Archive of Our Own ^beta

Yoongi watches strangers stroll past the window while he waits for Seokjin to arrive at the cafe. It is a small space, a bit cramped, but not un-homey. It is hidden away from any major bus or train stops so there aren’t many visitors that stay too long or enter. Right now he is the only one in the establishment besides an older barista, who may or may not be the owner.

The decor is mostly pink with a splash of brown and white detailing. Pastries fill the display cases an arm’s length away, and the barista meticulously weighs out coffee beans for Yoongi’s order. Red hearts hang from the ceiling and over a portrait of a couple embracing in front of the Eiffel tower, with the word, “Amour” over it. 

The music is melodic and slow, more jazz than classical. Including the noises of the surrounding neighborhood or the whirring of the machines coming to life, it is not loud or overwhelming, just intimate enough to catch-up or get to know someone better. Overall Yoongi would rank it a six out of ten for decor; eight for ambiance; and four for originality.

Not the worst place for a first or fourth date, but also not the best. 

Just as he’s about to pull out his phone to check on emails, Seokjin drops into the seat in front of him. This close to the door, he lets in a waft of winter air with him, and Yoongi suppresses a shiver.  “Yoongi! Thank you for making it on such short notice. Sorry I was late.” He places a hand over his face and dramatically shakes his head in a show of disapproval.

“It’s okay.” Yoongi answers softly. Truthfully. He got here in one piece, and that is more than enough for him.  “Hyung, I ordered an americano for myself. I got you their special, the Parisian Hot Chocolate. I wasn’t waiting long, so don’t worry.” 

“Wow!” Seokjin reaches across the table to shake his hand. “Thank you!”

Yoongi ducks his head down shyly. He mumbles, “‘welcome.” and then looks away from him to redirect the conversation. “You picked good, hyung. While the decor is a little too on the nose, I think it is appropriate for what you’re looking for.” 

“I did, didn’t I? I knew it would be good from the advertisement outside. I walked past it the other day when I was going to my eye exam. I sent Seung-wanie some pictures so I wouldn’t forget what to get. Want to see?”

“The picture of the cafe you sent your assistant?”

Seokjin shakes him off goodnaturedly, grin wide and boyish, and Yoongi already knows he’s going to try and be funny. “No, not that. You already know what it looks like. I meant the picture of the glasses I chose at my appointment.”

“Right.”

Seokjin slides through the few selfies he took of glasses he tried on at the doctor’s office up until the barista calls Yoongi’s name to carry back their drinks.

“I got it,” Seokjin waves for him to sit back down and Yoongi watches him pretend to trip with their drinks on the way back to the table.

“That was only funny the first four times you did it.” He goads him, and Seokjin takes the bait.

“You say that, but I saw your smile. You love it.” Seokjin winks and then pulls his drink up to his lips. “Now, are you going to tell me or am I going to have to go into excruciating detail about what I have planned next for my paper so you’ll have no choice but to want to tell me?”

Yoongi swirls his cup in one hand and mulls it over. “It has been a long time since I’ve seen you, hyung. I would like to hear it if you need to talk through some ideas.”

“So that’s how you want to play it? Okay then.” Seokjin narrows his eyes and places his drink down on the table gingerly. He places both of his elbows on top of the table and lays his face on his hands. He clears his throat. 

“The new lingerie line I planned on reviewing arrived two days ago. My favorite one so far is all black with lace details and diamond trims. It comes with a matching panty that has the cutest satin bow in the back, but more importantly, when I tried it on for the first time and went to show Namjoon, this is the one that got the” he pauses to look at Yoongi pointedly. “Biggest reaction out of him. He loved it. He loved it so much that he-”

“Okay,” Yoongi’s face heats and he takes a long and exaggerated sip of his cold americano. “I’ll tell you, just. Give me a minute.” He puts up a hand like he’s guarding himself from an impending attack, and uses his other one to pull out a notebook from his jacket pocket. It’s small, black, and leather-bound. It fits perfectly in the palm of his hand. He’s been carrying it around for the past few months, scribbling and writing his ideas down here and there. The details to the rest of his life are cradled away safely in his pocket, in that notebook. It holds all of his plans to propose to his boyfriend of four years. 

“I have a list.” He declares with finality, flipping between pages carefully. 

“Oooh” Seokjin gasps and makes a noise of delight. As a marketing journalist, and long-time friend of Yoongi’s, these types of things excite him. He leans forward to try and get a discernable peek at the chicken-scratch on the page Yoongi lands on. “Tell me! Tell me!”

“I’m going to propose.” He says the words quickly but surely. Much more quickly than he imagined he would when Seokjin invited him out to cafe hop around Seoul as part of his ongoing research for his Valentine’s Day paper. This is only their first stop in the drawn-out itinerary Seokjin’s overworked assistant planned out for them, and now Yoongi balks at the million of possible questions Seokjin will have later on, but the day is young and Yoongi is prepared to open up to him and spill all of it.

To his surprise, Seokjin takes a deep breath and closes his eyes for a fraction of a moment, seemingly collecting his thoughts. When he opens them up again his voice is softer than it’s been in a very long time, serious and delicate. When he sits back properly to give him his full attention, Yoongi sees a reflection of the cool, intimidating, and wise, older classmate he met all those years ago. 

“Start from the beginning.”

—

1. Theme: First Meeting

Location: Clinic

Clue: “Lessons in Autumn leaves.”

It had been a hot August afternoon, “the hottest in record years!,” the meteorologist warned on the news. Little did he know it would be beaten out by the following year’s August, and then the next year’s after that, but this year, this day, in this afternoon, it was boiling hot. The AC was not working, which made things unbearably worse, yet Yoongi showed up to the children’s hospital across the street from his work place for his free lessons to the kids without fail.

The program's start preceded him. The founder of said program began to offer free lessons to the kids at the children’s hospital when he observed how much music could aid in a family’s overall recovery process while he was doing his rotations in medical school. Whether by giving the children something to look forward to so the time would pass by faster; or by providing the family with a small reprieve while their kids picked up a new skill a few hours a week; or by offering another way for kids to add hands-on experience and knowledge into their curriculum for school applications, which appealed highly to overly ambitious parents; it was a program that quickly looked favorably on the hospital. It was praised by all who interacted with it, and was soon adopted by the local community.

This included Yoongi, who recalled his own start to making music through watching a man play the piano in a hospital lobby when he was young and bed-ridden. He had snuck out of his room, and like a moth to a flame, or a lone ant enticed by a sugar cube, he followed the music to the source of the song. His six-year-old eyes followed every movement the man made on the instrument, transfixed, as someone played the piano in front of him for the very first time. 

He could not move or walk away, and that is where the panicked nurses found him moments later when it felt like hours had passed. That feeling returned similarly, then, when his eyes landed on an advertisement on the local paper calling for volunteer musicians at the nearby hospital. He took it for the sign that it was, and reveled in the divine coincidence that the hospital was located a short, brisk walk from his store.

He’s been renting at that location for his store for a few years now, selling, repairing, and collecting instruments. He also provides private tutoring lessons to a modest–sized group of loyal clients he earned throughout his time there. His expertise and concentration of study in university was the piano, but he learned and mastered many other instruments since then, particularly the chordophones and percussion instruments. He takes great pride in his knowledge of all things in his store. If he is unsure of how to play it or repair it, he simply does not have it in stock until he learns it

Which is why Yoongi is always in search of more learning and teaching opportunities, and this opportunity was right up his alley as it not only allowed him to get reacquainted with some of the instruments he does not get to practice as often on a regular basis, but it aligned with his beliefs on what musicians can provide for the community. He makes it a point to visit as much as his schedule allows, and it is on one of those fateful hot summer days that he meets Hoseok. 

When Hoseok appeared for the first time, Yoongi almost missed his arrival entirely due to helping a student. If it was not for a second volunteer calling out sick that day, Yoongi would have had to wait a little longer to meet him. Since the volunteer did call off that morning, Yoongi got newly assigned with the privilege of helping monitor the check-in and check-out sheets by the door. His tasks included surveying all who passed by the entrance, recording their names and numbers down when they arrived to pick up or drop off their kids for a lesson, and then providing them with a VISITOR’s sticker if they decided to stay and observe. 

Hoseok had come to pick up, and he was not staying. When Yoongi asked him for his name and the child’s room number, he verified that it belonged to the correct child, and that Hoseok was listed as someone who could pick up or drop off. He was, and despite him looking around the same age as Yoongi, Hoseok appeared to be a young father. 

