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Everyone is gathered in the living room. Some are lying on the carpet, others are squeezed together on the couch, and the rest are occupying both armchairs as they watch a movie. The room smells of salty popcorn and, knowing how picky he can be about his space, Jimin isn't surprised when he spots Yoongi occupying one of the armchairs by himself. He's hunched over and resting his head on the palm of his hand, only making his posture worse.
Jimin doesn't turn on the lights as he enters, not wanting to disturb them. Silence in their dorm is weird and sparse, so he doesn't want to ruin the moment. Either way, everyone hears the sound of his sleepers as he approaches them, and he's sent some nods in his direction before they are looking back to the TV again.
There's only a pair of eyes that don't leave him, though. Shooting him a small smile, Jimin comes closer, hesitating when he rests his hand on the back of the armchair for a few seconds before the singer sits on one of its arms. Upon seeing this, Yoongi shifts to make some room for the younger man so he can sit properly next to him.
Jimin bites down on his lip as he looks at the small space his lover has left for him, not aware of the way Yoongi is observing and taking notice of his hesitance. The younger pushes his racing thoughts to the back of his head as best he can and takes the seat he's being offered. Although they aren't giants, they find themselves pressed together, their arms completely touching as well as their thighs. Looking up, Jimin comes face to face with Yoongi’s intense gaze.
“Hi,” Jimin whispers as to not be heard by the rest when the rapper’s attention doesn't go back to the movie.
Yoongi seems to be searching for something by how he's inspecting Jimin's face, but the younger man is too busy looking at the other’s pretty lips to realise it.
“Everything went well with the chiropractor?” Yoongi asks in a low drawl.
Even though Jimin’s answer is a nod, Yoongi’s eyes narrow, and a small frown appears above his eyes. The singer can only hope the rapper isn't able to read his mind.
Breaking eye contact, Jimin scoots down a little in the armchair, just enough so he can rest his head on Yoongi's shoulder discreetly. Their hands are brushing but not being held atop their thighs. Jimin tries to focus on the screen, but he doesn’t know what the movie is about because it’s been a while since they started watching it. Yoongi smells great after a shower, and Jimin’s fingers itch to hold his hand. It’s right there, he only has to reach out and—
“Jungkook-ah.” Hoseok’s voice startles Jimin, who jumps in his seat, sitting upright with his heart racing and no longer leaning on his hyung. “Pause the movie, please. I’m gonna make more popcorn.”
“Don’t take long,” their maknae says, doing as told as the others groan at the interruption.
“I’m doing this for you all, too. Don’t be ungrateful,” Hoseok scolds them, taking the two bowls to refill them in the kitchen.
Namjoon and Taehyung get up in the meantime to go to their rooms. Jungkook and Jin remain there, talking about the movie. And Jimin stands very still in his shared seat, tense as a board, and refusing to meet Yoongi’s gaze, which is fixed on him. Nobody is paying attention to them, but Jimin can’t calm down.
“Actually, I’m a little sore. I think I’m gonna take a shower and go to sleep,” he says, getting up with some difficulty. “Tomorrow we have to get up early.”
There’s a moment of silence as Yoongi regards him with his head tilted back from where he's sitting. The rapper wants to say something; he’s been meaning to do so for a while now. But again, he doesn’t.
“Okay,” he lets out quietly.
Nibbling on his lip, Jimin fidgets with the hem of his sweater when he finally meets the other’s eyes. “Good night,” he tells him softly as a feeling resembling regret settles in his stomach.
Yoongi nods without reaching out to him or touching him. “Good night.”
Before he enters the bathroom, Jimin hears Seokjin ask his boyfriend in the living room, sounding confused. “Did you two fight?”
They can’t see him, but Jimin stands still with his hand on the door’s handle as he scrunches his eyes shut. He can’t hear the heavy sigh Yoongi heaves out or see the way he shakes his head. Jimin only catches the tired ‘that’s not it’ with which Yoongi answers Jin before he closes the door with guilt sitting heavy in his gut.
