Archive of Our Own

The couple of the century: is it true?

According to recent social media updates from their personal accounts, fans have deduced that global sensations actor KIM Taehyung and singer JEON Jungkook are dating.

Jeon’s new single, It was you, released last week caused a national upheaval. The song describes the story of a love between two young men in their high school years. The lyrics emphasise a romantic love from a youthful perspective – but some fans view the song as ‘enforcing the wrong values on South Korea’s youth’ by supporting high school relationships and different sexual orientations. Because of this, many of Jeon’s fans seem divided on their opinion of the song. However international response to the song was highly positive and Jeon immediately gained 6 million new fans on his Instagram account, going from 22 to 28 million.

But fans noticed another factor that may have contributed to Jeon’s frantic rise.

A week after the release of the song, Kim Taehyung – the nation’s favourite star – posted a video on his Instagram account talking to his fans and promoting his upcoming drama, Love In A Crisis. The fans noticed that the low volume background music in the video was familiar. When Kim paused for a breath in the video, Jeon’s lyrics ‘- but darling I wish that for now, tomorrow, and always, I can say it was you – ’, could clearly be heard.

Well, no need to say, it caused quite a commotion.

Kim and Jeon have rarely been seen alone together, usually joined by their iconic group of friends that band together solidly and form a friendship that fans lovingly call ‘Bangtan’. Thus, fans were left to ponder as to whether Kim was just a fan of Jeon’s works, supporting his friend. But still, the video seemed to have solidified one of the fandom’s biggest questions; Kim’s sexuality. Whilst the actor is yet to confirm, Kim’s fans have seen this as the actor’s subtle response to their question, not wanting to be completely forthright. Then speculations around the nature of the relationship between Jeon and Kim began, as Jeon has always been open about his own bisexuality.

Soon after, a set of photos of the two seen together in an old award show went viral, in which the two superstars could be seen sneaking glances at one another throughout the show. Whilst for some fans saw this as a confirmation for their suspicion, others reasoned that ‘glances’ did not explicitly mean anything. Every fan waits with bated breath to see if anything else comes to light.

A relationship between the two global celebrities would be one never seen before. We, for one, hope to see it flourish – do you?

• BTS NEWS, Bang Si Hyuk

Jungkook couldn’t breathe.

He was in the company boardroom, sitting at the end of a long, glass table beside his manager – and self-proclaimed favourite Hyung – Min Yoongi. Kim Namjoon, his other manager – slash – favourite Hyung, was pacing around the room, reading the latest article about Jungkook with a panicked look on his face. Jungkook was 90% sure the man was going to run into the table any second now. Jungkook himself sat with his right leg swung over his left, head in his hands, leaning over the table at an angle that would most definitely hurt his hip later. 

“This is bad, this is bad. Ohhh this is SO bad.” Namjoon groaned, then yelped as he ran his knee into the glass table. Jungkook snorted internally – before the voice in his head repeated his Hyung’s words.

“Oh, shut up Joon. I don’t know what you’re worried about.” Yoongi Hyung berated exasperatedly.

Both Jungkook and Namjoon stared at the man as if he’d grown a second head.

Yoongi rolled his eyes, “You idiots. Jungkook your song is climbing high up the charts, your followers are increasing at the speed of light, and you’re on every news article in the country – countries. Namjoon, we’ve had around seven SEPARATE calls with companies trying to buy stocks and sponsor, so Bighit is definitely going to flourish. What the hell are you crying over?” he finished, amused.

Namjoon huffed. “But Hyung, Taehyung – ”

“ – also has followers increasing faster than lightning and his upcoming drama is predicted to break all records.” Yoongi cut in. “Calm down Joon. It’s fine. This article’s done more good than bad, I’m half tempted to pay the writer.”

Jungkook could feel his tension bubble deflate at Hyung’s words, his heartbeat calming down to the normal level and his breathing even out. He was right. Nothing had really gone that bad. Oh, except for the fact Kim Taehyung apparently listened to his songs. And that he – Jungkook – was rumoured to be dating Kim Taehyung.

His bubble expanded instantly.

Yoongi saw the maknae tense up, and knowing why, slowly began threading his fingers through the little prince’s hair.

“It’ll be okay Kook. Trust me. This will all blow over and they’ll forget all about you and Tae.” Yoongi spoke soothingly.

Namjoon smiled at Jungkook too, rubbing his back. “Hyung’s right Kook. People are just nosy. It’ll all be over soon.”

Jungkook brought his head up and out of his hands and tried to smile brightly at his Hyungs. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. I know it’ll be fine. Yoongi Hyung’s right, it’s been more positive than negative news anyway.” He leant back in his chair, as Joon and Yoongi let their hands fall.

“I’m more worried about…if they find out about before. You know…if they- if they find out.” Jungkook broke off, sighing.

There was silence for a while as the three men thought back to what Jungkook was referring to.

Kim Taehyung. Jungkook’s first boyfriend. First love. First everything.

Still a part of their tightly-nit ‘Bangtan group’; just never with Jungkook.

Yoongi broke the silence first. “Would it be so bad, Kook-ah…to talk to him? Really talk and let it all go with him too. It’s been 4 years. I’m sure he has an explanation for you.” He spoke softly.

Jungkook bit his bottom lip, avoiding his Hyung’s eyes. “I’m over it Hyung. Really. We see each other all the time, and we’re fine! There’s no need for explanations. What’s done is done and we should all just forget it and move on. I’m fine with Taehyung-Hyung, really. No issues. It’ll just be weird though if fans catch on and make a big deal out of nothing.”

As Jungkook looked up at both Hyung’s, he could see they weren’t convinced. But he grinned at them and stood up, on a mission to prove that he was fine.

“Besides…can you imagine all those old pictures going around? I would literally die. The stupid haircuts phase.” Jungkook shuddered just remembering his terrible haircut in university.

Namjoon laughed. “No, you were adorable Jungkook-ah! Ah the memories. I miss the shy little boy who stuttered trying to ask me where the bathroom was.”

Yoongi nodded in agreement. “Now we have an overgrown spoilt muscle-brat who never answers anyone’s messages.” Yoongi lamented dramatically.

“Yah!” Jungkook yelled as both his Hyungs burst out in laughter. Before he could retaliate, a scream resounded across the floor of the building and the three of them jumped as the door was forcefully rammed open, and three figures stomped inside shouting all the way.

Kim Seokjin, arguably the most popular actor in Korea – Asia – basically Jungkook’s ‘guardian’ (again self-proclaimed. His Hyungs still refused to accept he was no longer ‘their baby’ and therefore could make his own proclamations) made a straight beeline for his guarded, immediately fussing over his hair Yoongi had ruffled and how he looked ‘not nearly healthy enough’.

“Jeon Jungkook! I’ve been calling you for the past hour. WHERE IS YOUR PHONE?!” He bellowed, once again. Jungkook winced, whining and trying to push Jin-Hyung off him because it was way too early to have his hair plucked and prodded.

“Kook-ah!” Park Jimin, South Korea’s resident ‘IT’ boy, screeched and launched himself at Jungkook who had just barely managed to push Jin off. Jimin-Hyung’s small exterior made it easy for him to keep hanging off the younger, ignoring his empty murder threats.

Another figure then came into Jungkook’s attention, as his favourite mentor and brightest man to ever exist – Jung Hoseok. “Jungkookie! How are you? Did you see the news? ‘Course you did. Are you okay??” He ruffled his hair, messing up what Jin had managed to fix, eliciting a groan from the senior actor.

Namjoon and Yoongi snorted as Jungkook tried to push the three Hyungs off him. Sometimes he really hated the fact he was the youngest the baby. Their ‘sweet, tiny, could-never-do-no-wrong baby who they babied constantly.

Hobi-Hyung, seeming to have remembered something, pushed a brown lunch bag and a cup of coffee frappe in his direction and forced him to eat.

Maybe he didn’t hate the fact that he is their baby.

“Yah! Hobi-ah…how come you didn’t bring any for me?” Yoongi spoke, insulted, Joonie agreeing instantly.

Hobi snorted and continued to rub Jungkook’s hair lovingly, who greedily chugged down the drink and smirked at his managers. “Maybe ask your own Hyung.”

Both turned to look at Seokjin instantly, pouts and (in Yoongi’s case) narrowed eyes at the ready. “Hyungie.”

Seokjin glared at the duo. “So now you remember me. I see how it is.” He kept up his glare for another three seconds, before exasperatedly shoving his limited-edition LV bag in Yoongi’s face. “Here, you greedy bastards. Foods in there.”

The managers quickly grabbed the bag, professing their undying love for Seokjin repeatedly. Jimin finally removed himself from Jungkook, instead sitting on the side of the table and joining the Hyungs as they all watched the maknae eat. “How are you, Jungkook-ah?”