“You are young!” Seokjin would tell him, but Yoongi did not feel young. He felt every bit of his twenty-eight rotations around the sun. Hoseok at least radiated youth and vitality. He dressed young and in-style, always something bordering on too baggy, but fitted at the same time. He donned and hung little keychains or trinkets from his belt loops or bags, and his selection of bright colors and statement patterns was a huge breath of fresh air for the otherwise muted grey and white hospital. Hoseok was lively, Yoongi could hear him and his son even after the door was closed and they were done for the day. However, he was also very polite and modest, at least when he interacted closely with Yoongi to ask about his son. 

It was strictly business for Yoongi. He did not allow himself to think beyond surface-level observations when it came to Hoseok, as he felt it was inappropriate for him to do so. He had eyes, however, and did admit to himself early on that Hoseok was really good looking. He thought so since the very first day. His smile was kind and he always greeted Yoongi warmly, but best of all, the child he came to pick up was always happy to see him. 

It was rare for Yoongi to teach a student for an extended period of time, as normally the kids are discharged before he could get too accustomed to a routine with them, but this child, Wooseok, seemed to be staying for longer than most. Two whole cycles of new students enrolled and then completed their lessons alongside Wooseok, and without missing a single session, Yoongi met with him a few times a week. 

Wooseok had an affinity for the wind instruments, but because his lungs were not in the best condition due to his chronic illness, Yoongi had to pivot his plans and redirect Wooseok’s interests towards something less physically demanding. 

That is how they decided upon the Piano. They sat on the long bench together. Yoongi played a few keys on the piano experimentally, and watched as Wooseok mimicked his movements. He wanted him to get a handle on how it felt to press on the keys and to hear the different notes before teaching him how to read a song sheet. Wooseok caught on to things quickly, and Yoongi felt proud of him when he realized that Wooseok had the ability to copy pitches almost entirely on his first try. By the end of the third week Wooseok could play two whole songs without needing a song sheet. 

His enthusiasm and curiosity for the Piano reminded Yoongi a lot of himself when he was at that age, so despite himself, Yoongi grew fond of his student. He would often tell him he was the best pupil he’s ever had, and he meant every word. 

When Wooseok’s nurses stopped coming to pick him up every other day and instead Hoseok appeared every single time, Yoongi felt a different and new emotion bloom inside of him. However, he kept his professionalism and composure intact and always shoved his personal feelings down. 

It wasn’t until someone else came to pick Wooseok up that Yoongi had to face his more-than-friendly feelings for Wooeok’s father, because the new person who appeared at the door got an entirely different reaction from Wooseok than any other guardian in the past. When the woman came to pick him up, Wooseok’s joy glowed brightly from within. It was instantaneous and infectious. He transformed in front of Yoongi’s very eyes from a focused, piano prodigy to a bright-eyed seven year old boy. Without missing a beat, Wooseok jumped from the piano bench, arms stretched out high in front of him, face splitting into a wide grin, gummy teeth and all. “Mommy!” he yelled, and Yoongi had to catch his smile before it faltered. 

Mommy. Oh. 

Wooseok’s mother bent down to catch him in her arms. She hugged her son tight and kissed the side of his head. “My baby, my dear Wooseokie, how have you been?” She cooed, looked right at his little face and kissed his cheek. 

Yoongi looked away and down at the piano before slowly getting up and walking over to the table with the sign-out sheets near the door. He awkwardly stood next to it, hand propped on the table for support, when Wooseok’s mother stood up. She held one of Wooseok’s hands. She noticed him and smiled. Her smile was as warm and as pretty as Hoseok’s. 

“You must be Teacher Min.” She extended a hand in greeting and Yoongi politely shook it. 

“It is nice to meet you…” He trailed off, not knowing her name. 

“Jung Ji-woo” She provided her full name easily, and Yoongi’s unsaid question was answered. She shared a last name with Hoseok, which she might have decided to change so they would match after they got married. Yoongi hated that he felt a pang of disappointment, but all of this was outside of normal protocol. He had never felt drawn to another parent as much or as fast as he did right now. Frankly, the situation was flustering him more than he’d like to admit, as it was unlike him to let himself get carried away like this, and for this long.

Get a grip, he had to remind himself. 

“I heard so much about you, Teacher Min. You have made quite the impression in my family. Even my younger brother speaks very highly of you, and I can see now that everything he said is true.” She smiled at him, and Yoongi felt his face heat. “You may have seen him. He is usually the one who stops by to pick up my Wooseokie, but I told him that he didn’t need to come in today. I was able to leave work early so I wanted to stop by myself. I hope I didn’t interrupt too much. Thank you for taking good care of my son and my little brother.” She bowed slightly in gratitude and Yoongi felt even more frazzled. He bowed even deeper and let her know that it was no problem, that he enjoyed having Wooseok as his student and that Wooseok had a natural talent for the piano. It was a joy to have him in his class, honestly.

He knew better than to start talking about her little brother, however. Possibly another day when his very obvious crush wouldn’t give him away. If that day ever came. 

Jiwoo was delighted, hugging her son close to her hip and even running her hand down his hair and side of his face, a soothing and caring motion that made Wooseok close his eyes and stick even closer to his mom, not unlike a baby koala. It was very cute, and now that Jiwoo mentioned it, Yoongi was able to see the resemblance in the Jung family. They all shared similar bone and cheek structures, as well as their nose, and shape of their eyes. 

The next time Hoseok came in, which was not a long wait, about two days after meeting his sister, Yoongi could not help but feel more at ease. The knowledge that Hoseok was not a parent of one of his students was a weight he did not know he was carrying or that he needed to dispose of in order to let his guards down.

It seemed something had changed within Hoseok, too, because Hoseok opened up to Yoongi like never before. The next time he greeted him after his sister’s surprise visit, he was the very picture of someone bashful. “My sister told me she had said somethings the last time she came, and I just wanted to clear the air because I don’t know exactly what she said, but I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable, or think I speak about you behind your back. I think you’re an incredible teacher, and I respect what you’re doing, Teacher Min. Wooseok speaks highly of you as well. I’m sorry if anything said was out of line.”

“Not at all.” Yoongi shook his head, slightly taken aback. Wooseok sat to the right of him on the bench in front of the piano, and he continued on playing a few keys he had learned a moment ago, while the adults resumed talking on either side of him. “I feel glad and relieved to be of help. Nothing made me uncomfortable, I can assure you.”

“I’m glad” Hoseok responded, and his smile was timid. Small dimples appeared at the high corners of his mouth, which Yoongi had not noticed before now. It was very cute, and he was very much in trouble. 

Then, Hoseok turned his focus back to his nephew to ask an innocent, unassuming question, “What’re you playing, buddy?” which somehow turned into a mini-talent show, as Hoseok began to dance lightly in place to the tune playing off of the piano keys. 

The words Jiwoo said before leaving, about her brother working at a dance studio on the same street of the hospital sprung up to mind, and Yoongi smiled smittenly despite himself. He did not bother to school his features. He clapped along as Hoseok spun and jerked and moved his body this way and that, fluidly. Almost as if he had no bones and was made of pure, lean muscle. It was fascinating to watch, and he found himself not being able to tear his eyes away. 

Naturally, this became their new routine, when Hoseok stopped by to pick Wooseok up, Wooseok would play a new short song Yoongi taught him that day, and they’d giggle and watch as Hoseok danced to the notes. Always a new move, and always with the brightest and most prettiest smile Yoongi had ever seen. 

Sometimes Yoongi would tease him and play fast on the keys to watch Hoseok’s feet shift and shuffle to keep up with the song, and then other days he’d alternate and take turns hitting a singular note each with Wooseok. They would burst into giggles as Hoseok moved only on cue of the piano. One move per note, almost like a robot, and if they held a note for an extended amount of time, Hoseok would just start vibrating his limbs to the absolute delight of both Yoongi and Woosek. 

It was funnier than it had any right to be, and it was the most fun Yoongi had had in a long time. 

He was doomed. 

As August quickly turned into September, and September shifted into October, Yoongi went to sleep earlier in the nights to wake up more refreshed on specific days of the week. If those days coincided with the days he was meant to see Hoseok that afternoon then that was his business alone to tell. 

But just as the leaves turned red, yellow, and orange before falling, and the seasons changed, Wooseok, thankfully, got better, and with a better prognosis from the medical team, he was given the all clear from his primary pediatrician to be discharged by the end of October. As summer came to a close and Autumn was rapidly progressing, it became time for Yoongi to say his goodbyes.

“I’m happy he is better. Of course I wish we met in better circumstances, but it has truly been such a delight to be his teacher. He has so much talent. I do not want to overstep, but I implore you to please consider letting him continue to play if he still wants to. My doors are always open, I work across the street, but I can direct you to more resources that are closer to home if this location is too far out of the way.” 

