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Jimin was having a horrible day. The only saving grace getting him through the day was that he would be meeting Jungkook this evening. Jimin powered through, telling himself that he only has to get through the next 5 hours and then he would see that beautiful smile and shining eyes directed at him.
A sudden knock on the door broke Jimin’s concentration from the briefs he was currently studying. His eyes itched and he resisted the urge to groan out loud or throw the small potted plant at the door in frustration.
“Come in.” Jimin called out. He immediately slumped in his seat in relief at seeing Hoseok’s face poking through the open door.
“I come bearing gifts.” Hoseok said now entering completely with two cups of coffee. Jimin narrowed his eyes.
“Coffee?” Jimin asked.
“Hot chocolate.” Hoseok grinned.
Jimin let out an embarrassing squeal and made grabby hands at Hoseok. Jimin was dead tired and had no motivation. He was allowed to be childish, he thought to himself.
“You are a godsent.” Jimin said, inhaling the aroma wafting through the cup.
“How is it that you hate everything sweet but love hot chocolate?” Hoseok asked, amusement colouring his voice.
Jimin shrugged, “Jungkook.”
“Jungkook? Your soulmate?” Hoseok asked and Jimin nodded while sipping the concoction, “What has he got to do with this?”
“We have an agreement that I get to blame him for things I do not like about myself.” Jimin said, grinning.
“That is very healthy.” Hoseok snorted sarcastically.
“Well, he has a sweet tooth. I swear he can eat several boxes of chocolate in one sitting if I don’t stop him. My soulmate is a child.” Jimin said, though even he could hear how fond his voice sounded.
“You are a lawyer Jiminie. You should know what that statement sounds like.” Hoseok laughed, falling sideways in mirth.
Jimin huffed, “How is Nayeon?”
Hoseok had met his soulmate a few weeks after Jimin had met his own. Jimin did not know the details but he knew it was a meet-cute at a flower shop of all places. Hoseok had been practically radiating like the sun since then.
“Good.” Hoseok said, his eyes shining, “She has this showcase in NewYork next week. I am so hyped for her.”
“Ooooo…. So are you going with her?” Jimin asked.
Hoseok’s face fell, “No. I actually have several court dates in that duration which I would rather not have my second chair leading.”
“Who is the second chair?” Jimin asked.
“Choi Haewon.” Hoseok said, rolling his eyes.
“Ugh!” Jimin intoned knowing full well how incapable the man was.
“I am going back to my cabin now before Namjoon finds us. Enjoy the hot chocolate” Hoseok said, winking.
“Namjoon wouldn’t scold us.” Jimin said, amused.
“No. He wouldn’t.” Hoseok agreed, “he would join us and then gripe about work with us and then none of us would get any work done.”
Jimin laughed as the door closed behind Hoseok. A few hours more and then he would get to see Jungkook. Few hours more.
About 6 months ago if anyone had told Jimin that he would find his soulmate and be this happy he would have said something like ‘Fuck off’ to their face, or punched them, depending on how bad his mood was.
Now, here he was. Completely whipped.
Jimin hurried through the subway station to get to the restaurant they had planned to meet at. As usual, Jimin was running late and as usual, an annoyed Jungkook would be waiting for him.
Jimin ran till the restaurant, pausing at the large glass windows to peek inside, crossing his fingers that Jungkook would also be late for a change.
No such luck.
There Jungkook was sitting at a table in a suit. He was bent down tapping away on his phone. The way Jimin’s own vibrated in his pocket let him know that he was the recipient of Jungkook’s texts.
Jungkook then looked up, doe-eyes wide and innocent, searching for a waiter. He raised his hand, a long elegant finger stretched out. The waiter came as summoned and Jungkook leaned a little forward. This angle gave Jimin a perfect view of broad shoulders, a tiny waist and a grab-worthy ass.
Jimin gulped and bit his lip when Jungkook pushed a hand through his hair to slick it back only for the hair to fall around his face again.
Jimin sat there staring as Jungkook leaned back in his seat with a sort of lazy confidence that made Jimin want to submit to him. Jungkook straightened a leg and slowly let it fall open. One hand extended and rested on the table and the other casually tucked in his pocket.
Jimin allowed himself a minute to simply admire the gorgeous man he got to call his soulmate. The things he wanted to do to the man were downright lewd. If Jimin had his way, Jungkook would be naked and in bed 24*7.
Thank God no one could hear what went on in his head or everyone would know just how much he was simping for his own soulmate.
The next second Jungkook’s gaze found him and he raised an eyebrow at him along with both hands in a ‘What’s-the-hold-up?” motion.
Jimin blushed. Dammit, he had been caught.
Jungkook was smirking when Jimin took his seat opposite the man.
“Enjoyed staring at me?” Jungkook teased.
“I was not staring at you.” Jimin said defensively.
“Oh please. I saw you the moment I looked up from the phone.”
