Archive of Our Own

When I’m next to you, I’m home. – One Way Ticket

The hour hand was moving slightly to the seven number when Yoongi just finished pouring his coffee. A breakfast at half past six seemed to be too early, especially for a teacher like him who have schedule started at around eight. He turned on the television, watching some morning news that are broadcasted for people at his age. Nothing attracted his attention, Yoongi let the voice of a female anchor who reported about a case of robbery to fill the silence around him. This big apartment started to feel emptier as he was the only one who slept there. Correction, his so-called roommate was on the other side of the world and he had nothing to do about that except to wait for him to come home. Jungkook might not like it if he ever heard Yoongi adressed him as roommate, though.

Ignoring a couple of toasts that started getting cold in front of him, Yoongi chose to check on his phone, once again. He had been looking at the dual clock widget in the homescreen for more than ten times today. Counting the minutes. Today, it has Chicago’s current time showing there. Last week, Yoongi set it to Toronto. Jungkook should have been arriving at the venue, or at the very least, he should have been on his way to there right now. Yoongi let out a sigh, a little bit worried. Giving his first bite for the cold toast, Yoongi finally looked up to the televison.

Five seconds later, a ring from his phone interrupted. Yoongi quickly put down his toast on the plate, moving his hand to grab the phone and answering the call. A wide smile appeared at his face when he exclaimed, “Jungkook-a!”

Small giggle could be heard across the call. Yoongi’s mind now filled with image of Jungkook beamed for finally being able to call him. His bright eyes and big smile that showed his front line of teeth. Yoongi missed him a lot.

“Do you have breakfast already, hyung? It is nearly seven there.”

Everything around Yoongi started to be alive when he heard the younger’s simple question. The dull nuance faded away. He nodded, fully knowing Jungkook couldn’t see him. “Yeah, I’m in the middle of it when you are calling. How about you?” Yoongi asked back, munching on his toast again to make it sound more convincing. Jungkook, in the other hand, also nodded to him, humming something about having brunch and going to eat some food from sponsors before went to stage.

“Eat a lot, bun. You need to be in good state for the day two. Still, be careful for the flying perfomance.”

Sometimes, Jungkook would whine to him and saying that it’s not a big deal, I’m a big man who can do it without fail, only to have Yoongi giving him serious and worried tone of sentence. Today, he just obeyed in silence. If he wants to meet Yoongi as soon as possible, he should be coming home safely. Euphoria stage was one of the most favorite amongst his fans, but it’s a bit dangerous, given the fact that he was flying during almost the entire song. Not flying in literal meaning. He used some tools that helped him going around the concert arena from above while still stand. Yoongi always worried about it, yet Jungkook knew that the older actually is so proud of his choice on the new choreography. He once caught Yoongi giving him applause when he attended his kick-off concert at Seoul.

“Anyway, I watch your interview this morning.”

A laugh escaped from Jungkook’s lips, Yoongi barely heard it as someone also talked in loud voice at the background. “Which interview?”

For s a second, Yoongi was regretting how fast the memory slipped from his mind. Sometimes, his brain did that mechanism of throwing away any information that he wouldn’t need anymore. “I don’t remember the title but it has question about your ideal type,” Yoongi answered in short, slightly chewing on the second toast. Jungkook hummed. He also didn’t remember it. There were many interviews that he did during the tour. Many people want to know about his life, his dislikes and likes, or even love relationship. As a rising pop singer that just succesfully made his name in the music industry, Jungkook is such a center of attention. Every eyes are looking at him. Those which also questioned what kind of person a Jeon Jungkook would date.

“You said you want to marry someone who is good at playing piano.”

That’s right. Yoongi smiled at the end of his sentence, sipping his coffee. He remembered it clearly. How young Jungkook was back then. His hair was short, no light color could be spotted there. His big eyes, just the same like the present. Still giving him so much adoration in every gaze. Yoongi never talked to him, but Jungkook was already stunning since then. His smooth and breathy voice got Yoongi’s attention. He didn’t admit it at that time, but everytime Ms. Kang asked Yoongi to help her playing piano during his vocal class, Yoongi would gladly oblige.

Only to meet Jungkook again and listening to his voice. Jungkook was the one who made the first move, asking about high-school life because he thought Yoongi was slightly older than him—maybe one or two years. In fact, Yoongi was four years older than him, but he played his role well. Jungkook found out at his middle school graduation but he shrugged it off. He just enjoyed to have older friend like Yoongi. Even better if he could have him as more than a friend.

