Archive of Our Own

The first time Yoongi sees Taehyung, he’s alone. The shop is full, clients bustling in and out in a continuous stream. The smell of freshly brewed coffee is strong, unperturbed by the waft of air coming from the half open door. Hoseok is talking his ear off about his latest dance routine, his voice too loud and lively coming from someone who had been filling cups with different beverages all day. The weather is nice outside, sun shining and a gentle breeze whistling through the trees of the opposite park. Yoongi is lazily staring on at the tables littering the store, couples and groups of young people chatting animatedly. He sighs, straightening up right away when he eyes a new customer fastly approaching the shop.

“Hello!” A booming voice announces while the glass door swings open. Yoongi cocks an eyebrow, staring at the tall boy marching towards him with a guarded look. He’s about to open his mouth and use his well trained cashier voice - higher and less bored than his normal one - to greet the customer, when he’s cut off by Hoseok.

“Taehyungie! You made it!” His younger coworker chirps, bumping his hips against Yoongi. The shorter man staggers to the side, almost knocking over a display for their newest products.

“You can bet it, man!” The boy winks at Hoseok, directing an exaggerated finger gun his way.

“So, how was your first day?”

“You wouldn’t believe how many people there were! If not for Jimin, I would have ended up late for class. I’m not sure the professors would have appreciated it.” The boy trails off, Hoseok breaking into a rambunctious laugh.

“Thank God for Jimin then.” He smiles, eyes falling momentarily on Yoongi. “Oh right! Taehyung, this is my coworker and flatmate Min Yoongi. Yoongi, this is Taehyung, my dearest junior. We met through a mutual friend!” Hoseok gestures between the two.

Yoongi blinks several times, shell shocked by the fast paced events that had just taken place before him. He scratches his cheek, scrutinizing the male in front of him. Taehyung is tall, his skin a couple of shades darker than Yoongi’s sun-deprived one. His hair is a fire red that oddly doesn’t clash with his baby blue t-shirt and jean jacket. The boy tilts his head, dark eyes settling on Yoongi. Before he even has the time to realize it, there’s a hand being proffered to him right under his nose.

“Nice to meet you, Yoongi. As Hobi said, I’m Taehyung!” A square smile breaks onto his face that, for a lack of better words, Yoongi would definitely describe as handsome.

“Ah, yeah. Same.” Yoongi replies lamely, shaking hands with him. His hands feel sweaty and overly hot in comparison to Taehyung’s big and cool ones. When he looks up to lock eyes with the younger, he resists the urge to yank his hand away, biting resolutely on the inside of his cheek. They stay like that for longer than Yoongi knows is socially normal or even acceptable - but who is he to dictate over social norms when his friday nights are spent in the company of his laptop and fat cat.

“Do you want to order something or did you just drop by to harass my coworkers?” Hoseok breaks the silence, an annoying smirk directed Yoongi’s way on his face. Taehyung taps his thumb on the back of the elder’s hand, pulling him forward. He conspiratorially leans towards his ear, cupping the side of his face.

“Good job sharing a flat with him and surviving.” He whispers, his hot breath making the tips of Yoongi’s ear heat up. He scoffs, holding back a grin.

“Ah well, I must admit. Just barely.”

Hoseok makes an affronted noise while Taehyung snorts unattractively. The breeze coming in through the half open door ruffles the younger’s hair, exposing his prominent forehead. For a moment, he looks older than he must be. Yoongi belatedly realizes Taehyung and Hoseok have thrown themselves in a heated conversation regarding Hoseok’s presumed habit of keeping overly expired food in the fridge.

Taehyung is idly playing with his fingers and he can’t find it in himself the strength to make him stop. Contrary to popular belief Yoongi wasn’t as unsociable as everyone made him out to be. He simply behaved in a way that had people act all uncomfortable around him, creating an atmosphere of general uneasiness that made conversation hard. It’s not like he did it on purpose, for fuck’s sake. It was his face. Yet, for some reason, Taehyung was relaxed, chattering animatedly with no reservation. Yoongi, for the first time in too long, was feeling at ease with a stranger.

The second time he sees him, Yoongi thinks he’s alone. It’s a Sunday, but that day and the sun are two totally irreconcilable concepts. Rain is falling heavy on the streets, its sound drown out by the music humming in the coffee shop. Only a couple of tables are occupied by college students undoubtedly cramming in for the approaching finals. Hoseok is dozing off near the back exit, eyes vacant on a distant spot and an unlit cigarette between his lips. Yoongi thinks about joining him - he’s not sure if in philosophical smoking or lifeless staring - when the main door dings open.

“Ah Yoongi! You’re here!” Taehyung calls sunnily. His hair is wet, drops of water clinging to his skin and hoodie. Yoongi smiles, waving at him. The boy had been going to their coffee shop almost every day of the previous week, each time stopping to talk to Yoongi. They’d talk about a lot of things, from what kind of college Taehyung was attending to how Yoongi ended up working in a coffee shop when he was majoring in Music Therapy. Taehyung, Yoongi learnt, had transferred to Seoul from Daegu to study Biology. He was a lively one, always a story to narrate at the ready. One day he forced Yoongi to draw him something on the cup holder for his espresso; overall, he was a strange but amusing guy.

“Taehyung, hey.” Yoongi drawls, marker already in hand to jot down his order. Taehyung liked to change his often.

There’s the loud sound of someone sneezing, before a dark mop of hair pops up from behind Taehyung’s back.

“Taehyungie, I’ll go sit down ok?” The new presence says. Yoongi looks at him, taking in his round cheeks and pointy nose. Taehyung nods, patting the boy on the back. “Oh and no -”

“No sugar, ok. I got it. Aish, you health freak.”

The dark haired boy smiles cheekily, sauntering off towards a table near the shop window. He plops down on a chair, ruffling his hair and splattering droplets of rain water all over the wooden surface.

“In a dark mood today, I see.” Taehyung taunts, leaning on the counter. He fans himself with some bills, studying the menu hanging behind Yoongi.

“Must be the weather.” The elder mutters, twirling the black marker between his fingers. He is torn between looking at the boy standing before him, a pensive look on his face, and the other one shimming in his seat by the window, tinkering on his cellphone.

“Mmm, didn’t make you out to be someone who yearned for the sun.” Taehyung raises the bills to his eye level and squints at Yoongi.

“And I didn’t make you out to be someone who listened to questionable metal bands.” Yoongi points his index finger in the direction of the black t-shirt with some red splattered lettering on the front that the younger was wearing that morning.

Taehyung jerks his head downward, checking himself out, like he was taken aback by Yoongi’s comment. He stares at his shirt a little longer before pursuing his lips.

“I had totally forgotten about this. I thought Jimin had thrown it away.” He smiles then, rows of white teeth on full display. “Touché.”

He rattles his order to Yoongi, before the boy waiting for Taehyung waves at him to catch his attention. “Tae! Come see, hurry!” His voice carries a faint lisp that could be referred to only as adorable.

“Ah, I’m still -”

“Don’t worry.” Yoongi interrupts, shooing him off. “I’ll take your orders to you when they’re ready.”

Taehyung mouths him a Thank you, bowing slightly, before rushing off in the direction of his friend.

Hoseok returns from his controversial break with a sullen look on his face. He must have been feeling the weather too.

“Hoseok, can I ask you something?” Yoongi prompts, hands occupied with working the coffee machine. His coworker sides up to him, working on one of the two orders.

“Yeah, what’s wrong?”

“Why must anything be wrong?” The elder replies gruffly.

