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Chapter Text

Friday dragged itself to an exhausted end as Hoseok boarded the train back to Canary Wharf. Outside, the city wrapped him in its relentless rhythm: suits blending on the platforms, neon lights shimmering over the river, the constant hum that never seemed to fade. After six months in London, weekends no longer held surprises. The tourist checklists had long been completed, leaving only the empty hours of someone who no longer knew how to fill them.

That was when he saw it. A new poster on the station wall, announcing Epik High’s upcoming concert in the city. His heart clenched painfully.

The image yanked him straight into the past back to those afternoons when Yoongi, still shy, shared his favorite songs with the reverence of someone offering something sacred. Hoseok could still remember laughing at how seriously Yoongi spoke about chords and lyrics, until he realized it wasn’t just about music. It was Yoongi’s way of opening his world to him. Back then, everything felt weightless: the messy couch, the warmth of their intertwined hands, the illusion that time stood still when they were together.

A blink was all it took to tear him from the memory. The train screeched to a halt, and Hoseok forced himself to walk back to his apartment. The space was impersonal, never decorated, more like a hotel room than a home. No photos, no memories. Nothing to hold on to. London had given him everything but a sense of home.

Three years in a relationship and six months since the breakup, yet everything was still tied to Yoongi. Every corner of the city, every new flavor, every frustration at his job, every song playing faintly in the background it all pulled at him, an impulse to grab his phone and tell Yoongi about it. But he couldn’t.

In his stubbornness, he clung to an absurd idea: that the distance had not been a mistake, that his unhappiness wasn’t the result of his own decision. Because admitting he had blown up the only thing that ever felt like home… was something Hoseok refused to face.

Chapter Text

The apartment was quiet when Hoseok came back from the grocery store. He set the bag on the counter, trying to ignore how the silence pressed into every corner. He put the items away with exaggerated care milk, fruit, bread as if routine could somehow fill the void.

But it didn’t.
Not when his eyes fell on the mug by the sink, the one he’d bought for Yoongi on a spontaneous trip to Jeju. A silly memory, a cheap souvenir. He should’ve thrown it away months ago, but every time he tried, his hand froze halfway.

He forced himself to look away.

Seoul — One week before London.

Landing the job in London had felt like a miracle. The company was opening a branch and needed people for six months. Hoseok applied without much hope, and against all odds, he was chosen. An opportunity like that was impossible to refuse.

What he hadn’t counted on was finding out later that the contract could be extended to a full year with good performance. He kept it to himself, convinced it was better not to add more weight to what already felt like a thread about to snap.

But secrets never last. At his farewell party, a colleague mentioned it casually between drinks and laughter. Yoongi had been there, and though he stayed quiet at the time, the silence didn’t last. By the time Hoseok walked through the door that night, Yoongi was ready.

“One year?” Yoongi’s arms were crossed, his voice like ice. “When were you going to tell me? Or were you just planning to bring it up once you renewed the contract?”

Hoseok’s throat tightened.
“I didn’t want to worry you. It’s not even guaranteed… only if things go well.”

“That’s not the point.” Yoongi’s fists curled at his sides. “The point is you weren’t even going to tell me.”

The words hung in the air, sharp and heavy.

“How is this supposed to work, Hoseok?” His voice cracked, anger laced with exhaustion. “We can’t even talk without fighting lately… and now you’re telling me you might stay another year on the other side of the world?”

“We can make it work…” Hoseok stepped closer, almost pleading. “I don’t want this to end. Please, we can figure it out.”

Yoongi held his gaze for a long moment, but there was no hope left in his eyes.
“No.” He shook his head. “I’m not going to trap us in a long-distance that will only tear us apart. It’s better to end it now.”

Hoseok opened his mouth, but no words came out.

“You can stay here until you leave for London,” Yoongi added, gathering a few of his things without looking back. “There’s no point dragging this out.”

The door slammed before Hoseok could react. The echo spread through the apartment, leaving behind a silence so brutal it felt like the floor had caved in.

Hoseok stood frozen, unable to process how everything had collapsed in a single night.

Hoseok shoved the mug into the cupboard and closed the door harder than he meant to. He unlocked his phone, scrolling aimlessly for distraction. Nothing worked. Everything circled back to him: songs, photos, even a random Epik High rehearsal clip on his feed. His throat tightened.

“Not again,” he whispered, shaking his head. He wasn’t going to cry. Not tonight.

The day of the flight.

Jin was the first to hug him, squeezing so tightly he could barely breathe. Namjoon did his best to keep the group laughing, forcing the mood to stay light. Jungkook and Taehyung hovered nearby, cracking nervous jokes to hide their red-rimmed eyes.

But through all the hugs and promises to keep in touch, Hoseok searched for one face that wasn’t there.

Yoongi never came.

The absence cut deep, but Hoseok held onto it with anger, twisting it into something he could use to protect himself. If Yoongi hadn’t even shown up, then leaving had to be the right choice. He told himself that over and over, like a mantra, just to keep from falling apart.

And yet, as the plane lifted off and the city slipped away beneath him, all he wanted was for Yoongi to burst through the gate at the last second, running to stop him. Because this wasn’t how they were supposed to say goodbye. It couldn’t end like this.

But Hoseok’s red eyes, pressed against the airplane window, told a different story.

The city lights flickered against the glass. Hoseok dropped onto the bed, his phone glowing in his hand. Yoongi’s name sat untouched in his contacts, like an open wound.

Without thinking too much, he opened his browser. His fingers moved on their own, searching for the concert page. His heart pounded as he confirmed the purchase.

A few clicks later, the ticket was sitting in his inbox.

Hoseok set the phone aside and drew in a deep breath. He didn’t bother asking himself why he’d done it.

He already knew.

Chapter Text

The office buzzed with the steady tapping of keyboards, a mechanical sound that once used to soothe Hoseok. But that morning, it only reminded him of how far he was from everything familiar.

Jimin, his coworker who had slowly become his closest friend in London, turned his chair around with ease. He had a way of reading Hoseok with just a glance or two, maybe because they shared roots, even if in different ways. Jimin had been born in London to Korean parents, and with Hoseok, he never needed too many explanations.

“Hyung, you look like the walking dead. Did you sleep at all?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I did,” Hoseok said with a tired smile. “Guess it doesn’t show.”

“Not one bit. Come on, tell me what’s going on. You’ve been dragging yourself around all week.”

Hoseok let out a long sigh. Talking about it didn’t make it lighter, but holding it in felt heavier. Jimin already knew about the breakup; Hoseok had admitted it one night, over beers and long conversations

“It’s still the same. I thought the distance would help, but… sometimes it’s worse.”

Jimin looked at him with quiet sympathy, but he didn’t make a big deal of it. He just nodded, like someone who knows there’s no magic advice that can fix this.

“It’s always worse at the start,” he murmured.

The silence stretched between them until Jimin tilted his head, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.

“By the way… I heard you’re going to the Epik High concert tonight.”

“Yeah,” Hoseok answered, distracted, as if he didn’t want to talk about it.

“Wasn’t that your ex’s favorite group?” Jimin asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hoseok’s expression said it all: dry, uncomfortable, and worn out.

