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Namjoon can admit that throughout his life, he’s had many bad ideas. From staying up all night before an important exam to impulsively bleaching his hair and dying it a bright colour to match with Taehyung when they were both drunk out of their minds after celebrating their new jobs- even he can admit when sometimes the things he comes up with could be more thought out.
Surely it would be a bad idea to ask the two people Namjoon is in a new relationship with to accompany him on a cross-country road trip.
Surely it would backfire on him, causing those two very people to stray further away from him because he’s moving too fast. He’d be a fool to risk ruining what they have by proposing such an idea… right?
“Namjoon-ah, since when have you been so self-conscious about your choices?”
Namjoon’s head snaps towards Seokjin, the sentence stopping him in his pacing. His older friend leans back on his chair, raising his eyebrow at Namjoon.
“I’m not being self-conscious right now, hyung. It’s a valid concern.” Namjoon says, even if he knows deep down he’s maybe being a little bit dramatic. Just a little bit.
“You’re being insecure. Do you really think spending some time together with Yoongi and Jungkook would ruin what you have?” Seokjin crosses his arms, his gaze unwavering from Namjoon. “When was the last time you’ve all hung out together, just the three of you? After making your relationship official?”
“I don’t know…” Namjoon half-heartedly mumbles his answer. It’s part of the reason why the idea even came to his mind. He wants to spend some time with both Yoongi and Jungkook. He wants to travel across the country with them. He wants to use that opportunity to get even closer to them, to strengthen that bond that they have that brought them all together in the first place.
But- and there’s always a but when it comes to these things for Namjoon- he doesn’t want to risk what they already have by proposing such a trip so early on in their relationship. To Namjoon, it’s clear that they all love each other and care about one another- from the starstruck looks that Jungkook sends to both himself and Yoongi, to the way Yoongi always seems to subtly take care of them, more so than any of their other friends. Even from his own actions he knows he treats them differently, feels for them differently than he does his other friends. And he doesn’t want to ruin all of the progress- slow as it may be- that they’ve made throughout the years to get so close to one another and finally, finally get together like he knew they were meant to.
“I’ll help you plan a route. Make it a whole trip rather than going from here to Jeju in one shot. Your sister’s engagement party is in a month right? We can easily plan a month-long trip leading up to it.”
With Seokjin’s go ahead, Namjoon doesn’t think twice anymore about his plan. They create a vague itinerary that very night, including spots that all three of them will enjoy with activities they can do together. Close bonding time, as Seokjin put it. But Namjoon sees it as an opportunity to get closer to Jungkook and Yoongi, and bring the three of them together on a romantic excursion, just for the three of them to enjoy.
♡
“Are we all set to go?”
After a pair of murmured agreements, Namjoon shuts the trunk of their rented little camper van with a loud thud. When he reaches the front end of the vehicle, both Jungkook and Yoongi are standing on the driver’s side, with a pout on Yoongi’s face and a frown on Jungkook’s.
“Are you both really fighting about who’s going to drive first?” Namjoon says, his exasperated tone contrasting with the smile blooming on his face.
“We’re not fighting,” Jungkook says, directing his frown Namjoon’s way now. “I just think that I should drive and let hyung rest.”
“I don’t need to rest, Jungkook-ah.” Somehow, Yoongi’s pout gets even more pronounced at the words. Namjoon’s amazed at Jungkook’s resistance at the expression.
“I really want to drive though, hyung. Please?” Jungkook loses his frown, replacing it with what Namjoon likes to call his signature pleading face. Wider doe eyes that sparkle with crocodile tears, his bottom lip protruding out, and a tilt to his head that’s slightly to the left. It has never failed him, and Namjoon knows that the younger boy knows that too.
Namjoon takes a step back, the amused smile not leaving his face as his eyes dart from Jungkook’s pleading face, to Yoongi’s pouting one. It’s a showoff between the two, and Namjoon wonders which one will succumb to the other first.
