Archive of Our Own

"No fucking way" Hoseok says against the cell phone speaker.

He's standing in front of the elevator door, waiting for it to come to the first floor. He taps his foot anxiously and bites his lip.

" I'm a genius, admit it's a good idea " Seokjin's voice is surprisingly calm.

"It is , but I don't do app dates" the fucking elevator is stuck on the 7th floor. Hoseok is tapping his foot non-stop. He just wants to arrive home. "You know it's not for me."

" I'm not telling you to marry the person, just go on dates. It will help with your Instagram, you know that ."

Hoseok chews his bottom lip, watching the numbers on the elevator never change. The door behind him opens and his handsome neighbor, Taehyung, enters the building. Seeing Hoseok on the phone, Taehyung just smiles and waves, silently greeting Hoseok.

"It would but" Hoseok smiles back, not being able to wave since one hand is holding the phone and the other is holding an ungodly amount of groceries bags. "It won't be really fun if I end up with the guy all over me."

" All over you?"

"You know what I mean, Jinnie" Hoseok sighs and the number on the elevator finally starts to change.

" Well, I guess. But you need to post something, Hobi. Your sponsors will probably rip your throat if you don't ."

"Don't need to remind me" the elevator finally arrives. When the door opens, five people leave it together, with so many huge suitcases that Hoseok thinks they'll leave the country for a while. "But dating apps are out of the question. I'm entering the elevator now, Jinnie, we can talk later."

Hoseok enters the elevator, followed by Taehyung. Once the door closes, Taehyung looks at him and opens a sweet smile, "Trouble in paradise?"

"There's no paradise at all" Hoseok laughs humorlessly. "My sponsors are pressing me about new posts on my Instagram, another 'dream dates' series because the last one went viral, but…"

"You aren't in the dating mood?" The door opens again and they leave the elevator together, stopping in front of their doors to talk a little longer.

"It's not it, I just…" Hoseok feels his cheeks burning. "Last time I had a boyfriend-ish, it was not just casual dating. I don't do casual dating."

"Oh?" Taehyung tilts his head, curious.

Hoseok has a little of a hard time talking to Taehyung. The young one is always sweet with him, they talk frequently in the corridor, the best neighbor Hoseok has ever had. But he is too handsome, professional model level, and his voice is so deep that Hoseok always feels a little intimidated. 

"Usually when people want a casual date, especially through apps, they are seeking some… physical release. And I don't."

"You don't?" Taehyung frowns.

How can Hoseok explain to him that he is demisexual? Especially to Taehyung, who seems to have a very active sex life, since the guy constantly has different women coming to his house. Hoseok doesn't judge, of course not, but sometimes it's really hard to explain asexuality for allosexuals.

"I don't do casual sex" that's what Hoseok chooses to answer. It's easier that way. "Anyway, I'll figure something out that doesn't involve dating strangers."

"I'm rooting for you" Taehyung smiles, beautiful. Hoseok instantly blushes. "I'm sure you'll get your perfect dates soon."

"You're a nice person, Taehyung" they both smile. "Thanks for supporting."

“Anytime, Hoseok.”

They enter their respective houses and Hoseok puts his groceries on the table. He picks up his spice shrimp snack and puts a full hand inside his mouth, chewing sadly while he checks his Instagram. He has about 176k followers now. Doesn’t make him the biggest influencer, but sure enough gets some attention from some brands, enough for him to get sponsors and make a living from it at least.

It wasn’t exactly his intention when he started his Instagram, aspoonofhope , to become someone known for his romantic posts, his cute texts, his beautiful lyrics and sweet love tips. Of course, he would love to have followers, usually it’s something people wish, having their hard work being recognized, but become an influencer, having sponsors, people liking and commenting and asking for more of his content? It was way more than he asked for.

He likes it, it's better than his old job selling wedding dresses (hence his initial inspiration for posts). But the hard thing about being your own boss and working with creativity is how blocks are the worst thing that can happen. And Hoseok has been on a block for almost two months now, his engagement decreased 17% and his sponsors are furious .

Seokjin's idea was good, if he's being honest. Probably going out with some random person would help him to have content to write about, even if just to make some things you shouldn't do during a date list.

But Hoseok hates going on dates with strangers, especially strangers he met through dating apps. The thing is, people usually are looking for specific things on dating apps. Romance is not that important. And Hoseok don't do casual sex. Not because he has any kind of personal rule. He just never feels like it. Being demisexual, it can take a long time until he feels like having sex with someone - if he feels like it. Most people aren't willing to wait this much. People looking for dating on apps definitely aren't.

It might be different for heterosexual apps, Hoseok guesses when he remembers how Taehyung seemed surprised. Maybe because of some sexist shit, woman aren't too explicitly looking for sex on dating apps. But the gay ones Hoseok used once? Jesus fuck . He remembers most conversations starting with a very explicit nude. And the only two guys who didn't act like a horny creep on chat tried to force kisses on the first date.

So, dating apps are a big no no .

And now that he thinks about Taehyung, Hoseok is a little jealous of how easy things might be for him. For all he knows, Taehyung has a very sexually active life. Not that Hoseok listens to what happens inside his house, but there are a lot of women coming in and out of his apartment. Also, Taehyung is fucking handsome, and if Hoseok wasn't best friends with the one and only Seokjin, Taehyung would probably the most handsome man Hoseok had ever met. So, allosexual, handsome, straight. The perfect combo of someone getting an easy dating life.

Hoseok wishes for a second he was Taehyung.

After throwing away the shrimp snack's empty packet and considering opening another (deciding not to), Hoseok opens the Play Store on his cell phone. He blinks lazily, searching the apps. Grindr. Scruff. Jack'd. Hornet. Even the names make Hoseok cringe. He closes the app, opening his message one.

Hoseok [3:41]

hyung, can you find me a job at your company? 🥺

Jinnie hyung 💜😍 [3:46]

what

y

Hoseok [3:46]

I will never be able to continue my career

I have no creativity

no dates

I'm done

Jinnie hyung 💜😍 [3:46]

jesus fuck Hobi

it's just u being dramatic af

scared me for a sec here

Hoseok [3:47]

I'm dying

there's no hope left

love is dead and so am I 

internet killed love

don't you dare say I make a living from both internet and love I swear I kill u

Jinnie hyung 💜😍 [3:49]

u make a living from both internet and love

Hoseok [3:49]

I'm killing you

don't laugh at my pain, I can literally lose my sponsors

and my job

Jinnie hyung 💜😍 [3:50]

oh baby Hobi, hyung will go to ur house n make u dinner after work, how does that sound?

promise i'll give u lots and lots of smooches 😘😘

Hoseok [3:51]

gross

can you make bibimbap?

Jinnie hyung 💜😍 [3:51]

anything for my baby

kookie says he'll go too and give you more smooches than i will 

i say game on

Hoseok [3:52]

please don't make me part of your competitive kink

Hoseok at least manages to smile, something Seokjin is always very good at doing for him. God bless his best friend. With the anxious feeling that just can't leave his body, Hoseok starts to clean his already clean house, but at least makes him feel like he's doing something .