“Okay, okay, got it,” Jimin laughed, throwing his hands up in surrender. “I’ll shut up. Just… don’t beat yourself up too much, alright?”

Hoseok didn’t answer. He just turned back to his screen, though Jimin’s words kept echoing in his mind.

The Troxy was packed, a sea of lights and voices rising as one. The crowd jumped, sang every line, letting themselves be carried away by Epik High’s unmistakable energy. Hoseok tried to follow, raising his hands, and moving with the music but his body didn’t fully respond.

And then the first notes of Lovedrunk began.

It hit him like a punch to the chest. The lyrics weren’t just words; they were needles, piercing straight through. He didn’t need memories he didn’t want them. The song spoke everything he couldn’t say aloud: erasing, forgetting, drowning feelings in alcohol.

“This isn’t me getting ruined…
It’s my body and my heart that only knew you…
Trying to grow new skin…
It’s just a seasonal transformation…
I’ve taken you off, now I’m naked.”

The words wrapped around him like a chokehold. Hoseok froze, anchored in the middle of the swaying crowd. Tears spilled without permission, hot and unstoppable. Everyone around him screamed, laughed, and danced but all he felt was the emptiness, the absence of the one who wasn’t there.

Each verse shredded him further. Every syllable stripped him bare, and he clung to the music like it could somehow explain the ache.

Why can’t I erase you? Why can’t I move on? he thought. He couldn’t hold it back.

“My shaking legs…
My spinning head…
Are in the middle of erasing you.”

The words weren’t just in the song they were inside him, tightening his chest with every beat. Distance hadn’t been enough. London hadn’t been enough. Nothing had.

And in the middle of the music, the lights, the euphoria of the crowd, Hoseok quietly fell apart, letting the tears fall with the beat, letting the music carry the grief he couldn’t contain.

Chapter Text

Hoseok was leaning back in his chair, laptop open in front of him, when the screen lit up with Jin’s bright smile.

“Hobi, did you buy your ticket?” Jin asked, his excitement practically crackling through the speakers.

“Uh… not yet,” Hoseok replied, shifting in his seat and turning his head slightly to the side, avoiding too much eye contact. “But I’ll book it soon.”

“Come on, it’s less than a month away!” Jin waved his hands with enthusiasm. “The Namjin wedding! I don’t want to see you rushing at the last minute.”

Hoseok raised an eyebrow at him.
“Namjin? Seriously, hyung?”

Jin grinned proudly and pointed at himself.
“It’s Namjoon plus Jin, get it?” he said with a laugh, before his expression softened. “Okay, okay… I know it’s not easy for you. Yoongi’s going to be there too.”

The words hit Hoseok straight in the chest, though Jin’s gentle tone tried to cushion the blow. Jin had always known how to read him too well.

“I know, I know…” Hoseok murmured with a sigh, his gaze drifting toward the wall in front of him. “I’m just dealing with a few things.”

Jin leaned closer to the camera, his tone more serious now.
“Hobi, are you really okay with coming? If it’s too much… I’d understand.”

Hoseok shook his head instantly.
“Hyung, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. It’s your wedding. My best friend getting married. Of course I’ll be there.”

Jin and Hoseok had been inseparable since childhood. They’d gone to the same university different majors, though: Hoseok in event planning, Jin in public relations. That’s where they’d met Namjoon and Yoongi, both from the music department and already talented producers. The four of them became inseparable, until time and emotions shifted things into something more: two couples bound by both friendship and love.

And that was the root of Hoseok’s anxiety. Remembering their shared history was enough to twist his stomach into knots. The wedding wasn’t just a celebration; it also meant facing the part of his life that hurt the most. That’s why he kept putting off buying the ticket, as if postponing it could somehow delay the inevitable.

The next day, while going through vendor contracts at his desk, his manager appeared with a folder tucked under her arm and a formal smile.

“Hoseok, do you have a minute for your six-month performance review? she asked, settling on the edge of his desk.

“Of course,” Hoseok replied, trying to sound calm even though his heartbeat picked up slightly.

The review was brief but straightforward: his performance was excellent. His projects were running smoothly and meeting deadlines, and his manager told him his contract could be renewed for another year on top of the six months he’d already completed

“Look, I know it’s an important decision,” she said. “Take your time. In fact, we’ve decided to extend your contract by one more month, so you’ll have more time to think it over. And I know you also need to go back to Korea for your friend’s wedding, so there’s no rush. We can talk again once you’re back.”

Hoseok nodded, grateful for her understanding. But the pressure still weighed on him. Every word of praise blended with the memory of Yoongi and the unsettling thought of facing him at the wedding, having to smile as if nothing had happened.

His manager ended the meeting with a calm reminder:
“Think it through, Hoseok. You’ve proven yourself, and there’s a place for you here if you want it, we’d love to see you stay.”

That night, back in his apartment, Hoseok sank into the chair at his desk. The place was quiet, the only light coming from his laptop screen. He had avoided the moment all day, but now there were no more excuses.

With his throat tight and his hands slightly trembling, he opened the airline’s website. After a few seconds of hesitation, he entered his card details. When the confirmation finally appeared on the screen, Hoseok closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.

The ticket was booked. The wedding had always been certain, but he had tried to avoid facing it for as long as he could. And with it came the moment of seeing him again.

Chapter Text

The restaurant was unusually quiet for a Friday night, tucked away on a side street Hoseok had stumbled upon weeks earlier. Warm lighting, the soft murmur of conversations, and the faint aroma of grilled meat should have soothed him. Instead, he sat across from Jimin, his plate half-finished, pushing food around without really eating. Ever since he’d bought the ticket to Seoul, his stomach had been tied in a relentless, heavy knot.

“Hyung,” Jimin said suddenly, setting his glass down with a soft tap. “You’ve looked pale all week. I swear, you’re starting to worry me. What’s going on?”

Hoseok tried to smile, but it faded quickly. He’d been trying to handle it on his own, burying the anxiety under deadlines and late nights at the office. But Jimin’s eyes were too sharp to be fooled. With a sigh, he admitted:

“It’s the wedding. Jin’s wedding. I mentioned it to you a while back, remember?”

Jimin frowned, trying to recall.
“Oh, right. Yeah… but it seemed so far away back then. Is it… coming up soon?”

Hoseok nodded, staring down at his untouched food.
“Too soon. I already bought the ticket, but every time I think about going, about being there…” His voice cracked. “Seeing Yoongi again makes my stomach turn. I have no idea what I’ll do when I’m face-to-face with him.”

The raw vulnerability in Hoseok’s expression tightened something in Jimin’s chest. Leaning forward, he touched Hoseok’s wrist gently.
“I’d like to go with you, hyung.”

Hoseok blinked, startled, before something lit up in his mind.
“Wait… I have a plus one! I never confirmed it, but I can tell Jin now. He won’t mind he knows who you are.”

“Really?” Jimin asked, a tentative smile spreading across his face.

Something in Hoseok loosened, as if he could finally breathe again. His lips curved into the first genuine smile of the night.
“You have no idea how much that would help me, Jimin.”