Namjoon thinks it might be Yoongi. For the time that he’s known Yoongi, the older boy has never once not given Jungkook anything his heart desires. He’s weak for the younger boy, the same way that Namjoon is even if he doesn’t outright admit it. Namjoon wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Yoongi that would relent and let Jungkook drive, just so that he could make the younger boy happy.
When neither Yoongi’s or Jungkook’s resolve cracks, Namjoon decides to finally intervene. They can’t stay out here the whole day- they do have a long road ahead of them. “Just do a round of rock, paper, scissors for now. Whoever wins will drive now, and the loser drives the next time.”
Both boys look at Namjoon for a second, then share a glance between them before they nod, determination clear on both of their faces. Three rounds of rock, paper, scissors, and Jungkook is happily sitting in the driver’s seat while Yoongi sits in the back, another pout on his face as he looks out the window.
Namjoon looks out of his own window, content with the ride so far. Soft music plays from the speaker, courtesy of Yoongi who had insisted that he'd pick the songs since he wasn’t able to drive. Neither Jungkook nor Namjoon had the heart to disagree with him. Already he’s happy with his decision to go on this trip with Jungkook and Yoongi. Even barely an hour in, he’s glad that he hadn’t backed down from his initial idea.
This would be good for them, he thinks. Both in the sense of bringing them all together for a trip for the first time, but also to let them relax for once. Namjoon hadn’t missed the tired look in Yoongi’s eyes behind the exterior excitement he had for the trip. Nor had he missed the tension in Jungkook’s shoulders as he helped with packing up their car. They’re all in need of this, all three of them too tired, and a month-long trip around Korea, with no other responsibilities or worries weighing them down would be good for them.
Their first stop of the trip is just outside of Seoul, an hour away driving the scenic route through the countryside. Jungkook drives carefully over the gravel road, until they reach the parking area which Namjoon is surprised to be nearly filled with cars. Despite the business, they manage to find a parking lot big enough for their camper van, and they’re soon walking on their first trail heading to the ferry that will lead them to their first actual stop.
“Have you been here before hyung?” Jungkook asks him. It prompts Yoongi to turn his attention to Namjoon as well, waiting for his answer.
“Only when I was really young. I wanted to come back here again… with you two.” He answers. Namjoon has a special connection with Nami island. It’s true that his mother used to bring him when he was young, but the last time he came was in his late teens, not long ago that he doesn’t remember it, but long enough that he misses it. It’s always been a calming trip to him, one that he looked forward to in either the Spring or Autumn. He loved learning about the nature surrounding him, or looking at the various art installations that were there, even when he was just a little boy. He’s always wanted to come back here on his own time, and bring someone special with him to spend their day here.
Or two special someones.
“I’ve only seen this place in the dramas.” Yoongi says.
It prompts the three of them to get into a quiet conversation on their little walk to the ferry, which extends for the whole duration of the small boat ride. Once they arrive at the island, they start walking towards one of the nature paths, intending on taking a small hike first before going around to the cultural exhibits.
It’s just as beautiful as Namjoon remembers it, even if the nature around him is a bright green rather than the red and oranges of Autumn, or the pink of cherry blossoms from Spring. Maybe if Jungkook and Yoongi like it enough, he could bring them here during those seasons as well, just so that they can experience that beauty for themselves.
It seems as if both Jungkook and Yoongi are enjoying their time here though. During their walk, Jungkook had stopped to take pictures with his camera- of the trees, flowers, of Yoongi, of Namjoon. It looked as if he could stay here forever, just him and his camera capturing whatever beauty his eyes had laid on. He would walk side by side with Namjoon and Yoongi, then either go ahead of them when he spotted something of interest, or keep himself back to capture something he had just walked past.
Yoongi stayed next to Namjoon, content in walking at a leisurely pace. He had brought a small sketchpad with him, occasionally taking it out to scribble a quick little sketch or doodle, or would write a line or two in the corner of the page. He kept quiet, as Yoongi sometimes does when he’s deep in thought. But from the shine in his eye to the occasional hum, Namjoon knows that Yoongi is enjoying his time here as much as Jungkook is, and he’s sure that once they’re back in the camper van, the older boy will spend who knows how long rambling on and on about all of the wonderful things they might’ve passed by.