It's almost 7pm when his intercom rings. Hoseok authorizes their entrance (bureaucracies boring as fuck, since Seokjin and Jungkook are on his house too frequently) and minutes he hears a knock on his front door.

"Hyung!" Jungkook suffocates Hoseok inside what he likes to call a hug, but is basically him forgetting he's fucking huge, almost making Hoseok disappear inside the youngest's arms. 

"This is why you didn't help with the bags, you little shit? So you can have Hobi first?"

"Can't breathe" Hoseok taps Jungkook's arm twice, taking a deep breath once he's released from the hug.

"Sorry" Jungkook doesn't sound sorry at all.

"I'm putting these in your kitchen, but I'll come back to hug and kiss you in a minute, just you wait."

Hoseok and Jungkook go to the living room, where Jungkook sits on the couch and pulls Hoseok to his lap. Hoseok rolls his eyes, but gets comfortable. It's a little strange but for some nonsense reason, Seokjin and Jungkook are a little too overprotective of Hoseok, doesn't matter if it's completely unnecessary.

("It's not unnecessary " Seokjin said the first time Hoseok brought the issue about how they didn't need to treat him like a fragile thing. "You had your heart broken three times last year. You cried for days."

"Also, you had that one sponsor that made you work incessantly and didn't even pay you."

"And do you remember that guy that actually tried to-" This makes Jungkook's fist close hard, and Hoseok lowers his head.

"He didn't. I defended myself" Hoseok whispers. There's a part of him that still feels afraid of that day.

"Damn sure you did" Jungkook frowns. "You're not dumb or innocent or defenceless, hyung, we know that. But you are too good, and we want to take care of you."

"Also, we like to baby you, sue us." Seokjin shrugs and they all laugh. Hoseok just accepts that from time to time they will treat him like he's their baby. When he stops to think about it, he kind of is.)

"Hyung said you've been having a hard time with your Instagram and need to go on dates" Jungkook says while hugging Hoseok too tight again. "I can take you out on dates and help."

"That's sweet, Kookie" Hoseok lays his head on Jungkook's shoulder. "But you are my baby brother, wouldn't work."

"And how about me?" Seokjin comes from the kitchen and sits on Hoseok's lap. Now they're all entangled on the couch and it's a huge mess. The one Hoseok loves the most. "I can take you on better dates than Jungkook."

"You're my old brother, hyung" Hoseok kisses Seokjin's cheek.

"Who are you calling old, brat?" 

They laugh and stay entangled on the couch for a little before getting up and start to prepare the meal. It's always fun being with Jungkook and Seokjin, especially to have meals. Hoseok loves to watch their bickering that is so full of the purest love. Even when Jungkook is calling Seokjin an old man, he does it with so much love and admiration in his eyes that it hardly passes as a provocation. Hoseok isn’t the jealous type, but he thinks about how he wanted to have something like that in his life.

Homemade bibimbap is very different from the one he can get at restaurants. At least the homemade bibimbap by Seokjin. It doesn't take too long for the food to be ready, and they all sit together and start to eat. Everything looks and smells delicious. Doesn't look like bibimbap, though. Hoseok loves it anyway.

They have barely started to eat when the doorbell rings. It's strange, because Hoseok lives in an apartment, seventh floor. People don't ring the bell, they use the intercom. Before he can even understand what is really going on, Jungkook gets up, saying “I’ll answer it!” and running to the door. Hoseok raises his eyebrows to Seokjin, who just shrugs and keeps eating, as if nothing is happening.

“Hi, is Hoseok home?” a deep voice comes from the door; one that Hoseok doesn’t know too intimately but has heard enough to recognize anywhere.

“Who is that?” Seokjin asks casually.

“My neighbor, Taehyung. Wait a minute, I’ll talk to him.”

When he arrives at the door, he sees Jungkook with a cocky smile and Taehyung looking completely embarrassed. Once Taehyung sees Hoseok getting closer, he opens a relieved smile.

“Hey, Hoseok” Taehyung gives a small wave. “I just came here to… Huh…” Taehyung gives an uncertain look at Jungkook, before looking at Hoseok again and continuing “I was going to invite you to dinner. I ordered thai” With a shy smile, Taehyung raises the bags he is holding.

“Oh, that’s” unexpected “sweet. Why don’t you come in and have dinner with us? My hyung made bibimbap.”

“I don’t want to impose” Taehyung says with a shy smile. A cute one. “Also, I have to do something with this food.”

“You can put it in the freezer and eat it tomorrow. Come in, the food is delicious.”

Taehyung looks at Jungkook again, uncertain. Hoseok wonders what the fuck Jungkook said to him in those three seconds they interacted. The three enter the house together, Taehyung looking more out of place than Hoseok expected. He puts the bags in Hoseok's fridge, helps himself, and together they all sit down again. After the proper introductions are made, an awkward silence hangs over the table as they stare at each other, and Hoseok begins to wonder if inviting Taehyung to dinner was really a good idea. If he really thinks about it, Hoseok practically forced the poor guy to have dinner with them. And the worst neighbor award goes to…

Everyone is chewing silently. Hoseok wants to say something, bring up something, but he has no idea what. Taehyung looks at his plate the whole time, avoiding making eye contact with anyone at the table. The discomfort in the environment is so clear that Hoseok feels it under his skin, itching.

"So Taehyung, how did you and Hobi meet?" Seokjin's question takes everyone by surprise.

And after five long seconds of silence, Taehyung starts laughing non-stop. Hoseok stays quiet, not sure how to react to this. His friends are also looking confusedly at Taehyung, who now is starting to recover from all the laughter.

"Sorry" Taehyung says after recovering from his tantrum. "I’m sorry, but the way you said it, it sounded like a father asking about his son's boyfriend."

Jungkook starts laughing after understanding, just as Hoseok feels his entire face burn. He hates being the center of attention, and even though it's not him, exactly, he still feels embarrassed.

"The silence was bothering me" Seokjin shrugs, breaking into a playful smile. One that Hoseok knows well enough to know that good things aren't coming. "Should I be asking about your intentions with my baby, Taehyung-ssi?"

"Hyung!" Hoseok cries, hiding his face behind his hands. "Stop it!"

"My intentions are the best, I promise" Taehyung smiles cutely at Hoseok, who can see slightly behind his own fingers. "Hoseok is a great neighbor, I don't want him to leave because I scared him out."

"You're not scaring me, Taehyung" Hoseok lowers his hands, still feeling his face burning as he faces Taehyung. "And sorry for their behavior, they enjoy making everyone’s lives hard."

"We only want the best for you, hyung" Jungkook smiles with fake innocence, to which Hoseok just narrows his eyes in his direction.