Jimin studied him quietly for a moment, catching the flicker of relief that softened his expression. And right then, he decided: he’d do everything he could to be by Hoseok’s side on this trip.
“Then all that’s left is requesting time off,” he said with newfound determination. “Since I started, I haven’t taken any. I’m sure they’ll approve it.”

For the first time in days, Hoseok’s chest felt lighter. The idea of facing Seoul the dinners, the rehearsals, the wedding no longer seemed unbearable. With Jimin by his side, it almost felt manageable.

On Monday afternoon, Jimin burst into the office with his usual energy, nearly glowing with excitement.
“Hyung! Guess what? I talked to my boss… and he approved my time off!”

Relief washed over Hoseok so strongly it made him dizzy. He jumped up from his desk, grinning ear to ear.
“Then it’s official. Tonight, we’ll book your ticket.”

Hours later, sitting shoulder to shoulder in front of Hoseok’s laptop, they scrolled through flight options until they found the right one. And as they clicked “Confirm Purchase,” Hoseok realized something: even though he had always known he would attend the wedding, fear had always overshadowed everything. With Jimin by his side, maybe just maybe he could get through that week.

Chapter Text

The flight had landed only a few minutes ago, but Hoseok’s heart was racing as he made his way down to baggage claim. Jimin walked by his side, glowing with excitement, taking in every detail of their arrival.

As soon as they stepped out of the airport, they were greeted with shouts and laughter: Jin, Namjoon, Jungkook, and Taehyung rushed toward them, wrapping them up in hugs.

“Hobi!” Jin exclaimed, pulling him into a tight embrace. “You’re finally here. Welcome back!”

Namjoon hugged him warmly as well before turning to Jimin with a sincere smile.
“Welcome, Jimin. Thank you for coming to the wedding,” he said gratefully.

Jimin smiled, a little nervous but charming, bowing politely as he introduced himself. Taehyung immediately stepped forward to shake his hand enthusiastically, and Jungkook, wasting no time, added with a playful grin:
“So you’re the famous Jimin, the brave soul who decided to join our Hobi hyung. Think you can survive this week?”

The comment drew laughter, easing the atmosphere as they all headed towards the cab together.

The group made their way to the restaurant where a welcome dinner had been arranged. The table overflowed with dishes and stories as the friends reminisced between bursts of laughter, and Jimin listened attentively, slowly finding his place among them. Sitting beside him, Hoseok could feel his anxiety begin to ease, replaced by the warmth of their company.

“Tomorrow we’ll head out early for Gapyeong,” Namjoon explained as he poured wine into their glasses. “Since you don’t have a car here, you can take the train. We’ll meet you at the hotel. All the guests, as well as our wedding party, are staying in the same place.

Hoseok nodded, though he couldn’t help the slight discomfort at the thought of everyone being under the same roof.

“Perfect,” Jimin said enthusiastically. “That way we can coordinate easily not just for the wedding, but to enjoy the trip as well.”

The evening carried on with conversation and laughter. Hoseok, watching Jimin interact with the others, felt a surge of gratitude. Yet beneath it all, one thought kept circling in his mind: they would all be staying at the same hotel. The mere idea of being in such close proximity to Yoongi made his chest tighten again, an unspoken tension reminding him that the week was only just beginning.

Chapter Text

The train to Gapyeong rocked steadily, winding through mountains that seemed to close in the farther they left Seoul behind. The metallic rhythm of the wheels blended with the murmur of passengers. Jimin watched the scenery with a curious smile before turning toward Hoseok. The tension in his hyung’s shoulders was so clear that he nudged him lightly with an elbow.

“Hyung, breathe a little,” he said softly but firmly. “It’s going to be fine.”

Hoseok tried to smile, but the effort twisted before it could land.

By the time they arrived at the hotel, the sunset had painted the mountains in shades of orange, the river mirroring the sky like glass. The building felt more like a quiet retreat than an inn, with wide windows overlooking the water and gardens lit by lanterns.

Their room had two spotless beds and a large window overlooking the calm current of the river. As soon as they dropped their bags, Hoseok’s phone buzzed with a message from Jin.

Jin: “Here’s the schedule for the week. Don’t you dare be late. I’m watching you! 👀”

Hoseok read it aloud while Jimin leaned over, curious:

• Day 1: Private dinner with the wedding party.
• Day 2: Free day in Gapyeong.
• Day 3: Bachelor party.
• Day 4: Rehearsal at Nami Island + formal dinner.
• Day 5: The wedding (obviously).
• Day 6: Farewell brunch.

“See, hyung?” Jimin said with a sparkle in his eyes. “It’s all super organized. And that free day is perfect we can explore a bit, distract you before things get heavy.”

Hoseok didn’t reply. Just reading the list made his chest tighten. Every day meant more unavoidable contact with Yoongi.

“You’ll be fine,” Jimin murmured, his tone gentle but steady, his smile softer this time. “I’m not leaving you alone in this.”

That night, dinner was held in one of the hotel’s main halls, on the upper floor with wide windows overlooking the river. Long tables were covered with Korean and Western dishes, glasses of wine, and champagne bottles passed from hand to hand. The mood was relaxed, almost festive: laughter, hugs, spontaneous toasts.

In the middle of it all, Namjoon stood with his glass raised.

“Thank you all for being here,” he said in that deep, steady voice that always filled the room. “We couldn’t have made it to this moment without you. We want this week to be more than just a wedding; we want it to be a happy memory for everyone.”

Glasses clinked, mingling with the sound of cheers. Hoseok lifted his own, but inside, the weight of the inevitable pressed harder.

Jungkook sat across from Jimin, diving into animated conversation, his smiles lingering a little too long. Jimin answered with nervous laughter. Hoseok noticed it out of the corner of his eye but tried to focus on his plate. What he couldn’t ignore was Yoongi’s figure at the far end of the table, eyes dodging his in the same deliberate way.

As the glasses emptied, the conversations grew louder, warmer, more intimate. For everyone else, it was a reunion. For Hoseok, every second felt like walking on glass.

Needing air, he slipped out to the terrace attached to the hall. The night breeze hit him, cooling the heat that clung to his skin. He leaned against the railing, trying to steady his pulse.

It didn’t take long before the door opened behind him.

“Hoseok.”

The voice cut through him. He could recognize it anywhere. Slowly, he turned and there was Yoongi. The alcohol glimmered in his eyes, but beneath it burned something heavier: fury.

“Hi…” Hoseok started awkwardly.

But Yoongi cut him off.

“Are you serious? How dare you?” His voice broke, heavy with rage and despair. “How the hell could you move on so fast? Six months just six and you show up here with him… as if the three years we had never meant a damn thing. As if I was nothing to you!”

Hoseok froze.
“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb.” Yoongi closed the distance. “You came with someone… was I nothing but a fucking joke to you?”

Hoseok’s heart dropped.
“We’re not together and even if we were, I wouldn’t owe you a damn thing. You ended it, Yoongi. You said it was over. I told you I was coming back, but you didn’t want to wait. You didn’t even try. So don’t stand here acting like I moved on too fast. You’re the one who pulled the trigger. It was you!”

His voice came out low and sharp, every word slicing clean, sharp as a blade. The anger was there, but beneath it ran the weight of six months of swallowed pain, now turned into distance.

