Work Text:
Christmas is one of Taehyung’s favorite holidays. He loves winter in general because he is a winter baby, or bear as his mom would call him. This year he was going to get to spend time with his family and take a break from his schedule. It is hard being in one of the biggest boy bands in the world. BTS has only grown in popularity over the years and oftentimes Taehyung and the six other members are very busy with recording music, dance practice and concerts. Plus COVID threw a loop in things last year. Taehyung knew the members were excited for their trip to Los Angeles and finally being able to see ARMY in person for so long. They had an exhausting schedule between the AMA’s, interviews and finally four concerts. Taehyung was happy that the powers that be opted to have them take a few weeks off to rest. The seven of them decided to spend their ten day quarantine in their dorm and then head home to their families for the holidays.
While in LA, Jin had come up with the idea of a Secret Santa. Each of the members would draw a name and then buy their gifts before they left the states. On the last day of quarantine, they would exchange gifts and have breakfast together before they went their separate ways for the rest of vacation. All of the members were excited and Taehyung noticed Jungkook was more excited than the rest of the members.
“No merchandise gifts. That is the only rule. I have enough of your pictures and pickets Yoongi” Jin warned.
“Anyone would be lucky to have all of those hyung. So other than that, no limits to spending or other rules for this Secret Santa right?” Yoongi replied.
“I think we should have a spending limit” Namjoon piped up. “ It wouldn’t be fair if one of us spent a thousand dollars and the other spent 5”
“ I agree with Joon” Jimin replied, “Let’s set a limit at one hundred dollars. You can buy one big gift or several small ones, up to you guys”
All the members nodded their heads in agreement as Jin began writing names on a slip of paper. He was interrupted by a knock on their hotel door. Jimin opened it to find their manager outside.
“I came to let you know I have to split you up when we go back due to new travel restrictions. Jungkook, Jin and Jimin will travel first then the rest of you. Quarantine length is the same and you can spend it in the dorm. Before anyone asks, I randomly picked names, there was no rhyme or reason for who left first. We have our flight back in two days. Be ready. The rest of you will leave in four days. Any questions”?
All of the members shook their heads no and started to walk out the door before Jin could hand out the names for the Secret Santa. Jungkook, however, hung back for a few minutes.
“Jin hyung, can I ask a favor for the Secret Santa”?
“Let me guess, you want Taehyung’s name right? Well sorry but I am putting all the names in a jar and fate will decide if you get him or not. Don’t pout at me, it won’t work” Jin replied shooing Jungkook out of his room.
A few moments later, a heavy knock resounded on the door. Jin sighed as he opened it to find Namjoon on the other side.
“ I am guessing Jungkook stayed back to ask you to give him Taehyung’s name right? Honestly that may be the best idea though. I am tired of those two dancing around each other. Sometimes they get lucky and pick each other for gifts or teams, but I say let’s interfere just once please”
“I totally agree Joon. I am going to take out their names and save them for last when picking. I think that Taehyung is smart, but also clueless at times. Heck, our entire fandom has figured out that those idiots are in love, but they can’t. Poor Jimin looked like a third wheel on their V-Live the other night. I hope this works. If it blows up in our faces I am blaming you”
Jin removed Taehyung and Jungkook names and put them in his pocket. He folded the rest of the names neatly and stuck them in a hat. He handed the hat to Namjoon to draw before picking a name himself. Both satisfied they didn’t pick themselves, they left to the rest of the members. Yoongi, Hobi and Jimin picked their names out next. Finally Jin put the two youngest members names in the hat and headed towards Taehyung's room, not really surprised to find Jungkook there as well playing games.
“You two are the last to pick. Each take one and make sure it isn’t your name” Jin said as he handed Taehyung the hat.
Both boys each took out their name to look, satisfied they did not get their own names and excited to see who they picked. Taehyung looked at Jungkook and saw him bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet with a huge smile on his face.
“You look happy Kook. Are you excited to go shopping for your person?” Taehyung asked.
“Yes! I am so happy I got my crush’s name” Jungkook replied with a huge smile on his face.
Taehyung could feel a small pang in his chest at Jungkook’s words. His crush? Jungkook had a crush on one of the members? Who? When? Taehyung kept the smile on his face as he turned around. He had pulled Jungkook’s name and was thinking of what to give to the maknae since he was so special to Taehyung. He thought he could use this idea to show Jungkook how he really felt about him, but now Taehyung is not so sure.