“No you didn’t.” Jimin said, narrowing his eyes.
“I have excellent peripheral vision.” Jungkook grinned, wiggling his eyebrows. He then looked at something beyond Jimin and said, “Case in point.”
A waiter stopped by with two glasses of white wine and bowed before leaving.
“I saw you and asked them to get the wine. You can order whatever you want to eat.” Jungkook said, his smug smile growing.
“If you knew, why did you let it happen?” Jimin asked, embarrassed.
Jungkook shrugged, “Amongst all the people who stare at me only one has the right to actually do it and that is you. Why would I stop you? Besides, I like your eyes on me.”
“You are shameless.” Jimin said, his lips twitching.
“And all yours.” Jungkook sing-songed while lifting the wine-glass.
Jimin couldn’t help the genuine smile spreading on his face. Neither could he help the butterflies that took flight in his tummy.
Dinner with Jungkook was amazing. It melted away all of the tiredness and stress of the day. Jimin did not want the day to end, he also did not know how to tell Jungkook that. Jungkook for his part was lost in driving to drop Jimin off.
“So, I wanted to talk to you about something.” Jungkook said a few minutes later, looking serious and nervous at once.
“Go on.” Jimin said, turning to look at Jungkook.
Jungkook kept his eyes resolutely on the road, though his hands tightened on the steering wheel.
“You know by now I am not actually an asshole.” Jungkook began.
“Why would I think that? Oh wait! That's right! The soulmark on my arm. The insult of the century. Courtesy of you.” Jimin laughed.
“Hey.” Jungkook said affronted, “To be fair you insulted me a bunch of times, on separate occasions before I got to spew the first one.”
Jimin winced and said defensively, “I had valid reasons for those.”
“Did you?” Jungkook deadpanned, briefly turning his head to look at Jimin unimpressed, “Anyways, I should be the one scared given your very violent line that is etched into my skin.”
“Hey, it was in reaction to your insult. Self-defense in the form of verbal sparring.” Jimin said.
“Spoken like a true lawyer.” Jungkook rolled his eyes, smiling.
A minute passed before Jimin spoke, “So? Are you going to continue?”
“Uh Yeah.” Jungkook began, “So. You know by now that I am not an asshole and I know that you are not a closeted murderer. I was thinking. I mean you can say no. I hope you won’t say no.”
Jimin raised his brows. He was pretty sure he knew where this was going but it was fun to watch the love of his life get all nervous. Jungkook peaked a quick look towards Jimin and gulped then continued -
“I brought a house.” Jungkook blurted out and Jimin’s jaw dropped. He thought Jungkook would just be asking him to move in. He had no idea Jungkook brought a house.
“I brought a house and it is fairly close to your office. Walking distance really. But I will drop you everyday and pick you up too. Your own personal chauffeur. Haha. I can even cook. You know I cook well. I can make all the meals and well I like cleanliness so I can clean too or if you want we can hire someone and it has three bedrooms so if you want your own bedroom you can totally do that but I was hoping we could share one. I mean like you know how mommies and daddies do. Like a couple but if you want you can totally have your own space and all and we can share the flat? Like roomies? Soulmate roomies? Is that a thing? Do people do that? We can do that. We can be pioneers and you don’t even have to pay rent. Because it is owned. Obviously. You can totally have two bedrooms if you want. I can take the third one. You can have some space in mine too if you want. Like we can share mine. Or you can take mine, but I don’t want to sleep on the couch and Oh God this is a terrible idea. You are not saying anything. WHY ARE YOU NOT SAYING ANYTHING? You know what? Forget it. Forget I asked. Who said something? Me? No. Haha. No one said anything. Just forget it. Who is Jungkook? What house? Which soulmate? I dont - “
“Jungkook.” Jimin cut off the panicked rant trying very hard not to burst out laughing or to coo at his very adorable partner.
“Yes. Jungkook. That's me.” Jungkook said bringing the car to a halt beneath Jimin’s apartment complex. He resolutely looked down on his lap, fiddling with his fingers and avoided looking at Jimin.
“Like mommies and daadies?” Jimin asked, mirth evident in his tone.
Jungkook immediately went red, “You know what I mean.” He whined embarrassed.
“Do I?” Jimin teased. “Who is the mommy in this scenario?”
“Hey, mommies are badass. They can do it all. Take care of home, their families and office work too. I don't mind being the mommy. It is not the insult people think it is. It is actually quite the compliment.” Jungkook said, looking cross at Jimin.
Jimin felt a tiny bit of shame, “Point taken.” He said, taking Jungkook’s hand in his own. “I would love to move in together.” Jimin said, smiling as Jungkook lifted his face to look at Jimin. Eyes round in wonder and shining with happiness.
“It is long overdue, don’t you think? Took you long enough to ask me.” Jimin said, huffing dramatically.
