's so bad compared to his soulmate. It's just not on his range considering the song is originally sung by a female with a high voice.
"Oh my god." Hoseok gasps, finally snapping Namjoon out of his own world.
All his friends are looking at him, confusion written on Yoongi and Jin's faces, unlike Hoseok who seems more surprised.
"W-what?"
"Your soulmate!" Hoseok strides across the room and flings himself to Namjoon, giving him a suffocating hug. "I knew it! I knew it!"
"Hold on." Jin takes another step closer to the couch, holding his hands in the air, trying to make a sense of what's going on. "Soulmate?"
"Did you just hear your soulmate sing?" There's a slight tremble in Yoongi's voice.
"Wait— hold on." Namjoon sees how tight Jin is gripping nto Yoongi's shoulder, given the way he winces. "Did you really?"
There's no use in hiding all this anymore , Namjoon thought. He takes a deep breath, gaze moving slowly to each person in the room, just to make sure the moment is real.
"They sound beautiful." Is the only conformation his friends needed. In a matter of seconds, both Jin and Hoseok glomped Namjoon, the previously dead quiet room now alive with loud cheers. "Get off me please. Let me live at least until I meet my soulmate."
"See? I'm a psychic Joon-ah. I called it." Namjoon doesn't even know how exactly Hoseok senses or sees things Namjoon thought he masked really well. Not to mention that he's the one who figured out that Namioon just heard his soulmate.
"Wow, Joon-ah." Yoongi is the only one standing, his hands tucked comfortably into his pants pocket. "The universe really didn't fuck you up."
"Almost five years, hyung."
"That doesn't matter in the end. They're here and that's it." Half of the weight is gone when Jin decides to untangle from the hug.
Somehow Namjoon feels lighter. The burden of hiding this from his friends is off of his shoulders, he's pretty sure he can breath easier now.
"I thought you would be happier than this though."
"I am happy, Jin hyung."
"No no I know what hyung means." Hoseok says, but not elaborating.
Yoongi hums in agreement. "Yeah, I thought you'd bawl your eyes out or something."
"Actually… It's been like two weeks—"
Of course, without even finishing his sentence his friends got the context already. Namjoon chuckles nervously as he looks at Hoseok's offended expression, lips turned downward.
"You ass!"
Namioon flinches when Hoseok hits him on the back of his head. "Okay no need for any violence here."
"You need some explaining to do." Namjoon sighs when Yoongi seems to be on the same boat with Hoseok. There's no way his hyung would show him mercy and let him go home that easily now.
"You're officially not allowed to leave this house before dinner and story time."
"Ah, Jin hyung." Namjoon whines.
---
When Jungkook woke up this morning, he didn't even hear any birds chirping outside his window nor on the trees on the campus park. Even the usually pretty afternoon skies which always painted with pretty orange hues was overshadowed by the clouds. If he really needs to say it, the weather is not great. It's not the best day either when Jungkook almost missed his deadline, running like a madman to his friends' apartment since it's closer to the university campus.
So it's definitely not a magical day. Not an ideal day for anything exceptional to happen. But when Jungkook was casually singing while scrolling through his Twitter, taking a break from doing his assignment, he heard a voice. Someone singing along but not Jimin or Taehyung. It's almost inaudible at first, but after a few seconds it clicks on Junglook's mind that it's his soulmate.
"I think I'm going to cry." Jungkook chokes out, already feeling his eyes burning as his sight of Jimin and Taehyung sitting in front of him starts to blur. "Oh fuck."
A frown is visible when Jimin looks up from his laptop. "Kook, are you okay?"
"They're here." He feels silly for crying but what's Jungkook supposed to do? It's happy tears anyways. "They're singing along."
A loud gasps makes Jungkook jump on his seat and before he could fully process what's happening, Taehyung and Jimin are already on top of him. Tackling him to the floor as they all fall with a loud thud.