Jungkook looked up to see five faces staring at him in various states of worry and amusement. He wiped his mouth, making sure there wasn’t any leftover sauce spread over.

“I. Am. Fine. Please stop worrying. This rumour or whatever’s done more good than bad anyway, like Yoongi Hyung said. Besides, it’s only a rumour. A scandal, basically. It’ll blow over and, in the meantime, I get more famous.” He winked and finger gunned at the end, all his Hyung impressively groaning at the same time.

Jin then looked at him closely, eyes in slits as he did what they all collectively called the ‘parent scan’. “Fine. I believe you.”

Jungkook let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding.

The Hyungs then broke off, chatting to each other about other random things happening since it had been a week or so since such a large number of them had gathered together anywhere. Well, they had their group chat – which Jin Hyung thought would be hilarious to name ‘World Wide Handsome and his backups’ – but Jungkook wasn’t the biggest fan of texting. He joined their video calls though.

Really, Jin, Hobi, Jimin were on the most. They sent more than 100 texts a day, between the three of them. Oh, and Taehyung. He sent a lot too. Always memes, Jungkook couldn’t help but wonder where he found them.

“Hey Hyung,” Jungkook turned slowly to Jimin, who was looking at something in his phone, “Have you…spoken to Taehyung Hyung? Is he okay, with you know, all this?”

Jimin sighed. “He’s been shooting since even earlier this morning. I have no clue if he’s even heard the news. I’ve left him like 100 voicemails though and told him we were all going to chill here before schedules.”

Jungkook nodded and quickly changed the subject. “So Hyung, you excited to release ‘Beauty’?”

That led to an excited Jimin gushing over the song and how fun the collaboration had been. Jungkook smiled, proud of his Hyung. Jimin always worked so hard, trying his absolute best. It was wonderful to see him loving his work.

Suddenly, Jimin’s phone started ringing and Jungkook could clearly see ‘Taehyungie <3’ printed on the screen. Jungkook’s heart started beating faster, and he could feel his palms becoming sweaty. That’s not because of him. No. I just ate too much too quickly.

Jimin picked up the call.

“Hello, Taehyung-ah?”

“Jimin-ah, what the hell? Why did you call so many times?” Jungkook’s stomach was now doing somersaults as the deep, slightly annoyed voice assaulted him. My organs are traitors.

“Have you not seen the news?” Jimin asked, ignoring the irritated huff from the other line.

“Why the fuck would that matter right no-” Suddenly another voice spoke over Taehyung, asking him to end the call and get into the car because paparazzi had started to arrive. “-I’ll call you in like ten minutes Jimin. Got to go.”

 Jimin ended the call with a chuckle, as everyone stared at him for explanation. “I bet his manager just got the news and is probably explaining to him now. I think paparazzi came to the shoot so they’re trying to get Taehyung out as soon as possible.”

Jin frowned, “Why did his manager only just find out? It’s been at least two hours since articles started trending. How inept. I’ve got to convince Tae to switch to my company.”

Namjoon nodded in agreement, “Where’s Taehyung going now?”

Jimin shrugged, “I’m not sure, but it sounded like his manager wanted to take him to the company. But I’ve sent plenty of messages letting him know that we’re all here, so hopefully he makes them come here.”

Jimin hitched up both his legs on the table, sitting cross-legged with his chin under his palm, “We’ll know in like five minutes. His shoot was really close to here.”

The Hyungs nodded and went back to their idle chatter, but Jungkook could feel his insides churn and wail and he wanted nothing more than to disappear. What was he supposed to even say to him?

Hey…lets just stay professional.

This sucks, right?

Why were you listening to my song?

Did you realise ‘It was you’ was about us?

Jungkook’s mind had been running a mile a minute but then suddenly stopped at the last thought. He hadn’t told anybody. Sure, it wasn’t like it was the first song he’d written about love based on his own experiences, but ‘It was you’ was one of his first songs. Jungkook hadn’t wanted to release it, so he kept it from his managers until he finally had the courage to let it go.

The song was everything he’d thought about Taehyung when they’d been dating.

There’s no way he wouldn’t understand.

The song was supposed to represent Jungkook finally letting go. Not a catalyst to start the flurry of butterflies in his stomach to fly into his heart. He didn’t think he could keep the walls around his heart strong enough – firm enough to make sure the butterflies with Taehyung’s name stayed away,

far away. If they got in again, Jungkook was almost sure he would never be able to get them back out.

The sound of the door to the room opening shook Jungkook out of his internal panic, and his eyes instantly flitted to the person entering the room.

Kim Taehyung.

One of the world’s greatest actors. The most – in their group’s opinion, barring world-wide-handsome of course – handsome man alive. He had won more awards than Jungkook could name, the most humble attitude – but he still, shockingly, was far from a pushover – and a long list of fans dying to meet him and re-enact his scenes just once.

All in all, the perfect man.

Used to be Jungkook’s perfect man.

Oh, that’s right – Jungkook hadn’t described their relationship, had he?

2015, Seoul University, Freshman Year. The year they met. It was funny really, Jungkook had run right into him, quite literally. Taehyung had been so kind about it, helped him then find his class and even introduced him to their current friends – granted, Jungkook had already known Seokjin, Yoongi and Hoseok before introduction.

Jin-Hyung had been Jungkook’s neighbour since they were little children, having babysitted him and practically raising him since Jungkook’s parents were always too busy to do so.

Yoongi-Hyung had found him in one of the university rooms, almost in frantic tears because he couldn’t decide what type of song he wanted to write. Taking pity of the first-year freshman, he helped him immediately – becoming another overprotective Hyung of his.

Hobi-Hyung had been one of his dance mentors, who Jungkook instantly clicked with. They had great chemistry dancing together and upon discovering the new freshman was a shy little bean, Hobi had taken it upon himself to help the little munchkin (in his own words) open up and perform.

So, when Taehyung had introduced him to the group, Jungkook wasn’t too overwhelmed.

It had been a fast friendship, between all. But especially Kook and Tae. It had been a running joke in their group once, that if you wanted to find Jungkook, it would be better to call Tae – or, just show up at Tae’s place because when together, neither would ever pick up their phones. Too engrossed in each other.

It wasn’t too big of a leap from there, to begin dating. The twinges of jealousy when one of them was flirted with did not go ignored, so Taehyung had taken it upon himself to loudly exclaim his love for Jungkook. And Jungkook?

No need ask.

Then, Jungkook had naively thought they’d never be apart. How was he to know they wouldn’t last barely six months past his graduation?

“Jungkook?”

Said man quickly shook himself once again, and smiled at Jin-Hyung, then went back to watching as the rest of his Hyungs swarmed around Taehyung.

He looks beautiful. Was the first thing Jungkook’s mind supplied.

He was wearing a light brown suit, paired with a silk button up shirt. His hair was in a perm, dark brown curls falling over his forehead with a bounce. Jungkook himself was in a T-shirt and jeans, not prepared for anything in the day except for recording a new song.

He cleared his throat and tried to pay attention to what his Hyungs were saying.

“Taehyung-ah, did you see the article?” Yoongi asked.

“Yeah, I read it on the ride over. I was so confused when the paparazzi kept asking me to ‘confirm my relationship’. So glad Minho Hyung got me out quickly.” Taehyung replied, relief clear in his voice.

Jin-Hyung frowned, placing a hand on Tae – Taehyung’s shoulder. “Tae-ah, Minho should have known about it before the press release. He shouldn’t be finding out with the rest of the public. It’s his literal job. You need to switch your manager before I do.”

Jin-Hyung levelled him with a glare before an argument could even begin to leave the older man. The younger man sighed then nodded. As the Hyung’s once again, began conversing between themselves – they really needed to stop doing that - Taehyung’s eyes turned to him.

Oh my God.

No.

Go away.

He’s so pretty, wtf?!?

Wait! No!

Jungkook think about something else. If he undoes that button on his shirt, I bet I can see his collarbone –

No!

“Jungkook?” Taehyung’s quiet, deep voice broke Jungkook out of his thoughts.

His throat was so parched he wasn’t sure he could say a proper reply.

Words. Jungkook. You know, maybe speak? With your mouth?

Shut up you sarcastic motherfucker.

“Uh. H-Hey.” Jungkook mumbled out. At least that made sense.

Taehyung came even closer to him, their toes almost touching. The voices in Jungkook’s head completely shut down. He could almost feel the code: error blasting in red through his head, and in any other situation he would have snorted. But with Kim Taehyung, all his brain functions tended to stop.

“Are you okay?” Tae- Taehyung asked him softly. “I’m sorry about this.”