Despite the slow and kind of uncomfortable beginning, soon enough they’re all taking and getting to know each other better. Hoseok thinks about how Seokjin was the one starting the talking, how he probably sounded funny on purpose. Because that’s Seokjin, the one who always wants to make everyone feel welcome, and between a huge list, that's one of the things Hoseok admires the most about his hyung.

It's pretty late when Seokjin and Jungkook say their goodbyes, after sitting on the couch for hours and telling everything about their relationship to Taehyung, who listens carefully, fully interested. After the couple is gone, Taehyung and Hoseok look at each other in the corridor, a shy smile on their faces.

"Thank you for having dinner with us. And sorry for any bad joke."

"It was incredible, I really liked meeting your friends" Taehyung looks at his own hands, where he's holding the bag of Thai food he didn't eat and will probably be his lunch. Hoseok thinks about saying something, but before he can even open his mouth, Taehyung is looking at him again. "Actually, there was a reason I wanted to invite you to dinner, Hoseok. It's… I didn't want to say it in front of your friends, but you know how you said you need to write for your Instagram, right?"

"Yes" Hoseok whines. He had completely forgotten that he was having a crisis over his job and how everything sucks. He needs to say goodbye to Taehyung, because Hoseok pretends to cry on his bed as soon as possible. "Unfortunately."

"Well, I was thinking… Maybe I could help you?" Taehyung says, shy. This is unexpected. "You know how I'm a photographer, right?"

"I didn't know" Hoseok frowns. Why didn't he know?

"Really? I never mentioned it? Strange" the youngest frowns and Hoseok asks himself how much he doesn't know about his neighbor's life. "Anyway, I need to update my portfolio and I thought maybe we could help each other. I take you out on dates, and I take photos of our dates, maybe some photos of you…"

For a crazy second, Hoseok is sure he started hallucinating. There’s no way he heard it right. He just blinks at Taehyung’s direction, waiting for some laugh, any indication that this is all a big joke. But Taehyung is just looking expectantly at him.

“Why?” Hoseok asks.

“Uh…” Taehyung frowns. “Because it can help both of us?” and then, the thing that almost makes Hoseok choke with air: Taehyung blushes. Deep, face full red, and he suddenly looks anywhere but Hoseok. “I get it if you want to say ‘no’, but I swear it’s not… I don’t want to like… It’s not a casual sex invitation, I don’t do these stuff, just” Taehyung takes a deep breath, finally looking at Hoseok again. “Maybe just one date? I swear I’m not too boring.”

“You are… you really want that?” Hoseok can’t help but let his jaw drop when Taehyung confirms. It sounds a little too good to be true , but Hoseok is no fool. “Yes! Yes, let’s do it! You just need to take some pictures during the dates, right?”

“Yes!” Taehyung smiles, something between relieved and excited. “Just the places, the environment, maybe one or two of you?”

“Sounds perfect. And can you, like, send one to me, so I can use it on my Instagram? I can tag you, if you want to.”

“That would be great!” 

They high-five each other (weird, first time ever, make them start to laugh non-stop at how random that was), both too excited about the prospect of putting some work done. They agree on three dates, enough for Hoseok to have a lot to write about, and with the chance for Taehyung to visit more places to photograph. Hoseok suggests looking for some dating places, but Taehyung says he already has something in mind, apparently places he can take the pictures he wants for his portfolio, the first one being this weekend. They exchange numbers and a promise to have the best dates ever .

When Hoseok finally lies down on his bed, he laughs at the ceiling, not believing how lucky he feels. What started as a really terrible day ended up with a great dinner, great food, and now he’ll have three dates with his neighbor, so he can finally update his Instagram and make his sponsors happy.

The best part is that Hoseok really believes there’s no ulterior reason for Taehyung to invite him. Also, Hoseok always liked Taehyung, since they met when Hoseok got his pants stuck inside the washing machine and Taehyung kindly helped him. They never became too close, but they talked frequently in the corridor, or the elevator, or the lobby. Hoseok likes Taehyung, and even though there’ll be nothing romantic about these dates (after all, Taehyung is still straight, and it’s literally business), he’s excited for whatever is coming.

***

Hoseok hates to admit it, but he feels nervous about this date. Not a bad nervous, though. He has no idea where they're going, but Hoseok put on one of his best clothes. Fashion is an important matter for him, and Taehyung said he'll take some pictures. Hoseok just wants to look good.

Seokjin and Jungkook made his life a living hell through the entire week. Of course they went full overprotective about Hoseok, threatening to end Taehyung's happiness if he even thought about laying a finger on Hoseok, doesn't matter how many times Hoseok repeated that his neighbor is straight.

("Did you ask him?" Jungkook asked when Hoseok brought the topic.

"Well, no but-"

"So you can't know for sure. So I can break all his fingers."

"That's too violent. Also, you don't see the amount of women coming in and out of his apartment" Hoseok shook his hand, dismissing the matter. "I'm telling you, he is very much straight."

"It's wrong to assume, Hob-ah. Also, I felt a vibe " Seokjin shrugged. "He's LGBTQIA+, I'm sure. And if he lays a finger on you, let Jungkook take care of him, because if it's me, he's gonna wish he got all his fingers broken.")

Hoseok doesn't fear Taehyung a bit, which could lead to disaster, but he honestly has a good feeling about the guy. So, when his doorbell rings, he just takes a deep breath and puts on his best smile. When he opens the door, Hoseok is reminded that Taehyung is absolutely handsome and what a waste that he's straight.

" Wow " Taehyung says when he looks at Hoseok. "I'm glad you agreed to do this, there's no model in the world who would look as handsome as you."

"What" Hoseok laughs out loud while he closes the door, feeling his cheeks heating a little. "You don't need to pretend to woo me, Taehyung."

" Hey , a man can be honest" they walk together to the elevator.

They keep silent while the elevator goes down the seven floors. Hoseok takes another look at Taehyung. His hair is dark, almost pitch black, with some small curls that make him look fluffy. He's wearing a neutral tone set of pants and shirt, and he's carrying a big brown bag, where his camera probably is. It doesn't really tell anything about where they're going, but his clothes are not that different from Hoseok's, so he's probably ok.

“So… where are we going?” Hoseok asks once they’re out in the garage, walking to what Hoseok assumes is Taehyung’s car.

“That’s a surprise!” Taehyung opens a sweet smile while they enter the car and leave the building. “It’s a place I really love, and hopefully you will too.”

They make small talk all the way to the place, while Hoseok tries really hard to convince Taehyung to tell him where they’re going, which is no use. Hoseok tries to guess where they’re going, leading them to a lot of laughs.

“We’re not going to a cemetery cinema, Hoseok” Taehyung is trying really hard to pay attention to the road, for as hard as he is laughing. “Where did you even get this idea from?!”

“There’s something like this in America.”

“Americans are weird.”

“And you are mean !” Hoseok whines, which makes Taehyung laugh even harder. “It’s too early for lunch, we’re not in America to have brunch… Are we going to a picnic?”

