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Yoongi is dragged through the crowd of dancing bodies, his vision blurring, senses overwhelmed by the bright flashing lights and the blare of loud bass.
All he can comprehend is the force pulling him, warm fingers wrapped around his wrist as Jimin expertly guides them to what he told Yoongi was a “perfect spot” to get a better view of the performers.
When the two finally settle at the side of their section, Yoongi must admit he doesn’t know if the view is actually better, but he doesn’t say anything because there’s less people, thus more space for him to actually breathe. More importantly, Jimin seems just as—or actually happier, grinning brightly at the musical act. Yoongi knows Jimin has been a fan of this band ever since their college days. That’s why Yoongi knows most of their older songs—when Jimin made him and the others listen to their songs, there was nothing but pure excitement on his face as he anticipated his friends’ reactions. Casting his eyes to the younger next to him, Yoongi is hit with a wave of deja vu. It’s a memory he tucks safely in the back of his mind, sometimes visiting it at random times.
It’s a moment so mundane, almost trivial, but not to Yoongi.
The image is clear as day: Yoongi driving Namjoon, Jimin and Hoseok back home after a mutual friend’s birthday dinner, Jimin sat in the passenger seat as he leaned his head to the side to feel the chilly night breeze. The other two are knocked out in the back while Jimin plays the soft tune, the gentle piano starting the melody as the vocals sing melancholic lyrics. Yoongi can remember Jimin’s lips moving along, though he doesn’t make a sound. He remembers because he wished—longed—to hear Jimin’s lovely voice that very moment.
As their mutual friends are now halfway round the world—Namjoon currently travelling Europe as an art curator and Hoseok spending more than half of the year in Singapore after his recent promotion—it’s been more than years since the four of them hung out.
Moreover, with Yoongi's work as a freelance architect gig gaining traction, Jimin and Yoongi’s monthly meetups dwindled and eventually stopped when Jimin went abroad to pursue his masters, coming back to Seoul only recently to continue his doctorate degree.
The crowd sways to the slow melody, lovers and friends hugging each other, many eyes wet with tears. Yoongi’s ears have grown accustomed to the loud instrumentals echoing through the venue, the thump of the bass merging into one with his heartbeat.
There’s so many things to look at, listen to, observe, feel. Not just the lead singer belting out impressive notes or the various members of the audience either dancing or shouting incoherently.
Despite the tendency to get overwhelmed at all the different sights and sensations, Yoongi’s attention seems to linger on the person right next to him.
Yoongi sees Jimin with his eyes closed, arms wrapped around himself and fully immersed in the song–in this moment—his mouth perfectly following the lyrics. With his surroundings forgotten, Yoongi’s mind can’t distinguish between the real singers, the real show.
Something constricts in his chest. A warm ache, fluttering so pleasantly inside him.
Blue lights cascade on Jimin's face so beautifully like gentle waves. Slow tides pushing and pulling as they do before a crash, but it’s all happening inside Yoongi, as if his breath gets stuck in his throat.
Yoongi’s staring at him as Jimin opens his eyes again, and he doesn’t look away. He 𝑐𝑎𝑛’𝑡 look away. Now the flickering lights gleam even brighter in Jimin’s eyes, reflecting a serene yet delicate look. So delicate… Oh.
Worry starts to settle in Yoongi’s chest when he realises the gleams turn out to be tears that are smoothly running down the younger’s cheeks.
But before he could do anything, Jimin faces him, his expression unreadable…but it sets the constricted feeling in his chest free, replacing it with an unexplainable heat that spreads through Yoongi’s body erratically.
Yoongi’s drowning in a sea of emotions. Too caught up with wanting to feel the entire thing to react when Jimin gives him a genuine smile, tears still pooling in the corner of his crinkling eyes.
He feels it then. The gentleness of the waves pulling him slowly…
To…Jimin.
♡♡♡
“Hyung…d–do you wanna go to a bar?” Jimin asks meekly as he keeps his pace with the crowd trying to make it to the exit. Yoongi huffs amusedly, their shoulders knocking against the other when somebody bumps into him. “You still got energy after all that?”
It doesn’t take another step forward before a weight settles around his shoulders. Without delay, Jimin’s arm pulls him in until their bodies are completely flushed, Jimin slightly behind him as Yoongi’s side makes contact with the younger’s chest.
Yoongi tries not to think how the protective gesture makes him feel the familiar warmth spreading from his insides, a common theme he’s been subject to the whole night.