“Oh, uh I’m fine. Really. You have nothing to be sorry about. It’s all the reporters, trying to get in on any gossip they can.” Jungkook stopped, before he realised how that sounded. “Not that there’s a story to tell here,” He began again hastily, “no gossip, there’s nothing here, it’s a mistake - "

Suddenly, Taehyung held his hand as if it was fragile and Jungkook shut up. “Yeah. But still, I’m sorry.” Jungkook thought that for a second, he saw something akin to pain in the other’s eyes, but he shut down that thought before it could proceed because God he should not give himself false hope.

He broke things off. Jungkook reminded himself. There is nothing between us.

He pretended he couldn’t hear his own heart crying a little more at that.

Snapping out of his Taehyung-induced haze, Jungkook could hear whispers but he couldn’t make out exactly what words that were saying. Which was odd, considering it was only his Hyungs and him in the room –

Oh.

Jungkook broke his stare off Tae and turned to look at his Hyungs, who were all currently staring at them. Joonie-Hyung was the one who had spoken and Jungkook could almost feel Hyung’s words in his head-

Huh? I thought it was over Kook?

Jungkook avoided eye contact. He pulled back his hand from Taehyung, ignoring how comfortable and familiar and homely it felt.

“So, uhh. What do you guys want to do today? Since we’re finally together?” Jungkook pushed excitement into his voice, removing the shakiness. He stood up from his chair and made his way to the Hyungs, making sure to not look at Taehyung.

Probably a good thing to, or he would have seen how said man’s shoulders instantly slumped.

Seokjin Hyung pursued his lips and let out a small whistle. “I’m sorry, Jungkook-ah. I have a shoot in an hour. It was actually supposed to be this morning, but I forced my manager to clear my schedule to come here.”

“Yeh, ah, me too.” A voice said behind him, and Jungkook dispelled any wandering thoughts as he felt himself deflate. Taehyung had sidled up behind him, a bit to his left side and Jungkook was sure Taehyung was staring at him because the tiny hairs at the back of his were staring to stand straight and the tips of his ears were pinkening. Tae was staring.

 Hobi-Hyung’s phone rang and Jungkook internally sighed. Guess the next time we chill together will be Christmas.

Yoongi, noticing Jungkook’s pout, cleared his throat as Hobi regretfully smiled at them all and ended the call. “Hey, Hyung, you will be free by December yeah?”

“I think so. Manager-nim signed a new drama but the director said no hurry so I can maybe push it start of next year. Plus, my co-star will be really busy during that time anyway, she just started a new drama.”

Yoongi nodded and turned to Tae.

“Tae?”

Taehyung was silent for a second as everyone – except Jungkook, of course – turned to him. “I should be. I asked my manager for a break at some point anyway, so December should be doable.”

Yoongi nodded, the checklist-nod of his manager side as his mind started making decisions. “Right right. So Jin-Hyung, Joonie, Tae and Kook are free –“ Joon Hyung started to interrupt, “- Joon I swear to God if you bring up his comeback, or yours, knowing perfectly well that Kook can afford a break and your songs are perfection I will throttle you.” Yoongi glared at him, and he sheepishly closed his mouth.

“Hobi-ah, you can take a break, right?” At Hobi’s nod, Yoongi continued. “Jimini, I know you will be busy, but try and talk to your manager please. I will kill Sian-ssi if he doesn’t let you go for a little break. You need one anyway.”

Everyone was waiting for Yoongi-Hyung to get to the point, but it seemed he had finalised plans in his head and forgot to inform the rest of them. So Jimin spoke for them.

“Yoonie? The fuck are you planning?”

Yoongi startled, as if surprised Jimin had to ask him. Then he spoke up as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“We’ll all take a break in December. Family trip. Leave December and come back mid-January. Our first group outing where it’ll just be all of us out together.”

Everyone nodded in apparent excitement and appreciation. Jungkook could feel himself inflate a bit more. It was late October, meaning they still had a little while to go before the trip but nonetheless, Jungkook hadn’t felt so pumped in a long time.

This whole morning had been an absolute roller coaster.  Jungkook had been through the five stages of grief, then comforted, to absolute, pure, unadulterated joy at the thought of getting away from life and being with his six most important people on Earth. Jungkook wished that number went down to five. He had tried to make it go down to five but it was as if the dial had a mind of its own, never moving and ignoring all of Jungkook’s attempts – tears, whines and pain – to move the number down.

Once he let him in, he could never get him out.

Why the fuck am I thinking about Kim again? Huh? Does this sound like some sort of joke to you? Get yourself together Jungkook and act like the hot, sexy, rich bitch that you are. You do not need a man. Men need you.

Jungkook nodded to himself, drawing his lips into a thin line. He caught Jin Hyung’s raised eyebrow and shifted his eyes just as quick, embarrassed.

He missed Taehyung’s eyes that hadn’t trailed off his face in the past minute.

Or the way he noticed Jungkook zoning out.

Or his little smirk, that annoying smile he desperately tried to hide as Jungkook nodded at the room light, clearly making some sort of new resolution with himself.

The fact that he noticed all the little quirks about Jungkook.

Jungkook caught Jimin giggling behind a hand covering his mouth, staring at him and Taehyung. Jungkook glared at him, not in the mood to entertain his Hyung’s insane observations.

“I know you all have to go soon, so how about we all leave together? Jungkook needs to go to SMH today, so we can leave now. I’m pretty sure there will be one or two reporters on the bottom floor and they might’ve blocked cars, knowing them.” Namjoon spoke, drawing all the attention to himself.

As everyone nodded in agreement, Seokjin called his van and informed his manager of their plan. They began filing into the elevator.

“Tae and Kook,” Jimin began, his eyes alight in mischievousness and Jungkook already dreaded the rest of the sentence. “How are you planning to deal with this scandal?”

Jungkook glared at him. “There is nothing to deal. It’s a rumour. There’s plenty of other rumours out about me. This will pass. Like I said before.”

Jimin hummed, as if thinking. But Jungkook knew better. That son of a bitch was plotting.

“I don’t know,” Taehyung said slowly, “it doesn’t seem like this will die down all that quick. We might have to do some interviews together to really let them know. Maybe some couple interviews.”

Jungkook looked at him in shock, then narrowed his eyes. Taehyung was doing this on purpose. He didn’t get why, but he was. Hobi and Seokjin snorted, trying to hide it into coughs, whilst the rest chuckled. Jungkook hated them all.

“Well, I don’t think so.”

Taehyung nodded at him, but Jungkook could tell he wasn’t convinced. He didn’t get another chance to argue though as the elevator doors began to open.

Jungkook’s breathe caught in his throat as the sound of a camera flash lilted to his ears.

No. No. No. NO.

“JUNGKOOK-SSI ARE YOU DATING KIM TAEHYUNG?”

“KIM TAEHYUNG WAS YOUR POST TO CONFIRM YOUR RELATIONSHIP?”

“HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DATING?”

“JUNGKOOK-SSI WAS YOUR SONG IT WAS YOU ABOUT KIM TAEHYUNG?”

Jungkook stopped breathing all together when the last question was thrown at him. They figured it out. What if Taehyung figures it out too?

Their security guards filled up the area, pushing away the reporters and making way for the rest of them. Yoongi and Namjoon surrounded Jin, Jimin, Tae and Jungkook instantly as they made their way out. Hobi walked out first, smiling brightly, and forcing cameras to shift to him. How could they not – Hobi was a walking beam of beauty, of course the cameras would shift to him at least momentarily. Jin and Jimin followed his steps, patting Jungkook on the back as they walked out. Jungkook took a deep breath, steeling himself and pasting a small grin on his face as he followed his Hyungs out.

They were everywhere. Literally, everywhere. White lights were flashing at lightspeed and Jungkook was sure he was going to go blind. Yoongi gently lead him by placing his hand on his mid-back, and Jungkook inwardly thanked his Hyung for providing him with a little more courage. They continued to walk to the large, glass company door. When Jungkook gained the courage to look above Jin-Hyung’s broad back, his heart sank.

Reporters were gathered right next to the van.

“Jungkook-ah. Come on. They’ve got guards situated around the van; I won’t let them come near you. Trust Hyung.”  

Jungkook had not even realised that he’d stopped, staring at the van in fear. Not even the fact that he’d bumped into Jin, who had grabbed him and was trying to pull him into walking out the door.

Almost there. The cars right outside. Just gotta ignore them.

Jungkook almost succeeded. He really did.

But honestly, fuck his giant stompers. Why the fuck was he wearing those today.

No shit he would trip.

No shit that he would fall forward.

No shit that in this stupid, cliché story, Taehyung would be the one to catch him.

Taehyung’s arms around his waist steadied him. They felt big, and cold, but that didn’t matter to Jungkook. They felt like home. But they shouldn’t. Taehyung wasn’t home. No one was home.