“Picnic is too basic.”

“It’s cute, I like picnics.”

“Yes, but we’re trying to get new stuff to your Instagram page and cool pictures to my portfolio, so- Oh, we’re here!” 

When they get out of the car, Hoseok can finally take a look at the place. It’s… not what he was expecting, that’s for sure. It's a small place and looks quite antique . Hoseok would never think about it as a date location, but Taehyung looks really excited about the place.

"It's a vinyl store, they have the most unexpected vinyls you'll ever see!" The guy can't stop smiling while they enter the store. It doesn't smell old, something Hoseok kind of expected. 

It's not a place Hoseok would choose for a date. Once they're inside, the person in the cashier greets Taehyung, so Hoseok assumes he's a regular here. He is not sure how to act or what to do, this is nowhere near the dates Hoseok is used to. 

"Come here" suddenly Taehyung is holding his hand, guiding him inside the store. "You can search for anything you like, or you can help me find anything from Ella Fitzgerald or Frank Sinatra. After that, there's a coffee shop in the back, they can play any discs we choose while we eat something and talk."

"Right, I'll help you then.”

Honestly, Hoseok doesn't expect much from this date, they're just in a vinyl shop after all. But as soon as they start scouring the shelves for vinyls, it becomes one of the funniest dates ever. Not because looking for a vinyl is really fun, but because doing it with Taehyung turns out to be amazing. Not only do they look for Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald vinyls, they comment on everyone else: they laugh at weird titles, try to guess the song's lyrics by the title alone, imitate the funniest and craziest covers.

After finding the records and taking some (lots of) photos for Taehyung's portfolio, they finally head to the back of the store, where they can order something to eat and drink. The small café is simple, without many fancy or gourmet options, but everything looks amazing nonetheless. At Taehyung's request, a song by Ella Fitzgerald lulls the moment, one that Hoseok doesn't know but sounds amazing. Maybe now, Hoseok ends up becoming more interested in Jazz.

"I didn't think you'd buy an Eminem vinyl" Taehyung comments as he takes a long sip of his tea.

"I had no idea Eminem vinyl existed!" Hoseok laughs, taking a big bite of his strawberry mousse cake (which Seokjin would hate for being fake strawberry . Hoseok thinks it's delicious). "And I know it doesn't look like it, but I'm a huge rap and hip-hop fan, especially since that's what I dance to the most."

"Have you danced for a long time?"

"As long as I can remember. That's how I met Jungkook, by the way" the information is completely random, but Hoseok thinks that random information is part of a date where people want to get to know each other better.

"Jungkook… I have conflicting feelings about him" Taehyung frowns and Hoseok looks at him curiously. "When I knocked on your door, and he opened it, I was quite intimidated by the way he asked what I wanted with you. But throughout dinner, he seemed so cute? It's confusing."

"That's Kookie" Hoseok flashes a sweet smile. "But he'll be very happy to know that you were intimidated by him, he was thinking about threatening you."

"Threaten me?" Taehyung's jaw drops, and Hoseok realizes too late how he must have sounded.

"It's nothing serious!" He tries to correct himself quickly, waving his hands. "They just said that if you try… stuff with me, they would come for you. But I said you're straight, so no need to worry."

"You said I'm what?!"

"Well…"

"I'm not straight!" Taehyung looks so shocked and offended that Hoseok is completely speechless. He just stares at his neighbor, confused, his jaw as dropped as Taehyung's. "I'm asexual! And homo romantic!"

Hoseok continues to stare at him silently, not sure what to say. He's not sure if he's more shocked at how offended Taehyung seems to be at the mere thought of being straight, or at the fact that Taehyung just spit out his sexuality without even realizing it.

"Sorry" Hoseok finally says, feeling his face start to heat up as he swallows hard. "I shouldn't have assumed, I'm sorry, Taehyung." Hoseok lowers his head now, looking at his own lap.

"I mean, I've never commented about my sexuality, anything was possible, just… Where did you get that I'm straight?"

"There are always so many women coming in and out of your apartment that I just… assumed."

"That's because I have a little studio in my apartment that's super artistic and beautiful, brides love to go there and take pictures" Taehyung sounds sympathetic, but Hoseok can't say for sure because he's still staring at his lap, face still burning from shame for the situation that put the youngest. "Hey, Hoseok" he feels Taehyung's hand touch his across the table, finally leading Hoseok to raise his head. “I promise it's okay. I wasn't upset, just… surprised. Nobody looks at me and concludes that I'm straight."

They both laugh, the atmosphere between them getting better. It takes a while for Taehyung to let go of Hoseok's hand, but he doesn't complain. It's comfortable having Taehyung's hand on his, which makes Hoseok feel calm in a way he can't even understand.

After a few more laughs, Taehyung announces that he would love for them to have lunch together, but he needs to go to the studio (apparently he co-owns Filter, a famous studio in the city, although nowadays, he does a lot more administrative work, photographing just a few more VIP customers), so they unfortunately have to leave.

The way home is also fun, as much as it was when they were going to the store, as much as the date. As they ride up the elevator laughing at a crazy story about Jimin, Taehyung's best friend and business partner, Hoseok feels grateful for the amazing morning he spent with his neighbor. Every time they met in the halls of the building, talking to Taehyung was always easy. Being on a date with him was dozens of times better than Hoseok could ever imagine.

“Thanks for the date today, Taehyung” Hoseok smiles as they stand face to face, each facing their own door. "It was amazing."

"Really?" the smile that Taehyung opens is something between shy and proud, it makes Hoseok's heart melt. Just a little. “I was apprehensive, afraid you wouldn't like going to a vinyl store. I know it's not usual…”

“I'll be honest, I didn't expect much when we got there” they both let out a low laugh. “But it was perfect, maybe it was due to the company…”

“You don't need to pretend to woo me, Hoseok” the repeated phrase causes Hoseok to let out a loud laugh. “I hope you also like what I have planned for the next date, too! And that it really helps you with your Instagram posts.”

“Of course” Hoseok blinks. He had completely forgotten about Instagram. "And you can call me hyung if you want."

“Hyung, then” another shy, cute smile. “See you."

With silly smiles and nods, they say goodbye, each entering their own house. Hoseok takes off his shoes and puts away his keys, feeling a little numb. It's not possible that he had really completely forgotten that this wasn't just a cool date between two friends. It was business . He was hanging out with Taehyung, so the two could help each other with their respective jobs.

Hoseok takes a deep breath and shakes his head, chuckling, before pulling out his cell phone and starting to prepare the new series of dating spots that don't seem like it, but are indeed perfect .

***

The post gets thousands of likes. His followers love it. The sponsors are happy, Hoseok is happier. He didn't expect to write so much about the date. It's not too personal, if he's being honest, just some beautiful things that every person who loves romance can feel deep inside their hearts. Hoseok is great with words, especially with metaphors, and that's what people love most about his posts.