That’s why, without Yoongi’s knowledge, Jungkook worked hard to debut as a pop singer. He joined an agency, got trained and such. It was a tiring period, but Jungkook still felt grateful to have Yoongi around. He cheered on him and kept messaging with him, because they couldn’t meet so often. Jungkook was acknowledged by his agency and sent to a survival show with another bunch of young trainees to compete for a chance of debuting in one group. He did the best, but the result was disappointed.

Nevertheless, because of his charming face and beautiful voice, Jungkook got a contract from a bigger company and succesfully made his debut as a solo. He did better than the group from the survival show and when his age hit the legal state, he finally made his very first own choice. Yoongi was the witness, and he got rewarded with his blushing face. Jungkook confessed to Yoongi and they started the term boyfriend ever since.

“I always thought people who can play instrument is the coolest person ever. I want to be like them,” Jungkook voiced out later, a bit distancing. Yoongi assumed he put his phone somewhere to do anything else. When he was back again, he added. “Thanks to you, now I am also that one cool person.”

There is no lie in there. As they getting closer after the encounter at the music academy Jungkook attended, Yoongi also taught him to play instrument. Yoongi excelled in piano, but he could play guitar as well. Jungkook did the latter better than him after years of practicing. That explained how he often brought guitar to acompany him singing some of his songs in the concert.

“You were already cool since the beginning, Jungkook-a. Don’t say things like that,” Yoongi said, now started to get up and cleaning the dishes. Jungkook likes to hear that. He chimed in.

“I think it’s fair to say that we are the coolest couple ever, then?”

Almost, Yoongi dropped the mug to the sink. He laughed. “You really like to talk about couple lately, have you bought any couple shirts there? Bet you are shopping more than the last year in Japan.”

It was Jungkook’s turn to laugh. He couldn’t deny it, though. Yoongi knows him better than himself, sometimes. “I miss you so much, it’s hell to see many people here came and bought something with their couple. Everytime I saw them, I would get mad and bought the first thing that reminds me of you.”

Always so eager and unworried. When the first time Jungkook joked to him like that, Yoongi would think the younger really spend his money on unnecessary stuffs. Turns out, Jungkook only gave him the meaningful ones, those which Yoongi cherished a lot. Like the expensive watch that now wrapped around his wrist. As a payback, Yoongi would take him on great dates when Jungkook got his time off.

“Enjoy the concert, Jungkook-a. Good luck.”

When the clock was hitting at a quarter past seven, Yoongi finally ended the call. He had to get ready to work and Jungkook was much not different. They were back to their reality again. He looked at the outside from the small window that was located beside the sink. Somewhere far from his place, Jungkook was going to start his concert. Went to stage as “JK” the public know. He smiled, unconsciously touching the ring that wrapped his fourth left finger.

:::

The lunch Yoongi had this afternoon was a bit tasteless. His fellow teacher who happened to eat along with him couldn’t stop complaining. Several times mentioned he would marry woman who is good at cooking. Thinking about that, for Yoongi, Jungkook is also a great cooker. They spent many weekends and day offs at kitchen to try some new recipes or just experiencing on their usual dinner. As Jungkook’s popularity getting bigger in the past two years, they could no longer do that so oftenly.

“Hey, how about your spouse? Are they good at cooking? I mean, it’s almost three months now. You can’t taste their food in some amount of time.”

If there was something Yoongi likes from having talk with Hoseok, that is his choice of gender neutral prounouns. Hoseok spotted his wedding band once but never asked more about it. Not many people know about Yoongi and Jungkook’s marriage. They keep it in secret, for the sake of Jungkook’s safety. Yoongi didn’t mention a bit information of it either, except that one time when he accidentally spilled to Hoseok that he was going to live alone for a few months because his spouse went overseas.

“Great, if you ask me. We used to cook together when were still dating,” Yoongi replied short after, pushing the empty bowl in front of him a little bit further from him. The samgyupsal was ruining his appetite, but he still managed to finish it off. Hoseok was doing the same, even though his complaints sound to be never end. They have to feed their stomach if they want to teach in the second session without get starving.

“When will they come home?” Hoseok asked him again, leaning back on his chair. They still had much time left before the lunch break ended. Yoongi was silent for a while, counting the days from Jungkook’s current stop and the last ones.

“In two weeks, I guess. But I never know the exact date. Always a surprise.”

Upon hearing that, Hoseok groaned to him. “You two are so sweet, don’t you realize that? I wish I could date someone right now, it’s so dull to have days passed with myself only.”

“When the time has come, you know it,” Yoongi replied lightly. “So, how’s Sora? She is good, right? Hayeong didn’t ask me to train her because you can do better in traditional instruments.”