Yoongi stiffened, fists clenched at his sides.
“Really? Don’t fucking twist it. You left me, Hoseok. You were the one who went to London, and you were the one who didn’t tell me about that damn one-year extension. Do you know what that felt like? You didn’t just put an ocean between us you slammed the door in my face. You didn’t just leave, you lied. You shut me out and left me choking on the emptiness. And now you stand here, acting like I’m the one who broke us?”

The blow of those words cut deep, but Hoseok refused to let it show. The fury burned hotter than the ache, sharpening his voice.
“Enough,” he snapped, every syllable edged with steel. “You wanted it over, remember? Congratulations. You got exactly what you asked for.”

He didn’t wait for a reply. He turned on his heel and walked away, each step clipped and final as he disappeared through the door, down the stairs, and into his room. Inside, the room felt heavy with silence, faint laughter still drifting from upstairs where Jimin was with the others.

His knees gave out before he even reached the bed. He dropped to the floor, chest folding in on itself as a broken sob tore free. For a moment he stayed there, shaking, palms pressed against the carpet like he needed it to hold him up.

When he finally dragged himself onto the bed, he buried his face in the pillow and let it all spill out six months of swallowed pain breaking loose in gasps and tears.

He cried until his chest hurt, until there was nothing left but the hollow echo of Yoongi’s words.

What unfolded was nothing more than the confirmation of what Hoseok had feared all along: a complete mess. And the week had only just begun.

Chapter Text

Morning light crept through the hotel curtains, pale and quiet. Yoongi shifted under the sheets, his head pounding with every memory from the night before. Every word, every look from Hoseok, hit him all over again. The hangover was bad, but the guilt was worse.

He sat at the edge of the bed, rubbing his eyes, trying to make sense of his thoughts. He’d gone too far, he knew it. The dinner had been a mess, and he was the one responsible for tainting the first event of the wedding. He hadn’t completely ruined it thankfully, most people hadn’t noticed the scene on the terrace, but Namjoon and Jin had. They always noticed.

Guilt tangled with anger and that constant weight he’d been carrying for six months. How had he let his emotions get the best of him like that? That wasn’t him. He didn’t want anyone, especially Jin or Namjoon, to feel like the wedding could turn into a battlefield.

He was still trying to gather his thoughts when a knock came at the door. It was Namjoon, holding a steaming cup of hangover soup.

“Yoongi…” Namjoon said softly, studying him with calm eyes that couldn’t hide their worry. “I’m worried about you. Jin is too.”

He set the cup on the nightstand before continuing.
“I saw Hoseok leave the terrace last night pretty much storming off and then you came out right after him, looking like you were ready to kill someone. I don’t know exactly what happened, but I don’t like seeing you like this, hyung. I just want you to know we’re both here for you. You’re both our friends and we’re not taking sides. But you’re my best friend, and I don’t want you to lose control of this.”

Yoongi nodded, looking down.
“I know…” he muttered, voice low and rough. “I didn’t mean to make a scene in the middle of your celebrations. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

Namjoon let out a quiet breath and gave him a light pat on the shoulder.
“Thanks. And I don’t just mean for the wedding. I just… want you to be okay, alright?”

Yoongi managed a tired half-smile.
“I’ll try.”

Namjoon’s words lingered in his mind as the day went on. He stayed in his room, keeping away from the noise and laughter outside. It was their day off, but he just didn’t have the energy to socialize.

When the sun began to set, he finally decided to take a walk through the hotel gardens. The air smelled of pine and damp earth, and the river shimmered with the last traces of sunlight. He needed to breathe to think without everyone’s voices crowding his head.

Then he saw him. Hoseok was alone, walking by the water, shoulders tense, eyes fixed on the fading reflection of the sky. Yoongi hesitated for a few seconds before finally stepping closer.

“Hoseok…” His voice came out rough, raw from the hangover and something deeper. “I just… wanted to apologize for last night. It wasn’t fair to you, or anyone.”

Hoseok looked up, holding his gaze for a moment before nodding slightly.
“I know,” he said quietly. “And… thanks for saying that.”

Silence settled between them, broken only by the sound of the river. Hoseok let out a small sigh, eyes still on the water.
“Jin talked to me this morning,” he added. “Made me think about a few things. But mostly, I realized it’s not fair to them to turn their wedding into our fight. So… let’s try to keep things calm, yeah? I don’t want to be the reason anything goes wrong for them.”

Yoongi nodded slowly, a silent agreement passing between them.
“Neither do I.”

They walked a few more steps, side by side but not looking at each other. For the first time in a long while, they were on the same page.

There was no forgiveness, no closure, no peace, just a quiet understanding: to protect the week, to look out for their friends, to keep their resentment buried at least until it was all over.

The garden lights reflected on the water as the river kept moving, calm and steady, as if the world hadn’t just paused for both of them. Yoongi breathed in the cool air, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like he could finally breathe again.

The week was still far from over, but for that night, the chaos had quieted.

Chapter Text

The second day of the wedding week started early for Hoseok.
He had barely slept a few hours because his mind wouldn’t stop replaying what had happened at dinner. He’d cried, too. A lot. His eyes were swollen, his body heavy, as if the weight of the night before was still clinging to him.

The words, the looks, the tone they wouldn’t stop repeating.

He sat up slowly, rubbing his face with both hands. Morning light slipped through the window, and for a moment he thought about staying right there locking himself away, avoiding everyone. But then his phone buzzed.

A message from Jin lit up the screen:
Jin: Good morning ☀️ Come have breakfast with me, please.

Hoseok sighed. A part of him wanted to pretend he hadn’t seen it, but he knew Jin too well to try that. If he didn’t show up, Jin would come knock on his door anyway.

He took a quick shower, trying to clear his head, and before leaving, told Jimin he’d be back later so they could spend their free day together.
Down in the dining room, Jin was already waiting with two cups of coffee on the table and that soft smile he used whenever he wanted to comfort without saying much.

“Did you sleep at all?” Jin asked, raising an eyebrow.

“A little,” Hoseok lied, taking a seat.

Breakfast passed quietly, though not exactly comfortably. There were silences that spoke louder than words, and even if neither mentioned Yoongi by name, the subject lingered in the air.

Finally, Jin leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his expression that mix of tenderness and firmness only he could pull off.

“I know I didn’t ask questions when you and Yoongi broke up,” he began gently, “because you know I’ll always be here for you. You’re my best friend; you’ve been my whole life. But after seeing how you two interacted last night, I need to say what’s on my mind.”

Hoseok looked at him in silence, his chest tightening little by little.

“Was there really no way to fix things?” Jin went on. “Don’t you think maybe you could’ve handled it differently? Hobi, I know you. You must’ve known how he’d react once he found out you hadn’t told him about the one-year extension.”

The words hit hard. For a moment, Hoseok couldn’t speak; he just lowered his gaze, his throat tightening. When he finally did, his voice trembled.

“I know, hyung... but if I’d told him, he would’ve broken up with me anyway. We were already fighting about everything since I got the six-month position in London… it all went downhill from there.”

