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“I’m going to check out the buffet car. D’you want something?”
Seokjin’s voice was casual, and it made Taehyung scoff.
“Taehyung-ah...”
“I don’t. Just go.”
Seokjin tutted at him but left. The train entered a tunnel and Taehyung sighed against the window.
It was the second day of their Great Swiss Vacation, and they were already quarrelling. The cause was petty, of course, just a small disagreement over their itinerary that had led to angry words that neither of them meant, and here they were. In the luxury first-class cabin of one Swiss Glacier Express, the air outside cold, but not as cold as the silence between the two.
Seokjin had caved in first— apologised to his boyfriend and tried to make amends like he always did. But Taehyung was Taehyung, and Taehyung was a brat. So it would take him a while to accept his apology, and as much as Seokjin secretly believed that angry Taehyung was cute, he really didn’t want to waste their precious time together like this.
The sky outside was clear but the mountains were covered in cold snow; the train was well insulated and warm, but without Seokjin next to him, Taehyung shivered.
It was a long tunnel, and as the train finally emerged out of the temporary darkness, Seokjin returned to their shared private cabin.
“I come bearing food!” he announced cheerfully, Taehyung moved closer to the window.
“I didn’t think they would be serious when they wrote about serving charcuterie platters but look at this! This is some high-class shit.”
Taehyung could smell the appetising aroma of meat as Seokjin slid the tray onto the large table in the cabin and he grumbled.
“You’re gonna regret it if you don’t try it, Taehyung-ah.” Seokjin singsonged as he spread the cutlery.
Taehyung purposely pushed the tray away using his elbow and moved to face the window completely. Seokjin chuckled at his boyfriend’s stubbornness.
The train rumbled through the Alpine valleys, passing by some of the most beautiful sceneries Taehyung had ever seen.
Silver beds of freshly fallen powder gleamed in the dull sunlight like diamonds. Scattered, picture-perfect cottages, the occasional car or two, and tiny footprints on the snow were the only evidence of civilisation in that majestic snow kingdom.
The train continued on its journey through the valleys surrounded by mountains covered with pine and snow, as Seokjin fussed over their food.
Taehyung kept his eyes fixed on the scenic outdoors, hell-bent on not giving Seokjin the satisfaction of being forgiven. He knew he had as much part in their quarrel as his boyfriend, but being a brat gave Taehyung a special kind of gratification, and he was aware that Seokjin knew this too. So he smiled secretly to himself as Seokjin urged him to eat for the umpteenth time.
Eventually, Seokjin gave up and started to eat, making a point to let out loud sounds of appreciation to tease his grumpy boyfriend. Taehyung relaxed in their shared couch, sinking into the luxury of their cabin and letting the blanket thrown on his shoulders warm his insides.
He sat there comfortably, head leaned back at the cushiony headrest; and lulled by the periodic thumps of the train as it ran on the metal rails, and his boyfriend’s soothing hums next to him, Taehyung soon fell asleep.
Seokjin noticed his head lolling off the headrest and moved closer to him, adjusting his head against his own shoulder.
The afternoon sun had started moving lower in the skies as Seokjin finished eating and kept Taehyung’s portion neatly aside for him to have later.
When the train took a sharp turn, they started moving in a direction which made the setting sun glare straight into Taehyung’s face and Seokjin leaned across his body to lower the blinds. He looked at him sleeping— lips twitching just slightly and eyeballs moving under his eyelids— and hoped his dreams were as beautiful as his heart.
The afternoon gradually yielded to evening, and Seokjin turned a page of his book with one hand, the other carefully carding through the sleeping boy’s hair.
The hostess came to take their order for dinner and Taehyung stirred from the commotion. Seokjin easily told her his preferences as well as Taehyung’s— eight years of dating does that to you.
When she left and they were alone in their cabin again, Seokjin glanced at the boy in his arms. Taehyung was sitting there, comfortable in his embrace— head resting on his shoulder, wide eyes blinking at him candidly.
“Slept well?” Seokjin put a bookmark in his book and set it down, before taking off his reading glasses and setting them aside, too.
Taehyung nodded and smiled, chubby cheeks rising high as he wiggled in Seokjin’s arms and inhaled deeply. Seokjin realised the younger had probably forgotten that he was supposed to be annoyed, and he chuckled under his breath. Meanwhile, Taehyung moved closer to him, slinging a leg over as knees and hugging his waist tightly.
“I think it’s safe to assume you’re ready to try the charcuterie now?” Seokjin teased.
Taehyung stopped wiggling at the remembrance and cleared his throat in embarrassment.
“Don’t think that you’ve been forgiven. I’m just sleepy.”
“And stuck with me.”
“And stuck with you.” Taehyung feined a scoff even as Seokjin felt him smiling against his chest.
“Taehyung-ah. You can never stay angry at me for more than, what, three hours, right?”
“I think more like...two,” Taehyung added, and they burst out laughing, shoulders shaking harmoniously with mirth.
“What will you do without me?” Seokjin asked between giggles.
“I have no idea,” Taehyung answered, tone serious as he shifted in Seokjin’s arms and peered into his eyes with sincerity.
Seokjin smiled at him and pulled him closer.
Eventually, Taehyung opened the blinds again and snacked on the charcuterie platter, appreciating it, and Seokjin agreed smugly, and Taehyung wouldn’t have it any other way.
The train continued on its journey through the valleys and mountains, Taehyung peering outside as Seokjin peered at him. Occasionally, Taehyung would drop his fork and tug incessantly at his boyfriend’s sleeve, pointing at something outside the window, and they would gaze at it with fascination. At some point, the train began its ascent up one of the hills and Taehyung whooped as he pointed out how deep the cliff beside them was— always a sucker for adventure.
Seokjin giggled at his enthusiasm and they sat there together— marvelling at the beauty outside.
Crystal snow glistened under the silvery moonlight, and humongous mountains loomed over them as if protecting the lovers.
When Seokjin’s arms loosened around Taehyung’s waist, he sneaked a glance behind him and found the elder’s eyes closed, face looking peaceful and lips parted slightly as he dozed off.
Taehyung shifted in his embrace and looked at him with big brown eyes. Eight years together but Seokjin’s enchanting beauty still amazed him. He grazed his knuckles against his cheeks before kissing the same spot gently. Seokjin stirred a little and smiled in his sleep.
Anyone who visited the Swiss Alps exclaimed that they had witnessed nothing more beautiful, more enchanting than those gigantic, snow-laden mountains. But Taehyung could never say that. Yes, the scene outside was pretty, breathtaking even. But in his arms, Seokjin was prettier. Seokjin was perfect. Seokjin, was his.
He smiled at his lover as the train entered another tunnel. This time, he didn’t even notice the darkness.
His moon was right next to him.