Hoseok looked appreciative, but also a little sad. He took down Yoongi’s number to give to Jiwoo, but there was an air of finality that heavily pressed down on Yoongi’s chest nonetheless. He had never gotten this attached to a student or their family before, but he truly hoped and silently prayed that the Jungs would keep in contact. If at least for Wooseok’s sake, as he believed music had the power to connect people and deepen their bonds, and he was positive this experience would stick with Hoseok and Wooseok for the rest of their lives. As it would for him.

Yoongi did not know or had heard anything about Wooseok’s father, and he had not been inclined to ask as he felt it was not his business to know, but he saw the support the Jung siblings gave one another, and it reminded him of his own older brother, who he had been reaching out to more those days. 

When the day finally came, and it was Hoseok’s final time to pick up Wooseok, he whispered something into Wooseok’s ear that Yoongi was not privy to, but was deathly curious about. His curiosity grew exponentially when Wooseok grabbed Yoongi’s hand and led him to the bench of the piano. He made a small tapping motion on the bench, as if to instruct Yoongi to sit, which Yoongi did without any protests, but Wooseok did not sit next to him like he did a dozen times in the past. It was only Yoongi on the piano that time.  

“Play, please,” Wooseok insisted, and Yoongi looked at him questionably, but then Hoseok moved to stand in a familiar spot behind the piano. He nodded encouragingly at Yoongi to start. 

Except, Yoongi’s mind was blank, a deep sadness had overtaken him ever since that morning, and now it seemed impossible to think of anything else. He found it hard to play in the current state he was in, but miraculously, mercifully, a melody suddenly came to him. One he had never written down before or performed anywhere else. Immediately, after a slow, experimental start, it sounded sad, even to his own ears. Then, it picked up a bit, to his great surprise, and the song turned out faster than he intended it to, but Hoseok moved to the notes without missing a singular one, as if they’ve practiced this performance all season long. 

Yoongi did not have a name for the piece yet, but there was an instant sense of loss and uncertainty in the music that left an impression on him. He did not know he was capable of transmitting such longing through his music. His fingers flew on the keys and he hoped it conveyed each one of his thoughts clearly. 

When he finished, he sat back with his hands on his lap and said nothing. He barely looked up, but much rather listened as Hoseok tried to catch his breath from the longer song. 

Wooseok clapped and gave them both a thumbs up, and that’s all Yoongi needed to accept his fate and bid his new friends goodbye from the downstairs conference room of the children’s hospital for the very last time. 

It only took Yoongi an hour to remember Hoseok worked a few doors down and across from him, and it took Hoseok approximately three days to visit his store.

—

2. Theme: First Outing

Location: Ice Rink

Clue: “Lay all your fears in my arms.”

If someone where to ask Yoongi back then what he would consider his and Hoseok’ s first date, he would say it was the time he asked Hoseok to watch a movie with him after three and a half months of knowing each other; or maybe the time Hoseok asked him to go out with him to one of his favorite shops in the world: the fabric and crafts store a week before their movie date. Now he knows their first date, or outing, or first official step in the direction that has led them to where they are today started the season after they met. When there were no more leaves to fall and the branches were bare, and light snow covered the ground, Hoseok had asked him out for some coffee while Yoongi was closing up shop.

It had been a Friday night. The weather was perfectly cold for a big bowl of hot soup and an evening spent indoors, on his couch, in his own home, and then later on in his bed. The thought of braving the cold had not even crossed his mind. His muscles and bones seemed ready to drop like a heavy sack of potatoes at a moment’s notice. Yoongi had wanted to say no—ached all over to say it. Most likely needed to say it, but his heart lurched all the same and his body rotated to face Hoseok entirely, because that’s the kind of pull Hoseok had over him. When Yoongi thought he was completely depleted, down to the last ounce of energy he could muster up for a day, here came Hoseok to scrape out more than he thought he had left, and sweep him away. 

Not much later they were bundled up, and facing the early November evening together, heading north without a clear destination in mind. Their bodies and souls only craved coffee and companionship, that's all that Yoongi knew. 

They trudged on, slower than he anticipated with the way they kept stopping to point out one thing or another along the way. Hoseok even stopped him a few times to take photos of him in front of interesting-looking statues. The same ones Yoongi had walked past without a second glance a hundred times before. He had lived walking down that same street every day, of every week, for the past few years without seeing any of it. He was really seeing it now, and Hoseok was at the focus of it all. 

Yoongi must have snapped dozens of photos of him that night in turn, and it was a wonder the magnitude of his crush did not connect with him then. Hoseok must have known with the way Yoongi’s face was permanently splitting into a smile. Yoongi could see it, after catching himself in the phone’s black reflection whenever he would lock it. His cheeks were red, as was his nose and fingers, but he laughed and giggled and snapped a hundred photos of Hoseok in front of every light display anyway.

In the end they decided on ice skating. Yoongi had suggested it and Hoseok did not protest, however, he did get a bit more quiet, and Yoongi thought their nerves were finally merging together and mirroring in an endless feed-back loop. 

The idea came to him because as Yoongi was posting a selfie on his social media stories, that Hoseok was 100% responsible for, a new post by his old time friend, Yijeong, popped up on his feed. Yijeong was posing with a coworker, making a peace sign from below the coworker sitting on the Zamboni, cleaning the ice. 

“Do you want to go ice skating?” Yoongi immediately asked, and Hoseok’s eyes widened. It looked like he gulped before shrugging and nodding his head in interest.

At the time, Yoongi thought it was the nerves. He did not know any better, as this was their first outing and they were still getting to know each other, and their slight quirks and telltale mannerisms. He only thought that maybe his own nerves were overflowing so much so that Hoseok was subconsciously mirroring his anxious tendencies.

“You could have told me you didn’t know how.” He said, almost an hour later, while holding onto both of Hoseok’s hands in front of his so Hoseok wouldn’t face-plant on the ice below.

“You didn’t ask,” Hoseok joked, and for a split-second he managed a smile before yelping in surprised fear when a six year old flew past them and almost knocked him over.

“Usually, people decline if they don’t know how.” Yoongi said, but he held Hoseok close to his chest by the back of his elbows and savored how good he felt in his personal space.

From the side of his head, Yoongi heard Hoseok mumble, “You looked so excited to go, I didn’t want to dim your light, hyung.”

“Dim my light?” Yoongi echoed back slowly before letting out a loud and long laugh.

You are my light, he wanted to say. It bubbled up in his mind immediately with how fast the words rang true in his ears. 

“What?” Hoseok asked and then hit him lightly in the shoulder to get Yoongi’s attention, but Yoongi just held him close and spun them a little more before letting him go and instructing him to practice again. 

“Come on, you can get to the other side without me. Try. It’s okay if you fall, what matters is getting back up. I think once you get rid of your initial fear of falling it should be okay. See? You got it.”

Hoseok protested, wobbled, and almost folded in two, but he glided a few good centimeters ahead and Yoongi supervised him proudly from behind. Unfortunately, it was hard for him not to be in teacher mode.  

As he continued to watch, he was so engrossed in the sight and sounds of Hoseok flailing this way and that to re-center his balance, that he missed the sound of someone approaching from behind him. Then, a rough-ish slap connected to the back of his head and Yoongi whipped around quickly to squint at the perpetrator. 

Or should he say traitor? “Yijeong?” 

“Hyung!” His friend shouted and then hugged Yoongi around the neck. “You disappeared! Where have you been? How have you been?”

Yoongi opened his mouth to answer, when Hoseok let out a sound between a yelp and a shriek. Seconds later he was on the floor, flat on his butt with his legs and arms splayed out. His head laid fully on the ice and his eyes were closed. He almost looked like he was peacefully asleep. 

Yoongi instantly jerked himself away from Yijeong’s hold and moved towards him, but Yijeong worked at the ice rink, and so he skated faster. His wide back with the letters “STAFF” written in bright yellow ink on his jacket momentarily covered his vision of Hoseok, and naturally, he got there first. 

“You okay?” Yijeong said as he held a hand out for Hoseok to take. 

“Hoseok,” Yoongi approached seconds later and knelt on his knees on the ice near his head to inspect his face for any urgent signs of pain. “Are you hurt?”

“Hyung,” Hoseok reached out weakly and Yoongi clasped his hand in his. “I fell.”

“I saw. I’m sorry. I let you go too early.”

“It’s okay.” Hoseok looked at him and smiled. A little pained, but content. “What matters is getting back up, right? The initial fear is gone now, like you said.”

Yoongi sighed. It sounded too much like relief. “Yes. Come on, I’ll help you up. We can get some hot coffee after this.”