The thought makes Namjoon let out a small laugh, thinking about the way he knows for certain that Yoongi might even give them a history on the pine trees they’re walking through.
Yoongi looks at him at the sound, his head tilted to the side as he watches Namjoon with a curious look, silently asking him what’s so funny. Namjoon could only wave his hand vaguely, shaking his head. If he could, Namjoon would’ve placed his arm around Yoongi instead, bringing the older boy closer to him and teasing him at the thought. If he could, he would’ve given him a little peck on his cheek, grinning even wider at the flustered state it would cause Yoongi to be in. But instead, he only waves him off.
They’re still much too shy to initiate any kind of contact like that, Namjoon thinks. He knows that Yoongi wouldn’t mind, might even like it… but Namjoon also knows that he would’ve made Yoongi shy for the remainder of the walk. He doesn’t want to cause any kind of discomfort to Yoongi, even if with that discomfort comes some joy. If all goes well, then he could do that after the trip. He wouldn’t be too shy to initiate any contact with them. He would wrap his arm around Yoongi as he wanted without any fear of making the older boy uncomfortable. He would do whatever his heart pleases with Yoongi. And with Jungkook, too. With both of them. He won’t need to hold himself back any longer.
They end up spending the whole day on the island. When they finished their hike, they went around to the cultural exhibits, looking at some of the art galleries placed there, and even buying a few souvenirs. They took a small ride after renting out three bikes, going along the river on a smooth path. Then to finish it off, they went to the cafe, where they enjoyed a refreshing drink and a quick snack before taking one last walk along the Maple Lane of True Love, which Namjoon was pleased to see caused both Jungkook and Yoongi’s ears to flush red at the name.
Getting back to their camper van, Jungkook drives them to the nearby Namiseom campgrounds, where they’ll set themselves up for the night. They find a more private area to set up their things, away from the other campers that are spending their summers in the same fashion as the trio.
Jungkook parks the camper van, then soon after they take out their tent to set up. Yoongi takes it upon himself to start putting the tent up, while Namjoon and Jungkook set up the van for the night. Namjoon extends the wall, then goes inside to hook up the pipes for the water. Jungkook empties their trunk, taking out all of the equipment they packed and placing them all near Yoongi.
Namjoon takes his time setting up the inside of the camper van, then takes out some blankets and pillows from the storage to hand over to Yoongi later to place in their tents. It doesn’t take him long before he deems it ready, save for adding water to their makeshift plumbing system. He takes the large bucket from under the sink, then heads out towards Jungkook, who’s silently watching Yoongi propping up the tent.
“Hey Kook, do you mind going over to the main area and filling this up with water for us?” Namjoon asks, speaking softly. Jungkook immediately nods, taking the bucket from Namjoon’s hand with enthusiasm, then runs off.
Now it’s Namjoon’s turn to just watch Yoongi, setting himself down where Jungkook sat just seconds before. He offers his help to Yoongi before he truly gets comfortable, but as expected, Yoongi declines the offer, saying that he wants to do this. So Namjoon sits quietly the whole time it takes for Yoongi to put up the tent, watching. And thinking.
Namjoon has always wondered how Yoongi could do everything so delicately. How he neatly stacks the wood logs Jungkook brought over for him before he left in the correct formation for a small fire pit, allowing the perfect airflow. How his fingertips slide over the fabric of the tent he just put up, barely even denting the surface area from how softly he’s pressing. How he takes off his cardigan, and ever so gently places it atop one of the logs, making sure the material doesn’t get dirtied or wrinkled.
Everything about Yoongi is delicate, from the way he treats the objects he works with, to the man himself. Namjoon has always known this, deep down. But seeing it again after a while of not being able to spend time with Yoongi has the realization coming back to him in full force. Yoongi is delicate, and deserves to be treated as such.