Yoongi has been the receiving end to countless of Jimin’s hugs and skinship, with the younger being the most touchy person Yoongi has ever met in his life. He’s not that special, considering how Jimin shows the same or even more physical affection to his other friends, Namjoon and Hoseok included. Maybe it’s in his head, how he thinks Jimin’s touches with him are a bit different. Softer and more delicate. Like sometimes Jimin’s a bit reluctant, as if… it has an effect on him. Just like it has on Yoongi.
But that can’t be.
That’s exactly why Yoongi has only initiated short side hugs or slightly awkward back pats with the younger over the years. Hand-holding is even worse. He remembers when Jimin—sweet, kind Jimin—warmed up his gloveless hands when they were waiting for the New Year’s fireworks at Hangang. Jimin’s bare skin against his, for what seemed like an eternity, was probably hotter than the fireworks shooting up the sky that night. Yoongi made sure to buy the thickest pair of gloves the next day.
“O-Oh no—Yeah, I totally get it. Actually I guess I’m pretty beat, too,” Jimin says quickly and Yoongi suddenly wants to take back what he said at the hint of disappointment he could sense from the way the younger’s shoulders slump a bit.
“I think it’s just that hanging out with you reminds me of the good ol’ days, you know?”
Yoongi smiles to himself when flashes of their late nights out with their friend group appear in his mind. He probably owes it all to them for most of his wild-adventures-turned-fondest memories.
Despite the ache settling in his legs from standing too long, another more heated ache swirls in his chest at the prospect of his time with Jimin ending. He doesn’t want to think about how long they’ll be apart before they can see each other again.
“Wanna go to mine instead? We can open some beers and hang out.”
“Aren’t you tired? We can do it another time—” “I want to,” Yoongi pauses as he casts his eyes sideways at Jimin.
They’re too close for him to be able to turn his head fully, but from his peripheral vision, the younger hangs his head, gazing at their walking feet, completely trusting Yoongi on where they’re going.
And in that moment, Yoongi’s nervous system fires up, because suddenly he’s blurting out one of many thoughts he’s been having tonight (and a lot of nights).
“I missed you.”
Yoongi doesn’t know where his tired legs are taking him. They’re already walking on the sidewalk, where most of the crowd has dispersed, everyone making their way home, the collective feeling of contentment and elation palpable in the air.
Somehow it’s nothing compared to the flames engulfing Yoongi’s cheeks at the moment. He just keeps walking, his brain entirely distracted when the warmth surrounding him engulfs him even more. A gentle weight settles on his shoulder as Jimin’s arms tighten around him.
Yoongi slows down his steps at the overwhelming sensation clawing at him. It allows Jimin to give him the most pleasant back hug—perhaps in the history of mankind—as his soft hands wrap around Yoongi’s torso, delicate fingers clutching onto his hoodie’s pocket.
“I missed you, too, hyung.” Jimin’s voice is barely a whisper in his ear, maybe a whole lot too intimate in a public space, but Yoongi lost the capacity to think about anything else. It’s just like fireworks.
♡♡♡
“I had a really great time with you tonight, Yoongi-hyung.” Jimin’s eyes flicker back shyly, only holding eye contact for less than a second.
Even though years have passed, wrinkle lines starting to subtly emerge on his skin, and though Jimin has dramatically transformed his hairstyle countlessly, now retreating to his original black hair, he seems like no time has passed in Yoongi’s eyes; Jimin’s still this young boy with curious eyes and innocent smile, lighthearted laughs that warm Yoongi’s heart.
It’s not the first time tonight Jimin has said that. The first time was after deciding they’d be hanging out at Yoongi’s while they got squished together in the subway. The second time was on Yoongi’s couch where they sat facing the other, during a pause from their conversations.
So this is the third time, but it feels like a finality. And Yoongi’s heart sinks at the prospect of Jimin leaving so soon. Well–not that soon, since they’ve been talking for three hours straight.
“...I–” Jimin starts hesitantly, voice smaller than the soft humming of Yoongi’s refrigerator. They're standing in his kitchen, cleaning up the cans and snacks, and Yoongi already misses the younger's warmth that was flushed against him the whole night.
Yoongi waits patiently because he’s actually getting distracted by his loudening heartbeat. It starts to ring in his ears, causing him to barely hear Jimin’s soft utterance.
Yoongi jerks his head to the sound, Jimin’s still hanging low to look at his fidgeting hands, seemingly waiting for the older’s response. “W-wait, what?”
