Archive of Our Own

♧

Wednesdays were slow days. 

The bakery was almost empty, only a few customers scattered around the room, either snacking on their baked goods or making use of the free Wi-Fi. Most of Seokjin's customers were college students, desperate for some peace and quiet where they could study or do their homework, but also get a little bit of joy from the sweets he offered. There were a few high schoolers who came in the later hours, and older adults trickled in and out only a couple times every day. Now, Seokjin sat at the counter, arms folded and his chin resting against them. He was alternating between watching the clock slowly ticking, watching the door and eyeing the customers who hadn't ordered anything yet. 

Across the room Namjoon and Hoseok were sneaking glances at each other as Namjoon cleaned the empty tables and Hoseok swept the floors. Every so often Seokjin saw their eyes meet and a soft, gentle smile cross their lips and a light blush turned their cheeks rosy. It would have been cute if it wasn't so disturbingly nauseating watching them quietly pine for each other even though they were only a few feet away. Behind him, he could hear the quiet sounds of Yoongi ambling around in the kitchen, the smell of baking bread slowly spreading throughout the entire shop. He could get Yoongi to swap with him, take the counter and let Seokjin flourish where he belonged - in the kitchen, surrounded by food - but Yoongi hated counter work only slightly less than he hated capitalism.

It wasn't that he was tired of working. Seokjin really did love everything about Magic Shop; he'd opened the bakery as soon as he'd graduated with Yoongi as his partner in crime. He loved having customers, he loved baking, he loved working with his best friends, and he loved the warmth of the bakery when it was filled with full stomachs and bright smiles. He spent most of his life feeding the people he loved so they knew how much he cared for them, and he'd decided just before going to cooking school that he wanted to do the same for others. Magic Shop was created from that dream he had, though it wasn't by any means a mass corporation pulling in big bucks and mass producing goods. Seokjin preferred the idea of a hole-in-the-wall shop where the atmosphere was intimate and open. It seemed to be working in his favour. 

Wednesdays, though, were always the worst. It was the middle of the week, the most boring, monotone time of all, and even though Magic Shop prided itself in its warmth, even Seokjin's greatest creation couldn't be spared the dullness that came with the midweek point. Sighing, Seokjin pushed himself up, straightening his back instinctively and shoving his hands in his apron pockets. It was 1: 50 by the looks of it, which meant that lunch hours were almost over. It seemed that no one was coming in for a while. 

"Hyung?" He looked over to see Hoseok staring at him, eyebrows risen. "Do you want to switch?" He must have noticed how restless Seokjin was getting, sitting by himself and waiting for someone to enter the shop. 

Seokjin shook his head. "No one's a better floor sweeper than you, Hobi." 

Hoseok snorted and rolled his eyes, turning back to the task at hand. "Thanks? I guess?"

Seokjin smiled and turned back around to stare at the clock. The hands were slowly ticking. God , he was bored. Maybe he should just go to the kitchen anyway, he'd definitely hear the bell if anyone opened the door, and if he didn't Namjoon or Hoseok could take care of it. He had a new recipe for Macha brownies he wanted to test out, and he had literally nothing better to do at the moment.

 Just as he rose to his feet, the door to Magic Shop slammed open and was quickly shut, a young man wearing a bucket hat and mask leaning against it and breathing heavily, as if he had been running. Seokjin's heart was racing from the sudden appearance of this man, and his dishevelled and frantic state, and from the way Hoseok had yelped along with the sound of a broom clattering against the tile floors, it seemed he wasn't the only one startled. 

The young man sucked in a breath and backed away from the door. The only thing Seokjin could see was the stranger's bright, doe eyes shining up at him, and the few blonde strands of hair poking out from under his hat. He was wearing black baggy pants and a large black sweater, and Seokjin wondered how he could stand the heat of Seoul in the summertime. "Uh," the man began awkwardly. "Sorry about that."

Seokjin plastered on his best customer service smile - which was quite beautiful, if he said so himself - and sat back down on the stool. "It's no problem," He assured him. "Are you okay? Did you want something to order?" It seemed like he was running from something? Or someone? Seokjin wanted to ask, but it wasn't any of his business and if the man before him was mixed up in shady business that was his problem and not Seokjin's.

Somehow, the man's big eyes got even bigger. He stepped forward, pulling down his mask and digging into his pockets. "Uh, yeah, sure. What do you have?" Seokjin pointed wordlessly to the menu and the display of small pastries to his right. The man moved over to the display, bending over just a bit to stare into the glass case, his lips parted and eyes wide. Seokjin was struck by the man's face - his lips were small, delicately curved and dark pink, almost red. He had a cute, big nose, and even bigger eyes. His ears were adorned with silver earrings that swung in mid air as he leaned over.  

He was pretty.

Seokjin could almost feel his ears getting red, a persistent heat spreading across his face and down his neck. He cleared his throat and looked away from the pretty man a few feet away from him, reaching out to fiddle with the cash register. Seokjin wasn't easily flustered, he was usually the one doing the flustering, even the customers who regularly came to Magic Shop were often left blushing and stumbling away from him, muttering under their breaths about the way he looked. But… he felt like he could finally understand what the people who were thrown off balance by his face felt, because that's how he felt when he looked at the man. Just a little flustered, a little warm and a little panicked.

"Excuse me?" 

Seokjin almost jumped but held it back as he looked up and met the eyes of the doe-eyed man. He was smiling now, revealing glistening white bunny teeth. Seokjin resisted the urge to slam his face into the cash register. He wouldn't want to mentally scar such a cute person. "Can I order now?" The bunny tooth, starry eyed, pretty man asked. His voice was so soft and sweet, gentle like a cool breeze. 

"Yes! What would you like?" Seokjin exclaimed, a little too loudly. The other man blinked, startled, then grinned and moved closer to the counter, resting his hands on the wood and bouncing up and down on his feet, like an energized bunny. Oh god. Seokjin was fucked.

"Can I get a blueberry muffin, two chocolate chip cookies and a brownie?" He pushed a small card across the counter. "I hope you take credit cards." 

Seokjin smiled. "We do." He punched in the order and swiped his card, handing him the little machine for the blonde to enter his pin, then rose to his feet. He reached for the sterilized gloves hanging nearby and pulled them on, opening the glass case and glancing over at the blonde man who was watching him intently, a sort of dazed look in his eyes. "Uhm. Would you like it to go, or are you planning on staying?"

"I can stay?" The other man asked. 

Seokjin narrowed his eyes at the odd question. Why wouldn't he be able to stay? "Of course you can." He turned back to the pastries in front of him. "Are you staying or leaving?" He asked again. 

"Uhm, I think I'll stay for a little while. This place seems nice. Cozy." 