When Jungkook returns with the water, Namjoon finishes setting up the camper van for them. Jungkook and Yoongi decide to start cooking during that time, using the fire Yoongi had started as a means to boil some of the water Jungkook brought.
By the time Namjoon is done, a warm bowl of ramyeon is waiting for him. They sit next to each other around the fire, eating their food and speaking quietly among each other. The calming atmosphere has Namjoon finally feeling the exhaustion of the day catching up to him, from waking up early, to the long day spent on the island, to now, setting up their camp grounds.
Namjoon can tell that Jungkook is feeling just as tired as he is, if the way the younger boy’s eyes are slowly blinking shut before he shakes himself awake. He wouldn’t even be surprised if Yoongi is feeling just as tired, but he’s just better at masking it than Jungkook is.
“Go rest with Kook-ah, Joon.” Yoongi nudges his shoulder, taking his bowl from his hand and offering him a small smile.
“It’s fine hyung-”
“Go.” Yoongi urges him. “I’ll join you when I’m done.”
Namjoon hesitates, watching as Yoongi says the same to Jungkook before grabbing the younger boy’s bowl as well. He is tired, but he knows Yoongi is too. And keeping the dishes for him to do when he’s the one that set up the tent and their fire leaves a bitter taste in Namjoon’s mouth.
But then Yoongi looks at him again, sending him a look that’s both so, so soft yet somehow stern enough that Namjoon doesn’t have it in him to disagree with him. So he listens, and walks with Jungkook towards their shared tent.
Neither of them hesitate before they enter the tent. Yoongi had placed all three cots right next to each other, barely a few inches apart from one another. Jungkook goes to the one on the left, settling himself down then looking expectedly towards Namjoon.
Namjoon goes in the middle cot. As soon as his head hits the small pillow at the top, another wave of tiredness hits him. He lets out a sigh, settling himself on the cot. He hears Jungkook shift next to him, before an arm gets wrapped around his middle.
Namjoon’s eyes open, glancing to the side where Jungkook is resting. Jungkook’s eyes are still open, already looking at Namjoon before the older boy meets his gaze. Even inside the tent, Jungkook’s eyes shine as if there’s stars trapped in them, shining brighter than the ones in the sky.
“Is this okay?” Jungkook mumbles, the sleepiness is clear in his voice. Namjoon only smiles, then shifts so that Jungkook has a better grip around him.
He nearly forgot how affectionate Jungkook gets when he’s sleepy. It’s one of the things Namjoon loves about Jungkook, how he somehow gets even more cuddly and touchy at night. During the day, Namjoon has his own reservations, not one to be into skinship that much. But at night, when Jungkook likes to curl up with either him or Yoongi whenever their whole friend group is together, Namjoon finds it much easier to let go of his reservations.
Namjoon closes his eyes, slowly letting the sleep get to him. He could feel Jungkook’s soft breath hitting the back of his neck, the weight of the younger boy’s arm a comfortable thing around his middle. Namjoon finds his own hand going to reach Jungkook’s, placing it above his. If Jungkook minds, he doesn’t show it. Instead, his wrap around Namjoon slightly gets tighter.
Namjoon is about to fall asleep, right at the edge of unconsciousness when he hears the tent open. He doesn’t open his eyes, doesn’t think he can with how heavy they feel. So Namjoon only listens, still at the precipice of sleep, as Yoongi goes back out of the tent. The older boy returns quickly, then Namjoon feels a weight settle on top of him. The material of the blanket is soft and welcoming, wrapping him in a warmth he didn’t know he was missing until it was given to him.
He doesn’t hear any movement for a long time, Namjoon wonders if maybe Yoongi had left again without him noticing. But then he hears the older boy move closer to them, hears him get closer towards the left, then silence for a few seconds before more movement, then soft hands and gentle fingers carding through Namjoon’s hair for a few moments before they leave. Then finally, he hears Yoongi settle himself on his own cot, a soft exhale leaving him.