After showering, Jimin’s body feels more relaxed, but his feelings remain a mess. It’s been a few weeks since Yoongi and he had gathered their members and told them the news. They had taken it very well. They had their suspicions, so it didn’t come as such a surprise when they informed them that they were together. The guys made some jokes and teased them a little, but they also showed interest and assured them that they’d help them whenever they needed it.
But for some reason, Jimin is still very on edge about this whole thing. They no longer have to pretend; there’s no secret to keep no more. And yet, here he is, with a knot in his stomach and a restless mind because he can’t even hold his boyfriend’s hand or greet him with a little peck like he wants in front of the others. This is exactly what Jimin had feared would happen to Yoongi once their relationship was revealed, but oh, how the tables have turned.
Jimin can tell that Yoongi has noticed his reticence. His hyung has been feeling more down as the days pass, although he doesn’t say anything because that’s just how considerate he is. But Yoongi is also very outspoken when he thinks something is wrong, be it job-related or personal matters. And Jimin knows that his time is running out.
The rapper is giving him time and space to come to terms with what he’s been feeling. But the younger man is also well aware that it won’t take long before Yoongi takes matters into his own hands if Jimin continues to dance around what’s happening without addressing it.
It’s a matter of time.
***
Mornings before a schedule are always exhausting. Everyone is sleep-deprived, and they are all a bunch of sluggish bodies squinting for coffee. By the time Jimin gets out of the bathroom, all the noise in the house comes from the kitchen, so he rapidly heads over there, his stomach rumbling at the prospect of some breakfast.
Jin, Namjoon, Tae and Jungkook are all sitting at the table, eating and talking about a manga Seokjin has just started reading. Hoseok is by the rice cooker, scooping some rice into a bowl, and Yoongi is slouching on one of the tall stools by the counter, a warm cup of coffee between both of his hands.
“Good morning,” Jimin greets his members as he enters the kitchen.
“Hyung, have you read Edens Zero?” Jungkook asks him as his greeting.
Jimin hesitates a little at the sudden question. “Mhm, I don't think I have?”
“See?” The youngest turns his avid eyes to their eldest, who shoots him an unimpressed look in return.
“So what? It's not like Jimin dictates what's trending or not. No offence, Jimin,” Jin adds as an afterthought, flapping his hand.
“None taken,” Jimin replies, amused by their antics.
He flinches the tiniest bit when he feels something warm touch his arm. Looking to his left, he realises it's Yoongi. He’s pressing his cup of coffee there for him to take it.
“Morning,” Yoongi greets, his voice an even lower rumble in the mornings.
His sleep mussed up hair makes him look so soft that Jimin has to refrain himself from cooing. His pink lips always look a little swollen in the morning. That detail makes him want to sigh… or jump him.
“Thanks,” Jimin replies instead, taking a sip and averting his gaze.
That's why the singer misses the frown adorning his lover’s face again.
Jimin hears more than sees Yoongi get off the tall stool, likely to fetch another cup of coffee for himself. But the rapper stands by his side instead, and it's the weight of his intense gaze on the younger man that makes Jimin lower the cup from his lips to look at him with his head tilted in question.
The singer doesn't have time to react, nor does he see it coming. One moment Yoongi is studying him with a frown, and the next, he is leaning closer to Jimin and pressing his lips to his for two seconds before leaning back like it's nothing.
Like he hadn't just kissed him in front of all their members.
Paralyzed where he is, the younger can only stare at him in disbelief as Yoongi pours himself another cup of coffee nonchalantly. Meanwhile, Jimin feels his heart hammering in his chest, his hands gripping the mug so hard that his knuckles are turning white.
Yoongi has finally taken action, and he just can't process it.
Yet, he wills his brain to start working again, and the first thing he notices is that the kitchen isn't engulfed in awkward silence. The guys are still arguing over manga. Hoseok has joined them at the table, and he's starting to dig in.
Maybe they didn't notice, Jimin thinks to himself.
That's the only explanation... until he catches Jungkook glancing in his direction. The youngest’s eyes widen slightly when he makes eye contact with him, and a soft blush colours his cheeks before he ducks his face and returns to the conversation at hand.
Yeah, they have noticed just fine.
