Archive of Our Own

The first time Taehyung sees Hoseok, he has his arms wrapped around Minhyuk’s neck, laughing at something the football player has said. Taehyung is quickly captivated by the cheerleader's heart shaped smile and his determination to perfect their routines. Hoseok is clearly talented, his moves both graceful and powerful - crop top and skirt uniform complimenting his sunkissed figure. 

Kim Taehyung was whipped from day one. 

Taehyung quickly becomes friends with Namjoon, an environmental engineer major like himself, and Yoongi, one of the school’s wide receivers, both taking the freshman under their wings. A fortunate start for him at Korea University. 

Football practice is always a fun time, Taehyung gets doted on by the older players, always there to give him some pointers. It’s also the only time he gets to see Hoseok. So that’s all he does, eyes wandering to Hoseok every now and then, and he feels bad about it if he’s being honest. He’s teammates with Minhyuk but it’s not like he would ever think of trying anything, so he just looks at the pretty cheerleader from afar. It goes like that over the course of his first semester, Taehyung looking to the other side of the field to get a glance at Hoseok.

And then Minhyuk breaks up with Hoseok at the start of the second semester. 

Word around the school was that Minhyuk broke up with Hoseok because he was going to graduate soon, no point in staying in a relationship with someone who is still going to be in college.

And the reality was that yea, Minhyuk had said something like that to Hoseok. You still have 2 years to go Hoseok, I’m graduating and doing a bunch of new things you know? Don’t think waiting around is for me. Hoseok was heartbroken that Minhyuk ended their relationship just like that. Jeongguk, Jimin and Seokjin were furious at Minhyuk, he left their best friend devastated. What made it even worse was that there was a rumor floating around that Minhyuk was seen cozying up with someone else quickly after their break up. What a fucking asshole. Hoseok went from sad to livid to over it in a short amount of time, emotions everywhere. He really did love Minhyuk but it seems like it wasn’t reciprocated. 

Weeks passed and Hoseok started keeping his distance from the football team, with the exception of Yoongi, who he had interrogated to see if he knew anything. Minhyuk and Yoongi may have been friends, but they weren’t close by any means. Yoongi soon stopped talking to the older as much, he saw firsthand how devastated Hoseok was and he didn’t want to be around the person who caused it.

Fast forward two years later and Taehyung is now Korea University’s star quarterback. He worked his butt off to get where he is today, grew into his body, features more distinct now, clear ideas and goals in mind with the team and his studies. Although he has been busy and doing his own thing, Hoseok is still on his mind. The now co-captain of the cheer team hasn’t peeped a word to the football team since the breakup, just minds his own business with his fellow cheerleaders. Taehyung had managed to get acquainted with Seokjin since he started officially dating Yoongi a little over a year ago, and more recently Jimin now that they shared a class. Which meant Jeongguk as well since Jimin and him were always together.

“Have you gotten your succulent for class yet, hyung?” Taehyung asks Namjoon as they’re putting their stuff away now that their plant biology class aka botany aka Namjoon’s favorite class ever has ended.

“Yes, it’s an echevaria, so pretty!” Namjoon chirps contently.

“Those are pretty, I’m going to get one after my chemistry class.” comments Taehyung.

“Ohhhh, with, you know?” a curious Namjoon asks.

Taehyung gives him a timid smile, “Yea.”

Namjoon dimples pop out. “About time Taehyungie, you’ve been pining in silence for so long.”

Taehyung playfully shoves him and Namjoon giggles. “Hey, he wasn’t ready and I wasn’t either honestly. I am now and I hope we can be friends if anything.”

“I think you will. Let me know how it goes, I have to get to my calculus class.”

“Ah with Jimin?” Taehyung asks teasingly. 

“Why do you say it like that? And yea, he’s nice, we’ve been helping each other out with homework.”

“Mhmm, okay. I’ll see you later hyung.” Taehyung sing songs leaving the classroom.

Taehyung nerves and excitement manifest physically, he’s bouncing his leg nonstop in his chemistry class. He can’t focus, his mind only on finally being able to talk to Hoseok at the flower shop he works at.

About that…

A couple weeks ago, Jimin had offhandedly mentioned that he had to give Hoseok something after class at his job. His flower shop job. The flower shop that Taehyung was getting his succulent at very soon. Was it a coincidence? Perhaps. Taehyung took it as a sign from the universe. 

He bounces his legs again and tries to pay attention to the equation on the board but all the numbers and variables just mesh together. He has 30 minutes to go but someone on another part of campus is currently getting ready for work.

Hoseok is freshening up for his shift at Sun & Petals. He’s in the campus gym's washroom, slipping off the top he was wearing during practice, pulling out a pack of disposable body wipes. He can’t see himself showering anywhere but in the bathroom of his apartment that has his favorite shampoo, body wash and lotion. So he goes about wiping himself down, thankful that he didn’t sweat too much. He leaves his red skirt on and just switches his top for a cropped white tank and a black cardigan,  reflecting the school’s colors. He checks his watch and starts packing his things up before walking over to the shop. His white sneakers squeak slightly as he makes his way out the washroom, the whirring of exercise machines accompanying him until he steps out of the building. 