“Guess my job here is done,” Yijeong said before clapping Yoongi on the shoulder and gliding away to gently, but sternly, remind some high-school kids about the rink’s no-pushing rules.

—

3. Theme: First Time Meeting Friends

Location: Seokjin Hyung’s Apartment

Clue: “Madnae”

They say if something is really meant to be, then all of the universe will move in accordance with that divine plan to see it to fruition. Yoongi likes to think in some way or other, it was always meant to be. They went to the same university at the same time and graduated a semester apart. Their jobs are located on the same street and they share a favorite coffee shop. They get off at the same train stop around the same time, and then board it again when they have to go home. 

He likes to think they were always meant to cross paths. 

It is no wonder then that Yoongi did not question it at all when Seokjin told him he found a new roommate, Namjoon, a local firefighter who was looking for a place to stay on the same day Seokjin began searching for someone to replace his last one. Of course Seokjin got the final referral from Yoongi who knew Hoseok, who knew Jimin, another firefighter, who worked with Namjoon. To think it all started with Taehyung, who was Jimin’s boyfriend and close friends with Jungkook, who taught a dance class with Hoseok and also interned at Seokjin’s company for one summer. 

In the end, they would have all met each other. Yoongi likes to believe so. In the deepest part of his soul, he knows he was destined to cross paths with Hoseok. It was only a matter of when, not if. 

Once their giant friend group got together it felt good, it felt right. They fit into each other’s lives seamlessly. When everyone first met each other and finally got to put a face to a name during Namjoon’s home-warming gathering hosted by Seokjin, Yoongi could not be more grateful. Seokjin was the one who suggested it and brought everyone along who played a small part in making their friend group's transition easier. He is also the one who is going to be Yoongi’s bestman, which is why the third stop in the scavenger hunt is in Seokjin and Namjoon's apartment. 

“I won’t threaten him or embarrass you, yoongi-yah, I promise.” Seokjin winks at him from across the table, cheeks rosy from having the attention drawn to him with Yoongi’s previous words, but Yoongi knows he’s pleased and honored. It is all he can wish for.  

“I know you won’t, hyung.”  

—

4. Theme: First Argument

Location: Yoongi’s Music Shop

Clue: “Gimpo Airport.” 

Yoongi looks down at his list and his face contorts in a mix of emotions when he sees what it is. “Ah,” is all he says, and he taps on the page a bit anxiously.

“What?” Seokjin picks up on the mood shift immediately. “What is it?”

“Number four. First argument.”

Seokjin looks visibly taken aback. “Well that took a turn. Why do you want to include that? I thought all of these would be happy memories and milestones.”

“That is precisely why I want to include it. I want to give him an out if he needs it. I want to remind him of not just the good, but also the bad. What I can be. What being married to me could possibly come with. I just need him to remember and to keep it in the back of his mind.”

“I think you’re being a bit harsh on yourself.”

“I am trying to be realistic.”

“As am I. Hyung knows best, and I’ve known you for almost half my life. You’re not a bad person.”

“This is different.”

“How so? Tell me, I want to hear it.” Seokjin crosses his arms in front of his chest and his face is no-nonsense.

Yoongi exhales and runs a hand through his hair to get rid of some of the pent-up energy that suddenly enters his body. “I—”

—

For as long as Yoongi could remember, he’s never not had ripped cuticles or hangnails. It was a painful side effect of always running on autopilot and having a racing mind.

Yoongi was constantly thinking, always remembering, always listing, analyzing, and trying to come up with better ways to stay afloat. Stay educated. Stay entertained. Stay creative. Stay moving.

When he got like this Yoongi did sleep. He slept a lot, even, but it was only after a long period of overexertion. He had no choice but to find an outlet for all his pent-up thoughts, and when it was not physically ripping the skin and nails off his fingers it was overworking his body to a point of mental and physical collapse. 

The days leading up to the incident, as he labeled it in his mind, were particularly brutal as he had to deal with monetary issues of the likes he had not experienced before. Business and pleasure almost never went well together when he got like this, but Yoongi had tried and try as he might, he was only one person, he did not hire any other employees, and as much as he wanted to be omnipresent, he could not fit in dozens of more clients, at his charging rate, to make enough for his shop’s and his home’s rent. On top of it all, there happened to be a lot of cancellations due to the sudden frequent snow storms, and his motorcycle, which was his current main form of transportation for clients outside of the city, needed a new part, which further caused issues in his scheduling. 

To make matters worse, a day after the news of his motorcycle hit him, his water heater started leaking and needed to be replaced. The handyman that was contracted by his insurance happened to be on medical leave, with their replacement fully booked out for the rest of the week.

Having washed and showered only with cold water in the middle of early winter, Yoongi was quite literally at his wits end.

So he did what he did best when it felt like life was shoving him hard into a corner: he isolated. He pondered, and secluded himself in the only way he knew how. The only way it had worked for his survival thus far. He dove neck-deep into his work. He filled up his schedule, he took out a small loan to pay for a rental motorcycle and extended his hours past his previous limits. He ate just enough to keep his body productive, but not enough to leave him sluggish after. Yoongi averaged 4 hours of sleep, at best, with adrenaline helping him get through the rougher mornings. 

Until one day when a cyclist side-checked him hard enough that he stumbled onto his knees on the pavement. The burn of the scrape was enough to wake him up fully, and since the injury was on a joint in his body, he limped and cursed the rest of the way to his shop. Yoongi was beyond overwhelmed at this point. He wallowed in self-pity and self-hatred so deep that he didn't have time to look at the notifications on his phone. He did not turn up the volume to get alerted of any incoming calls either since his morning clients had rescheduled anyway. 

Yoongi did not speak or make a single sound when he cleaned himself up and bandaged the wound. He rinsed the small, dried, beads of blood on his palms and got on with the day as he opened up his store. 

Hours passed by with very few customers. Yoongi continued in his same spot in the front corner and typed away on his computer. He had his third or second cup of coffee. He only ate a triangle kimbap from the convenience store next door for his lunch break. 

His phone did not ring. No new messages appeared. Yoongi did not check either. He answered emails, sipped on his coffee, and ignored the pit that kept growing in his stomach.

At one o’clock, two customers entered his shop, and Yoongi only recognized one of them. He tapped on the screen of his phone to check on the time and sucked in a quick breath when he saw all the unanswered texts and calls from Hoseok. 

He should have known that sweet, beautiful, and caring Hoseok would come to check up on him. 

However, Hoseok was not alone, and he should have listened to the first warning bells he heard when he caught Hoseok coming in, arm in arm with a man Yoongi never met. Both of them wore similar dancing attire, and they walked at a similar pace and swagger with how connected at the hip they were. When one made a joke and the other laughed, they also shared the same pitch in laughter. 

Instantly, Yoongi was irritated. The sound of the fan of the heater in the back of the room irritated him. The lone triangle kimbap that sat heavy at the bottom of his stomach irritated him. The long tag at the back of his shirt that tickled the nape of his neck definitely irritated him, and worst of all, the big smile on Hoseok’s face that was so wide Yoongi could picture it perfectly from the side, irritated him. 

“Hoseok,” He said to get his attention. No honorifics, pleasantries, or introductions. Only his name. 

“Yoongi hyung?” Hoseok stopped in the middle of the store, arm still slung over the stranger’s shoulder. 

“We’re looking for speakers. A speaker. Only one, I mean.” The other man spoke up, completely unaware of anything, or decidedly ignoring Yoongi’s rudeness to spare him the embarrassment, of which none Yoongi felt. 

Yoongi decided to keep his mouth shut and only nodded and directed them to a small corner of his shop where he had two speakers for sale. They were outdated, factory warranties long-since expired, but at a discounted price, he did not have it in him to throw them away just yet. This was the first time someone had asked him for a speaker. The people who visited his shop usually tended to make music, not hear it play through a speaker. His patrons created their own music by playing it on an instrument, not through a radio box. 

Judging by the man’s clothes he must have been a dancer like a Hoseok. Someone from his dance course, possibly another instructor or an older student. Yoongi did not know nor did he have the energy for formalities. He ended up rounding the cashier’s desk and leading them to the two items near the drum sets before retreating back to his work desk so he could finish up accounting for the inventory at his store.

He got to number four on his list when he overheard them debating loudly. “Ooh what about that one?” The man spoke up hopefully, and Hoseok responded just as enthusiastically, “Oh yeah, I like that one!” They both agreed and crossed the room to peer closely at a speaker box displayed aesthetically over some guitar sets. 