If there was something Yoongi doesn’t likes from having talk with Hoseok, that is his never ending compliments about him and Jungkook or complaints about his single life. Yoongi always had to turn the topic to something else, he simply didn’t enjoy having talk about his marriage with someone who didn’t even attend the ceremony. As they both are teachers in a prestigious art school in Seoul, all he could talk to him were the students or something related to them.

“Yeah, she can do better than what I taught. I have high confidence she would win the competition,” Hoseok remarked, which Yoongi was nodding to slightly. The younger of two then smiled. “It was such an honor to me. Most of the time, Hayeong would take teachers who are mastering in classical music to help the students. Maybe I’m not that great pianist who have Min surname, but I promise to myself that Sora would come home with glory to our school.”

There was a small joke that Hoseok put in the middle of his sentence, some words that make Yoongi remembered Jungkook again. A little embarrasing for him to connect everything around with the younger, but Yoongi didn’t mind. Jungkook has always been his number one supporter, calling him exactly like what Hoseok mentioned before. Genius Pianist Min, someone he adores a lot with heart. When Yoongi got the scholarship to continue his master degree, when he performed as solo pianist for the first time in a project of his close colleague, when he finally got accepted as a music teacher in this school—Jungkook had always been there. Yoongi never met someone who was so proud of his own accomplishments, even more than himself. Jungkook also an emotional person, Yoongi had to wipe his tears when he cried after Yoongi finished his solo performance. That boy is everything for him, Yoongi realized it the more they spend time together. His precious lucky charm.

“What are you thinking about? You are smiling like a dumb, hyung.”

Startled, Yoongi quickly throw glance to Hoseok. The younger sneered at him, but then he was smiling. “You are missing them, everyone can see it from your eyes. You should call them more often, I guess,” He suggested. Yoongi let out a dry laugh and nodded.

It’s only two weeks from now. He could bear it.

:::

When Jungkook was finally be able to rest his back on the soft surface of hotel bed, it was long after the dawn. He wanted to call Yoongi again, but that man would have been in class right now. A long sigh escaped Jungkook’s lips. He should go to sleep right now but Jungkook felt more worn out as he couldn’t miss the longing he had for Yoongi again today. They had been like this before, but since Jungkook proposed to him last year, he longed for him more than ever.

“Two weeks! I can’t live in hell like this for another two weeks!!”

He groaned, throwing his phone on his side after counting the days to the last stop of his concert in this country. He had Los Angeles left before the concert would be put in short pause. He had worked hard in the last three months for the America tour, a rest should have been given to him before he started the Asia one. Jungkook took a deep breath. This felt worse but the idea of having Yoongi at their house right after he finished in here kept his spirit alive.

Slowly, Jungkook’s hand was shoved under his collar. He searched something there—his necklace. The string is so long, Jungkook needs to reach out further to find the pendant. That was the only thing he could do to hide his wedding band. The ring which he modified into a pendant, safe under every outfit he wore. He took off the necklace and removed the pendant. His thumb played with the ring for a second before he put it on his fourth finger. If only he could live freely enough to wear this without worries.

It’s not like Jungkook regretted his choice. He was the one who wanted this. Debuting, performing in concert, winning awards. Jungkook likes that—he thrives on that. But sometimes, it took his youth away. He couldn’t get to enjoy school because of training and he couldn’t spend his tweenties properly since he had so many things to do. He is a hardworker, everything should have done and finished before he could take a rest. Nobody ever caught him complained about his life, but Yoongi always knew.

Whenever Jungkook felt too weary, Yoongi is the home. He would give him reassuring hug if Jungkook needed a comfort, he would cook for him if Jungkook missed his mom’s food, he would take care of him if he got sick. At first, Jungkook thought he was a burden to the older. Jungkook was alone during his training days, until Yoongi followed him to Seoul to continue on his master degree. Jungkook thought he asked too much, but Yoongi never showed him look of tired.

“I did it because I care about you, Jungkook-a. Always. You are more than a little brother for me.”

Maybe Jungkook was the one who started everything—dating and marriage. But he knew Yoongi had been hiding more than him, had been looking after him long before Jungkook realized. Yoongi waited, he didn’t push forward. He respected Jungkook’s own feeling and that means, he didn’t cross the line until Jungkook was mature enough to begin. Jungkook couldn’t think he would live with someone other than him in the future. The past nine years had proved it all. The reason why he seriously asked Yoongi for a lifetime promise. A commitment of always being there, being home of each other.