But then, why is nobody saying anything? Nobody is teasing them or making annoying kissy gestures. They are acting like nothing happened. Almost like it's… normal.
Oh.
“Drink it. It's gonna get cold,” Yoongi tells him on his way out, looking calm and collected, while Jimin is left there, feeling overwhelmed by what has happened.
It’s clear that even though Jimin has his reservations when it comes to doing skinship in front of their friends, Yoongi doesn’t care what they’ll think. He knows that the elder isn’t big on kissing in front of the others, but this was a statement of intent. The rapper isn't mad at him, but Jimin can tell that Yoongi’s not happy about this situation either. They’re no longer in a secret relationship, and that has its perks, and Yoongi seems more than willing to reap those perks.
If he wants a morning kiss, he’ll get his morning kiss.
Oh, how Jimin wishes he could get rid of his awkwardness already. Grabbing the cup of coffee tightly, Jimin has a new resolve: he has to get his act together immediately.
***
That night, after they’re done with work for the day, Jimin seeks Taehyung in his room. Taking advantage of Jungkook taking a shower, they have the room for themselves, and both friends sit at the bottom of Tae’s bed to talk.
“Is this about how weird Yoongi-hyung and you have been lately?” His friend asks him immediately.
Jimin sighs, closing his eyes and slumping. “Is it that obvious?”
“Not to others, but the seven of us have been living together for years. We sense when things are askew in a heartbeat,” Taehyung shrugs like it can’t be helped. When Jimin doesn’t continue, hesitating, the taller guy nudges him gently with his elbow. “Come on, you can tell me.”
“Okay, but don’t make fun of me. This is stupid, but it’s important to me.”
“I promise,” Tae says with his hand over his heart, making Jimin’s lips quirk up a little.
Fidgeting with his fingers, Jimin takes a breath before confessing: “Ever since we told you guys about us, I’ve been feeling… very awkward around hyung.”
Tae frowns. “Awkward… how?”
“I just… it’s okay when it’s just the two of us, but whenever you guys are around... I get extremely nervous,” Jimin explains, avoiding his friend’s eyes as he tries his best to make sense of the situation. His brow furrows as he thinks about it, getting frustrated with himself. “I want to touch him, greet him with a peck, hold his hand, or give him a little kiss when he says something funny. Normal stuff between couples, you know?” He can feel his face warming up, but he doesn’t know if it’s embarrassment or annoyance. “But then I realise that you guys are around, and I just freeze.”
“Wait,” Taehyung says, confused, cocking his head. “You or hyung freezes?”
“Me.”
“How strange…” he thinks aloud, and Jimin finally meets his gaze. “That sounds more like something that would happen to Yoongi-hyung.”
“I know!” Jimin recognises, his frustration only growing by the second. “I was worried about telling you guys about us because I thought hyung would withdraw or be uncomfortable. But I ended up being the one acting up... I feel so bad about it,” he admits, ducking his head.
Draping an arm around his shoulders affectionately, Taehyung tries to comfort him. “Don’t be. It’s not your fault you feel like that. Is it because we joked around when you told us?”
“Not necessarily; we already saw that coming. It was in good faith, anyway,” Jimin dismissed his worries, flapping his hand.
“Well, I say that you try to relax and not think about it too much,” Tae advises, crossing his legs. “Take your time to get used to this new situation. I think that’s all you need: time.”
Jimin rests his head on his friend’s shoulder, grateful for his words. Yet, he thinks about his boyfriend and his behaviour lately, and the singer can’t help but murmur ruefully: “But I think that Yoongi is upset about it.”
“I don’t think he’s upset, though?” Taehyung told him, searching for his gaze and not continuing speaking until Jimin looked at him with droopy eyes. “I think he just doesn’t like seeing you so uncomfortable and on edge all the time,” he comments as he recalls their latest interactions. “Telling us about your relationship should’ve put you at ease a little bit, but it seems to have had the opposite effect. I think hyung’s just worried.”
A short silence stretches between the two friends after that, and Jimin nibbles on his lower lip nervously before he finally asks what has truly been bothering him lately: “Are you sure you are all okay with us being a couple? Isn’t it weird?”
