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It’s comical the way Hoseok’s frown morphs into a smile when Jungkook walks into his flower shop. Like clockwork, every evening after he’s closed up.
“Hi, hyung.”
Even after two weeks of dating, Jungkook is still the picture of shyness, cheeks flushing the moment he catches Hoseok’s eye. He almost trips over himself as he makes his way towards the counter, ears red as tomatoes once he’s finally in front of Hoseok.
“Heya, Koo.” Hoseok giggles, sorting out the change and locking the cash register for the day. “Gimme a sec, I’m almost done here.”
“Okay.” Jungkook shifts from one foot to the other, awkwardly looking around the place, as if he hasn’t been coming here to pick Hoseok up another day, long before they started going out. The new carnation display seems to catch his fancy and he bounces over to the corner where they stand, sunset orange to fuchsia to pale peach.
Hoseok hums as he clears up the table, collecting the loose wrapping paper and decorations. There are a few empty terracotta pots that need to be tucked away as well. As he cleans everything up and puts it all away, he watches Jungkook from the corner of his eyes, a soft smile playing on his lips. Jungkook’s mouth hangs open, gaping at the flowers as if he is looking at a Renaissance painting in the art museum. It’s endearing.
A giggle escapes Hoseok, breaking the silence in the room and jolting Jungkook out of his stupor. He looks embarrassed when he faces Hoseok, tattooed hands scratching at his nape.
“Looks like you fancy the carnations.” Hoseok’s smile grows ever the wider. Finally done with his chores, he removes his apron and picks up his bag before walking towards Jungkook.
“They’re pretty,” Jungkook says, subconsciously gravitating towards Hoseok. He gulps, the blush now spreading to every cell of his face, disappearing into the inked lines on his collarbones. “Like—” Jungkook clears his throat, face bloating up as if he’s going to have a seizure. “Like you.”
It takes a moment for Hoseok to realise that Jungkook is flirting with him. When the realisation finally sinks in, he has to practice great restraint so as not to burst into a fit of giggles. The warmth that washes across his chest is very much welcome though.
“Carnations are very popular as a gift.” Hoseok leans forward to pluck one by the stalk before taking a step into Jungkook’s personal space.
There’s an audible hiss and when Hoseok looks up, he sees Jungkook’s eyes blown wide to magnificent proportions. A little tickle dribbles down Hoseok’s spine and settles into his skin. He swallows, trying to maintain eye contact with Jungkook as he slowly slips the stem through his buttonhole and secures it there.
“They represent the purest form of love.” Hoseok’s mouth is suddenly dry, his smile long washed off his face. “Devotion, longevity. The perfect flower for weddings and anniversaries.”
“Oh.” Jungkook’s breath comes out in a huff of air, fanning Hoseok’s eyebrows. “Weddings?”
The squeak in his voice pulls Hoseok out of whatever trance they’ve managed to put themselves into. He takes a step back, taking a deep inhale to clear his thoughts. Plastering on a fresh smile, he smirks at the dazed look on Jungkook’s face, flattered to know that he has such an effect on his boyfriend. He grabs a hold of Jungkook’s hand and startles him in the process, before tugging him towards the door.
“Come on, let’s get going.”
*****
“These are so good!” Jungkook stuffs himself with Hoseok’s homemade sandwiches. “Where’d you learn how to cook like this, hyung? Best sandwiches I’ve ever had in my life!”
Hoseok hums, nibbling at the crust of his own sandwich. “My roommate is a chef so I picked up some basic culinary skills by association. Glad you like it, Koo.”
“Like it? I love it! Jungkook moans, his eyes clenched shut as he detaches his jaw in favour of chewing voraciously. It’s a funny sight and Hoseok almost chokes on his food, trying to hold his laughter in.
“Yay!” Hoseok chuckles, leaning back against the park bench and looking out at the bustling traffic in the road. The afternoon sun is scorching hot, brewing sweat between his brows and making him loathe the outdoors vehemently. But a sneak peek at Jungkook strips him of even the slightest hints of annoyance.
Jungkook sports a thin grey t-shirt, stretched across his chest, tinted a shade darker by the sweat that gathers in the hollow between his pecs. On second thought, the sun is Hoseok’s new best friend.