Lying on his side, Jungkook finally tucked himself under the blanket. His fingers still hold the ring tightly. It was a choice, a promise, and a trust. Yoongi might be not showed up in almost of his everday life, but he never left his side. The day offs he spent with him, the short lunch or dinner they had in quick time, the long night at bed which always ended up with Jungkook left early in the morning to start his own schedule. Yoongi had been giving him so much, and Jungkook couldn’t pay for it but promising him a good life. He would make their marriage last forever.

A half past three, smiling Jungkook started to drive into his unconscious state, dreaming of sleep with Yoongi’s arm as his pillow, his thumb never leave the ring that wrapped on his fourth finger.

:::

Lines of words flooded Jungkook’s phone screen. He squinted, trying to catch any word while chewing on his salads. Today, he had some time off so Jungkook turned on the live streaming to greet his fans from all around the world. He barely managed to read the comments they leave on the app. Chuckling lightly, Jungkook then turned around to talk again about the concert and other things. Some question that he could successfully read got his direct answer. The other times, he enjoyed his time to explain his new favorite food and song.

“Body art?” Jungkook repeated the question. One of the comment said he would good to show up with tattoos. Jungkook sent a small laugh. “Oh, yeah. Right. I have some fake tattoos for My Time music video but I don’t think to get a real one at the time being. If I do that, I will have the name of you all in the place you can see. Maybe, the back of my hand?” Jungkook wriggled his right hand, grinning to the camera and the comment section was on fire because of that.

Actually, Jungkook always wanted to have the tattoos. It’s beautiful and nobody ever showed sign of disagreement if Jungkook had done it. Even Yoongi was in awe when he visited him at the music video filming place. He still remembered how soft the touch Yoongi gave to him while tracing his fingers to the dried ink on Jungkook’s forearm. “Beautiful, Jungkook-a,” That was he said and Jungkook had to be scolded by the director because he couldn’t stop blushing during the rest of the shooting.

“I think I’m full right now. What should I do next?”

Some suggested him to sing. Jungkook found himself looking for song title on the comment section again. His own songs, his role model’s songs, even children songs. He hold back a laugh for the last one. He couldn’t choose one so Jungkook just randomly picked the ones that got his attention first and started singing. The next time he searched for a song, Jungkook found a name that made his heart stop beating for a second.

[genius pianist: kookie! i hope you are doing well there~ hwaiting!! i miss you!]

The staff that accompanied him must be realizing that he had been zoned out because she was waving her hands on him right now. Jungkook blinked and shouted in surprise. “Yeah, I think 10000 hours is my last song for today,” He smiled weakly to the camera. It always been the farewell that Jungkook most hated in having a live streaming. He couldn’t stay any longer and he couldn’t show his own sad expression right now either. As he finally found the song and played it while singing heartedly, Jungkook felt a drop of tears running through his left cheek. He wiped it away quickly and smiling for the last time before turned off the streaming.

“It has something to do with him, right?” The staff asked him. He recognized her as one of close staff he had in the agency, someone who also knew about his marriage because he took her as friend. She was slightly older than him so Jungkook used to talk with her as his tweenties fella. The only information she has is that Jungkook had married with a man, nothing more.

“He left a comment. I’m sorry, I have been far away from him for months so I was a bit taken over,” Jungkook politely apologized to her. In this circumtance, they are idol and his staff, so Jungkook had to stay professional. Surprisingly, she smiled to him.

“That’s okay. I know you love him so much. The last song sounds more meaningful when you sing it after found his comment,” A reassuring pat on his shoulder was left by her when she walked away. Jungkook turned around. They exchanged smile for a glance before Jungkook started to get up, following her to the next schedule. He couldn’t wait to call Yoongi after this.

:::

A small group of middle aged women was drawing Yoongi’s attention. He was in the middle of grocery shop—it’s the last week of June and most of his monthly needs were running out. They didn’t hire a household assistant so Yoongi had to do everything by himself. He chose to come after finishing his work at school, a litle bit late at Wednesday night, yet he was surprised to find many people were still around at the time being.

“I saw him on that show. He cooked bulgogi and even if I just watched it from television, I can tell you that the dish was delicious.”

To tell the truth, Yoongi was not a type of people who likes to overhear someone’s conversation. But this time, it was interesting to see three women standing in front of Jungkook’s standee and started talking about him. Just beside the paper sculpture, a stack of softeners in pink bottle can be spotted. Yoongi stopped pushing his trolley forward, waiting from afar for what they would say next.

“Ah, I wish he was my son-in-law. Jungkook is literally good at anything.”