“I–It’s totally fine if you’re too busy, I get it.” Jimin finally looks up again with a barely there smile, pursing his lips and waves of doubt in his eyes, however still twinkling so beautifully albeit not as bright as they should be.
“Jimin-ah.” It comes off a bit desperate, but he continues before he can think about it more, his need to reassure Jimin his main focus now, “Wh-what did you say? I didn’t hear you.”
Yoongi zones in on the younger’s face, somehow much closer to his now. He’s probably never been this physically close to Jimin, because Yoongi has never noticed the brown specks of Jimin’s irises surrounding his dilated pupils.
And it’s not just a blank space in those either, because Yoongi’s breath hitches at the overwhelming waves of emotions swimming within Jimin’s eyes alone, trying to piece out the meaning and correlation to his slightly guarded body language.
“Oh–well, o-okay…” Yoongi senses doubt as Jimin scratches the back of his neck, shoulders caving as if to protect himself as his gaze wanders away again.
Even as his heart pounds against his ribs, harder than ever, Yoongi stills as best as he can, hands tugging at the pockets of his oversized hoodie.
“I…I was hoping—next weekend there’s this local band competition…if you’re free, do you want to go with me…” The half-question doesn’t end with the usual increasing pitch, as if he’s still not done talking.
Yoongi waits for a bit but the increasingly uncomfortable expression etching on Jimin’s face squeezes Yoongi’s heart so unpleasantly that he just goes for it.
“I– I’d love to!” Maybe Yoongi sounds way too enthusiastic, definitely too loud in the awfully quiet space of his apartment. And maybe he cringes at his out-of-character animated tone, resembling a kindergartener’s giddy reaction to going to the playground.
He has no time to regret though as Jimin’s expression changes, eyebrows lifting and mouth parting. Yoongi is tentative, but for a second he admires the adorable sight, the beat of his heart thudding louder against his ribs.
In Yoongi’s hopes of reassuring Jimin again he tries his best to stir the mood into a lighter one, “Yeah, I– I saw some posters, it looks pretty cool so—”
“W-wait, wait, I’m not finished,” Jimin chuckles breathily as he smiles, though it doesn’t reach his eyes. Yoongi feels uneasy at the sight. The serious expression returns as Jimin sighs, “I 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 like hanging with you, Yoongi-hyung…I—”
Jimin pushes his hands roughly against his face, frustration painted all over his gestures. “Fuck– hold on–”
“Hey, hey, Jimin-ah, it’s okay.” Yoongi truthfully doesn’t know what to do, but his hands are already gently enveloping Jimin’s wrist to bring them back down.
“Let’s sit—” Yoongi starts turning his body around to pull him to the couch. However, his steps falter when the warm hands move to instead clutch his right one, shorter fingers gripping tight at his palm.
“D-don’t turn around.” Yoongi is startled when Jimin yelps, both their hands holding each other tighter at the surprise. “P-Please.”
“...Jimin?” Yoongi utters slowly, completely bewildered on what to do or even expect. Yoongi realises he stopped breathing when he hears Jimin sucking a big breath, the hand connected to him trembling, nails digging crescents on Yoongi’s palm.
The older can see their faint reflection on his balcony window, Jimin’s free hand ruffling his hair messily. As much as Yoongi wants to stop his rough movements, he knows it’s not the right time. God, he’s gotta focus on his own breathing.
“Earlier… I wanted to ask you…” Jimin pauses before taking a big breath again, “i-if you wanted to go with me to that thing…” When his voice wavers, Yoongi squeezes Jimin’s hand in a comforting gesture, urging him to go on.
The silence in the living room is deafening. Yoongi halts his breath, scared he might miss Jimin’s next words. “...as a date.”
“It–it’s totally fine, if you just wanna go as friends—” Jimin’s quick rambling is cut short as he lets out a shocked gasp when Yoongi abruptly turns around and steps closer, gathering both of Jimin’s hands to lifting their joint fingers to the space between their chests.
“Fuck, Jimin-ah... You’re so—” Yoongi groans frustratedly at himself because he knows he isn’t making sense, but there’s an overwhelming pressure growing in the depths of his soul, his breath trapped in his throat at the new possibility Jimin just presented to him.
And Yoongi’s so fucking grateful. So baffled. So overwhelmed. But so thankful that Jimin took the first step. And now it’s Yoongi’s turn to show the person causing all the turmoil in his heart, show him how much Yoongi wants this—them—too.
Yoongi’s so caught up in his own storm of emotions, taking more time than usual to comprehend his actions until a louder gasp breaks out from Jimin, the younger’s fingers quiver where it’s still grasped by his bigger ones.