“Can we grab it?” The man whispered, just as Hoseok said, “I’m not sure, I think—” but the man was already reaching over Hoseok’s head to grab the speaker. The same speaker that only functioned as a display decoration. It had been donated as faulty, and so it served no other purpose but to sit there. Possibly forever. There was a perfectly good sign right next to it that said “not for sale” to indicate this, but the man did not see it, he only felt it was his right to touch,  grab, and take anything that was in Yoongi’s shop. 

With everything going on, Yoongi had completely forgotten a nail from the shelf above it needed replacing, and that the speaker was the only thing holding it and all the items up on it. If the man moved it so much as a centimeter, then everything would be off-balance and come tumbling down. Down on top of Hoseok’s head. 

Panic, fear, and flashing red anger burned hot throughout Yoongi’s body, and the adrenaline pushed him forward to try and stop the man. However, he tripped on a loose drum stick and fell on his recently patched knee from the scrape he got earlier this morning with the cyclist. White, hot, pain shot up his spine from his leg to the rest of his system, and his head began to throb. 

“Hyung!” Hoseok yelled, and Yoongi felt tears prick at his eyes, as he directed his stare at the man behind Hoseok’s shoulders. “Leave it! Do not touch it. It is not for sale. You cannot have it. Please, just leave.”

“Yoongi…” Hoseok tried again, but Yoongi repeated himself one more time, and the two men looked at him until Yoongi closed his eyes and turned away. He felt ashamed. He felt so much exhaustion and embarrassment and shame. Shame beyond measure. It weighed him down like a cloak made of brick chains. He wanted the earth to crack open and yank him down, down, down into the deepest pits of hell. 

He lost it. He completely and utterly lost it, and all in front of Hoseok. 

That memory hurt so much to think about that Yoongi did not really remember what happened immediately after or whether they exchanged any more words or if they both left together or if Hoseok stayed behind to talk with Yoongi. He could not remember anything. Nothing except Hoseok’s initial reaction and that was of fear mixed in with disappointment. 

Hoseok had been disappointed and Yoongi had wanted to disappear. 

“The clue is Gimbo Airport though. Why?” is the only question Seokjin asks, graciously, after Yoongi finishes recounting one of his darkest memories. They are now at a cafe that overlooks a waterfall. It is artificial, but still impressive. Yoongi is sure he has seen it on social media before, but despite living in Seoul for years now, this is the first time he visits. It’s really nice, and he makes a mental note to take Hoseok the next time they want to venture someplace further than the central city hub.

“Ah. That is because that is where we made up.”

“The airport is huge though, how will he find the clue?”

“He’ll know. I stayed in the airport to wait for his arrival, not knowing when he’d return because he had a work trip to go to a few days later, and I did not know what time he was coming back, so I stayed in the airport all day and waited at all the gates scheduled for an arrival from Japan. I must have spent over twelve hours in the airport that day, but in the end I found him and I apologized. I told him everything I felt that day, what led up to it, that I was regretful and wrong, and that I was sorry. The sorriest I’ve ever felt in my life. Luckily, he forgave me. I took him to eat dinner after and then left him at home. He said he had forgiven me the minute he left the shop and turned around to see me hunched over on the floor. He said he had wanted to go in at that moment and console me, but then his friend grabbed his hand and yanked him away.”

“You have phones, why didn’t he contact you then?

Yoongi sighs. “I mean, communication works both ways. I didn’t call him either. But he thought it was best to give me my space in case I needed it. This is the first time we had any sort of argument so he wasn’t sure how to respond or if he’d make it–my anxiety and isolation tendencies–worse by confronting me earlier. He always planned to see me after he arrived back in Seoul.”

“Okay.” 

Yoongi huffs to disguise a small laugh. Seokjin is very protective of him and even though this happened so long ago, it tickles him to see how much it affects his friend now. 

“I promise we’re okay, hyung, and this helped us learn each other’s comfort styles and boundaries, if anything. I’ve learned to also open up earlier when I am stressed or reaching a breaking point. Hoseok is always there to help. You know, that spare room in the back of my store he borrows to keep spare pieces and supplies for clients that live closer to the center of the capital since he can’t keep it in his dance studio? He says it gives him an excuse to see me more often and he does. He’s been so good to me, hyung. Too good. That is why I want him to also know I’ve learned so much from him. That he is my biggest support, and that I always want to better myself for him. Because of him. Everyday.”

—

5. Theme: First Confession

Location: Hobby Store - Bead Aisle

Clue: “Cats and Acorns.” 

Yoongi was the one to ask Hoseok to go out with him first.

It happened at one of Hoseok’s favorite places: the hobby store, but more specifically, in the bead aisle of the hobby store. Hoseok loved beads. He used them in just about anything – clothes, crafts, jewelry, accessories, and little DIY projects to gift friends and family. Apart from his job as a fashion designer and consultant-slash-stylist, Hoseok liked spending his free-time looking at textiles, trends, and fabrics to create something new, fun, and thoughtful. 

Yoongi figured out early on in their hang outs that Hoseok was a giver. He adored the people closest to him, and he often showed them the extent of his love by gifting them small, decorative trinkets. Yoongi’s first gifted trinket was a bracelet. Onyx, matte, and glossy beads tied together by a singular cat charm was the first of many of Hoseok’s gifts to him, and Yoongi treasured it immensely. 

It was at this point that they had already gone on their ice rink “date”, met each other’s friends and some family members. Yoongi had met Mickey, and Hoseok’s sister and nephew, of course, as well as a few of Hoseok’s closest friends. They almost had their first big misunderstanding, but they also had their first big reconciliation, so when Hoseok left behind the bracelet for Yoongi to find atop his counter, he did not question it or hesitate to put it on.

The fit was a bit snug, he had to admit, but Yoongi did not mind. He kind of liked the look of it squeezing into his arm, in a way. The pressure of it constantly drew his attention back to it, and the extra attention only meant he got reminded of Hoseok even more throughout the day.

He did not tell Hoseok about the possible fit “issue”. Truthfully, they had not had the chance to hang out in a few weeks, which depressed Yoongi’s mood most days, but it only intensified his emotions of pure joy and excitement when Hoseok invited him out to accompany him to his favorite store.

It was here where they found themselves, a few meters apart, examining all the rows of beads the store had to offer. Hoseok kept picking a few up, turning them over, and then putting them back. He crouched down low to inspect the options there, and then reached up high for the ones at the top. It was at that very moment, when Yoongi immediately moved closer to try to help and reach for a bag, too, that his sleeve fell back to expose his bracelet.

“Hyung!” Hoseok froze, gasped, and grabbed his wrist. He pulled Yoongi's sleeve further back and peered at the angry red marks that edged the outlines of where the bracelet dug into his skin. “Hyung, why didn’t you tell me?” He looked visibly upset, mouth pouting and shoulders hitching upwards in empathetic pain. 

His eyebrows knitted together in worry and concentration as he carefully began to roll the bracelet off of Yoongi’s wrist. Yoongi reacted and started to pull his hand away from Hoseok’s grip, but Hoseok had a quiet strength that would not let him budge away from his care.

“Wait. Just let me– I will fix this.” Hoseok reached into his bag–still holding onto Yoongi’ arm as if he expected Yoongi to try and run away again–and pulled out two clear, mini box containers. One had the words “First Aid” etched in bold, red letters, while the other had no labels on it at all. It was clearly an organizational box that held many bright beads and charms.

“Here, pick one you like while I put some ointment on this.” Hoseok carefully pulled the bracelet completely off, and Yoongi could not ignore the small tinge of relief that his skin felt at not being constricted anymore. 

He turned the box this way and that, inspecting each bead closely when Hoseok let out a small laugh. “Hyung, why do you look angry?” 

“‘M not.” Yoongi mumbled, abashed. He tried to relax his features back into a neutral expression, but it was to no avail.

“I’m only going to add more to the bracelet. I won’t ruin it or take it away, promise. You’ll watch me do it!” 

Yoongi nodded. Hoseok crowded closer and winced when he got a better view of the deep indents on Yoongi’s arm. He snapped open and pulled out a small pot from his first aid box, and then scooped up a dollop of ointment with two delicate fingers. He motioned for Yoongi to hand over his wrist with his clean palm and Yoongi let himself be held without further protest.

Hoseok rubbed the cream between his finger pads to warm them up first before carefully–ever so carefully–spreading it over the thin skin of Yoongi’s wrist and lower arm. 

“Where you ever going to tell me?” Hoseok grumbled and Yoongi shook his head no.

“It didn’t hurt and I don’t mind. You made it so– I didn’t mind.” 

Hoseok stopped what he was doing to look up at him. It happened so quickly that Yoongi could only blink back at him and stare.

