Archive of Our Own ^beta

-----------TAEHYUNG-----------

When Taehyung was younger, he had thought he would grow up to own a bakery. As he got older though, he realized that this was a very unrealistic occupation for him. From a very young age, Taehyung had had a very strong sweet tooth that only grew stronger as he grew older, so if he had lots of cakes and cookies and other sweets at his disposal without supervision would not end well. He knew from experience that most of the sweets would never make it to the shelves. His high metabolism was both a blessing and a curse.

Having an insatiable sweet tooth had its perks. Like infinite motivation to make very good sweets. At thirteen his teacher had suggested he apply for one of those children baking contest shows after he had brought cupcakes for his birthday. When he was fifteen, his best friend’s mom offered to pay him to bake her a cake.

After that, he decided to try selling at garage sales and small fundraisers. It was then that he decided it would be a very horrible idea to start his own bakery. He ended up making very little profits because he ate half the things he made.

So now, in his third year of college, he was working part time at a small bakery a few streets away from the college. He had gained quite the reputation in the short time he had been working there among both the customers and his coworkers.

It was a lot of work, and time that wasn’t spent eating, sleeping, or studying was spent in the bakery. Taehyung loved it though. The constant temptation was sometimes torturous, but during breaks he allowed himself to snack on his treats.

He was just beginning to decorate the latest batch of cupcakes he made, using tweezers to carefully arrange the pearl-like sprinkles when Jimin came in. Jimin had been Taehyung’s best friend since highschool. He had been working at the bakery a little longer than Taehyung and had been the one to tell him there was a job opening.

“Can you please take over the cash register for a little bit?” Jimin pleaded. “I know I’m no good at baking but I’m pretty good at the decorating part! And I really really need a break. I just had to deal with the most annoying and picky brother and sister. They kept arguing the whole time going on and on about what they liked and didn’t like and complaining. I thought my mind was going to implode!”

Taehyung let out a huff of laughter and set down his tools. “Sure,” he replied. “Just don’t mess these up. And try not to eat the sprinkles. I don’t see why you want them when you’re literally surrounded by more amazing desserts.”

“Thank you! And I won’t!” said Jimin, rushing to pick up where Taehyung had left off.

Taehyung quickly washed his hands and made his way out of the kitchen, pulling off his apron as he went. He emerged behind the glass counter filled with colorful cakes, cookies, macaroons, and other treats. Like the other decorations in the cafe, the pale blue cash register on top of the counter had an old fashion design. A floral patterned note-pad sat next to it. Taehyung was trying to flatten the crumpled corner of the paper when the bell on the door rang.

A man with wavy black hair walked in wearing a black hoodie and ripped jeans, a backpack slung over one shoulder. He smiled at Taehyung, revealing shiny white teeth that gave Taehyung the vague impression of a bunny. Something about the smile made Taehyung smile brightly back. “Hello! How can I help you?” Taehyung asked.

The man surveyed the glass counter quickly. “Just a cupcake please. And do you have any coffee?”

“We do! Any preferences on either?” Taehyung asked.

“Hmm. Just a hot coffee, two creams and no sugar, and whichever cupcake you think I would like best,” the man replied.

“Coming right up!” Taehyung said. “Feel free to take a seat if you want.”

Jungkook smiled and gave a short bow with his head. “Thanks,” he muttered shyly before slipping into one of the ornate chairs in the corner.

Taehyung watched him from the corner of his eyes as he started making the coffee. He saw the man pull out a laptop and start working on something. He couldn’t help but notice the way the man bit the end of his finger when he stopped to think before typing some more.

The coffee machine gave a soft ding, and Taehyung finished making it, pouring it into a mug and adding the cream. He grabbed a red velvet cupcake from the case and brought it out to the man. “Here you go,” Taehyung said, setting the two things down carefully on the table the man was sitting at.

The man flashed a smile. “Thank you.. Uhm?”

“Taehyung,” Taehyung supplied.

“Thank you, Taehyung,” the man said. “I’m Jungkook.”

The man, Jungkook, picked up the cupcake and took a bite. Then he grimaced. Taehyung couldn’t help but notice. “Is something wrong?” Taehyung asked. “Did I make it wrong? I swear I never do that. If it’s horrible I can get another one. I just made another batch and…”

Taehyung trailed off when Jungkook gave him a sheepish grin. “No! It’s fine! Really!” Jungkook added when he saw the doubt on Taehyung’s face. “It’s just… really really sweet. I’m really sensitive to sweet flavors.”

“Too… sweet..?” Taehyung asked, thoroughly confused.
To him, there was no such thing as “too sweet.” The concept wasn’t something that made sense to him. “Yeah. Too sweet. Too much sugar,” Jungkook said.

“Don’t worry about it though!” He added quickly, seeing the alarm on Taehyung’s face. “It’s still really good, amazing even. You’re a really good baker!”

Taehyung was flattered by the compliment, but still convinced Jungkook was only saying it to be nice. This was a challenge. He had never met someone who thought his cupcakes were too sweet. This was new. “Come again tomorrow,” Taehyung said, a plan formulating and his mind already being set. “I’ll have a better cupcake ready!”

“Alright,” Jungkook agreed after a moment.

Jungkook turned back to his work and Taehyung returned to the counter. A few other people came and went, but Jungkook stayed where he was, deep in concentration. Jimin emerged from the kitchen soon after carrying the tray of cupcakes which he slid into the glass counter. “That’s enough for today, I think,” Jimin said, surveying the full display.

“Yep!” Taehyung agreed. He snagged a cupcake from the tray before Jimin could close the counter.

One or two more customers arrived before the people for the next shift did. After Taehyung and Jimin were relieved of their jobs, they ended up at the library to study. Despite, or maybe because of, Taehyung’s extraordinary baking skills, he wasn’t studying that. He was studying art, something that came with a lot more studying than one would have thought. Jimin was studying dance, which also came with more studying than should be necessary.

“Did you notice that man in the corner as we left?” Taehyung asked, as he copied down some notes.

“Black hair and hoodie?” Jimin said.

“Yeah, that one. His name is Jungkook,” Taehyung replied. “I gave him a cupcake, and he said it was too sweet. I mean, I really didn’t think that was possible. He was really nice about it and was really reluctant to tell me. I had to pester him into it. I guess he didn’t want to hurt my feelings, but really, how is it possible for something to be too sweet!”

Jimin let out a quiet laugh. “Taehyung, just because you can eat straight up without batting an eye doesn’t mean everyone can.”

“I guess,” Taehyung agreed reluctantly. “It was kind of weird though. He grimaced and everything. It looked like he had eaten something sour rather than sweet.”

“Everyone’s taste buds are different. Maybe his are just really sensitive to sugar,” Jimin reasoned. “What did you tell him?”

“To come again tomorrow and I’ll have a better cupcake for him. The problem is, I haven’t a clue what I’m going to do. How do you make something less sweet?” Taehyung wondered, pausing to read a few more paragraphs from his textbook before continuing his notes.

Jimin flipped through a few pages in his textbook. “Try adding less sugar?” he suggested with a small smirk.

Taehyung looked at him long enough to glare at him before he continued writing. “I thought of that, but it doesn’t seem right. You can’t just add less sugar to a cupcake! It throughs the rest of it off,” he said, whining now.

“Oh! Maybe try using honey!” Jimin said. “I’ve heard of some people doing that to substitute sugar.”

“That’s… not… a bad… idea,” Taehyung said as he read a few more paragraphs.

The next day, Taehyung rushed out of his last class of the day as fast as he could. It was a Friday so he only had two morning classes. He arrived at the bakery earlier than he usually did to get a head start. He had to go a little slower than usual because it was his first time using honey, but 45 minutes later, he had 24 honey cupcakes, frosted and ready to go. He had found hexagon shaped sprinkles and arranged them into the shape of a honeycomb.

He set three aside and put the rest on a tray with a little note card reading “Honey Cupcakes” and set them in the glass counter. Then, he began making the rest of the treats for the day. He was about three-quarters of the way through when Jimin joined him. Taehyung pulled him over to the side, and together they tried the honey cupcakes.

“Woah,” Jimin said, with wide eyes. “These are good. Very good. All the things you make are always good, but these are extraordinarily good.” Taehyung beamed.
That day, the honey cupcakes sold out faster than any other cupcake had before. Taehyung was very glad that he had put one aside for Jungkook. It was about two hours into their shift when Jimin came into the kitchen to complain. Taehyung was used to this so he took over at the counter while Jimin started decorating.

Taehyung helped people with their orders as they came in, an older woman taking her grandson for a treat, a couple coming to hang out during their break, a student needing a sweet coffee to help rebound after a hard test. A mother came in with a custom order for her daughter’s birthday cake, and Taehyung was finishing writing the order on the notepad when Jungkook came in.

He was wearing the same hoodie from the day before and darker jeans. A few of his hairs were standing at odd angles, like he had been messing with it, and Taehyung noticed a smudge of ink on his cheek. He smiled when he saw Taehyung and ordered the same thing as the day before.

Taehyung slipped into the kitchen and grabbed the last honey cupcake, which he gave to Jungkook along with a coffee. Taehyung practically burned holes into the back of Jungkook’s head as he stared at him. Jungkook looked nervous and awkward, shifting in his chair. Taehyung noticed and tried to look a little less intense.

Jungkook took a small bite of the cupcake. “This is really good!” He said.