“What’s wrong Tae? You are staring off into space again”
“Oh nothing Kook. I was just thinking about what to buy. I am going to ask Jimin if he wants to go shopping with me” Taehyung quickly replied.
“Don’t you want to know more about my crush hyung?” Jungkook asked teasingly. “ He is one of the most handsome men in the world. He is tall and has a pretty smile. I am going to make sure he has the best gift ever”
“That’s great Kook” Taehyung answered with a heavy heart. “I am going to go to Jimin’s now. I’ll see you later”
Taehyung was near tears when he stopped in front of Jimin’s room. When Jimin opened the door to his soulmate, he knew something was wrong and immediately reached out to wrap Taehyung in a hug.
“What’s wrong Tae”?
“Jungkook was super excited with his name. He said he got his crush. I never knew he had a crush on someone. He said that his crush is handsome, tall and has a pretty smile. He must be talking about Jin or Namjoon. Everyone knows how much he admires Namjoon and he even called him sexy once. He and Jin have been close too. I know how much Jin cares for Jungkook, maybe he has taken that to mean more. I even got Jungkook’s name and was going to get him something special to finally confess to him, but now it’s a moot point “Taehyung said while tears flowed freely from his eyes.
“Don’t worry Tae. You should still get him something special. He will cherish it because it came from you”
‘Was I wrong Chim? Did I misread the signs? Was I just deluding myself into believing he felt the same? You saw how we were at the concert and then during the V-live when you joked to me after that you felt like a third wheel. How did I not know? Jungkook shares so much with us”
Jimin wrapped Tae in another hug. He was also confused because Jungkook had always treated Taehyung differently than all the members. Jungkook always wanted to be next to Tae, his glances would linger, touches last longer and he always looked at Tae like he was his whole world. Jimin was definitely going to have to talk with Jungkook later. He couldn’t bear to see his best friend heartbroken.
“ I got Hobi, please don’t tell him. There was a cool bag and shirt we saw when we went out together when we first arrived in LA. I am going back to the boutique. Do you want to come with me” Jimin asked.
Taehyung nodded his head and followed Jimin out the door. Jimin had already texted one of their bodyguards and a manager so they could go out. Taehyung remembered the shirt and bag that Jimin was talking about. There were a lot of cool and unique things in that boutique. Maybe he could find something for Jungkook there.
When Taehyung and Jimin arrived at the boutique, Jimin took off towards the items he wished to purchase for Hobi. Taehyung started to walk around the boutique, looking for something that he thought Jungkook would like. He found himself in front of the jewelry counter where there were some charms and necklaces on display. The necklaces were corded leather and the charms were sterling silver. Each of the charms was a different shape such as animals, clothing, flowers, etc..
“Do you see something you like? We are having a sale right now. If you buy two charms you get the necklace or a bracelet for free. Can I show you some of the charms?” his thoughts were interrupted by the saleswoman.
“Um, the animal charms. Do you have a bunny and a tiger?” Taehyung asked.
“Yes we do. Let me pull the charms out for you” she replied with a smile.
The sales woman reached into the case and pulled out a tray of animal charms. She picked two of them up and handed them to Taehyung. Both charms were silver and the tiger was only the head while the rabbit was the whole animal. Jungkook liked to wear jewelry and the corded leather necklace was pretty cool looking.
“I will take these two charms and the necklace please” Taehyung told the saleswoman.
“Might I suggest a spacer charm. These two charms will rub together without one. I have several here you can choose from. I will also include this in the sale for free”
Taehyung looked at the spacer charms and noticed some were colored glass. He picked up a blue one and handed it to the saleswoman. Taehyung thought the color was similar to Jungkook’s birthstone and would look pretty between the animal charms.
“Is this a gift for someone? If so, can I put it in one of our gift boxes for you” she asked Taehyung.
“Please, that would be great” he replied, handing her his credit card.
Meanwhile, in his hotel room, Jungkook was finalizing his gift to Taehyung. He had seen a necklace with a heart shaped lock and key. He had called the jewelry shop and requested the lock to have JJK inscribed on it. Jungkook could finally give Taehyung his heart for safekeeping. It would be ready tomorrow and he just needed to call his manager to let him know that he needed to make a quick detour before heading to the airport.