"Oh my god!" Jungkook only giggles, letting Jimin and Taehyung repeat that same phrase over and over again in his ears.
"Fuck yes! Our baby got a soulmate now." A pair of thumbs are pinching Jungkook cheeks. He can see how Jimin's eyes disappear as his smile grows bigger.
Jungkook groans, hoping the pinch won't leave a mark. "I'm not your baby."
"Yeah yeah we know, you're your soulmate's baby now." Taehyung says. "But we practically raised you so…"
"Tae hyung, you're barely 2 years older than me."
Before the useless banters take over the whole exciting news, Jimin cuts them off. "So, how's your soulmate sound like?"
Of course Jimin would ask that question. It's a question they have constantly used to tease Jungkook and now that the moment of truth is in front of them, there's no way Jungkook could avoid it.
"Tell us, Kook-ah." Jimin demands.
Recalling the last part of the chorus, Jungkook can't help but let out a huffed laugh. "Well, I don't think he's a singer." It's not bad per se, the song just doesn't fit his soulmate's comfortable range. He's well aware that he has a pretty high range, but his soulmate seems to have a deeper voice. Jungkook is sure they're going to sound wonderful with a perfect song within his vocal range.
"Just say it's bad." Taehyung says blatantly.
"No I swear it's not bad!" Jungkook groans before he does a facepalm. "You didn't hear it. I did. So the valid judgment is from me and me only."
"You're right." Jimin answers, finally letting Jungkook breath after he gets up. "The most important thing now is that you know for sure that you have a soulmate."
"Isn't that exciting?" Taehyung asks in glee.
"They're going to hear me sing all the time now." His excited face quickly turns into a horrified one. "Oh no they'll know if my voice cracks while I'm practicing."
"They won't mind, Jungkook-ah."
"No Jimin hyung." Jungkook sits up, shoving Taehyung off his chest. "What if I did it in a serious situation? Like funerals and they'll laugh?" Even just visualizing it sends a shiver down Jungkook's spine.
Though apparently his friends thought the scenario was funny as they rolled on the floor clutching on their stomachs.
"Oh god that would be horrible." Taehyung says in between tears.
After taking a few deep breaths, Jimin finally says, "Let's just hope no one dies, Kook."
"Okay how am I supposed to find them now?"
"That's… Something we can't really help."
"What Taehyung said." Jimin grins.
Jungkook let out a defeated sigh. "Of course."
---
"How many songs will you perform today?" Yoongi asks, almost screaming because his voice is drowned out by the din around the festival stall.
"Three songs." Jungkook holds up three fingers, emphasizing his answer in case Yoongi couldn't hear him clearly.
Their university annual festival always brings a crowd. It's open to the public and has been one of the long awaited events near the end of the year by the locals.
For his first time performing in front of such a crowd, Jungkook expects himself to be a little bit more nervous, but perhaps the excitement really takes over his system this time, leaving no place for nervousness.
"What if my soulmate is somewhere between these people?"
"That would make things easier for you and them I guess." Yoongi shrugs. "But no guarantee they're even from this town."
Then Jungkook notices how Yoongi keeps looking at his phone, checking if there's any new text.
"I thought Hobi and Jin hyung can't come?"
"No, I'm waiting for Namjoon."
Tall cute dimple guy , Jungkook says to himself. He definitely remembers Namjoon, for some reason wondering if he would show up with new hickeys again.
Though he probably won't be able to confirm it himself. The time is getting closer to his performance and he needs to be standby at the back of the stage.
"Hyung, I need to go."
"Ah, he's late." Yoongi complains. "Alright, Kook. Hyung will watch you so good luck."
---
Bless the universe or honestly, just his own luck, Namjoon only has one class on the day of the festival. His plan was to watch the performance early with Yoongi but of course, something will fuck up his plan eventually.
It's starting
Namjoon curses when he sees Yoongi's last text two minutes ago. Counting on his long legs, Namjoon hopes he will arrive where Yoongi is in no time. He matches his walk tempo with the song his soulmate is currently singing, thankfully an upbeat one.