A smile appeared on Yoongi’s face. Jungkook is not only a heartthrob for young people, he also has the heart of the parents. Everyone likes him. In many opportunities, Jungkook would show up with a well-mannered attitude and speak politely. People who had encountered him by accident always said that he always had a good demeanor. Even though Jungkook is global celebrity right now—his concert sold out in span of one or two hours—he is still down to earth. Jungkook never brag, Yoongi knows he did all of this because he love singing. Because it was his true passion.

No wonder many people take him as ideal type, while the older ones wished him to be their son-in-law. Yoongi considered him to be the luckiest person in the world to have Jungkook engaged with him. Sometimes, he would wake up in cold sweat, worrying if all of this just had been his dream. Yoongi didn’t know who was the one between them that started this feeling. He had admired Jungkook since he was still a middle-schooler, nothing much compared to him who was already went to college. Yoongi enjoyed having him as close friend but as time passed by and Jungkook was getting older, he was struck by the reality that the younger also had the same feeling. Jungkook was braver than him, it ashamed Yoongi a bit.

The softener in their house is also running out, Yoongi registered. He decided to approach the women group and taking one bottle. It has Jungkook’s favorite scent, the reason why he was taken as brand ambassador for this household need. Yoongi stepped back and was ready to leave when he heard another woman finally had her turn to speak.

“I’m convinced anyone who married with him is so lucky. Young famous singer with good attitude—there is only so few of them.”

Failed to hold back a chuckle, Yoongi was smiling. He followed the women’s gaze to the standee in front of them. Jungkook looked so young in there—indeed he is young. Yoongi used to see his mature expression and way of speaking, he forgot that Jungkook was much younger than him. He had black hair in there, posing with wide smile and a softener bottle on his right hand. Yoongi didn’t have the chance to see the photoshoot but Jungkook sent him pictures. Along with caption, “They make me dyed my hair to black again” and bunch of crying emojis. Jungkook had always been liking to have his hair in bright color. Yet, sometimes he had to back in his natural hair color for some necessities. For example, this family-friendly advertisement.

“Yeah, whoever married him is so lucky,” Yoongi muttered, low voice he thought could barely be heard by the women. Unfortunately, they listened to him and turning their head simultaneously. Yoongi felt the weird gaze pointed at him and started sighing. Ignoring them, he then turned around and pushing his trolley away. They might think Jungkook would marry a good person, maybe as beautiful and cool like him. But here, Yoongi was the one who has resemblant ring to Jungkook’s. He was the chosen, he should be proud of it.

Every stuffs he need had already packed in the back compartment of his car. Yoongi walked around, was going to enter the driver’s side when his phone vibrated. He quickly pulled it from the pocket of his pants. A call from Jungkook. He frowned, it should be early morning night now in Los Angeles. It was unusual for the boy to wake up so early.

“Hello, Kook-a?”

Hoarse voice greeted him. Jungkook seemed to just woke up. “Hyung. . .” Yoongi heard him calling. The frown on his forehead went deeper. He replied shortly.

“What it is, Jungkook-a? You have a nightmare?”

The response was Jungkook’s soft murmur. “No. . .” He whined, Yoongi could see him shaking his head. “I have a very good dream, hyung. A dream of you. We are stargazing. You and me—lying on the grass. Nothing else, only us.”

Heavy sigh escaped Yoongi’s lips. He turned around, leaning his back against the car door. “Jungkook—” He couldn’t finish his words. His head ducked down. Jungkook was also silent in the call. It hurts a lot. It hurts to come home, cooking dinner for one plate—for himself only. He used to be like that, but Yoongi’s status is different right now. Someone should be waiting for him, he should be waiting for someone. The chairs on the dining room are two, the bed on the bedroom is too spacious, the ring on his fourth finger has its counterpart.

His eyes started to have tears so Yoongi wiped them away, quickly. “That’s good. You sleep well, don’t—”

“I miss you, hyung. I’m sorry to call you at night but I can’t do this anymore. I want to see you—” Jungkook stopped mid-sentence. Yoongi could heard him sniffled. The younger had always been the busier between them. If they want to have a meet, Yoongi could easily agreed, while Jungkook sometimes had to cancel their date because of his packed schedule. All he wanted to have after this marriage was a sweet home—waking up to Yoongi on his side and spending his day with him. But their world are different. Jungkook knew that, and Yoongi respected it.

“You are done this weekend, aren’t you? Hang in there for another couple days, Kook-a. I won’t be anywhere. You will come home next week and I will be there waiting for you,” Yoongi said, trying to sound a bit hopeful. Jungkook didn’t answer for some seconds. Only his short breath replied to him.

