Archive of Our Own

Taehyung loves days just like this. Sunlight shines through the large open window. The wind blows gently into the room, making the white curtains sway slightly. Taehyung's favorite jazz songs play on a low volume on his Bluetooth speaker.

Taehyung sits on the couch with Jungkook’s head on his lap. They're waiting for Taehyung's painting to fully dry so he can varnish it. It's a commissioned piece and Taehyung can't wait to send it out to his client.

He plays with Jungkook's hair, weaving his hands through it and making little braids. It's gotten so long now, framing Jungkook's face beautifully. The blonde suits him well. Taehyung lightly traces over Jungkook's face, admiring him.

It's been a while since they've spent time alone like this. It feels nice. Not to say that Taehyung doesn't like hanging out with everyone else. He loves his friends, loves listening to their stories, and catching up with them. However, sometimes, Taehyung wants to be with just Jungkook. Just bask in his presence and hold him close.

"Handsome," Taehyung says. Jungkook hums, a smile on his face, he reaches out to tuck some of Taehyung's hair behind his ear.

"Not as handsome as you," Jungkook replies. Taehyung beams at him, heart fluttering ever so slightly.

A few more minutes pass like that. Taehyung and Jungkook both have their eyes closed, enjoying each other's warmth peacefully.

Taehyung's phone chimes with multiple notifications, breaking the tranquil ambiance. He sighs and reaches for it, trying his best to not disturb Jungkook on his lap.

Jungkook peers up at him curiously, "Who is it?"

"Jimin. Reminding us of dinner at theirs."

Jungkook hums and closes his eyes again. Taehyung goes back to playing with Jungkook's hair with a little smile on his face.

He really really loves days like this.

✧

9-year-old Taehyung found a 7-year-old Jungkook bawling his eyes out below a tree. He’d lost his Iron Man figurine, he said, a gift from his favorite auntie who moved to another country. Taehyung wiped his tears with the hem of his shirt, feeling bad for the little kid. He helped him up and together, they tried to search for it. The park wasn’t that big, Taehyung told him. Maybe they’d be able to find it.

Sadly, it was time for Jungkook to go and they still had no luck in finding it. Jungkook was bummed but thanked Taehyung for trying. Taehyung felt bad for the kid but there was nothing he could do.

Taehyung and his parents were walking in the department store when Taehyung saw a pair of Iron Man socks. His dad was happy to buy it for him. Taehyung had no plans to wear it though. He wondered if he’ll ever see Iron Man kid again.

✧

He did in fact see Iron Man kid again, sitting in the school cafeteria, sipping banana milk alone. Taehyung approached him and smiled brightly. “Hello! You’re the Iron Man kid! Do you remember me?”

Jungkook seemed surprised to see him. He nodded shyly.

“Wanna eat together?” Jungkook nodded again. “Hey, I have something for you. Let’s meet up again tomorrow, okay?”

Jungkook tilted his head, curious. “Okay.”

The next day, Taehyung gave him the socks. It would be the first time that Taehyung witnessed Jungkook’s adorable bunny smile. He felt good, knowing that he was the one who put it there.

✧

Taehyung is lying in the middle of Seokjin and Jimin's living room. Not everyone can fit on the couch so he, Jungkook, and Hoseok are on the floor. Dinner was a delight as always. The sweet and sour pork and yang chow was really delicious. This time, they decided to have food delivered because why cook when you can make others cook for you. Also, cooking and cleaning dishes on a night where they were supposed to relax seemed contradictory. Taehyung couldn't really relate to the cooking part but he does do the cleaning so he's just glad that he doesn't have to tonight.

He tries to not fall into a food coma. Something about being full and in the presence of Seokjin and Jimin's cozy apartment with his favorite people surrounding him made him sleepy.

“Is our Taehyungie sleepy?” Hoseok pats his head when he passes by. Taehyung smiles.

Jungkook sits beside him and stares. Taehyung stares back with a questioning gaze. Then, with a wicked grin, Jungkook shakes his shoulders vigorously. "Don't fall asleep now, hyung!"