Then why did those hands feel so good?

Jungkook. Focus. There are bigger things to worry about. Like, the fact, that the man you’re in a scandal with is the one holding your waist, in front of a bazillian reporters. Jungkook could feel the way he lost his hearing. This is it. The reporters caught that. They were done for.

Jungkook shrugged off Taehyung’s hands and all but ran into the open van, the door held open by trying-to-hide-their-smiles-traitors Jin and Jimin. Taehyung wasn’t far behind him, and I swear he wasn’t trying but Jungkook caught the little smirk on Tae’s face.

“Was that really necessary?” Jungkook glared at him.

Taehyung raised one of his perfectly curved eyebrows. “Preventing you from falling and cracking your head open? Very.”

“I wouldn’t have cracked my head open.”

“You don’t know that.”

Jungkook glared at him even more. He didn’t think the glares were working, no one had been affected by his glaring thus far. It was very irritating.

“Well next time, let me fall.” Jungkook huffed at him, turning away.

Taehyung, sat in front of him, shook his head. “Let you fall? Never.”

Namjoon sniggered and Jungkook could feel his face heat up. Curse you Kim Taehyung.

Jungkook didn’t know what had happened to Taehyung. In the past three years, he had never spoken to Jungkook in any way other than politely. Now he was flirting? It was strange. Something had shifted in Taehyung and Jungkook wasn’t sure he was going to be able to survive it.

When they reached the SMH building, Jungkook was quick to get out. He didn’t want to be in the van with he-who-shall-not-be-named any longer than necessary. He was going to be interviewed on his song and he didn’t want to go in there with him on his mind, like the rest of world did right now.

Before Yoongi and Namjoon fully followed him out, Taehyung’s phone rang and he picked it up and put it on speaker. Jungkook remembered how he used to be surprised whenever he did that, and he always said, “I have nothing to hide, baby, so why wouldn’t I make it easier on myself and putting it on speaker?”.

Mind. OFF. No thinking about him.

“ – yeah, I’m right outside the SMH building right now.” Answered a confused Taehyung.

“Oh good, that’s absolutely perfect. You have an interview with them in 15 minutes, I was just about to come get you. The company called and said they offered a very high price for an interview today and I cancelled the rest of your shooting, the director was fine with it because your scenes can be delayed. I’ll be there in 10 to prep you, please wait inside.” With that, the manager cut the call.

Jungkook felt a chill go up his spine. His interview was in 15 minutes. So was Jungkook’s. SMH had read the news.

Taehyung was looking right at him and Jungkook could feel himself getting sick. He would be giving an interview with Taehyung. On their supposed relationship. On his song. About them.

Kill him now.

“Jungkook-ah, it’ll be fine.” Yoongi-Hyung was soothing him, trailing his hand up and down his arm. “You can evade their questions, pretend Tae isn’t even there.” He whispered the last part in Jungkook’s ear.

“That’s kind of hard considering the fact he’ll be sitting right next to me.” Jungkook hissed at him.

They were walking inside the building, Yoongi and Jungkook trailing slightly behind Taehyung and Namjoon.

The interior of the building was beautiful. It was fairly large, with a reception desk to the right of the entrance and huge, periwinkle waiting couches to the left. As Jungkook grumbly walked up to the rest of his Hyungs, he could see the receptionists’ eyes widen and clock between him and Taehyung, and he felt his face once again redden. He avoided eye contact with her for the rest of the awkward chat, distracting himself by looking around the place. Finally, after what felt like forever, Namjoon lead them to the couches and they made themselves comfortable.

Namjoon then sat up and leaned forward, his face twisting into what Jungkook and Yoongi called monster manager mode.

“Taehyung, Jungkook, we all know what sort of things they’re going to ask you today. I wish we had thought this through and had time to prepare you both, but neither of you can cancel because there is a lot on the line. Jungkook, just focus on answering the questions related to your song, any others try to evade. I know you can do it. Taehyung, you’re an actor. Whenever they steer the conversation, awkwardly laugh or something and bring it back to the previous topic or a completely unrelated one.”

Jungkook and Taehyung both nodded. Jungkook was nervous, terrified of saying something that pulled him further into this mess.

“Jungkook-ssi? Taehyung-ssi? We’re ready for you now.” It was an assistant, her eyes wide and she looked out of breath. Jungkook smiled at her, but it probably seemed more like a grimace with how nervous he was. Both followed the woman to the set, Namjoon and Yoongi not far behind.

Their host was a middle-aged man and woman who were being styled as Jungkook and Tae reached the set, instantly rising to their feet and bowing to the celebrities.  

“It’s a pleasure to have you here. We are sorry for such a late notice, Taehyung-ssi.”

After pleasantries, Jungkook and Taehyung were set up with their mics and sat on the blue and white set, side by side. There were five cameras in total around them, and it did nothing to calm Jungkook’s nerves. He hadn’t even noticed the way he was bouncing his leg up and down.

Until Taehyung put his hand on his knee.

“Hey,” he murmured, eyes trained on Jungkook’s, “it will be okay Jungkook-ah. Don’t be nervous. I’m here.”

Jungkook didn’t like the fact that he had managed to calm him down – mostly with his last sentence.

Or the fact that the hosts had seen their little scene and were beaming.

So began the interview.

“Hi! This is SMH today with Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jungkook. We are your hosts, Lin Minah and Kim Dol san.”

One of the hosts then turned to Jungkook, who’s heart jumped. This is it.

“Jungkook-ssi, your song, It was you, has become a worldwide sensation. Can you tell us any behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the song, your inspiration, or perhaps your muse?”

Wow, that was straight to the point.

“The song has actually been in my drafts for a long time now, perhaps since my debut. I had never managed to find a melody I really loved for the song, but my managers finally managed to find one and I decided it was time.” Jungkook took a breath, surprised his voice had remained steady. “My inspiration for the song was drawn from my own experiences really, since we all know how hard it is for homosexual romantic couples growing up.”

The hosts nodded, then turned to Taehyung. Jungkook was relieved he answered well enough. His voice had been stable, answer well thought out. Damn I’m not terrible at this –

“ – how long have you known each other?”

Jungkook startled out of his reverie at the question thrown at Taehyung, his heart hammering in his chest.

Taehyung glanced at him, then back to the hosts.

“We met in university, actually. I was in second year when Jungkook started. He already knew most of the Hyungs, and he grew up with Seokjin Hyung, so it wasn’t a surprise.”

The hosts ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’, Jungkook barely refusing rolling his eyes. Is this what they invited Taehyung here for? To ask him questions about their – lack of a – relationship?

Most of the interview passed similarly, and once Jungkook relaxed, he didn’t even realise where the time went. Soon they were on their last five minutes, and the hosts had turned to Taehyung.

“Taehyung-ssi, we know you can act. You have millions of hearts around the globe for your acting,” they all laughed, and Jungkook smiled awkwardly. “ – but there has been a famous question going around, one we hope you can answer. Can Kim Taehyung sing?”

Taehyung laughed, and Jungkook could hear the hint of nervousness in his tone. Jungkook knew Taehyung could sing. He had heard it with his own ears, multiple times in fact, in the past. But it had been a while.

“Uh, a little bit, here and there. Yeah.”

“Then, would you mind closing off this segment with your beautiful voice?”

“Any song?”

“Yes, yes, any song you are sure you can sing in full. No pressure.” They laughed.

“Uhh… if you’re sure. I’ll sing.”

The hosts excitedly said goodbye to the camera, Jungkook along with them. He was relieved he could be out of sight of the cameras. Listen to Taehyung sing. Jungkook walked off and stood next to Namjoon, Yoongi, and Taehyung’s manager in front of the stage, trying to tamp down his excitement.

The lights cut out and Taehyung was suddenly handed a microphone and people whispering in his ear that he needed to head to the middle of the room and that a camera will be staring right at him. That they had his background music ready that they already knew about because of course Tae’s manager had let them know exactly what song Taehyung was going to sing, the only song he knew all the lyrics to.

One giant, ludicrously large light was turned on and Taehyung was almost blinded. But surprisingly, he wasn’t mad. It distracted him. He shut his eyes for a second in reflex, but that was immensely helpful because thousands of bright starts shined behind his eyes and that reminded him of only one person.

“We go together
Better than birds of a feather, you and me
We change the weather, yeah
I'm feeling heat in December when you're 'round me,”

Jungkook laughing, his adorable scrunched up nose and the way he leaned into the person who made him laugh. His low gasp when Taehyung pressed kisses right at his pulse point underneath his ear at the high point on his jaw. The way his eyes found Tae’s when he was dancing, as if telling him “Come on Tae. Come get me. Me, for you.”