And before Namjoon could think much of it, he’s taken off the edge, falling into the slumber that was calling out to him ever since he laid down.
♡
The boys continue their road trip the next morning, waking up bright and early to hit the road and continue with their little adventure.
There’s no set destination this time, not for another day or so of driving maybe. So they enjoy their ride, rolling down the windows and letting the wind fly through their hair. Yoongi drives this time, with Jungkook in the passenger seat and Namjoon in the back. Yoongi’s music still blares from the speakers, but this time instead of the softer music more fitting for an early morning car ride, the music is faster, more upbeat.
Yoongi’s fingers tap against the wheel with the beat, Namjoon matching the movement with his foot on the floor. Jungkook’s arm is out the window as he hums along to the song, waving his hand up and down with the wind.
It’s fun, Namjoon thinks. Driving with Yoongi and Jungkook like this is fun.
There are no worries here, not for Namjoon, not for Yoongi, not for Jungkook. In their little camper van, they’re just the three of them, enjoying their time together with no previous reservations or insecurities weighting them down.
They aren’t shy when they nod along to the songs that play loudly from the speakers. They aren’t shy when Jungkook sings along to the love song, dramatically gesturing towards Yoongi or Namjoon during the most dramatic parts of the song. They aren’t shy when the older tunes come on, the ones that only Yoongi knows and sings along to as if his life depends on it. They aren’t shy when they tease him about the promiscuous lyrics, or from the intensity he had sung along even when his voice does not match the initial range.
They aren’t shy to interact with each other in a way they haven’t in a long time. Namjoon can’t remember when they weren’t hesitant with one another, when they would take secretive glances to one another hoping that their friends wouldn't notice.
They were alway so hesitant, always so shy. But now, Namjoon feels like they are in a relationship. The way they act with one another is how he always dreams of acting with them. It’s how he wishes they were when they’re back in Seoul, around their friends, their families.
Namjoon is happy with his life. He has a good job, great friends. He’s happy. But he knows he would be much happier if his life was like this . With Jungkook and Yoongi with him. With him, as his boyfriends, interacting with one another in the way they always do when they’re alone, but all the time, with no worries.
Namjoon started this trip with the intention of getting close to Jungkook and Yoongi, to treat them to a trip just for the three of them. And as Namjoon watches along as both Yoongi and Jungkook sing along to the songs, large smile lighting up their faces, the wind blowing through their hair and so much love to be found in their eyes, he wonders how he could have possible thought that this would be one of his horrible ideas.
♡
Through their drive across the countryside, they make multiple stops in regional parks. They take walks in the forests together, along the riverbeds and in between the trees. They swim in the lakes, uncaring if they have to strip down to their underwear to enjoy the refreshing dip in the water.
They set up camps before the sun sets, then spend their nights out around the fire, looking up at the stars.
They share soft touches throughout it all. Their fingers brush on their walks, that develops into linked pinkies, and then intertwining their fingers, finally joining their hands. There’s the gentle shoulder touch when one’s seated, and another is standing. There’s the wrapping of arms around waists as one cooks while the other watches. There’s the entanglement of limbs at night, that somehow progresses from shy touches to full on hugs as the nights pass.
There’s still moments of shyness that Namjoon notices. From the way that Yoongi still can’t hold his or Jungkook’s gaze for longer than three seconds, to the way Jungkook still hesitates, just for a second, before he comes up to either of them with that same shy eagerness Namjoon has always known.
But there’s progress in their relationship, in the comfort level between the three of them. And Namjoon couldn’t be happier.
♡
“There’s a mountain about 200 kilometres from here that apparently has a beautiful unobstructed view of the sky. No trees, no pollution. The reviews online say that it’s the most beautiful sight in Korea.” Yoongi reads from his phone, his eyes focused on the page he’s reading.
They ended up more or less ditching the makeshift itinerary Namjoon had prepared with Seokjin, opting instead to just drive as their hearts desired. As long as they end up in Jeju by the end of the month, the country is theirs to discover. Already halfway through their trip, they’ve been to most of the notable sights they wanted to visit anyway, so Namjoon doesn’t mind the spontaneity.