Taehyung yelps, his body immediately reacting by moving away. He swats Jungkook's hands away. "If I puke, I will do it on you."

That stops Jungkook in no time. He moves a bit further away, repulsed. Taehyung snickers at the look on his face.

"So what are we watching?" Jimin asks while browsing Netflix. Everyone chimes in with their movie recommendations. Taehyung stays quiet, letting them decide. He's too lazy to think right now. He still feels like he'll fall asleep any second now.

Suddenly, Taehyung unabashedly lets out a really loud burp. Everyone pauses to look at him with disgust except for Jungkook who giggles beside him. He grins proudly and makes a show of patting his belly. The others shake their head at him and go back to looking for a movie to watch.

"Come here." Jungkook pulls him towards his lap. He makes Taehyung sit in front of him, leaning on his chest. He brackets Taehyung's body with his arms and legs. "Comfy?"

Taehyung nods, melting into his touch. He pretends that his heart beats wildly because of the horror movie they'd decided on (much to Hoseok's horror) and not because of the warm breath that hits the side of his neck

✧

It's too hot. His blankets are nowhere near him, probably displaced in his sleep, but somehow he still feels like he's overheating. The sun is annoyingly bright today. Taehyung can feel sweat dripping off his forehead; his bedsheets are moist from perspiration. His throat is scratchy and parched but the thought of getting up for water makes him want to cry. Taehyung decides to ignore all of these things and tries to fall asleep again but then his phone rings, unpleasantly loud. He reaches for it, wishing it would shut the hell up however luck is not on his side at all. He accidentally pushes the phone off his nightstand, it falls with a clack. It's still ringing. Taehyung buries his face into his damp pillow and groans, frustrated.

Taehyung feels something cool and soft on his face and opens his eyes. He didn't realize he fell asleep again. Jungkook smiles at him, holding a wet face towel. Taehyung smiles back although not really understanding why Jungkook is there.

"Why're you here?"

"You're sick," Jungkook says as if that explains anything. In retrospect, it does. After all, they've always looked out for one another, taking care of the other when one is sick or hurt, making sure they have everything they need to recover.

Taehyung furrows his brows and denies it with a shake of his head. He regrets it when he feels the world around him move weirdly. Jungkook chuckles and moves Taehyung’s hair away from his face. “I called your work. Told them you needed a day off. Don’t worry about it and just rest. I’ll take care of you.”

Taehyung’s eyelids feel hot and heavy. He doesn’t fight it when his eyes close on their own. Jungkook continues to wipe his face, then his neck, and the rest of his body. Taehyung grumbles a little when he’s told to sit but he does it anyway. Jungkook undresses him and helps him into fresh dry clothes. He outbalances while trying to struggle into his shorts but Jungkook catches him by the waist before he could trip. Once he’s lying back down on his bed, Taehyung feels a little better.

But then Jungkook is making him sit again, moving his pillows and rearranging them in an inclined angle against the headboard of his bed. Taehyung tries not to whine but his face betrays him with an involuntary pout. Jungkook pushes him to lean on the pillows and tells him to wait there.

It feels like hours before Jungkook comes back in the room. He’s holding a bowl and a glass of water. It’s porridge. Taehyung doesn’t really feel like eating. Still, when Jungkook holds the spoon up to his mouth, he accepts it and forces himself to swallow. He realizes he can technically sleep and eat at the same time when he closes his eyes and opens his mouth, waiting for Jungkook to feed him.

Jungkook snorts but doesn’t tease him. He finishes his food like that. Jungkook pats his head for a job well done and makes him drink the medicine and water. Taehyung feels warm all over and not just because of the fever.

He panics when Jungkook pulls away, collecting the dishes. Taehyung reaches out to pull the hem of Jungkook’s shirt, stopping Jungkook from moving. “Will you stay?”

“Sleep. I’ll be here.” Jungkook smiles at him, open and reassuring. Taehyung watches him go, waits for him to return.