“Sorry for making you come out in this heat,” Jungkook says apologetically. “I just thought we could use some fresh air for a change.” He groans, pulling his t-shirt up and wiping the sweat off his face. Hoseok tries not to ogle at the sliver of defined skin, sipping his sprite with gusto.
“No need to apologise.” Hoseok’s tone is light. “The fresh air is worth melting into a puddle.”
“Hyung—”
“I usually have lunch in the shop so it’s a nice change, Jungkook-ah.” Hoseok winks playfully. “It gets exhausting, sitting around flowers all day.”
“Yeah?” Jungkook sounds surprised. “They’re so pretty though. I’m surprised you get bored of them at all.”
“Hmm?” Hoseok scrunches his used paper napkins into a ball, eyebrows raised teasingly. “I didn’t know you were so looks-oriented, Jungkook-ie.”
“What, no—” Jungkook splutters out, coughing so he doesn’t choke on his food. He clears his throat and croaks out in a panic. “That’s not what I meant at all. Your looks have nothing to do with why I like you!”
“Are you saying you don’t find me good looking?” Hoseok fakes a dramatic gasp, bringing his palm to his mouth. “Well, I never expected that.”
“No!” Jungkook groans, shaking his head vehemently. His eyes are glossed over in agitation. It’s endearing. “You’re teasing me!”
A rush of sheer unadulterated adoration washes over Hoseok. It’s sudden, the way these things always are with Jungkook.
“Am I?” Hoseok whispers. He reaches out and cups one side of Jungkook’s face, fingers coming out to rub at his cheek. Jungkook’s skin is hot, a little sweaty, but Hoseok doesn’t want to let go any time soon. The air between them suddenly thickens, several times hotter than it was just moments before. Hoseok nudges the mole beneath Jungkook’s lower lip before swiping the sauce off his lip.
“It’s because you’re so easy to tease,” Hoseok says, bringing his finger to his lip and licking it clean.
The flash of something fierce in Jungkook’s eyes is worth the flush that spreads across Hoseok’s cheek.
*****
When Hoseok gets to the cinemas, he’s surprised to see that Jungkook’s right hand is covered in a plastic wrap. He’s holding it rather delicately in the air.
“Hey, you.” Hoseok waves once he’s close enough. Jungkook’s teeth flash full voltage in a bunny smile, cute cute so cute. “What’s with that?”
“This?” Jungkook subconsciously brings his hand closer to his chest, as if to shield himself. “I got a new tattoo today. Gotta keep it bandaged for two or three days.”
“Oh.” Hoseok nods his head. He takes the tickets out of his pocket and leads Jungkook towards their screening hall. “Bet it hurts like a bitch. I’m getting second-hand pain just looking at you.”
“It’s honestly not so bad. It’s one of the less painful places to get a tattoo.” Jungkook huffs. They manoeuvre their way towards the seats, careful so that Jungkook doesn’t bump into something. When they sit down, Jungkook heaves a deep sigh, eyes nearly rolling back into his head with relief. Hoseok silently takes the seat to his right, careful to place his hand away from the common armrest.
“You’re so thoughtful, hyung,” Jungkook whispers. “I’d be in a pinch if a stranger sat over there. It’s really uncomfortable without an armrest. Thank you.”
“No problem, Koo.” Hoseok smiles. “You’re giving me puppy dog eyes, it’s cute.”
“I mean it.” Jungkook exhales shakily. “You’re always being— So sweet.”
“Hmm?” There’s a lump in Hoseok’s throat, heavy but soothing in a way.
The screen suddenly lights up and the commercials start playing. Hoseok turns forward, slipping his hand down between their seats, sneaking its way onto Jungkook’s thigh. The hitch in Jungkook’s breath doesn’t go unnoticed even in the roaring din of the hall.
“I can make do with this.” Hoseok whispers, so softly he almost doesn’t expect Jungkook to hear.
The constant thumping of Jungkook’s leg all through the movie is the only sign that he’s freaking out.
*****
"My friends have been bugging me to get a tattoo ever since we started going out."
Jungkook nearly spits his beer out, looking like a deer caught in headlights. Hoseok lends him a napkin, trying not to burst into laughter.