“Do I even have to answer you?” Hoseok lifts his eyebrows, sending him a look from under the visor of his cap.

“Whatever.” Yoongi lets the conversation fall, going back to his work. When both orders are ready, he throws a glance at the table near the window. Taehyung and his friend are laughing loudly over videos playing on their phones. The redhead shoulders are shaking, the other boy resting his forehead against his right one, high pitched squeaks leaving him.

Hoseok leans on the counter next to where Yoongi was standing, leveling him with a mirthful gaze. “That’s Jimin.” He says.

Yoongi nods, feet refusing to move from the spot.

“They’re -”

“I don’t care.” Yoongi cuts in, finally able to break the spell and striding in the direction of the younger boys.

Hoseok hums whimsically. “Sure you don’t.” His words fall on deaf ears, as his friend had already neared the table.

“Here you go.” He tries to catch Taehyung and Jimin’s attention. The two turn around at the same time, twin grins on their faces.

“Ah, thank you! Yoongi, isn’t it?” Jimin takes the hot cups from his hands, sliding one Taehyung’s way. “Taetae talks about you a lot!” He finishes.

Taehyung coughs, droplets of espresso staining his dark jeans. “Jiminnie!” He whines.

Jimin laughs playfully. His eyes close into half moons, apples of his cheeks gaining a pink tint to them. His eyes are small, a gentle look in them contrasting Taehyung’s smouldering one.

The taller boy sighs in defeat. “Yoongi, this is Jimin. Jimin, Yoongi.”

Jimin offers Yoongi a small hand full of rings. He goes to shake it, surprised at the strong handshake. When his eyes fall on the bulging biceps peeking out of the guy’s shirt, he’s not so surprised anymore.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Yoongi.” At that moment he pulls Jimin closer, leaning in next to his ear. “Good job being his friend and surviving.”

Jimin breaks in an uncontrollable fit of giggles, body curling on himself. Taehyung directs them a pout, making sure to exaggerate the offended look.

“You’re both assholes, I hate you. See if I take you to eat ice cream later, you traitor.” He grumbles, glaring - cutely - at his friend.

“Oh, come on Taetae!” Jimin takes Taehyung’s face between his hands, nuzzling his nose against his cheek. “I’m- I’m sorry, it’s just- it was funny!”

“He stole my joke.” The redhead crosses his arms, his pout having already left his face.

“It’s a cruel world, Taetae.” Yoongi plays around, patting Taehyung on the head. The boy swats his hand away.

“Don’t patronize me.” There’s no bite in his words, maybe due to the fact that Jimin is still holding his face in his hands.

“I’m sorry, Yoongi. Taehyung talks a lot about you and I was just curious about what kind of person had stolen my boyfriend’s interest so much.” Jimin states, thumbs drawing circles into Taehyung’s cheeks.

Yoongi inhales deeply, feeling a sting in his chest. There’s something heavy brewing at the bottom of his stomach, but he doesn’t want to focus on it. He goes stiff for just a second, before his hand resumes to ruffle the boy’s hair, this time with more vigor.

“Yeah, who knows.” He mumbles. “Have a good date. Must get back to work.” Yoongi grunts. He waddles back behind the counter, bumping against a couple of tables before eventually vanishing into the break room.

“So? He’s cute, right?” Taehyung’s eyes are still fixed on the door Yoongi had just crossed. His steps were so short and fast, he reminded him of a duck. He laughs under his breath.

“He is.” Jimin nods, going back to sip on his latte.

The rain was still falling, big drops splattering against the shop’s wide window. The trees of the adjacent park reminded Jimin of steamed broccoli, their green branches soaked to the bark.

“...So, do you think…” Taehyung trails off. Jimin knows what his boyfriend wants to ask him. They’d talked about that already the previous days. Since Taehyung met Yoongi at this coffee shop near their university, all he’s been asking of Jimin lately is to go and meet him too, please JimJams.

“I’m… I’m not sure. I don’t think he’d accept it. Us.” He mutters into his cup, steam warming his face. He downs a mouthful of his latte, the taste of sugar tingling at the tip of his tongue. He licks away the residue stuck on his upper lip, eyebrows furrowed in thought.

There’s a pause, before Taehyung puts a finger under his chin, lifting it. “Jimin. Who wouldn’t accept you? You’re a literal gift.” He says, deep voice resonating in the air, filling the space between them.

Jimin laughs breathlessly, leaning in to kiss briefly Taehyung on the lips. He tastes like cheap coffee and spicy ramen. Typical Taehyung. “You didn’t say this when I cooked you dinner last night.”

“I may have some reservations regarding your choice of tasty sweets.”

“Hey, my vegan muffins were great!” He pouts, hitting Taehyung on the thigh.

“Debatable.” The taller boy silences his boyfriend with another kiss, a small grin on his mouth. “So? You didn’t answer my question.”

Jimin chews on his bottom lip, twiddling his thumbs. “I- I mean. Can’t we just… Think about it a little longer?”

Taehyung scratches at the back of his neck, searching Jimin for more tells. He knows his boyfriend is scared of a repeat of past events, so he’s been particularly careful with bringing up Yoongi. Yeah, he was interested in him and wanted his lover to consider something more too, but Jimin’s emotional well-being came before everything.

Taehyung exhales softly, breath fanning over Jimin’s bangs. “Ok, let’s take a little more time, yeah?”

The dark-haired boy nods, hugging Taehyung. “Thank you…” He holds him tight, finger digging into his back and eyes squeezed shut.

“I love you, Minnie.”

“Me too, Tae.”

The smoke wafts upwards, a sinuous stream originating from the cigarette held between Yoongi’s bony fingers. He wiggles them, making the burnt end fall on the asphalt. He steps on it with the heel of his shoe, the thick sole making a grating sound. The street is bustling with passersby and office workers in fancy suits hurrying past everyone else. He checks his phone, a new message from Hoseok asking him how the work interview went. Yoongi shoots off a quick text saying he’ll talk about it once he gets back home, asking Hoseok to Please cook something I’m too lazy to stop somewhere.

When are you not.. But don’t worry ^-^ got it covered

A couple walks in front of Yoongi, hand-in-hand and lovestruck smiles on their faces. He pulls a face, making his way in the direction of the subway station. He clicks his tongue, unnerved by the thoughts that now start to plague his mind.
He remembers the fiasco at the café when he had met Taehyung, who was out with his boyfriend Jimin, a short guy with a smile so sweet that Yoongi was sure one would get cavities just by looking at it for too long. The two were so annoyingly happy, acting like one of those lovey-dovey couples who were obviously too big on PDA to tone it down even in public places. After that first awkward introduction, Yoongi hightailed it out of the situation, hiding in the back room for the rest of his shift - or at least until the duo didn’t leave the shop. He had asked Hoseok to take his place over at the front, the boy cocking an eyebrow at him but not asking anything.
In fact, the questions came in that same same night, when Hoseok wanted to know all about why Yoongi acted the way he did.

“Let it go, Hoseok.”

“Nope. You’ve been moping all day and you’re a literal bore.”

“When am I not?”

“Stop. Only I get to make sarcastic jokes about you. Now, spill the beans.”

“... They’re dating.”

“Of course they are.”

“... You’re useless. I’m going to call Namjoon.”

“You aren’t.”

“... I’m not.”

He scoffs, the mere memory of that conversation enough to bring the second hand embarrassment back to him with a vengeance. Yoongi rubs at his face with both his hands, lifting his face in time to catch the light at the crosswalk turn green. Once he makes it safely to the other side of the road, he stops in his tracks. Lounging by the subway entrance is The Boyfriend.