The walk is about 30 minutes but he enjoys it, helps him cool down from practice and enjoy music on the way. It’s relaxing and the sun is out, it’s a beautiful day. He’s humming along to J. Cole’s KOD as he steps into the shop, taking out one earbud to say hi to his boss.

“Good afternoon Soomin sunbaenim!” Hoseok greets cheerily, placing his bag in one of the shelves behind the register.

“Hi Hoseok, how are you today?” she gives him a can of cider and a bag crackers. 

“Thank you. I’m great, practice went well. How are you?” he snaps open his cider, sighing happily after taking his first sip.

“I’m great as well, thank you. We have some orders to attend to, a couple of arrangements and two bouquets, work on this one please.” 

Hoseok takes the order slip and sees that it is an arrangement for a wedding anniversary. Cute he whispers under his breath. 

He starts working on the arrangement, grabbing lilies, red roses and peach carnations. He starts mapping out the design of it and grabs some myrtle leaves once he has the main placements down. He’s listening to music in one ear, making sure to keep one earbud off to hear the doors open and if Soomin needs anything. Just as he’s cutting some of the flowers, he hears the door chime announcing that a customer has just walked in.

Taehyung hears a soft ding dong as he enters through the white french doors, immediately hit with the scent of different flowers and plants, a fresh, earthy undertone to it all. He loves it. The walls are a pastel yellow color and sees an area to his left where there are blue and green buckets stacked up neatly against the wall, two on the side of them filled with water. Shelves line up two thirds of the shop, plants and materials settled on them. One big display in the middle of the area holding buckets of flowers, he sees tulips, sunflowers, roses and lilies at a glance. To his right he sees two tall wooden tables where an older woman and Hoseok are working. The older woman looks up and gives him a smile, eyes crinkling. She cleans off her apron and hands, making her way over to him. He looks at Hoseok for a moment, sunlight shining down on him from the shop’s windows, quite the vision. He is softly swaying side to side as he works, mouthing lyrics and bopping his head, Taehyung is just as whipped as he was the first time he laid his eyes on him. 

“Hello, welcome to the shop. What can I do for you? I’m Soomin, the owner.” 

Taehyung bows to the woman that reminds him of his grandma. “Hi, I’m Taehyung. I was interested in seeing what succulents you have, I’ve been meaning to get one.” 

“We can definitely help you with that. Follow me please.” She walks to the other side of the shop where most of the racks are, one dedicated to smaller succulents and another one for the larger ones. 

“Did you have a particular one in mind?” asks Soomin.

“Not really. I was just thinking of looking at them and choosing the one I like the most.” 

“That’s fine, take your time. I hope you find one you like, we'll be on the other side if you need anything else.”

Taehyung thanks her as he starts taking a peek at the top shelf.

On the other side of the room, Hoseok looked up to see who came in. Cute he thinks again. His eyes go a little wide, surprised at his own reaction. He eyes him for a couple more seconds when he recognizes one of the pins on Taehyung’s backpack, the football team one.

Hoseok looks at the guy’s face again and he recognizes him. It’s Taehyung, the school’s star quarterback. 

Great.

Hoseok looks away and keeps working on his arrangement, no longer interested in the person who walked in. That’s what he tells himself, yet his eyes keep looking over at the football player every now and then. Soomin and Hoseok engage in quiet conversation as Taehyung keeps looking. A customer walks in about fifteen minutes later and Soomin attends the young women, Hoseok overhearing something about bouquets for a birthday. 

Taehyung is crouched down looking at succulents on the bottom shelf now, one catching his attention. It has round thick leaves with reddish purple tips, a little sticker tag on it reading Crassula ovata with “Crosby’s Compact” right below it. 

“I like you. You’re tiny.” whispers Taehyung.

The succulent is in a small pot painted with different shapes, he rotates it to see all the small details, he’s made his choice. As he turns around to look over at Soomin and Hoseok, he sees a pair of tan, smooth legs in front of him. He juts his head back confused and looks up to see Hoseok staring down at him. Now flustered, Taehyung picks up his backpack and stands up. Hoseok lips quirk a little in amusement.

“Didn’t mean to startle you. I came over to see if you found what you were looking for?” Hoseok asks with an impassive expression on his face.

Looking right at him actually. 

Taehyung shuts his inner voice up. “Uh, yea. I want to buy this one.”

Hoseok nods and takes it from him. “I’ll ring you up.”

They both make their way to the register, Hoseok setting down the plant  when he gets there, grabbing a brown paper bag with the shop’s logo on the front. He gently places the succulent inside along with a small brochure with care instructions and the shop’s business card. 

