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Yoongi thought he could handle it, thought he could bear with Jungkook being so close yet so far from him. He thought he’d be able to handle seeing his ex so happy and so full of life just a month after they broke up, he genuinely thought he could.
But he can’t, not like this.
Their breakup isn’t necessarily fresh, the two of them only having parted ways a month or so ago, but Yoongi certainly didn’t feel like it was enough time to mourn their relationship. He wanted to stay home, cooped up in bed and cry his eyes out for a few weeks longer, but he couldn’t deny Namjoon begging him to show up at his birthday party.
But now more than ever does he wish he could go back in time and change his decision, because seeing Jungkook so happy with someone else makes his heart hurt. He can’t really describe the pain in his chest, not without the amount of alcohol he’s drank throughout the night settling in his brain, but he knows it feels like he’s drowning in his misery.
Yoongi’s never seen this man before, but the similarity between the two of them in height and build is a little bit shocking. Yoongi isn’t all too tall or stalky, but they look almost identical in terms of body type. Then again, Jungkook’s always liked his partners shorter and not as strong as him. Something Yoongi observed when they recounted their exes one night.
He really can’t believe Jungkook moved on so fast. Granted, Jungkook was the one to initiate their breakup, but he was still hoping for at least some more time of mercy from him and the universe, just so he can really get back on his feet. Doesn’t seem like he’ll be getting that now. The couch shifts under him, a new body settling to his right.
“You’re staring, hyung.” Jimin whispers, loud enough for him to hear but still quiet enough to keep their conversation private.
And yeah, he is staring. But who can blame him? No one can, and if anyone even tries to say something backhanded, he’s going to end up in jail because he doesn’t have the tolerance for bullshit tonight. It’s not like Jungkook will notice either, too busy locked eyes with some other guy that’s not him, not Yoongi .
“So what?” He grumbles, sipping from his drink, not daring to break his gaze for a second. He hears Jimin sigh, a sound he’s all too familiar with whenever it comes to his decisions. “I’m allowed to stare, this is a public space.”
“It’s Joon’s house, hyung.”
“Still allowed to stare… do y’know who that is?”
He’s really not all too sure if he wants to even hear the answer. On one hand, knowing who the guy is will squash his curiosity. On the other, he’s sure the answer will take his heart and stomp on it. Still, he’ll let curiosity win tonight, and deal with the consequences later.
Jimin sighs one more time, palm moving to the base of neck and massaging, an attempt to calm Yoongi down from doing anything stupid. Which of course he wouldn’t, absolutely not. As much as it pains him to see Jungkook happy with someone else, Yoongi wasn’t enough for him. It’s as simple as that. And Yoongi would rather see Jungkook flourish with someone else then die with him, no matter the impact it has on him.
He’s just always loved Jungkook like that.
“Honestly? I have no idea who that is. I tried to ask around, but Taehyung got real weird when I asked him. I kept grilling but he begged me to stop pushing, so I did. From what I gathered though… they’re here on a date.”
Ah, there it is. Yoongi scoffs, lips curling up in a mock smile. Of course , it’s a fucking date. And if Namjoon knew about Jungkook bringing someone, then he knows why he brought said person. Yoongi feels played out, forced to attend a party he doesn’t really want to be at while said host knows about his recent breakup and his ex’s new man. He never expected this from Namjoon, maybe Jimin but not Namjoon.
Namjoon should’ve told him, but didn’t. And now Yoongi’s sulking on this couch, ten times more sober than he was a mere minute ago. He can feel Jimin’s pitiful gaze burning into him, can tell his friend wants to cheer him up or help him in whatever way he can. But Yoongi doesn’t think anyone can help him right now.
Not when Jungkook is standing up with his date , arm thrown over said date’s shoulders and pulling him in close, close, close . Just like what he used to do with Yoongi. He’s just about to tear his gaze away, unable to stomach the sight any longer when they lock eyes, and his breath hitches. Jungkook’s still smiling, but his eyes dim so much Yoongi feels like fucking throwing up. Jungkook doesn’t even want him here, and it was so obvious to everyone but him. The room suddenly feels too claustrophobic, and he needs to get out of here now.
He finishes off his drink, tossing it into Jimin’s hands before standing. “Hyung, where are you-?”
“Tell Joon I'm sorry, but I couldn’t stay. Make some shit up about a family emergency or whatever, I don’t care. Just don’t bother me for the rest of the night.”