“Promise?”

Standing up, Yoongi was smiling—didn’t register the tears that are wetting his eyes again. He nodded. “I promise.”

:::

A thirteen hours flight. Jungkook had been sleeping the moment he took his seat inside the airplane. Now as he had woken up, the sky outside the window is already blue. He squinted and turned to his side, where his manager was sitting. “Hyung, did I make a mistake at the stage yesterday?”

The thirty-old man beside him gave him a comforting look. “You are worried again. I have said to you at our way back home—you are literally slay it. I know your mood had been getting down but you are always show your professionalism. You didn’t miss your dance move and get all the lyrics right. No need to overthink about it.”

If there was someone Jungkook felt grateful to have beside his parents, sibling, and Yoongi, it should be his manager. He never been give up on him and had trust him since his early years in entertainment industry. Jungkook trust him wholeheartedly as well. The only one whom he can share his worries with, when Yoongi is not around.

“Thanks, hyung. I have a slight dream of it but I’m totally okay now. I should be happy, right? We are heading to Seoul right now.”

Sometimes, working hard affected Jungkook to the point he had nightmare from his anxiety. It doesn’t bother him and his job, but Jungkook does certainly feel more weary after that. His manager had suggested him to take therapy and it helps a lot. Slowly, he started to have a good sleep and today he should put all his of those worries aside because he finally will come home. He will meet Yoongi soon, a thought that makes a smile suddenly formed on his lips.

“Did you make a surprise again today? You didn’t tell him on call last night,” His manager voiced out, brought back Jungkook’s attention to him. Jungkook smiled.

“I like to. We have a strong telepathy, I know he would cooked something special for dinner today—I just can tell it. I can’t wait to meet him,” Jungkook sighed a relief breath. Yoongi and him have that special connection. Whenever Jungkook would come to his place by a surprise—he did it so many times during their date—Yoongi had always been ready. He just knew it—that Jungkook would appeared in front of his apartment door. Jungkook could smell the scent of his favorite food already. In the last three months, Jungkook found out that Yoongi had cooked some of his favorite meals for dinner more often than before. Simply missing his presence at the dining room, he guessed.

“I thought you were rushing to get married in such a young age. But, I know it’s better to do it now than later. You both are matched so well.”

A smile that was given by his manager sent Jungkook’s heart beating faster. He was the one who arranged it. Early spring of last year, just after the release of his new single, Jungkook took Yoongi on a serious talk. They just finished dinner at Yoongi’s apartment, cuddling on the sofa while the Avengers: End Game was showed on television. A movie date, but Jungkook found himself trying to say something to the older. About an eternal promise. Yoongi had to pause the movie and they talk for almost two hours before a yes was voiced out. Jungkook was almost crying that day, but Yoongi stopped him by giving the best kiss he ever had.

“We have been together for years. It would be so late to propose a marriage when my age hit thirty. Thinking about that is so funny to me,” Jungkook remarked, teasing the manager who had been dating for two years and haven’t thought of marriage. He laughed.

“Well, everyone has it own pace, Jungkook-a. It took time for someone like me to step into more serious relationship. I mean, you and Yoongi have known each other even before your debut. If I were you, I would marry Minji earlier than you,” The older said to him, half joking. Jungkook chuckled. Even if they were already dating for four years before Jungkook’s proposal, the time they need to prepare everything was nothing less. As Jungkook was a bit busy last year, Yoongi handled almost all of the preparation by himself. They still talked about it for a month before planning the whole ceremony. The spring was turned into autumn when they both spoke the vows, not many people witness it. Only their family and Jungkook’s close staff from the agency.

“Yeah, but I’m kinda sad that I need to leave aboard just months after we get married. It was totally suck to have the agency informed me about the tour when I was choosing the place for the ceremony. We both had to delay and pause everything for a whole two weeks because of that.”

His manager was chuckling. He also never thought the tour would be held earlier than the original plan. It was a hectic period but they could manage it well. Jungkook practiced as he should and he got a good sleep with Yoongi every night after the wedding. Although it only lasted for few months, before Jungkook said a goodbye while hugging Yoongi tightly, tears almost ruined his go-to-airport make up. Yoongi sent him a good luck but Jungkook won’t stop sniffling during the ride to the airport.

“I hope you didn’t cry again today when you finally meet him,” Jungkook could hear his manager teased him again. He sneered.

“I don’t think I can do that,” He replied shortly, turned to him with a grin.