Seokjin smiled to himself as he placed the things the man had ordered into a box. He liked knowing that Magic Shop gave off welcoming vibes instantly. He liked knowing that his business made people want to stay and bask in its comforting energy. It was like a little reward every time someone praised his shop. He closed the box and straightened, resting it on the counter gently. "Here you go, Bambi." 

Wait. 

Seokjin winced. He hadn't meant to call the man that. He wasn't a novice to flirting, he did it all the time, as a joke . He definitely wasn't planning on flirting with someone as pretty as this customer. The blonde stared back at him, mouth hanging open at the name Seokjin had blurted out, then he giggled, lifting a hand - a hand decorated with tattoos, holy shit - to cover his lips, his cheeks dusted pink. It seemed he liked the name Bambi. Seokjin wanted to eat him alive. 

Bambi pulled his little box of pastries towards himself, still smiling shyly, and he kept glancing at Seokjin through lowered lashes. Even though he was adorable, Bambi was by no means a small man, from what Seokjin could tell. Bambi had a large build, broad shoulders and large arms, and from the way his sweater clung to his chest… well. Seokjin looked away from Bambi's chest area with a blush and met the blonde's eyes. 

"Thank you," Bambi said. He fiddled with the opening of the box, fingers twitching nervously. Then he continued, softly, "Seokjin-ssi." 

Oh. He glanced down at his chest where his name was displayed. He realized that he liked the way his name sounded coming from Bambi's lips. Exhaling slowly, he pushed whatever spell Bambi was casting on him aside and tried to remain professional so he didn't leap across the counter and hold Bambi's cute cheeks in his hands. He looked up again and grinned. "My pleasure, kid."

Bambi's face twisted in displeasure. "M' not a kid." 

Seokjin chuckled. "You look like one," He teased. "Actually, no, you look like a baby ."  This he was used to. Making jokes and teasing people was his speciality. 

Bambi huffed, back straightening defensively. "Well…" He frowned deeply. "You look like a hag. " Then, Bambi seemed to realize that he'd just insulted a stranger and lowered his head, turning red again. He blushed easily, Seokjin noted absently. "Ah, shit, sorry I didn't mean to say that-" 

Seokjin laughed, throwing his head back. In all of his 29 years on this earth, he'd never been called a hag by anyone. He was a little insulted, but it was too funny not to laugh at the panicked look in Bambi's eyes the moment after he'd said it. "Aish, you're a little brat, aren't you, Bambi?" 

Bambi was staring at him with those big, starry eyes again. "You…" He cleared his throat and folded his arms behind his back and bowed. "I apologize, Jin-ssi, that was rude of me."

Seokjin waved a hand dismissively. "Ah, it's no big deal," He assured the other. "You're pretty funny, kid." 

Bambi smiled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Not a kid. I'm 24."

Seokjin returned the look. "Bambi, then." 

Bambi suddenly looked uneasy, nervous as he glanced away and mumbled, "It's… Jeongguk, actually."

"Well, you're a brat, Jeongguk-ssi." 

Bambi's - Jeongguk's eyes snapped back to his, somehow getting even wider. Seokjin wondered if the other man had some kind of superpower. Was having large, pretty eyes that sucked you in a super power? Seokjin thought so. "You don't…" Jeongguk trailed off, expression brightening for some reason. He grabbed his box - Seokjin almost forgot Jeongguk was a customer - then beamed at Seokjin. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, the sound of a phone ringing interrupted him. Jeongguk looked panicked as he dug into his pockets, pulling out his phone and looking at the screen. 

"Shit," He cursed under his breath. He didn't answer the phone, simply darkened the screen and shoved it back into his pockets, looking back at Seokjin with disappointment dulling his eyes. "I… I can't stay, I'm sorry." Seokjin wasn't sure why Jeongguk was apologizing. They didn't know each other, and Seokjin wasn't in any position to monopolize Jeongguk's time.

"Oh," Seokjin began. "That's fine, Jeongguk-ssi. You can come back at any time. We're open every weekday." 

"I will!" Jeongguk blurted out. "I'll come back!" He took a step back - ready to take off, Seokjin assumed - before he froze and swallowed around the lump in his throat. Seokjin tried not to stare. "Uhm… canIgetyournumber ?" 

Seokjin blinked. "What?"

Jeongguk sighed, closing his eyes. He looked tense. "Can I… get… your number?" He opened one eye, gauging Seokjin's reaction. 

Seokjin stared. 

Jeongguk stared back. 

"What?" Seokjin asked again. 

"What?" Jeongguk echoed, voice shaking. He laughed nervously. "Ah, forget I said anything, sorry about that, I'll just… leave," then, quieter, "and die in a ditch or something."

"Uh." Seokjin shook himself out of whatever state he was in and reached out to Jeongguk, stopping him. "Sorry, yeah, I was just surprised." He watched as Jeongguk chewed nervously on his lower lip. "Yes. You can. Have my number, that is. Yeah." Jeongguk smiled brightly, pushing himself against the counter excitedly. Seokjin could see him resting on his tiptoes, leaning closer to Seokjin. He cleared his throat awkwardly. " Why… do you want my number?" 

Jeongguk cocked his head to the side like a cute puppy. "Because… I think you're really pretty," He stated bluntly. Then he blushed. Seokjin turned red, lowering his eyes. He was the older one, yet Jeongguk had this power over him that was so hard to explain. They'd just met. "Sorry, I didn't… mean to say that." 

"It's okay," Seokjin mumbled. "Thank you."

"You don't have to give me your number, Jin-ssi." 

Seokjin looked up at him, smiling. "I want to, though." Jeongguk smiled his cute bunny smile again. Seokjin felt his heart skipping beats. He was a goner. Yoongi would never let him hear the end of this. Seokjin looked away before he could spontaneously combust under the weight of Jeongguk's starry eyes, and reached for a notepad and pen. He scribbled his phone number onto it along with his full name, then he slid the paper toward Jeongguk. 

As the younger man reached out to take it, their fingers brushed. It was like something out of those American romantic comedies that Namjoon loved to force them to watch. They looked at each other as their hands touched, neither one pulling away, and Seokjin could have sworn he heard Jeongguk whisper, "The bells," before he snatched his hand away and cradled the piece of paper against his chest. 

Seokjin was hopelessly endeared. 

"Thank you, Jin-ssi," Jeongguk exclaimed, bowing quickly then spinning around. "I'll call you!" Seokjin watched as Jeongguk hurried away from the counter and out of the door, pulling his mask up as he left. No one else was watching him leave - Hobi and Namjoon were too busy giggling at each other, and the few customers that were already there were too busy in their phones and laptops to notice the antsy, tall blonde bunny man moving across the room. It was just Seokjin.

It was just Seokjin who noticed the way he faltered outside on the sidewalk, taking a longing glance over his shoulder, through the glass windows before he shook himself and ran off.