Hoseok is happy about the engagement he’s getting, of course he is. But all he can think about is the next date with Taehyung.

At the first one, Hoseok didn’t know what to expect, it was all new: going out with Taehyung, going on a business-date, being in a vinyl store. The first time was a shot in the dark that Hoseok just hoped it would be ok enough, so he could make up some sweet story to post on his Instagram. But now he knows.

Now Hoseok knows how fun Taehyung is, how sweet he can be, doing genuine effort to make the date as pleasant for Hoseok as it was for himself. So, for the entire week, Hoseok has been anxiously waiting for the next date, counting every and each day.

“I really hope you like the place I’m taking you today” Taehyung says as they get out of the car, with a big smile on his face. "Today we're supposed to have a lot of fun."

"Last date was a lot of fun" Hoseok opens a small smile, contrasting with Taehyung's.

"But today it will be… more. Come, let's… can I hold your hand?" The question coming out of nowhere takes Hoseok by surprise.

"You don't have to" Hoseok answers while his face burns because this is not a real date. Just business.

"I want to. But it's alright if holding hands is too much."

If Hoseok is being honest, that’s something he would also like. It’s a date, after all. When their hands touch and interlace, Hoseok feels like he’s about to combust, which is ridiculous. Hoseok is used to holding hands with his friends, Jungkook and Seokjin actually find it difficult to let go of Hoseok’s hands sometimes. Holding hands, yes, daily basis for him. 

But Taehyung is not one of his best friends.

Taehyung is his very much handsome neighbor who is taking Hoseok to their second date. Second business date , Hoseok has to repeat to himself. But, even if the date is not real, Taehyung’s warm hand is very much real, holding Hoseok’s in a very endearing way while they enter somewhere with too many neon colorful lights.

“Hi, I made some table reservation? My name is Kim Taehyung.”

Hoseok starts malfunctioning and, for the following minutes, he can’t really pay attention to anything besides the fact that he just realized that they are at a roller skating rink. One that looks a little 80s disco, the perfect copy of any American 80s disco themed thing. It’s a huge place, and it’s not crowded. In the center, there’s the rink, where a dozen people are skating with the same blue-ish rollerblade. At the back, there are a lot of tables and a place where you can order some food and drink, Hoseok guesses.

He blinks a couple of times when Taehyung snaps his fingers right in front of Hoseok’s face, asking for his shoe number. Hoseok responds on automatic, almost robotic, barely reacting when Taehyung holds his hand again and guides them to the table in the back, the one Taehyung apparently reserved for this date.

The thing is, Hoseok is not confident in his rollerskating skills. He’s not the most skilled person when it comes to some sports, and the one time Jungkook tried to get him to ride a skate, Hoseok succeeded in almost killing them both, and gave himself several bruises after an epic fall (for which Jungkook still has a video, the fucking gremlin). So… Rollerblades might not be the best idea ever, maybe even a little dangerous.

“Hyung? Are you feeling okay?” Taehyung tilts his head, looking at Hoseok a little worried. “You look a little pale.”

But there’s another thing. Taehyung had the idea of coming to this place, didn’t he? Maybe he’s planning to help Hoseok with the rollerblade thing. Maybe when they go to the rink, Taehyung will hold Hoseok’s hand with all his warmth, and guide them, teaching Hoseok how to really go rollerskating. Maybe Taehyung can even hold Hoseok’s waist if he falls. That would be cute.

Not appropriate for a business date, but surely a cute thing to write on his Instagram. Taehyung would totally understand. 

"I'm fine, just excited about this."

"That's nice" Taehyung has this boxy smile that is the cutest thing Hoseok ever saw. Makes him look even younger, adorable, and one intrusive thought makes Hoseok wonder how it would be to bite this smile. "Let's go to the rink then!"

The interesting thing happens when they get up and go to the rink. Because Hoseok honestly thought that this would be cute. Date-ish. But the moment they both put foot on the rink, they both instantly fall.

"Shit" Taehyung says, trying to get up and falling again. "This is harder than it looks like."

"Is this your first time?" Hoseok tries to get up and, intuitively, holds onto Taehyung, who was almost getting up himself. They both fall again. "I'm so sorry!"

"That's ok" Taehyung laughs, giving up on getting up. Hoseok thinks it's cute, even though it is a mess. "It's my second time, I thought I'd have learned something by now, but I'm clearly a mess."

"I'm coming!" Somebody says from the other side of the rink, and soon an instructor is sliding in their direction, helping them to get up. "Sorry, I was trying to help this kid who keeps falling all the time, the poor thing."

The instructor kindly extends her hand to them, and for the first time since they entered the rink, Hoseok is on both feet again. So this is how the world should look like?

"And now you are helping two other kids who keep falling down?" Hoseok tries to be funny because the moment he dares to move his feet, he almost falls again, being supported by the instructor. "This is humiliating."

"You haven't seen my girlfriend, she's the worst," the instructor laughs. "You'd think we could have some cute moments, but it's always just she making me fall down."

"We're so good at falling" Hoseok laughs too, while, holding both Hoseok's and Taehyung's hand, the instructor starts to slowly guide them through the rink. He likes her, she's a good instructor. 

"Yes, but you are a cute couple too, don't worry."

The assumption makes Hoseok freeze, but the instructor is still trying to make them move a little, so obviously he falls on his butt. Again. And this time it hurts like hell. Hoseok closes his eyes and tries to take a deep breath. He decides he hates it here.

"Hyung!" Taehyung tries to hold him, but it's useless. At least the instructor succeeds in holding Taehyung and preventing him from falling. "I really thought I would be better at this and would help you. I wanted us to be cute together, not a mess."

“Again, you two are pretty cute together, don’t worry” the instructor says as, once again, helps Hoseok get up. “Look, I need to help other people, do you guys think you can handle yourselves?”

“I want to go back to the table” Hoseok whines, still feeling so much pain. “Please.”

“Of course!” Taehyung motions to hold Hoseok’s hand, but with his other hand holding the instructor’s, it’s kind of an impossible task.

The instructor helps them to go back to the table, leaving to help people on the rink. The minute Hoseok is seated, a pain wave crosses his body, and it feels like maybe he broke his hips. Is that possible? He closes his eyes for a second and thinks about how everything went down so fast.

“I’ll be back in a minute” Taehyung says and quickly takes off his rollerblades, getting up and leaving the table.

Hoseok touches his hips and tries to find where exactly the pain is, but it’s everywhere. He takes a deep breath and moves a little on his seat, trying to find a slightly less uncomfortable position. At the snack bar, Hoseok can see Taehyung talking to the cashier. It doesn’t take long for Taehyung to come back to the table, holding two giant milkshake cups. 

"I'm so sorry, hyung" Taehyung pouts and sits beside Hoseok, extending one of the milkshakes to him. "So, so sorry."

"That's alright" Hoseok opens a smile and takes a sip of the milkshake. Strawberry. He likes strawberry. "I didn't think I would be so bad at it."