“Of course we are all okay with it!” He replies without a doubt, like the opposite would be absurd. “Do you really think that at this point in our friendship we would lie about something like that? You know we’re all very vocal when it comes to what upsets us, and this isn’t one of those things.” At Jimin’s hesitation, Taehyung looks at his friend expectantly. “Why? Did something happen to make you think so?”
Jimin shrugs with his hands sandwiched in between his thighs. Glancing at the bathroom to make sure the door’s still closed, he finally says in a whisper: “Jungkookie blushed and looked awkward this morning in the kitchen when hyung kissed me.”
Taehyung huffs a laugh at that, not quite believing him. “What type of skinship doesn’t make Jungkookie a little flustered?”
“He’s gotten better,” Jimin defends their maknae, “he’s no longer a teenager. But still, if we’re making anyone feel awkward in our own home...”
They are so immersed in their conversation that they don't notice when the youngest is finished in the bathroom, and they startle when the door suddenly opens. Jungkook stands there with his hair damp and wearing his pyjamas, staring at them. Jimin truly hopes that he hasn’t heard their conversation, but Jungkook looks stiff.
“Is it my fault you’ve been feeling down?” He asks tentatively, looking upset.
“No! No, of course not,” Jimin is quick to deny, getting up from the bed. This is the last thing he wants, for them to feel like they’re to blame for his inner turmoil. “You did nothing wrong.”
“Hyung, I heard you,” Jungkook states. “About this morning—”
“I don’t blame you, Jungkook. This is all me. I’m just being stupid—”
“Jimin-hyung, let me explain myself, please.”
Jimin shakes his head, saddened by this turn of events. “You don’t have to.”
“But I want to,” Jungkook insists. At his determination, Jimin concedes with slumped shoulders. “When I saw you two kissing, it’s true that I felt a bit… bashful,” he decides to say, making Taehyung snort behind them. Jimin and Jungkook turn to glare at him at that, and his same-age friend rolls his eyes but apologises. “What I’m trying to say is that I didn’t feel awkward because it was you two. It’s not about that,” their maknae explains, his eyes flickering here and there as his ears redden. He’s always been such an honest kid, but also quite timid. It’s something that hasn’t changed over the years. “It’s about feeling like you’re prying into an intimate moment that you shouldn’t witness, you know?” Jungkook tries to explain, unsure if he’s being clear.
“Yeah, I get it,” Taehyung intervenes, getting up too and nodding at the youngest in understanding. “It’s normal to feel awkward sometimes when you catch a couple kissing or having a moment. I’m sure it’s happened to you too, Jimin-ah.”
Understanding dawns on Jimin, who nods slowly. “Yeah, I get that.”
“That’s all there’s to it,” Jungkook continues. “I’m happy for you both, truly. And so are the others. It’s just that it caught me by surprise,” he finishes, rubbing his nape sheepishly.
“In a way, it’s kind of like watching your siblings kissing their partners,” Taehyung nonchalantly provides with a sassy flicker of his wrist. Jimin pinches his arm, and his friend shrieks before bursting into laughter. Jimin and Jungkook are quick to join him, successfully getting rid of the heaviness that had settled in the air. Still chuckling, Taehyung brings them into a hug and holds them close. “It’ll be okay,” he assures him.
Feeling better already, Jimin nods and smiles when the three separate.
“Hey, Jimin-hyung. Did you order Yoongi-hyung’s cake for tomorrow?” Jungkook asks him before he gets out.
“Shh, not so loud. It’s a surprise,” Taehyung scolds him with a slap to his arm.
The youngest rolls his eyes. “Yeah, the surprise that we do every year for every single one of our birthdays.”
Giggling as they start bickering, Jimin replies in an attempt to distract them. “Yeah, it’ll be ready for tomorrow’s lunch.”
“Chocolate?” Jungkook asks with an excited gleam in his eyes.
“And strawberries.”
“Nice!” He cheers childishly, making them laugh again.
Jimin loves them so much.