♧

Seokjin didn't forget that he'd given his number out to Jeongguk. But, after Jeongguk had run off, he'd retreated to the kitchen and lost himself to the magic of baking. He'd tested the new recipe, tweaked it to his liking, then force fed Yoongi to get a second opinion. The rest of the day had been perfectly uneventful, a few more customers came and went, and by the time of closing, Seokjin wanted nothing more than to sleep, and conveniently, his home was just above the Magic Shop. It was one of the benefits of buying the two storey building. 

He didn't forget that he'd given his number out, but when he fell into his bed after a long, hot shower, his phone buzzed from where it lay beside him and he absently picked it up, assuming it was one of the boys. He didn't recognize the number, there was no name, and the text just said Hey , nothing else. His mind was clouded with fatigue, so Seokjin stared at his screen in confusion for longer than he'd like to admit, until the memory of eyes that shined like starlight and a pretty face to match came rushing back. 

He sat up quickly enough that his back protested weakly, and scrambled to open his phone, staring down at the now opened message. He swallowed nervously. It was just a simple text, a greeting, nothing to get worked up about. And yet, Seokjin could already feel his palms getting sweaty. He'd never considered himself an anxious person - out of all his friends, he was the most laid back, light hearted person. Jeongguk made him nervous. Maybe it was just the way he looked, so pretty and delicate, like a doll. Maybe it was his sweet smile, the shy glances he'd thrown Seokjin's way. Breathing deeply, Seokjin steeled himself and replied:

Hello. This is Jeongguk right? If not, I'm actually a serial killer and you should lose my number asap. Unless you're a serial killer too. In that case, please don't kill me, I'm too handsome to die.

Seokjin grimaced. Was that too weird? Maybe that would scare Jeongguk off. His phone buzzed almost immediately as Jeongguk responded. 

Lol. 

It's Jeongguk. Not a serial killer. 

Seokjin smiled. That's exactly what a serial killer would say.

Then I'll prove it. A moment later, an image came through. It was Jeongguk, shrouded in darkness, his face illuminated by the light of his phone. His face was puffy, like he was half asleep, and his eyes were hooded. His blonde hair fanned out prettily across his pillow, and his lips were pouted. Seokjin almost threw his phone across the room. Before he could think of a response - something appropriate, and not the constant atream of 'whatthefuck' going through his mind - Jeongguk texted again:

Uh. Don't post that.

He frowned. Seokjin wasn't planning on it, but it seemed like a sort of strange request to make. It wasn't that odd, maybe someone had done it to Jeongguk before and he was just being cautious. I won't , he replied. In fact, Seokjin wasn't sure he knew what he was going to do with himself now that he'd been sent that . You look good. He hoped that was less awkward than he felt. 

Yeah? 

Seokjin chewed on his lower lip. Yeah. 

Can you send me a picture?  Jeongguk replied. Then quickly after, You don't have to. 

Seokjin exited the chat, opened his camera and snapped a photo of him sitting in bed. He was wearing a robe that was exposing his chest, and he was worried it was a little too provocative, but… he had a feeling Jeongguk wouldn't mind. He sent the photo without a second thought, with the caption: I just got out of the shower. 

His phone vibrated. Wow.  You look. Wow.

Seokjin blushed. That good? He was used to compliments, and usually even when he was embarrassed, he could play up the arrogance and make a fool out of himself for laughs. He wasn't sure why he couldn't do the same when Jeongguk complimented him.

So good. 

I hope I'm not reading this wrong. 

You aren't. 

Awesome. Cool. Great.

You ok? 

Sorry, yeah. I just… don't do this often lol. 

Seokjin smiled. It was a lot more comforting to see that Jeongguk was also clearly nervous talking to him. It was awkward, sure, but he didn't want to stop. 

Oh? You're telling me you don't give your number to just any handsome baker you come across? 

No. Just the one. 

Gotta say, I'm flattered Bambi. 

I like that. Bambi. 

Seokjin suspected as much. I'll have to keep that in mind. 

Lol yeah. 

Sorry if this is awkward, I really don't know what I'm doing. 

It's kinda awkward. 

But I still want to talk to you. Seokjin hoped Jeongguk wouldn't decide that it was too awkward for him. Like, we don't really know each other so it's weird, but isn't that how things usually go? 

I guess so. 

I really don't do this often. Or ever, really. I don't usually have the time. 

Then we'll just make the most of this, won't we? 

Fuck yeah, dude. 

Seokjin snorted. Did you just call me DUDE? 

Would you prefer 'hag', Seokjin-ssi? 

Call me hyung. You brat. 

Ok. Seokjin-hyung. 

He smiled despite himself. So. 

So? 

What made you run off like that, today? 

Oof. Yeah, it was my manager calling. I had to head back to work. 

That makes sense. 

Are you gonna be at work tomorrow? 

Seokjin laughed. I own the place, so yeah. 

WAIT REALLY? BUT YOU'RE SO YOUNG

Oh? I thought I was a 'hag'. 

Shut up. 

I wanna see you again. 

Seokjin ignored the skip of his heartbeat. Jeongguk seemed to alternate between awkwardness, brattiness and sweetness at the drop of a hat. What? Do I look good in my apron? 

Disturbingly so. I didn't know I had a thing for dilf bakers. 

??? I'm not a dilf 

Being a dilf is a mindset. 

I'm VERY certain it is not. 

I'm not even 30. 

Being a dilf has nothing to do with AGE, hyung. 

Yeah. It has to do with being a hot dad. 

Oh baby, you still have much to learn.  

BABY? Seokjin blushed furiously and looked up at the ceiling. Jeongguk was just making fun of him but… He shook his head and refocused. 

You're the baby. 

I'm not a baby. 

I'm a Man 😌

Right.

Did you like it? 

? What? 

Me calling you baby. 

Did you like that? 

Seokjin choked on his spit. Jesus. You're a menace. 

Your menace. If you want.

Jeongguk was going to kill him, Seokjin was sure of it. He couldn't think about Jeongguk being his anything without feeling like his head was gonna explode. He deflected. You said your manager called? What do you do? 

I work in music production. 

Seokjin lit up. Really? Are you a producer? 

You could say that. It's nothing really. I've just always loved music. 

My friends actually make music, y'know, though they don't really work under a label. Freelance? Idk what it's called, they just make music themselves and post it. They're really good. Seokjin liked talking about what Hoseok, Namjoon and Yoongi did on the side. They seemed to like working for Seokjin just as much as he liked having them around, but they'd never wanted to run a business or work in a bakery, they always loved music more than anything else. The way they felt when making it reminded Seokjin of the euphoria that came with baking. The boys were so passionate, but they didn't have the same opportunities that Seokjin had. Their parents didn't even support them half the time. 