He notices something is different in the way his soulmate sings. It's louder in a way, seems so much closer, and real. As Namjoon gets closer to the main stage, the singing voice starts to overlap. Almost like he can hear his soulmate singing outside of his head.
It all makes sense when Namjoon gets a better look at the singer singing on the stage. It's Jungkook.
Namjoon stops on his track, feet glued to the ground. He waits, wanting to make sure he's not tripping but when Jungkook sings the same chorus the voice in his head also sings, Namjoon almost chokes on his own saliva.
The voice coming out of Jungkook's lips is indeed the voice he's been hearing since the first of September. The voice that lulls him to sleep, the voice that's so soothing Namjoon often finds himself lost in the honey voice.
Until the last note slips out of Jungkook's pretty lips, Namjoon stands still, rooted to where he's standing. Eyes not leaving Jungkook even just for a mere second. There's so much going on inside his head. Realizations come into his mind. About their first meeting and the little information Namjoon knows about Jungkook from Yoongi. Suddenly all his doubts start to creep into him again.
"Joon-ah!" Namjoon snaps out, gaze meeting with Yoongi. "Come here!" He screams again between the loud cheers.
"Sorry hyung." He couldn't meet Yoongi in the eyes. Still stunned with the information he just got a few minutes ago.
"What are you doing standing there alone." Fortunately Yoongi doesn't sound mad. "You missed one song."
"Hyung actually—" His answer is cut off, drowned by the blasting music that starts again. The loud cheers come back, as if it's fueling Jungkook's smile, it gets even wider as the cheers get louder.
It's nice to finally put a face on the pretty voice Namjoon has been hearing for weeks. For a matter of fact, he knows Jungkook is cute, one meeting is enough for Namjoon to come into that conclusion.
Maybe it doesn't make sense, but Jungkook's voice really fits him. Namjoon sometimes wonders about how his soulmate looks and Jungkook— he definitely looks as pretty as he sounds.
"He's good, huh?" Yoongi chuckles when he sees Namjoon is looking at the stage intently. "Are you even breathing?" He nudges at Namjoon, demanding an answer.
"I am." Namjoon finally answers, for some reason out of breath.
Like everyone else, Namjoon sings along when Jungkook asks the crowd to do so. Even Yoongi sings along with the widest grin on his face, looking so proud at Jungkook.
"Ah, sorry I kinda chuckled at the end of the song." Jungkook says after the claps subsidies. "My soulmate sang along with me in my head and it's cute." The crowd cooes, making not only Jungkook but also Namjoon blush.
"Thank you for singing along with me. See you guys." Jungkook flashes the crowd one last smile before getting off the stage.
"Yoongi hyung." Namjoon grabs on Yoongi's shoulder, stopping him from walking away. "Where are you going?"
"To see Jungkook of course."
Namjoon knows he'd feel horrible if he has to lie in front of his own soulmate, acting like they're not soulmates at all. It will also cause more problems in the future, he thought.
Are you ready, though? Namjoon asks himself.
"Jungkook is my soulmate." He blurts out, holding his breath when Yoongi doesn't say anything. "Please say something."
"Woah." Yoongi let out his breath, unconsciously holding his breath the whole time he's processing the information. "So you waited like two weeks to sing back to him?"
"I'm sorry. I just— you know I already gave up or whatever. I felt like this whole goddamn thing was a way of the universe to laugh at me." Namjoon stops for a while to gather all his thoughts. "I was scared, okay? And confused. After five years and suddenly—"
"I think you need to save that explanation for Jungkook, Joon-ah. Not me."
"You're right…" Namjoon takes a deep breath to calm his nerves but still none of his nervousness leaves his system. "Hyung what if he's disappointed?" With wobbly legs Namjoon tries to match his pace with Yoongi who's walking steadily to the backstage.