“I've been dancing on top of cars and stumbling out of bars
I follow you through the dark, can't get enough
You're the medicine and the pain, the tattoo inside my brain
And, baby, you know it's obvious,”

The first time the two of them went clubbing, when they weren’t friends but not exactly dating either. That in-between place, where you call each other best friends to substitute the boyfriend because you’re too afraid. Taehyung had been hit on, which he instantly shut down by tilting his head towards his boy, because Jungkook had been his boy.

Sort of.

Then when Jungkook got hit on, he just smiled awkwardly and instead walked backwards even stronger into Tae’s arms wrapped around his waist and leaned back to ask him if they could dance.

“Of course we can beautiful. Anything you want.”

Then, drunk out of their minds and filled with the feel of each other, Jungkook, ever the dancer, dragged them to the car. It was parked a bit far and the boy hadn’t had enough of dancing so instead he pulled Tae onto the bonnet, turning on a random song that just happened to be Friends.

Oh, the irony.

Then they were stumbling and catching each other, smiling and laughing and before Tae knew it, he was leaning in.

“Haven’t I made it obvious…” He whispered right into Jungkook’s ear.

Then he kissed him.

“I'm a sucker for you
You say the word and I'll go anywhere blindly
I'm a sucker for you, yeah
Any road you take, you know that you'll find me
I'm a sucker for all the subliminal things
No one knows about you (about you) about you (about you)
And you're making the typical me break my typical rules
It's true, I'm a sucker for you, yeah”

Taehyung stared right at Jungkook.

His adorable facial expressions where he dozed off. His scrunched eyebrows when he was giving himself a pep talk. His wide-eyed smile when he got a good surprise. His tiny waist that seemed to be made for Taehyung’s large hands. His shallow breaths when Jungkook stared at him intensely. His ticking foot when he was nervous. His beautiful, mind-blowing, sexy, hot dancing that never let Tae turn his head for even a second.

Taehyung knew Jungkook. All the tiny, dismissable things.

And no one knew Taehyung better than Jungkook.

T and J. Korea’s That Couple.

Taehyung didn’t even know when the song came to an end, despite being the singer. He had let his body do the work while he closed his eyes and fell in love just a little bit deeper. He opened his eyes though, leaving his last kiss on his love, to thunderous applause. He could see surprise in the eyes of some of the staff. It made sense. He was an actor, not a singer. But he had poured his heart out today, not that they would know that.

What if they figure out who the song was about? A tiny voice whispered into Tae’s ear. But he smiled. Bowing exaggeratedly at the staff surrounding him. He looked at Jungkook, who looked like a deer caught in headlights with the way his eyes seemed unfocused, still staring at Taehyung. Who cares.

Jungkook’s ears were still ringing. His insides seemed to have disappeared, because he had not felt anything for the past 15 minutes. The only thing going on through his head was a long whistle, as if it was louder than everything else in the universe. He couldn’t speak. Move. Think. It was like Taehyung had cast a spell on him, one he couldn’t seem to remove himself of.

“How did you like the song?”

Taehyung’s voice pushed Jungkook back to reality, his feet feeling numb at how long he had stood rooted to the spot. He quickly tried to make his mouth move, not wanting to seem as influenced as he was.

“It was good – er, you were good. Good song. Yeah.” Nice going, dumbass.

“Thanks.” Taehyung smiled at him, his stupid boxy laugh and Jungkook felt him heart skip a beat, as cliché as it was.

“Yeah. Um, well, we should go," Jungkook glanced at his Hyungs, “I have a collab to work on anyway, so uhh, see you.”

Yoongi and Namjoon glanced at each other and rolled their eyes at Jungkook’s awkwardness. Taehyung had clearly sung the song to him, about him, but they were sure Jungkook – as clue less as he was – would refuse to believe that even if Taehyung screamed it at him.

“Yeh. That was amazing Taehyung, damn, maybe we should make you sign a contract.” Namjoon joked, ruffling said man’s hair.

“Yeh, seriously.” Yoongi nodded at Taehyung, his eyes impressing how proud he was.

“Thanks, Hyungs.” Taehyung grinned at them.

“– then that asshole told the director I punched him too hard for the scene. Bitch, get a stand in if you can’t handle a little heat.” Jin huffed and took a sip of his latte, crossing his right leg over the other.

Jungkook giggled and Yoongi snorted, equally endeared by their eldest Hyung. The three of them, being the only ones of the seven to have a free schedule, had decided to grab a drink today. Which meant ordered their drinks to Jin’s place, which was everyone’s designated hangout – it was at the heart of the city, with plenty of space and a killer view. It had been a busy month of work as they reached near the end of November.

“How’s it going with Joonie?” Yoongi asked Jin then, taking a sip of his own coffee. Jungkook looked eagerly at Jin, who sighed dramatically.

“You know him. That idiot is so slow. I swear I’ve thrown every hint in the book but he insists on being oblivious.”

Yoongi nodded. “I even told him to confess, but that idiot gets lost so far up his own head when he sees you, he blanks out.”

Jin sighed again, this time a fond smile taking over his face. “At this rate, I’ll be doing the confessing. But enough about me, how’s it going with Jiminieee?” Jin waggled his eyebrows at Yoongi, who took another sip of his drink to ignore the question but was given away by the red tinge of his ears.

“You know how it is, Hyung.” Jungkook snorted, barely missing the head smack from Yoongi. “The boy speaks to him, and he loses all function.”

At that, Jin and Jungkook burst out laughing, Yoongi scowling at both of them, his face reddening.

“I am not like that.”

“Sure, sure.”

The three quieted for a while. Jungkook had been confronted with the rumours left and right all week, with fans going far as begging him to post a ‘couple selca’ on his social media platforms. Thankfully, that was only a few, or Jungkook would have felt terrible to ignore them.

He had heard from Jimin that Taehyung wasn’t fairing much better, being forced into interviews – “Because his company is shit!” scowling Jin – that were insistent on digging up any information they could about their ‘relationship’, no matter how much the two denied the rumours.

Suddenly, Yoongi turned to Jin.

“Did you see the SMH special? Taehyung sang to Jungkook, that song – what was it – right, sucker.”

Jin, in the middle of taking a sip, spat out his drink and stared at Yoongi in shock. “What?! When? How have I not heard about this sooner?”

Yoongi shrugged, grinning at how Jungkook was blushing and glaring at both of them, trying to ignore.

“It was not for me – ”

“It was literally trending for days Hyung, I bet I could find it if I went on twitter now.”

Jin grumbled angrily, quickly whipping out his phone. “The one time I’m on a social media detox.”

He managed to find it pretty quickly, replaying it at full volume. Jungkook refused to watch, not wanting to undergo his initial reaction in an enclosed room with his nosiest Hyungs. Once they finished, Jin swooned dreamily.

“Oh, how I wish Namjoon was this romantic.”

Yoongi snorted. “That boy can barely admit his feelings to me, as if he’s going to do something this grand.”

“You never know.” Jin snapped at him heartily. “Jungkook-ah, that was so romantic. It was clearly for you. Why don’t you accept him?”

“Hyung come on, it was not – ”

“It was Jungkook. I don’t know why your being so pessimistic. He loves you, clearly, and you love him. So why not try again?”

Jungkook sighed, rubbing his eyes and willing his heart to calm down at those words. “I just…Hyung, we tried the dating thing. You were there. It worked for me, and it didn’t work for him. I just can’t…I can’t put my heart through that again.”

The Hyungs were silent for a moment, before they scooped up their maknae in a strong hug.

“I still think you should give it a try, Jungkook-ah.” Yoongi told him gently. “You never know. Tae might have a really good explanation for you. Or a really dumb one.”

“Oh well, it’s not like it really matters.” Jungkook tried to smile. “I won’t see him until the rumours die anyway. We thought it was for the best.”

Yoongi hesitatingly dropped his arms. “Yeah, about that…”

Jungkook’s stomach dropped.

“You’ve been asked to present the artist of the year award next week. The most likely recipient is Taehyung.”

There was dead silence for a moment before Jin began loudly laughing.

“Jungkook, I’m the actor but it seems you’re the main lead in this K-drama.” He teased. Jungkook shoved him.

They were heading towards the end of year artist awards, Jungkook sat with Jimin and Yoongi. He had not been looking forward to this day, not at all, knowing his widely anticipated (by the Hyungs) interaction with Taehyung was due at the end of tonight.

“No pressure, aye Jungkook?” Jimin winked at him, from the front seat. Jungkook showed him the middle finger, to which he laughed brightly.

“Oh come on, it won’t be that bad. All you have to do is say his name, shake his hand, give him the trophy and walk off. Easy.”

For you! Jungkook inwardly screamed.