Taehyung decides to attempt some small talk. “How long have you been working here?” he asks looking around the store again, taking note of details he missed the first time, like the four pots of hanging ivy hanging from each corner of the shop.

Hoseok looks up at him and slightly squints. “About two years now.”

“This seems like a really nice place to work out, it’s calming.”

“It is.” Hoseok responds.

Taehyung takes note of the short answers. It’s okay, he’s not being mean or anything, he's curt but it’s all good.

“That’ll be 8,000 won, cash or credit?” Hoseok interrupts his train of thought. 

“I have cash, here you go.” Taehyung gives him a 10,000 won note. Hoseok takes it silently and reaches inside the register to grab his change. 

“Here’s your change, thanks for stopping by.”

“Thank you as well. Have a nice day Hoseok-ssi.” Taehyung replies as he walks out, bowing to Soomin before completely stepping out, leaving a puzzled Hoseok behind. 

He knows my name? We’ve never talked though?

He frowns.

Well you are one of the co-captains of the cheerleading team dummy. He shakes his head and continues to work on what he was doing.

Two days later Taehyung and Hoseok are on the field, it’s one of the days the cheerleading team and the football team share the field. Taehyung is putting on his cleats on the sidelines when Hoseok, Seokjin and Jimin walk near him. Taehyung and Hoseok share a look before Taehyung sends him a nod in acknowledgement before standing up and joining the rest of the team. Hoseok keeps staring at him as Taehyung walks away, staring longer than he wanted to because Seokjin notices.

“You good Hobi?”

Hoseok snaps out of it and smooths out his white, pleated cheer skirt. “Yea, just a little out of it.” 

Seokjin tilts his head a little and then looks at Jimin, who turns to see who Hoseok was looking at. Kim Taehyung. He looks back at Seokjin and just sends him a small shrug, Seokjin nods and decides to let it go. “Okay, let’s get started.” 

As the cheer squad begins their practice, Taehyung and Yoongi begin to stretch before doing individual drills. He looks over to where he last saw Hoseok. The cheerleader is practicing some jumps and rolls, white uniform making him stand out more than he already does. 

“I can put in a good word for you.” Yoongi snickers beside him.

Taehyung scoffs and hits Yoongi playfully. “Don’t want you in my business. Or Jin hyung.” he adds.

Yoongi laughs. “Just saying.” They go back to doing their exercises, non stop movement for fifty minutes before they both take a break. 

Taehyung takes a drink of water from his bottle when he sees Namjoon on the side of the field walking towards them. He quickly gulps and jogs over to greet him. Namjoon shows him a bag of snacks and tells him he’ll wait for his practice to be over so they can go study after. It’s at that moment when Hoseok looks over and sees Taehyung’s big smile, his slightly sweaty wavy dark hair bouncing around as he is laughing alongside Namjoon at something Yoongi is saying. Cute. 

Hoseok facepalms himself.

“Is that Namjoon hyung?” he hears Jimin ask out of nowhere.

“Mhm.” Jungkook mutters.

Hoseok turns around.

“When did you get here?”

Jeongguk giggles. “Like 20 minutes ago, Jiminie hyung wanted some apple juice. Seems like your attention was somewhere else though.”

Hoseok rolls his eyes.

“I’m going to go say hi to Namjoon hyung, I’ll be right back.” Jimin starts standing up to make his way over..

A small squeak comes out of Jeongguk. “No, stay. Why right now?!”

“Why not?” 

Jeongguk nervously bites his bottom lip. “Because…”

“Baby, remember what we said?”

“Yea, but…” Jeongguk whines.

“Do I even want to know what you two are up to?” Seokjin questions, Hoseok next to him staring the pair down.

Jeongguk avoids their glares and steals a sip from the juice he brought Jimin. Jimin just smiles a little too sweetly at the captains as he walks away to talk to Namjoon.

“Seriously?” Hoseok gets closer to Jeongguk. Jeongguk just shrugs, lips sealed shut.

Both Seokjin and Hoseok shake their heads and ruffle Jeongguk’s hair as they walk away from the bleachers to continue practicing.

A football lands near him as Hoseok begins stretching. He looks at it and decides to pick it up. As he’s standing back up, he comes face to face with none other than Taehyung.

“Sorry about that.” Taehyung says a little out of breath. 

“S’okay.” Hoseok replies, tossing the football over to him.

“Thanks.” Taehyung catches it and starts jogging away.

“How’d you know my name? You said it when you said bye to me at the flower shop but I don’t think we’ve ever been properly introduced.”

Taehyung stills. Shit.

He turns around. “Seokjin hyung has mentioned you when we’ve hung out. I hang out with him and Yoongi hyung sometimes.” 

Nice save.

Hoseok eyes him warily. “I see. Taehyung right?”

“Yep, that’s me.”

“See you later Taehyung-ssi.” It was Hoseok’s turn to leave Taehyung a little puzzled.