“What’s got you all smiles today Kook?” Jin asked
“I guess l was very lucky hyung. I got Taehyung as my Secret Santa and I am going to confess when I give him my gift” Jungkook replied with a big smile.
“What did you get him” Jin asked?
“ I got this heart shaped lock and key necklace. I had the jewelry shop inscribe JJK on the back of the lock” Jungkook stated while he took out his phone to show Jin a picture.
“Oh, that is very pretty. I am sure he is going to like it”
“I hope so. I did tease him a little though. I told him I got my crush’s name in the Secret Santa and gave him a few clues. I am sure he will figure it out soon”
“Jungkook! What did you tell him? Taehyung is smart, but sometimes he doesn’t see what is in front of his face” Jin exclaimed.
“I told him my crush was tall, good looking and had a beautiful smile”
“You are an idiot! That was way too generic. You do realize you also described me and Namjoon. Not to mention you idolize Namjoon! Poor guy is going to think you’re in love with someone else” Jin replied exasperated.
“No way! I always call him the number 1 most handsome man. He is one of the taller members and I have complimented him on his beautiful smile a lot of times”
“For your sake I hope so. Otherwise we will have an inconsolable Taehyung for a few weeks”
The next morning all the members gathered to say goodbye to those who were leaving early. Jimin, Jin and Jungkook were giving out hugs and reassuring the others that they will see each other soon.
“It’s just a few days away Tae,” Jimin said while hugging him. “You’ll be on a plane the day after next and you have your hyungs to keep you company. You’ll see us before you know it”
The three members made their way to the airport after Jungkook’s small detour with plenty of time to spare. They found themselves hanging out in the first class lounge.
“ I assume we stopped for your Secret Santa gift Kook” Jimin asked?
“Yep and I won’t show you or tell you who I got either, so don’t ask”
“Hey! Don’t be mean to your hyung.” Jimin replied.
“You two can’t go more than one minute without bickering. It is Jungkook’s right to not tell us. I saw you and Tae go out yesterday so I am guessing you went shopping too?”
“Yep he got his gift and I got mine for Hobi” Jim said before covering his mouth quickly realizing what he said.
“Oops. Well we all know who Jimin got now” Jin laughed. “It’s OK. I got Namjoon and got him a book he wanted. Jungkook still doesn’t have to tell us if he doesn’t want to. By the way, manager said that our fridge and pantry had been stocked with food so we don't have to go to the store when we get there”
The three boys began to walk towards their gate when they heard their boarding announcement. Luckily the airport wasn’t crowded and they were able to fly home in peace. Jungkook felt a little sad though. It would be a few days before he saw Taehyung and although he hugged him goodbye this morning, he already missed the elder.
Taehyung, Yoongi, Hobi and Namjoon decided to go out for breakfast. The four of them had a few days to kill while waiting for their flight back. Taehyung was sure he was going to spend most of it sleeping and staying in his room. He just had no energy after all the performances and Kook’s excited announcement about his crush sucked the rest of his life out of him.
“Earth to Taehyung! I have been calling your name for a few minutes now. Did you want to come with me to the museum? They have a really cool photography exhibit” Namjoon asked.
“Sorry hyung. I am really tired. I guess between the interviews and performances, plus my sore knee, I overdid things. I think I am going to spend the two days resting. Thanks anyways” Taehyung replied with a sad smile.
Namjoon just nodded. He was worried about Taehyung. The younger one usually jumped up and down about going to a museum and he seemed sad today. He didn’t want to push Taehyung, but he knew to keep an eye on him. Namjoon also noticed Tae didn’t eat very much breakfast. Yoongi caught Namjoon’s eye as they were leaving the restaurant, a silent agreement between them to watch out for the younger boy.
“Hey Tae, wanna come watch movies and rest in my room” Yoongi asked.
“OK, that sounds like a good plan” Tae said.
The two of them went back to their hotel while Namjoon and Hobi went out and about to explore. The next day was a replay of the previous day with Taehyung not eating much and only wanting to sleep and rest.
“ I am really worried about him Yoongi” Namjoon sighed. “ He hasn’t eaten much and mostly slept. Do you think he is just tired or is something else going on?’