He didn’t realise when they reached the venue, or when they got seated. He did realise however when Taehyung arrived, having caused quite the commotion – looking at him, Jungkook understood why. The man looked absolutely ethereal. Of course people turned to look.

In his musings, Jungkook missed most of the show. He was too busy panicking – biting his nails, biting his bottom lip, thrumming his fingers on his thighs. This was a nightmare. Before soon, a man came to escort him backstage and Jungkook followed him confidently (on the outside).

Jungkook was nervous. But no shit, right? He would only be presenting the male actor of the year award. Why do they present these in November?

Taehyung could get this award. No, Taehyung was going to get this award. And Jungkook would be presenting it to him. Because the universe hated him.

“Jungkook-ssi?” A man with a laminated sheet in his hand gestured for Jungkook to take the stage.

So Jungkook smoothed his hand over his suit. His very well ironed, expensive, navy-blue tuxedo and rolled up arm sleeves because despite the occasion, Jungkook could not follow rules to save his life. He smiled at the man awkwardly and grabbed the award and card from the chair beside him, the butterflies in his chest magnifying and flowing around even faster. He walked up the steps, the whooping, wolf-whistles, and claps greeting him as he made his way to the mic.

“Hey everybody, how we feeling?” He laughed at the loud screams he got in response. Everyone was excited to see who would get this award; the Most Anticipated Award of the Night. “Hm, I don’t think that was enthusiastic enough. Come on guys, this is the award we all came here for… let’s not kid ourselves.” Jungkook finished with a wink, his idol-persona taking care of his nerves for him. Which basically meant stifling them in the corner until Jungkook got off stage.

“Ok, ok, I think some people are just about ready to get up here and beat me up, so I’ll get to it.” Jungkook smiled and made a show of grabbing the special cue card that had the name of the artist.

“The 2020 Artist of the Year award goes to…” He opened the card, heart jumping with the sudden silence. “Kim Taehyung, ‘Stars are made to Shine’.”

The applause was scary. Truly. But maybe that’s just Jungkook and his fear of his feelings showing on his face, or accidently doing some stupid that resulted in him embarrassing himself or – heaven forbid – Taehyung.

Taehyung was making his way to the stage, his eyes stuck on Jungkook. Jungkook was clapping along with everyone, breaking eye-contact with Taehyung every once in a while. He didn’t think he could ever stare right at the man.

As Taehyung reached him, he outstretched his long hand and Jungkook extended his for a formal handshake. Tae’s hands were so gentle, his other hand coming up to cup Jungkook’s in both of his whilst making sure to not remove his eyes from Jungkook’s face.

“Congratulations.” Jungkook murmured to him, smiling, proud. He was proud. Taehyung worked so hard for everything he did.

“Thank you, Jungkook-ah. Thank you.”

Jungkook indicated for Taehyung to take the podium as he made his way off stage, the nerves hitting him in the stomach like a punch.

“Thank you, thank you. I really didn’t expect to receive this award tonight. The fact that I have…well, I am completely over the moon. The only reason I can stand here today is because of my wonderful co-star, her amazing acting, our wonderful director who helped me really understand what it meant to be Seung Jo. Thank you to my Hyungs, their amazing support throughout all of this. Really, if they didn’t give me pep talks at three in the morning, I would never have had the confidence to complete this role.” The audience laughed. “But lastly, I have to give a special thanks to this one person. This is my first large award, one I used to dream about when I had just started acting. But this person never gave up on me. Not when I whined, cried, or doubted my abilities. This is for you, my baby.”

The applause this time was indescribable. People were whispering amongst themselves, spreading gossip as fast as they could as they tried to decide who Taehyung’s baby was. Taehyung just smiled and laughed as he caught Jin and Jimin wolf-whistling, the rest of his Hyungs screaming and giving him thumbs up for his speech. They seemed to agree with his speech.

Hopefully his baby did too.

Jungkook, on the other hand, felt like his heart had stopped beating. He was walking back to his seat next to Yoongi-Hyung when Taehyung finished his speech. My baby.

He’s not talking about me. He’s not. But he used to call me his baby? Does he call someone else that now? Jungkook’s heart broke. But then he glanced up, watching as Taehyung walked off stage. But I was his baby when he had just started acting. He hasn’t dated since. Has he?

Jungkook knew if he kept thinking about it, he would drive himself crazy. So, he stopped and instead focused on everyone else, and how some people seemed to be glancing up at him and whispering to each other. Huh. If everyone thinks its me, does that mean he hasn’t dated…? For fucks sake Jungkook he’s a public figure it’s not like he’d televise his personal life. Stop. Thinking. Fuckfuckfuckfuck he’s coming here Jungkook shut the hell up.

Taehyung was making his way down their lane, to his seat beside Jimin. Three seats across from Jungkook. Namjoon, Hoseok, Jungkook, Yoongi, Seokjin, Jimin, Taehyung. That was probably a good thing, considering the whispers would be out of control if they were any closer. Plus, Jungkook would have an excuse to stare at him. He didn’t need any of those.

“Jungkook-ah, are you good?”

Yoongi was smirking, staring at Jungkook slowly losing his mind. Jungkook felt his face heat up as he purposefully avoided answering or looking at his Hyung.

As expected, the show came to an end, and everyone began intermingling as the cameras shut out. This was the time everyone really showed their true colours, relaxing, knowing that they wouldn’t have to worry about a scandal the next morning. Unless they took any of their conversations even a step out of the main doors. That would be another story. Paparazzi were crowding that door like moths to light, waiting for anything – anything – to make the nation turn on its head.

Jungkook was mingling with Yugeom and his group, Yoongi and Joon Hyung along with him laughing at Jackson.

“Jungkook-ah, you planning on a new single?”

Jungkook nodded, smiling. “Yeah. But no way it’s dropping this year. Haven’t even finished the lyrics.”

“He has, but he keeps changing them,” Yoongi playfully glared at him. “Our maknae is ever the perfectionist, you see.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes and laughed at his Hyung’s exasperated ‘complaints’ about him. His eyes went around the room, looking for the rest of his Hyungs. They were going to have an afterparty, but he wasn’t sure now, since they had all quickly scattered (Jungkook refused to accept he was looking for one particular Hyung).

When he found Taehyung, he was with his actor Hyungs. The actor Hyungs. The Wooga squad. One of them – Jungkook refused to learn their names – had his arm on Tae’s shoulder, whispering something right into his ear that made him laugh.

That feeling, where your stomach somersaults and little fireflies dance in your gut? Jungkook could feel all of that rewind. He’s not mine. He’s not mine. He isn’t my boyfriend. He can do whatever the hell he likes because we’re not dating.

Jungkook turned his eyes back to his Hyungs, a new type of rage rising inside him. Jungkook stop. He was momentarily distracted by Yugeom placing his hand around his waist, teasing Jungkook until his ears turned a pretty pink. As all his Hyungs laughed, Jungkook turned his face away once again, his eyes meeting Taehyung’s.

He was staring right at him. Eyes narrowed. Body tiled towards him and lips thinned.

He’s staring at me.

Jungkook felt the urge to brush Yugeom off, smile politely and walk away but before his body could follow his heart, his mind stopped him. We’re not dating. I’m not his. Why should I move?

Jungkook glared at Taehyung, stubbornly facing towards his Hyungs again and joining the conversation, making no move to remove Yugeom’s hand around his waist because he was a young, single, idol goddammit.

He didn’t know how long he was standing there. He was too busy trying to remove the images of Taehyung glaring at him or him laughing with his Wooga squad. He didn’t realise that people were starting to leave, or that Taehyung was gathering their group from their own little hang ups. Not until his hand landed on his shoulder, that is.

“Hey, Yoongi-Hyung, Joon-Hyung, Kook-ah, we gotta go.” His deep voice spoke right behind Jungkook’s left ear.

Jin-Hyung was standing behind him, bowing politely at the rest of the group, Jimin and Hoseok giggling with each other and practicing their own dance moves to the side. Jungkook felt Yugeom’s hand disappear from his waist and went to look at him but found him awkwardly smiling at Taehyung. Jungkook frowned, turning to look at Taehyung and almost gasped out loud at the intense, forced smile he was sending to Yugeom.

“Okay, Tae-ah. Sorry you guys, when the maknaes are tired, they don’t let anyone chill any longer.” Joon-Hyung teased, as they said their goodbyes and made their way outside to their respective cars. Jungkook had arrived with Yoongi and Jimin, so he made his way to their car but was stopped when a hand wrapped itself tightly around his wrist.

“Come with me.” Tae’s hand, surprisingly enough, tightened even more, as if afraid Jungkook would say no.