That see you later came about two weeks later when Taehyung walked into Sun & Petals for the second time. Hoseok can’t hide his surprise this time, caught off guard and by himself since Soomin stepped out to deposit some money into the shop’s bank account. 

Hoseok gives him a tight smile. “Hi.”

“Hey.” Taehyung greets back.

“What can I help you with?” 

Taehyung takes note of the apron Hoseok is wearing today, it’s a light green with a sunflower pattern. He thinks it suits Hoseok perfectly. 

“Actually came for another succulent.”

“Another one?”

“Yea.”

“Okay, do you just want to take a look or you have one in mind already?” 

“Actually, do you have any that could fit in this and not grow out too much?” Taehyung asks. He pulls out a small pot Namjoon had given him months ago. 

Hoseok steps closer. “Can I take a look?”

“Yea, sure.” Taehyung hands it over.

It’s a small clay pot with an artist's mixing tray painted on it.

“It’s pretty.” Hoseok comments.

Taehyung smiles. “Yea, it was given to me a while ago and I thought why not finally put it to good use.”

And for the first time, Taehyung sees a tiny smile directed at him. Adorable. 

“Good idea, let’s see what you can work with.” Hoseok walks them to the succulent area. “This one grows pretty slowly. When it grows, it grows upwards, not to the side.” Hoseok explains.

Taehyung looks at the succulent recommended in Hoseok’s hands. He steps a little closer and from the corner of his eyes he sees Hoseok’s eyebrows go up just a bit.

“Oh, the leaves are like little triangles. It’s so small.” Taehyung says curiously, the tag on it reading Haworthia. 

“Yea, it’s pretty adorable. I actually have one of these myself. Soomin sunbaenim gave one to me the first day I started working here. It’s grown maybe like three inches since then.” shares Hoseok.  

“Nice. I’ll take it then.” Taehyung peers down at Hoseok, soft brown hair framing his face and he notices the small mole on his upper lip, Taehyung fights back a blush. Hoseok is a little stuck in his gaze but manages to clear his throat.

“Right, let’s get you checked out then.” he spins and walks quickly to the register. He charges Taehyung’s card and then puts the succulent in a bag.

“You want to put your pot in here?” Hoseok asks Taehyung.

“Oh yea, good idea.”

Hoseok’s fingers brush over Taehyung’s as he takes it from him. He bites the inside of his cheek, not noticing the faint blush taking over Taehyung’s face. He neatly folds the receipt and puts it in the paper bag as well. 

“All set.” Hoseok gently pushes the bag towards him.

“Cool, thank you. See you around Hoseok-ssi.”

“See ya Taehyung-ssi.” 

Taehyung walks happily to his apartment that day. 

The two now regularly greet and even talk sometimes at practice. Seokjin and Jimin notice it about two weeks after Taehyung's last visit to the shop.

“Did you just say talk to Taehyung?” Jimin is perplexed. 

“Uh, yea?”

“You like, practically shunned the whole football team after, you know. Just surprised, since when are you two friendly?” 

“He’s come into the shop twice.” Hoseok keeps his answer simple.

“Oh, did he get a succulent?” Jeongguk jumps into the conversation.

Hoseok turns around to see Jeongguk settling down next to them. This kid is always coming out of nowhere. 

“Yes actually, how did you know that?” 

Jeongguk grins toothily. “Um, well Namjoonie hyung mentioned the other day that he and Taehyung had to get a succulent for their plant biology class.”

“Oh…wait -  what they’d do to it?!” Hoseok exclaims, he will never forgive Taehyung if they conducted some sort of experiment on the succulents from Sun & Petals. 

Jeongguk jumps at the sudden reaction. “Nothing! Nothing, their professor just wanted them to have one, they have to bring it to class sometimes. Something about them learning how to be good friends to plants.”

Hoseok huffs. “Better be it, it I find out they did something else to those plants, I will - ”

“You’ll what?” a deep voice interrupts. Taehyung.

Hoseok's honey eyes stare him down, well up since he’s sitting down. “I’ll punch you.”

Seokjin guffaws next to him. Jeongguk is muffling his laughs and Jimin is trying not to laugh.

Taehyung softly chuckles. “I promise they’re safe with me. Paid a lot of money for them you know.”

Hoseok raises an eyebrow and then shakes his head. “Oh ha ha, very funny.”

Taehyung laughs a little more wholeheartedly. “Thanks for letting me borrow your notes, Jimin.” 

Hoseok sees him pass some papers to Jimin. “You’re welcome.”

Once Taehyung is back with the rest of the football team, Hoseok turns to Jimin. “You have class with him?”

“Yep, we have chemistry together.”

“He’s a chem major too?”

“No, it’s one of his required classes though. He’s an environmental engineer major like Joonie hyung.” 

“Oh cool.” Hoseok replies as he sees Taehyung throw the football far down the field to one of his teammates. 

The succulents are safe with Taehyung then.