Jungkook comes back and lies down beside him. His arms are open for Taehyung to fit into so he does, burying his face into Jungkook’s chest. Such a nice chest. Taehyung closes his eyes, content and ready to sleep. His breath catches when he feels a firm press of lips on his forehead.

✧

The room glows from the moonlight that shines through the window. Cold air permeates throughout the room. Taehyung shivers, goosebumps rising on his skin.

He doesn’t feel as ill as he was a while ago. He's been awake for a few minutes now. He tried to go back to sleep but his mind kept him awake. Taehyung wonders if the warm presence behind him is to blame but he immediately admonishes that thought. It's his own fault for not being able to silence his thoughts and no one else's. Not even the subject of said thoughts.

With a sigh, he turns around to face the man who was giving him so much grief, completely unaware of the thoughts that plagued Taehyung's mind, and in deep sleep. Jungkook looks ethereal, the moonlight illuminating his face beautifully. Taehyung barely resists the urge to pull him closer and caress his face.

His traitorous hyperactive mind conjures up images—fantasies—of what could be if he and Jungkook were more. He doesn’t think it would be much different from how they are now—sharing blankets, drinking hot chocolate on cold winter nights, bodies pressing close to preserve warmth, watching movies that they've already watched a hundred times, and taking care of the other when one of them is sick. But there would also be date nights, sharing sweet kisses while they talk about their day and long hugs for no reason other than just to bathe in each other’s warmth. He wants to hold Jungkook’s hand and give him kisses. No more holding back.

Just imagining it makes his heart pound faster. It makes him feel like melting into a puddle of goo and he can't help but bite his lip to prevent a smile from breaking out. It’s not impossible, is it?

Yet, another part of is screaming at him, reprimanding him for being so delusional, and projecting his feelings onto someone who might not see him as more than a friend. He wants to shut out this part of him; doesn't want to believe that there's nothing more. But what if there really is nothing more? What if Jungkook doesn’t want him like that at all?

Taehyung stares at Jungkook with a pinched expression. Even if there was nothing more, it's not like Jungkook will reject him harshly. They've been friends for years; the bond they share wouldn't break just because Taehyung couldn't get a hold of his feelings. He hopes that if Jungkook rejects him, he won't be so cruel about it. Taehyung doesn’t think his poor heart would be able to take it if so.

Dejected, Taehyung turns his back on Jungkook and lets the silence lull him into a dreamless slumber.

Later, he wakes up with a twinge in his chest; the space next to him is empty. The only assurance that he hadn’t hallucinated what happened yesterday is the glass of water and a note on his nightstand.

✧

When Jungkook laughs, his face scrunches up and he smiles in the most devastatingly adorable way. His laughter sounds like spring, warm and sunny enough to make flowers blossom into wonderful colors. Taehyung wishes Jungkook will always have a reason to laugh. He wishes he’d always be there to see it.

These days, Taehyung finds himself having a hard time keeping such thoughts to himself. Especially when they spend so much time together, especially when he sees Jungkook’s eyes glitter in the dark, especially when he reaches out, Jungkook reaches for him too, especially when Jungkook smiles the way he is now—joyful, bright and gorgeous. His chest feels like it will cave in if he continues to keep his feelings hidden away.

He wants. He wants so badly to be able to hold Jungkook in his arms and give him a kiss. He wants to tell him he’s the most beautiful person he’s met. He wants to tell him he loves him. Taehyung is frightened but it’s been years and he still hasn’t been able to let go of his feelings for Jungkook.

Taehyung’s frightened but he’s also decided. He wants to see how this plays out. He just wants to confess before he does something stupid like suddenly giving Jungkook a kiss the next time he smiles. He wants Jungkook to know regardless of what happens next—rejection or reciprocation. There’s hope in his heart that maybe maybe Jungkook will tell him he feels the same. That he’s been having a hard time keeping up the pretense of friendship while aching for something else too.