"You want a tattoo?" Jungkook wheezes out, hands quivering as he wipes at the slobber on his chin. "Wow, that's—"
" I don't want a tattoo." Hoseok corrects him, waving his index finger like a pendulum in the air. " They— my friends— think everyone who has a tattoo artist for a boyfriend should sport a tattoo by association."
"Oh, okay—" Jungkook relaxes a little at that, but then his eyebrows shoot up, the napkin dropping from his fingers and falling unceremoniously onto his lap. " Boyfriend ?!"
Hoseok startles at that, the fact that he'd so casually called Jungkook his boyfriend seeps into him. Oh no, did he take things too fast? Is Jungkook uncomfortable because he gave them a label? That's the last thing Hoseok wants. He really likes what he has with Jungkook.
"Ah, sorry about that." Hoseok clears his throat, brows furrowed together in worry. "I don't know what came over me, that just slipped out. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Jungkook-ah."
"No!" Jungkook slams his fists on the table, nearly toppling over his can of beer. "Oops—" He fumbles to set things straight. "What I meant is—" Jungkook clicks his tongue, eyes darting shyly up to Hoseok's. "Do you want us to be boyfriends ?"
"Yeah." Hoseok's breath hitches. He feels vulnerable at this moment, in their little booth at the bar, the overhead light casting a shadow on Jungkook's face. When did he last allow himself to put himself out like this for someone else? But why does it feel so easy with Jungkook? Everything feels so right with him and Hoseok truly wouldn’t have it any other way.
"I want that too, hyung." Jungkook's words are a salve that automatically causes Hoseok to ease up, shoulders relaxing as he sinks into his seat. It feels like a mountain of worries has been lifted off his shoulders, so liberating. Jungkook's smiling now, sweet and affectionate. "I’d like that very much."
"That's reassuring to know." Hoseok positively beams before he picks up another napkin. His eyes twinkle as he stretches his hand out towards Jungkook. "Let me start off my newly assigned boyfriend duties by helping you clean you up over there."
Jungkook whimpers when Hoseok wipes his chin in a smooth motion, cooing all the while.
*****
“You must be Hoseok-ssi.”
The man at the counter looks bored out of his mind. His lips are pulled into a straight line, the same for his eyes. His hair is greener than a traffic light, but his pale skin is littered with intricate black designs from head to whatever’s covered by his black leather ensemble.
“I am.” Hoseok is startled, tilting his head to the side in confusion. “Have me met before—” He squints to make out the man’s name tag. “Yoongi-ssi?”
“You’re Jungkook’s boyfriend.” Yoongi tuts, face transforming into a Cheshire grin.
“Yes, I am.” Hoseok feels his cheeks getting hot. He didn’t know Jungkook talked about him at work. He doesn’t know how to feel about this new knowledge. But the tingle in his chest tells him it’s a good thing. It makes him happy.
“Good to finally meet you in person.” Yoongi stretches his hand out, his smirk on full force now. “I’m Min Yoongi, Jungkook’s boss.”
“Nice to meet you too.” Hoseok blinks, adjusting the bouquet in one hand and awkwardly taking Yoongi’s hand in his and bowing rather dramatically. “Were you the one who ordered the irises?”
“Yeah yeah.” Yoongi takes his hand back and whistles. “You can just drop them here—”
“Hoseok hyung?!” A panicked squeal in the distance makes Hoseok whip his head around. It’s Jungkook, racing down the hallway towards them.
“Koo—!”
“What are you doing here? Oh my God, you should’ve told me you were visiting!”
“Ah, I just came by to drop Yoongi-ssi’s order,” Hoseok says apologetically. “I have another two deliveries to make today. And the delivery boy is out sick.”
“Oh, I see.” Jungkook’s face falls dramatically. If he had dog ears, they’d be flat on his head. Cute, he’s always so cute. Hoseok is so whipped for this boy, it’s not even funny anymore.
“We can have dinner together if you’re up for it?” Hoseok asks, grinning wide. “I should be done by around 6 pm.”
“Yes!” Jungkook pumps his fist in the air, laughing in glee. “That would be great. There’s a new ttekboki place down the street I’ve been wanting to try. We could go there if you’re up for it.”
"Definitely up for it," Hoseok says, nodding enthusiastically.