The weather has gotten colder now that it’s early November and Hoseok has traded the crop tops and light cardigans for oversized, warm fluffy sweaters. The skirt stays on though.

He’s making a bouquet of roses when he hears the soft chimes welcoming a customer.

“Give me a second please, be right with you.” Hoseok says as he finishes cutting the stems to the appropriate lengths.

“No worries, take your time.” a now familiar timbre replies.

Hoseok looks up to see Taehyung standing near the register, looking at the two flower crowns waiting to be picked up.

“Taehyung-ssi?”

“Hey.” Taehyung’s hair has gotten longer, lengthy waves peeking out from under his beanie and Hoseok’s brain is going cute cute cute. 

“Hey, another succulent?” he asks.

Taehyung laughs softly. “No, I actually wanted to put an order. My parents are visiting this weekend and I wanted to get some flowers for my mom.”

“Oh nice. That’s sweet of you.” Hoseok replies with a warm smile. Hoseok is gorgeous.

“I try.” he responds shyly. “So how do I order one?” 

“Well, we have this binder here that you can pick from. Or you can choose what flowers you want and we’ll make an arrangement accordingly.” Hoseok explains. 

“Can I take a look at the flowers you have?”

“Yea, go ahead.”

“Thanks.” Taehyung makes his way over to where all the flowers are. He eyes the different colored tulips and decides on the pink ones. He then sees the roses and loves the softness of the peach ones, peach roses it is. The sunflowers are right next to them and he looks up at Hoseok, who’s bobbing his head to whatever music is playing through the earbud in his right ear as he’s cleaning the tables. He looks so soft in his black skirt, baby blue oversized sweater and high top all white converse, sunflower apron completing his look. Pretty. 

Taehyung makes his way up to where Hoseok is at. “I’ve picked out three different types of flowers.”

Hoseok grabs a clipboard with a fresh order slip on it. “So what did you choose?”

“The pink tulips for sure, tulips are my mom’s favorite. And some of the peach colored roses and sunflowers.” 

Hoseok nods as he writes it down. “Vase or no vase?”

“With a vase.”

“Okay, let’s get you a vase.” Hoseok walks to the shelves behind the tables where the vases are located. “Take you pick Taehyung-ssi.”

“Just Taehyung is fine.” he responds. Taehyung sees a white one in the shape of a teapot and points at it. “That one please, Hoseok-ssi.”

“Just Hoseok hyung is okay I guess.” a playful gaze is on Hoseok’s face.

Taehyung sends him a boxy smile.

“When do you need this by?” 

“My parents arrive in two days, is that enough time? They just called me yesterday to let me know, I would have let you know earlier.” 

“It’s okay, I can actually work on it right now. You can come back a little later? Or…” Hoseok trails off, tapping his pen on the clipboard. 

“Or?” 

“Or you can stay and wait. Shouldn’t take me too long, like 20 minutes.” Hoseok continues. 

“I’ll stay.”

“Okay. Let me get the flowers.” 

Hoseok gathers what he needs and quickly gets to work. He’s glad he’s no longer looking at Taehyung, Taehyung is making him nervous and he doesn’t know why. Taehyung talks as he works, Hoseok commenting throughout the conversation. Hoseok finds himself enjoying listening to Taehyung talking about Seokjin and Yoongi fighting over something in Stardew Valley the other day, and all the other topics discussed. Soomin arrives shortly after, and if she sees Taehyung staring at Hoseok like he’s the center of his world, she keeps it to herself and prepares green tea with honey for the three of them. 

The cheerleading trio are in the gym doing squats with barbells when Yoongi walks in. 

“Hey.” Yoongi gruff voice greets everyone.

“Hey hyung.” Hoseok says tiredly.

“Good workout?”  

“Yea but I just want to sleep.” he replies, rubbing his temple.

Yoongi’s expression softens. “You should. All of us have a big day tomorrow.”

Hoseok groans at that. Tomorrow Korea University plays their biggest rival, Yonsei University. 

Jimin huffs out a breath as he ends the round of squats he was doing. “You guys better win if we’re gonna be standing out there cheering you on in the cold.”

“We will. So all of you go home and get some rest.”

“Thanks for bringing my clothes baby, I’ll see you later.” Seokjin puckers his lips and Yoongi bends down to kiss him.

Hoseok thinks they’re adorable. But he also misses having that with someone. 

Taehyung has just helped the team take the lead over Yonsei, just what they needed to start the 4th quarter. Yonsei is currently taking a time out so Taehyung runs over to the benches to get something to drink. He hears Hoseok laughing nearby and uses his laughs to locate where he is at. He finds him currently talking to Jimin, they’re messing around by the looks of it. Hoseok starts playfully shoving his pom poms in Jimin’s face and Taehyung’s heart does a thing at seeing him so happy. And he knows Hoseok is not an unhappy person per say but the only times he’s really seen him, Hoseok hasn’t been in the greatest of moods, until recently of course. He’s happy he’s slowly breaking down some of that defensive shell of his. He gets it though, and progress is progress. Hopefully Hoseok smiles even brighter if they win.