I could check them out? 

Please do. You won't regret it. 

As he dropped the links to the boys' mixtapes and solo tracks, he wondered if Jeongguk thought he wanted to use his connections to help them. That hadn't been his intention, after all, Hoseok, Namjoon and Yoongi were incredibly defensive when it came to receiving help. They didn't like handouts, and the only 'help' they accepted was Seokjin occasionally bringing them out to eat, or paying them for working at his bakery. 

Wow, they really have a lot of material to grow through that's impressive. 

They're very talented. As their hyung. I'm proud of them 

Sounds like it. 

But...What do you like to do for fun, hyung? I assume you like baking.

I love food, not just baking. I went to cooking school and decided I wanted to open up a bakery because there's just something so… domestic, about baking. 

I don't really know much about baking. I can cook, but not like you. 

You've never eaten my food. And baking is both an art form and a science. It's easy once you follow the recipe. 

You went to cooking school, hyung. I know your cooking is better than mine. 

And… maybe one day you'll teach me your ways. 

Seokjin covered his mouth with one hand, hiding his broad smile. He was ever so grateful that he was alone. One day. He responded. He didn't really teach people how to cook. Yoongi was naturally a good cook, and a good baker. Hoseok was a good assistant but preferred to hover behind Yoongi. And Namjoon… Well, he was great moral support, and he wasn't useless , it just made sense to leave him to dish washing duty. You'd be my first pupil though.

What an honour. 

I won't let you down, Seonsaengnim ~~♡

Seokjin rolled his eyes. Cute. 

I try.

I have to go, Seokjin-hyung :( I have to get up early in the morning for work. 

Seokjin sighed, disappointment weighing on his shoulders. He checked the time on his phone: 11: 00 p.m. He had to wake up early too. Same here. Good night Jeonggukie. 

Good night Hag-hyung. 

Brat. 

Your brat. :)

I'll see you tomorrow? 

Seokjin smiled. I'll be waiting. 

Goodnight :)

Goodnight. ♡

♧

"What are you doing?" 

Seokjin startled, spinning around to see Yoongi staring back at him, face carefully blank. The shorter man was covered in flour and chocolate. He relaxed. "Yoongi-yah! Don't scare your hyung like that! Have you no respect for your elders?" 

Yoongi narrowed his eyes. "No." 

Seokjin scoffed, "And to think you were my favourite dongsaeng." 

"We both know your favourite is Namjoon." 

"What?" Namjoon swivelled his head from where he sat at the counter, glancing back into the kitchen at the sound of his name. They both ignored him.

"Wrong," Seokjin taunted, folding his arms and leaning over a little to stare directly into Yoongi's eyes. "My favourite is actually Hoseok, who is a sweetheart who doesn't disrespect his beloved hyung, and gives me back rubs when I ask." 

Yoongi shoved him back, side stepping him just a bit. "You're deflecting. I asked you a question." 

Seokjin rolled his eyes and turned back to the oven. "I think it's pretty clear what I'm doing Yoongi-yah. I'm baking. " He looked at the younger man. "Do you need a break, Yoongs? Is your eyesight going? I told Namjoon-ah and Hobi to handle you with care. I know you're into some rough stuff, but you're still tiny and breakable." 

Yoongi's blank expression fell, his face turning bright red in indignation. "Yah! Shut up, we aren't talking about me , why were you smiling at the oven like a damn idiot?"

Seokjin gasped dramatically. "Is it a crime to smile now? Not all of us can be as sulky as you, Yoongichi. If I went around stealing everyone's shtick, you'd all be overshadowed by my greatness. You should be damn grateful I've neglected to reach my final form." 

"You're so annoying."

"But you love me," He countered smugly. 

"He's deflecting again," Hoseok piped in, pushing the door to the kitchen open and walking by them to the sectioned red velvet cake laid out. Seokjin shot him a scathing look.

"Go away, Hoba!" He snapped without any real venom. Hoseok giggled as he took the cake up and headed back out to put it on display. 

"Your favourite, huh?" Yoongi was smirking now. Seokjin rolled his eyes. "And you are defecting. Don't think I'm going to leave you alone. You were daydreaming. What do you have to be daydreaming about? You have no life." 

"What the fuck." 

"Tell me, hyung," Yoongi huffed, pouting like a petulant brat. He liked pretending to be mature and above everything, but Seokjin knew Yoongi was just as childish as the other two boneheads out in the shop, if not moreso.

Seokjin knew he had been smiling off into the distance. He couldn't help it - after he and Jeongguk had stopped texting, he'd fallen asleep thinking about what they'd talk about when Jeongguk came by the next day. Now, it was almost lunch time and Jeongguk hadn't texted since last night, and he'd been imagining seeing the bubbly blonde bursting through the doors again and bounding up to the counter. Seokjin wasn't even doing counter work today, something he had forgotten until Namjoon had arrived and gave him a lecture about remembering the schedule they'd agreed upon or the entire shop would fall to ruin. Namjoon was dramatic like that. 

He was just… thinking about Jeongguk, nothing harmful. But he'd spaced out and was apparently smiling. He was clearly whipped, already. But he couldn't let Min Yoongi of all people know that - Yoongi was a sneaky little demon, and he wouldn't hesitate to make fun of Seokjin whenever the opportunity presented itself. "It's none of your business, short stack," Seokjin said, dismissively, patting Yoongi's head condescendingly. 

Yoongi scowled and batted his hand away. "You don't hide things from me, usually. The others? Sure, but not me. What about the roommate bond, Seokjin? Does that mean nothing to you?" 

Seokjin cocked a brow at him. "I don't negotiate with terrorists."

Yoongi reached out and pinched Seokjin's nipples, twisting hard enough that Seokjin screamed, jumping away from him, yelling, "DEMON!" He huffed and was about to pull Yoongi into a headlock or hang him up on a door frame, when Namjoon called out to him. 

"Jin-hyung!" 

Seokjin paused and glanced over his shoulder. "What?" His heart skipped a beat at the figure standing across from Namjoon, a bright smile on his lips. Jeongguk was watching him with an amused light in his eyes. He wasn't wearing a bucket hat again, his blonde hair pulled back into a curly ponytail and two strands falling into his face. "Oh." 

"Oh?" Seokjin turned back to Yoongi who looked far too smug. His arms were folded and he wasn't looking at Seokjin anymore, intintense gaze focused on Jeongguk who was obviously here for Seokjin. "He looks familiar." 

"No, he doesn't," Seokjin hissed, knocking Yoongi back a step. "Don't be annoying," he ordered as he turned away, already heading out the kitchen. Yoongi, thankfully, stayed silent as he left. He ignored Namjoon's questioning gaze when he stepped out the door, and shoved him away from the stool, pinning him in place with a hard look. He rarely used his hyung status against his babies, but they all knew what it meant when he looked at them a certain way. "Go help Yoongi in the kitchen." 