What a fucking timing.

Yoongi groans. He feels tired and hungry after his interview, and wants nothing more than to make it back home safely. Perhaps, if he keeps a low profile, the man wouldn’t recognize him. So, he pulls on his jacket collar, lifting it to his chin in a poor attempt at hiding. He speed walks, head lowered to the ground and the repeating chant of Let me pass let me pass fuck fuck in his head.
Unfortunately, Jimin seemed to possess some kind of detector for awkwardness, spotting Yoongi immediately when he past him.

“Hey!”

Shit.

“Hey, are you- Yoongi?”

Yoongi coughs in his hand a couple of times before straightening his back. He turns around to face the black haired man, who is dressed in what appears to be gym clothes. Jimin has a snapback perched on his head with the words Swag Or Die written on it and a sport bag slung over his shoulder.

“You’re Yoongi right? I’m Jimin, remember?”

Yes, Yoongi remembers.

“Hi. Yeah, I do.” Yoongi’s lame answer doesn’t do anything to tamper Jimin’s mood though. The man smiles brightly, eyes closing into half crescents. He’s got a really cute smile.

“Nice to see you again! No work today?” Jimin tilts his head to the side.

“I had a job interview actually.” Yoongi pats the tie that feels far too tight around his neck.

Jimin nods. “Taehyung said he hasn’t been seeing you at the café that much anymore…”

Shit.

“Uh… yeah. Took some days off.” He couldn’t tell Jimin that he was actually avoiding his boyfriend.

Jimin nods again, humming. “I’ll… see you around then, I guess?”

Yoongi starts to walk backwards, almost tripping on his own feet.

“I guess.” And with that he spins on his heels and rushes in the direction of the stairs. He takes them two at a time, bumping against people. The train’s there when he arrives at the platform, so he runs into it to take a place where he can sit.

He hopes Hoseok did cook something, or he was going to have his flatmate’s head for dinner.

“Tae, we had pizza yesterday.” Jimin huffs, dropping his bag on the floor. He removes his shoes, sore feet singing at the feeling of being freed from their confines.

Taehyung whines, lowering the coupon he had picked up by some guy distributing them near the newest pizza place. He is standing in front of Jimin, looking at his boyfriend while he takes off his snapback and ruffles his sweaty hair. Jimin had dance practice til late in the evening, leaving Taehyung to cook dinner for the both of them. The first time he had tried to prepare something had been a literal disaster, cooking not being really his thing - Jimin tried to be nice, saying how the food hadn’t been that bad, but it didn’t sound fully believable coming from someone who was gagging over the toilet. Since that time, Taehyung simply honed his ability of speed dialing restaurants numbers, ordering take out in the shortest amount of time possible.

“Come on, Jiminnie! They give a fifty percent off on all the cheese stuffed crust pizza orders!” Taehyung knows how much Jimin loves the cheese stuffed crust. Sure enough, the dark haired man stops in front of him, pursuing his lips in thought. Taehyung knows he’s already won.

“... ok. But tomorrow we’re having salad.”

Taehyung cheers, hugging a very sweaty Jimin to his chest.

“Eww, you smell.” He says, actions betraying his words when he buries his face in Jimin’s hair.

Jimin pushes Taehyung off of him, grumbling. “Sure I do. Now let me shower and then we can pick the toppings.” He says, paddling in the direction of the bathroom.

Taehyung sprawls on the couch, turning on the tv and flipping channels until he ends up on one of those culinary programs that showed middle aged ladies baking awfully big cakes. He gets wrapped up in the show, not realizing when Jimin turns off the shower and walks into their bedroom to get changed. The lady is cutting out shapes from the sugarpaste with a cookie cutter, when Jimin plops on the couch next to Taehyung. He snatches the coupon from his hand, studying it for a bit before scooting closer to his boyfriend.

“What’s wrong Taetae?” He asks, kneeling on the couch so he’s looking directly at Taehyung’s profile. There’s a noncommittal sound coming from him, Jimin reaching out for the remote. He silences the show, Taehyung yelping.

“Hey! Cindy was going to make small bunnies to put on the cake! I wanted to see that!”

“Taehyung.” Jimin insists, fixing him with a serious stare.

Taehyung gulps, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Nothing’s wrong. Why should anything be wrong.” He doesn’t look Jimin in the eye while saying this.

“Yet something’s definitely wrong. I can tell.”

Taehyung chews the inside of his cheek, eyes boring holes into the carpet. He is caught by surprise when Jimin straddles his lap.

“Tae, I’m worried.” The man says, putting his hands on Taehyung’s shoulders. “What’s up with you?” There’s a frown etched between his eyebrows, an apparent look of worry in his gaze.

“It’s…” Taehyung starts, uncrossing his arms, sneaking them around Jimin’s waist. He cradles his head by the man’s neck, muffling his words into it. “I thought about it. The reason why Yoongi seems to always be doing something else when I go to his shop... I think he has been avoiding me.”

Jimin pats Taehyung on the back of his head, making a cooing sound.

“Tae.” He cups his face, so that he’s staring at him. “Why would you think that?”

Taehyung shrugs. “Sixth sense.”

Jimin sighs, hugging Taehyung tight until the man starts to wheeze, swatting at Jimin and begging for him to free him before he chokes to death, please. Jimin laughs, releasing his hold on Taehyung and sitting again on the couch.

“I saw Yoongi. While I was waiting at the subway station.” Jimin starts. Taehyung turns to look at him with wide eyes.

“Really?!”

Jimin giggles. “Yes. He was dressed in a suit. He looked really good. Like, really good.”

Taehyung oohs in wonder.

“He said he had just been to a job interview.”

The redhead nods in understanding, plopping his head on the back of the couch to stare at the ceiling.

“... maybe he was just busy then.” He whispers, more to himself.

Jimin doesn’t say anything, simply scoots closer to Taehyung, snuggling his face in the crook of his neck.

“... about that pizza.” Taehyung’s voice break the silence, making the other laugh. Jimin reaches for his cellphone.

“I want mushrooms.”

“How do you feel about jalapenos?”

“... let’s have them both.”

“That’s why I love you.”

Jimin swats Taehyung on the chest, his rumbly laugh resounding throughout their apartment.

“... and, Tae?” Jimin voice is careful.

“Mmh?”

“Let’s ask him out, yeah?”

Taehyung’s thumb freezes where it isdialing the pizza place number. He levels Jimin with an intense gaze, studying him. When the dark haired man starts to squirm, Taehyung kisses him on the cheek.

“Are you sure?” He asks. He doesn’t want to influence Jimin on such an important decision.

Jimin hums in approval. “I want to try. Yoongi looks like a good person. We can’t live forever in the past. Let’s try to move on.”

Taehyung nods. “That sounds awesome.” He smiles gently, kissing Jimin on the cheek once more. “And one more thing. Yoongi is a dork.”

At that, Jimin breaks out in one of his squeaky laughs. “He kind of is, isn’t he?”

“... you literally ran away.” Hoseok is not impressed.

Yoongi munches on his bibimbap, reaching out to get more kimchi.

“That’s a drastic way to put it.”