“It’s just… seeing you both like this is really sad,” Jin said softly. “I just want you both to be okay. You left for six months, and it’s like the ghost of my best friend came back instead.”

“I’m sorry, hyung… I don’t know what to say,” Hoseok whispered, holding back tears though they fell anyway.

“You don’t have to apologize,” Jin replied gently. “I care about you, Hobi. Don’t forget that. And if you need to talk, I’m here. Don’t keep everything to yourself like you’ve been doing. You don’t have to act strong… at least not with me.”

Hoseok didn’t answer. He just nodded faintly, eyes fixed on his coffee cup. Even without words, he could feel Jin’s quiet support wrapping around him warm, steady and sincere like he could finally rest there for a moment.

Jin sighed, still watching him.
“I know last night was hard,” he murmured. “But maybe it’ll be easier to talk… once there’s no alcohol in the mix.”

Hoseok stared down at his coffee, watching the steam rise slowly.
“I don’t know, hyung,” he murmured. “It feels like we can’t even exchange two words anymore.”

Jin gave his hand a gentle pat, not pushing further.

The rest of the day passed quietly or at least he tried to keep it that way. He took a short walk around town with Jimin, went back to the hotel, tried to read for a while in the lobby, but his mind wouldn’t settle. He kept wondering if he’d run into Yoongi again, if it would be awkward, if he should be the one to reach out first.

As the sun began to set, the air grew cooler, and the hotel gardens glowed softly under the lantern light. Hoseok went out for a walk with no destination in mind, just wanting to clear his head.

The sound of the river followed his steps, and for a moment he thought the evening might finally offer him some peace. But then he heard a familiar voice behind him.

“Hoseok…”

He turned around to find Yoongi there, shoulders drawn in, his face tired but his eyes deeply sincere.

“I just… wanted to apologize for last night.” Yoongi said, his voice rough. “It wasn’t fair to you, or anyone.”

For a second, Hoseok didn’t know what to say. He had expected many things, but not an apology that straightforward.

He watched him in silence, trying to read the meaning behind his expression. Finally, he nodded.

“I know,” he said quietly. “And… thank you for saying that.”

Silence stretched between them, broken only by the murmur of the water. Hoseok took a slow breath before adding,

“Jin talked to me this morning Made me think about a few things. But mostly, I realized it’s not fair to them to turn their wedding into our fight. So… let’s try to keep things calm, yeah? I don’t want to be the reason anything goes wrong for them.”

Yoongi nodded slowly.
“Neither do I.”

They walked for a while longer, not speaking, each lost in his thoughts. There was no reconciliation, no real relief, just a truce.

For the first time in a long while, the silence between them didn’t feel so heavy.

The lanterns reflected on the water, and Hoseok paused, watching the river keep its steady course.

Maybe, he thought, that was the best they could do for now keep moving forward, without fighting the current, without drowning in it.

Night fell slowly over the garden, and though nothing was truly resolved, for the first time in days, Hoseok felt like the air was a little easier to breathe.

Chapter Text

Morning came too soon.

Hoseok opened his eyes with the heavy feeling of someone who hadn’t really slept.
The room was quiet, except for the low hum of the air conditioner and Jimin’s steady breathing from the other bed. He stared at the ceiling for a while, trying to piece his thoughts together.

The whole “I’m fine” act he’d been holding onto was starting to crumble. That calm front the “Yoongi ended it, so I’m just moving on” excuse couldn’t protect him anymore.

Because deep down, he knew the truth: not everything had been Yoongi’s fault.

London had given him a lot a breath of fresh air, a change, a chance but it had also taken something he wasn’t sure he could ever get back.
He had learned to smile through loneliness, to fill silence with work and noise, to pretend he didn’t miss anyone.
But now, surrounded by people in love, that lie was falling apart without mercy.

He sat up on the bed, rubbing his eyes.
Where had things started to go wrong?
Maybe when he stopped telling Yoongi about his fears.
Maybe when he decided it was easier to leave than to fix what was breaking.
Maybe he thought, with a lump in his throat when he started to believe running away meant growing up.

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, soft and warm.
For a moment, Hoseok let it wash over him, as if the day itself were offering him a second chance.

That afternoon, he and Yoongi had to handle the final touches for Namjoon and Jin’s bachelor party.
As best men, it was their job to set up the decorations, the playlist and the mics.
The last thing Hoseok wanted was to spend hours next to Yoongi, but there wasn’t really a choice.

They met in the hotel’s main hall, surrounded by cables, lights, and bags of confetti.

“Need help with that?” Yoongi asked, not quite meeting his eyes.

“No, I’m good,” Hoseok replied, though his hands were trembling.

They worked in silence for a while, moving around each other with the kind of familiarity that hurt.
Every accidental brush of fingers made the air heavier.

After nearly an hour, Hoseok let out a nervous laugh.
“Hey, the decorations actually look pretty good.”

“You’re right,” Yoongi said quietly. “We’re not such a bad team after all.”

“Guess not... Who knows, maybe one day we’ll even be friends again.”

The words slipped out before he could stop them.
What the hell did I just say?

He felt his face heat up immediately.

Yoongi didn’t answer. He just looked at him jaw tight, eyes cold with a restrained kind of anger before going back to what he was doing.
That silence hit harder than anything else.

Hoseok cringed. Great. Perfect. You really screwed that one up.

Night came fast.
The hall filled with neon lights, laughter, and music.

Namjin’s bachelor party was exactly what Jin had wanted fun, a little chaotic, loud, and full of karaoke and too many drinks.

Hoseok let himself go with the flow, at least on the outside.
He laughed, danced, pretended he was fine.
But every now and then, his eyes found Yoongi’s without meaning to and each time, it knocked the breath out of him.

Then the others started picking songs.
Between teasing and fighting over the mic, Jungkook and Taehyung were the first to make their choice: “Back to Be Friends” – Sombr.

The title alone hit like a punch disguised as coincidence.
The lyrics cut deep, reopening something Hoseok had tried to bury.

How can we go back to being friends
When we just shared a bed?
How can you look at me and pretend
I’m someone you’ve never met?

His chest tightened. The joke he’d made earlier “maybe we can be friends” suddenly felt like the cruelest thing he could’ve said.

Then Jin’s voice broke through the noise:
“Yoongi’s turn! Come on, no escaping!”

“I’ll pass,” Yoongi said, clearly unamused.

But everyone insisted until he gave in. He took the mic and scrolled through the screen.

The first notes filled the room: “Somebody Else” – The 1975.

I don’t want your body, but I hate to think about you with somebody else…

Yoongi’s voice wasn’t perfect, but it carried that rough edge that made every word sound real. He sang without looking at anyone until the chorus came, and his gaze met Hoseok’s for just one second.

Our love has gone cold, you’re intertwining your soul with somebody else…

Hoseok swallowed hard. The noise around him faded until it was just the two of them, connected by a song that hurt too much to be random.

And for a fleeting moment, he couldn’t help but wonder had Yoongi ever really believed him when he said nothing had happened between him and Jimin?
Because judging by the way he sang, by the weight of that look, it didn’t seem like he ever did.

When the song ended, the silence that followed was short, but heavy.
Yoongi put down the mic and said quietly,
“That’s it.”