"I really thought I would be better" Taehyung is still pouting, something Hoseok finds incredibly endearing. "I wanted to… help. I thought it would be cute, we both skating and holding hands."

Like a couple.

"The instructor… she thought we were a couple" and they didn't correct her. Maybe because Hoseok managed to fall that exact moment, and it became about helping him up again. But, still, they didn't correct.

"And, as she said twice, she really thought we are cute together" Taehyung doesn't look at Hoseok when he talks. It's strange, usually Taehyung can't take his eyes off of the person he's talking to. "Were you uncomfortable?"

Hoseok pretends he thinks about it, because he already knows the answer. He didn't feel uncomfortable, exactly, just a little surprised. Not surprised because someone thought they're a couple, they are on a date after all. Just surprised about how not wrong it felt. Hoseok can't say it to Taehyung. It would be awkward, for sure.

"No. It was funny" Hoseok decides to answer like this. It's not the truth, not really, but it's a good version of it.

"Glad it didn't bother you" Taehyung's smile is shy, his cheeks slightly pink. It's almost bothersome how Hoseok can't stop thinking about how adorable Taehyung is. "I'm sorry again, hyung. I wanted to  make it cute and fun, but everything I did was to hurt you."

"Please, don't think like that" almost as an instinct, Hoseok holds Taehyung's hand, trying to comfort him. "It happens, and this place is really awesome, even if we suck at rollerskating." They both laugh at this. Good, laughing. That's what they're supposed to be doing. "Also, I'm with you, Taehyung. You're great company, doesn't matter the place." 

Taehyung takes a long look at their intertwined hands and opens his mouth as if to say something, but gives up midway. Even though Hoseok is curious about what Taehyung was about to say, he doesn’t ask. He looks at their intertwined hands, notices how his hand looks so small inside Taehyung's. In general, Hoseok doesn't think about himself as small . He's not really short, he's almost Jungkook's height. Sure, he is a little thin, sometimes too much, but even so, he's not small . But that's how he feels next to Taehyung. Being by his side makes Hoseok wonder how it would be to disappear inside Taehyung's arms, be protected by him.

Hoseok tries to send the thoughts away. 

He can't.

"I'll make it up to you" is what Taehyung ends up saying. "Promise."

Hoseok wants to say that there’s nothing to make up for, but he keeps quiet, still looking at their hands, not wanting to let go. It’s not Hoseok’s fault if their hands look so good together. 

They leave the place after finishing the milkshakes, and this time Hoseok is the one holding Taehyung's hand while they walk to the car. Taehyung let's Hoseok choose any playlist he likes, and they end up singing the only Taylor Swift album that Hoseok knows for the entire trip. Hoseok almost forgets how much pain he's feeling at the moment.

"I'm-" Taehyung starts to say once they are home, again standing in the corridor, face to face, in front of their doors.

"If you say again that you're sorry," Hoseok decides he won't let Taehyung finish. "I swear to god, I'll punch you. Seriously, Taehyungie."

"Ok, I won't say it" Taehyung laughs. "Thank you for being so patient with me."

"Thank you for today. It was a mess, but the funniest mess ever."

This time, they say their goodbyes with a hug. Quick hug, a little too shy, but a hug that Hoseok loved more than he should. He enters home, feeling stranger than ever. His butt hurts, his brain feels slow, his heart is beating too fast. Roller skating maybe didn't end up being the best idea.

Hoseok goes to his kitchen and grabs a water bottle, taking a long gulp, a bit of water falling from his mouth and wetting his shirt. When he thinks about the night he had with Taehyung, he can't see it as a failure, even when he tries to sit and feels too much pain for it.

Hoseok smiles to himself, thinking about how worried Taehyung looked. How cute it was. When the younger one invited Hoseok to dates, to help them both, Hoseok just expected to get something good for his Instagram. But now, Instagram is honestly the last thing on Hoseok's mind. He doesn’t even know what he’ll write, which photos he’ll upload since he didn’t take none and… Taehyung forgot his camera.

Shit, Taehyung didn’t even get to take pictures and made something useful from this date.

With one last sigh, Hoseok goes to his bedroom, where he struggles to find a position where he feels as little pain as possible, and spends the rest of the night pondering why the hell his heart races when he thinks about going on another date with Taehyung.

***

(“You’re in love with your neighbor or what?” Jungkook asks one day.

Hoseok chokes.

He had just put on his mouth the spoon full of sauce that Seokjin asked him to taste, and Jungkook saw it . He chose to do this to Hoseok, to see him suffer, so Hoseok literally chokes. And fucking Jungkook does nothing to help.

“If you kill my baby, Jungkook,” Seokjin says while he tries to help Hoseok to breathe again. “we’re fucking breaking up.”

“Like you could live without me” Jungkook rolls his eyes and Hoseok is dying . Why are they talking about their relationship when Hoseok is clearly dying?

“Bet?”

“Why” Hoseok finally succeeds in breathing again. “do you think I’m in love with my neighbor?”

“Because he’s all you talk about all the time?” Jungkook, the fucking traitor, says with a smile on his face.

It’s true, Hoseok talks about Taehyung all the time, but only because Taehyung has been on his mind  a lot, and this happened only because their dates were so good and Hoseok can’t wait for the next one. It has nothing to do with feelings that go beyond friendship.

“Shut up” Hoseok answers with a weak voice.

Jungkook laughs.)

When the doorbell rings, Hoseok frowns. He whines when he gets up to answer it. Hoseok has been drinking painkillers, and his hip condition is a lot better, but still, depending on the way he moves, he still feels a slight twinge of pain. When Hoseok opens the door, he finds a smiley Taehyung looking at him, holding a giant stew pot.

“Hi?” Hoseok can’t help but smile because Taehyung looks cozy in what Hoseok is pretty sure are pajamas.

"Hello" Taehyung is still smiling while he shows the stew pot. "I brought dinner!"

Hoseok blinks. It's four in the afternoon.

"Dinner?"

"Food" a little shrug is followed by a sigh, as if Taehyung is giving up on something. "I'm feeling bad for hurting you, and we can't go on a date this weekend, so I asked Yoongi, one of Jimin's boyfriend, to help me cook something for you. Us. So we can eat together."

There are a lot of things going on inside Hoseok’s head right now. It starts with Taehyung wearing pajamas on a Thursday, four in the afternoon. It then comes to the thought that he also made a true effort to cook something and, for what they talked, Taehyung is not superb at cooking. Of course, he had some help, but it’s endearing to know that he cared this much.

Hoseok wonders if Taehyung talked about him to his friends, if this Yoongi joked just like Jungkook did. Probably not. For what Hoseok can recall, Taehyung felt really sorry about how the last day went by, of course he just wants to make up. Probably more pity than anything.

“You didn’t have to” Hoseok smiles, shy.

“I wanted to. Can I come in?”