Hoseok sighs, leaning on the table with his arms. Yoongi had gotten home to a freshly cooked dinner by his friend, thanking him for it. He had then proceeded to talk about how his job hunt had gone. All in all, he had probably managed to pull off his act of I’m a responsible man, please hire me and my broke ass pretty well. The head of the research facility at the clinic specialized in alternative therapies seemed thoroughly impressed with his college achievements, for once. But after that, Yoongi’s tired mouth let slip the fact that he may have met one Taehyung’s Boyfriend at the subway station, and that he may have had a very awkward conversation with him.

And here they are, presently discussing matters at their kitchen table.

Hoseok taps his fingers on the wooden surface. “That’s the only way to put it. You weren’t a jerk to him, were you?” He shoots his friend a pointed look daring him to lie.

“No, I wasn’t. Fuck Hoseok, I wasn’t raised in the jungle.” Yoongi feels like he should be offended by his flatmate’s obvious - and unjust - accusations. The other pats at Yoongi’s forearm, a pitying expression on his face.

“Fuck you.” Yoongi spits out.

Hoseok laughs, crossing his arms on the table to rest his chin on them.

“Don’t think I haven’t realized your not-so-subtle way of avoiding Taehyung. And here is what you are going to do to fix this. Tomorrow-” Yoongi opens his mouth to retort, Hoseok shushing him, “tomorrow you will go and talk to him like the social being you, as a human, are supposed to be. No buts.”

Yoongi shoves his finished bowl of food to the side, picking at the last kimchi on the small plate. Yes, he may have been avoiding Taehyung, but it was only logical, seeing as the guy was clearly taken. What was he supposed to do? The adult thing? Pfft, come on. Yoongi still slept with Rilakkuma boxers on.

However, one set-on-his-goals Hoseok is also one violent and very persuasive Hoseok. This means that the following morning Yoongi is forced to stay at his place at the front counter, taking orders as his usual.
There’s a nice breeze entering the shop from where the main door is open to let the customers freely sit to the recently laid out outside tables. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and Min Yoongi wants to throw up his breakfast.
He’s so anxious, one foot tapping continuously on the floor. His lips are sore from how much he bit on them, his teeth now nibbling on the inside of his cheek.

The clock is ticking away with each second, when a familiar mop of red hair makes an appearance at the corner of the road. Yoongi tries to keep his breathing regular, inhales and exhales in harmonious succession. If he tries to make a run for the back now, he knows he will have to deal with a mad Hoseok, and maybe it is not worth it.

Yeah, who cared? He could talk to Taehyung. Why was he so fucking set on avoiding him in the first place?

“Yoongi!” Taehyung excitedly hops to the cash register, throwing his arms around Yoongi’s neck. “Where have you been?!”

He smiles, patting Taehyung on the back. The man smells like oranges and sweat. Yoongi has never been big on physical contact, but he guesses he can accept this hug. Just this once.
Taehyung leans back to stare at him, big eyes unblinking.

“Jimin said you took some days off. Were you ill?”

Yoongi shakes his head, waving his hand. “No, I… had some stuff to take care of.” It wasn’t technically a lie. He had to take care of some things. Like his shitty emotions.

Today, Taehyung looks as radiant as ever. He’s sporting a white oversized t-shirt that exposes one of his shoulders, making him look soft. Yoongi shifts his eyes on the register because nope, we’re not going there.

“So. Your usual?” Yoongi asks, trying not to sound too strained. Taehyung nods, taking out a bill from his pockets. When Yoongi slides his hand over the counter to take it, he is surprised by Taehyung putting his own hand over it. Yoongi snaps his head up, furrowing his brows. The redhead is smirking at him, a playful look in his eyes.

“So.” He says, but doesn’t hint at continuing his sentence. At this point, Yoongi’s eyebrows must be buried in his hairline.

“... so?”

Taehyung smiles cheekily, before squeezing Yoongi’s hand in his. “So. I wanted to ask you something.” His eyes are downcast, looking at their intertwined hands. Yoongi can feel his blood run hotter in his veins.

“... ok.” He has no idea on how to articulate sentences that are more complicated than single syllables.

“When’s your break?” Taehyung shoots a fast glance at Yoongi, before going back to staring at the counter.

“I actually finish my turn at two.” Where was Taehyung aiming at?

He hums, turning Yoongi’s smaller hand palm-up and tracing lines on it.

“Can we talk? When you’re off work, obviously.”

Yoongi gulps visibly, his Adam's apple bobbing with the motion. The soft breeze coming from outside feels now like a cutting wave of humidity, making the air stifling in the shop. Yoongi thinks he can’t breath properly. He tries to inhale, throat too tight for comfort. He doesn’t dare to look Taehyung in the eye when he opens his mouth to reply.

“Sure.”

Yoongi can hear Taehyung giggling happily, the fingers tracing lines on his palm halting. At that he looks up, finding the other smiling at him with a smile he had never seen before. Yoongi can’t place exactly what emotions it gives off. There’s a tone of bashfulness in there, but something a little more guarded too, like a certain kind of unshakeable uncertainty.

“Great.” It’s all Taehyung says, before asking Yoongi to meet him at the café next to the university’s Biology building. He gives his hand one last squeeze, skipping out of the shop. At the door, Taehyung stop momentarily to wave excitedly at Yoongi, speeding off in the direction from which he came from.

Yoongi’s hand is still palm-up on the counter, tingles running up and down his forearm. He blinks, eyes focusing and unfocusing on the people sitting at the small tables. Someone pats him on the back, Yoongi turning around to catch Hoseok smirking at him.

“I’d give that a six out of ten. Still need to work on that human interaction skills.”

Yoongi scoffs, shaking off Hoseok’s hand from his shoulder. His friend laughs obnoxiously, passing him an unlit cigarette.

“Go take a break.” He says, pushing Yoongi towards the back.

Once he’s leaning against the brick wall right outside the back exit, puffs of smoke lazily sailing towards the sky, Yoongi realizes Taehyung hadn’t ordered anything. He must have dropped by just to talk to him, and that fact leaves him with a stirring feeling at the pit of his stomach. He pinches the bridge of his nose with a little too much force, cigarette getting shorter and shorter in his other hand. He takes one last mouthful of smoke, before throwing it in the small disposal bin.

The café next to Biology building can definitely be categorized as a hipster meetup place, Yoongi thinks. Students with dyed hair and far too many bracelets bustle in and out of the shop, books or musical instruments in hand. Yoongi is standing right next to the entrance, smoking what can be considered the one-too-many cigarette of the day. Someday he will have to drop the habit, but that day is not programmed any soon.

“Sorry! Class ran a bit late!”

Yoongi lifts his eyes to catch sight of the mop of red that is Taehyung’s hair approaching him. When the man sidles up to him, he fixes his gaze on Yoongi’s hands.

“You smoke?” Taehyung asks, watching as Yoongi crushes the cigarette butt under his feet.

“Sometimes.” Make it many-times.

Taehyung hums, pouting slightly.

“It’s bad for your health though.”

“Tell me something new.” Yoongi mumbles, going to open the door to the shop.

“It can make you sterile, it makes you grow older sooner, it can give you bronchitis…” Taehyung keeps count on his fingers. Yoongi pulls a face at the morbid list.

“Ok. Just… I got it.”

Taehyung stares at him with a serious expression, eyebrows pinched in worry.

“Consider stopping, ok? Please?”

Yoongi scratches his arm, all of a sudden feeling uncomfortable under the redhead’s unblinking gaze. He shuffles to the side to let a customer through.

“Ok, I will. I promise.” Yoongi can’t believe he just uttered those words.