Laughter found its way back, someone cracked a joke, and the night moved forward. But Hoseok wasn’t really there anymore. Not completely.

Later, when they pushed him to sing something, he didn’t think twice before picking: “Track 10” – Charli XCX.

Maybe it was irony.
Maybe he just needed to let out what had been burning inside.

The beat started bright and melancholic all at once.
Hoseok closed his eyes and let himself go.

Sorry, I'm a little scared
But no one ever really cared
I took you for granted
Just a big misunderstanding

His voice wasn’t steady, carrying the raw desperation of someone singing just to keep from crying.

I blame it on your love, every time I fuck it up…

He moved a little, laughed between lines, pretending nothing mattered.
But every word hit too close to home.

When the song ended, the crowd clapped but he barely noticed.
Yoongi was still there, sitting at his table, elbows on his knees, eyes fixed on him.

For the first time in a long while, Hoseok didn’t know if he wanted to run away or walk straight towards him.

The rest of the night blurred by laughter, drinks, blurry photos, Jin yelling lyrics into the mic.
But somewhere inside him, something had shifted.

The denial was starting to break.
And amid the noise and lights, Hoseok understood with painful clarity that London had never been his home.
His home had been right in front of him all along.

He just let it go.

Chapter Text

The morning was calmer, though not for Hoseok.
Another sleepless night, another day with his mind replaying scenes he’d rather forget the karaoke lights, Yoongi’s stare, his own voice saying “we can be friends” like it was the most reasonable thing in the world.

Just thinking about it made him groan. He dragged a hand down his face and muttered,
“Perfect. Genius move, Jung Hoseok.”

A soft knock pulled him out of his thoughts.
Jimin stood at the door, holding two coffees.
“You look like you need this.”
“Is it that obvious?” Hoseok tried to joke, but the smile came out tired.

They sat down at the small table in his room. For a while, they talked about nothing the weather, the rehearsal schedule, the flower arrangements.
Until Hoseok blurted out what had been sitting heavy on his chest.

“I think I messed up, Jimin.”
“Again?” Jimin teased gently.
“Yesterday. With Yoongi. I said we could be friends. Like it was the most natural thing ever.”
“Ah.” Jimin nodded slowly. “And what did he say?”
“Nothing. And I think that was the worst part.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The sound of traffic hummed faintly through the window.
Hoseok stared into his cup.
“I didn’t say it because I meant it. I said it because I didn’t know what else to do. I thought that if I acted like everything was fine, maybe it would just… fix itself.”
“And it ended up sounding like you didn’t care,” Jimin finished for him.
“Exactly.” Hoseok sighed.

Jimin watched him quietly, the kind of patience that only comes from someone who’s already survived his own mess.
“Then make it right. If you still care, don’t let that be the last thing between you.”
“What if it’s too late?”
“You won’t know unless you try.”

Hoseok nodded slowly. For the first time in days, something in him felt lighter.

The rehearsal started around noon, but the best men arrived early to help set up chairs and go over the final details.
Soft love songs played in the background, filling the space with warmth.
Among them, a familiar voice floated through the speakers:

I didn’t think you’d understand me
How could you ever even try?

Hoseok looked up. Ariana Grande. Of course.

And as if the universe had a twisted sense of humor, Yoongi walked in at that exact moment, holding a roll of ribbons.

We can’t be friends
But I’d like to just pretend…

“Do you know where these go?” Yoongi asked, stopping beside him.
“Yeah, over here,” Hoseok said, taking one and showing him.

The silence that followed stretched a little too long.

Then Hoseok spoke, his voice steadier than he felt.
“What I said yesterday, while we were decorating…”

Yoongi paused. He looked at him for a second, then said with a faint, bitter smile,
“Hoseok, we can’t be friends.”

“I know.” The answer came quickly. “I didn’t mean to sound like I didn’t care.”

Yoongi lowered his gaze, voice quiet but tight, like he was holding back more than words.
“I don’t want to keep fighting with you.”

“Me neither,” Hoseok said softly. His tone was weary, but honest.

For the first time in days, Yoongi looked him straight in the eyes not angry, just complicated.
“I guess we both said things we didn’t mean.”

A pause followed. Light. Almost comfortable.

And just when it seemed they were both about to get back to work, Hoseok spoke again, quietly.
“I know I’ve said it before, but just to be clear, there’s nothing between Jimin and me. There never was. He’s my friend, my coworker in London. He’s the one who helped me settle in when I moved there, and I’m really grateful for that. But that’s all.”

Yoongi didn’t say anything. He just nodded once, slow and deliberate.

The rest of the rehearsal passed in a strange calm a silent truce neither of them dared to break.

That night, the formal dinner brought everyone together in a cozy restaurant, filled with warm lights and soft laughter.
The grooms looked radiant, and for the first time in days, the atmosphere felt light again.

Hoseok and Yoongi shared a table with the others, talking little, but without the weight that had hung between them for so long.

At one point, Hoseok looked up and saw Jimin and Jungkook, laughing together, eyes locked like the rest of the world had faded away.
He smiled, unable to help himself.

When he turned, Yoongi was watching them too. Their eyes met across the table.

For a second, they understood each other without saying a word.
Maybe for the first time, they saw clearly what had been there all along.

It wasn’t the end, nor the start of something new.
Just the in-between a space that, at last, didn’t ache the way it used to.

Chapter Text

The morning was calm, carrying a peace Hoseok hadn’t felt in days. For the first time in a long while, he had actually slept well.
The air smelled of the sea and fresh flowers.

He helped Jin get ready, laughing and joking between adjustments.
“Relax, you’re not going to be late for your own wedding,” Hoseok teased, straightening his tie.
Jin met his eyes in the mirror, his smile so bright it almost hurt to look at.
“And to think you were the one who convinced me to do it on an island,” he said. “If this goes well, I’m hiring you for our anniversaries.”
“Please don’t. I barely survived the rehearsals.”
They both laughed a moment of pure friendship, free of shadows or weight.

When the ceremony began, the sun was already starting to set.
The sky blazed in orange and gold, and the sea seemed to hold that reflection just for them.
Standing beside Jin, Hoseok couldn’t hold back his tears when he saw Namjoon take Jin’s hand. He cried without shame for Jin, for everything they had lived, and for what he once dreamed for himself.

When he glanced to the side, he found Yoongi also wiping away a tear.
They didn’t say anything. But they didn’t need to.

The reception began as the first lights of night settled over the hotel.
Long tables, candles, glasses brimming. Jin had insisted on a big celebration “like in the movies,” he’d said.

In the middle of the music and laughter, he pulled Hoseok aside.
“Come here, Hobi.” His voice carried a bright joy, but something deeper too.

They stepped a little away from the crowd. Jin lifted his glass.
“I just want to tell you something, as your best friend.”
Hoseok smiled. “What is it?”
“I want you to be as happy as I am today,” Jin said softly. “And to stop lying to yourself.”
“Lying to myself?”
“I see you, Hobi. I don’t think you even realize the way you look at him. You still love him.”
Hoseok lowered his eyes. “Jin, it’s not that simple.”
“I didn’t say it was,” Jin replied gently. “But I don’t want you to live with a thousand what-ifs. If there’s still something you need to say to him, say it.”