After their conversation, it’s nearing midnight, and Jimin is quick to take a shower and change into comfy clothes before knocking on Yoongi’s door. In their new dorm, he’s one of the guys who got a bedroom to themselves, which is very convenient. Jimin is still Hoseok’s roommate, but he sneaks into Yoongi’s room more often than not ever since they announced their relationship—even before that, if he's honest.
There’s no answer, so Jimin peeks his head in and finds his boyfriend already curled up in bed. Closing the door carefully, Jimin steps in and lifts the blankets to slip into his bed, too. Yoongi stirs a little as the singer lies on his side, facing his hyung.
“Are you awake?” Jimin whispers with his phone in hand.
“Mmh,” he murmurs, rubbing his cheek against the pillow.
“Hyung,” the younger man calls quietly. It takes him a few seconds, but Yoongi’s eyes finally flutter open. When their eyes meet, Jimin smiles softly. “Happy birthday,” he tells him, showing him the time on his phone.
Exactly midnight.
A sleepy smile curls his lips up, and Jimin’s heart skips a beat at how cute Yoongi looks. “Thank you, Min-ah,” he drawls in his half-asleep state, but he still stretches his arms to beckon him closer.
Without hesitation, Jimin scoots closer until their legs are tangled together under the blankets. The tip of Yoongi’s nose brushes lightly against his own, and Jimin giggles adorably at the gesture before leaving a series of pecks on his lips that Yoongi returns as he smiles softly.
It’s like all the singer’s worries are gone as he buries his face in the other’s neck. His heart feels full as he lies in his hyung’s embrace, same as it always feels when he’s near Yoongi. Because they love each other, and that’s all that matters.
And Jimin is determined to protect and cherish their bond to the best of his abilities.
***
To celebrate Yoongi’s birthday, the members had decided to have dinner all together after work. A few days prior, Seokjin and Hoseok took care of ordering a catering to eat at their dorm so nobody had to cook. That way they can relax and drink as much as they want without having to be mindful of prying eyes. It’s always nice to gather around delicious food and animated conversation. Yoongi looks a bit stoic while wearing his black cap—he’s never been great at being the centre of attention—but they all can tell that he’s having a good time too by how much he takes part in the conversation.
They’re all full by the end of it, but there’s still the cake left. Jimin gets up while everyone remains sitting as they wonder how they always end up overeating at these gatherings. Meanwhile, Jimin takes the cake out of the box in the kitchen and puts two candles on top before lighting them up. Jungkook turns off some lights, Hoseok starts recording, and they all start singing happy birthday when Jimin brings the cake with a big grin. He stands next to his boyfriend, holding the cake so he can blow out the candles, and they all cheer for a sheepish Yoongi, who gives the camera a thumbs up while covering his face with the brim of his hat.
“Why two candles?” Namjoon asks as Jimin leaves the cake in front of the birthday man on the table.
“Because Yoongi-hyung turns two years old,” Jimin jokes with a giggle.
The others approve of that, always up to teasing their hyung and telling him how adorable he is. When Yoongi looks up at him with an unimpressed look, it only makes the younger laugh louder. His heart feels full seeing his lover so happy and content, and the singer is overwhelmed by the wave of affection that spreads throughout his body. Jimin can hear their friends' chatter, and in any other moment, he would’ve coughed awkwardly and averted his eyes. But not now.
Listening to his heart, the younger man cups Yoongi’s face between his hands, who is looking up at him from his seat. With a smile, Jimin leans down and presses their lips together firmly in a kiss that lasts no more than three seconds, but that it’s enough to quench his urge to shower him with love for now. He can hear their friends complain, cheer and whistle, but it’s all done in good faith, and they are quick to drop it, letting the couple have a little moment. When they separate, Jimin doesn’t let go and just smiles down at Yoongi.
As expected, following your heart always feels best.
Yoongi’s hands hold Jimin by his wrists, who is still cupping his face. They’re both a little flushed after kissing so boldly in front of their friends, but the rapper is regarding him with an adoring look in his eyes, his worries for the younger finally put to rest, and Jimin can’t seem to care about anything else. The others are still talking amongst themselves, waiting for them, and so Jimin finally lets go.