Namjoon's eyes widened. He clearly wanted to protest, to probably point out that he shouldn't be anywhere near the kitchen, but he wordlessly shuffled away, throwing confused glances behind him as he went. Seokjin turned to Jeongguk who was watching Namjoon walk away, eyes suspiciously low. "Does he always wear shorts when he works?" Jeongguk mumbled distractedly.

Seokjin snorted. "Are you eyeing up my sweet dongsaeng's thighs while I'm standing in front of you? Am I suddenly not enough?" 

Jeongguk met his eyes, smiling softly. "More than enough, Seokjin-hyung." He paused, his eyes shifting to the closed kitchen door, before adding, a little awkwardly, like he couldn't quite help himself, "...His thighs are huge."

Seokjin laughed, and Jeongguk joined him a moment later. It was good to see him again. Meeting Jeongguk hadn't felt like real experience yesterday, but now that he was in front of Seokjin again, he could truly appreciate it. Jeongguk was a work of art. His laugh sounded like holy bells, something played when the gates of heaven opened. Maybe he was one of god's special creations. Seokjin cleared his throat and pressed his torso against the counter. "Would you like to order something?" 

Jeongguk smirked. "Would it be corny to ask if you were on the menu?" 

Seokjin raised a brow at him. "You can't afford me." 

Jeongguk's eyes trailed down his body, his tongue slowly wetting his lips before their eyes met again. "Are you busy?" He asked. His hand reached up to gently tug at one of his earrings.

Seokjin shrugged. "That depends." 

"On?" Jeongguk asked, resting his hand on the counter and leaning over it, moving closer to Seokjin, his eyes flickering down to Seokjin's mouth before returning to his eyes. 

"You," Seokjin answered. "It all depends on you." 

Jeongguk nodded. "Okay, and what would you say if I asked you to come sit with me for a while, just until I have to get back to work?" 

Seokjin bit down on the inside of his cheek to stop himself from beaming like an idiot. "I would say I'm not busy at all." 

Jeongguk smiled, a perfect curve that made his heart turn to mush. "I'll be over there. Pick out two of whatever you wanna eat, and come sit with me. I'll pay." He winked, pushing himself off the counter and spinning smoothly on his heel, walking away. 

Wow. 

"Wow." Seokjin jumped, squeaking and whirling around to glare at Namjoon and Yoongi who were both standing by the open space in the wall that separated the kitchen and the service counter. Namjoon had a delighted expression, his broad grin showcasing his adorable dimples, while Yoongi looked calm and smug. He hated them both, immensely. 

"He looks really familiar," Namjoon blurted out. 

Seokjin rolled his eyes. "He was here yesterday, now leave me alone." 

"I can't believe you're going on a date with some tatted up emo looking kid you met yesterday, during work hours," Yoongi taunted, lifting a superior eyebrow at him. Brat. 

"It's not a date ," Seokjin snapped, quietly so Jeongguk wouldn't overhear this horribly embarrassing conversation. Besides, it wasn't a date. They were just… "We're just… having lunch together." 

"You're 'having lunch' with some random guy none of us have ever met before? Who even is he?" Yoongi questioned. 

Seokjin exhaled sharply, lifting a hand to rub at his temples. "Not that I need to tell you about every person I interact with, but his name is Jeongguk. We met yesterday, he gave me.his number, now we're just having lunch. It's not that serious and you don't need to hover. I'm older than the both of you."

"Seems fishy," Yoongi remarked. 

"I think it's sweet," Namjoon countered, nudging Yoongi with his elbow. "When we met for the first time, we acted like we'd always known each other. Maybe it's like that." 

Yoongi blushed. "Whatever." 

Seokjin snorted. "While it's always very entertaining watching you guys awkwardly skirt around the fact that you are in love with each other, I have a very pretty boy to go talk to instead."

"We're not-" Yoongi stopped, not daring to finish that sentence. Any and everyone who knew Namjoon and Yoongi - and by extension Namjoon, Yoongi and Hoseok - could piece together the subtle tension between them. With a low grumble, he went deeper into the kitchen, probably planning to sulk some more while kneading flour. Namjoon watched him leave with a fond look, then without even acknowledging Seokjin, he followed. 

Disgusting. 

Clicking his tongue, Seokjin turned to the display of baked goods before him. He'd been given clear instructions. He glanced around the shop, eyes moving over the customers who were chatting amongst themselves or eating in silence. Jeongguk was farthest away from everyone, holed up at a small table with an empty chair across from him. He sat hunched over, head lowered and focused on his phone. Hoseok walked by him, casually, and Seokjin watched as Jeongguk tensed, eyes flickering up and following Hoseok. 

Curious. Maybe Jeongguk had social anxiety. He did have a very hyper energy to him, though he seemed to be shy then cocky like a switch went off in his brain.

Seokjin frowned, turning back to the containers. He packed two of them with brownies, cookies and a slice of cheesecake each. He opened the small door that allowed them to move from the counter to the main floor of the shop, and made his way across the room to Jeongguk. The younger man startled when he placed the box in front of him, looking up with eyes so dark that the light from the bulbs seemed like their own star system. Jeongguk relaxed instantly, smiling at him prettily.  

"Favourites of yours?" He asked, gesturing to the pastries Seokjin had chosen.

Seokjin slid into the empty seat. "Everything here is my favourite, that's why I sell them." He took up a chocolate chip cookie, still warm to the touch. "I've never found it wise to choose between different kinds of food. I like everything, really." He frowned and looked at Jeongguk. "Except mint chocolate. That shit is an abomination." 

Jeongguk laughed. "It's not that bad." 

Seokjin bit into his cookie, suddenly heated. "Don't tell me you like that toothpaste and chocolate monstrosity. It tastes like Colgate and Hershey's hate fucked and shat out a Seed of Chucky-esque demon spawn." 

Jeongguk choked around the brownie he'd stuffed in his mouth, almost spitting the food out in shock. Seokjin watched in amusement as he swallowed with great difficulty before staring at Seokjin like he was crazy. "That is the wildest sentence I have ever heard someone say in my entire life. And my hyungs have collar fetishes and zero brain to mouth filter." 

Seokjin's eyebrows lifted. " Collar fetish?"

"Do I even want to know?" Hoseok asked, suddenly appearing by his side. Without waiting for a response, Hoseok continued, "Seokjin likes to be handcuffed so I don't know why he's acting so shocked at the idea that people like to be collared every now and then." 

Seokjin looked at his friend with wide eyes. "Do you like to be collared?" 

Hoseok smiled sweetly, which contrasted very interestingly with the dark tone of his voice as he said, matter-of-factly, "I do the collaring."