“Really?” Taehyung asked.

Jungkook nodded vigorously. “This is the best cupcake I’ve ever had.”

“And it’s not too sweet?” Taehyung pressed.

Jungkook shifted in his seat again. “Well… just a little,” Jungkook admitted. “It’s still really good though!”

But Taehyung didn’t hear the last part. “Then it is not good enough!” Taehyung decided. He took a nervous glance at Jungkook. “You’ll come again tomorrow, won’t you..?” He asked hesitantly.

Jungkook smiled and it was probably the brightest thing Taehyung had ever seen. “Of course!” He said, and Taehyung let out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding.

“Great, see you then!” Taehyung said and went back to behind the counter.

Jungkook didn’t stay as long that day as he had the day before. Just five minutes later he left, typing something into his phone as he went. For some reason, Taehyung felt disappointed, which was weird. He shouldn’t feel that. They were practically strangers.

Jimin came out a little while later, carrying a tray in each hand. “So? What did he think?” He asked, as he arranged the trays in the display case.

“He thought it was still too sweet,” Taehyung replied.

“What? How? He has the most sensitive taste buds ever!” Jimin exclaimed. Taehyung nodded in agreement.

Taehyung came to the bakery early the next day too. He worked for a full hour before the cupcakes were ready. Once again, he set three aside and put the rest inside the glass counter. He had only just begun making the other pastries for the day when Jimin came in. They tried the new cupcake together.

Jimin commented about how it was even better than yesterday. “What is it this time?” he asked.

“Lemon and Honey cupcakes,” Taehyung replied. “I figured the lemon might balance out the sweetness a little bit.”

Jungkook arrived a little earlier than usual that day. Jimin went back to grab Taehyung. Taehyung watched Jungkook with a similar intensity as he had the day before. Jungkook seemed a little more comfortable though. The intensity and energeticness of Taehyung was something that was already becoming familiar.

It’s strange how new things become normal so quickly; strange how something new is strange and different for only a short moment before it quickly becomes normal and expected.

“These just keep getting better and better,” Jungkook said without prompting. “Still though, it’s a little on the too sweet side.”

Taehyung frowned. “I’m sorry! Am I being rude?” Jungkook fretted.

“No, not at all,” Taehyung assured him. “I’m just thinking. I don’t work on Sundays, but I’ll be here Monday again, midafternoon, if you’ll come.”

“It’s a date!” Jungkook said, then blushed. “I mean- not like that- it’s just- I- uhm.”

He stopped talking and took a hurried drink of coffee. “Careful!” Taehyung tried to warn at the same time Jungkook exclaimed, “Hot!” and quickly set down the cup, scrunching up his nose in discomfort Taehyung thought it was adorable. “It’ll get you some water,” He said.

Taehyung returned with the water, which Jungkook drank quickly. He gave a grateful smile. “Sorry about that,” he said.

“It’s fine, really. I do it all the time. Just be careful,” Taehyung said with a small smile of his own.
Jungkook’s phone let out a pleasant chiming pattern, and Jungkook quickly turned off the alarm. “I have to go now,” he said. “Uhm… see you Monday.”

“See you then!” Taehyung said as Jungkook hurried out the door. Taehyung’s eyes followed him as he hurried down the street and then out of sight.

Taehyung blinked several times before he remembered what was happening. He went back to the kitchen and arrived just as the timer for his cookies went off. Jimin was waiting there for him. “Still too sweet?” he asked.

“Yep,” Taehyung replied, as he took the cookies out and set them down to cool.

“What are you going to do for the next one?” Jimin asked.

“I really don’t know,” Taehyung replied. He waited until the cookies were cool enough to not burn his tongue before grabbing one and biting into it.

*

He was still thinking about what he was going to do when he sat down at his seat for his noon class, History of Art, on Monday. He had spent most of the day before thinking of what to do. Several times when he was studying with Jimin, Jimin caught him looking at recipes instead of reading and reviewing material like he was supposed to. It was just so frustrating for him. It’s been a while since he had this much of a problem coming up with a recipe.

The professor walked in and took her place at the front of the room, and Taehyung tried his best to push away thoughts of cupcakes and Jungkook’s frustratingly sensitive taste buds. “Alright!” the professor said, and everyone quieted. “Today we will be studying fairies.”

There was a mixture of groans and noises of interest. Taehyung perked up. He had always found fairies intriguing. “Some of you may think it’s pointless learning about them in an art class. You may think you don’t need to learn about fairies to understand art, but you would be wrong. Fairies most often appear in stories, and while stories are not exactly what we study in this class, it is an undeniable truth that many famous art pieces are based on stories. Fairies appear in art all throughout time, and just like it is important to understand the history of a time period around a certain piece to truly understand it, it is important to understand fairies and their histories to understand the art that surrounds them.

“Though they are not extinct, fairy numbers are dwindling. There are a lot fewer of them now than there were a few hundred years ago. Most fairies now, prefer to hide their wings and pass as human, though a very small number do not bother doing so. Now, there are all sorts of laws and regulations that protect fairies, but these are recent developments in the past one hundred years.

“Before those laws were passed, fairies were often persecuted. Because they were feared due to the magic they wield, humans made it impossible for fairies to live their lives normally. Some were captured and kept for slaves and pets or as forms of entertainment. Some were hunted for their wings. Countless evils were done to the species, and many of their traditions and much of their culture was lost.”

Taehyung flinched as he said that. People were so stupid sometimes, unable to recognize a beautiful amazing thing, only seeing something different from them, something new and scary. And rather than learn about this new and beautiful creature that they don’t yet understand, they label them monsters and let them burn.

“There were some communities that worshipped the fairies,” the professor continued. “But they were few and far between. Then, a hundred years ago, the Fairy Wars began. I know most of you already know about the Fairy Wars so I will not go into the details, but I encourage you to look into it more if you are curious.

“The Fairy Wars were brutal. They lasted seven years with many casualties on both sides. Eventually, some countries joined the Fairies, which changed the tides and ended the war. After the war more equality was brought about, old laws changed and new laws were brought about. Even now, most places don’t have perfect equality, they probably never will. Some smaller countries, fairies have taken charge and now the humans are considered lesser there. Here, fairies are considered equal to humans, but many people disagree and still discriminate against fairies, which is why most fairies hide their wings.

“On to the topic of fairy wings. As I mentioned earlier, fairies were sometimes hunted for their wings. Back then, it was because they were pretty, or maybe just because some people enjoyed it. Now though, people are becoming more educated on fairies and their biology and magic. Fairies get their magic from their wings. Different colors correlate to different specialty magic. In many modern fairy art pieces, the wings are the focus because of this, as well as their undeniable beauty.

“When fairies use magic, their wings glow, and depending on the type of magic, other things around them might glow as well. Their wings connect them to nature in a deeper way than humans could possibly imagine. It is because of this that many fairy enthusiasts are also strong supporters of the fight against climate change, against pollution, and just the protection of the environment in general.

“For your homework, I want each of you to find a piece of art that focuses on fairies, research its historical context, and analyze how the time period it was made in affected the piece. The details of the assignment can be found on the handouts by the door. Please take one on your way out. That’s all for today.”

There was the frenzied noise of chairs being pushed back and zippers getting shut as everyone hurried from the room. Taehyung carefully noted the homework in his agenda before he shoved his computer into his bag and left the room, grabbing the handout on his way out.
During the lecture, he had forgotten about the cupcake he was supposed to make, his mind occupied with fairies, magic, and hurried notes. As a kid, he had always been fascinated by fairies. He used to stare longingly at pictures and study them vigorously everytime they appeared in his history lessons. He used to dream and fantasize about meeting a fairy. Taehyung had given up hope on ever meeting a fairy now, but they still fascinated him. There was something so naturally beautiful about them that just called to him.

As he left the classroom, he mind fell back on the cupcake. He walked slowly to the bakery pondering what he was going to do. As he walked, he noticed a berry bush. Those berries weren’t really the edible kind, but it gabe Taehyung an idea.

Since he didn’t really start working until one, he didn’t have to really bake anything, since they had to sell most of the things they made each day. When Taehyung arrived, he started working right away. The people who were already there just let him do this thing.

The cupcakes finished quickly. Taehyung set one aside and brought the rest out to put on the display. Jimin was already at the front, saying goodbye to a departing customer. “Here,” Taehyung said, handing Jimin a cupcake and keeping one for himself.

Mondays were luckily busier because everyone was looking for pick-me-ups after stressful days. If they weren’t busy, Taehyung might have died of boredom before Jungkook came. When he finally arrived, it was just after three. Jungkook had smudged ink on his face again, this time on his nose. He wasn’t wearing a hoodie today. Instead he wore dark pants and a dark shirt with a soft blue jacket that went down to his mid-thighs.

Taehyung had already come out from behind the counter with a cup of coffee and his cupcake. Jungkook smiled at him and took his usual seat in the corner. Taehyung watched intently once more as Jungkook tried the cupcake. He had used a slightly more sour frosting with berries and a cherry filling. Jungkook took a bite. His nose scrunched up. Taehyung wondered if he even noticed it happening. “Is it dreadful?” Taehyung asked.

“No! Not at all. I really really like this one!” Jungkook said. “It’s just really sour, like those sour candies. I like those, they’re just really really sour.”