Having been pulled out of his reverie, that’s when Yoongi realises the reason for Jimin’s sudden jolt. The older has brought their hands up higher, up until Yoongi’s lips brush Jimin’s knuckles softly.
From how his slightly pout-shaped mouth is still pressed against the younger’s hand and Jimin’s unwavering wide eyes staring back at him, panic starts to bloom in Yoongi’s chest. “Hyung…”
“I’m sorry, Jimin. I–” Yoongi starts to say while slowly (and reluctantly) releasing his grip around the younger’s hands, but Jimin instead clutches them again, tighter than before, than ever, rubbing soft fingers against Yoongi’s knuckles. “No! I mean…I–I don’t mind.”
Yoongi feels the weight off his shoulders when Jimin’s fond expression returns, his cheeks dusted pink, eyes still shy but not averting Yoongi’s gaze. This… is a good sign. A really good sign.
Jimin’s comment reignites the sparks under Yoongi’s skin, but now he makes sure he’s present, careful with his next move.
And how can Yoongi not give Jimin the whole world and more when he looks back at him with so much tenderness and adoration, as if Yoongi hung up all the stars, planets, and the whole sun in the galaxy.
Jimin bites his bottom lip, his eyebrows are furrowed in apprehension and Yoongi’s heart sinks a bit at how he’s probably making Jimin doubt Yoongi’s feelings for him.
“Jimin-ah…” Yoongi brings one shaky hand to cradle Jimin’s rose-dusted cheek, the loud thump in his chest going wild as the younger leans into his warmth, their feet shuffling inadvertently to press closer, looking up with glassy, emotional eyes that steals Yoongi’s breath away.
“I would absolutely… love to go on that date with you,” Yoongi manages to let out without stumbling over his words and the feeling is exhilarating; the bubble of emotions concealed inside him bursts and he can’t stop his body from pulling the other into his arms.
And from the way Jimin’s arms immediately wrap around his back, Yoongi lets out a stuttered sigh as he settles his chin over the younger’s shoulder, trying to discreetly drown in Jimin’s comforting citrus scent.
And right then and there, the words that describe exactly how he feels towards this sweetest boy in his arms imprint itself on Yoongi’s mind. His throat locks up for a moment, a stinging sensation arising at the back of his eyes. It’s as if he’s losing control over his body, overwhelmed by the realisation. It’s not a new feeling, no, it’s always been there… But even then, all he can do is tighten his arms around Jimin, needing him as close as possible.
Yoongi doesn’t know how much time has passed. When he finally comes back to his senses, he becomes aware of Jimin’s small voice. “..Hyung…”
It’s the gasps and quick inhales of breaths that shoves Yoongi into panic-mode, finally comprehending the younger’s jerky movements and the wet patch forming on his hoodie.
Though it takes so much for Yoongi to peel himself off from Jimin’s comforting warmth, the latter’s sobs grow louder, and Yoongi’s heart breaks into pieces in record time.
He doesn’t even notice his own tears falling as he cups Jimin’s face into his hands as gently as if he were holding glass, because that’s how vulnerable the younger’s expression is.
“Ah.. Um– Sorry, h-hyung…” Yoongi would have deemed Jimin’s sniffles heartbreakingly endearing but he’s flooded by worry and anxiety at Jimin’s reddening eyes, tears still glistening down his cheeks.
Before Jimin moves to instinctively wipe them away, Yoongi’s already softly rubbing his cheeks with his thumbs, the younger’s frown deepening at the sight of Yoongi’s pained expression.
“Jimin-ah…what’s up? Tell hyung, please?”
Jimin closes his eyes, as if overwhelmed, because Yoongi’s mirroring his actions, feeling the exact same. “It’s okay, Jimin… Slow– breathe in for me, slow, yeah?” Yoongi whispers between them before he takes a deep breath, to guide Jimin but also for his own good.
Jimin takes a stuttered breath, following Yoongi’s words. “Good, just like that, you’re doing so good.” Yoongi keeps the praise and encouragement, his heart never stopping its loud thuds.
At one point, Jimin’s hands have clutched tightly onto Yoongi’s hoodie, right against his heart. Time passes but it feels like an eternity that’s been swept into a few minutes.
As they both calm down, Yoongi, still filled with worry and busy wiping away Jimin’s tears, tips Jimin’s head just a bit to meet his gaze. He attempts to smile, wanting nothing else but joy to reside on the younger’s face.