Taehyung doesn’t really have a plan, doesn’t think he needs one. So he invites Jungkook to his apartment and gets food delivered from Jungkook’s favorite restaurant. He can tell that Jungkook has noticed that something’s up. Jungkook doesn’t ask, just waits for Taehyung to gather his thoughts. When he does, he pours his heart out and doesn’t hold back. He’s not looking at Jungkook as he speaks, too terrified to see his expression. He thinks his voice shakes but he continues on. “I love you.”

Silence.

He waits for Jungkook to say something. Tears threaten to spill from his eyes but he takes a deep breath and peeks up. Jungkook’s shocked face betrays what he’s about to say before he could even open his mouth to speak. The hope in Taehyung’s heart quickly dies down.

Jungkook looks at him with tears dripping down his face and Taehyung doesn’t know what to think about that. “I’m sorry.”

Taehyung’s sorry too. He didn’t want to make Jungkook cry for him. He didn’t want to fall in love with a friend. He has nothing else to say as he watches Jungkook turn his back on him and leave. He lets out a shaky sigh and lets himself wallow in heartache, his sobs ringing in the otherwise quiet apartment.

✧

Later that night, Jimin and Hoseok burst into his apartment, worry apparent in their eyes. And it sucks to know that the only reason they could’ve known he needed them was because Jungkook called them.

“I’m so sorry, Tae,” Jimin whispers, cradling his face. Taehyung shakes his head at him. Jimin has nothing to be sorry for.

“Tae, baby, we’re here, okay? It’s alright. Let it all out.” Hoseok hugs him tight and Taehyung buries his face into the crook of Hoseok’s neck so they won’t have to see how it crumples. Despite already crying his heart out, he starts to cry again. They gather him into their arms, wipe his tears away, and hold a tissue to his nose.

There’s comfort in being embraced by your friends when your heart aches. He wonders who Jungkook is with right now and hopes that he’s being comforted too. Taehyung falls asleep wrapped around his friends’ arms, thankful for the warmth they bring.

✧

They were friends. They would continue to be friends for a long time. Just friends and nothing more and nothing has to change because they were good friends and Taehyung could simply move on so nothing has to change between them and they’d still be friends no matter what or so Jungkook had told him, the same Jungkook who has been avoiding him for the past two weeks now. The first week after Taehyung’s confession, things were a bit awkward but they tried to behave the same way they had been before and if Jungkook would pull away from him faster than he used to when they hugged, they don’t talk about it.

Now, Jungkook hasn’t been answering his calls. His texts are abrupt and cold. He doesn’t come when the group meets up and Taehyung is there. Taehyung wants to scream.

“Taehyung? Are you okay?” a voice calls, pushing Taehyung out of his thoughts. Carlos Jerome stands by the door, holding what must be his lunch, looking at him worriedly.

Taehyung works full-time at a cafe not too far from his apartment. He’s in charge of making coffee and latte art. It’s a fun job and the people he works with are nice. He paints when he has the time and sometimes takes on commissions. He has a pretty decent following on his Instagram art page and YouTube channel. It’s not exactly the life he pictured when he graduated but it’s a good way to make a living and still do what he loves. Besides, the owners let him take baked goods home sometimes. Their banana-chocolate muffins are absolutely delicious.

“I’m alright.”

CJ doesn’t seem to believe him but he also doesn’t push. CJ sits in front of him. “Is that all you’re having?”

Taehyung looks at his instant ramen and triangle kimbap and shrugs. CJ tuts and opens his lunchbox. It’s a three-piece container. He places the containers with chicken, hamburger, and egg rolls in the middle of the table and leaves the rice for himself.

“Here. Feel free to take some.” Taehyung smiles and takes an egg roll, feeling grateful towards his coworker.

CJ is a welcome distraction. For the rest of the break, CJ tells Taehyung stories of his hometown and the culture shock he experienced the first time he arrived in Korea. Taehyung listens to him ramble about how his mom hadn’t really taught him Korean while they were living in the USA, how he felt awkward being the only person with blue-green eyes in high school, how raisins have such a bad rep but grapes are widely accepted. Taehyung listens and tries not to think about doe eyes and bunny smiles.