Taehyung and the rest of the team strategize and effectively get the results they wanted. They win 38-24, Korea University students going crazy in the stands, cheering loudly at the results. When he turns to the cheer squad, he sees Hoseok give him a thumbs up.

And perhaps the most beautiful smile he’s seen on Hoseok’s face to date. 

Hoseok and Soomin are busy with eighteen wedding arrangements on a chilly Wednesday evening. Hoseok hears the door open and sees Taehyung walk in. At this point he’s not even surprised anymore, at this rate he’s going to become their number one customer.

“Ah Taehyung-ssi, good evening.” Soomin welcomes him with an inviting eye smile.

“Soomin-nim, hi.” he bows. Taehyung turns to Hoseok. “Hey hyung.”

Hoseok flashes him a quick grin and returns his attention to the ribbon he was cutting. “Hey Tae, what’s up?”

“Nothing much, just thought I’d stop by, was on my way to the cafe down the street. Brought you two something to drink. Hope you two like peach lemon tea.”

Hoseok wipes his hands on his apron. “Oh thank you, this actually sounds so good right now. My hands are freezing.

“Thank you dear.” Soomin gives Taehyung a quick pat on his arm in acknowledgement, a happy hum coming from both of them as they take their first sip.

“This should help me work better, Jimin and Jeongguk kept me up last night and I feel like I’ve been sluggish all day.”

“You live with them?”

“Just Jimin, but Jeongguk might as well move in, he’s over all the time. They kept screeching and talking loudly. Namjoon was over so who knows what they were doing to the poor guy.” Hoseok giggles and Taehyung’s heart does a thing again.

“Joonie hyung was there?” Taehyung is intrigued now.

“Yea, they invited him over to study but clearly turned into the opposite. They were just eating and chatting. I was with them for a bit but got tired and fell asleep the rest of the night.”

“Hmmm, interesting. Gonna ask hyung about it later. He’s so clueless.”

Hoseok chuckles. “Yea, those two aren’t really trying to hide their intentions. Honestly, I was impressed with Jeongguk last night. If he was shy and nervous before, not anymore.”

Taehyung laughs and then reaches into the small bag in his hand. “Almost forgot, here you go. An additional sugar rush for you.”

Hoseok takes the small pastry box and peeks inside, it’s a cupcake with the frosting in the shape of a sunflower. 

“Oh.” Hoseok gasps cutely.

Taehyung internally high fives himself. “Hope it tastes as good as it looks. Gotta get going now, see you at practice.” He waves goodbye to both of them.

Hoseok takes a picture of the cupcake, it’s too pretty not too and he’s about to destroy it. He grabs the chopsticks in the bag and slowly rips off a piece and sees that the bread has been dyed a green color to resemble a stem. He asks Soomin if she wants some but she declines the offer. As he sits on a stool to take a quick break, Hoseok suddenly hears Soomin start giggling.

He cocks his head, slightly pouting as he looks at her as he chews on his delicious treat.

“You two are adorable.” Soomin begins.

Hoseok quickly swallows to say something. “Adorable?”

She nods firmly. “Yes. I couldn’t help but overhear about this Namjoon friend. Hoseok dear, he isn’t the only one that is clueless.”

“Huh?”

“Honey, Taehyung didn’t buy anything from the shop this time. He brought you something instead.”

“He brought you some tea too.” his voice a little higher than usual, realization dawning on him.

“He did. But he only brought you a pretty cupcake.”

Hoseok opens his mouth to say something but closes it when he realizes he doesn’t know what to say. This time Soomin gives him a mysterious smile.

“Talk to him sweetheart.”

Hoseok takes a sip of tea. Yea, I should.

Hoseok is on his way to the gym when he sees Taehyung and Namjoon. He’s a little wary of the football player after the cupcake incident. He doesn’t know what Taehyung is trying to do but he’ll be damned if he doesn’t figure it out right now. He starts speed walking towards them when he looks down at their hands and sees succulents. Some of the fire in him dies down when he sees Taehyung holding the one Hoseok recommended to him. Namjoon notices him and surprise takes over his face. Taehyung looks at him confused before seeing what has his attention. Taehyung’s deep brown eyes also go wide in surprise.

Hoseok speaks up now that he’s caught up to them. He frowns slightly before pulling his face into a neutral expression. 

“Hi.” Hoseok starts off, acknowledging both of them. “Um Tae, do you have some time to talk today? I need to ask you something.” he asks quietly. Namjoon directs his attention to his phone, trying to give the two some privacy.

“Uh yea, of course. I have class right now though, we can meet after, is that okay?” Taehyung says a little nervously. This has caught him by surprise and he doesn’t know what's going on, this wasn’t part of the plan. Not like there was much of one to begin with. 