:::

It was Wednesday again, somehow. Yoongi came home earlier today because the last class was cancelled due to teacher’s meeting. The exam would come soon so the teachers held a meeting to talk about it. Yoongi was glad the meeting didn’t take a lot of time. They finished in less than two hours so he could buy some additional stuff for the dinner. He wondered what got into him that he bought a lot of pork. Maybe he just wanted to eat something that reminded him to Jungkook, again. That boy likes pork more than every food.

“He must be busy today. Maybe another shoot of interview before he departed,” Yoongi spoke to himself after checking his phone. No call from Jungkook was detected. He didn’t think about it further. Jungkook likes to surprise him about his arrival, so Yoongi better play along. His lips curled upward when the image of happy Jungkook after throwing him a surprise passed his mind. Yoongi chuckled. He started to wear his apron and working on the dinner.

Nothing special today, only his usual recipe with delicious smell that he believed would make Jungkook’s mouth watering. He wished the boy was here to have a dinner with him. It was such a waste for having pork party without the pork lover itself. Yoongi took a spoon of the spices and tasted it. “Ah, Jungkook would definitely like this,” He said to himself, continued the cooking and plating for the usual solo dinner he had.

Except, today he heard the bell of his apartment was ringing. Someone was coming, Yoongi stilled on his place. Nobody ever came to their apartment before—even their respective family would contact them first before having a visit. It was barely happening, though. Mostly, it would be them who visited the family on their own hometown. Yoongi frowned but he didn’t open the door yet. It is one of their unwritten rule. Do not open the door if a stranger is coming. It could be paparazzi or something like that.

One minute passed, Yoongi was going to set the dishes when he noticed the door was opening now. He left the dining table and rushed to the living room, ready to fight whoever sneaked his house at seven in the evening. Only later he was greeted by a tall figure who was running to him and gave him a tight hug.

“I’m home, hyung!”

The voice that he missed a lot, the warmth that he longer for months, the strands of blonde hair that he used to caress with his fingers. Yoongi didn’t move, his right hand was still holding the turner. “Jungkook-a,” He breathed, smiling behind the shoulder of his husband. “Welcome home,” Yoongi returned the hug, circling his hands on the younger’s waist.

“Hello, I’m going to leave these here. Have a pleasant evening, you two.”

The manager who helped Jungkook brought the luggage was suddenly speaking. Yoongi peeked behind Jungkook’s figure, giving him a slight nod. That man then left after closing the front door. Jungkook had not let go his embrace yet. Yoongi didn’t mind. He rest his head on Jungkook’s broad shoulder, inhaling the scent of the same softener he had bought a week earlier. “I miss you so much,” Jungkook finally spoke out, placing a small kiss at Yoongi’s neck. It was tickling.

“I miss you too, bun,” Yoongi’s voice was a bit muffled. He raised his free hand, started stroking Jungkook’s back. They stilled like that for five good minutes before Jungkook moved back. His hand hadn’t leave Yoongi’s shoulder.

“Your bun is hungry,” Jungkook talked in pout. Yoongi realized Jungkook had been crying again today. He raised his hand, wiped the traces of tears on his lover’s cheek. The younger was silent again, Yoongi gave him a wide smile.

“You are coming at the right moment. I just finished dinner—lot of your favorite pork.”

The wide smile now was owned by Jungkook. He grinned, almost letting Yoongi go to hold his hand but that was before he stole a slight kiss to the older’s right cheek. Yoongi blushed, and Jungkook only smiled while dragging him to the dining room. He should have exchanged his clothes first but Jungkook couldn’t wait any longer. His stomach was craving for meals since the moment he left the airport. This is one of his benefit after the wedding. He could have Yoongi’s cooking right after he land his foot at their house. If he were free, Jungkook would do that to Yoongi who was coming home from school.

“You are coming home earlier today, hyung. I thought you are not home because you didn’t answer the doorbell,” Jungkook said in the middle of his eating. Yoongi tilted his head.

“I thought it was stranger or someone from paparazzi, so I didn’t even turn on the intercom,” He replied lightly, chewing on his own meal. “I was ready to hit them when the door was opening, you know,” Yoongi added. Jungkook laughed at that.

“But you know I would come today, right? You cook so many food for a dinner you would have eaten by yourself,” Jungkook asked back while feeding himself a big chunk of pork bulgogi. The corner of Yoongi’s lips was lifted a bit. He nodded.

“I have a right guess, again.”