Endearment overflows in Yoongi’s being at Jimin’s effort to smile back, eyes reddish and frown lines still present, but still as beautiful as ever. He can’t help but sigh dreamily, “Jimin-ah…”
He wants to ask again, but he sees Jimin gulping, as if preparing to answer. The tug on his hoodie pushes him forward and he moves with it, one of his hands travelling to Jimin’s nape. A few breaths fill the silence.
“Hyung, I– I missed y-you…” Jimin’s gaze is fixed on where his hands fist Yoongi’s hoodie, and Yoongi makes out the slight trembling. “Missed y-you so much Y-Yoon…”
Yoongi’s fingers slowly halt where they were just caressing Jimin’s neck, his sight blurring again with the wave of emotions coming back in full force; there’s no point in holding them back anymore.
Despite the tears clouding his vision, Yoongi never ceases watching Jimin. “I know we’ve all been busy with our lives and I’m always so happy to see you achieve everything you’ve dreamt of—the things you used to tell me…”
“But I– I never stopped– I always thought about you, hyung.” Jimin pauses to take in a shaky breath. “I kept wondering what you were doing, i–if you were eating well, whether y-you got enough rest…”
“...whether you missed me, too…”
“J-Jimin-ah–” Yoongi’s words get stuck in his throat when Jimin finally looks back at him, ripples of longing, nostalgia, regret and tenderness swirling deep in his eyes. “Hyung, I–”
Desperation claws uncomfortably at Yoongi’s chest. Because his words are failing him at the moment, he swiftly yet gently takes hold of Jimin’s jaw, brushing his lips onto soft, warm skin.
He doesn’t hesitate, kissing Jimin’s forehead, delicate and lingering onto the shuddering boy. God, how can Yoongi ever stop pouring all his love at this sweet, sweet boy?
He hears a soft Yoongi… but he doesn’t stop, kissing his way down to Jimin’s eyebrows and eyelids, nosing them as he leaves bolder kisses at Jimin’s cheeks.
Their lips are dangerously close as Yoongi takes a deep breath, uttering words that somehow still can't convey his overwhelming feelings bubbling inside his chest. “I missed you every day…I–I missed you so much, Jimin-ah…”
A sound between a whine and a sniffle emits between them as Jimin nuzzles into his skin, noses brushing tear-stained cheeks. Yoongi’s heart soars all while stuttering at their proximity, their intimacy. It does another flip when Jimin lets out another whimper, louder, as he nudges Yoongi with his nose, tugging him closer. Yoongi’s brain catches up and he peppers more kisses all over Jimin's heated face. He revels in Jimin’s contented sighs, the buzzing tingle returning to his insides as he senses the upturn of Jimin’s lips.
A break in his kisses is all Jimin needs to take over, first pecking Yoongi’s pink cheek. They take turns, lingering warm brushes of love and tenderness against smooth, warm skin. Jimin giggles and the weight pressing on Yoongi’s chest finally lifts, loving nothing more than to hear his favourite sound in the world.
“Hyung…” Jimin whispers as their gazes meet, his eyes still glassy, yet Yoongi is too distracted by his natural beauty. Never in his years of knowing Jimin has Yoongi ever been this intimately close to the younger. He feels like mush inside.
“Jimin-ah? Why…?” Yoongi doesn’t hesitate to wipe the stray tear that falls from Jimin’s eye with his thumb. The sight doesn’t only tug at his heart but also causes a familiar burn behind his own eyes. He’s fucking overwhelmed. And he realises that Jimin is probably the same.
“Hy-Hyung…I–” Jimin gulps as he tries to calm down, closing his eyes and more tears falling as a result. Yoongi keeps softly stroking Jimin’s cheeks in an effort to comfort the younger. He thinks it’s working because a small smile appears in Jimin’s mouth.
Anything. Yoongi would do anything for Jimin. Anything to make him smile. Anything to make him feel happy. “Jimin—” “Yoongi-hyung, may I—” Desperation is evident in both their tones, eager to satisfy the burning need to soothe the other.
Jimin huffs a short laugh, fondness grazing his features before blasting Yoongi’s heart into a frenzy again with his next whisper of words.
“May I kiss you, h-hyung?” Jimin’s wet eyelashes flutter open gradually but maybe it’s just Yoongi because he can suddenly watch every miniscule movement of Jimin’s face in slow motion. All he can hear is his throbbing heartbeat, somehow penetrating all the way to the tips of his fingers as his gaze flickers down to Jimin’s cute rounded lips.