“Which way, hyung? I’ll take you.” Jungkook answers him, quickly flicking his eyes to Yoongi from the rearview mirror as he drives.
Namjoon looks down at Yoongi’s phone with him, the both of them sitting next to each other in the back this time. His arm is wrapped loosely around Yoongi, with the older boy ever so slightly leaning towards him.
“Just keep straight for now, I’ll let you know which exit to take.” Yoongi says, and just like that their new destination is set.
The ride is a fairly long one, and while the first hour was spent the way it always goes, with them blasting music through the speakers and singing along, the second half proves to be much calmer.
Only soft music plays from the speakers now, the car quiet as they drive along the hills leading up to the mountains.
It lulls Namjoon into a sense of calm. The movement of the car rocks him, making his eyes heavy with sleep. He knows that Yoongi is in the same boat as him, seeing as he keeps shaking himself awake to make sure Jungkook takes the right exit.
But as soon as they reach that exit, Yoongi knocks out, sleeping peacefully next to Namjoon that it makes him follow after the older boy soon after.
Namjoon’s in that weird state he sometimes finds himself in, where he knows he’s asleep yet he’s still aware of his surroundings. He feels the occasional bump the car hits in the road, he feels the familiar weight on his shoulder, he feels the purr of the engine underneath him whenever they’re going uphill. He hears the music playing from the speakers, at a much quieter volume than before.
He’s aware of most of what’s happening in the car, except for one. With his eyes closed, he misses the looks sent his and Yoongi’s way. He misses the way Jungkook softly smiles to himself as his eyes flick to the rearview mirror, taking in the two of them sleeping in the back.
Namjoon only wakes once they arrive at their destination. Jungkook shakes the both of them awake gently, that same soft smile he had missed earlier being sent his way again.
They set up their camp at the top of the mountain, glad that they seem to be the only ones here for the night. They cook atop the firepit again, then Yoongi brews them some coffee that they enjoy as they sit on their chairs, watching the sunset on the horizon.
Jungkook has his camera out, taking pictures of the pink and purple sky, while Yoongi has his book out, writing something too small for Namjoon to make out. Namjoon takes a few steps back from them, taking out his phone and snapping a picture of the two of them sitting next to each other with the sunset right in front of them.
He smiles down at the picture, quickly making it his new lockscreen before he joins them again.
Then when night falls and the stairs are finally out, they place down their heap of blankets on the group and lie there all together, staring up at the black sky littered with shining stars.
Namjoon lies in the middle, with Jungkook to his left and Yoongi to his right. It’s quiet between them, none of them saying a single word, but Namjoon likes it like this. Because he knows they’re there, and even if none of them speak, he knows that this comfortable silence they’re in is just as satisfying as the times when they talk non-stop.
“The stars are so beautiful, hyungs. They’re so bright here.” Jungkook is the first to break the silence. The awe in his voice is clear, even in the quieter tone he used to not break the atmosphere they’re in. To Namjoon, he almost sounds wistful, as if yearning to be just as bright as they are. Yoongi seems to have thought the same thing, since he speaks up next without a second to hesitate.
“You shine brighter than all of the stars up there, Jungkook-ah.” Yoongi says quietly, staring up at the sky. Even when Jungkook turns to look at him, his eyes wide, Yoongi doesn’t elaborate. He keeps quiet, staring at the stars as if he hadn’t said anything. He lets the words linger in the quietness surrounding them.
But Jungkook doesn’t let it go. There’s a look in his eye, one that Namjoon sometimes sees whenever the younger boy is feeling extra sentimental. But it’s more intense this time, a certain urgency to it that Namjoon has never seen before. The shy glances are gone, replaced by this determination that has even Namjoon waiting with wide eyes, wondering what Jungkook might be thinking.