Hoseok broke the gaze first and went back to what he was doing. He smiled, “Woah, hyung. Your bluntness amazes me. I almost got goosebumps.”

Yoongi shrugged. 

“I’m flattered you like it this much.” Hoseok continued. “Thank you, but I don’t like seeing you hurt. Not because of something I did.” He cleared his throat and then pulled away. With his clean hand he pointed at the box again and asked Yoongi which one he wanted.

“Wait, I’m still–” Yoongi got back to the task at hand and scanned every bead in each cube, until he came across the perfect one. “That one,” he announced with unwavering certainty.

“Which one?” Hoseok craned his neck to see, meanwhile he was rubbing hand sanitizer on his hands to try and get rid of the oily residue left over from the calming salve.

He grabbed the box from Yoongi’s hands, and picked and prodded at the beads. There were ones of many colors, shapes, sizes, and finishes. Yoongi almost picked a few black ones to match with the rest of his bracelet, and left it at that, but then he recognized a charm that was so familiar, and so characteristically Hoseok, that it almost made his breath catch in his throat. Every time Hoseok picked up a bead to show him and ask, “is it this one?”, the light from above would catch on his own bracelet in a way that Yoongi could no longer ignore.

“I choose that one.” Yoongi repeated, pointing at a charm buried underneath some orange beads, and when Hoseok missed it yet again, Yoongi grabbed Hoseok’s wrist to stop him for a moment and hovered it in the air directly in front of his eye-level. This time Yoongi pointed at the singular brown and orange acorn charm that hung daintily from Hoseok’s red beaded bracelet.

“The acorn. That’s the one I choose. I don’t want any of the others.”

Yoongi gingerly ran a thumb over the charm and turned it around so Hoseok could get a good view of it. “You can add a few more black ones to make it longer, but I want the same charm you have.” Yoongi declared one final time, and Hoseok stilled in place. He was so still and quiet that Yoongi began to wonder if he stepped into an entirely different timeline—one where Hoseok did not make a single sound. He was almost positive Hoseok had stopped breathing, which in turn caused Yoongi to hold in his own breath, and wait.

And wait.

And wait.

Until Hoseok gently extracted his hand from Yoongi’s grip without so much as looking at him. He gazed down at the box of his beads instead and exhaled a loud breath. “Okay. Yeah, I can do that.”

Yoongi knew why he wanted it and he expected Hoseok knew, too. Only a small part of him was embarrassed by his behavior, but an even bigger part of him felt hopeful.

Hoseok took his time organizing his supplies and putting away the ones he no longer needed into his bag. He began by pulling out a roll of string, tiny scissors, and the second– and only– other acorn charm. Yoongi confirmed it was the only one left because Hoseok told him it was the last one, which pleased a part of Yoongi’s primitive brain and ego very much. 

Except.

“Where there a lot? Does anyone else have this acorn charm?” The words spilled out fast past his lips, and Yoongi almost instantly regretted it, but Hoseok let out a loud, pleased chuckle, and suddenly nothing ever seemed wrong anymore.

“No one else has these charms, Hyung. Well, most likely others, but not these specifically, if that’s what you’re asking. They’re the only ones in my personal inventory. The pack I got only came with two, and I only ever bought one of them. I always wondered what I would use the other one for. Now I know.” Hoseok smiled prettily while he focused on reconstructing Yoongi’s bracelet. Once he locked in on a task it was hard for Hoseok to look at anything else. 

Yoongi nodded, cheeks a tad warm. “Good.” he wanted to say. Yearned to say, “don’t buy anymore. Don’t give them out to anyone else.” Luckily, he knew better, after being so pathetically obvious. He had learned self-restraint a long time ago. The secondary grade-school version of himself was a menace back in the day, and his friends would never let him forget it. He was often reminded of the outrageous bullshit he would blurt out to others without a filter, much to their delight and Yoongi’s quiet agony.

However, the mere possibility of Hoseok acquiring more acorns now that he was made aware of having none left, and potentially making more bracelets with said acorns had Yoongi pausing. He found himself in such deep and melancholic thought that to the typical bystander he would appear calm and almost bored, standing there, waiting for Hoseok to finish what he was doing, however, it could not be further from the truth. On the inside, Yoongi was absolutely thunderous. His thoughts raced, hurled, and tripped over one another in a silent battle, so much so that when Hoseok happily exclaimed he finished and Yoongi had been left alone to brew in his own mind, Yoongi did not hold himself back.

When Hoseok dangled the new bracelet excitedly in his hand, and Yoongi saw the cat and acorn charms next to each other, he blurted out the only words that kept slamming and knocking around in his skull, trying to find an exit, trying to find a home, since the moment his eyes met Hoseok’s on that monumental August day at the hospital. 

“Go out with me.”

—

6. Theme: First Heart Ache

Location: Mickey’s house (Hoseok’s sister’s home)

Clue: “First Born.” 

They got the call about Mickey’s seizure after a long date together. 

Their outing had been spontaneous, brought on by Yoongi’s desire to see Hoseok and inviting him out the very next day. They met up early at a nearby shopping center for some breakfast and then spent the day walking around, looking at the displays in the window, and shopping in stores. They tried on outfits for each other, bought a few small presents for the upcoming holidays and birthdays, and even spent enough time outside to have lunch and then dinner. 

They slipped into an arcade store where Yoongi got to show off his basketball skills by winning Hoseok a large toy and then they went to the park until the sun set behind the city’s skylines. They had late evening ramen in one of the light up picnic tables near the water-front convenience stores by the Han River, and then Yoongi walked with Hoseok to the nearby bus stop. 

It was perfect. It was such a lovely day, spent from sunrise to sundown with the person he loved the most, and Yoongi was so happy. He was over the moon! They were so full and sated from all the delicious food and sweets they had that they almost fell into a comfortable silence by the time they arrived at the stop. It certainly did not help that the seats were heated. Hoseok dropped his head on Yoongi’s shoulder white they waited for the bus, and the smell of the night air clinging on his hat combined with his cologne and natural scent all worked together to lull Yoongi to sleep.

He did not realize his eyes had physically closed until he had to pry them open at the sound of a phone’s photo camera shutter going off, followed by Hoseok’s barely suppressed giggles. Yoongi’s eyes focused on his face on the screen of Hoseok’s phone, selfie mode, as he took photos of them on the bus stop with the toy Yoongi won between them. It looked like a family portrait. Yoongi was about to ask Hoseok to pass him the photos right away so that he could make it his phone’s home wallpaper, when the screen dimmed and changed to a selfie of Hoseok with his sister. Her name shone at the top. It was an incoming call from her. 

“Oh.” Hoseok answered and clicked on the speaker button. He was all smiles and cheery laughter when he greeted her, but it was quickly replaced by a look of concern when she began to tell him what happened to Mickey, their old family dog, in between weeps.

Hoseok immediately sat up straight. He looked pained and distressed, but it was covered by a layer of resolve, and Yoongi only watched his resolve grow stronger as Hoseok asked her where they were and what they were doing. What did Mickey eat or if he even ate at all. Who had been watching him and had he been taking his medicine. Hoseok transformed into someone entirely different yet the exact same all before Yoongi’s eyes. He was in control of his thoughts and emotions and he displayed a level of clear-headedness in a way that sent a shiver down Yoongi’s back.

When Hoseok hung up and opened the map application on his phone to type in the direction of the animal hospital Mickey was being taken to, Yoongi didn’t hesitate at all in taking the loads of all their bags and toys to tell him, “let’s go.”

They would soon find out that Mickey would be okay, but in that moment, hand in hand in the bus, Yoongi felt a sense of protectiveness he had not felt ever before.

—

7. Theme: First Time Over (alone)

Location: Hoseok’s Apartment

Clue: “Headboard.”

Hoseok texted him one evening to ask if he knew how to build a bed. 

Yoongi:

Yes, I know how to build a bed. Do you need it right now? I can come over right now.

Hobi <3:

Oh no, not right now, I meant in general. My new bed is finally coming in this Friday!  🥳 If you have time, I would really appreciate it 🙏

Yoongi:

Of course. It is no problem. I can build it. 

Hobi <3:

Wow! Thank you, hyung! ❤️❤️❤️😘😘

Yoongi:

Anytime. Send me your address whenever you get a chance. 

That was all that was said on the matter before Yoongi was packing up his tool kit with his drill and extra screws. 