Taehyung breaks into a satisfied smile, like a cat who had just gotten the cream. They walk up to the counter, Yoongi taking in his surrounding. Just as he thought, the café was definitely styled to attract young people who saw themselves as hip and cool. Potted plants of every sort dangled from the ceiling, enclosed in little, glass vases. The walls were covered in quotes from obscure poets, shelves overflowing with books hanging on the farthest wall. Coffee is served in white, ceramic cups, Yoongi already pitying the poor guys who’d have to wash them all.

Taehyung orders something with a french name, something Yoongi can’t even begin to pronounce; he himself goes for a plain, black coffee. When he goes to grab his wallet to pay, there’s a hand stopping him. Taehyung swiftly hands a bill to the cashier, the guy handing him his change.

“I’m paying this round.” Taehyung says, nodding to Yoongi to go pick a table. The choice isn’t too wide, seeing as almost each one of them was occupied, the shop bustling with patrons. Yoongi chooses the small table right next to the wooden bookshelf, entertaining himself with looking at the different books stacked there. As predicted, the list of obscure authors continue. He throws a fast glance at Taehyung, the man tapping his fingers on the counter while waiting for their orders.

Yoongi can’t help but wonder how much their ‘talking session’ looks more like a date. Nonetheless, he tries not to think too hard about it, mind always lingering on Jimin. The boyfriend. The small, cute yet muscular dancer with a smile that could melt ice. The man who was currently in a relationship with Taehyung.

He doesn’t register Taehyung approaching their table, until the clank of mugs catches his attention. “Here you go!” He announces.

“Thank you.” Yoongi picks up his mug, blowing on the steaming beverage.

Taehyung gets comfortable in his seat, staring openly at Yoongi with an unreadable expression on his face. There’s silence between them, while Yoongi sips carefully on his coffee, stirring it from time to time. Eventually, the first to break it is Taehyung.

“Like it?”

Yoongi hums under his breath, taking another sip from his coffee.

“As someone who works at a coffee shop, I must confess I don’t understand jack shit about coffee. As long as it keeps me awake, it’s fine by me.”

Taehyung laughs. “Yeah, I’m the same. I mostly come here because the place is nice.” He points at the small, floating plants. “They’re really cute.”

Yoongi stares at the other while he’s lost gazing at the glass vases hovering over them.

“Jimin was the one to introduce me to this place.” He added as an afterthought.

The coffee isn’t as hot as before, its crisp taste accentuated by the lower temperature. Yoongi takes a big gulp, feeling it rest heavily in his mouth. He had two coffees at work already; when Hoseok will see his trembling hands at dinner, he will definitely scold him - “You know what happened the last time you had that much coffee. No more.”
Yoongi agrees.

“Is Jimin away somewhere?” His first true attempt at sparking conversation. One for you, Min Yoongi.

“Ah, yeah. There’s a dance competition in Jeonju. He will be away for a couple of days.” Taehyung says, taking the first sips from his coffee. He smacks his lips in satisfaction, Yoongi having to bite back a smile.

“Why didn’t you go with him?”

“I have some projects to finish. You know. Smart stuff.” Taehyung taps his index fingers on his temples. “And I wanted to talk to you.”

At that, Yoongi stiffens.

“Yeah, you didn’t exactly tell me what you needed.” He plays it off, crossing his arms over the table. His fingers are clammy.

Taehyung doesn’t say anything for some time, only keeps on sipping at his coffee, flicking grains of sugar off the wooden surface. He twirls the mug in his hands a couple of time before starting to talk.

“Jimin and I have been together for what feels like forever now. We’ve been childhood friends for the longest time, before deciding to start dating. It was scary at first, you know? Being friends and then shaking things up to give a shot at a relationship. I was scared we’d burn out, that we’d get tired, that Jimin would get tired. But we worked things out eventually, found ourselves a nice apartment, all that cute stuff.” He waves his hand dismissively.

Yoongi’s mug is now empty, black stains stagnating at the bottom.

“One day we met someone. I don’t feel like telling their name but, know that they were someone that Jimin and I had both met at some grad party. They were… well, they were definitely something.” Taehyung chuckled, albeit humorlessly. “Made us believe they were what Jimin and I missed in our lives. And we believed it with all our hearts. We…started dating, you know.” Taehyung lifts his eye to gauge Yoongi’s reaction.

The man is willing his breath to remain normal, stare pinned on Taehyung’s nose - because looking him in the eye feels like too much in this moment.

“Jimin was so happy, and I was too, really. We found out that maybe that was what we wanted, what we were looking for. It all felt so natural up until it didn’t.” The redhead exhaled loudly, slumping his weight forward on the table. “It was all fucking sudden, I tell you. Suddenly accusing Jimin of going between them and me… some fucked up reasoning, nothing more. Lashed on Jimin while I was in class, having me go back to my Jiminnie in tears, and…” Taehyung rubs vigorously at his face, raking his hands in his hair too.

Yoongi stays stock still, scared of moving even an inch. His fingers are twitching so badly from where they want to reach out and hold Taehyung’s hands in his. He can feel a surge of protectiveness in regards of Jimin too, despite the subtle animosity he kept on brewing for some time. Jimin looked like the kind of person who gave too much, ending up settling for too little. For a second, Yoongi is glad the man has got Taehyung in his life.

“So. I think you can come to your conclusions, now. Why I’ve decided to tell you this.”

Yoongi’s gaze focuses back on Taehyung’s bright eyes, taking him in. He can guess, yes. He’s got half a decent idea of why he had been taken to that café and had been paid his coffee.
The thought had struck him not too long ago, so he knows why.

He just wants to make sure, so he goes to stare at the mug in his hands, biting at the inside of his cheek. He doesn’t say a word.

“Yoongi.” There’s a hand being placed carefully on his forearm. Taehyung wets his lips. “Do you want to date us?”

The silence following those words is almost deafening. Yoongi can hear the blood rushing in his head, he can make out the thrumming of his heart in his ribcage. There’s a numbing feeling traversing his fingers, something that spreads all the way to his toes.

“Yoongi?”

“Do I- “ He starts, his words getting stuck in his throat. His tongue is a heavy burden in his mouth.

Taehyung smiles in understanding, stroking his thumb soothingly on Yoongi’s arm. “You can take all the time you need to think about it, obviously. Don’t rush it, I know it can be kind of… ground shaking?” Taehyung chuckles at his own words.

The people around them have lessened, now only a couple of students reading aggressively their notes by the window table left behind. Taehyung retreats his hand, scratching his cheek. He’s blushing, a pink color spreading to the tip of his ears.

“So. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. And I want you to know that Jimin is ok with this. If… if you need anything you can just… y’know, text me and all.”

Yoongi nods, before scrunching his eyebrows in thought. “I don’t have your number.”

Taehyung’s mouth forms a small O. “Here, I’ll type it in for you.”

Yoongi handles his phone to the other, Taehyung saving in his number. After that, they part ways, the redhead saying how he needs to meet up with some classmates to finish a project. He throws one last wave at Yoongi, before rushing out of the door.

Taehyung is sprawled on Jimin’s bed, books littering every walking surface. There are notes for his Biochemistry final sticking out from every nick and cranny - Jimin found a diagram of glycolysis in his running shoes.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come out tonight?” Jimin asks, pulling a jean jacket on over his t-shirt. He had stolen a bit of Taehyung’s perfume, something that reminded him of herbs and spices. He liked it.

Taehyung moans desperately, face hidden under a book so big that Jimin is scared his boyfriend's face will forever turn into that of a Persian cat. He walks up to him, kneeling on the bed, poking him in the stomach. Taehyung jerks to the side, grumbling under his breath.