Well, not wrong, considering that is what Jungkook planned to do as soon as the man asked. He tended to avoid being alone with Taehyung most times but after what happened this afternoon, Jungkook wasn’t sure he could keep his feelings tightly coiled up at the bottom of his throat any longer.

“That’s a great idea,” Jin-Hyung spoke up, his voice laced with excitement. “Jungkook’s place is closer to yours anyway.”

The rest of the Hyungs nodded in agreement, Jungkook could feel their excitement and anticipation.

Traitors.

Without even waiting for him to agree, Taehyung bid the others goodnight and dragged Jungkook to his car, opening the passenger side and gently ushering him in. Jungkook wanted to be mad at him, so badly, but the man even held his hand over the top of the opening of the door, so Jungkook didn’t hit his head. The man was a truly a K-drama hero come to life. But not mine.

Taehyung drove in silence. They didn’t say a word. Jungkook fidgeted with his fingers in his lap, feeling his coiled feelings rising to the top of his throat.

“So, you and Yugeom a thing, now?” His voice sounded scratched and Jungkook could feel that Taehyung hadn’t said what he truly wanted to say, yet. Still, Jungkook felt anger bubble at the question.

“What’s it to you?” He tried to hold back the snapping in his tone, he really did. How dare he ask me that.

Taehyung didn’t reply, so they sat in silence for a while. The tension in the air was suffocating, Jungkook couldn’t help but stew silently. It had been five minutes and counting the light posts that passed didn’t really help a lot. He couldn’t keep it in.

So he gave in.

“What about you and your squad huh? Gotten closer to one of them?” His voice was scathing, and he knew it.

“They’re just my friends Jungkook. Nothing more. Not like you and Yugeom.” Taehyung’s voice was controlled, but his strong grip on the steering wheel gave him away.

Jungkook threw up his arms, done with it. “Yugeom is just my friend. Why do you even care?”

Taehyung turned into a driveway of a beautiful, well- lit penthouse, and Jungkook couldn’t even be bothered to think about the fact Taehyung hadn’t even asked him his address, meaning he had no plans at all of taking Jungkook to his place.

“I care because he had his hand on your waist.”

“So? You’re not my boyfriend anymore Taehyung, you don’t get a say in who can touch me where!” Jungkook yelled at him as they both got out of the car and made their way inside the house.

Taehyung pushed open the door and made way for Jungkook, who stomped in, not even bothering to take off his shoes because he didn’t want to be polite. He wanted to make Taehyung mad. Madder, like he was right now.

“Cut the bullshit, Jungkook. Did you like his hands on you or not?” Taehyung yelled at him. The first time he had ever raised his voice at Jungkook.

Jungkook hiccupped, he could feel tears threatening to build at the back of his eyelids. “What do you want to hear Tae? Whether I like them or not, it has nothing to do with you.”

Taehyung growled, unfastening his tie and throwing it on his yellow sofa, striding towards Jungkook who was at the foot of the coffee table. Jungkook refused to think about how hot that looked, because it didn’t. Not according to Jungkook.

“Just answer the question Jungkook. Did you like it or not? Did you like him or not?”

“Why?”

“Answer the question!”

“NO!”

“Tell me Jungkook!”

“Fine!” Jungkook shouted at him. To his immense anger, he could do nothing to stop the tears from pouring out of his eyes. He was an angry crier. You know, the type who cried when they were angry. “No. I didn’t like his hands on me. I didn’t want his hand on my waist. I didn’t. Happy now? I – ”

It was a shock. To Jungkook. The way Taehyung lunged at him, grabbed his waist with one hand and tilted his chin up with the other, conjoining their lips as they suck him in as if he was the last breath of fresh air for a dying man. It was a numb feeling. Taehyung’s lips on his, that is. Jungkook tried so hard to remove any thoughts of the other from his mind that when those lips attached to his, his mind lost all thought. The inner voice shut down, finally, finally having no answer for Jungkook. What was he supposed to do?

When Tae finally had enough, when neither could breathe a moment longer, he pulled apart.

Taehyung held his forearms in his hands, leaning his forehead on Jungkook’s and closed his eyes, breathing out in relief. Jungkook? He couldn’t think. His mind was echoing a broken TV.

“Good. Good, Good, Good.” Taehyung breathed out, voice hoarse from all the shouting, and – uhum – kissing.

Taehyung was rocking them both back and forward, one of his arms now tenderly caressing Jungkook’s. There was silence for a while. Until Jungkook couldn’t take it anymore.

“Taehyung…what are you doing?” he whispered, forehead still pressed against him.

Taehyung’s eyes were closed, still whispering random relieved words between the tiny space they shared. He stopped at Jungkook’s question, stopping their rocking and letting go of Jungkook.

Jungkook was disheartened to feel him go. Then he shook himself, trying to get himself to feel angry at Tae for stealing a kiss. But is it really stealing when you wanted him too?

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry Jungkook. I…I wasn’t thinking. I just…” he hesitated, hands coming up, brushing the singular strand of hair that rebelled against a controlled mess. Then he let go, sighing. “Never mind. I’m sorry, Jungkook.”

The butterflies were burning. Jungkook could feel the way he heated up, red covering every inch of his face. Shame. Taehyung took him as a joke. He got protective, acted aloof, got jealous then kissed him because Jungkook was a joke.

Jungkook pushed him. Taehyung fell on his sofa, arms coming up to stabilise his sudden seating and looked up at Jungkook in shock. There were so many thing Jungkook wanted to say. So many things he wanted to shout at this man, who – lets face it – occupied almost all of Jungkook’s thoughts, all the time. There was so much he wanted to ask, to demand, to accuse – but he couldn’t. Because it would all lead to the same, inevitable conclusion – Jungkook meant nothing to him. Like he didn’t the first time.

Jungkook turned around, stomping to the front door, desperately trying to stop the new rainfall pooling in his eyes. He had already humiliated himself enough. He’d let Taehyung know how pathetic he was: still pining over his ex who left him without a good explanation, without so much as a warning, turned down offers from men who most could never hope to see, still couldn’t sleep with another man since his first love.

Taehyung? All he’d done was apologise.

Jungkook had reached the door now, trying to desperately quell his thoughts and focus on calling an uber. Heaven forbid he call his Hyungs now, they had their own lives, no matter how much they babied him otherwise. He knew both his manager Hyungs would be pissed at the fact that he wanted to get into an uber from the house of the man he was in a nation-wide scandal in, but he could hardly care about that right now –

Taehyung slammed the door in front of him shut.

Jungkook swallowed in a breath, startled. He turned around, ready to yell at the man’s audacity but the words were locked in his throat as Tae rounded on him, pinning him to the door with hands on either side of his face and arms trapping him, up to the elbows.

“Why did you push me?” his voice was harsh, angry, but maybe… maybe a little panicked.

Jungkook struggled in his hold, trying to push him away but every time he managed, Taehyung just pushed him back, refusing to let the conversation go.

“Let me go.”

“Why did you push me?”

“Because you’re an ass. Now let me go.”

“Jungkook.” His voice was dangerous now. Teetering on the edge of exploding. “Why. Did. You. Push. Me.”

Jungkook stopped struggling. He wasn’t winning anyway. He could never win. Not with him.

Jungkook hadn’t realised that the tears had rolled down his face once again. Taehyung did. His eyes narrowed on the little drops, heart sinking along with them. His stance lightened, still caging in his boy.

“Why are you crying? Did I say something?”

Jungkook refused to look at him, instead staring at the beautiful little chandelier in the hallway to the living room. It was magnificent, glinting even with the tiniest hint of light.

“I did. What did I do?” Taehyung’s hands reached out, not being able to help it. He gently rubbed over the tears, “Tell me what’s wrong baby. Tell Taehyungie what he did wrong.”

Jungkook’s breath hitched and his heart stopped. He hadn’t heard that in a long time. He refused to even think of Taehyung as Tae, let alone as his lover, soulmate, Taehyungie. His legs were giving out from under him and thank God Taehyung was there, or he would’ve fallen to the floor by now.

“Don’t do this to me. Don’t do this to me Tae, I can’t go through it again. Once was enough, I-I can’t. Let me go. If you wanted me, you would’ve kept me the first time, right? So let me go. I…I want to go.” Jungkook’s voice broke as he finished speaking.

He expected Tae to move away from him, agree and apologise and let Jungkook go. But he didn’t. If possible he held him even closer, pulling Jungkook off from the door and flush against his chest as if he couldn’t get enough. Jungkook certainly couldn’t.

“No. No, I’ll never let you go. Never again. Letting you go the first time almost killed me, I can’t do it again. I won’t. I’m not strong enough. I need you, baby. My baby. My Jungkook. Baby please, stay. Stay because – ” Taehyung tilted Jungkook’s head up to his and stared him right in the eye, “- I love you.”