The words lingered even after Jin went back to the others.
Hoseok stayed seated, watching the dance floor fill with laughter, light, and embraces.
For the first time in a long while, he felt at peace.

Until the music changed.

The moment the first chords played, he turned. The rhythm was slow, sensual, familiar.
“I thought I’d grow old with you…”

His chest froze.

That song. He’d first heard it in London, one ordinary night that suddenly wasn’t ordinary at all. When he understood the lyrics, they split him open.
“In another life, in another world, it could be…”

He closed his eyes.
Because yes, he had once imagined a future with Yoongi a home full of music and coffee, soft laughter and reckless kisses.
A life that now lived only in his mind.

“If you see me lonely and sad, don’t talk to me.
If you see me lonely and sad, I’m the one to blame.”

A bitter smile slipped across his lips.
“Yeah… I’m to blame,” he whispered.
For letting him go. For not saying what he felt when he still had the chance.

“While one is alive,
one must love as much as possible.”

The knot in his throat finally loosened.
Jin’s words, the voice in the song, everything fell into place.
While we’re alive, we should love.

He stood up. He didn’t think he just moved.
He walked out of the hall, pushed forward by something urgent, something he could no longer hold back.

The song kept playing, and as the chorus filled the air:
“No, I can’t forget you...
No, I can’t erase you...”

Hoseok was already outside, crossing the corridor toward the terrace.
He pushed the door open.

And on the other side as if fate had finally grown tired of making them wait stood Yoongi.
A half-empty glass in his hand, eyes lost somewhere on the horizon.

They both froze.
For a second, silence was absolute.

“I’m sorry,” they said at the same time.

They stared at each other. Hoseok lowered his head, laughing through tears.
“You first.”
“No, Hoba,” Yoongi murmured, voice trembling. “You go first.”

The nickname hit him straight through. Months without hearing it, and still, it felt like home.

Hoseok took a breath.
“I… messed up. I know. I shouldn’t have hidden the possibility of extending the contract for another year, just because I didn’t know how to deal with it.”

Yoongi nodded, eyes down.
“It felt like I was losing you, Hoba.”
“But you weren’t. The problem was never you, Yoongi. It was me wanting to see the world but not knowing how to balance that with… us.”

Silence. Then Yoongi stepped closer.
“I wasn’t innocent either. I hid behind my pride. I didn’t know how to talk to you without fighting.”
“You didn’t have to turn everything into a war,” Hoseok whispered.
“And you didn’t have to run away.”

Laughter from the reception drifted faintly from afar, belonging to another world.
Between them, only the warm air remained heavy with everything left unsaid.

Yoongi lifted a hand, brushing Hoseok’s cheek.
Hoseok closed his eyes.
“It’s been six months… and Yoongi, I miss you every day. Every moment. Every second,” he breathed.

Yoongi kissed him then.
For an instant, Hoseok’s whole body trembled.
Months dreaming of that moment, convinced he’d never again feel Yoongi’s lips that warmth so close.
His heart slammed against his ribs as if reminding him it had been waiting all along.

The kiss was slow, restrained, but full of truth.
There was no anger, no fear, just two people finding their way back.

The music, the sea, the night everything seemed to pause around them.
When they finally pulled apart, Hoseok rested his forehead against Yoongi’s.
“This doesn’t erase what we did wrong.”
“No,” Yoongi murmured. “But it’s a good place to start again.”
“We have a lot to talk about.”
“I know,” Yoongi said, his voice low, moving closer. “But first, I just want to hold you.”

Later, in Yoongi’s room, words turned to whispers, and forgiveness to touch.
That night, at last, there was nothing left to hide.

Chapter Text

The sunlight slipped softly through the curtains, painting the room in gold.
Hoseok woke first, his body still heavy with the warmth of the night before. Yoongi was beside him, half-asleep, one arm draped over his waist. For a long moment, Hoseok just lay there, listening to the quiet rhythm of Yoongi’s breathing steady, real, here.

He smiled faintly.
They had finally said with their bodies what their hearts had been holding back for months. And yet, there was still more to say.

Yoongi opened his eyes, sleepy and soft.
“Morning,” he murmured.
“Morning,” Hoseok replied, voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, neither of them moved. The world outside could wait.
Finally, Yoongi exhaled and brushed his thumb over Hoseok’s hand.
“We really do need to talk, don’t we?”
Hoseok nodded. “Yeah. But maybe after coffee.”

They both laughed quietly, breaking the tenderness before it turned too heavy.

Yoongi got up first, pulling on his shirt, then turned to help Hoseok find his.
“I’ll walk you to your room,” he said.

The hallway was quiet until they reached Hoseok’s door.
Just as Hoseok reached for the handle, it swung open.

And then Jungkook stepped out.
Wearing the same clothes from the night before.

For a second, all three of them froze, Hoseok with Yoongi’s hand still tangled in his, Jungkook halfway through the doorway, and an expression that was a mix of shock and mischief.

“Oh,” Jungkook said, blinking. “So… this is happening.”

Yoongi cleared his throat. Hoseok turned bright red.
“Good morning to you too,” Hoseok muttered.
Jungkook smirked. “Morning indeed. Guess I’m not the only one who had a productive night.”
“Jungkook!”
“What? I’m just saying. You two look… refreshed.”
Yoongi pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to laugh. “Go take a shower, kid.”
Jungkook grinned wider, walking away. “Sure thing, hyung.”

As soon as he disappeared around the corner, Hoseok groaned.
“I’m never hearing the end of that.”
Yoongi chuckled. “Probably not.”

After a quick shower and changing clothes, Hoseok texted Jin:
Skipping the farewell brunch. Grabbing breakfast with Yoongi instead.
The reply came fast:
Good. Talk. Really talk. You’ve got this 💜

He smiled to himself before heading downstairs. Yoongi was waiting near the entrance, hands in his pockets, looking out toward the ocean.
“Ready?” Yoongi asked.
“As I’ll ever be.”

They chose a small café by the river, one of those cozy places that smelled like fresh bread and played soft music in the background.
They sat by the window, sunlight spilling over the table.

For a moment, Hoseok didn’t know how to start.
Then he took a deep breath.
“There’s something I need to tell you first,” he said.
Yoongi nodded, attentive.

“They offered to extend my contract for another year.”
Yoongi didn’t look surprised.
“I knew it. You’re incredible at what you do, Hoba. They’d be crazy not to want you to stay.”

Hoseok looked down, fidgeting with the cup between his hands.
“I’m not going to take it.”
Yoongi’s gaze lifted.
“You’re not?”
“No,” Hoseok said, steady now. “The moment they mentioned it, I knew I didn’t want to stay. London gave me a lot almost everything but not a home.”

He leaned in a little, touching Yoongi’s chest gently.
“My home is here. With you.”

Yoongi’s eyes glimmered.
“Hoba…”

“I know I hurt you,” Hoseok went on, voice trembling slightly. “I hid things. I didn’t know how to balance my need to see the world with us.”

Yoongi opened his mouth, but Hoseok raised a hand.
“Let me finish, please.”
He swallowed hard.