Taehyung pouted. “Not good enough!” he declared. “Will you-”

“I’ll come again tomorrow,” Jungkook interrupted with a smile.

Taehyung grinned back and then returned to the counter next to Jimin. “So? Did he like it?” Jimin asked quietly when Taehyung got back.

“He says it's too sour,” Taehyung replied. “I don’t understand though! He reacted like I had just given him the sugar at the bottom of a Sour Patch Kids bag. Which is amazing by the way and I don’t understand why people don’t like it.”

“Not everyone has the sugar capacity of the bakery pantry,” Jimin said.

“Well, people are missing out on some of life’s greatest joys and treasures!”

Jimin rolled his eyes.

*

Taehyung laid sideways on his bed in the dormroom he shared with Jimin, scrolling through pictures on google, a lollipop in his mouth. Jimin sat on the bed across from him reading a book. It was Thursday. Three days of trying new cupcakes and three days of them being too sweet, too sour, or just all together not quite right. Taehyung sighed for the tenth time in the past five minutes and Jimin had had enough. He shut his book and looked up at Taehyung. “What’s wrong?” he asked begrudgingly.

“I can’t find a piece I like enough to use for my History of Art assignment. All the paintings and sculptures and drawings look so mundane. It’s not due for a couple of weeks, but I want to try to at least find the art piece I’m going to use. That’s proving impossible though. Also my mom’s birthday is this Saturday and I don’t know what I’m going to get her. Also Jungkook.”

“For the first problem, just pick one at random and make stuff up about it,” Jimin began.

“No! That’s not how that works at all!” Taehyung protested. “That’s called half-assing it.”

“For the second problem,” Jimin continued as if he hadn’t heard Taehyung. “Just buy her flowers or something. There’s a flower shop about a block away from the bakery that makes bouquets by what the flowers mean and not just what looks pretty.”

“Yeah, but that seems so mundane!” Taehyung sighed.

“Then draw her something to go with the flowers,” Jimin said, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. “She’s your mom. She couldn’t care less about what you get. She probably just wants to see you.”

Taehyung opened his mouth then closed it. Jimin actually had a point. “And for the third problem,” Jimin went on. “That’s a you problem.”

“Jimin!” Taehyung complained and threw his pillow at him.

Jimin batted the pillow away. “I’m serious! I’m not a cake expert, you are. And if you give up, just tell him that.”
“I’m not giving up!” Taehyung said with indignation. “He’s just so frustrating! No one should be allowed to have taste buds as sensitive as his! He’s always super nice about it too and I can’t decide if that makes it more annoying or less.”

“Well, just solve one problem at a time. Go to the flower shop and order some flowers to be delivered to her. At this point, it’s probably the only type of shipping that will make it on time,” Jimin said.

“Alright,” Taehyung said, standing up and stretching. “I’ll be back!”

“Take your time!” Jimin replied, and ducked as a pillow came flying at him.

*

The weather was slightly chilly, but nice with a hoodie on. Taehyung put earbuds in and hummed to the song as he walked to the flower shop. Taehyung usually didn’t come this way, so he walked by with wide eyes, like his mind was trying to take in everything at once. It was a really pretty area with flower beds surrounded by short, little fences dotting the sidewalks. The stores all mostly had brick walls and each was as charming as the next.

It was beautiful. Fall leaves decorated every surface and the smell of popcorn (coming from a popcorn store Taehyung had just passed) and candles filled the air. Taehyung had the sudden urge to draw the place. He took out his phone and had just finished adding the street name to the short list of Things and Places I Want to Draw when he saw the flower shop.

There was an old wooden sign decorated in a floral pattern that proclaimed the place to be The Forest Flower. Vines crept artfully up the sides of the walls looking like a plant version of the fences that surrounded the flower beds. Flower pots full of colorful flowers of all shapes and sizes lined the entrance to the door, still in full bloom despite the chill that was creeping into the fall air. The flowers in the window were all leaning forward and spreading out to collect the afternoon sunlight that painted them all golden. A sign of similar style to the one hanging over the sidewalk said the store was open.

Taehyung quickly added the floral shop to the list. The pleasant chine of a bell rang as Taehyung stopped into the shop. The inside was just as colorful and pretty as the outside. Every surface and available space was filled with flowers. Some even hung from pots dangling from the ceiling. Instead of normal lights, fairy lights were hung across the ceiling and on the walls. Taehyung could just barely make out a wooden counter at the back of the shop, also covered in an abundance of flowers.

He made his way slowly to the back, his wide eyes taking everything in. A man came out of a door behind the counter. He wore a neat, button up black shirt and silver earrings dangled from his ears. “Welcome to The Forest Flower,” the man said. “How can I- Taehyung?”

Taehyung looked up, startled. “Jungkook?” Taehyung asked.

“Yeah. What brings you here? Did Jimin send you to pick up his flowers?” questioned Jungkook.

“No, I came here for-” Taehyung began. “Wait. You know Jimin?”

“Yeah,” Jungkook said. “We share a class. He’s been a lot of help with some of the homework. He comes here sometimes for flowers to try to woe Min Yoongi.” At that name Taehyung scowled. He heard all too much about Min Yoongi. He knew Jimin fancied him and was getting him flowers but not from here, from him. “He was the one who recommended I try that bakery.”

“I’m going to murder Jimin,” Taehyung glowered.

Jungkook let out a soft laugh and Taehyung softened. “Kindly don’t,” he said. “I would not survive my music theory class without him.”

“You study music?” Taehyung asked.

“Yeah. My parents wanted me to become a lawyer but I’ve always wanted to become a songwriter. They kicked me out when I chose music as my major, so I live with my grandma now,” Jungkook said, motioning to the ceiling, or rather whatever was on the second floor of the building.

“I’m sorry,” Taehyung said, meaning it. He had experience with that, but his parents had come around.

“Don’t be!” Jungkook said and smiled. “I’m much better off now. I can study what I want and help with the shop! I’ve always been exceptional with plants.” His eyes twinkled with the lights of a million stars. “Anyways, what are you here for?”

“Well,” Taehyung explained. “It’s my mom’s birthday this Saturday and I wanted to get her something, but I wasn’t sure what. I’ve procrastinated for so long now, that nowhere will be able to deliver to Daegu in two days. Jimin said to get her flowers and recommended this place.”

“Oh! We’ll be able to deliver it just in time!” Jungkook said with a smile. “Just a bouquet then?”

“Sure! I don’t really know… flower… stuff so whatever you think is best,” Taehyung said. “And, uhm, I was wondering if I could send a drawing with it?”

“Of course!” Jungkook said, smiling again. “Can I see it?”

Taehyung hesitated before pulling out a neatly folded piece of paper from his pocket. He handed the paper over and watched anxiously as Jungkook unfolded it. Jungkook’s eyes scanned over the paper, widening as they did. “This is amazing!” Jungkook exclaimed, giving the drawing back.

It was a drawing of a tiger holding a bouquet of flowers in its mouth. Some of the lines were crude, and it wasn’t his best work, but it wasn’t bad. Well, Jungkook thought it was amazing. For some reason, that thought made Taehyung happy. “So, do you think you can send it?” Taehyung asked.

Jungkook nodded rapidly. “Yep! It’ll arrive with the flowers on Saturday. Let’s see, yellow roses, pink lilies and tulips for mothers, orchids and peonies for love, pink carnations for gratitude, forget-me-nots for strong relationships, and geraniums for comfort,” Jungkook said, pointing to a different pot of flowers as he listed off each one. “Sound good?”

“Yep!” Taehyung said. “Thanks!”

Taehyung handed his drawing back to Jungkook so he could ship it and Jungkook started to ring Taehyung up. “I want to show you something,” Jungkook said suddenly.

He walked out from behind the counter and squeezed his way between some pots. He plucked a white flower from a bush-like plant and handed it to Taehyung. “This is a honeysuckle,” Jungkook explained. “I know a lot of people that don’t find them particularly pretty, but they hold their own sort of beauty. If you look at them long enough, you realize.”

He spoke softly, looking at the flower with soft eyes. Taehyung could tell that this flower, the plant, and all the other plants meant a great deal to him. “They’re special because if you suck on the ends, you can drink some of the nectar. From my understanding, you have quite the sweet tooth. I thought you might like it.”

Taehyung said nothing, just stared at the plant as if in a trance. “Of course you don’t have to try it if you don’t want to,” Jungkook hurried to add. “I just thought…”

“No no! I do!” Taehyung assured him. “I just spaced out for a moment.”

He stuck the end of the flower in his mouth and the sweet tasting netar filling his mouth. Taehyung’s eyes widened. “This is amazing!” he exclaimed. “Wonderful really!”

Jungkook smiled brightly. “They are quite brilliant,” he agreed. “I’ve always liked them very much. Anyways, you should probably get going. You probably have lots to do.”

“Right,” Taehyung said with a weak smile. “Thanks.”

As Taehyung began to leave, he hesitated and then looked back. “Hey, uhm,” said Taehyung. “I’m having an art exhibit on Monday for school. If you want to stop by, it starts at six.” He pulled out a piece of scrap paper and scribbled down the place and date and gave it to Jungkook. “Just if you want.”

Jungkook smiled brightly. “Alright!” he said. Taehyung smiled back and then left, glancing back at the flower shop one more time before heading back to the dorm. When he got there Jimin looked up from his book and smiled. “How was it?” he asked brightly.