They come in together and prepare the dishes with whatever Yoongi cooked for them (Hoseok has no idea what the dish is, but it looks and smells divine). While they eat the amazing food, Taehyung doesn’t stop talking. It’s something Hoseok hadn’t seen before, the way the younger keeps talking and rambling non-stop, so absorbed in his own subjects. They talk about so many things, things that Hoseok knows nothing about, things that he knows everything about. But it doesn't matter. All Hoseok wants is to watch Taehyung while he looks so happy.

After they eat everything and clean the dishes, Hoseok suggests they watch some movie, that way they can be close and cozy while sitting next to each other on the couch. Of course, the second part Hoseok conveniently doesn’t tell Taehyung. The random movie they chose is pretty much ok. Not the best thing he has ever watched, makes him just a little sleepy. Hoseok blinks hard sometimes, trying to make all the sleepiness go away, but maybe he can close his eyes quickly.

Just for a second.

When he opens them again, the movie on the TV is a different one and, for some reason, Hoseok is completely leaning against Taehyung, his head on the younger’s shoulder. It takes some more long seconds for him to realize that he slept through the whole movie.

“Oh shit” Hoseok basically jumps away, embarrassed about what happened. 

“Good morning” a laugh makes Hoseok hide his face behind his hands. 

“Why didn’t you wake me?”

“Because you looked so cute and peaceful” Taehyung opens a small, sweet smile that completely melts Hoseok’s heart. It’s really difficult to act normal in front of someone like this.

“Still, I didn’t even watch the movie, and…” and what?

“It was boring anyway. You looked comfortable, hyung. Hope my shoulder was a good pillow.”

Good thing Hoseok is still hiding his face, because it starts to burn uncontrollably, making him want to scream. Then, taking a deep breath, Hoseok lowers his hands, trying to not look desperate.  “I just hope I didn’t snore.”

“Don’t worry, you were very much silent. Just some whine here and there whenever you moved your hips. I get you’re still feeling pain due to the fall?”

“I’m fine” Hoseok wiggles, instantly regrets it. Hurts when he does this, but he still opens a cute smile, hoping Taehyung believes him. “By the way, you didn’t even take any photos for your portfolio. Was it because of me? Did I disturb you?”

Oddly, Taehyung’s face gets red.

“Yeah, you- no, I mean- I didn’t, you- but you didn’t disturb me” Taehyung stutters a little. Cute. “But there’s no problem, tho, we still have another date, right?”

With a shy smile, Hoseok agrees. And when Taehyung smiles, also shy, and holds Hoseok’s hand, so small inside the younger’s big one, Hoseok feels something funny inside his stomach. Something that makes his heart lose a beat. He thinks about what Jungkook said, about being in love with his neighbor, and swallows dry.

***

In theory, Hoseok should be happy. In the end, it all worked out perfectly: Instagram posts yielded the engagement that makes his sponsors happy. His number of followers has increased - nothing exorbitant, but enough that Hoseok feels like it still makes some sense to be called an influencer .

In the end, everything worked out and it went exactly as Hoseok could have dreamed.

Except for Taehyung.

As he looks in the mirror and gets ready for his last date, Hoseok sighs sadly. He doesn't want this to be the last. All the time spent with Taehyung in the last weeks was fun. After the vinyl shop, Hoseok found himself looking forward to the next weekend. And then for the other. And for the other. Suddenly, seeing Taehyung walking through the halls made Hoseok smile silly, wave, ponder what their next date would be like.

Hoseok didn't want the dates to end.

But today is the last, and Hoseok wants to keep going.

Even if Jungkook wasn’t completely right and Hoseok is not in love with Taerhyung, he sure feels something. Something that makes Hoseok think about Taehyung all the time, that makes him wish the dates weren’t this business thing, that Taehyung really wanted to get to know Hoseok better, so maybe they could become something together. Maybe boyfriends. Being Taehyung’s boyfriend must be an incredible feeling.

Hoseok feels a little nervous when the doorbell rings (and there’s a dumb part of Hoseok that thinks for the last time , because he’s a romantic dramatic gay). The moment he opens the door, he sees Taehyung wearing a baggy brown sweatshirt set. He looks like a doll, one Hoseok would love to hug to sleep, kiss his head good morning.

Hoseok is not in love. He swears.

“How can you always look so handsome, hyung?” Taehyung blinks.

Hoseok knows it’s so not true. Taehyung told him to dress comfortably and with clothes that wouldn’t be a problem if it got stained. Of course it made Hoseok worry a little about whatever he had planned for them, but he trusted Taehyung. A little bit.

“Shut up” Hoseok laughs.

What Hoseok is expecting, hoping a little, is for Taehyung to hold his hand again while they walk together to the new location. But what he gets is Taehyung putting his arm around his shoulder, so they walk, almost hugging. It makes Hoseok feel pretty, good, protected, having Taehyung all around him like this. There’s a voice inside Hoseok’s head that sounds suspiciously like Seokjin saying that Hoseok shouldn’t need another person so he could feel like that, but that’s something Hoseok will not think too deeply about. 

Today the place is near, just two blocks from their building, so unfortunately Hoseok isn’t inside Taehyung’s hug for long. They arrive at a cute, small and old-looking building. After climbing two flights of stairs, they arrive at a small room, filled with some small blank canvas, where some people are already starting to pack their painting supplies. 

“I thought that maybe today we could do something more peaceful, so I thought about this painting class” Taehyung says while he holds Hoseok’s hand and guides them both to the middle of the room, choosing side by side canvas. “Hopefully you won’t get hurt again.” 

“You never know” Hoseok takes a curious look at the supplies that he has no idea how to use. “Brushes can be dangerous.” 

Their laughs are stopped when the teacher starts the class. Apparently it’s a class that happens every Saturday, people can just come whenever they feel like it, paying just for the one class. The theme today is nature, and there are tons of magazines about the environment scattered around the class, which they can use as a reference to build the small canvas. 

With some help from the teacher (and Taehyung himself), Hoseok manages to do something half decent. It’s nowhere close to something Jungkook could do, or even the abstract and fascinating piece Taehyung painted, that Hoseok can’t stop thinking about even while they leave the class holding hands once again.

“Yours was really beautiful, Tae” Hoseok points out, thinking about the beautiful boreal sky Taehyung painted and is now drying with all the other paintings. “Do you always take your dates to a painting class?” Hoseok says this in a soft tone, not provoking, just curious.

“No, I don’t” Taehyung laughs. “Especially since you’re my first date in like… five, six years? Something like that.”

The information makes Hoseok freeze. It takes one second for Taehyung to realize Hoseok stopped walking, only when their hands separate, making him also stop and look at the older.

“It’s been six years since your last date?”

“I mean, kind of?” Taehyung looks shy. “People don’t usually… Whenever I tell them I’m asexual and sex repulsed, that I really hate sex, people just… Lose interest. I mean, what’s the point of dating someone who won’t have sex with them?”