“At first, I thought if I didn’t take that chance to go abroad, I’d never get another one. Because… I knew how serious we were. I knew that if we kept going, I’d never be able to leave you.”
His fingers tightened around the cup.
“And that scared me.”

He hesitated, his voice softening.
“My mom… she gave up so many opportunities to stay with my dad. And I saw what that did to her. She never said it, but I could feel it how much she missed the things she could’ve done. I was terrified of ending up like that. I thought that if I chose love, I’d lose myself somewhere along the way.”

He exhaled shakily, eyes glistening.
“But it wasn’t like that. Not with you. You never tried to cage me. I just didn’t know how to tell you what I was feeling without making it sound like I was trying to run away.”

Tears slipped down his cheeks before he could stop them.
Yoongi reached across the table and took his hand, their fingers intertwining.
“Hoba… you didn’t have to carry that alone,” he said softly. “And for what it’s worth… I would never be the reason you stop chasing something you love. You deserve the whole world, I just hope I get to see it with you.”

Hoseok’s breath caught, his chest tightening.
“I know. I get that now,” he whispered.

Yoongi’s eyes softened.
“I didn’t handle it well either. Instead of facing it, I just shut down. I thought letting you go was the right thing.”

“And now…” Hoseok said with a small, sad smile.
“And now,” Yoongi replied, squeezing his hand, “I just want to do it right.”

He leaned over and kissed him soft, gentle, full of quiet promises.

Hoseok smiled against his lips.
“You know, while I was away, I realized I don’t need to move across the world to explore it. I loved living in London, but I’m Korean I live, breathe, eat, and dream like one. I love my country, my people, my culture.”

Yoongi tilted his head, eyes warm.
“So what are you saying?”
“Maybe we can explore the world together,” Hoseok said, smiling. “One trip a year. A month at a time. How does that sound?”

Yoongi grinned.
“I could work with that. Good thing your boyfriend’s a big-shot producer with money for that.”

Hoseok laughed.
“So… boyfriend?”
“Of course, boyfriend,” Yoongi said with a smirk. “I’m not leave this coffee shop without getting my title back.”

Hoseok rested his head on Yoongi’s shoulder, laughter soft against his neck.
“You know, I still have to go back and give my boss an official answer… and pack my things.”
Yoongi squeezed his hand.
“Don’t worry. We’ll figure it out.”

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
They just looked at each other two people who had finally stopped running, finally ready to start again.

Chapter Text

The airport was crowded, yet for Hoseok, everything felt silent.
He had finished his last week at the company, closing his final event.
He thanked his boss for offering to extend his contract for another year, but told her he’d be going back to Seoul.
London had given him so much experience and growth but it had never felt like home.
And now, finally, he was ready to leave.
There was only one thing left to do: show Yoongi the city.
He wanted new memories with him not just the ones from six months of pretending everything was fine.

When Yoongi appeared among the crowd, backpack slung over his shoulder and that calm expression that always disarmed him, Hoseok could barely move.
His whole body trembled not from nerves, but from relief.
He had waited so long for this moment.

“Hey,” Yoongi said with a small smile.
“Hey,” Hoseok echoed.
And before he could think, he was already kissing him.
A long, warm kiss that tasted like coming home.

The cab took them straight to the small apartment where Hoseok had lived for the past few months.
When they stepped inside, Yoongi paused at the doorway.
The place was spotless. White, organized, quiet.
Too quiet.

“Doesn’t look like anyone actually lives here,” he commented, glancing around.
Hoseok chuckled, a little embarrassed.
“I could never make it mine.”

“Why not?”
“Because it never felt like home,” he admitted softly. “It was just a place to sleep. After all… I was alone.”

Yoongi looked at him then, eyes filled with a tenderness that almost hurt.
“Well,” he murmured, “at least you’re ready to leave.”

Hoseok smiled and leaned closer, brushing his lips against Yoongi’s cheek.
“Yeah… but first, I just want to be with you a little longer.”

The rest was a blur of laughter, kisses, and that quiet warmth that comes when something broken finally begins to heal.
Between touches and whispers, the silence filled with soft breaths, tenderness, and promises that no longer needed words.

The next morning, the smell of coffee filled the kitchen.
Yoongi rummaged through the drawers looking for mugs when one, tucked in the back of the shelf, caught his eye.
White, with a small sun design and the words Jeju loves you.

“What’s this?” he asked, holding it up. “Isn’t this my mug?”

Still half-asleep, Hoseok walked out of the bedroom, scratching his head.
“Yeah. Well… I kind of took it by accident.”

“When?”
“When I packed my things to come to London. I was all over the place, I didn’t even notice.”

Yoongi stared at him for a moment, his expression softening.
“And you never thought about throwing it away?”

Hoseok shook his head, a faint, sad smile tugging at his lips.
“A few times. But every time I held it… I couldn’t. It was the only thing I had left of you. Even though it hurt to see it, I couldn’t let it go.”

Yoongi stepped closer and brushed his fingers along Hoseok’s cheek.
“Then I guess it was waiting for me to come home.”

Hoseok smiled, a lump forming in his throat.
“Maybe it was.”

While they ate breakfast, Yoongi watched him for a moment before asking,
“So… what did you do all these months here?”

Hoseok thought for a second, stirring his coffee absently.
“Work. Think. Miss you.”

“And… anything else?”
Hoseok smiled faintly.
“I went to see Epik High.”

Yoongi looked up, surprised.
“Epik High?”
“Yeah. They played at a small theater by the river. I squeezed into the crowd I just wanted to hear something that reminded me of you.
When Lovedrunk started…” His voice cracked. “It hit me all at once. The lyrics, Tablo’s voice… I don’t know, it was like something inside me just broke open. I cried so much the guy next to me handed me a tissue.”

Yoongi laughed softly, eyes fond.
“Sounds like you.”
“Yeah,” Hoseok nodded. “But it helped. That’s when I realized that no matter how far I was… I never really stopped carrying you with me.”

Yoongi reached across the table and took his hand.
“And now you have me back.”
“I do,” Hoseok said, smiling gently.

The days that followed went by quickly.
Hoseok wanted to show Yoongi every corner of the city he had once dreamed of exploring with him the park where he ran on Sundays, the café by the Thames, the market where he bought cheap flowers on Fridays.
They ate, laughed, wandered without hurry.
London, once gray and distant, felt different with Yoongi beside him.

One afternoon, while packing the last boxes, Hoseok said with a laugh,
“Oh, by the way Jimin asked to be transferred back to Korea.”
“Yeah?” Yoongi raised a brow. “Trying to reconnect with his roots?”
“I don’t think so,” Hoseok replied, grinning. “I think he just wants to reconnect with Jungkook.”

Yoongi burst out laughing.
“Well, something good had to come out of all this.”
“Exactly,” Hoseok said, laughing too.

That night, before going to bed, Hoseok took one last look around his empty apartment.
There was no sadness, only a quiet peace.
Because this time, he wasn’t running away from anything, he was going back to where he wanted to be.

Yoongi came up behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist.
“Ready to go home?” he murmured.
Hoseok turned, smiling.
“I already am.”