Seokjin stared back at him, dumbfounded. "You terrify me. Just a little." 

Hoseok giggled, hiding his cute little face in his hands, then hitting Seokjin's shoulder. Seokjin wondered if Yoongi liked being collared. He was definitely filing this information to use as potential blackmail against the tiny little gremlin. Hoseok squeezed his shoulder comfortingly. "I just wanted to know if you need anything." 

Seokjin smiled up at him. "An oreo milkshake would be great, Hoba. Two straws." 

Hoseok nodded, shooting a quick glance at Jeongguk before he walked away. He knew Hoseok was curious about the stranger Seokjin was sitting with, and he knew that as soon as Hoseok entered the kitchen Namjoon and Yoongi would fill him in on the gossip.

"Two straws?" Jeongguk repeated. Seokjin looked over at him.  He was nibbling a chocolate chip cookie, eyes warm. "That's awfully romantic of you. Presumptuous too." 

Seokjin cocked his head to the side. "Sharing is caring, Bambi. Didn't your hyungs ever teach you that?" 

Jeongguk licked the crumbs from his fingers, and Seokjin watched hungrily. The blonde smirked at him knowingly. "I've been told I'm spoiled." 

"A pretty thing like you?" Seokjin remarked boldly, delighting in the way Jeongguk turned pink. "I'd spoil you too." 

Jeongguk looked down at the table, forking up a piece of cheesecake. "I listened to some of the music you sent me last night," He said, segueing awkwardly into another topic. "It was really good." His lips closed around the fork, and his eyes rolled back into his head as he moaned. A tingle ran down Seokjin's spine. Jeongguk opened his eyes and blinked at him. "What?" 

"What?" Seokjin parroted dumbly. He shook himself. "I mean, thank you? It's not really me you should compliment, but I'll pass on the message. My friends are hard workers, even if they seem like chaos incarnate."

"It's nothing I'm not used to, trust me. I'd love to hear more about them though. How did you meet? How did they end up working for you?" 

Seokjin grinned. "I met them the same day, but I saw Yoongi first, he's the short one I was with in the kitchen. It wasn't anything special, we all went to the same high school, but one day I ran into this angry guy who was walking down the hallway with loud rap music blasting in his ear. We literally ran into each other, and I ended up squishing him when we fell. Our faces squished together too." He laughed at the memory. "Our noses were bloody so a teacher forced us to go to the nurse to make sure neither of them was broken. It was fine ultimately and the nurse just gave us painkillers and told us to wait until the hour was almost over to head to lunch." Jeongguk was watching him, eyes so focused he had to look away to continue his story, "When lunch hour came, two guys came crashing into the nurse's waiting room looking for Yoongi. One of them was taller, wearing thick rimmed glasses, looking like a kdrama model student - that was Namjoon -" Seokjin shot a smirk at Jeongguk, "- the guy you were ogling. The other was slim and dishevelled. That was Hoseok, the guy who just told you have a thing for handcuffs." 

"I remember," Jeongguk chuckled. 

Seokjin shrugged. "Anyway, we ended up going to lunch together for some reason, I can't even really explain it. Then we hit it off. We've been friends since then."

"And how did they end up working for you?" 

"I've wanted to open Magic Shop since I was in high school, and they always supported me. They didn't have it as easy, you know, pursuing music. They wanted to change the world with their lyrics but the world wasn't ready for them. It still isn't, really. They almost debuted as a hip-hop group for an idol company, but the CEO was a liar and scoundrel, the rules were too rigged and they were being stifled. I'd already asked Yoongi to be the co-owner of this place, someone I trusted, and I basically forced them to leave idol training and come work for me. In the end, they did. They may not be able to make music the way they dreamed of, but… They seem happier. At least, I hope so."

"You really care about them," Jeongguk commented softly. "It's sweet. Makes your eyes go soft. Pretty." 

Seokjin swallowed thickly. "What about your friends? What are they like?"

Jeongguk smiled. His eyes went soft too. Pretty. "There's Jiminie-hyung and Tae-hyung. They're two years older than me, but they always felt more like same age friends than hyungs. I left home at a really young age for… school, and they've been taking care of me as best as they can for almost a decade now." Jeongguk gazed off into the distance, spacing out as he thought about his friends. He looked adorable, Seokjin wanted to bite his cheeks. "Jimin-hyung is a dancer at heart. He went to school for it, and I mean, he's so good at it, but he's such a perfectionist it seems like he can never be satisfied." Jeongguk scoffed out a laugh. "He scolds me when I act like that though, so I don't know he hasn't figured out where and who I learned it from. Tae-hyung likes art and soul music. He sings, probably one of the best singers I've ever heard of but he doesn't really listen when I compliment him. He's so kind, so thoughtful, and he inspires me a lot. They both do." Jeongguk lowered his head, smile turning bashful. 

"That was probably the longest and most meaningful conversation I've had with anyone other than mg hyungs in… a while," He whispered. 

Seokjin couldn't hide his smile. Jeongguk was just so damn good. "Well, I've known you for two whole days and you're pretty damn impressive. If the people around you are that shallow, I feel sorry for them." 

Jeongguk snorted. "You have no idea." Something dark clouded his face, his fingers twitching around the plastic fork as he tapped ig nervously against the slice of cake. "I shouldn't be doing this. I shouldn't be here. Not with you."

Seokjin frowned. "What do you mean?" Jeongguk seemed to curl in on himself, chewing on his lower lip. "Jeongguk?" 

"It's complicated," he whispered. His eyes shut. "So damn complicated." 

Oh. He leaned back into his chair. He hadn't really thought about it since he and Jeonffuk had immediately started flirting in the middle of their first conversation, but he knew not everyone was as comfortable with themselves or in life as he was, as his boys were. "Are you… not out to your hyungs?" There was nothing wrong with being closeted, regardless of whether it was a personal.choice or even a matter of unfortunate circumstances. 

Jeongguk snorted derisively. "It's not that ." He looked up, a darkly amused gleam in his eyes. He seemed tired. "Or, well, just that. My hyungs know who I am, they know I'm here . But…" He sighed, sagging in his seat. His eyes surveyed the shop warily, Seokjin noticed he'd done that a few times earlier too. Was he looking for someone? Was he just nervous? "I really, really shouldn't be here. " Jeongguk's jaw clenched and he turned back to Seokjin. "But I've spent so much of my life being something for other people, and I finally found this place, and I found you… and it's new, and strange, but I like it, and I want it. Whatever this is, I want it." 

Seokjin grinned. Then, before he could chicken out, he reached out and covered one of Jeongguk's shaking hands, gently caressing the soft skin there. His nails were painted a deep purple. "Namjoon always tells me that chasing after what we want in a selfish, unfair world is something we should all do. As long as you aren't hurting anyone, who can tell us we don't deserve to have our desires? Our own dreams? It's that simple." 