When Taehyung’s shift has ended and he gets ready to go home, CJ tells him, “I know we’re not really friends but if you ever need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to approach me.”

✧

Another week passes by without any word from Jungkook. Their friends are trying their best to be impartial between them but it only makes things more awkward when someone mentions something related to Jungkook in Taehyung’s presence and abruptly stops speaking. Taehyung tells them it’s fine because they’re his friends too but apparently everyone can’t help but walk on eggshells around him.

“He just needs some time, Tae,” Yoongi says.

He’s at Namjoon, Yoongi and Hoseok’s apartment. Hoseok invited him over for dinner. They made his favorite dish and prepared his favorite ice cream, they were obviously trying to comfort him somehow. Taehyung appreciates it.

 “Why does he need time? Does he feel awkward around me? He doesn’t want to at least be my friend anymore? Is that it?” Taehyung is frustrated. If anything, shouldn’t he be the one avoiding Jungkook? He was the one who was rejected. This situation doesn’t make sense to him. How can Jungkook easily drop him like this? He was fine with it for a while. Maybe Jungkook felt awkward to be put in that position and needed time to process that his childhood friend liked him. But it’s almost a month and still nothing! Taehyung doesn’t get it.

Namjoon seems to want to say something but decides against it. Instead he gives Taehyung awkward head pats. Taehyung likes it and asks for more, making his head comfortable on Namjoon’s lap. There’s a pause where the three of them exchange looks, Taehyung wants to ask but decides not to in favor of stealing Namjoon’s cup of ice cream.

✧

It’s been three months when Taehyung finally sees Jungkook again.

Jimin and Jin barged into his apartment earlier and forced him to change from his comfy pajamas into tight dark jeans and a loose satin long-sleeved shirt that hangs off his frame nicely. Jimin put makeup on him while Jin fixed his hair then the next thing he knows is that they’re in the taxi on the way to God-knows-where. He decided to just go with it. It has been a while since they’ve had a night out like this anyway. They arrive at a club they frequent. Jin immediately orders them the first round of drinks.

He should have known this was a set-up. He’s busy sipping his cocktail and staring at the people on the dance floor (someone was doing the robot dance) to notice the people making their way to their table.

“You’re here!” Jimin exclaims. Taehyung turns his head to see who he’s talking to and almost chokes on his drink when he meets Jungkook’s eyes.

Jungkook had combed his dark hair into a part, it framed his face perfectly. He was wearing a simple black shirt paired with leather pants that seemed to be on the verge of bursting from his thighs. Taehyung takes deep breaths and pretends to not be affected.

Seems like Jungkook wasn’t informed that he would be there too, if the way his eyes went wide before he turns to Yoongi, whispering aggressively.

Namjoon smiles nervously when they’re near. “Oh. Hey! You guys are here too?”

The thing about Namjoon is that he’s too obvious when he acts. Taehyung doesn’t call him out though. He just sips his cocktail and conceals his feelings under a mask of indifference. He doesn’t really feel like trying to talk to someone who ignored him for months. He greets the others with a smile and nods in Jungkook’s general direction, not bothering to meet his eyes once more.

Taehyung and Jungkook sat on opposite sides, not acknowledging each other. It’s fine, everyone else is there to fill up the silence between them. That is until Jimin pulls Jin and Hoseok to the dance floor. Then Yoongi goes to the bar to get a drink with Namjoon. They think they’re slick.

In his peripheral view, Taehyung can see that Jungkook is looking at him. He refuses to look back though so he devotes all his attention into stirring his cocktail. Jungkook moves closer. Taehyung eats the cherry on his drink. Jungkook clears his throat. Taehyung wonders what this drink is called; he’ll have to ask Seokjin. Jungkook clears his throat louder. Taehyung braces himself.

“Taehyung.” Jungkook looks at him pleadingly. “Can we talk?”

Taehyung wants to be petty and tell him “Oh so you wanna talk now?”  but he bites back his tongue because even when he’s hurt by Jungkook’s actions, he still cares for him. Besides, he’s been hoping and waiting for Jungkook to speak to him again for the past months.