"Disappointed? I told you he's a hopeless romantic. He'll be ecstatic."
"No, I mean— we're five years apart. Maybe he was hoping for someone his age or at least not as old as me."
Without having to look at Yoongi's face, Namjoon knows his hyung is glaring at him. "If you're old, then what am I?"
"That's not what I—"
Yoongi finally stops in his tracks, spinning almost violently Namjoon could feel the dizziness his hyung probably felt. "Stop worrying Joon, you'll be fine."
"Sorry."
"Just make sure to communicate like an adult."
It's silly how his heart beats even louder than it already is, almost like it's beating outside of his chest, Namjoon can hear it in his ears.
Jungkook is smiling, showing off his bunny teeth that Namjoon didn't notice from the first time and the only time they ever met, until now.
"Hey, Kook." Yoongi waves. "You're great. Everyone loves it."
"Hi hyung! Thank you!" He greets Yoongi excitedly before bowing politely to Namjoon, suddenly becoming a bit shy. "Namjoon hyung. You watched me perform?"
"Um," Namjoon fiddles with his fingers. "Yeah, you were amazing."
"Thank you."
When Jungkook takes a peek on his neck this time, almost like he's checking if he has hickeys that day, Namjoon feels his face heat up. Of course, embarrassing moments are harder to forget, even to other people.
"Also, Joon said he's hungry so go grab lunch with him, yeah?" Yoongi says, trying not to laugh at Jungkook's and Namjoon's shocked faces. "I have a date with my soulmates , so…"
Before Namjoon could protest and Jungkook to ask him any further question, Yoongi leaves them both together with one last pat on the back for Namjoon.
"Why is he in a hurry like that."
If you don't want to, it's alright is something Namjoon wants to say but he knows he would ruin the whole plan that Yoongi gave him on a silver platter.
"Um, I hope you're hungry too?"
"Actually I am…" Jungkook giggles. Giggles. What in the world happens with Namjoon for being this affected by a giggle? "So, should we look for something at the food area?"
"Or we could eat at the restaurant a block away from here?"
"Oh?"
Suddenly feeling nervous, Namjoon tries to take what he said back but it's no use as he ends up stumbling on his words.
"My treat." Namjoon says, but almost sounds like a question. "If you don't have anything to do… with your friends."
"No no, hyung. But are you sure?"
"Yeah, of course."
In a swift and quick motion, Jungkook readied his belongings. "Who refuses free food?"
Namjoon must say that he's really taken aback by Jungkook's answer, but in a good way. The power of how an adorable twenty years old could make someone five years older like him to giggle and act like a shy teenager is really something Namjoon should look out for in the future.
"I let that answer slide since you're cute."
"Hey, I'm a twenty year old uni student that barely eats proper meals if I'm not home and at Yoongi hyung's apartment."
"Then you should eat a lot today." Namjoon smiles back when Jungkook gives him an excited smile.
"That's a dangerous statement, hyung."
The sight of blushing Jungkook takes Namjoon's breathe away and who knows, maybe to make the younger all blushing and shy could be his new lifetime goal.
---
Jungkook is nervous and he knows he actually doesn't have any reasons to. But it's just the way Namjoon makes him feel. Almost like something is tugging on his heart and it's restless over the fact that Jungkook doesn't act on whatever it is.
The place is not crowded, which is a bit weird since it's a famous place and whenever Yoongi treats him to eat here from time to time, there's almost no empty seat however late it is. Of course it's fine, in fact perfect, but it makes him even more nervous, like the place is there just for him and Namjoon.
Even before Jungkook could touch the chair, Namjoon is already there, pulling out the chair for him. "Hyung, you don't have to do this."
"Sorry— out of habit."
Jungkook chuckles after he thanked Namjoon. "Why are you sorry? That's a great habit." Everything feels like a date all of a sudden, especially after Namjoon sits in front of him, looking neat.