"That simple," Jeongguk breathed out. "Your friend is very smart." 

"Here you go!" Hoseok appeared in a whirlwind of high energy and smiles. He seemed to bring warmth and light wherever he went, radiating hopefulness as he breathed. He placed a large glass cup filled to the brim topped with whipped cream and two metal straws on the table between Seokjin and Jeongguk. "Enjoy," He exclaimed then bounded off to the other customers. 

Seokjin pushed the milkshake toward Jeongguk. "Let's start with something simple, until you have to go back to work. You take the first drink, I'll take the second.  We'll continue on like that until it's empty, then we figure it out from there? Does that sound good?"

Jeongguk exhaled heavily, then smiled, pulling the milkshake to him. "It sounds perfect." 

Seokjin smiled.

When Jeongguk left, Seokjin took it upon himself to clear the table they sat at. After they'd finished the milkshake and eaten all the food Seokjin had brought for them, Jeongguk had marched to the counter to give Hoseok his credit card and then they'd both stood at the door, talking quietly as Jeongguk's phone buzzed with messages from his manager. They'd idled there at the door for a while, neither one wanting to say goodbye, until Jeongguk had gotten a call from one of hyungs which he had answered right after he pulled Seokjin into a tight hug and bolted out the door.

As he wiped the table, he found himself smiling. Jeongguk was cute, so sickeningly sweet and so fucking hot all at the same time, and he was so funnny it almost seemed too good to be true. It felt like someone had built Seokjin the perfect counterpart and thrown it his way, saying, "Have fun!" It seemed too easy, finding someone so interesting and alluring by chance when they came into your shop and awkwardly ran out on you a few minutes later. He liked Jeongguk though, that he was sure of. He couldn't wait to see where things were going. It felt like watching a flower bloom at the first sight of spring.  

"That didn't seem like 'just lunch' to me." Seokjin rolled his eyes and didn't bother reacting to Yoongi's low voice from behind him. If Yoongi really wanted to tease him, he would just bring up the little tidbit Hoseok had told him earlier and the shorter man would storm away to go make out with his two boyfriends or something. "Is he gonna come back?" 

Seokjin shrugged. "I don't know, Yoongichii. I hope so." 

"Are you gonna go on a date?" 

"I don't know," He replied again. 

Yoongi sighed heavily. "Hyung, I know who he is." A pause. "But I don't think you do."

Seokjin frowned, tossing down the rag in his hand and spinning to face his surly little friend. "What does that even mean, Yoongi? Were you psychoanalysing my… him while you were stalking us from the kitchen? Secretly think he's a serial killer - I told you, stop worrying about me. I'm an adult man, I can have lunch with whoever I want." 

Yoongi rolled his eyes, which was incredibly rude considering he was the one inconveniencing Seokjin, and not the other way around. "I don't care who you have lunch with." That was a bold faced lie, and they both knew it. "And this has nothing to with you suddenly deciding you're no longer afraid of committing to the idea of romance, and everything to do wifh the fact that you just had lunch with a fucking k-pop idol and you had no fucking clue." 

Seokjin stared at him blankly. "Are you on drugs? Jeongguk is not a k-pop idol. You sound like every white American right now. All Asians do not look alike. I'd think you of all people would know that Yoongi-yah." 

"You're so dumb ," Yoongi stated bluntly. "Stop deflecting with your bullshit tangents and listen to the words I'm saying to you. Your little bug eyed boyfriend is an idol. One of the most famous idols in South Korea, actually. I have no idea how he hasn't gotten spotted." 

Seokjin's mouth twisted unpleasantly. "Jeongguk isn't my boyfriend." 

"Are you even listening to me, Jin-hyung?"

"Of course not," Seokjin dismissed. He turned back to the table, picking the rag up again. "You're clearly senile. I'll have to ask Namjoon or Hoseok to keep an eye on you, or we'll have to put you in a home. I'm sorry Yoongi Poongi. Of course, I am pretty, smart and capable, but even I don't know how to properly handle that stuff, so I'll leave it to the professionals." 

"I'm…." A long suffering sigh. "I hate you so much. Fine, whatever, do what you want. But if he fucks up and gets you hurt, I'll rip his little superstar dick off and sell it to his legion of fans. Just … Please, search his name. Goodbye."

Seokjin lifted his head and watched Yoongi retreat, seemingly nonchalant and bothered, but from the violent threat he'd made towards Jeongguk - who he hadn't even spoken to - Seokjin was a little more concerned. Yoongi was a pretty calm, peaceful person. He'd had a lot of anger in him when he was younger, mad at the world and himself and everything in between, but as time passed, he mellowed. Yoongi only threatened violence when he was annoyed, pissed or worried. Sighing, Seokjin pulled his phone out. There was a text from Jeongguk. 

I liked hanging out with you. Miss you already lol. Pathetic, right? 

Seokjin smiled, momentarily distracted. Yeah that is a little pathetic. 

But I miss you too so I guess we're both pathetic. 

He waited a moment, then Jeongguk replied with a single image of a cartoon of two Spider-Men pointing at each other. Seokjin didn't really understand it, but he could use context clues. 

Idk what that means but I'll still laugh .

God you're such a boomer. You really are a hag. 

Watch it, brat. 

:) 

I have to go. Jimin-hyung is glaring at me from across the room. 

I'll text you tonight?

Seokjin bit his lip. Tonight.

He waited for a few minutes, but Jeongguk didn't reply again. It seemed he'd been pulled away from his phone. As he stared down at his screen, he remembered exactly why he'd taken his phone out in the first place. 'Just … please, search his name .' Frowning to himself, he opened Naver. He carefully typed in Jeongguk's name in the search engine, a little surprised when autofill brought up some… interesting suggestions: 

Jungkook album full 

Jungkook BEYOND THE SCENE 

Jungkook MAMA 

Jungkook My Time

He bit his lower lip and pressed the last suggestion. It brought him to pages and pages of links to streaming platforms, YouTube and even twitter. He clicked the first result he saw which was a link to Spotify, that opened the app on his phone. The song's cover was rusted clock, and a second later, a beautiful, dulcet voice rang out from his speakers. Seokjin had never heard a voice as gorgeous as this before, though it brought a strange sense of familiarity - he knew this voice, even if he'd never heard it like this. He… That was… Swallowing, he turned the song off and exited the Spotify app,  going back to Naver and ignored his shaking fingers as he typed in Jungkook images. Immediately he was struck by a face he was slowly becoming acquainted with. 

Fuck. 