Without another second to waste, Yoongi slots their mouths together, and the taut strings within him break loose. Every emotion and thought passes through Yoongi’s body, but nothing is more overwhelming than the pure electricity running through his veins the pleasant aching sensation spreading from his chest. “Mmh…” The sweet sounds Jimin makes drives Yoongi to the brink of sanity, the vibrations only adding to the already divine sensation of Jimin’s succulent lips.
Yoongi tilts his head just a bit, blood rushing into his ears as Jimin follows eagerly, and god—how can something so perfect feel even better?
He tastes the beer they drank together on Jimin's lips, but it doesn’t overpower his natural taste; honey-sweet and perfectly suited to Yoongi’s taste.
It’s so so good, and Yoongi doesn’t want to ever stop, wants more and more. However, he doesn’t ever cross the line from something more than chaste and sweet.
His head is reeling as Jimin’s hands caress his hair. The younger hums before they part, yet Yoongi steals a quick peck before pulling away. Soft pants fill up the quiet space, and a buzzing warmth grows right inside Yoongi’s chest, he can’t quite name the feeling.
As they catch their breaths, they can’t seem to stop looking at the other. Pink-dusted cheeks, dazed eyes and swollen lips being observed by oh-so hopeful eyes. Yoongi’s fingers keep brushing Jimin’s cheek and his nape in a soothing motion, mostly to calm himself down, too.
Jimin takes a huge inhale through his nose as he comes back to his senses, Yoongi sensing the tension arising in his own body as the need to keep his love by his side, in his arms longer surges, unable to stop his mouth from revealing his heart’s desire.
“Jimin-ah—would you–Um.. Want to stay the night?” Yoongi’s heart flutters, backflips and explodes a few times while his cheeks flame. “Just—! It’s really late and also I mean—just to talk and sleep, I’ll sleep on the couch—”
Suddenly he catches a warm weight in his arms, the sweet, sweet boy nuzzling against his neck in their divine embrace. “Oh, hyung… Hyung… Yoongi-hyung…”
Although so many people have come and gone in Yoongi’s life, in this very moment, he’s so immensely grateful for the stars, the moon, the universe, whoever or whatever is out there, for entwining his and Jimin’s lives. He’s never gonna let this gift of a boy go.
Yoongi rubs soothing circles on Jimin’s back, breath hitching as Jimin kisses his pulse point on his throat before pulling back again to lock their eyes. Jimin keeps surprising him in new ways, his next words absolutely stealing the breath from Yoongi’s lungs.
“I’ve been pining for you for years and only now do I have you.” Oh–yeah, yeah. There is no way he can live his life without Jimin from this point onward.
Jimin pauses as he realises what he just said, pink tinging at his ears so endearingly. Yoongi cradles his cheek, brushing his thumb at Jimin’s smooth skin in an attempt to encourage him. God, this boy.
Yoongi’s brain needs a second—no, a whole minute, no, a few days—to fully process what Jimin just said. But at the same time, it acts on the indescribable on-top-of-the-world feeling washing over him, where Yoongi simply short-circuits and can’t constrain all the affection he wants to show this sweet boy in front of him.
Their second kiss is no less sweet, perhaps a drop less shy, as Yoongi brushes their lips in a delicate union, before opting for cloud-soft pecks between eager mouths, then moving to smiley, Jimin-giggle-inducing kisses all over his face.
“Jimin-ah… sweetheart, I–” There’s no hesitance, not even a tiny, miniscule drop of doubt when Yoongi utters his next words. “I’ve loved you for a…very long time, Jimin-ah.” Love. It’s undeniably love. “I love you, Jimin.”
Sure, it was platonic and friendly, if you want to categorise it. But for so long, perhaps through so many ups and downs they experienced together, Yoongi has always felt so much love for Jimin.
He loves him so much in evolving types of love, not so easy to describe with mere words. The only thing that changes is the degree; though there's no way his heart could feel more full, he loves and loves Jimin more and more.
And Yoongi knows Jimin feels it, too. What they have, it’s the utmost form of care, adoration… and love. They’ll talk more as they explore their next steps. This new direction… that feels so utterly right.
But for now, Yoongi just needs to say those words out loud to the person who he feels so much for, who is rocking his world with every deep, longing gaze he directs at him.
Jimin slumps a bit causing Yoongi to hold on to his middle tighter. His voice is breathy, breaking a bit, almost the same way Yoongi feels.
“Oh… Hyung… Yoongi—”
The waves roll and crash, intense yet natural, as they always do. Yoongi sees it all in Jimin, who’s baring his all, opening up for Yoongi—just Yoongi—to see.