 “Alright,” Taehyung says. Jungkook looks relieved.

“First of all, I am really sorry for how I’ve been treating you. I shouldn’t have avoided you, I know that, and I don’t have a good excuse for it. I just—” Jungkook sighs, ruffling his hair. “I guess I just didn’t know how to act around you? I know I was the one who said we’d have no problem staying friends but I ended up overthinking everything I do and say. I was confused and I wanted to be careful. I didn’t want to lead you on. I know it’s a shitty reason but...” Jungkook shrugs helplessly.

“So you ran?” Taehyung didn’t mean for that to come out as harsh as it sounded. Jungkook shrinks into his seat. Taehyung refuses to feel bad. “You could have told me, you know. I would have accepted it if you said you needed time or that you felt bad for rejecting me. I just wished you’d have talked to me. Just because I have non-platonic feelings for you doesn’t mean I can’t be your friend at all. We’ve been friends for a long time, Jungkook. That hasn’t changed. You told me it doesn’t have to change.”

Jungkook chews his lip. He appears to be mulling over something before he shakes his head and looks at Taehyung. “You’re right. I’m sorry, Tae.” Then, hesitantly, “Are we okay?”

“Come here.”

Jungkook leans forward a bit, confused.

Taehyung grins cheekily and flicks his fingers right on Jungkook’s forehead. Jungkook yelps and jumps away, holding his forehead. “We’re okay.”

Jungkook looks at him with a pout as he rubs his forehead to soothe it. Taehyung finishes his cocktail and doesn’t think about how adorable the man before him is.

Their friends have relieved looks on their faces when they get back. Taehyung knows that everyone’s glad that they’ve sorted things out.

✧

 “So you guys started hanging out again?” CJ raises a brow at him. There are cookie crumbs all over his face. Taehyung throws a tissue at him.

CJ is pleasant company. Taehyung had taken him up on his offer months ago. His openness let Taehyung become comfortable enough to speak freely. Being able to talk to someone who didn’t have much bias and hear their thoughts on what had transpired between Taehyung and Jungkook was actually nice. They’ve grown closer since then. Having the same interests in movies also made CJ a great movie companion.

“Well, we haven’t yet. Not all of us anyway. But we’ve talked properly and we’re all good now.”

CJ smiles at him. “That’s great! Means I won’t have to see you moping anymore.”

“Speaking of moping, how are you?”

“Ugh. Don’t remind me. I’m moving into my new apartment tomorrow.” CJ buries his face in his hands on the table. “She’s blocked me on all social media.”

“I’ll help you move.” Taehyung pats his head. “There, there.”

✧

Everyone is finally gathered together on Sunday night. This time, they’re at Namjoon, Hoseok, and Yoongi’s. They all decide to sit on the floor, surrounding the coffee table. Boxes of pizza and chicken and bottles of beer threaten to overflow on the table.

Jungkook sits beside him and it’s alright. He’s alright. This is how it used to be.

“Thanks,” Taehyung says. Jungkook put the last chicken drumstick on his plate, much to Seokjin’s displeasure.

Jungkook shakes his head at him and reaches for a slice of pizza, placing that too on Taehyung’s plate. Taehyung raises an eyebrow at him and receives a smile in return. “Eat, hyung.”

Taehyung doesn’t know exactly what had brought this on but he’s getting the special treatment and he’s not about to complain. Perhaps Jungkook still feels sorry?

They all fall into conversation—random topics that range from Namjoon’s recent dye color to friendly orcas. Sometime into the night, it becomes a competition of who can remember the funniest story they have of each other.

Taehyung is laughing at Jimin’s accurate acting when he feels Jungkook’s eyes boring into his face. There’s a small smile on his face and a peculiar look in his eyes. Taehyung looks away, unsettled. He wills his heart to calm.

The rest of the night, Taehyung is hyperaware of Jungkook’s every move. He had been doing a good job at acting normal but he couldn’t get Jungkook’s gaze off his mind. His damn heart had been beating wildly since.