“You’re the worst!” Taehyung exclaimed, throwing his hoodie at Jimin.

“Maybe,” said Jimin. “but that’s one and a half problems solved!”

*

If Taehyung didn’t know Jungkook was an amazingly kind person by their interactions, he definitely knew when he saw Jungkook outside an orphanage. He had been on his way to the grocery store to grab a few things when he saw Jungkook.

Jugnkook was smiling as he said goodbye to the children who surrounded him on the orphanage’s front steps. Taehyung didn’t mean to stare as Jungkook hugged a little boy goodbye or tucked a flower he pulled from the ground behind a girl’s ear. Later, Taehyung would tell himself that the reason he had frozen on the sidewalk and looked (read stared) for a moment too long was because he had spaced out.

Looking at Jungkook playing with the children, he looked like a kind and gentle soul. He looked like a person who saw all the ugliness in the world and decided to be part of the good. That thought did something. Deep inside, Taehyung felt something in him change.

-----------JUNGKOOK-----------

Jungkook carefully closed the curtains in his room, making sure there were no cracks. He had closed up the shop a few minutes ago and had gone upstairs to his room in the apartment above the flower shop. It was relatively small, with enough space for a twin sized bed, a desk, and room to pace. A potted tiger flower that was looking a little wilty sat on his desk among his computer and several stacks of papers and journals, and an assortment of pens and pencils.

Sitting on the edge of his bed, Jungkook carefully removed his shirt, leaving him in a corset-like top. He carefully undid the fastenings and let it fall to the ground. Jungkook stretched his wings in relief. It got uncomfortable leaving them tucked away for a long time, but it was better than drawing attention by leaving them in the open.

His wings were a dark forest green accented with gold and shimmered where the light touched them. Being a fairy was annoying sometimes, but it had its perks. Jungkook stretched a hand out and towards the tiger flower on his desk. His wings started glowing, his room getting bathed in a soft, green color. The tips of his fingers also glowed in the same green hue, and the potted flower quickly perked up, stretching up as high as it could, before settling into its natural position, fully bloomed and healthy again.

Jungkook slowly flapped his wings as the glow subsided and then collapsed on his bed. Right. He should probably get some homework done. He grabbed a black, leather notebook and a pencil sitting by his bedside. He was supposed to compose a short song for one of his classes. Just the lyrics for now. Jungkook was having problems though.

He wrote verse after verse, poem after poem, but nothing seemed quite right. The words just weren’t working the way Jungkook wanted them to. Sure, they sounded pretty together, but they weren’t him. They didn’t have enough feeling.

Jungkook started to write something, then immediately scratched it out. He set the notebook aside with a sigh and laid back on his bed. He could already tell he wasn’t going to get anything done that night. He sighed again. He pulled the piece of scrap paper out of his pocket. Maybe this art exhibit was what he needed. A space full of art might just be the sort of inspiration he needed. Also Taehyung.

*

The thing about Taehyung was that he always seemed to burn with a certain energy that Jungkook had never seen in anyone else before. Jungkook noticed the first time he saw him, just by looking at his facial expressions. He was so clearly expressive even if Taehyung didn’t realize it. He laughed and smiled and talked with such bright enthusiasm. Even when he cried, he burned with a brightness that other people simply couldn’t compare to. Of course, that didn’t make seeing Taehyung cry less alarming.

Jungkook saw him sitting on a bench a few yards down the street from the bakery. At first, Jungkook approached to say hi, but he noticed something was wrong right away. “Taehyung?” Jungkook asked. “Are you alright?”

Taehyung looked up, startled, his silver hair falling into his eyes. He brushed his hair away and blinked, his eyelashes glistening. “Jungkook?” he said. “What- what are you doing here?”

“I was on my way to the bakery,” Jungkook explained. “Is something wrong?”

“Oh,” said Taehyung. “I haven’t made a cupcake today, sorry. I asked someone to cover for me. I was- I had something to do. I should have told you.”

Jungkook smiled softly. “That’s quite alright. You had no way of contacting me.”
“Oh,” repeated Taehyung. “Yes, that’s right. I don’t…” He trailed off and lowered his head again. Jungkook swore he saw a tear fall into his lap.

Cautiously, Jungkook sat next to Taehyung. “Do you want to go to the bakery with me? Or we can just go to the library? Or nowhere at all if you want. I was just going to work on some homework. I’ve been having a little trouble with it.”

“You don’t have to,” Taehyung mumbled, still looking at his lap and fiddling with his fingers now. “I can take care of myself. I just… needed a break.”

“It’s alright. You don’t have to explain yourself to me,” Jungkook said with a soft smile, standing up and extending his hand towards Taehyung. “I know I don’t have to, but I want to. So, come on. I’ll just walk you back to your dorm if that’s what you want.”

“The library,” Taehyung decided.

So, to the library they went. They found a quiet table in the corner with soft cousins. They sat down quietly and Jungkook took out a notebook and a pen. He was about halfway through writing a verse when he realized he was just describing Taehyung’s eyes. Quickly, Jungkook turned the page.

He snuck a glance at Taehyung who had pulled out a computer and was scrolling through something. “Do you want to talk about it?” Jungkook asked softly.

Taehyung glanced at him then back at the computer. “I think I’d really rather not,” he said.

“Alright,” Jungkook said and turned back to his own work, but still watching Taehyung out of the corners of his eyes. Taehyung continued scrolling down whatever he was looking at, then sighed and laid his head on the table.

“It’s just that,” Taehyung said finally. “Well, I called my mother today. It’s her birthday if you recall, so we video chatted, just to catch up a little, but my dad was there. I’m sure you don’t remember, but I told you how my parents came around and accepted my studying art. Well, that was half true, but it was also half a lie. My mother did come around. She still worries about whether I’ll have a secure future, but it’s not as bad as my dad.”

Taehyung paused for a shaky breath. “You see, my parents own a small business. I suppose it had always been the expectation that I would take over one day. When I decided to go study art instead, my father didn’t take it lightly. We got into a fight, a really bad argument. I left at the end of it, and my father and I haven’t talked since. Until today. I hadn’t expected him to be there, but he was, and… it got ugly really fast.”

There was a moment of silence. “That’s really horrible Taehyung,” Jungkook said quietly. “I’m so sorry that happened to you.”

Taehyung offered a weak smile. “It’s quite alright. It’s not your fault anyway,” he said. “I’ve just been a bit frustrated lately and that was the tipping point.”

“Yeah, I suppose I’ve been a little frustrated too,” Jungkook said, glaring at the notebook in front of him. “What are you frustrated about?”

Taehyung motioned vaguely at his computer. “We have to find an art piece on fairies and write a report on it for History of Art,” Taehyung explained. “I can’t seem to find anything that speaks to me and I can’t bring myself to settle.”

Jungkook brightened. “I can help you with that!” He said with twinkling eyes. “I consider myself an… expert on fairies. Here.”

Jungkook pulled Taehyung’s computer towards him and typed a few things into it. He clicked a few things, then turned the computer back towards Taehyung. “This has always been one of my favorites, ever since I was a kid.”

It was a painting depicting a forest at night, but everything was so full of light. Golden fairy lights twinkled in the trees and a bright, full moon hung in the sky surrounded by a million stars. Silhouetted in the moon was a fairy, the moonlight bleeding through their wings. Taehyung let out a breath. “This is perfect,” he breathed, running his fingers down the screen.

From where Jungkook sat, he could see Taehyung’s face reflected on the computer, his eyes sparkling with the painting’s stars and his smile brighter than the moon’s light. Suddenly, something clicked in him. “Glad I could help,” he said and then picked up his pencil.

He scribbled down several lines, crossing words out and adding different ones instead as he went. The thoughts of his mind were only accompanied by the noise of Taehyung’s fingers on his computer. Soon, he had a few stanzas, and he was happier with the words he had written than he had been in a long time.

Later, as Jungkook was walking home, his phone vibrated with a notification.

From: Taehyung
Thank you. For today.

Jungkook blinked several times.

To: Taehyung
Of course!
How did you get my number?

From: Taehyung
I put my number in your phone while you were working :)
You don’t notice a lot when you’re concentrating.
Did you know?

To: Taehyung
I may have been told that once
Or twice or ten times before

From: Taehyung
Will you come on Monday?
To my exhibit?

To: Taehyung
Yep!
I’ll be there.

From: Taehyung
Oh!
I won’t be working Monday because of the exhibit.
I have an idea, but it won’t be ready until Wednesday.

To: Taehyung
I’ll be there

I'll always be there, Jungkook thought.

*

It was Sunday and Jungkook had taken care to clear his schedule. He had plans today and he was thoroughly excited. He got into his car and put a CD with a hand written label into the player. Yoongi was also studying music in hopes of becoming a producer. He and Jungkook were friends but Yoongi would never admit to it. Yoongi had asked him to listen to some of his songs, and Jungkook felt honored. Yoongi rarely let other people listen to his music.

As the first song started, Jungkook started driving. It was a several hour drive to the forest. It was a quiet, secluded, and often overgrown forest. Hardly anyone ever came even though it was very beautiful. It was the perfect place for Jungkook to fly.

Jungkook didn’t often get to fly now that he lived in the city, so every now and then he made a point of making time to get out to the forest. It really was a beautiful place with full trees, lush grass, and colorful bushes. Its being overgrown and its untidiness gave it a natural feel and made it even more beautiful.