"Order anything you want." Namjoon says absentmindedly, not noticing the way Jungkook raises his eyebrows in surprise.
"I feel like I'm being spoiled."
"Um, let's say it's my way to congratulate you for the great performance."
"Thank you, hyung." Jungkook prays silently inside his head, hoping that his soulmate would be a gentleman and as nice as Namjoon.
It's awkward after they order, Jungkook is not sure of what to say since it's only their second meeting. He knows almost nothing about the man sitting in front of him who's now fiddling with his cardigan sleeves, looking nervous.
"I guess your soulmate decided not to put a mark on you today." Jungkook blurts out and after a second the words come out of his mouth, he wants to take it back. "Yoongi hyung probably told you about me being a hopeless romantic." Jungkook adds instead of apologizing about his last remark, changing the topic.
"Uhh… " Namjoon is clearly avoiding Jungkook's eyes. "Yeah Yoongi hyung mentioned that." Namjoon croaks out an answer after a long pause.
"I probably made a fool out of myself when I chuckled at the end of the last song." Jungkook drops his head to the table with a loud thud, groaning. "I just can't help it because my soulmate sounded so cute and—"
"Jungkook listen—"
"Oh god, I talk too much, right?" When he's nervous, Jungkook tends to ramble, he could probably tell the person he's talking to about his family history in one sitting. "Sorry—"
"I'm your soulmate."
That shuts Jungkook up. As he feels his heart stutter, Jungkook grips on the edge of his seat tightly, knuckles turning white.
"W-what?" Jungkook finally croaks out once he finds his voice.
"I found out today. When you sang on the stage."
The word soulmate keeps ringing inside Jungkook's head. Echoing inside him which prevented him from listening to what Namjoon was saying.
"But that day…"
Namjoon bites on his bottom lip, unsure on how to start his explanation. "I don't have any other soulmate. You are my soulmate."
"So the hickeys?" Jungkook asks but he continues, not letting Namjoon to answer his question. "Oh, so you have someone else? And you're here to tell me about that?"
It's probably only his imagination, but Jungkook thinks he hears his own heart shattering. The world seems to dim, losing its brightness. His eyes are glued to Namjoon's face, eyebrows furrowed, looking somewhat confused.
Jungkook should have the right to be upset. After all he's the hopeless romantic . The one who's whipped for his soulmate. He spent years thinking about his soulmate, who now he knows is Namjoon. Countless cute scenarios are inside of his head almost everyday that now appears to be useless.
"I guess… I can't be selfish this time, huh." Jungkook wants to cry. But before the self pity continues, Namjoon grabs his hand. "Hyung?"
"God, you're misunderstanding this." Namjoon sighs, eyebrows still furrowed as he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "Please listen to me first, okay?"
When Jungkook doesn't say anything, just simply looking at him, and looks hurt, Namjoon decides to start his explanation.
"I don't have a partner. Or anyone I sleep around regularly with." He pauses. "I turned twenty 5 years ago, Jungkook. It's hard to spend every year still not hearing anyone inside your head. And I gave up. Almost giving up on my soulmate. On you. "
Instantly, Jungkook feels bad to feel hurt and cheated even just from that explanation Namjoon gave him. He couldn't imagine waiting a whole five years, full of doubts and questions.
"So one day I decided to give up or so I thought, that time and started to sleep around with people. But nothing serious ever happened." Jungkook feels how Namjoon's hand trembles on top of his hand. "But deep down, I knew I couldn't let go of my soulmate completely, hence why I didn't date any of them."
There's a beating pulse on his skin but Jungkook is unsure whether it's his pulse beating fast or if it's Namjoon.
"Even the night when I heard you sing, I knew I should be happy. But I just couldn't. I was confused and hurt, feeling like the universe is playing with me."
There's nothing Jungkook can say to comfort Namjoon so he grips at Namjoon's hand, encouraging him to continue.