“Yea, I’m done for the day. I can wait for you.”

Taehyung nods dumbly. “Where do you want to meet?”

Hoseok thinks. There’s a small garden nearby that has some benches surrounded by tall bushes and shrubbery.

“The garden over there?” Hoseok points to it.

“Okay, see you in like an hour or so.”

“‘Alright.” Hoseok pops in his earbuds and walks to the garden. 

Taehyung exhales a shaky breathe.

“What’s that about?” Namjoon asks, small furrow in between his brows.

“I’m not sure.”

“You think he knows?”

“I really don’t know what he wants to talk to me about. We’ve been getting along well, or at least it seemed like that to me.”

Namjoon tugs on his jacket so they can continue making their way to class. “I’m sure everything will be okay, just know that it may come up.”

“Yea. Let’s get to class.”

Hoseok is relieved to see that there’s only one other person in the garden with him. They are completely engrossed in a book and he decides to lean back on the wooden, metal framed bench and listen to music to pass the time. He’s tapping his right foot and playing with the hem of his skirt, eyes closed as pop tunes fill his ears. 

The hour zips by for Taehyung, who has been jittery since Hoseok came up to him. He quickly gathers his laptop and his notepad and slides them into his black backpack. He puts his succulent in the paper bag he brought it in, quickly saying goodbye to Namjoon as he rushes out to meet Hoseok.

He spots Hoseok right away but stops before getting any closer. The weather might be gloomy but Hoseok is always glowing. He continues walking and sits down next to him and Hoseok must feel his presence because he slowly turns his head and opens his eyes to look at Taehyung. He pops out his earbuds and puts them in their case.

“Hi.” he greets Taehyung softly.

“Hey.” 

Taehyung eyes scan his face to get a hint of what’s about to happen but Hoseok isn’t giving him anything.

“Tae, why’d you buy me the cupcake? You didn’t buy anything that day in the shop, I didn’t notice until Soomin sunbaenim pointed it out.” 

“Uhh, well, when I was getting the tea for both of you, I saw it and it reminded me of you. So I got it, it was pretty.”

“It reminded you of me?” Hoseok asks.

“Yea, you remind me of sunflowers.” Taehyung looks directly at him when he says it, but then turns to look at the small tree in front of them.

“What are you playing at Tae?”

“Playing? I’m not playing at anything. I’ve been wanting to get to know you for a while now.”

Hoseok eyes him suspiciously so Taehyung takes a deep breath. This is it I guess. 

“I noticed you the first time I came to practice when I joined the football team. You just, stood out you know, you always have. But at the time I was getting used to the whole college thing, I was pretty shy and you were going out with, uh,  well you were in a relationship. And then everything that happened after that, you just seemed to completely close off from the football team so I never did anything, until now. So I guess what I’m trying to say is that I finally worked up the courage to do something about it and get to know you. I’ve liked you this whole time. I want to be with you, as a friend, as something more.” Taehyung finishes, averting his eyes from Hoseok. 

Hoseok is stunned, he was not expecting that. “I like sunflowers.” is the only thing that comes out of his mouth as he stares at Taehyung’s profile.

“Me too.” Taehyung agrees softly.

“So you like me?” Hoseok asks timidly.

Taehyung nods, his cheeks heating up, still not looking at Hoseok.

“For someone who says he likes me, you sure don’t look at me much.” Hoseok jokes, trying to break the tension.

“You make me nervous.”

Hoseok tugs on his sweater gently. “You make me nervous too.” he’s finally admits. “Look at me please.”

Taehyung finally looks at him again. “I make you nervous?”

Hoseok tousled curls bounce as he nods.

“What does that mean? What do you think about what I said?”

“I think - I think I like you too.” Hoseok flusters saying it out loud.

“You think?” Taehyung teases.

“Look, I wasn’t expecting this. I’m surprised...but I've enjoyed our conversations. You're sweet and I do find you cute so, so I’m - I’m catching up right now okay. Give me a sec.” Hoseok stammers out.

“Okay.” Taehyung leans back on the bench as Hoseok gathers himself.

Hoseok scoots over, semi-bare thighs pressing up against Taehyung’s sweatpants covered ones. He doesn't really think much, instead his feelings bloom. He's a little scared, but the type someone might feel before getting on a rollercoaster, it's not a bad feeling. His hand never really left Taehyung’s arm when tugging on it earlier and he thinks it’s his time to be brave now. 

He slips his hand into Taehyung’s larger one and Taehyung squeezes it in a comforting manner. They stay like that for a couple of minutes before Hoseok speaks up again.

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay, let’s try this. Let’s do the relationship thing. But slowly and as private as we can please, I don’t want to be people’s gossip again.” Hoseok frowns and Taehyung quickly cups his face with his other hand to rub his thumb on his jaw, trying to sooth out the sour expression.

“I don’t want that either. Lowkey works for me.”

