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“He broke my heart,” Jimin sighs, not sure as to why he’s saying all of this to a stranger he just met a few hours ago.
“I’ve never been in love. Never had my heart broken,” Taehyung whispers, a little bit of nervousness etched into his voice.
The two strangers look at each other and smile softly, eyes speaking all the words of comfort that their mouths are unable to vocalize.
You deserve better.
I hope you find love.
The Parisian air fills their lungs— this unfamiliar place that they used to get away from their inner turmoil has led them to each other. Here they stand, two strangers, seeking comfort in the warmth of the other. Taehyung’s body radiates warmth and kindness, and Jimin is melting with every passing second. The brown haired man is comfort embodied, his mere presence calming the storm in Jimin’s heart. Jimin inhales the autumn air that surrounds them, his senses heightening as he catches a whiff of Taehyung’s vanilla scent.
He closes his eyes and allows himself to be swayed by the overwhelming presence of the handsome stranger standing beside him. He smiles a genuine smile, the first one in months.
Taehyung steals a glance at Jimin. He studies the way his features are soft yet sharp at the same time. His eyes follow down the slope of Jimin’s nose and over the curve of his lips. He studies the chubbiness of his cheeks that contrast the hard lines of his jaw. Jimin is beautiful. Breathtaking, even.
When he opens his eyes, Jimin’s met with city lights. Taehyung’s eyes are warm and full of life, and when Jimin looks in them, he sees the city of love staring right back at him. He sees a kiss in front of the eiffel tower. He sees a picnic on a rooftop overlooking Paris. He sees the brightest lights that illuminate the streets and hide the dark corners and alleyways.
He sees so much in those eyes, but most importantly, he sees himself falling in love. Jimin thinks he could fall in love with this stranger beside him— or maybe he already has. He’s never been one to believe in love at first sight, but Taehyung might just be the one to prove him wrong.
“You’re so pretty, Jimin-ah,” Taehyung says softly, letting his eyes lock with the other’s honey colored ones. He’s mesmerized, completely taken by Jimin and the gracefulness of his beauty. Taehyung thinks Jimin belongs in the Louvre.
Jimin blushes, a pretty hue of pink painting itself on the apples of his cheeks. Taehyung hopes that this isn’t a one time thing. He hopes that this sight is one he’ll be graced with many more times in his life.
“Taehyung-ah,” Jimin says suddenly, eyes sparkling with something. Something that only pulls Taehyung in further, roping him in until all he can think, hear, or see is Jimin. Jimin Jimin Jimin.
“I know we just met, and maybe this is crazy. Maybe you’ll think it’s just because of my break up, or out of pity, but,” he speaks quickly, stopping only to catch his breath. He looks down nervously and twiddles with his fingers. Taehyung reaches forward and uses his finger to lift Jimin’s chin up, giving him a sweet smile, urging him to continue. It’s okay, let it out.
Jimin smiles.
“Just for the night, let’s fall in love.”
“What about the nights that follow?”
“What about them?”
“Can I love you on those nights too?”
Jimin’s eyes widen, and his eyes fill with something that Taehyung can most definitely recognize as hope, fear, and love. It’s the same things that fill his eyes too, and Jimin can see it. They both find comfort in this— in knowing that this is equally as scary as it is riveting for the both of them.
“You can love me for as long as you’ll have me.”
“I’m scared, Jimin,” Taehyung whispers, hands trembling slightly. Jimin reaches out to grab them in his.
“Me too, Tae,” he reassures. Taehyung’s ears perk up at the nickname, and he begins to fall harder.
Is this really what falling in love feels like?
“Is it supposed to happen this fast?” Taehyung lets out, squeezing his eyes shut as he tries to gather his thoughts.
Jimin squeezes his hands. I’m here, it’s okay.
“I don’t know, but… It’s happening for me too.”
Jimin reaches up to cup Taehyung’s face, rubbing his cheek gently with the pad of his thumb. Taehyung opens his eyes, and relaxes, his features returning to their original softness.
“I've never been in love before.”
“I know, darling,” Jimin smiles.
“I got my heart broken a few months ago.”
“I know, angel,” Taehyung smiles back.
Jimin is blinded by Taehyung’s radiance. Taehyung, albeit feeling small himself, looks so big right now as Jimin stares at him. The city lights illuminate and cast shadows all across his features, and Jimin swears Taehyung has the prettiest face he’s ever seen. A beautiful face to match such a beautifully kind soul. Taehyung has no idea just how radiant and big he looks to Jimin. No, not because he’s a few centimeters taller, but because his presence fills the city with so much grandeur that Jimin is taken completely aback by it. He gets lost in Taehyung and all that he is.
Taehyung looks at him, and Jimin feels it. Feels just how enamored the other is— and he hopes. He hopes Taehyung can feel the reciprocation.
“The city of love is in your eyes, Taehyungie,” Jimin whispers, pushing the boy’s fringe out of his face.
It’s Taehyung’s turn to blush now— a peachy color as opposed to Jimin’s pink.
“Kiss me,” Taehyung breathes out. Jimin brings his hand back down to Taehyung’s cheek and lets it rest there for a moment.
“Okay,” Jimin replies, a small smile etching itself onto his face.
Jimin leans forward, bringing their faces closer together. He stops a few centimeters from Taehyung’s mouth. Are you sure?
Taehyung grabs Jimin’s face and, finally their lips meet as the city lights shine brighter than ever.. Taehyung’s lips are soft against Jimin’s bigger ones. They fit together perfectly, like a good book on a rainy day or a warm cup of hot chocolate in the middle of a cool winter. Jimin never wants to forget this feeling. Taehyung wants to kiss Jimin forever.
They kiss, the way the sun kisses the horizon when as it sets, skies fading to darkness as the city lights up. It's a magical moment, as dark meets light, and suddenly, the world is vibrant, as warmth and light illuminate every inch of a city that never sleeps.
They pull apart and lean their foreheads against each other’s.
This is it. This is love.
“Tae?”
“Mmm?”
“Let’s love each other for a long time, yeah?”
Taehyung kisses him again.
“Yeah.”
— fin ♡