“So, who wants to cut the cake?” Jimin asks, now feeling a little nervous after being so brazen in front of them all.
Seokjin takes the knife and starts cutting even portions while the others flock to him with plates to get some cake. Jimin sits next to Yoongi, not minding waiting for their turn once everyone is already served. The elder takes the moment to hold Jimin’s hand in his, resting it atop his thigh and squeezing it affectionately.
Leaning closer to him so their members can't hear them, Yoongi whispers with a smirk: "Was that my birthday present?"
Jimin regards him with an arched eyebrow. “Did you forget about the leather jacket I gave you this morning?”
Yoongi chuckles quietly, his gaze obscured by the brim of his black cap. “I love the jacket, and you know it. But this gift is much better."
Smiling, Jimin's thumb caresses his boyfriend's hand, and he averts his eyes. "I'm glad you liked it," he says quietly.
"Are you okay with it?" The rapper asks him, tilting his head back a little so his vision isn't obscured, that way Jimin can see the hint of concern in his features.
He nods, sure of it. "Yeah, of course."
Yoongi hums, looking down at their entwined fingers. "I don't want you to feel like you have to, you know? About that kiss in the kitchen... I could tell that you’ve been holding back, and I just want you to be comfortable,” he explains, nibbling on his lip after and not meeting his eyes.
The younger man can’t help but smile adoringly at his boyfriend. That kiss was Yoongi trying to encourage him to do whatever he wants and stop second-guessing his actions around him and the other guys. He’s worried that he’s pushed him to do this now, but it isn’t like that at all. Jimin sighs lovingly. Yoongi is always so observant and thoughtful. It’s one of the things he loves the most about his hyung.
Dipping his head to search for Yoongi’s gaze, Jimin doesn’t speak until he’s looking at him again. "You didn't force me to do anything. I chose to do it. I felt like kissing you, so I did,” he explains calmly, playing with their laced fingers as he goes. “And you're right. I was holding back and denying myself what I truly wanted. After thinking about it, I just realised something. What's the point of telling people about our relationship if we don't get to enjoy the perks that come with it... right?"
Jimin waits for his answer with expectant eyes, and Yoongi’s lips quirk up before he nods his head once. “That’s right.”
This time, it is Yoongi who brings the younger's face close to him with a hand on his nape to peck his lips quickly. He’s hoping to be discreet so the others won’t whine in that annoying way of theirs. But while most of them ignore the two lovebirds, they still hear Hoseok protesting that they are eating. The couple snorts and laughs, only letting go of the other's hand to get their portion of cake.
Feeling cheeky and utterly happy, Jimin turns to Yoongi and offers him a strawberry. “Say ‘ah’,” the younger man says, waiting to see the other’s reaction.
Their friends laugh, looking at them expectantly. His hyung stares at him with that characteristic blank face of his. "Okay, now you're overdoing it."
Jimin’s eyes disappear as he chuckles gleefully, but he doesn’t back down. "Get used to it."
The rapper refuses to eat it at first, eating his portion of cake and ignoring Jimin, but the younger man doesn’t budge. Namjoon and Taehyung start encouraging him by chanting ‘eat it, eat it’, and soon enough the others join in too. Jimin can’t stop laughing, feeling like a huge burden has been lifted off his shoulders. He’s finally free, and Yoongi can see that. It’s probably why he finally relents. Or maybe it’s just to shut them all up.
"I'm regretting this already," Yoongi grumbles, referring to Jimin’s newfound courage. Although reluctantly, he still opens his mouth, indulging his boyfriend.
Jimin watches him eat the strawberry with a huge grin, and their friends finally go back to eating and talking. Yoongi is avoiding everyone’s eyes, and the tip of his ears are a bit red. Jimin feels a little sorry about it, so he leans closer and whispers sincerely, only for him: “I love you.”
Yoongi shoots him a sideways look. His eyes narrowed the tiniest bit before he snorts. “Love you, too,” he whispers back. “Now, eat your cake and stop teasing me.”
Giggling, Jimin does just that, enjoying the sweet dessert, although it pales compared to how sweet his hyung is.