“Do Seokjin and Yoongi know?”

“Just Yoongi hyung. And Namjoon hyung. But maybe Yoongi hyung told Seokjin hyung something, I don’t know.”

“Gonna interrogate Yoongi to corroborate what you’ve just told me. Maybe even Namjoon.” Hoseok teases, he feels lighter now that they’ve cleared things up.

“Oh my god, nooo. Please don’t.” whines Taehyung, embarrassed as he lets go of the other. Hoseok giggles at that and Taehyung hides his face in his hands. 

“Hey, I’m kidding. Kind of. Just, you know, given what happened with Minhyuk I just, I need it to be something real, not something with an end date.” Hoseok’s eyes have a sad expression in them. 

“Hyung, Minhyuk was a butthead. He probably still is honestly. But I promise you I have no shady or bad intentions with you. Never that, I swear.” Taehyung wraps one of his pinkies around one of Hoseok’s.

“Okay.” Hoseok says again, looking deep into Taehyung’s chocolate eyes. He reaches up to fix some of Taehyung’s hair peeking out his beanie. Taehyung gaze zooms in on the mole on Hoseok’s lip, gently rubbing his thumb over it. He leans down but looks at Hoseok first, “Can I?”

“Yea.” Hoseok whispers.

Taehyung slips his tongue into Hoseok’s mouth right away, he’s been waiting for this moment for years. Hoseok gasps in surprise but lets him take control of the kiss. Their lips move languidly, Taehyung leaving soft pecks in between. Hoseok pulls off first but snuggles into Taehyung’s neck and broad shoulders, a giddy smile on his face. When he looks to see who’s around them he sees none other than Namjoon, with Jeongguk clutching one of his arms and Jimin peeking over his shoulders.

“Oh my god, how long have you guys been watching us?!” Hoseok shrieks, Taehyung laughing at his reaction.

Namjoon shakes his head in denial right away. “No, no no! We just got here like ten seconds ago. I texted Taehyung to see if everything was okay but he didn’t text back so I came here and ran into Jimin and Jeongguk on the way.”

“So are you two, like, together now?” Jimin steps out from behind Namjoon.

Hoseok and Taehyung nod at the same time.

“Cute.” sighs Jeongguk softly.

“Yea, very cute. Jeongguk, I think we need to talk to Namjoon hyung now, don’t you think?” Jimin looks at his boyfriend. Jeongguk bobs his head up and down excitedly while Namjoon just looks at the pair confused.

Taehyung laughs again and tells Hoseok that they should probably let the three talk now. “Come talk here, bench is all yours, we’re heading out.”

Taehyung hears Namjoon go wait but just sends him a thumbs up and a warm smile and an it’s okay as Hoseok and him walk away. 

Taehyung hears a knock on his apartment door as he finishes getting ready. It’s the day before his birthday and Hoseok wanted to spend some time with just him since they’re hanging out with the seven member friend group tomorrow. He opens the door to reveal a stunning Hoseok. His boyfriend is wearing black chelsea boots, skin tight black skinny jeans, a cropped white ruffled blouse revealing his sunkissed tummy and a fluffy navy blue sherpa jacket.

“Wow.” is all Taehyung says. 

Hoseok shakes his head fondly and leans up to give him a sweet kiss. “Hey baby.”

“Hi, hello. Wow, you look amazing. Gorgeous.” Taehyung gives him another kiss.

“Says you.” retorts Hoseok. Taehyung is donning casual dark brown loafers with black slim fit slacks, caramel turtleneck sweater that does wonders for his upper body and a black coat.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I want to give you something before we head out to dinner. Or two things actually. The first is this cutie, it’s another plant baby. It’s called a violet queen. Reminded me of you, and a little bit of sunflower petals.” Hoseok hands the plant over.

“And then this, I didn’t wrap it because I figured you might want to use it tonight. Maybe? It’s a Nikon film camera, I bought extra film rolls for you. You mentioned something about wanting one so I figured yoooohh - “ Hoseok yelps as Taehyung cuts him off with a deep kiss. One of his hands is firmly gripping his waist and the other flat against the middle of Hoseok’s back. Hoseok melts into his embrace and wraps both arms around his neck, the kiss getting more passionate as the seconds pass. Taehyung ends it with a sweet kiss on his favorite little beauty mark. 

“It’s perfect, thank you. Both of your gifts, so thoughtful” Taehyung says huskily, fond look on his face as he stares at his gifts sitting on the counter. Hoseok is a little dizzy from the kiss so he moves his hands down to wrap them around Taehyung’s toned torso, adorably looking up at him.

“Let’s get moving so we can make it to the reservation on time.”

“What are we going to do after?” Taehyung asks.

“We’ll see where the night takes us, my violet queen.” Hoseok giggles at his new nickname for Taehyung.

Taehyung slaps his butt playfully, grabbing the camera and lacing his fingers with Hoseok's. 

“Let’s go then, sunflower.”