Hoseok shakes his head. “I get it. It’s like… when I tell someone I’m interested in that I’m demi, half of them just stop talking to me. The other half thinks that, if we get to know each other better, eventually I’ll want to have sex with them.”

“That’s not it, right?”

“Not at all” Hoseok sighs and holds Taehyung’s hand again, and they resume their walking. “The fact that I’m demi means that, once I get to know someone better, I might feel some sexual attraction, but I’m still ace. Not feeling it is the rule for me. But not everyone understands that. There’s people who think that, if we date, I’ll magically become allo and have sex all the time.”

A shiver filled with bad memories runs through Hoseok’s spine, and Taehyung seems to notice, because he tries to open a small smile and, in the purest moment, brings Hoseok’s hand, the one he was already holding, to his lips, depositing a chaste kiss on its back.

“You’re too good for them, hyung.”

“We both are.”

When they arrive home and stop in the corridor, both in front of their own doors, facing each other. Hoseok thinks that this is it. Finally, the last date, the end of the series of dating posts on his Instagram page. Even if the end makes Hoseok a little sad, he’s glad that Taehyung helped him, and that he could help Taehyung. And by the way…

“You didn’t take any photos today again” Hoseok points out. This time, Taehyung didn’t even bring his photography equipment. 

“Yeah, I didn't” Taehyung sighs and closes his eyes for a second, like he’s pondering what to do next. Then he looks straight in Hoseok’s eyes, determined. “I’ll tell you the truth, hyung. I never needed to take pictures for my portfolio. I just… I wanted to get closer to you.”

“Me?” Hoseok blinks quickly, his head still not processing what is happening.

“Yes, you… Since we met for the first time, I kept thinking that you’re so handsome, almost ethereal, wanted to get closer to you so badly, but… I don’t know, I always thought you were out of my league, so when you told me you needed to go on dates…”

There’s an awkward moment of silence when Hoseok just stares at Taehyung, mouth dropped. He blinks a couple of times, trying to truly understand what is going on, because there’s no way that Taehyung is saying what Hoseok thinks he’s saying.

Is Hoseok that lucky?

“Are you for real?” Hoseok says, and he sees the life leaving Taehyung’s eyes.

“I’m sorry” Taehyung lowers his head, as if he’s ashamed to look Hoseok in the eyes. “I never meant to impose or make you uncomfortable, I’m rea-” 

“Taehyung, please” Hoseok doesn’t let him finish. “Please, are you- I mean, is it real? You wanted to get to know me better? Are you, like, interested in a relationship or- Wait, I’m getting ahead of myself.” Hoseok takes a deep breath, tries to organize his own thoughts. “Taehyung, do you want to go on a real date with me?” 

Another moment of silence, that makes Hoseok’s stomach freeze. Shit, was he really too ahead of himself? Did he understand everything wrong? 

“Are you curious if I had ulterior reasons and suggested this because I actually dreamed about being on a real date with you? Because the answer is yes. Or are you asking me out on a real date? Because the answer is also yes.” 

“Oh my god” Hoseok widens his eyes, opens the biggest smile. “Oh my god!” 

“Hyung?” 

“I was so sad because I thought it would be our last date, because I love going on dates with you so much and… I’m so happy!” instinctively, Hoseok throws himself on Taehyung’s arms for a hug. 

The best part is that Taehyung hugs him back. While Hoseok hugs him tight, he can feel Taehyung laughing, sounding so happy, as much as Hoseok feels. And it’s amazing, the feeling of being inside Taehyung’s arms like this. Hoseok can get used to it. 

“What is even happening now?” Taehyung breaks the hug, gently moving Hoseok away from his arms, but only enough that he can still hold Hoseok’s arms, still look him in the eyes.  

And Taehyung holds the most beautiful smile in the world, a square one with eyes full of happiness that makes every part of Hoseok melt. It’s impossible to not feel happy when he sees how happy Taehyung looks. It feels funny, the way Hoseok will probably fall in love hard with this man. 

Hoseok will never hear the end of it once Jungkook finds out how sappy he’s already being. 

“I think this is our last business date. Next one will be a real date, for a, maybe, real couple?” 

“I guess I’ll start planning, then.” 

“No, you won’t” Hoseok can’t hold himself, hugging Taehyung again, lying his head on the younger’s shoulder. “I’ll be the one planning our date.” 

***

“Of course,” Taehyung rolls his eyes but keeps a smile on his face when Hoseok starts laying out a picnic blanket on the grass in the park where they will have their first official romantic date. “you would plan a picnic date. Of course.”

“I told you the first time, didn’t I?” Hoseok smiles and holds Taehyung’s hand, making him sit down while he starts to take the food out of the basket. “I like picnic dates. It’s romantic.”

They sit together and start eating, and during the entire time, Hoseok feels that bunch of butterflies in his stomach. Every time Taehyung laughs, jokes, is silly, it all makes Hoseok feel like an innocent teenager experiencing their first love. It’s good and a little frightening.

“Do you think…” Hoseok starts when the subject becomes a little more serious, nervousness engulfing him. “This between us, will this be serious? Is it the start of something more?”

Is it too soon to talk about it? Is it scary? Hoseok doesn’t like casual, he doesn’t do casual. He doesn’t want to go on dates with Taehyung if the younger one doesn’t intend to commit somehow. Maybe it’s soon, maybe someone would say that Hoseok is being too desperate, but he needs to know. He can’t pretend he would be ok just going with the flow . 

“I want this to be serious” Taehyung smiles shyly, and Hoseok can release the air he didn’t even notice he was holding. “I like you, hyung. And, more important now, I feel like I can be myself with you. I don’t need to pretend or lie.” 

Hoseok smiles and holds Taehyung’s hand. He knows exactly what the younger means. When there's something different about yourself, something that not everyone understands, having somebody whom you can be comfortable with makes all the difference.

"How do you feel about kisses, Taehyung?"

"I very much like them" Taehyung says before getting closer and kissing Hoseok.

There's something really calm about their kiss, almost romantic. No rush, no desperation, just mouths and tongues touching, dancing to a slow rhythm, writing together a sweet melody. The best part is how they start laughing once they stop kissing because it's silly, it's cute.

When they go home, holding hands and talking about everything and nothing, Hoseok thinks about how easy it feels to be with Taehyung. Refreshing. The feeling he gets when he dances for hours and then sits and takes off his shoes.

Hoseok kisses Taehyung goodbye, and wishes he can feel like this for a long time.

(Later, when he tells about everything to Jungkook and Seokjin, the youngest starts to laugh hard.

"I knew it! From the moment I opened the door for him, I knew you would be something. He's so your type!"

"I don't have a type" Hoseok protests.

"You do. Puppy eyes, good heart, cute smile" Seokjin nods, agreeing with his boyfriend. "You slipped once or twice in the 'good heart' thing, but everybody makes mistakes."

"Shut up, you two."

"We're happy for you, hyung. Truly."

Hoseok smiles, shy. Thinks about Taehyung and blushes. He's happy for himself, too.)