He squeezed his phone tightly as he scrolled through hundreds and thousands of pictures of the starry eyed pretty boy who stumbled into his shop. The starry eyed boy who was an idol. Everything suddenly made sense. Jeongguk's first appearance, when he'd looked like he was running from something - paparazzi? his fans? Had he opened the door to escape? It also explained the way Jeongguk watched everyone around him like he was scared they'd jump out and grab him - because there were thousands, maybe millions of people who would , if they saw him sitting by himself, with no security. 

It explained the strange things Jeongguk had said before. He'd told Seokjin he wasn't supposed to be at Magic Shop, with him, and Seokjin had assumed it was some kind of internalized guilt. And maybe it was, but it  was also because Jeongguk was a celebrity, and it was definitely incredibly reckless and dangerous to give his number to a random baker he met once, and it was even stupider to have lunch with that random baker. 

'Don't post that,' Jeongguk had told him last night. Seokjin scoffed. No fucking shit. He had a picture of an idol in his phone. An exclusive, never before seen picture of an idol in his phone. There were people who would probably kill him for that kind of thing. 

He was feeling incredibly overwhelmed. What if someone had followed Jeongguk? What if someone exposed him and Seokjin…What if somewhere out there a sasaeng was watching him, waiting for the opportunity to use him to get to Jeongguk?

Gritting his teeth, Seokjin screenshot the Naver searches and sent the picture to Jeongguk, with no caption or further message. He would understand what it meant, and he'd definitely know that Seokjin would want answers as soon as possible. He pocketed his phone and stormed off, running past the counter and back into the kitchen, ignoring the looks Namjoon, Hoseok and Yoongi sent his way as he made his way up the staircase that led to his apartment. He slammed the door shut behind him, an obvious indicator that he was in no mood for company, and collapsed onto the floor, pulling his knees toward his chest and burying his face in his arms. 

Fuck. 

♧

When Jeongguk texted him, Seokjin was in the middle of watching a video of Jeongguk messing around on a drum set, a broad grin on his face as sweat trickled down his face. Park Jimin was dancing around the room, dragging Kim Taehyung behind him as Jeongguk created the beat for them to dance along to. The three of them were like energetic little puppies from what Seokjin gathered. He'd spent over an hour googling Jeongguk's name and scourying the first few links he found. There were a lot of live performances that made Seokjin's heart almost explode when he saw how fucking hot Jeongguk was when he danced and sang like he was born to do it, and there were behind the scenes videos of Jeongguk and his hyungs, his bandmates, as they goofed around. Beyond the Scene was really popular, so popular Seokjin wondered how he missed their rise to fame. He never followed idols religiously like other people did, he never had the time or any interest. His friends were hip-hop and R&B fanatics, they hardly ever listened to idol music, but Beyond the Scene apparently wasn't just idol music. They did pop, R&B and in their earlier years Jeongguk had been a rapper. Their lyrics had complex storytelling and emotion, the kind that made Namjoon giddy and he wondered if Namjoon was a fan of them. It seemed like he would be, like all of them would be.

He was staring at Jeongguk's tattooed hand as he twirled a drumstick expertly when his phone buzzed rapidly, multiple texts coming in at once, and Jeongguk's name popped up on his screen. 

Fuck.

FUCK

Seokjin, I'm sorry 

Fuck i dont

I don't even know where to begin

Please don't tell anyone

Please

Seokjin almost laughed, except there was nothing really funny about this situation. Jeongguk didn't have to worry about him going to the papers or to those idol scandal websites, but he couldn't let the younger man off so easily. You're an idiot. 

A big, dumb, rich, hot idiot. 

What?? 

I'm not going to expose you or whatever it is you're worried about right now. 

But I do want to know….

Jeongguk, were you ever going to tell me? 

Hyung…

What was the plan, Bambi? To come see me everyday when you finally get a break from dance practice or making your albums or talking to your millions of fans? Wait until someone follows you and catches you with some random baker who owns a little shop on the corner of a dull street in Seoul? Would you have told me or would I have woken up to my name trending worldwide,  my face plastered on every trash website, every twitter account??? 

I don't get it. 

I don't. 

Hyung I'm sorry. 

Tell me. Were you ever going to tell me who you are? You must have known I would find out. 

Of course I knew. 

I just.

I wanted to be selfish… just this once. For a little while. 

Seokjin sighed. He understood that, at least. Jeongguk had told him as much, even if he had been vague on purpose. Seokjin knew Jeongguk had been in the idol world since he was a young teen. From the little he knew, from the horrible experience his boys had, Seokjin could imagine just how little freedom to make selfish choices Jeongguk had been granted. Almost everyone thought he was perfect, golden. One quick search had revealed the shiny gloss they placed over the image of who Jeongguk was as an idol, and Seokjin didn't know how the blonde could keep smiling so sweetly, so innocently, after enduring all of that toxic worship from so early on. 

You should have told me. 

You have to be careful. Not just for you, not just for me. But for Magic Shop, and for Yoingi, Hoseik and Namjoon. You know how much they mean to me. 

I do. I'm sorry.

You can't be careless, and I know you know that. I get that this was something new for you, meeting someone who had no idea who you were and didn't want anything from you. 

I'm sorry Jeongguk. 

Oh.

You don't want to see me again

Fuck. I should have..

I'm sorry. 

Seokjin shook his head and pressed the call button before his mind registered what he was doing. Jeongguk answered immediately, and Seokjin didn't wait for him to say hello. "I want you. Just as selfishly and recklessly as you want me. We just met and it's been so long since I've felt butterflies and I'm not gonna give you up ," He blurted out. "You colossal idiot." 

"Oh." 

Seokjin sniffled. "Yeah. Oh."

"Seokjin-hyung, I don't know if it will work, I don't think I ever believed this would end well, I just… wanted ." He exhaled shakily, and Seokjin wondered if tears were burning his eyes as well. "It's too invasive. I don't want the bullshit of my world to taint yours. I don't want you to hate me, I don't want us to try so hard and fail. I don't want proof that I can never have this, no matter how hard I try." 

"But what if it's the opposite? " Seokjin whispered. "Come on, you aren't the type of person who backs away from a challenge. Everyone knows that." 

Jeongguk chuckled. "How much have you seen?" 

Seokjin shrugged even though the other couldn't see it. "A few videos here and there. I know it's not all bad. I know you love it." 

"I do," Jeongguk admitted softly. "But sometimes I wonder just how much I've sacrificed for this dream."

"You don't have to sacrifice this. You can have it, just… take a chance." His voice lowered, almost close to begging. "Please." 

"Hyung…"

"One date!" Seokjin yelled suddenly, cutting off whatever Jeongguk was going to say. "Just one date, then you decide."

"One date," Jeongguk said. Then he laughed. "Then two, then three, then four and then however many we want. We deserve to desire. It's that simple. Isn't it?" 

Seokjin smiled. "It's that simple" He agreed quietly.