“ I don’t know. I tried to talk with him yesterday. Maybe he just misses Jimin and Jungkook a lot. The three of them are hardly separated. Taehyung loves us like brothers, but they have a deeper bond, especially his bond with Jungkook” Yoongi stated.
Both of them knew they would be on an airplane back to South Korea tomorrow, and maybe this would cheer up Taehyung. Little did they know that the younger member was nursing a broken heart.
“Honey I’m home!” Hobi shouted as they finally walked into their dorm for quarantine.
Jimin, Jin and Jungkook ran to the door to greet their fellow members with hugs.
“I made some food in case you’re hungry. I am so glad you’re back! Jimin and Jungkook couldn’t quit whining about Taehyung withdrawal” Jin said while hugging Taehyung.
The four of them went into the kitchen to see an array of food laid out on the table. All of the members sat down to eat their first meal together in a few days. Normally Taehyung would inhale Jin’s cooking, but he really did not have much of an appetite. He just sort of pushed his food around on his plate.
“ I’m sorry guys. I don’t feel good. Jin I wish I could eat more, but I am not hungry. I am going to lie down now” Taehyung told the group as he got up to leave the table.
“He’s been like that for the last two days. Not eating much, sleeping a lot and he even refused to go to a museum with Namjoon” Yoongi stated.
“Hmm. That is not like Tae at all. Maybe he is really sick then? My poor soulmate. I will go check on him later” Jimin replied with a worried look on his face.
Jungkook was also not feeling very positive about Taehyung. He knew in his gut that something was wrong. He looked so broken down when he came through the dorm front door. Three days ago, everything was fine. Did he mess up when he told Taehyung about his crush? No that couldn’t be it. Jungkook knew he would never forgive himself if he was the reason Taehyung was feeling down. Later on that night when Jungkook went to check on Taehyung, he found the older boy already asleep, his back facing the door. Normally he would climb into bed and stay in his room, but for some reason he decided to go back to his own room. Jungkook couldn’t have possibly known that Taehyung was in fact awake, secretly hoping that Jungkook would slip into bed beside him. When he heard the door open back up and Jungkook leave, his heart cracked a little more.
The next 10 days passed by in a blur of movie marathons, video game tournaments and food. Taehyung made sure he came out of his room to be with everyone, although deep inside he just wanted to stay in bed. Each of the members noticed how he would eat very little and sleep a lot. They noticed that even though he was present physically, mentally he was far away.
“Namjoon. I am worried about Tae” Jungkook told his leader one night. “Hyung looks horrible. He isn’t eating much, sleeps a lot and when he watches movies and plays video games with us, he really doesn’t pay much attention. What should we do?”
“Honestly Jungkook. I don’t know. Maybe he just needs time with his family. You know how close they are. Maybe he is actually sick. If he doesn’t look any better after our vacation, I will address it with him. I know you are worried, but we also can’t push him. You know he does not respond well to that. Last time we had an incident, he went completely into his shell and it took a long time for him to come out of it. I don’t want to push if I don’t have to” Namjoon stated.
Jungkook knew that Namjoon was right. Maybe Taehyung just needed to be with his family. He had such a special bond with them and Jungkook knows there are times when Taehyung just needs to be around them to recharge. Hopefully tomorrow morning at breakfast, Jungkook’s gift will bring a smile to Tae’s face before he leaves.
Taehyung had purposely set his alarm for early in the morning. He didn’t think he could take seeing Jungkook give his gift to his crush without his heart completely shattering. Tae knew he needed to go to his apartment and grab some things before he drove home. Jungkook was a heavy sleeper so sneaking into his room and leaving the gift on the bedside table was easily done. The rest of the group had stayed up watching movies late into the night. Taehyung doubted anyone was awake at 7 AM. He left a note on the kitchen table and quietly went out the door.
Jungkook opened his eyes and looked at his phone. It was 8:30 in the morning. He could hear the other members getting up making some noise in the kitchen. He yawned and stretched his arms. When Jungkook sat up, he noticed a gift bag on his bedside table. Curious, he looked inside and found a gift box with a card. He opened the card and his heart started to pound in his chest.
Jungkook. You will find this after I have left for the morning. As much as I would love to have breakfast with you and everyone else, I need to go home. I miss my family. If you didn’t guess by now, I am your Secret Santa. I hope you like your gift. I also hope your crush likes the gift you give them. You can text me later how things go. I will miss you and I will see you after our break.