“I love you, Yoongi.”
Waves keep crashing and they hold on to each other tighter, knowing and trusting the other to hold on.
“God, I’m so in love with you, hyung.”
Despite the dropping temperatures of the breezy night, Yoongi has never felt so warm. Wrapped in blankets and the cosiest warmth in the form of his love, Park Jimin, he grips the younger tight, never letting go, never feeling so content in his life.
♡♡♡
Maybe it’s the honeymoon phase or maybe Yoongi didn’t try to live to the fullest before meeting Jimin again, but the past five months being Jimin’s boyfriend have been indescribable. He feels reinvigorated, like Jimin put on a fresh pair of lenses for him, giving him a new perspective on life. He sleeps better (it comes so easy when Jimin cuddles him all night). He eats better (he’s picked up on cooking again to pack a healthy lunch for Jimin).
Everything in his life is better (except his heart, weakening with every loving look, fond smile from his love, but it's so worth it).
Jimin is really a god-sent angel, Yoongi thinks. He’s absolutely taken by his angel, instantly smitten from god-knows how long. Enough for him to already plan the biggest surprise for Jimin a week into their relationship.
Months of planning discreetly was not an easy feat. But whenever he imagines Jimin's reaction, how much his love deserves to feel the highest highs of happiness and excitement—just being able to witness that, Yoongi thinks, could fairly be his purpose in life.
When Yoongi presented Jimin the tickets of the his favorite band's encore concert so casually (after hours of practicing this very scenario), he didn't even worry about the neighbours nor anything else other than the purely euphoric screams Jimin let out as his love attacked him with the loveliest hugs and kisses, taking a while to calm down as tears of gratitude and shock came into place.
"Hyung, but h-how? And it's in Tokyo, y-your work—"
"Jimin-ah, don't worry about a thing, okay? I want you to have the best time."
As his boyfriend, it was easy to ask about Jimin's schedule. The timing was perfect, knowing it came after Jimin's busiest periods as a Phd student and how Yoongi could take him to see the beautiful bloom of cherry blossoms.
Yoongi made sure to free the memory of his camera, taking a million pictures of Jimin's beauty that he thinks no device could ever capture perfectly. "Yoongi-hyung, I want pictures of you, too."
Yoongi never has the ability to turn him down, letting himself be directed to strike multiple poses in front of the pink flowers and even busy coffee shops, his own cheeks flushing bright red as people look on with unhindered giggles at how passionate Jimin seems to get the best photos.
"Hyung, turn a bit--Yes! Oh, you're so handsome!"
"Okay, look straight ahead, a bit up, yes, yes. Oh Yoongi, you're a natural!" Yoongi is sure some of Jimin's comments are exaggerated, yet he also knows they're simply to make himself smile bigger, laugh louder.
It works and Yoongi is grateful, because the other big surprise is coming soon, his walk slightly more bouncy as he walks hand-in-hand with Jimin to a secluded sushi shop before the concert. "Hyung, I--I really can't thank you enough, this is already the best day ever."
Jimin pecks his cheek as they stand in front of the restaurant, wrapping his arms around Yoongi, swaying them for a bit. No, Yoongi can't cry now. It wasn't in his plan. He tries to swallow the tightness in his throat, clutching Jimin tighter, forgetting his surroundings.
It's so safe. So warm. And suddenly... It gets warmer...? "Eh? What--"
"Hey, lovebirds." Jimin pulls back from Yoongi's hold, head snapping to the voice right next to them, an extra pair of arms hugging them both. "H-Hobi-hyung?! Hyung!"
Yoongi's smile has never been wider, gums all out to bare as Jimin's body freezes for a moment, eyes as big as saucers as he finally jerks and grabs Hoseok's cheeks in disbelief before crushing into his chest in a heartbreakingly endearing hug.
"Aw, my Jiminie, it's been so long, huh?" Hoseok comforts the younger, his voice starting to tremble and weaken as he holds on and rubs Jimin's back soothingly.
Yoongi's heart never stops aching, the lump in his throat returning, especially as a weight settles around his shoulder.
"Hyung, I can't believe I'm ever using this word to describe you, but you and Jimin are the cutest."
Namjoon laughs heartily as Yoongi jokingly huffs in annoyance as he weakly elbows the other's chest.
"Joonie-hyung?!" Yoongi's heart jumps as Jimin's teary eyes and pinkening features come into view, the shock etching on his face again. It's so endearing.