“What, I couldn’t hear you over the level of party pooper you are.” Jimin emphasizes each word with a jab into Taehyung’s side.

“Jimin! Stop! Argh!”

Jimin lets his full weight fall on Taehyung’s boneless body, the other grunting in pain. Some sheets of papers scatter around them, metabolic pathways of every sort surrounding them.

“You promised.” Jimin pouts. Taehyung had promised to go out with the others, reassuring them by saying he’d go even if the reaction from glucose to glucose-6-phosphate became reversible. Everyone had looked at him with a raised eyebrow, Namjoon the only one to snort at what was apparently supposed to be a funny science joke. Jimin hated science jokes.

Taehyung groans some more for good measure. “I know Jiminnie, but… ugh, I really don’t want to fail this, you know.”

Jimin sighs. Yes, he knows, if the nights Jimin had spent cuddling Taehyung and brewing him hot infusions to help him cope with his anxious breakdowns were anything to go by.

“Jimin? Please?”

“It’s ok Taetae, don’t worry.” Jimin kisses Taehyung soundly on the mouth, scrambling to get on his feet trying not to crush any precious handwritten outline. “Just, don’t tire yourself too much. And call me if you need me, ok?” At this, he sends the other a pointed look.

Taehyung looks bashfully to the side, nodding in understanding, before picking up his humongous book once again.

The pub Jimin finds himself in is a typical spot for university students. He can recognize many people from his dance classes, some of them waving at him in greeting. Clearly, they all want to know where Taehyung is. Because clearly, everyone treated them like some kind of family package or something. It irked Jimin; it was like they didn’t have an individual identity outside of their relationship.
He shakes off his thought, walking in the direction of his group of friends. They’re already gulping down cocktails and shots of what appears to be tequila, so Jimin goes to order something for himself. He gets a beer, just to take off the edge. He’d feel too bad getting drunk without Taehyung being there with him, swapping innuendos until they’re both spread out on the floor laughing.

The night passes on placidly, the atmosphere in the pub getting perhaps a bit too stuffy at one point. Eventually, Jimin decides to head out to get some fresh air and start to head home. It was past midnight and if he found Taehyung was still studying instead of getting some sleep, he’d whoop his sorry ass into the next century. He says all his goodbyes, throwing his jacket over his shoulders.

It’s when he’s passing by the far end of the bar that someone stops him in his tracks.

“Jimin.”

The dark haired man turns to the side, coming face to face with a pair of small eyes and button nose.

“Yoongi!” He exclaims, breaking into a smile. “Hey, haven’t seen you in a while.”

Yoongi reciprocates his smile with one of his tentative ones. There’s a kind of uncertainty in the way he can’t seem to decide whether he should sit down again on his stool or stand still. It is kind of endearing, and Jimin has got half an idea why that might be. So he takes the initiative.

“How are you?” He asks, pushing his hair back.

Yoongi downs the last sip of his drink, before staring back at Jimin with a seriousness that takes him off guard.

“Ummm…”

“Can we talk?” Is all Yoongi asks, before he’s trudging towards the exit. Jimin blinks a couple of times, before rushing off after him.

When the fresh, outside air fills both of their lungs once more, they exhale loudly, exchanging looks. Jimin giggles, breaking the tense atmosphere between them.

“So, what is it that you want to talk about?” Jimin asks, rocking on the heels of his feet.

Yoongi clears his throat, tapping his fingers restlessly against his thigh. He seems to ponder over something for a couple of seconds, before he reaches into the pocket of his pants, producing a small pack of cigarettes. He takes one in his fingers, lighter at the ready.

“Do you mind?” He asks, indicating between Jimin and his cigarette. The dark haired man bites his lower lip in discomfort. He really didn’t like when people smoked around him. However, Yoongi seems to sense Jimin’s implied answer, excusing himself for a moment. He walks up to the nearest bin, taking three drags from his cigarette before putting it out.

Once he’s up to Jimin once more he apologizes. “I’m trying to stop. Didn’t touch one of those fucks in three days, but I really needed that.”

Jimin nods, glad to know that Yoongi decided to follow Taehyung’s advice - since his dad had been diagnosed with some chronic disease due to his smoking habit, Taehyung had started to run a fierce battle against smoke. Jimin still remembers how distressed Taehyung had been when he had discovered about Yoongi’s addiction.

“I’m worried, Jimin…”

“I’m sure he will understand, Tae.”

“Want to take a walk while we speak?” Yoongi suggests, full moon shining on his grayish hair. Jimin falls into step with him, waiting for the other to be the first one to break the silence. It takes some time, but it happens eventually.

“Taehyung… talked to me the other day. Invited me for some coffee at this really hipster café- Don’t laugh, I know you were the one who took him there first.”

Jimin laughter gets louder. “I’m sorry, Tae really loves those kind of places. And the cappuccinos there are really good.”

Yoongi grunts, scuffing the sole of his shoes on the asphalt. A small rocks ends up in a dent of the road.

“He also asked me out.” He continues. “Said you were ok with that and all.”

Jimin can feel his shoulders pulling tight, his mouth pulling up in a half smile-half grimace. He nods. Talking about this used to be a lot harder, so he’s proud of his controlled reaction. Five for you, Jimin.

“Tae said you were still thinking about it…” Jimin trails off. Yoongi nods.

“Yeah, I am. That’s why I wanted to talk to you about this, too.”

Jimin can feel something warm spreading in his chest.

“Ok.” He mutters.

“I…” Yoongi stops in his tracks, a scowl directed at the tip of his shoes. Jimin finds it kind of funny. Yoongi lifts his face to stare him directly in the eyes.

“I think I’m jealous of you.” He says. Jimin wrangles his cold, sticky fingers behind his back.
“You’re… you’re a fucking nice person, Jimin. I can tell how happy you make Taehyung. You both mean a lot to each other, that much is as clear as day. You have this thing that can make him light up right away. You… know what to say. What to do. And I’m just…” Yoongi growls, aggressively raking a hand through his hair.

The moonlight glints off of his teeth almost in a scary way. Yet, Jimin can see the fear and insecurity deep into Yoongi eyes, the feelings seeping off of him in waves and pooling at their feet in a muddy swamp.

“I don’t think I can do it like you can. Taehyung deserves more than I can give him, and you’re fucking perfect for him and I’d be just-”

Yoongi’s words get caught in his throat when Jimin suddenly hugs him. His arms circle around him, cheek pressed up to his.

“Yoongi…” Jimin feels so sad, a heavy weight settling low on his chest. “You’re… You shouldn’t say this stuff about yourself.”

Jimin can feel Yoongi tense up, all his muscles pulled tight. But he doesn’t let go.

“I know that a relationship like the one Tae and I are looking for can seem scary to many. Polyamory can be used as some convenient mechanism of self-protection by some…” His thoughts fly to his ex, “... but it can be so beautiful too.”

Jimin leans back, grabbing Yoongi by his arms.

“Yoongi, you don’t have to think that we all have to have the same relationship between each other. Fuck, you don’t even have to kiss me if you don’t want to.”

At this Yoongi smirks, a small smile that makes Jimin feel better. He pushes on.

“You’re… you’re a good person. You’d make Tae so, so happy. I know it. He always comes home talking about you and it fills me with joy to know that he finally found that piece he was missing. And maybe it’s you Yoongi. But you need to give us a chance. Give yourself a chance. Yeah?”

Yoongi is trying not to cry, he really is. He also bites on his bottom lip for good measure.