When he arrived, Jungkook parked his car and walked a short distance into the forest. He arrived in a clearing. There, he took off his shoes and socks (there was just something so magical about feeling the moss covered dirt beneath his toes), and he removed his shirt revealing the corset like top. He carefully removed that too and then he stretched his wings out as far as they would go. He glanced over one of his shoulders at him, admiring the way the sun lit up the gold accents on them and flapping them slowly a few times experimentally. Then, he jumped.

He jumped, but he didn’t come back down. His wings were fluttering rapidly now, almost like a hummingbird’s, and he was floating in the air. The feeling was euphoric, a high that no drugs could ever bring. The wind ruffled his black hair and tickled his wings. The feeling was… well… a euphoria.

Jungkook’s eyes widened and he whipped out the travel notebook he always carried with him, and felt around his pockets for a pencil or pen. Cursing when he didn’t find one, he looked around and grabbed a stick off the ground. His wings and finger-tips glowed softly and the stick unfurled as if made a string and then wove back together. When he stopped glowing, he held a pencil in his hand.

He scribbled down a phrase: cause of my euphoria. Then, he pocketed the notebook and reverted the pencil back into a stick. His wings fluttered, and then he was flying again. He made his way deeper into the forest. He wove between trees, darted across streams, circled around bushes, dove beneath vines. He laughed and floated around slower. He could just make out a lake between the trees.

Brightening, he darted towards it. As he emerged, he saw that the world reflected in the lake. The wind seemed to still, just around the surface of the lake so that it stayed perfectly still. The surrounding trees and the cloud dotted sky were reflected perfectly on its surface. Everything about it seemed magical, even to Jungkook who could use magic.

He didn’t notice the person sitting on a large rock, holding a sketch book and a pencil until it was too late. “Jung-Jungkook?” came a soft, bewildered voice from down below.

Alarmed, Jungkook looked down. Taehyung was sitting there with what looked like a half finished drawing on his paper. His eyes looked startled and surprised. The gemstones in his ears sparkled like stars and his silver hair reflected the sunlight almost as well as the lake. “Taehyung,” Jungkook whispered.

“You’re… a fairy..?” Taehyung asked, sounding just as bewildered as before.

And then the situation came back to Jungkook and he realized his greatest secret had just been discovered. Taehyung was going to hate him. He was going to be disgusted. Jungkook’s breathing quickened, and he started panicking. “I- uhm,” Jungkook stuttered, and then he shot away back into the trees.

He flew as fast as he could through the trees, not daring to look back. He arrived back at the clearing faster than he had left it. He landed quickly and started collecting his things. Away. Away. Jungkook had to get away. He didn’t want to see the look of disgust and hatred he knew must be in Taehyung’s eyes. He didn’t want to hear harsh words leave the mouth of the boy who had just shared his troubles with him yesterday.

He had just finished lacing up his first shoe when the cracking of sticks and harsh breathing alerted Jungkook of Taehyung’s arrival. “Stop! Huff huff. Please!” Taehyung gasped.

“Just go away,” Jungkook said, already lacing up his other shoe.

“But I’ve always wanted to meet a fairy. I was just thinking about what a magical place this was and if there could possibly be fairies here, and there you were,” Taehyung said. “You have a talent for showing up right at the perfect moment, did you know?”

“I know you hate me now,” Jungkook, who obviously hadn’t been listening too closely to Taehyung, said. “Just leave me alone.”

“Hate you?” echoed Taehyung. “Why would I hate you? I just said I always wanted to meet a fairy, didn't you hear?”

Jungkook froze and then slowly turned around. “You- you don’t hate me?” he asked.

“Of course not silly!” replied Taehyung. “They’re really pretty, you know, your wings.”

Jungkook glanced behind his shoulder at his wings. “I- thank you,” Jungkook murmured.

“Can I- can I touch them?”asked Taehyung.

Jungkook’s throat went dry. No one had ever touched his wings before other than himself, let alone ask to. He nodded. “Yeah, sure.”

Carefully, cautiously, as if Jungkook would fly off again if he approached too fast, Taehyung walked up to Jungkook. With gentle fingers, Taehyung carefully touched one of Jungkook’s wings. Jungkook shuddered at first contact, not used to being touched there. Taehyung quickly retracted his hand. “Are you alright?” he asked, worried.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s alright,” Jungkook assured him. “I’m just not used to it at all.”

Taehyung nodded and then slowly, carefully touched again. He gently ran a finger along the soft curve of the wing. Jungkook felt himself relax into the touch. It felt nice. Different, a little strange, but nice. “They’re like silk,” came Taehyung’s quiet voice, deeper than usual and soothing. “But stronger. You’re really pretty Jungkook. You and your wings. All of you. It’s all so beautiful.”

Jungkook felt his cheeks warm and he quietly cleared his throat. “Can you do magic?” Taehyung asked, back to his normal tone.

“Of course I can do magic!” Jungkook said indignantly, slightly insulted.

Taehyung’s face lit up and he looked like a kid on Christmas day. “Will you show me?” Taehyung asked eagerly. Jungkook hesitated. “Pleeeeease!” he pouted.

Jungkook gave in. He picked up a short but wide stick from the ground and let his magic take over. His wings began to glow as well as his fingers in the places they touched the stick. Like earlier, the stick unwove itself as if made of yarn. This time though, then it reformed, it was a mini Taehyung, pouting in the same way the real Taehyung was.

The real Taehyung let out a bubble of laughter and the stick Taehyung copied, though it emitted no sound. “You made a mini me!” Taehyung exclaimed. He held out a hand to the stick Taehyung that was perched in Jungkook’s palm. The mini Taehyung took one of Taehyung's real fingers into his hand and shook it.

“You can keep it if you want,” Jungkook said, watching with amusement as Taehyung’s entire face lit up.

“Really?” he asked, picking up Mini Him and examining it.

Jungkook shrugged, a small smile on his lips. “Sure,” he said.

Taehyung beamed and poked Mini Him on the nose. “So are you like a plant fairy then?” he asked.

“A forest fairy actually,” Jungkook replied.

“Ohhhh,” Taehyung gasped. “That explains the store name.

“Yeah, my dad’s a human, and my mom’s a fairy. A bit of a nasty shock for him. My mom’s side of the family has had forest fairies for generations. It was my grandma who named the store,” Jungkook explained.

“Thanks amazing!” said Taehyung, who was taking everything in with wide eyes. Jungkook thought that Taehyung would make his ears bigger too if he could so he could take in as much as he could at once.

“By the way,” Jungkook said. “What are you doing here? I’ve never seen anyone else here before.”

“Oh!,” said Taehyung. “Sometimes, when I’m looking for inspiration, I go to random remote places to draw. I was a little nervous about tomorrow's exhibit so I drove out here.”

“Where is your sketchpad?” Jungkook asked.

Taehyung looked down at his hands and then glanced around. “Oh no! I left it by the lake! I was in such a hurry to chase after you when you flew off I just dropped it!” He exclaimed, burying his face in his hands.

Jungkook laughed softly. “It’s alright. I’ll go get them for you. Stay here,” he said. Then, he kicked off his shoes and flew back to the lake.

He arrived back to the clearing shortly to find Taehyung standing there wide-eyed and open-mouthed. “That was amazing!” he said happily. “Thanks!”

Jungkook hid his face. “No problem,” he muttered. “You’re a really talented artist.”

Taehyung’s laugh was like chimes in a spring breeze. “Thanks,” he said again. “Are you still coming to my exhibit tomorrow?”

“Do you want me to go?” asked Jungkook.

“Of course!” Taehyung said lightly, but Jungkook saw an intensity in his eyes.

“Then I’ll be there,” Jungkook said.

*

It was just thirty minutes until Taehyung’s exhibit opened, and Jungkook was still standing in front of his closet. He had no idea what you were supposed to wear to an art exhibit. Eventually, he just gave up on thinking and just put on a soft, white shirt, his usual dark jeans, a long wool coat and a pale blue scarf. It was getting colder, and by nature, Jungkook was very sensitive to the cold.

When he finally arrived at the venue, a slightly intimidating white marble building with large glass front doors, Jungkook was a little late. He couldn’t do anything to help that though. So, after straightening his scarf and taking a deep breath, he entered the building.

The inside could only be described as organized chaos. It was generally quiet, voices coming out as quiet murmurs, but there were people everywhere. They were milling about by the walls, lingering by displays, and walking briskly this way and that with seemingly no order. Still, it was beautiful.

There was art on the walls and tables and displays set up in rows throughout the large open room. Jungkook began walking down the first row, wondering how he was supposed to find Taehyung. “Jungkook!” someone yelled. “Jungkook!”

Jungkook turned around and spotted Jimin waving an arm and jumping up and down. He started walking towards Jungkook, dragging Yoongi behind him. “Hey Jimin, Yoongi,” Jungkook said when they caught up to him. “What are you doing here?”

“We came to see Taehyung’s exhibit!” Jimin said.

“No,” Yoongi glowered. “He came to see Taehyung’s exhibit, and I got dragged along.”

“Same difference,” Jimin beamed. “Anyway, we were just leaving when we saw you. Taehyung’s easy enough to find. Just go where the most people are!”

Yoongi rolled his eyes and Jimin began dragging him out. “He’s the fourth person on the right down the third row,” Yoongi told Jungkook.