Love,
Tae ( your Tiger)
Jungkook quickly opened the box to find the leather corded necklace. When he looked closer he could see the two charms. A bunny and a tiger. Immediately his eyes started to tear up. Taehyung was sad because of him. He never figured out Jungkook’s crush was on him and now he was gone before he could give him the present. Jungkook jumped out of bed and threw on some clothes before running into the kitchen. There he found Jin and Namjoon reading a note.
“Where are you going JK” Jin asked.
“Tae left. I have to find him. I messed up so bad”
“Slow down Kook. Jin found this note and Tae said he was going to his apartment before he left. Maybe he is still there”
“Thanks Hyungs! I have to talk with him before he leaves” Jungkook yelled as he was going out the door.
“What is going on here?” a disgruntled Yoongi asked.
“Tae left early to go home and Jungkook is panicking” Namjoon replied.
“He messed up big time. Did you know that idiot told Tae he had picked his crush and then gave poor Tae some very vague hints. I think Taehyung has been heartbroken because he loves Jungkook but thinks Jungkook likes someone else. Jungkook should have never said anything” Jin said while sitting down with a huff.
“ I was so sure we could end all the useless pining and now this” Namjoon sighed. “ I guess you were right not to interfere Jin”
“Maybe not all is lost. Maybe Jungkook will get to Tae before he leaves. I do not think I can take anymore of those two pining for one another” Yoongi said before going back to his room.
Jungkook does not think he has ever driven so fast to Tae’s apartment before. He was pretty sure he broke a lot of traffic laws to get there. Thank goodness Tae had given him the garage code and a spare key. Meanwhile Taehyung had finished packing and was double checking that he didn’t leave anything behind when he heard his front door crash open.
“Tae! Tae! Are you here” a panicked Jungkook yelled out.
“Kook, what are you doing here?” Tae asked walking into the living room.
“I need you to open this” Jungkook replied, holding out a box.
Taehyung slowly opened the gift to find a beautiful heart shaped lock with a key. He picked it up and noticed JJK inscribed on the back of the heart. Inside the box was a piece of paper. He carefully unfolded it and started to read, tears filling his eyes with each line.
My beautiful Taehyung. It has been several years since I have acknowledged how I really feel about you. I thought when we first met that you were an amazing person. You helped me break out of my shell and encouraged me to be the best I can be. You held my hand, comforted me at night and helped erase all of my doubts. I was too young to know what it really meant, but now I do. I love you. I love you with all my heart. In fact, I am giving you my heart for safekeeping. Whenever you wear this, think of me and that you hold my world (heart) in your hands. Kim Taehyung, will you please be my boyfriend? I cannot imagine going one more day without telling you how I feel and longing for you to be mine.
Love Always,
Jungkook
Taehyung looked up at Jungkook. His heart stuttered in his chest. Jungkook loved him too? Taehyung also noticed Jungkook was wearing the necklace he had bought. Then he noticed Jungkook’s eyes, filled with love and tears, waiting for an answer. Those eyes that held the universe. How could he not see that Jungkook loved him back? How could he be so blind?
“Y-you love me Kook? You really love me too?” Tae asked, looking for confirmation that this moment is really happening.
Jungkook took a step closer and took Taehyung’s hands in his own.
“With all my heart. It also pains me to know I have been the cause of your sadness lately. I never wanted to hurt you and thought you would figure it out. I thought I had been pretty obvious with my feelings”
“It’s OK Kook. Sometimes I don’t see things that are right in front of me. I have loved you for so long, but was so afraid you didn’t love me back. I thought I was deluding myself into thinking the way you look at me, your need to be near me or your lingering touches meant something. I was also afraid of ruining our friendship if you didn’t feel the same or even endangering the future of the group” Taehyung honestly replied.
“ I was scared too, but I realized I had to overcome my fears. I feel accomplished and have done so much but I wouldn’t be me without you. You brought me out of my shell and taught me that it was Ok to express myself in my own ways. I want to continue sharing everything with you, if you will let me”
Taehyung nodded his head yes before surging forward and pressing his lips on the maknae. Jungkook’s brain short circuited for a moment. Then he relaxed into the kiss, enjoying the moment. Taehyung’s lips were soft with a hint of strawberry lip balm. Jungkook knew in that moment he never wanted to stop kissing Taehyung, ever. Kissing him felt like home, he was now complete.