“Oh! How about we take a trip this weekend? How does the beach sound?” Jimin is standing up with his hands on his waist, looking very much like the ringleader he is. Yoongi immediately shoots him down with a scrunch on his face.

Jimin isn’t backing down easy, though. He’s very persistent when he wants to be. “Just a quick trip! I think we all need a break. Think about it. It’ll be fun!”

“The beach... I haven’t been in a while,” Hoseok says.

 “It does sound fun.”

“You’re opinion doesn’t count, Jin. You’re biased.” Yoongi rolls his eyes.

“No, I’m not!”

Namjoon chuckles at Yoongi’s blatant refusal. “It might actually be a good idea. It has been getting hotter these days. And the students who usually crowd the beach don’t get their summer break ‘til, like, next month.”

At that, Yoongi pauses. Everyone can see he’s thinking about it.

Jungkook moves closer to Taehyung and whispers, “Do you want to go, Tae?”

Taehyung gulps and slightly shifts away. “I guess...”

Taehyung hasn’t been to the beach for a long time. He thinks of the cold ocean water, the gentle breeze that accompanies it, and the smell of salt in the air.

 “Would you guys be alright if I invite someone?” His question makes everyone pause.

Jungkook looks at him with a questioning gaze. “Who?”

“Uhm. My coworker. He’s kinda in a rough patch right now. I think he’d appreciate a short break too.” CJ would probably ecstatic to go to the beach. Taehyung can already imagine him jumping around with excitement. Like a puppy.

“Well, I wouldn’t mind,” Jimin says.

Hoseok nods. “The more the merrier, right?”

Yoongi frowns. “Wait—“

“So it’s decided then! We’ll go next weekend!” Seokjin stands and begins collecting some of the empty bottles.

“No. Nothing is—“

“We could go early on Saturday, spend the night then come back by Sunday night,” Hoseok says.

Jimin claps his hands. “Perfect! Hyung and I will look for a place to stay.”

Yoongi sighs.

✧

CJ was happy but wary when Taehyung asked him to come. Taehyung managed to convince him though. Now, they’re in the van and it’s clear that CJ didn’t have to worry so much. CJ easily fits in their group. In almost no time at all, he and Seokjin are exchanging silly dad jokes, making everyone in the van laugh ‘til their stomachs hurt.

They get three separate rooms in the hotel. Taehyung shares a room with Jungkook and CJ. He’s extra glad that he invited CJ to the trip. He’s not sure he can handle being in a room alone with Jungkook just yet.

After having light lunch, they spend the whole day at the beach. Seokjin and Yoongi are by the beach chairs drinking alcohol. Jimin accompanies Namjoon who is looking for little sea creatures. He smiles when sees CJ play with Hoseok in the water. He’s happy that his friend seems to be having a good time. Bringing him was a good decision.

Taehyung feels someone’s gaze on him and meets Jungkook’s eyes. Taehyung burns when Jungkook starts to roam his eyes on Taehyung’s exposed skin. He catches his breath and looks away. His cheeks feel warm and he blames it on the sun.

Taehyung walks up to Hoseok and jumps on his back. A successful surprise attack! Hoseok screams and flails his arms wildly, balance unsteady from the sudden weight. CJ cackles at their faces clutching his belly. Taehyung lets go of Hoseok before they both fall under, howling with cheeky laughter.

By the shore, Taehyung catches Jungkook’s eyes again. He grins at him and waves him over to play. Jungkook grins back and wades into the water. Taehyung can see water drops sliding down Jungkook’s chest when he gets near. Taehyung swallows back his drool. Oh no.

✧

Taehyung is walking by the beach, taking photos of the sunset and the ocean. Jungkook joins him after a while, claiming that he wants to soak up all the salt before they leave. Taehyung snorts at him. The crashing of waves is as loud as the thundering of Taehyung’s heart at having Jungkook so near him again after a long time. They walk side by side silently, enjoying each other’s company and the scenery.