The two of them were gone and Jungkook blinked rapidly. Thoroughly confused, but grateful for the information, Jungkook made his way to the third row. Jimin hadn’t been wrong. The fourth display on the right was surrounded by so many people that Jungkook couldn’t see the art. Jungkook joined the crowd and waited for some of the people to cleared out.

When Jungkook finally saw Taehyung, he lost his breath. He was wearing a white button up shirt with a loose tie and dark jeans. Delicate chains dangled from his ears and his eyes sparkled with eye shadow. Jungkook could tell that Taehyung was in his element talking to people. His entire face was smiling as he motioned to something behind him and talked animatedly to the person in front of him.

If it was possible, Taehyung’s face lit up more when he noticed Jungkook. “Hey,” Taehyung said. He sounded breathless but entirely elated. “You were late.”

“Yeah. Sorry. I didn’t realize how… crowded it would be,” Jungkook replied. “You look nice.”

Taehyung beamed. “Thanks,” he said. “You don’t look too bad either. I wanted you to come before it got terribly crowded, but I’m glad you’re here anyways. Have a look around! I have to go but I’ll talk to you later!”

And then he was gone like a sudden wind. Jungkook blinked rapidly several times before he remembered he was at an art exhibit. He looked more carefully at the display behind Taehyung. Jungkook quickly realized that what Jungkook had seen before were mere sketches compared to Taehyung’s polished work. Taehyung’s art was as beautiful as Taehyung himself.

Life was constantly testing and challenging people, introducing things just to see if they would turn it into something beautiful or fuck it up. People like Taehyung were great at making them beautiful. Jungkook was not. He was much better at fucking things up. Taehyung was different though, special. He didn’t just make things beautiful, he was amazing and noticed the beauty of things. It was like he had a sixth sense to notice beauty even in the ugliest things. That’s what made his art so amazing. The things he painted weren’t painted through rose tinted glasses or through a pessimistic view. It showed the world in the clearest view imaginable. He didn’t beautify things, he just brought out the beauty that already existed. He saw things for exactly what they were, no more, no less and painted them in all their ugly glory to create the most beautiful paintings and drawings Jungkook had ever seen.

Jungkook suddenly found him faced with a simple daisy with all the right shadings and textures that made it look like hope in a desolate world. There was a swan with white feathers that faded into black. There was what could have even been a sunset or a sunrise over an endless ocean. A black silhouette of a person splattered with colors that sometimes looked nice together and sometimes didn’t. Jungkook saw all the truths of the world and felt the sudden urge to cry.

He started to turn away to stop said urge, when he saw it. It was a simple drawing made with colored pencils hung in the top right corner of the display. It was of his flower shop. Golden sunlight was painted over the flowers in the windows and reflected off the door. The paint of the open sign was fading in a corner, and had that chip in the wall always been there? Each flower was carefully drawn and shaded, every brick colored to perfection. Jungkook wondered when Taehyung had drawn it. “Do you like it?” A voice asked from next to Jungkook.

Jungkook turned to see Taehyung. “Yeah,” he murmured. “It’s amazing. You’re amazing.”

Taehyung smiled, and suddenly his face was close to Jungkook’s. Too close. “I’m glad you like it,” he said. “Your shop is very pretty. I knew from the first time I saw it I wanted to draw it.”

Jungkook didn’t know what to say, so he didn’t say anything. He looked at Taehyung, then the drawing, then back to Taehyung. ‘Oh,’ he thought. ‘This is what love is.’

*

The thing about the heart is that it wants what it wants with no regard for the person who bears it, and Jungkook’s heart had decided it wanted Taehyung. He wanted Taehyung so strongly, that Jungkook thought the force of the want might break him.

Jungkook set his pencil down and glanced at the clock. It was midnight. He should probably go to bed. He had been working at the song nonstop for the past five or so hours. After his… epiphany… Jungkook had left the art exhibit as fast as he could without seeming rude. Taehyung had looked a little disappointed when he said he had to go, but there was no helping that. Finally, Jungkook was satisfied with the song. It wasn’t particularly long, but it was perfect. Jungkook laid down and closed his eyes.

*

His alarm clock woke Jungkook with a start. Tuesdays were, unfortunately, Jungkook’s busiest days. He had the most classes on Tuesdays and he had to watch over the shop for a few hours after. That day was an exciting day at the shop though. Winter was approaching fast, so Jungkook got to prepare the plants for winter.

Exercising his magic was fun. After bringing all the plants inside, he closed all the curtains, and let his wings start to glow. His magic spread throughout the shop. He started strengthening the plants, and turning some into winter flowers. The leaves took on a more frosty look and the flowers changed shapes and colors. The entire shop glowed with strings of light blooming from his fingertips.

When Jungkook finally collapsed in his bed later that evening, he was a little tired, but generally happy. It was late, and Jungkook was getting ready to go to bed when his phone vibrated.

From: Taehyung
I can’t sleep!

To: Taehyung
Maybe talk to Jimin? You’re roommates right?
That sometimes helps me
Or listening to soft music

From: Taehyung
Jimin’s already asleep.
I don’t want to bother him.
And listening to soft music gets boring after an hour.

Jungkook hesitated and thought carefully (except not really) before typing his next reply.

To: Taehyung
Do you want to come over..?
We could watch a movie or something.
I don’t have any popcorn
But I do have a surplus of hot chocolate and tea

From: Taehyung
You had me at hot chocolate!
I’ll be there in five
But probably ten cause I’m not running.
You live above the flower shop right?

Jungkook laughed softly and told Taehyung that yes, he did live above the flower shop, before walking down to the kitchen to make some hot chocolate. Less than ten minutes later there was a soft knock at the door. Jungkook went down the stairs and let Taehyung in.

Taehyung was glowing tonight. His silver hair seemed to glow like a second moon, framing his face that was lit up with a smile. He wore a simple, soft looking, white shirt and loose white pants that made his appearance almost angelic. He had a lollipop in his mouth. “Hey,” he said breathlessly. “I ended up running anyway. I just got so much energy and adrenaline for some reason and couldn’t help it. Your wings look pretty in the moonlight, has anyone ever told you?”

Jungkook blinked several times. He had forgotten he had his wings out. It already seemed normal, natural, and safe to have them out around Taehyung. It was weird and irrational, but Jungkook decided not to question it. “No, they haven’t,” Jungkook said absently. “Well, come inside then.” Jungkook led Taehyung to his room, handing him a cup of hot chocolate on the way. “Oooooh!” Taehyung gasped as he took a sip. “This is pretty good! Do you have whipped cream?”

“Down the hallway is the kitchen. You can’t miss it. Whipped cream is in the fridge. I’ll set up the movie. Harry Potter or some sappy Disney movie?” Jungkook asked.

Taehyung clapped his hands together in delight. “Sappy Disney movies are always fun, but I don’t feel like crying tonight and I haven’t seen Harry Potter in a while. So Harry Potter!” he decided.

“Which one’s your favorite?” Jungkook said.

“My favorite one is the last one! It’s soooo amazing! But let’s watch the first one first. I like that one because it’s so magical!” Taehyung exclaimed.

“Alright,” replied a smiling Jungkook. He started setting it up as Taehyung skipped out of his room. He came back a few minutes later with a mountain of whipped cream on top of his hot chocolate. “Do you want some hot chocolate with your whipped cream?”

“No such thing as too much sugar!” Taehyung hummed, and Jungkook raised an eyebrow. “You are what I would call a special case. You’re taste buds are quite strange, and a bit frustrating.”

“I think that if anyone here is the special case it’s you,” Jungkook laughed. “Come here,” he said, patting the bed next to him. “Let’s watch!”

Jungkook didn’t have a television in his room so they watched the movie on his computer. Somehow throughout the course of the movie they ended up with Taehyung laying down with his head on Jungkook’s lap and Jungkook absently stroking his hair (it was as soft as it looked).

The movie ended and Jungkook shut his computer. He looked down at Taehyung and smiled at him. “Tell me a story,” Taehyung said. “To help me fall asleep.”

“Alright,” Jungkook agreed. “What kind of story?”

“Tell me something about yourself,” Taehyung requested.

Jungkook thought for a moment, his brain drifting to a certain memory he hadn’t shared with anyone before. “Close your eyes,” Jungkook whispered, and Taehyung complied.

“It was a while ago,” he began. “I was only six or seven, I forget now, but it was in kindergarten, starting school for the first time. I didn’t bother hiding my wings then. I hadn’t been out that much and didn’t understand what the world was like. It was fine at first. I liked school quite a bit. There was so much to learn and so many kids my age. Then, one of the kids came up to me. They said some… really awful things, like the audacity I had to flaunt around and show my great, ugly insect parts. It wasn’t a very good insult, but I was a kid and it hurt. A lot. The bullying continued after that, and after a while, my parents and I moved to the country and I started hiding my wings from the world. That’s why I was so sure you’d hate me when you saw me in the forest.”

Jungkook finished quietly. Taehyung blinked his eyes open. “I’m sorry that happened to you. That’s awful,” Taehyung said. “But that was a horribly depressing bedtime story!”

Jungkook laughed. “Sorry. I had never told anyone that before,” he explained. “I don’t often talk about myself so I don’t know what story to tell you.”

Taehyung smiled and closed his eyes again. “Tell me about the orphanage,” he said.

“How do you know about that?” Jungkook asked, surprised.