Yoongi groans in the background about how it's too early for PDA, making Jungkook blush anew. He's smiling though, that soft smile that makes Hoseok feel like he's walking on a cloud.
What happens next is purely on instinct. Hoseok takes a step forward and leans in to squeeze Jungkook's shoulders in a tight hug. A wolf whistle sounds in the back, courtesy of Yoongi. But Hoseok barely hears it over the thudding of his heart. Or is it Jungkook's heart? They're pressed so close together that he can hardly tell. When he pulls back, the smirk on his face looks easy enough, but he's much too embarrassed to look Jungkook in the eyes.
"See ya, Jungkook-ah. Nice meeting you, Yoongi-ssi."
*****
Hoseok in casual attire comes as a punch to Jungkook's guts. Baggy white t-shirt and minuscule shorts, he has no business looking this delectable on a Sunday afternoon. Jungkook clears his throat before getting up on his feet and calling out to him.
"The last time I was at a proper picnic was in senior year of high school." Hoseok giggles, folding his legs and shimmying down onto the cotton blanket, smoothening it out under his legs. Said legs are bare and golden and it takes a lot of effort for Jungkook to look anywhere but at them.
"Nice shade you got us too." Hoseok whistles, looking around, long lashing flapping lazily. The breeze is just right, making his blonde locks dance ethereally. Cheery blossom petals wave as they fall, slow as if time is still just for them. Jungkook wishes time would stand still for him as well, so he could tattoo this picture of Hoseok onto his very retinas.
"It's cherry blossom season," Jungkook says, waving his hand around as if Hoseok cannot already see the pink foliage that drowns out every other scenery. "I thought it would be a good change of pace."
"You thought right." Hoseok giggles, reaching out and tapping Jungkook's nose. A spark of something pleasant shoots through him at the touch and he almost reaches out to grab Hoseok's wrist before he pulls back.
"Hyung?" Jungkook swallows the spit on his tongue, hearing his heartbeat roar dangerously in his eardrums.
"Hmm?" Hoseok turns around, pausing midway through patting his shorts straight.
"Did you—?" Jungkook's voice cracks and he coughs into his fist awkwardly before continuing. "Did you know that cherry blossoms have a life span of about a month?"
"I didn't actually," Hoseok says, eyes slightly wide in surprise. "I know they don't stay in bloom for that long but I didn't know it was just a month." He smiles. "Wow, you just taught me something about a flower, Jungkook-ie."
"I did, didn't I?" Jungkook smiles back. "There's more!" Hoseok snorts into his hand at Jungkook's enthusiasm, making him throw his head back and groan. "You're laughing at me!"
"No, you're just very cute when you're excited." Hoseok leans close and pats Jungkook's knee. It's a casual touch but nothing's casual for Jungkook when it comes to Hoseok. He gulps, gathering his courage and placing his hand over Hoseok's, squeezing it and pressing it down into his jeans. There's a small spark of excitement in Hoseok's eyes, his lips parting the smallest degree.
"They mean mortality." Jungkook whispers. A small pink petal cascades down to fall on Hoseok's hair. Jungkook reaches out and plucks it, making Hoseok catch his breath. They're close now, the way they've been for a while. What with how Hoseok's been teasing him at every opportunity that presents itself.
"Make the most of every moment." Jungkook veers forward, close enough to count the lashes on Hoseok's eyes one by one. And he'd do it, he's that far gone.
"Yeah?" Hoseok chokes out, eyes glossed as they dart here and there. "Seize the day, huh? And here, I thought they meant love ."
"They mean that too." Jungkook closes his eyes and steals Hoseok's lips in a tender kiss.
He only realises he's been holding his breath when Hoseok kisses back and he finally exhales against his lips. It’s everything he’s dreamed off and more when Hoseok lets out a soft sigh, scurrying closer and winding his hands around Jungkook’s neck. Hoseok smells like flowers and his lips taste like honey. Jungkook already knows from just one kiss that he is going to get addicted. It’s a welcome kind of addiction though, one he hopes Hoseok will indulge forever.
"They mean everything—” Jungkook whispers against Hoseok’s mouth when they part for air, nibbling into his lower lip and tugging it with his teeth.
“They mean everything when they’re for you, hyung."
Fin