Jungkook sits up, turning to look at both Yoongi and Namjoon. Both older boys look at him, similar looks of confusion on both of their faces.
Namjoon wonders just how much the words might’ve meant to Jungkook, if his face looks like that after such simple words. But then he remembers that this is Jungkook’s first summer after finally graduating from university. It’s his first time out in the world, where uncertainties about his future lie. Namjoon knows that it’s been a cause of stress for Jungkook these past few months, not knowing what he’s going to do when he’s done school. It had always made Namjoon a little upset about the fact that he has no words of comfort to offer to the younger boy other than that he’ll do great no matter what path he chooses.
But then again, Yoongi always knows what to say. Yoongi always looks out for him, and for Namjoon too. Yoongi observes them, he knows more than he might let on. And Yoongi always seems to say the right words at the right time, when they need to hear them the most.
So maybe the look on Jungkook’s face right now might be warranted. Because to him, it might’ve brought him more comfort and reassurance than any other words, even if they aren’t explicitly saying what Jungkook had understood.
Jungkook stands, then places himself in between Namjoon and Yoongi. He grabs onto Namjoon’s arm, wrapping it around his own waist before he turns, wrapping his arms around Yoongi. Namjoon feels more than he sees Jungkook’s tight hold on Yoongi, his back muscles straining against Namjoon’s chest as he hugs the older boy.
They don’t say anything after that. They stay tangled up together, their actions saying more than words ever could.
They fall asleep under the stars, the unsaid three words floating in the air being felt all around them.
♡
They end up staying in the mountain area for a while longer. They need to start heading to Jeju within the next few days to get there on time, so they decided to spend the remainder of their time here.
Every night, they spend it under the stars like on that first night there. They’re not always quiet as they were before, some nights they stay up late, just talking about whatever crosses their mind. It’s amazing to Namjoon that they’ve spent nearly three weeks together, yet they still haven’t run out of things to say.
After Jungkook had initiated somewhat of a cuddle pile that night, they’ve started sleeping like that every night. Within only a few days of being on this mountain, Namjoon has grown used to having arms wrapped around him, or holding onto someone else as he sleeps.
The touches only grow from there. Gone are those occasional shy moments that Namjoon would catch throughout their trips. Jungkook seeks them out with determination now, not shying away before he wraps his arms around either Namjoon or Yoongi. Yoongi doesn’t shy away as much either. He still has his moments, as it’s his nature to be a bit more shy to initiate any contact with them, but Namjoon has figured out Yoongi’s subtle way of reaching out or asking for affection.
Now, Yoongi would come to rest next to Jungkook or Namjoon, opening himself up and giving them the opportunity to initiate contact. It’s his own little way of opening up, and both Namjoon and Jungkook always jump at the opportunity.
Even Namjoon has noticed that his own behaviours have changed. Whenever he has the urge to show any type of affection towards Yoongi or Jungkook, he indulges himself, not stopping himself like he had when they first started their trip on the island.
When they wake up in the morning, with Yoongi and Jungkook’s sleepy faces right next to him, he can’t stop himself before he gives them each a soft peck on their cheeks. When they’re all walking next to each other, eyes crinkling from the smiles sent his way, Namjoon can’t stop himself before he pulls them in for a side hug. When either Yoongi or Jungkook are standing right in front of him, he can’t stop himself before he gives Yoongi a gentle kiss to the forehead, or before he gently touches the tip of Jungkook’s nose, admiring the way the younger boy’s face crinkles cutely whenever he does so.
Even he isn’t shy anymore to interact with his boyfriends the way he always wanted to.
But even as they’ve grown comfortable, Namjoon can’t help but notice the one thing they still haven’t shared with one another yet.
They’re in a field this evening, having found it during one of their many walks around the mountain. It’s full of blooming summer flowers, the colourful petals surrounding them and enveloping them in a comforting floral scent.
As always, they sit next to each other, tangled up with one another as if they’re one unit rather than three people. Jungkook sits with Yoongi’s head on his lap, with Jungkook adding flowers onto Yoongi’s hair. Namjoon’s head rests on Yoongi’s stomach, looking with awe-struck eyes towards the older boy.