“I have my ways,” Taehyung smiled. “Now tell me about it!”

“I like to go at least once a week,” Jungkook said, his voice soft. “It makes me feel like I’m doing some good, you know? The kids there are really wonderful even though I know most of them come from nightmarish backgrounds. I bring flowers for them and play with them. Sometimes I do magic tricks. They’re only kids so they don’t really understand what it is I’m doing. They’re adorable, really. They deserve more love than they receive. There’s this one girl, only four or five. Her parents abandoned her on the orphanage doorstep with a letter. The letter didn’t say that they were sorry they abandoned her, it just said how disgusted they were with her and hope they never see her again.

“I just hope I’m able to share a little bit of love. There are already so many horrible people in the world, it doesn’t need more people who are bitter due to lack of love. I want them to have some hope. And honestly, I enjoy it there. There’s something magical about children. They don’t judge people, but they are acutely honest. It’s admirable really, and a shame people grow out of it. That… probably still wasn’t a very good bedtime story.”

Jungkook glanced down at Taehyung. He was breathing steadily, sound asleep. He looked so at peace sleeping, yet somehow still full of bright energy. Jungkook was fascinated. It shouldn’t be possible to burn as bright as Taehyung did. He glowed even when he slept. Jungkook gently brushed Taehyung’s silver hair out of his eyes.

Jungkook felt his heartstrings pull as Taehyung shifted and hummed softly in his sleep before settling again. Jungkook gently patted Taehyung’s head. His hair felt smooth and soft under Jungkook’s fingers. When he looked across to his desk, Jungkook noticed his closed notebook. Still absent mindedly stroking Taehyung’s hair, Jungkook recalled the lyrics he had written, took a quiet breath and began to sing softly, almost like a sad lullaby. “When I see you smile in the screen; You're good at everything; You're just perfect; Feels like I've never been you.”

Jungkook took another quiet and slightly more shaky breath. He gently caressed Taehyung’s face and continued. “Do you even see me? Do you know who I am? Or how do I look now? You don't like me like that~”

And every word Jungkook sang felt like they were being ripped straight out of his heart. Each sound was like he was revealing more of himself to the world, bare and honest. “Come and tell me so much, beautiful heart; Oh I'm gonna listen to you~ Please~” His voice felt hoarser now, more raw. “All the numbers too big; Can't get out of your game; Oh I want to paint it like you~ Please~”

Jungkook remembered the simple drawing of the flower shop. He remembered the simplicity that was somehow too detailed and truthful. He remembered how Taehyung had taken a part of his life, his world and drawn it in its truth, showing a beauty that Jungkook hadn’t known existed. He had opened a dictionary that night, when he had come back. He still recalled the definition perfectly.

Decalcomania (n): The picture so created. Also called decal. (Pattern, design, figure, ornamentation).

He wanted to be in Taehyung’s life. He wanted to love him. He wanted to make him happy and comfort him when he cried and know all the little details about him. “I want to be your decalcomania. I want you~ I want to be your decalcomania. I want… I want you~”

Jungkook drew out the last word, finishing softly before opening his eyes. “That was really pretty,” Taehyung said softly.

Startled, Jungkook looked down to see that Taehyung’s eyes were open, his eyes crinkled as he smiled softly. “I thought you were asleep,” Jungkook said.

“I was,” Taehyung replied. “But your singing woke me up.”

“Sorry,” murmured Jungkook.

“Don’t be!” Taehyung said. “It was nice. Very pretty. You have a beautiful voice, did you know?” Jungkook shook his head. Taehyung sighed and closed his eyes again. “What song was it?”

Jungkook, who has been staring at Taehyung, had to take a moment to remember the question. “It’s not really a real song,” Jungkook explained softly. “It’s just something I’ve been working on.”

Taehyung just hummed so Jungkook went on. “I had been having writer's block for a while. I couldn’t string two words together without hating them. That’s why I went to the bakery in the first place. At that point, I was willing to try anything to get inspiration again. I figured I should try sugar before something extreme though. And then you were there, with your bright energy and enthusiasm and determination and suddenly the words and melodies and ideas all came flooding back.”

Taehyung hummed again and cracked an eye open. “Did you mean it?” He asked.

“Mean what?” said Jungkook.

“The song. The lyrics,” Taehyung explained. “Did you mean they?”

Jungkook averted his eyes away from Taehyung and hesitated for a moment. “Yeah,” he murmured softly. “I meant them. More than anything I have ever meant. Sometimes it scares me how much I want you. It feels like I might start liking you too much and the want will just explode me.”

“I want you too,” Taehyung said softly. “More than anything else. I really like you.”

Then Taehyung sat up a little and pecked Jungkook’s lips before laying back down. Jungkook stayed frozen in shock for a moment before looking back down at Taehyung. “That’s it?” Jungkook asked incredulously.

“Yep!” Taehyung giggled. “That’s it!”

Jungkook leaned down, picked Taehyung out, and laid him properly on his bed. Jungkook leaned over him and captured his lips in a deep, sensual, loving kiss. It was like fire and water all at once. Deep and burning with passion and love but smooth and gentle. They leaned into each other, lost completely in each other and everything else faded away. They might have kissed for minutes or hours, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was Jungkook and Taehyung and the places they were connected.

When they finished, they just lay next to each other, holding each other, and the world seemed perfect. “Does this mean we’re together?” Jungkook asked quietly.

“Do you want to be together?” Taehyung replied.

“Yeah,” Jungkook admitted.

“Then yes,” said Taehyung.

They fell asleep like that: in each others’ arms at two in the morning, cuddling close in the small bed, Jungkook’s wings gently curling around Taehyung.

-----------TAEHYUNG-----------

Taehyung supposed that for any other love story, or for any sane person, that would be the end of the story. The happily ever after. But Taehyung didn’t consider himself to be a very sane person so this wasn’t any other love story.

Taehyung woke up feeling warmer and safer than he had ever before. Slowly, the events of the night before came back to him. He opened his eyes and saw Jungkook’s sleeping face. He was relaxed and absolutely stunningly beautiful. Taehyung had the sudden urge to draw it. He could feel Jungkook’s silky wings on his arms as they hugged him gently. Taehyung wanted to draw those too.

Then, a sudden fear hit Taehyung. Like most fears, it was completely irrational and illogical, but, like most fears, that didn’t register with Taehyung just yet. Maybe Taehyung had read a few too many love stories for his own good, or heard a few too many stories, but suddenly, Taehyung’s mind was flashing through all the ways this could go wrong. He was scared that something would go wrong and he would lose Jungkook. He was scared he would mess up and ruin something beautiful. He was scared that this sudden, and fast love he felt towards Jungkook wouldn’t last and he would be left with the ghost of feelings and a broken heart.

In that sudden moment of fear, that sudden moment of weakness, Taehyung did the only (and very irrational) thing he could think of. He ran. Not right away of course. It was still rather early and Taehyung was still rather tired. He carefully slipped from out of Jungkook’s arms, his heart straining when he saw Jungkook’s mouth form a frown as he shifted in his sleep, subconsciously trying to find the thing he just lost. After a few moments, Taehyung found his shoes which he put on. He slipped down the stairs and out of the flower shop and onto the street. Then, he ran.

He picked a direction and ran, somehow, eventually finding his way back to his dorm. He opened the door to find Jimin. “Where did you go last night?” he asked right away when he saw Taehyung.

“I went places and did things,” Taehyung replied absently and breathlessly. “Thank goodness classes are canceled today. Do you think you can find someone to cover for me at the bakery?”

Jimin raised an eyebrow. “I’m not stupid,” he said. “What happened? You hardly ever skip your shifts and you love your Wednesday classes.”

“Nothing happened,” Taehyung said. “I just need some time. And some paper and a pencil. And the kitchen.”

Jimin looked skeptical. “Are you sure?” he questioned. “I’m your best friend. You know you can talk to me about anything.”

“Nothing happened,” Taehyung insisted. “I just need time.”

“Alright,” Jimin said, still sounding skeptical. “I’m going to go out. I have some things I need to do today. Text me if you need anything.”

Jimin left the dorm room. The second the door clicked shut behind Jimin, Taehyung collected some pencils and fished an empty sketch book from the depths of his supplies. Then he perched himself on his desk and began to draw. None of the drawings were perfect or polished, but Taehyung was still generally satisfied with them. He carefully sketched one thing and then he moved on to the next. He barely noticed when hours later Jimin walked in. Jimin cleared his throat. “Taehyung?”

Taehyung blinked and hummed his recognition. “Have you… moved at all today? Have you eaten?” Jimin asked hesitantly.

Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows and thought. He couldn’t quite recall eating, but he might have gotten up for a cup of water at one point. “I’m not sure,” Taehyung replied. “Maybe? Probably?”

Jimin sighed. “You need to take better care of yourself,” he said, approaching Taehyung and trying to look over his shoulder. “What have you been doing all day?”

Taehyung quickly shut the sketch book. He had gone through almost half the pages. “Nothing really,” he said.

“Well come on then,” said Jimin, pulling Taehyung to his feet despite his protests. “You need to eat.”

They decided to get food delivered in the end. Jimin placed their orders on an online website. “By the way,” Jimin began as he checked out. “Jungkook was at the bakery today. He said there was something important he forgot to tell you that he really really needed to tell you.”

“Oh,” Taehyung said slowly. “Did he now.”