"But after weeks hearing you, I think I can finally stop running from my destiny."
Jungkook waits for Namjoon to continue, but the older man only smiles weakly. He takes that as his time to speak." I'm sorry you had to wait for five years." Jungkook finally says. "I wish I would've been born sooner."
Probably after letting out all the things that Namjoon had been keeping for so long, he could breathe a little bit as he huffed out a laugh. "It's not your fault."
"No, seriously. Although we should probably blame my parents for that." It appears that his attempt to lighten up the mood works when Namjoon chuckles. "I'm privileged to have found you so early."
"Two weeks late, though."
"It doesn't matter, hyung." Jungkook now realizes how his nose scrunch affects Namjoon when he notices the faintest of blushe appears on his hyung's cheeks. "I definitely don't know how you feel and all the uncertainty you've been through for the past five years. But thank you for not giving up on me completely."
"Thank yourself, seriously. Your voice might have a magical power or something."
"Also," Jungkook looks at Namjoon seriously. "Just want to make sure if… you want us to be platonic or—"
"Definitely not platonic."
Jungkook let out a relieved sigh, feeling the fear being lifted up from his chest. "Great!" He says almost too excitedly. "Also, we can always take it slow. At your pace."
"Thank you, Jungkook-ah. I appreciate that."
"Also, I'm sorry in advance if you find me somewhat childish. You also probably had your life all planned out with a stable bank account while I'm here trying to get free food from my hyung."
Namjoon should've known that he's not the only one worried about their age gap. Knowing Jungkook also has some worries about it makes him a little bit at ease, feeling not lonely.
"I think I should be the one apologizing. You probably want someone younger to be your soulmate."
"What?" Jungkook pouts, sounding offended. "You're perfect."
"You really are whipped for your soulmate."
"Can you blame me, though?" To his own surprise, Jungkook can't believe that he just flirted with Namjoon. The rosy pink on his hyung's face is worth the embarrassment though.
The food comes at the right moment. Delicious smells instantly filling their noses, making their stomachs rumble.
"Can you sing? Just to make sure." Jungkook asks, stopping right before he takes his chopsticks.
Namjoon almost drops his chopstick when he hears the question. Here?"
"Please?"
With big bambi pleading eyes looking directly at him, Namjoon really doesn't have any other choice than to comply, right?
I wanna be your happiness
Cause maybe I'm the best for you
Jungkook of course knows. It's the song he first ever sang for Namjoon. The one he chose carefully, even asking for opinion from countless people he knew personally.
"Sorry I'm not a really good singer and the song is pretty high I could barely reach it."
Instead of focusing on the tiny details Namjoon said earlier, Jungkook is still processing the fact that Namjoon is indeed his soulmate. The voice he heard two weeks after his birthday and the one who sang along when he performed just an hour ago was also him.
"You're fine, hyung." He finally says. "I love your voice."
"It's nothing compared to you."
"Hey, I cried when I first heard you sing." It's uncalled for when Namjoon thinks he's joking, so Jungkook pouts, promising Namjoon that Jimin and Taehyung can confirm it.
"We should eat." They're too drowned in their conversation, forgetting about the delicious food on the table.
"We owe Yoongi hyung."
"Should we buy him something as a present?" Namjoon answers after swallowing his food.
Jungkook hums. "Coffee." He stops again, looking for a better idea. "Tangerines."
"Okay tangerines."
"Does this count as our first date, hyung?"
The sound of the word date shouldn't make Namjoon feel over the moon, but it did. "If you want to?"
"Okay, it's a date, hyung!"
---
The sun is setting, painting the sky pretty hues of oranges as the sun peeks between the trees, making the leaves look like it's golden.
No one remembers who's the first one to extend their hand, shyly taking the other's hand so they can hold them. Or maybe they did it at the same time. But that doesn't matter after all.
Namjoon never thought this day would ever happen. With his right hand clasped together with his soulmate; Jungkook who's way younger than him. His cheeks are hurting, too stretched out by the amount of time he's been smiling and laughing today.