“You’re so pretty like that, hyung.” Namjoon says, his mouth speaking the words he had just thought.
Namjoon didn’t think it was possible, but Yoongi seems to get even prettier with the pink tint that floods his cheeks. With the setting sun sending its rays their way, the golden hues make Yoongi look ethereal. The pink and purple flowers that are woven in his longer hair seem only to accentuate the pink of Yoongi’s cheeks.
“The prettiest hyung.” Jungkook agrees. Namjoon shifts his gaze over to Jungkook, who seems to knock the breath right out of his chest just like Yoongi did. The setting rays of the sun hitting Jungkook seem to make him glow gold, his skin glistening under the light making him look like a painting.
Jungkook isn’t even looking at him, he’s looking down at Yoongi as he keeps adding flowers to his hair, his grin widening as Yoongi’s cheek flush a deeper red at his words. But the way that Jungkook is looking at Yoongi- with so much love, so much adoration- it has Namjoon melting in his spot.
He loves them. He loves Jungkook. He loves Yoongi. And right now, with them both looking absolutely beautiful, all he wants to do is kiss them.
Namjoon slowly sits up, placing himself right next to Jungkook. The younger boy is still looking down at Yoongi, adding more and more flowers to his hair and murmuring more words that also serve to fluster Yoongi more.
Namjoon places two fingers underneath Jungkook’s chin, tilting his head towards him. Jungkook looks at Namjoon just as softly as he was looking at Yoongi, the start of a question on his lips when Namjoon stops him before he could form the first syllable.
Jungkook’s lips are soft against his, but there’s an eagerness as the kiss deepens. It’s hungry and gentle, all at once. Namjoon could kiss Jungkook for hours if he could, would get lost in the feeling of Jungkook’s lips against his, of the feeling deep within his chest that blooms at every movement, at every sound.
When they finally separate, Jungkook’s eyes are hazy, but that soft smile is still plastered on his face. The golden light is still perfectly hitting Jungkook’s face, almost accentuating the flush on his cheeks.
Namjoon looks down at Yoongi then, still settled comfortably on Jungkook’s lap as he looks up at the two of them, love and longing and adoration all over his face. Namjoon barely spares a second before he lends down, placing his lips on Yoongi’s delicate ones.
While the kiss with Jungkook was a mix of both gentle and passionate, the kiss with Yoongi is softer. Tender. The older boy lets Namjoon lead, and lets his lips follow the movement of Namjoon’s. The feeling in Namjoon’s chest explodes now, the love he feels for the both of them exploding as his kiss with Yoongi continues. Namjoon doesn’t want to stop. He wants to mould his lips with Yoongi’s forever, and wants the subtle taste of the older boy’s lip balm to stay lingering on his mouth forever.
But he stops when he feels a tug at his shoulder, and the second he separates from Yoongi, Jungkook leans down, capturing the older boy’s lips into another kiss.
Namjoon sits next to them, in a daze as he watches Jungkook kiss Yoongi.
And as he looks at them sharing their first kiss together, with the flowers surrounding them and the sun setting behind them, with Namjoon’s lips still tingling from his own kisses with his boyfriends… All he could feel at this moment was an overwhelming amount of love.
♡
They end up reaching Jeju right on time for Namjoon’s sister's engagement party. It was a great time, where he was able to congratulate his sister, while simultaneously introducing his own boyfriends to his family.
But even if their final destination was met, they didn’t feel the need to end their road trip just yet. They spend a few days in Jeju, enjoying their time there together, then hit the road, intending on finding more little secluded areas just for them, where they can make memories together that’ll last them a lifetime.
Namjoon started this journey with the intention of getting closer to Yoongi and Jungkook, to get them to get more comfortable with each other, accustomed to showing their love. And now, with the both of them tucked neatly at his side as they stare up at the night sky full of stars, he couldn’t be happier with his decision.