“Yes, he seemed rather anxious,” Jimin continued. “I hadn’t realized you two had gotten so close.”

“Right,” Taehyung said in the same odd, slow voice. “We’ve gotten closer over the past week.”

Jimin looked at Taehyung oddly. “Are you alright?” he asked with concern.

“Yes, I just need-” Taehyung started before abruptly stopping. “Can you get some honeysuckles from Jungkook’s flower shop for me? Just don’t mention me while you’re there.”

Jimin stared at Taehyung. “Yeah sure,” he said with some hesitation. “Taehyung are you-”

“Yes I’m fine,” Taehyung interrupted. “Thanks.”

*

By the next day, Taehyung was feeling worse than the day before. He walked to his classes and sat through them, paying attention and taking notes, but feeling almost detached. He felt sad and depressed and anytime he thought of Jungkook – which was admittedly a lot – he felt a pang in his chest and a horrible sorrow as if his heart itself was crying. On top of that, one of his arms itched as if it had been bitten by hundreds of mosquitoes but there seemed to be nothing wrong with it.

When Taehyung made it back to his dorm room after his classes he picked up where he had left off the day before and continued. He took no notice of Jimin returning or setting the honeysuckles on his desk, he just continued his sketches and drawings. Eventually he passed out on his sketchbook.

The following morning it took all of Taehyung’s will power to drag him to his classes and pay attention. He had woken up and noticed the honeysuckles and now his mind was so crowded with thoughts he could hardly pay attention.

His arm was still itching, but a little less so, and he was starting to miss Jungkook. A lot. He forgot why he felt so panicked when he woke up mornings ago in Jungkook’s arms. Now, he just felt too guilty to reply to his unread messages and missed phone calls. He had stopped going to the bakery too. He couldn’t run the risk of running into Jungkook. Jimin told him Jungkook still came to the bakery every day. Taehyung wasn’t sure if that made him feel better or worse.

He rushed straight back to the dorm as soon as his class was over and then straight into the kitchen. Jimin was alarmed when he saw the mess the little kitchen had become when he returned a little later. Taehyung assured him everything was fine, only barely being heard over the sound of the mixer. It was very dark out and the moon was high in the sky when Taehyung slipped into bed.

He woke up feeling better than he had in a while. He told Jimin that he was going to go to the bakery that day. Jimin was delighted. “The person who took over for you was a nightmare!” he informed Taehyung. “I expect an apology for what you put me through! She was so annoying and bossy! I already had to deal with some stupid customers, the least she could do was be nice!”

Taehyung smiled. “I’m sorry you signed up for a job in which you have to talk to people who are occasionally rude,” Taehyung said. “You should just quit.”

Jimin scowled at Taehyung and pushed past him into the kitchen… which was still an unfortunate mess. “You know you have to clean that soon, right?”

*

Taehyung got to the bakery several hours early, the bunch of honeysuckles in his hands. He worked tirelessly up to the actual starting point of his shift until there were twenty four perfect cupcakes sitting on a tray. Twenty three of which were quickly placed in the glass counter.

Then the hard part came, the waiting. Taehyung tried to keep himself busy making the rest of the treats that were needed for the day. It was hard though. With each passing minute Taehyung became more sure that Jungkook had given up on him, that he wasn’t coming. A part of Taehyung thought that maybe he deserved it. That this is what he got for leaving before Jungkook even woke up and then proceeding to ignore him right after he- right after they had become-

Taehyung swallowed and tried to refocus on the croissants he was shaping. Soon, Jimin came in complaining and Taehyung took his spot at the front. It was worse here. Everytime the bell on the door rang and Taehyung looked up from the sketch he was drawing on the notepad, Taehyung hoped it would be Jungkook. And everytime it wasn’t Jungkook, Taehyung felt himself lose more hope.

It was nearly the end of his shift, just a few more minutes. Taehyung had decided Jungkook wasn’t coming. The door was slammed open with such force that the bell rattled and the door hit the wall. Taehyung looked up, about to be very stern with whoever it was when he froze. He dropped the pencil as the person in the door froze too.

“Taehyung,” Jungkook breathed.

Taehyung was very startled and very surprised. Jungkook’s cheek was smudged with ink, his air disheveled and wind-swept, his clothes a little ruffled. “Jungkook,” Taehyung said. “I’m-”

“I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault!” Jungkook interrupted him. Taehyung blinked. “What?” he said with utter and complete shock.

“There was something terribly important I forgot about!” Jungkook continued. “I was stupid and careless and it ended up like this. You see- uhm… when do you get off?”

Taehyung blinked several times. He was very thrown off and very confused. “My shift is just about over,” he said, hardly realizing he was speaking. “I’ll just go get my things.”

Taehyung went into the back and packaged the cupcake he had set aside carefully into one of the small to-go boxes, grabbed his brown, wool coat and black and white scarf and his tote bag and met Jungkook at the front of the bakery. They walked for a little while, neater of them saying anything, before they arrived at a secluded park. They found a quiet bench beneath a willow tree. Taehyung knew it was Jungkook’s doing when more leaves sprouted from the tree and shielded them from other people.

“I told you about my mother being a fairy and my father being human,” Jungkook began. “My mother told me a long time ago how it was difficult at first for my father. You see, after so many years of persecution and violence against fairies, it has become instinct for us to biologically not trust humans. My mother’s fairy biology didn’t accept my father at first. She secreted pheromones involuntarily that made my father try to run away. It took time, but eventually the pheromones stopped.

“I had forgotten about that. The other night when I- when we agreed to become… boyfriends” Jungkook’s cheeks dusted with pink at that. “My fairy instincts kicked in and I released the pheromones. I forgot about them. I should have warned you. I’m sorry.”

Taehyung let out a quiet “oh,” and his breath hitched. “I knew I was being irrational. Most of me recognized that the fear and feelings I was having weren’t reasonable, but I couldn’t stop them. It felt like, if I stayed I would ruin you so I had to leave. Then, after a few days when the feeling faded, I felt too guilty.”

“Taehyung,” Jungkook said gently. “You could never ruin things. You’re the sort of person who takes whatever life gives you and turns it into something beautiful and amazing. I’ve seen you do it and it’s amazing. Please though, even if you feel horrible, even if you feel like the world is ending, even when my pheromones mess up your emotions, please try to not ignore me. Not seeing you is more painful than anything else you could ever do.”

Taehyung felt tears well in his eyes and he buried his face on Jungkook’s shoulder. “I’ve been working to try to control them. I’ve gotten a little better,” Jungkook continued. “But it’s harder around you. You make me so crazy, did you know? The things you do to me… I really really like you Kim Taehyung.”

“I really really like you too, Jeon Junkook,” Taehyung replied, hiding a smile. “I’ve been working on something too.”

He reached into his tote bag and took out the black sketchbook he had been working in. Silently, he gave it to Jungkook. Taehyung watched Jungkook’s face intently as he flipped it open to the first page. Jungkook’s eyes widened. As if in a daze, Jungkook turned the page and the next and the next and kept going until there were no more.

The pages were filled with drawings of Jungkook. His wings from hundreds of different angles, his eyes, his nose, his mouth, his face, the flower in the pot that sat on Jungkook’s desk, the honeysuckles Jungkook had given him the first day at his flower shop, the mug of hot chocolate, the computer they had watched movies on, the notebook Taehyung always saw Jungkook writing in. “Taehyung,” Jungkook breathed. “This is- this is beautiful, amazing. I can’t describe it with words and I’m supposed to be good at that. It’s everything and it means so much to me. I’m keeping this. You’re not getting it back.”

Jungkook hugged the sketchbook to his chest to prove his point. Taehyung smiled and a small, quiet laugh broke past his lips. “There’s something else too,” he said, taking out the box this time.

Jungkook carefully opened it and saw the cupcake inside. “Honeysuckle flavored,” Taehyung explained.

A small gasp escaped Jungkook’s lips. He carefully picked up the cupcake and bit into it. His eyes instantly blew wide open. “This is really the best cupcake ever,” he said breathlessly as if he had run a marathon. “Honestly, I don’t think there could possibly be a better cupcake in the world. You keep getting better and better. It’s not fair you know!” Jungkook pouted.

Taehyung laughed. “You’re really amazing too,” he said.

Then he leaned forward and kissed Jungkook. Jungkook leaned into it right away, putting his hands on Taehyung’s hips and pulling him closer. This time, it was like a burning rose, beautiful and passionate and easy to get lost in. When they both pulled apart, they were breathless. “No more running?” Jungkook asked.

“No more running,” Taehyung affirmed.

“I’ve changed my mind about the song,” Jungkook said.

Taehyung blinked. “What about it?” he asked.

“I don’t want to be your decalcomania,” Jungkook said. “I don’t just want to be a decoration or ornament or pretty thing in your life. I want to be part of the building of your life. I want to hear about your day, all the ups and downs, and I want to be part of your day. I want to be the thing that makes you smile every day without fail and I want you to be part of the building of my life too.

“Oh,” Taehyung breathed. “I want you to be part of the building of my life too.”

And then they were kissing again. Jungkook’s wings glowed so strongly that it was visible through his clothes. It enveloped them in a bubble of warmth and the willow tree swayed around them as if dancing to the beat of their racing heartbeats. Taehyung had tasted a lot of sweet things in his life, but, he decided as he leaned into Jungkook, there was nothing as sweet as the man in front of him.