The voice singing in his head now has a face. He could visualize Jungkook humming to himself while he washed his hands, a few meters from him which should be an impossible distance to hear him. Somehow, in this world, soulmates and how it grants you the ability to hear them singing even from miles away really exists.
"We can't really hold hands when we're on campus, right?"
"Why not?"
Jungkook's hand feels warm on his hand and Namjoon couldn't think of any situation in which he would not hold it.
"Because… you're a teacher?"
"But I'm a student too."
The groan Jungkook lets out is loud but not enough to catch the attention of strangers passing by them. "But you also teach like more than twenty people, hyung. Wouldn't they find it weird?"
"And who says they'll see us holding hands?"
"You're starting to sound like Yoongi hyung." Jungkook chuckles.
Obviously, Namjoon knows about his hyung's love of holding hands. He's almost sure Yoongi secretly has a hand kink.
"It makes sense how he has two soulmates."
"So both of his hands can be held?"
A serotonin boost is what Namjoon would say about Jungkook's laugh. An instant happiness just floods his body when the sound hits his ear. "He would beat our ass if he heard that."
The walk to his apartment feels shorter compared to when Jungkook walks alone. They stay silent even inside the elevator, only the sound of a ding fills the quietness between them.
"So we're here." Jungkook says, but not letting go of Namjoon's hand. "Thank you for walking me home."
"You're welcome, Jungkook-ah."
Jungkook would bet a million dollars that everyone, even animals, feels something when Namjoon flashes them his dimple smile.
"I had fun, hyung."
"Glad you did." Suddenly feeling awkward, Namjoon averts his gaze from Jungkook. "Didn't think you're a 'walk in a park' guy."
"I wasn't until I met you."
"That's cheesy." Namjoon is perfectly aware of how intense Jungkook is looking at his dimples. "Is there something on my face?"
"Yeah, it's your dimples. Very cute and distracting."
"Sorry." Namjoon smiles again, purposely showing off his dimples.
"Can I at least have a hug before you leave?"
All Namjoon needs is to hug Jungkook for the answers. As the younger melts in his embrace, he rocks them from side to side, enjoying the warmth of each other that seems to be a magnet that causes them not being able to let go.
"Can you believe that this is only our second meeting?"
"Feels like we've known each other forever." The answer comes muffled because Jungkook has his face buried inon the crook of Namjoon's neck.
"Maybe that's a soulmate thing."
Right before Namjoon is about to let go of Jungkook, he's pulled back in for a tighter hug. Jungkook cranes his neck, giving Namjoon puppy eyes as he just his bottom lips out. "I don't want you to leave."
"I know, you big baby." Even Namjoon's hand feels warm when it brushes off Jungkook bangs, trying to move it away from his eyes. "But we need to study."
"I'm going to sing to you before you sleep. Text me if you're ready in your bed, okay?"
"Of course, Jungkook."
Then, Jungkook finally let go of Namjoon. Still looking a bit disappointed but happy nonetheless. "Bye hyung."
"Happy to finally meet you, soulmate."
Has Namjoon mentioned how adorable Jungkook's giggle is? He would do anything to be able to hear it more.
"You're so weird."
"You love weird." Namjoon teases.
The bus ride is different from his usual trip to home. The cold seats and windows sticking to his skin, now overshadowed by the warm feeling Namjoon feels in his chest. He usually plugs in his Airpods as he scrolls through his playlist, looking for a song that matches the people around him or the trees the bus passes by at the side of the road.
Now, his head is occupied by Jungkook. Singing any song that comes up in his head but somehow matches with what Namjoon feels. A year ago, he would not believe that in a year, there would be a beautiful voice inside his head, singing him beautiful songs, humming calming melodies.
Falling falling I'm falling for you
falling falling I'm falling for you
yes I'm falling for falling from falling to this cycles of you