They ate in no silence. Jungkook couldn’t stop bringing himself to not talk about his past days. Yoongi listened wholeheartedly, he finished earlier than the younger. Looking at Jungkook who is finally here again, have a dinner with his mouth full—Yoongi was enough. He rest his head on his palm, replying to every sentence from Jungkook that interested him. The other times, he would just enjoy Jungkook talking without interrupted at any slight. When their respective bowls and plates were already emptied, Yoongi told Jungkook to take a bath while he washing the dishes. Jungkook obeyed, promising Yoongi he would take care his luggage after it.

:::

The pair of Yoongi’s eyes was closed. He hummed a song—classical one, his favorite—and Jungkook behind him let out a small laugh. To finally do this kind of thing, Jungkook was more than happy. His hand moved skillfully. Sometimes, he let his finger played with the front of Yoongi’s hair. They always got curled whenever Yoongi finished washing it. He cooed—Yoongi’s hair is so so soft.

“You surely enjoy this, Kook-a,” Yoongi suddenly speaking, startled Jungkook. He giggled.

“You cook me dinner, I should at least pay you back and take care of you. Additionally, I also just like your hair a normal amount,” His answer was sending Yoongi to laugh. Of course, he knew Jungkook was joking. Yoongi’s hair has always been Jungkook’s favorite. They are soft and they are naturally curled. Jungkook wanted to keep them this way but sleeping with wet hair would make Yoongi feel dizzy after. So that, to have more time playing with his hair, Jungkook voluntered himself to help Yoongi dried his hair with the hairdryer.

“All done, hyung. Now, cuddle time!”

Always eager, Yoongi noted. He turned on his back, giving Jungkook a peck on his cheek as a mark of thank you. The younger then happily set the bed ready while Yoongi went to turn off every light outside their bedroom. When he came back, Jungkook already snuggled under the blanket.

“Warm,” Jungkook barely said it. The word came out as a shaky breath, as he was already positioned under Yoongi’s embrace. All this time, he was sleeping with empty bed. The warmth he got only came from the hotel blanket and soft pillows. They are cold to him, nothing compared to Yoongi’s hands—and fingers which now stroking his hair. Jungkook closed his eyes, feeling every moment passed in silence. The clock’s ticking sound, their synchronously breath. Those were the only things that filled the room. Yoongi started lulling him, humming a classical Mozart song to help Jungkook go to sleep. He smiled.

“I like you, hyung.”

The part of Yoongi that was pressed to Jungkook’s cheek vibrating. He chuckled. “I like you too, sappy boy,” He said, gently kissing the top of Jungkook’s head. “I thought you want to play tonight,” A whisper, Yoongi was teasing him. Jungkook looked up. He was met with Yoongi’s sharp gaze. But he shook his head. Not this time. Usually Jungkook would go for it everytime he missed Yoongi. Today, he just wanted a warmth.

“Wanna cuddle.”

That was a conclusion. Jungkook leaned closer, his limbs started to get tangled with Yoongi’s. He reached out his hands, tracing Yoongi’s arm with his fingers. “If married tasted like this, I should ask you to do that earlier,” He said, playing with Yoongi’s pajama sleeve. The older hummed.

“If you meet someone other than me, would it taste like this too?”

Such an unexpected question. Jungkook pulled himself, frowning to Yoongi. “I don’t want to. If I didn’t meet you that day, I would be looking for you. I would find you, hyung,” His words were determined, though Yoongi just joked at him. Jungkook looked at him, so long, he didn’t intent to say anything else. Just wanted to stare at the love of his life.

The next time Jungkook closed his eyes, the distance between them were no longer existed. He cupped Yoongi’s left cheek, lips pressed to Yoongi’s thiner one. The kiss was slow, like a dance Jungkook had done once when Yoongi played piano for him. He was young back then, Yoongi too. Jungkook just started his dance lesson and he wanted to show it to the older. That even a classical song can have a dance, Jungkook remembered saying that.

A hand slipped to his waist and Jungkook smiled. Their tip of nose were touching. He looked at Yoongi through his lashes. Yoongi was way older right now, but his gaze—it was still the same look he gave to him on their secret meeting at the empty class in the music academy. Jungkook used to pull an effort to meet Yoongi back then, now he didn’t have to. The man is all his, always be there for him.

Seconds passed and none of them spoke a word. Jungkook kept staring, Yoongi now moved his hand to intertwine their fingers. Jungkook didn’t realize he had put the ring on his right hand—a mistake because Yoongi suddenly came out from the bathroom when he played with it, few moments ago. He felt their ring touched each other, Yoongi still looked at him. Their forehead met, and Jungkook registered Yoongi started to close his eyes, so he followed.

A moment later, his sentences sent Jungkook’s eyes opened again. Blush was creeping up his face.

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“And I would stay with you forever.”

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-fin