Jimin’s words tickle quietly at his consciousness, making him want to run away and cave in at the same time. The dark haired man is now hugging him once more, stroking soothingly his back. Yoongi hugs Jimin back then. At first it’s tentative, his arms unsure while they circle the muscular frame, then he’s squeezing with more force.

“Thank you…” He says in a watery voice.

Jimin hums, hands still drawing circles on his back. They stay like that for what seems like forever, Jimin breaking the hug when he gets an eyeful of the time.

“God, I need to make sure Taehyung isn’t studying himself into the ground.” He says, taking his phone out of his pocket to check for any new notifications.

Yoongi’s eyes still sting a little when he opens his mouth again.

“Can I ask you your number?”

Jimin jerks his head up, blinking dumbly at Yoongi, before breaking into a wide smile.

Yoongi’s apartment is empty, Hoseok out somewhere having fun. Probably fucking someone. Yoongi pulls a face at that, the thought making him uneasy for reasons other than imagining his flatmate’s naked dick. Ugh.

He flops on his bed face first, almost suffocating himself. He rolls over to lay on his back, exhaling loudly into the dark room. The only source of light comes from his charging phone, the lock screen alerting Yoongi of the battery percentage. His thoughts fly to the new numbers in it, two names that meant such different things to him, but eventually converged into the same path.

Yoongi smiles to himself, pondering over many things. He falls asleep still in his clothes, shoes undone and dangling from his feet. His dreams are a mess, but he doesn’t feel like one that much anymore.

The man wakes up to the sun tentatively peeking from behind the blinds, heating half his face in an uncomfortable fashion. He grunts, turning on his side to resume sleeping, when his temple bonks against something. He blearily blinks his eyes open, his cell phone blinking back at him with some new notifications. Yoongi picks it up, his limbs heavy and fuzzy.

There are two new text messages from Jimin.

As expected he was still studying >:[

Attached to the message there’s a picture of Taehyung, sprawled on the floor because the bed is fully covered (from what Yoongi can make out at least) in scribbled paper sheets. The redhead’s got a pair of glasses on his nose and his legs are propped up on the back of a chair. Yoongi doesn’t ponder too much over anything, just saves the image on his phone and goes to tap a reply to Jimin.

Why don’t you both head to the shop today? I get off @ 5

He hits the Send button and closes his eyes, contemplating waking up to take a shower. He decides to do just that, shedding his clothes from the previous night and jumping under the warm spray of water. He takes his time, slowly rubbing the sleep away from his body. Once he’s done, he wraps himself in his bathrobe, padding into his bedroom to pick up some clean clothes. There are some new text messages blinking back at him.

We will!!!

Goodmorning sunshine ~

Sorry, Tae got my phone >-

Yoongles Yoongles you make my dohglbgmv92 i!èfhxi

Yoongi frowns at his phone screen.

OMG I AM SO SORRY!!!! I WILL MURDER TAEHYUNG

A soft chuckle escapes Yoongi, while he fondly text back Jimin assuring him that everything’s ok. While he’s in the kitchen making himself his first daily dose of coffee, Hoseok appears from his room all bleary eyed and ruffled hair.

“... is that coffee?” He asks in a raspy voice.

Yoongi hums, already taking out a second mug.

“... thanks.” Hoseok slumps on the kitchen chair, dropping his head on the table.

Yoongi glances back at him, taking in his backwards t-shirt.

“Wild night?” He asks, handling Hoseok his coffee once it’s done.

“You have no idea.” The other answers, gratefully nursing the warm cup in his hands. “How did yours go?” He sips on the beverage, humming in appreciation.

Yoongi ponders over the happenings of the previous night, fingers tapping a beat on the counter.

“Jimin was there.” He says.

Hoseok nods. “Oh, was he?” There’s no bite in his tone though, simple curiosity laced with tiredness.

“Yeah. Today I’m going to tell them that I accept.”

“Oh, cool…” Hoseok’s brain is clearly slow on the uptake, “... wait, accept what?”

Yoongi takes the last sip from his coffee mug.

“That I’m going to date them.”

Hoseok nods, gaze unfocused while he stares at his own fingers wrapped around the white mug.

“Yeah, cool, date - HOLD YOUR HORSES.”

Hoseok springs to his feet, hands flying to catch Yoongi by the collar of his shirt. The elder flinches backwards, arms poised in front of himself as a form of protection.

“Yoongi! Why didn’t I know anything about this!” Hoseok shakes the other like some dusty tablecloth. “What the fuck, man! Dude! When did this happen!”

“Kind of recently…"

“Kind of recently ?! Why didn’t you say anything?!”

Yoongi scowls, prying Hoseok’s hands off of him.

“I needed time to think, Hoseok. Time.” He stresses the last word with a jab at Hoseok’s forehead. His friend squeaks, taking a step back. He doesn’t say anything for a couple of minutes, just stares at Yoongi with a scrutinizing glare. Then, like a sun peeking from behind gray clouds, he breaks into a wide smile, patting Yoongi on his shoulders.

“I’m proud of you.” Hoseok says, hugging him.

Yoongi nods, patting his friend on the back. “Yeah. Thank you.”

Jimin’s hand feels warm in his, his small fingers perfectly slotted in his palm. The sky today looks bluer than usual, big, fluffy clouds lazily drifting away in the breeze. The trees around them are a vibrant green; Taehyung spots a couple of squirrels chasing each other up the bark of a betulla, vanishing inside a hole in the trunk. The park is alive with chirps coming from birds hiding away behind the leaves, and Taehyung breathes in the crisp air. He closes his eyes to bask in the relaxing atmosphere of the moment.

“Taetae.” Jimin calls in a small voice.

“Mm?” He opens his eyes to look at his boyfriend. Jimin’s holding a thermic bag in his other hand. It is full with whatever he decided to secretly prepare for their picnic date; Taehyung had no saying in it, Jimin wanted the meal to be a surprise.

“I’m excited.” He smiles giddily, squeezing Taehyung’s hand.

“Me too, Minnie! We’re going to have a lot of fun!”

They circle the small lake placed in the middle of the park, reaching a clearing where different people were lounging on the soft grass, some kids playing with a ball. There’s a lone figure sitting on a bench not too far off, sunglasses and a cap covering their face almost entirely. Taehyung pulls on Jimin’s hand, leading him with a spring in his step. His boyfriend laughs in amusement, keeping up with his excitement.

“Yoongi!” Taehyung waves, catching the attention of the man on the bench. Yoongi lifts his head, adjusting the black cap on his head, before waving back.

“Hey.” He says, standing up and dusting off his jeans.

Taehyung is smiling so hard he can feel his cheeks hurting. At his side, Jimin’s expression is a reflection of his: all wide smile and crinkled eyes.

“Do we want to find a place to set ourselves?” Jimin suggests, dangling the bag in his hand. Both Yoongi and Taehyung nod in approval, before they’re heading towards the shadow of a big tree. Jimin takes all the necessary for their picnic out of the bag, the other two helping him in setting the various things. There is a patch of flowers not too far away, and Taehyung thinks how pretty they are - he might have placed the blanket right next to them.

“It’s surprisingly hot.” Yoongi comments, sitting down once they’re done. He crosses his legs, Taehyung eyeing them for a moment.

“Yeah, the weather got really nice! We were lucky to have chosen today.” Jimin comments, taking out different plastic containers and placing them on the blanket. He hands over a bottle of peach tea to Taehyung, who is dozing off as usual.