The walk out of Namjoon’s apartment was suffocating, multiple eyes trailing his hunched figure all the way out the front door. He’s not sure if anyone noticed he was crying, silently hopes they didn’t, and slams the door shut behind him. His feet move fast, faster than he actually registers because soon enough he’s in the elevator, the doors inching closer.
Only now does he release a shuddering breath, resting his weight against the elevator wall. He just wants to go home and drink this god-awful night away, wants to drink so much he forgets this night entirely. His eyes slip shut, patiently waiting for the elevator to shut. Unfortunately for him, he’s not able to be alone for too long, another body slipping between the closing doors just before they touched.
He hears more than sees the person, choosing to keep his eyes closed in fear of more tears falling down his face. He can’t handle anymore embarrassment tonight. Namjoon’s apartment is pretty high up, his friend being more than financially secure to handle a luxury apartment. He has at least twenty four floors to get through before he can finally get the sweet relief of the night’s air.
“Hyung,” No, Yoongi knows that voice. Why the fuck does he know that voice. “Hyung, will you please look at me?”
Yoongi hesitates, ears ringing with the all too familiar sound of Jungkook’s voice, but it can’t be him, it couldn’t be. His eyes flutter open, and he’s immediately assaulted by Jungkook, Jungkook, Jungkook. His smile, his eyes, his scent. Yoongi sucked in a breath, willing himself to keep his composure at their sudden proximity.
“Jungkook?” He questions unsure, he’s always so unsure when it comes to Jungkook. They haven’t spoken one on one since they broke up, Yoongi being way too scared and heart-broken to reach out.
“Hi, hyung.” And there it is, that beautiful bunny smile of his. Yoongi finds the tension in his shoulders releasing, not even realizing he went stiff when he heard Jungkook.
Jungkook looks weird like this, rigid in posture and overly awkward. He’s always been the more confident one between them, always speaking on his behalf and holding himself well. He was always so comfortable around Yoongi. But now? Now he looks anything but. Did he do this?
“H-Hi, kook.” The nickname feels foreign on his tongue, unused and unspoken in weeks. It almost leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. “What do you want?”
Yoongi cringes internally, annoyed that this is their first conversation in what feels like forever and he sounds so monotone and disinterested. When that truly couldn’t be any farther from the truth. Thankfully, Jungkook doesn’t seem to pay much attention to his tone.
“I’m sorry, Yoongi. I’m so fucking sorry.”
Yoongi frowns, already reaching out to comfort the one person who’s caused him so much misery, just like that. “Kook, what do you-?”
“I should’ve never broken up with you, baby.” Baby. “That was so dumb and incredibly stupid of me to do, I let my nerves get to me, let my head get to me and I ruined it, I ruined us-”
Yoongi straightens his posture, face dipping in confusion. What is this kid even saying? “Kook, I don’t understand what you’re saying. What do you mean you should’ve never broken up with me? Aren’t you on a date-”
Jungkook crowds Yoongi against the wall, their bodies so close Yoongi can feel Jungkook’s heart beating against his chest. His hands are captured between Jungkook’s own, a sensation so familiar it brings tears to his eyes. He opens his mouth to speak more but he’s beaten to it.
“No, no. I am not on a date. Sungho is just a friend, he’s straight. He’s straight, baby.”
Yoongi can’t even begin to understand what’s happening, but he knows he’s fucking estatic that Jungkook is not on a date. Still, if he regrets breaking up with him so much, why did he do it in the first place?
“Kook-ah, if you missed me so much… Why did you break up with me?”
Silence consumes their space, only the sound of the doors opening and closing (with thankfully no onboarders) fills the void. Jungkook’s grip tightens at his question, and deep in his heart he knows something serious has happened.
“Because I love you.” Jungkook finally speaks, but it’s not all too shocking of a revelation. He’s happy to know Jungkook’s feelings haven’t changed though.
“Kook, I know this.” Yoongi affirms, keeping their gazes locked together. “You’ve told me you loved me many times before, why is this any different?”
“Because!” Jungkook growls, pulling away from him altogether. Yoongi mewls softly, immediately chasing after Jungkook’s body when the younger abruptly drops to the floor on one knee. “Because, Yoongi. It’s different because I want to marry you.”
Jungkook pulls out a ring from his back pocket, a beautiful band studded with the exact diamond design Yoongi’s always dreamed of, what he yearned for.
He gasps.