Jimin, Hoseok’s current roommate at the time, was on a trip to Jeju with his long-time boyfriend, Taehyung. While this was not the first time Yoongi came over, it would mark the first time they would have the entire place to themselves. Yoongi tried hard not to think about that when he walked in and saw Hoseok sitting on his couch watching TV, cup with a straw in one hand, remote in the other, face mask on and hair pulled back by a handband, while snuggled up in a light blue robe. From what Yoongi could see, Hoseok was not wearing any socks with his home slippers, and for some reason, that was what drove Yoongi crazy the most. The sight of his slender and delicate ankles alone was enough for him to harbor primitive thoughts. 

“Hyung!” Hoseok turned to greet him from the couch with open arms and a bright smile. Yoongi let himself in, locked the door behind him, slipped out of his shoes and walked straight to his awaiting arms. He bent down to give him a hug, careful to not displace the facemask on his face. His wonderful, beautiful boy. 

“Where is it?” He asked, and then followed Hoseok’s finger down the hall. 

“You got the box to your room by yourself? Wasn’t it heavy? I could have done it, Hob-ah.”

“Jimin and Taehyung helped just before they left, it’s okay! Are you sure you don’t want me to show you?” Hoseok looked up at him while rubbing Yoongi's back where he could reach from his spot on the couch. 

Yoongi gazed down at him and tucked a stray hair back behind Hoseok’s ear that had fallen loose from his headband. “I got it, Hob-ah. Sit and watch your program, I’ll let you know when I am finished.”

Hoseok smiled, smitten like a cat, and sank further into the sofa. “Okay.” 

Without any further delay, Yoongi walked into Hoseok’s room and placed his tool box to the side of the door. He took off his jacket and neatly folded it beside it. Then he began to move the furniture in Hoseok’s room this way and that until he could make space for where Hoseok texted him he wanted the bed to be. 

Looking at the instructions and some videos for additional help, Yoongi was able to build the bed in no time, and only paused for a bit when Hoseok checked in on his process, leaning on the doorway, cold drink in hand for Yoongi.

Hoseok pecked him on the lips when Yoongi thanked him, and then took the drink back after Yoongi downed almost all of it. Hoseok wiped the side of his mouth with a thumb and kissed him once more before disappearing down the hall to the kitchen.

Yoongi peered out into the hall and watched him go until he could not see him any more, and then he took a deep breath and got back to work. He checked the baseboards and headboard for sturdiness, and then placed the mattress, sheets, covers, and pillows atop it when everything appeared durable.

After cleaning the room again and putting everything back in its place, he paced down the apartment to find Hoseok sleeping longways on the couch. His robe had split open a little to expose a bit of his collarbone and chest, and his facemask was slightly askew. 

He looked so beautiful and radiant. Yoongi knelt on the rug and sat beside the couch so that his face was a few meters from Hoseok’s. He took his time to admire all of him, before picking up his hand and kissing the back of it.

Yoongi tried to wake him up lightly, “Hoseok. Come, your bed is ready, you should sleep there.”

Hoseok’s eyes fluttered open and he smiled when he saw Yoongi. “Hm?” he hummed, before his eyes shut closed again, and Yoongi wanted to snort. He kissed his hand one more time and then stood up enough to bend down and pick Hoseok up, bridal-style.

“Hyung?” Hoseok instantly wrapped his arms around Yoongi’s neck at a jolt in movement, and Yoongi took him back to his room. 

“You can’t sleep on the couch, it’ll be bad for your neck.”

Hoseok hummed some more, but he gave in to his tiredness and nuzzled his face on Yoongi’s shoulder. One slipper fell somewhere down the hall, and Yoongi did not stop to pick it up. 

He laid Hoseok down on the bed carefully and asked if he wanted him to remove the mask. Hoseok nodded and then Yoongi also slipped off his headband so it wouldn’t hurt him while he slept. 

“You have to get under the covers.”

“Wait,” Hoseok said, and he reached for Yoongi’s wrist. “Stay.”

“You want me to stay?”

“Yes.”

“Okay,” Yoongi answered and then bent down to kiss him on the lips. This relaxed and pliant, Hoseok moaned into it and the sound shot straight through Yoongi’s body. “Let me shower first.”

“Please.”

“Wow.”

“Hyung,” Hoseok whined, half-asleep. “You’re sweaty. These sheets are new.”

Yoongi laughed, but not even the sharpness of the cold water was enough to deter him from testing out the durability of the bed himself.

“That’s it, why did you stop there? I know there's more! Tell me!” Seokjin slams a fist down on the table. Three heads whip around in the Italian-inspired cafe to stare in their direction. 

“Hyung. You’re an adult. Use your imagination.” Yoongi’s face heats up and then he clears his throat loudly to move onto the next point on his list. He tries to be discreet when he adjusts himself in his seat before continuing, however.

—

8. Theme: First Trip

Location: Local Hawaii Restaurant

Clue: “Around the world with you.” 

Yoongi had never flown before. The furthest he traveled was from Busan to Seoul, and that was on the train. He lived his life moderately and simply. He did not ever feel inclined to go anywhere he did not need to, and all his clients were local, if not a little ways outside of Seoul. He liked it that way. He was used to it. He never questioned his lack of wanderlust while all his friends and family members visited all sorts of cities around the world, because what could possibly be better than home? In his mind, Korea had the best cuisine. The best music, the best technology, internet connection, and infrastructure. Why would he want to go anywhere else? Yoongi was a proud patriot above all else, he was right where he needed to be, and he firmly believed it. 

“Let’s go to Hawaii, hyung.” Hoseok said over the phone line when Yoongi picked up one random Tuesday morning.

“Where?” 

“Hawaii!”

“Huh? Why now all of a sudden?”

“A client wants to discuss a new design for their client, and has asked if I can go take some pieces to Hawaii. I asked if I could bring you, my assistant, and they said yes! Let’s go!”

Yoongi paused and looked out the window of his store. No one was in right now but him, and no one had come in for the past two hours. He did not have any impending deadlines or events to attend to. All his monetary accounts were in order, and there was technically nothing he couldn’t rearrange in his schedule to take the trip. Hawaii was far, he had to admit. Farther than he ever thought he would ever go. 

“I don’t even know where my passport is.”

“I’ll help you look! Where is it, here or your parent’s?”

Yoongi thought for a second, “I think at my parents…”

“That’s great! We can go to Daegu, I love visiting!”

Yoongi still had doubts. “But I'm not your assistant, what would I even do?”

“Can you hold things? Yes? Then you’re hired!”

“My shop…”

There was a long pause on the other side of the line. “Hyung, if you don’t want to go then you can tell me that, it is okay.”

Yoongi sighed. “When is the flight?”

Two weeks later, Yoongi was stepping on Hawaiian soil, while a lei was placed over his head by an airport employee. 

“Aloha!” She said, kindly, which Hoseok echoed enthusiastically, and Yoongi more shyly behind him. 

They registered for a rental car near the airport and then drove to their accommodations with an ocean-front view, courtesy of Hoseok’s clients. The interior as well as the exterior was beautiful and luxurious and everything Hoseok said it would be. Yoongi could not believe he was so far from home; far from work and all his family and friends. It felt surreal and a little electric. His schedule was free except for the two times Hoseok needed him to keep up pretences and perform in front of his client as a trusty assistant, but other than that, he was free to do anything his heart desired for the next two days and three nights. 

“I’m really here? Is this real life? I haven’t had a break in so long. I can’t even remember.” He stretched on the bed and groaned when all his joints seemed to pop. His muscles stretched so deliciously that he had to shut his eyes tight and let out a long moan. “Oh my god,” 

“Yoongi,” Hoseok suddenly appeared next to him on the bed. Yoongi felt his boyfriend’s knee dip the bed before a familiar weight sat comfortably over his lap. Immediately, out of habit, Yoongi’s hands went up to rest on his hips. He opened his eyes to see Hoseok smiling deviously down at him. “You like the view?” Hoseok asked, and Yoongi nodded. 

Then, while still holding onto Hoseok, Yoongi pushed his hips up and flipped them over so that Hoseok laid on his back and he was settled between Hoseok’s legs.

“I love the view.” He whispered against Hoseok’s lips, which caused Hoseok to laugh into their kiss. He pushed lightly at Yoongi’s chest in between kisses and tried to tell him they needed to shower and eat before continuing, but Yoongi thought they should work up an appetite first.  

Dinner could wait. 

—

9. Theme: First Kiss

Location: Chicken Shop

Clue: “Christmas Tradition.”

On Christmas Eve, Yoongi and Hoseok shared their very first kiss. It was a month after they started dating. There were a few close calls in the past, but either one of them would get a call, or a customer would come in, or Hoseok would get recognized and pulled into a conversation in public by a friend or acquaintance. 