“Here you go, you big baby. I didn’t forget to bring your favorite drink.” Jimin says, a teasing smirk on his face, while Taehyung snatches the beverage from his hands. He seems to mull over something, before he’s crawling in the direction of Yoongi. The elder’s eyes are closed, head thrown back to soak in the scalding sun rays.

All of a sudden, Taehyung unceremoniously drops his head on his lap.

“Oof! What the - “ Yoongi scowls, turning his eyes to the heavy presence weighing down on his legs. Taehyung smiles placidly up at him, a content sigh leaving his lips as he snuggles further into his thighs.

“You’re skinny.” He points out, yet doesn’t seem to even budge from his position on his new pillow.

“You’re probably used to Jimin’s thighs.” Yoongi retorts, eventually carding his fingers in Taehyung’s soft hair.

“Mmm, true.” He answers, eyeing a giggling Jimin from the corner of his eye.

There’s a lull in the conversation, the tinkling of silverware the only sound coming from where Jimin was putting the last touches to their picnic.

“Here we go!”

Taehyung perks his head up at the call for food, groaning appreciatively.

“Finally! I was almost going to eat Yoongi’s hat.”

“... so that’s why you’ve been eyeing it.”

“You can both dig yourselves in!” Jimin smiles, handing them the sealed containers.

They thank him, looking forward to whatever was going to be their lunch. Taehyung wiggles in his place, finger prying the lid open. He can see Yoongi doing the same thing on his other side, and all of a sudden, they freeze.

Jimin is already eating his food, paying not much attention to the two men in front of him. He doesn’t even seem to realize the gloomy atmosphere that crosses their private bubble in the middle of the park.

“Umm… Jimin.” Taehyung tentatively diverts his eyes from his food, looking up at his boyfriend. Yoongi hasn’t said anything yet, the visor of his hat half covering his face.

“Yes?” Jimin asks, still munching.

“Did you… Is this…” Taehyung doesn’t know how to formulate his sentence, but Yoongi pipes up right away.

“Are we going to feed rabbits or some shit?” Yoongi lifts a baby carrot from his container. It’s very orange, very small and very raw; it was sitting right next to some slices of cucumber, three cherry tomatoes and some cheese cubes.

Jimin sends a questioning glare first at Yoongi then at Taehyung. “What’s wrong with healthy food? It’s good.”

Yoongi snibbles on the baby carrot, pulling a face when it makes a crunching sound under his teeth.

“Yes, but. It’s a picnic, Jimin! We are supposed to eat loads of delicious food!” Taehyung says, a hint of desperation in his voice.

Yoongi is now shaking his container, making the cherry tomatoes roll in it.

“Healthy food can be delicious.” Jimin pouts, popping a cheese cube in his mouth.

Taehyung takes one of Jimin’s hand in his bigger ones. “I love you, but if you keep on fobbing me off with this stuff, I will have to leave in the middle of the night with the kids.”

“We don’t have kids, Taehyung.”

“The metaphorical kids.”

Jimin huffs, raking his free hand in his hair. “I saw a ramen place while we were coming here, so I guess -”

Yoongi jolts to his feet, already packing up their stuff. Taehyung and Jimin blink up at him in confusion, exchanging worried glances. Was Yoongi going to leave? Was their first date their last one already?

“Come on.” The elder says, popping a piece of cucumber in his mouth. “I’m paying.”

Just like that, the three of them head towards the restaurant, all the while Taehyung consoling Jimin for the failed picnic. Yoongi doesn’t seem to mind too much. At some point, he even reaches out to take Jimin’s hand in his, the dark haired man finding himself between a cooing Taehyung and a smirking Yoongi.

The rest of the date goes on peacefully, their food arriving almost right away - “Carbohydrates, I will never leave you”, “Shut up, Taehyung”. They chat over different things, Yoongi sharing some of his stories, and Taehyung and Jimin flooding him with various questions. It’s mid afternoon when they head back to the park to feed the squirrels, because Taehyung couldn’t stop asking to do it. However, the red head ends up playing with the dog of an old couple, leaving Yoongi to fend off from an horde of hungry squirrels. He may have been chased for the whole perimeter of the park, Jimin laughing uncontrollably at the ridiculous scene.

“I had a great time.” Yoongi says once they’re all standing on the bridge that crosses the lake. The sun was setting behind the tree tops, hues of pink and orange illuminating the evening sky. The day had flown by, the three of them greatly enjoying each other’s company.

Taehyung reaches out to hold his hand, squeezing it lovingly. “Yeah, it was fun.”

Jimin nods, leaning against the railing and dangling his arms. “I’m sorry for the food fiasco.”

“Nah, it’s ok. I didn’t mind it that much.”

Taehyung places his chin on Yoongi’s shoulder, an angelic smile on his face. “There’s no need to lie.”

“I’m not lying.” Yoongi replies, jabbing Taehyung in the side. “Brat.”

“Grandpa.”

“What. You talking back now?”

Meanwhile, Jimin is staring at the other two with a twinkle in his eyes, fondness playing at the corner of his lips.

“I will go pick up our stuff and then we can go, ok?” He says, heading towards the bench where they had left their bags.

“Ok!” Taehyung replies, hugging Yoongi from the back. The two stay like that for a couple of minutes, neither uttering a word. Taehyung is the first one to break the silence.

“Thank you.” He whispers into Yoongi’s ear. “For today.”

Yoongi hums, lacing his fingers with Taehyung’s ones. “My pleasure.”

He turns around in the younger’s hold, facing him. They stare at each other, unblinking; a tickling sensation travels up Taehyung’s spine, making him tremble. His breath hitches when he realizes Yoongi is closing in on him, his pink lips slightly parted. A soft breezes caresses them, filling the short space between their mouths, before they close the distance with their own bodies.

The kiss is gentle, the two of them careful in how they move, yet passionate nonetheless. Yoongi’s lips are soft, Taehyung cupping his cheek so he can press in with more decision and taste them better. They’re salty, yet they feel warm and welcoming. Yoongi’s hands are splayed on Taehyung’s lower back, drawing circles against his shirt.

They part for a second, Taehyung needing to calm down his speeding heart. His cheeks are flushed, the sight of Yoongi’s soft eyelashes batting sweetly doing nothing to help him calm down.

“Ewww!” A voice interrupts the two, who turn to stare at the intruder.

“Gross!” Jimin fake gags, acting like a five year old who has just seen two lovers kissing.

Taehyung laughs, disentangling himself from Yoongi and going to plant obnoxiously loud smooches all over Jimin’s face. “Come here, Jiminnie! Chu, chu!”

Jimin laughs loudly, squirming in Taehyung’s hold, hitting him on the chest in an attempt at freeing himself.

Yoongi smirks at the sight, tiptoeing towards them. Once he’s behind Jimin, he plants a wet kiss on the younger’s cheek, making sure to leave some extra spit.

“Oh my! Stop!” Jimin is laughing so hard, there are tears collecting at the corners of his eyes.

“Never!” Taehyung reiterates, leaving more kisses on Jimin’s neck.

And as Yoongi watches the two, he feels lighter. There’s a giddiness spreading all the way from his toes up to his chest, that makes it hard for him to stop smiling. His cheeks hurt, and so does it heart. But it feels good, almost rewarding. Because for all the self doubts he had always drowned himself in, he has now found something that can finally help him open his eyes to the complex world around him.

And as new possibilities stand there, right in front of him with matching smiles and sparkly eyes, Yoongi thinks he can finally give himself a chance.