Jimin doesn't let go of Hoseok's jacket, dragging him as the youngest almost topples Namjoon off balance from how hard he hugs him, Yoongi's hands immediately finding their way back to touch his love as Jimin's shoulders shake, love and adoration swelling his being at the sight.
It takes a good while for them to break away, Yoongi also basking in the warmth and love from his dearest friends, their bond never weakening despite the growing distance over the years, a wave of emotions crashing into the four men as they reunite in each other's embrace.
Yoongi wants to pat himself in the back for renting the private dining room of the restaurant when their non-stop chatter and laughs fill up the small room, tear-stained cheeks now only a result of joy and happiness as they talk about literally everything.
Yoongi can't help but avert his gaze to his hands in his lap when Hoseok and Namjoon finally reveal the well-calculated surprise.
"Oh my god, Jimin-ah, I really don't see Yoongi-hyung like that, but even I got a bit jealous because our friend here is so whipped for you!"
Hoseok tries to hold his giggles as he continues, "I don't think I ever saw hyung that passionate, ever. It's so funny 'cos I also don't remember the last time he called me that much in the span of a week. He was so determined to make this happen." Hoseok claps his hand an impressed look on his face before he gives Yoongi two thumbs up.
"No, for real, 'cos I wanted to kind of tease Yoongi-hyung when he called me so randomly but he was so serious and set on this."
Namjoon's smile is fond as he looks at Jimin who is cuddling Hoseok before settling back on Yoongi as Namjoon pats his shoulder.
"I'm really happy for you guys." Yoongi can't take it, knowing his entire body is hot with embarrassment yet his chest constricting with so much gratitude and affection for his friends.
Though with his head hanging to cover his flushed face, Yoongi still senses the shuffling of someone near him, before his body is wrapped by his favorite person. Even with the excited squeals and claps of his two friends, Yoongi revels in Jimin's touch, leaning into it and soothing himself with the younger's pleasant citrus scent, his belly swooping as Jimin says,
"Hyung... This is-- I can't believe you did all this... for me." Jimin softly bumps his head against his. "Thank you so much, Yoongi."
Yoongi will save the embarrassment later when Hoseok sends him the pictures of him and Jimin in the most intimate hug, but for now he just focuses on making sure the rest of the night becomes the best night in Jimin's life.
Somehow he's run out of memory in his camera, opting to use his phone as he takes videos of Jimin, Hoseok and Namjoon (and selfies, as requested per Jimin and Hoseok's wishes) at the concert. The friends let go and it feels like they travelled back to their college days.
"Yoon--Yoongi! It's the song!" The lead hasn't even started singing but Jimin already catches the first melody.
It's the song. The moment that plays endlessly in Yoongi's mind when he felt... he realised... he saw... Jimin.
Jimin in his purest, most vulnerable state.
And now it happens again.
But a million times better.
Jimin, ever the touchiest boy, who took turns to hold Namjoon and Hoseok's hands throughout the faster, upbeat songs, dancing the night away, yet never too far from Yoongi, always meeting his gaze every few seconds now settles behind Yoongi, hooking his chin over the older's shoulder, arms wound tight against his torso, breathing in Yoongi's scent, Yoongi's soul as he sways them to the slow beat, practically clutching Yoongi's heart as he sings right into his lover's ear.
"If I could be by your side
I'll give you all my life, my seasons..."
As the guitarist takes the spotlight, the crowd breaking into a cheer, Jimin never lets up, only holding Yoongi closer, closer, closer. Yoongi's insides melt.
"Hyung, I love you so much..." Jimin nuzzles into Yoongi's nape, pressing the softest kisses up the side of his neck as Yoongi tries to face him, their eyes closing due to wanting to savour the feeling of each other. Every kiss, every whisper, every touch.
"Please...P-Please have me for the rest of my life..."
Yoongi's entire being halts as he gasps, his ears only picking up his and Jimin's racing heartbeats. "
You're the only one for me, hyung. I love you so mu--"
Jimin gasps as Yoongi turns in his embrace, the older's expression so bare, so so pure... with the deepest adoration and love it can contend the vast, unknown seas.
"Baby--" Yoongi hiccups, realising his wet cheeks as Jimin wipes his tears away. "Jimin-ah..."
"Jimin, I'm yours. Only yours. For as long as you'll have me." Yoongi's exhale is shaky, his fingers trembling against the fabric of Jimin's jacket. "I love you so much, Jimin-ah."
"My Yoongi..."
"My love...my Jimin."
Yoongi feels and feels. Nothing but love with his love.