Jungkook abruptly stops walking and grasps Taehyung’s wrist. Taehyung turns to ask him what’s wrong when—

“I’m an idiot.” Jungkook had his head down like he’s ashamed of something.

Taehyung blinks. He wasn’t expecting that. “What?”

“I’m sorry for being an idiot, Tae.” Jungkook’s grip on him tightens; he looks like he’s bracing himself.

“I don’t understand.”

“Because I lied.” Jungkook looks up and stares right into Taehyung’s eyes. Jungkook’s hands shake where they’re still holding onto him. “I told you we should just be friends. I lied.”

“What?” There’s a lump in Taehyung’s throat. His sight has blurred up. Stupid tears. “What do you mean? You don’t want to be friends anymore?”

Jungkook shakes his head and Taehyung feels like he’s been shot in the gut. Taehyung tries to pry off Jungkook’s hand off him but Jungkook won’t let him go.

“I can’t be friends with you.” What the fu— “When all I could think of is the taste of your lips on mine and my heart races whenever you look into my eyes.”

Taehyung stops struggling against Jungkook’s hold. He looks at him dumbly.

“What?” he whispers. “What are you telling me, Jungkook?”

Jungkook’s hand moves from his wrist to his palm. Taehyung looks at their joint hands and lets Jungkook interlace their fingers together. Taehyung is definitely crying now.

Jungkook is crying too. He moves closer. “I’m telling you that I’m sorry for being a stupid jerk who hadn’t realized his feelings sooner. I’m sorry for telling you I didn’t love you when I did—I do.”

Taehyung steps back. The sunlight hits Jungkook’s face beautifully. He can’t help but wonder if this is all a dream. It mustn’t be real.

“I’m sorry.” Jungkook takes a step towards him

Another step then their chests are touching. He’s holding Taehyung’s face in the palm of his hand. “I love you.”

 “I love you.” He wipes the tears on Taehyung’s face. It doesn’t matter because Taehyung can’t stop crying.

“I—“

Taehyung cuts him off, “I love you too.”

Jungkook leans in and their foreheads touch. They’re still crying when Taehyung says, “Please kiss me.”

Jungkook smiles sweetly and captures his lips. And it’s everything that Taehyung has ever wanted for so long.

✧

Taehyung is so happy he feels like he could burst. When they get back to the hotel to meet the others for dinner, no one seems too surprised to see them holding hands. Everyone is excited and delighted for them. Taehyung recounts to them the details of how Jungkook ultimately swept him off his feet. Jungkook is shy and rosy-cheeked but he chimes in from time to time, helping Taehyung tell the story.

“I’m happy it worked out for you, Tae,” CJ tells him later that night.

Taehyung grins from ear to ear. “Me too.”

✧

They have their first date on a random weekday when Jungkook barges into Taehyung’s apartment with take-out and flowers. He missed him so he bought jajangmyeon and ice cream and it’s a date, he said. They eat on the couch and take turns feeding each other. Iron Man playing on the TV screen.

“Do you remember?” Jungkook asks him, taking his hand. Taehyung smiles because of course, he does.

“Yes.”

“I lost my Iron Man toy that day but I found you.” Jungkook kisses Taehyung’s knuckles.

Taehyung giggles, high-pitched and joyful. “Sap.”

✧

Taehyung’s heart is elated and full. He feels like screaming—no, singing at the top of his lungs like a Disney princess who had just finished her quest. He couldn’t pinpoint when he started loving his friend in a different way. He just found out one day, Jungkook was laughing aloud at something Seokjin did and Taehyung realized that his initial reaction wasn’t to laugh with him or at him but because of him—because he looked so good and so sweet. And Taehyung was so fond and so far gone for him at that point.

Now, he sleeps in Jungkook’s arms and kisses him warmly, gently each morning. He couldn't possibly be any more happier than this.

He traces over Jungkook's nose with a finger and plants a soft peck on it. Whispering once more, "I love you."

Taehyung has already succumbed to sleep, not able to feel the firm press of lips on his forehead and the reply, "I love you too."