Hoseok had hundreds of friends. It seemed like he knew everyone, and everyone knew him. He greeted and talked with all the elders, and the kids who attended his dance classes loved to chat with him in public when they spotted him. Even a few of the children who were enrolled at the same time as Wooseok at the hospital would greet not only Yoongi, but also Hoseok. 

Everyone was drawn to Hoseok, it was not a surprise. His aura was radiant, his smile beautiful and his voice cheery. He had the ability to lift anyone’s spirits, and that is why Yoongi found it more nervewrecking to make a move. His hands would sweat, his mouth would go dry, and his legs would start to shake at the mere thought of holding his boyfriend’s face in his hands and kissing him. 

It drove him crazy. When Hoseok picked him up from work to walk to get dinner together, hand in hand, Yoongi wanted so desperately to kiss him hello. Or when they’d part ways at the train, he wanted to give him a final peck good night. He wanted them to be at that stage already so desperately. It made his heart speed up in his chest every time he got close to succeeding. 

Still, it wasn’t until Christmas Eve, when they went to the only shop that was open that late, that Hoseok pulled him back and away from the door, to point at something up over their heads. 

“Hyung, look. Is that?”

Yes. It was. “Misletoe.” Is all Yoongi said, before he felt Hoseok gently turn his face by his cheek and kiss him on the mouth. 

“Oh,”  Yoongi held in his breath when Hoseok pulled away, both pink-faced and bright-eyed. 

“Was that okay?” Hoseok broke the silence, and his expression was that of worry. 

Yoongi grabbed his hand and pressed it to his chest, right over his sternum. Hoseok must have felt the way his heart thumped, fast and hard, like it was about to jump right out of his skin, and nodded. Then Yoongi used his other hand to pull Hoseok in by the back of his neck and kissed him again.

—

10. Theme: First Anniversary 

Location: Haeundae Beach, Busan

Clue: “Where Air Meets Water.”

“I had no idea. That’s all really beautiful, Yoongichi. I’m getting chills just thinking about the actual proposal.”

Yoongi rubs his neck and shoulder out of embarrassment. He finds it hard to meet Seokjin’s eyes, even after they’ve spent all day together going over some of Yoongi’s most vulnerable memories and thoughts. “Do you think he’ll like it? It’s not too long or confusing? I always knew I wanted to do a sort of scavenger hunt with clues and small gifts along the way before the proposal, but now I’m overthinking it.”

Seokjin shakes his head. They’re at their seventh cafe now. It is the last on their itinerary for the day. 

“No, it’s perfect. He’ll love it. He’ll get it, like you said. This is the story of both of you, so he will know. I feel happy you confided this much with me. Promise you’ll tell me how it goes when you can?”

“Of course. You’ll be the first to find out.” Yoongi smiles and takes the hand Seokjin reaches out to him. 

—

It’s cold. A little dark now that the sun sets at four. Yoongi watches it go down and disappear into the ocean. His breaths become more apparent with each hour that passes, but the temperature does not faze him. His only grievance is making this their final meeting point as it will mean that Hoseok will have to brave the cold while he tries not to stumble in his speech. 

Thankfully, he brought an extra hat and scarf in a bag that he holds in both hands in front of him. 

Yoongi watches and hears the ocean’s waters crash and roll across the sand. The sounds have a white-noise-esque effect on him that calms his brain and racing heart. 

They have come this far, all these years, and with all these milestones. He wants to build a home with Hoseok, move in, and live the rest of their lives together. He wants to go on more trips, and see the world, and climb as high as they can in their respective passions and careers that they’ve cultivated and nurtured thus far. He wants to be beside Hoseok through all of it, and does not plan on going anywhere anytime soon. While Yoongi understands marriage is not always the end goal to all relationships, he wants to give Hoseok that option if he chooses it. To Yoongi, the ring will be an extra physical manifestation of their love. If Hoseok does not want it, then Yoongi will succumb to his decision and they will decide on what to do next together. 

He only cares about Hoseok, that is what matters the most to him right now and throughout all of this. He should be arriving at any moment. He will know this is where Yoongi is waiting for him, so far from home. He will. 

A more forceful wave than the last crashes in front of him and the sizzle and crack of the salty water almost drowns out the voice that calls out his name from behind him. Yoongi’s ears pick up on it nonetheless. His body is attuned to everything that has to do with Hoseok, and nothing has ever changed. He would be able to recognize him from his breathing patterns alone.

“Yoongi.” Hoseok whispers behind him and Yoongi whips around quickly.

“Hob-ah.” The singular word has Hoseok’s face crumbling. His eyes are shiny with un-shed tears, face flushed, nose red, and mouth caught between a word. 

“What– here? Aren’t you cold?” Hoseok rushes over to close the last of the distance between them. Yoongi shakes his head no, but melts into the hug all the same. If he had to describe it, and as cheesy as it may seem, Hoseok’s embrace is a lot like what he thinks holding a miniature sun is his arms would feel like. Heat and warmth that incinerates and protects him from all his pains. In Hoseok’s arms, Yoongi feels safe and cared for. He feels loved.

That’s when he remembers the bag, but Hoseok is wearing a scarf, gloves, and a hat. He’s as bundled as Yoongi had hoped he’d be. Hoseok is always prepared. Always careful and meticulous, it is one of the reasons Yoongi fell instantly, and hopelessly in love with him. 

When Hoseok recognizes the extra scarf in the bag Yoongi is holding, he grabs it and wraps it around Yoongi’s head, even though he has his own scarf, too.

“You’re freezing! How long have you been out here?” Hoseok worries and presses his warm gloved hands against his cold face, before taking them off–against Yoongi’s protest– to press his burning palms against Yoongi’s cheeks more effectively. Selfless, caring, and beautiful Hoseok. Yoongi is touched and so, so fortunate. 

As he is sure of this decision more than he thought he could possibly be. 

After a few seconds, Hoseok pulls Yoongi back into a hug, tighter this time, and Yoongi takes it all in. He closes his eyes and wills time to stop and for his mind to never forget this moment. How he feels in his heart, how Hoseok feels in his arms, the weight of the ring box in his coat pocket, the chill and whistle of the evening air, and the sound of the waves crescendoing in the back. It’s a lot, it’s enough to make him cry, and Hoseok does not let him go until Yoongi stops sniffling and shaking. 

“Hoseok,” he starts against Hoseok’s shoulder, and Hoseok lightens his hold enough to pull away and apart. They look at each other. Hoseok is so beautiful, Yoongi wants to cry again. He wants to whail and tremble and tell him he loves him so much, more than anything, but he musters up the courage to steady his voice. He musters up the strength to stand tall and still, and to not break their gaze. 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think it would get this cold so fast.”

“It’s December, hyung.”

“I know. Still,” Yoongi holds both of Hoseok’s bare hands in his gloved ones. 

“Hyung. Why did you lead me here?” Hoseok asks him, eyes wide and open. Vulnerable. He knows. He must know. There is no way he does not know. He must have figured it out by the second clue. He must want Yoongi to say it out loud. Words have always been important to Hoseok. Clear intentions and actions go hand in hand with him, and Yoongi, too, which is why there’s a strong mutual understanding they’ve fortified between each other over the years.

The wind suddenly picks up and whips around them more fiercely. The small waves of hairs peeking out from the back of Hoseok’s hat stick to his neck and his pretty ears, which fold from the hem of his hat is all so gorgeous. Yoongi can’t help but take a second to admire him, his soon to be fiancé.  

“I love you.” Yoongi blurts out. Hoseok squeezes his hands, but he doesn’t react otherwise. “I love you wholeheartedly. Completely. I do not know who I would be without you. You are the reason I want to experience everything, but only if it is with you. Always you. Since the moment I saw you I knew I wanted you in my life. I am grateful to be able to know you and call you my boyfriend. You mean everything to me, Hob-ah. I cannot picture any of this happening with anyone else, ever, and I wouldn’t want it to. I’m sorry I made you go around the city all morning, and then back here to Busan. You know we had our first anniversary here, so I thought it would be fitting.” Yoongi smiles shily, “But I hope it also made you as happy to remember all of our moments as much as it made me. You’re someone I admire. You’re so hardworking, caring, and funny. You brighten my life in every way. I have more of a purpose because of you. I want to build a future with you.” Yoongi pulls out the box from his coat pocket and gets down on one knee. 

He looks up at Hoseok and opens the box. “Will you marry–”

“Yes.” Hoseok says immediately. “Yes. Yes, I want–” He pulls Yoongi up and hugs him again. 

He’s crying. Or Yoongi is crying. He cannot tell. They’re holding each other. The waves crash and build and recede behind them, and Yoongi holds his entire world in his arms and he’s happy. Their past, their story, nothing else matters. 

This is the love they share today. 

[END]