“I am guessing that is a yes to my question” Jungkook asked when they broke apart.
Taehyung flashed him one of his signature smiles and connected their lips together again. Unfortunately they were interrupted by the ringing of Tae’s phone. When Taehyung looked at his screen and noticed it was a call from his mother. He knew he needed to answer or he would be in trouble.
“Hi mom!”
“Hey baby bear. I wanted to call you and tell you not to come tonight. We have some bad weather and I don’t want you driving in it. I would feel much better if you came tomorrow instead. The threat of bad weather will be gone and your safety is important to me”
“Are you sure mom? I haven't seen you guys in a while. I have driven in bad weather before”
“No baby, it’s snowing pretty hard and visibility is bad. I would be devastated if you got in an accident or got hurt.”
“Ok mom. I will come tomorrow then. I can’t wait to see everyone. I love you”
Taehyung hung up the phone and looked at Jungkook. “I guess I have another day here. Do you want to hang out here? Maybe watch some movies, cuddle and kiss me breathless?”
“Yes, yes and did you even have to ask” Jungkook replied with a smile.
The two of them spent the rest of the day cuddled up in a blanket fort having an Iron Man marathon. Having no food in the house, Taehyung ordered delivery so they wouldn’t go hungry. There were also plenty of kisses shared between the two. Both feeling content with their other half.
“We’re kind of idiots you know” Jungkook mused out loud. “ You realize we could have had this conversation much earlier and all of this could have been avoided”
“I know baby. I was just afraid of losing you. Plus I never wanted you to feel uncomfortable or for the fans to have something against us”
“Tae, I think the fans know. Have you not seen twitter. Taekooker’s are better than the FBI or secret government agents. They know. I also know they won’t care. We will tell the hyungs and our managers after the break. I am sure they will be supportive of us”
“ I hope so. Speaking of which, I have a bunch of texts from Jimin. Apparently you ran out of the dorm this morning and everyone is wondering what happened. The group chat has been spamming us too, see?” Taehyung told Jugnkook, holding his phone out to the younger to read the texts.
NJ: What’s going on? Kook? Tae? Are you guys OK?
JM: If you hurt my soulmate I will crush you Jungkook.
MY: Can we not resort to violence please. Just answer Jimin, you know how angry he gets.
WWH: you both missed our meal and we are worried…hello?
JH: Please answer us guys. Are you both OK?
JK: Sorry for not answering earlier. Yes we
Are fine. Hyung and I are together right
Now. Also we are together, as in
Boyfriend. Like I get to kiss Tae, on the
Mouth and hold his hand and do
Couples stuff!
NJ: Thank God you are OK and ew
I don’t need to know you kiss.
JM: ABOUT TIME! I was sick of the
Pining.
MY: Thank god. But don’t worry
Us like that again.
JH: JK and Tae sitting in a tree
K-i-s-s-i-n-g….
WWH: No Hobi. We don’t need that
Mental image again. But seriously
Congrats and thank God
JK: So you all knew? Traitors. This could
Have been avoided you know if one
Of you spoke up. Oh well, now we
Get to be the disgusting couple. Now
If you excuse me, I am going to kiss
My man again.
JM: I am so leaving this group chat.
Taehyung giggled as he read the messages. He looked at Jungkook and couldn’t help being awed at the boy. He had been in love with him for so long and now he was his. Taehyung cuddled next to Jungkook and laid his head on the others chest.
“Thank you Kook. Thank you for loving me. Do you want to come spend some time with my family during our break? Only if you want to though. I would like to tell them about us, I know they would support us.”
“I would love to visit, but you have to visit my family too. They have known how much I love you for a long time and I am sure it will make them happy.”
Soon the two of them fell asleep while watching movies comfortably in each other's arms. Two souls that belonged together. Taehyung’s heart felt full and complete. Jungkook was at ease because he was finally able to tell Taehyung how he felt about him. Both of them learned the lesson that communicating their feelings was important for a relationship to work. Overall this was the best Christmas gift to each other ever. They would face whatever obstacles were in their way together from now on.