It was like time had stopped. Really, or maybe just air had stilled in Taehyung’s apartment because there had never been a silence so loud it stopped all of Jungkook’s thoughts. They stared at each other, taking in every miniscule difference that had occurred in the past four years. Every new wrinkle, pimple, scar. Everything.

“Then why?” Jungkook finally managed to croak out. “Then why, Hyung? Why did you leave me the first time?”

Taehyung hesitated, closing his eyes and letting out a little sigh, before opening them again nervously. “Because…we were growing up, love. You were going to release your single and your manager Han Yu said that if you were in a relationship then your chance of reaching your audience was going to get lower, and you only get one shot at being an idol, and it was your lifelong dream and I – ”

“Wait a minute,” Jungkook interrupted, “are you telling me, that we broke up because you heard what my manager told me – in private – without even asking me about it first?”

The silence was loud. Jungkook could feel anger bubbling again, for the nth time. He wasn’t sure if it was possible to go through so many emotions in the span of an hour. Taehyung was looking at him sheepishly, guilty.

“It’s pretty clear as to what that means, Jungkook. He was always telling you we needed to break up.”

“So you decided for the both of us?” Jungkook screamed at him, pushing him away and striding up to him. “What the fuck Taehyung! I was in love with you! You broke us up because of that? I was going to tell me fans all about us from day one! Why would I even want fans that like me for my availability or looks, I want them to like my work! I thought you understood that!”

Taehyung met his anger filled gaze guiltily, trying to appease him. “Jungkook – ”

“Was it that easy so you?” Jungkook hated the fact he was crying again. Oh God it was embarrassing. “Breaking us up, leaving me. Did you feel free? You could date anyone you wanted, no one would know your sexuality – oh that’s right, you still haven’t told your fans. I’m sorry, they probably presume your Bi now, guess that ones on me.” Jungkook finished sarcastically.

“It wasn’t like that! Of course it was hard for me! Letting you go was the single hardest thing I’ve ever had to do but I would do it again in a heartbeat if it meant you became an idol. You’re the only person that’s ever mattered, baby.” Taehyung was walking closer to him now, trying to reach him, but Jungkook kept pushing his hands away. “I’ve never – I’ll never love anyone as much as I love you. I don’t think anyone could love someone as much as I love you. Others? Never. I’ve been with no one, baby. Not since you.” Taehyung finally coaxed his hands into his. “It wouldn’t feel right.”

Jungkook trembled under Taehyungs gaze so he removed his eyes once again, shifting to the couch this time. “Well, can’t relate. I slept with many people. So many people. More than I can count.”

Taehyungs eyes darkened, his hands tightening around Jungkook’s wrist. He pulled Jungkook to him sharply, making him yelp.

“Oh?”

“Mhm. Yep.” Jungkook wind out, under the intense stare.

His insides melted though as soon as Taehyung smirked. “But Jimin tells me you’ve never gone pass kissing someone. Were they that bad, baby?”

Park Jimin, I will actually kill you. Jungkook cursed in his head.  

Jungkook tried to remove himself from Taehyung’s hold, but the man refused to let him go. He had to distract him. Jungkook couldn’t take the stupid smirk on his face, that fucker –

So he kissed him.

Hard.

Taehyung was in shock. He never expected that. Jungkook smirked in triumph. Before he realised exactly what he’d done, he tried to push Taehyung away but he had by then gained awareness, pulling Jungkook to him again and kissing him deeper. Jungkook could feel himself lose his will to fight. What was there to fight anyway? A kiss from the man he obviously loved?

They made out until Taehyung pushed him against the door and lifted him up, cupping Jungkook’s ass and wrapping his legs around his waist. He looked into Jungkook’s eyes and his breath hitched, his stomach erupting – in butterflies.

“I’ve missed you so much, baby.” Tae whispered to his lover.

He carried him away from the door and led them to his bedroom, his eyes barely straying from his baby. He laid him down gently on the bed, eyes still entwined with Jungkook’s. His hands slowly trailed up Jungkook’s back, snaking around his waist.

“I’ve missed holding you. Holding this tiny waist that was made for me.”

Taehyung squeezes his waist, smiling as Jungkook exhales. Taehyung’s trails his hands further over Jungkook’s body, trying to touch everywhere all at once. His toned abs, his neck, collarbones, biceps, hands, thighs, calves –

“God, I love you baby. I was an idiot. I’m sorry. I love you so much.” He tenderly says against his lips, kissing them lightly before pecking his jaw and moving to his neck. Taehyung grew bolder, his kisses turning into love bites and his hands pushing away Jungkook’s clothes. Jungkook was switching between whimpering and moaning, his mind, body, and soul filled with nothing but Taehyung, Taehyung, Taehyung.

Taehyung was sucking hickeys on to his neck. One hand was holding Jungkook’s whilst the other teased Jungkook’s abs, hinting at going beneath the tight fitted pants. Jungkook’s other hand was tugging at Tae’s hair, eyes closed in pleasure.

Once Taehyung was satisfied, he hovered up above Jungkook for a moment, his determined eyes now fearful and hesitant.

“I…I don’t have condoms. I have lube, but I…I never bought condoms.” He murmured, a finger coming up to remove a strand of hair from Jungkook’s eyes. “Never saw the need to, considering I could never sleep with someone who wasn’t you.”

Jungkook knew it shouldn’t matter to him, and it didn’t, but it still felt nice to know that he wasn’t the only one who couldn’t move on from their relationship. It had just felt…wrong. Like they would be cheating. Because their relationship never really had a chance to end properly, not with the way they met each other every other day, being forced to see their ‘ex’ on a weekly to monthly basis because of their shared friend group. So Jungkook smiled up at Taehyung, because it was perfect.

“It’s okay, baby. I’m clean, you’re clean.” Jungkook whispered softly back to him. Then his face reddened, and he removed his eyes from Tae’s, “Besides…we never used one before. Why start now.”

Taehyung cooed at him, his heart enlarging and he could feel it beat it throughout his entire body. Taehyung kissed Jungkook hard, deep, hoping to convey just how much he loved him through that one kiss. Then his hands again moved over Jungkook’s body, this time removing any piece of clothing that came in his path until he was reunited with his bare lover.

Taehyung just stared at him, until Jungkook pulled him down by his neck.

“You too.” Jungkook kissed him.

It was a night of passion. It was loving bites and rough marks, frenzied thrusts followed by adored aftercare. It was a celebration of love and they didn’t stop until they were satisfied with the way the other reeked of them, both inside and out.

Jungkook woke up the next morning with an aching body, especially his neck and lower half, and he smiled because it had been a very long time since this had happened. Three years in fact. He felt around the bed for a minute, realising Taehyung wasn’t next to him. That disappointed him until he felt the door to room open and a tray being placed beside his head.

“Good morning, beautiful.” Kisses were left all over his face, which made Jungkook giggle and pull his lover in by the neck to return them on his lips. “How are you feeling?”

Jungkook smiled, and pecked Tae one more time. “I feel amazing. Never better.”

Taehyung beamed and proceeded to deepen their kiss, until he remembered all his early morning preparation.

“Oh, I made you breakfast.” He pulled away, much to his own disappointment. “It’s your favourite. Bacon, eggs, toast and beans.”

Jungkook thought his heart couldn’t get any bigger. “Thank you, baby. Eat with me?”

Taehyung nodded, kissing him one more time. They fed each other in bites, giggles and pecks in between. When they were finally done, Taehyung pushed the tray aside and pulled Jungkook to his chest, sinking into the bed along with him.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you more.” Jungkook whispered.

Taehyung snorted. “Impossible.”

Jungkook booped his nose in reprimand, but Taehyung just laughed and squeezed him tighter. There was a comfortable silence until Taehyung spoke, nervous.

“Hey, baby?” Jungkook gave a slight hum in response. “Do you…Can…Can I tweet, about us?” He said quietly, his voice tinged with nerves.

Jungkook opened his eyes, meeting his lover’s hesitant ones. He kissed him between the brows, then smiled at him lovingly. “Of course you can baby. If you’re sure. Won’t your company be mad?”

Taehyung snorted. “Fuck the company.”

-KTH 11:57:                                                       I love you, my baby. <3  @J_JK

-PJM 11:58:                                                       NO WAY!

-JIN 11:58:                                                        FINALLY! CONGRATULATIONS BABIES!

-AGUST-D 11:59:                                             THANK FUCK! CONGRATS!

-HOOPEE 11:59:                                               WOOHOOO!!! GO TAE AND JK!

-RM 12:01:                                                       CONGRATULATIONS!

If twitter broke that day, Jungkook and Taehyung wouldn’t know. They were too busy feeding each other ice-cream.