“Overdue?” Jungkook’s jaw dropped, “You could have asked me to move in if you thought so.” Jungkook said defensively.
“Why should I ask you? You are the top. You should be asking me.”Jimin teased.
“Hey, I don’t always top. If I remember correctly a certain someone dragged me to his bed when he got promoted to partner and then destroyed my poor ass. I couldn’t sit straight or walk straight for days.” Jungkook pouted.
“Hello! You end up inside me almost everyday. On the other hand, I can count on one hand the number of times I have topped you.” Jimin said, crossing his arms.
“And who’s fault is that?” Jungkook snipped.
“Move in with me and let me rectify that.” Jimin said, feeling the licks of arousal.
Jungkook’s lips parted, obviously affected.
“You would be lucky if you ever walk straight again." Jimin said.
“Looking forward to it Jimin-ssi.” Jungkook grinned.
“But.” Jimin said and Jungkook’s eyes dimmed a little, “But, I don’t want my own bedroom. I want to stay with you in OUR bedroom.”
Jungkook began bouncing in his seat reminding Jimin of when they had first realised they were soulmates, “Also, I am holding on to the inbuilt chauffeur and chef package you offered.” Jimin teased.
“Yes. Yes. Yes.” Jungkook squealed and then Jimin had an armful of Jungkook and was being kissed to within an inch of his life.
Dazed, Jimin blinked several times when Jungkook pulled back.
“Hey Kook.” Jimin began. Jungkook hummed, still caressing Jimin’s hand. “Want to go upstairs and celebrate moving in together?”
Jungkook’s eyes darkened, “Oh yes Jimin-ssi.”
It was another month later when they had held a house-warming party for their set of friends.
Jungkook had invited Yoongi and Jin. In a twist of events, Jungkook and Jin got to know each other better and were as thick as thieves now. If Yoongi was to be believed then the two were chaos reincarnated.
Jimin knew the two often planned and barged into Yoongi’s studio unannounced and dragged the man away when he worked too much.
Poor Yoongi couldn't even protest as he was mute. When Taehyung had learned of the two men dragging his soulmate away for a well-deserved break, he had declared the two to be his besties.
Jimin had invited Hoseok and Namjoon over. They were close to Jimin and as far as Jimin was concerned, the only two people he felt were worthy of joining their little friend group.
One by one their friends filed in.
“Babe. Where are Namjoon and Hoseok?” Jungkook asked, looping his arms through Jimin’s waist as he propped his chin on Jimin’s shoulder.
“Ugh.” Taehyung gagged, “Can you two not?”
“Hey, my house, my soulmate, my rules.” Jungkook said, sticking his tongue out at Taehyung.
“I told you coming here was a bad idea.” Yoongi signed, rolling his eyes.
“Yes. Yes. You did Hyung. But I want to spend time with Jiminie before this muscle bunny corrupts him more.” Taehyung sighed dramatically.
Jimin knew what was coming even before Jungkook opened his mouth.
“Oh I have corrupted him plenty. On the bed, on the floor…” Jimin struggled in Jungkook’s hold to turn around, “On the balcony, on the counter, in my car, on my bike, even that very sofa you are sitting on and also your house. Can’t forget about - “
Jimin managed to turn around and put his hand over Jungkook’s mouth to muffle his voice.
Taehyung stared at Jungkook in horror and then turned to Jimin with a sly smirk, “Go Jiminie. Get that dick.”
Jimin groaned and dropped his hand from Jungkook’s mouth as he howled in laughter.
Yoongi on the other hand was standing and staring at the couch in disgust, “Is there any surface in this house you haven’t defiled?” He signed.
Jungkook pretended to think and Jimin cupped his palms dropping his flaming face into it.
“The ceiling. It is just not possible.” Jungkook sighed sadly.
Jin Hyung poked his head out of the kitchen, “Are you heathens done talking about sex? Seriously? No one is going to help me in the kitchen? Making a guest cook? Seriously?”
“Hey, we offered to help. You kicked us out.” Taehyung said.
“That is because you asked me how to make boiled water.” Jin said, pointing an accusatory finger at Taehyung. “And you.” He said pointing at Jimin, “You asked me which side of the knife is sharp.”
Jungkook was laughing, even Yoongi was smiling.
“Lemme help.” Yoongi signed walking towards the kitchen.
“As the maknae and owner of this house I feel sorry.” Jungkook said and then smiled deviously , “But thank you.” Jungkook said at the same time that Yoongi signed.
“Typical.” Yoongi signed again shaking his head in fondness.
****
Jin was not really angry at having to cook. He was a simple man and had few hobbies, one of them being - to cook.
Truthfully, Jin was just a little tired and a whole lot jealous.
Jealous because he was currently with two pairs of soulmates and he could practically feel the love and happiness buzzing through the air.
Jin was the oldest of them all and still a single pringle.
Stupid, useless, no good soulmate of his.
Stupid soulmate was probably on the remotest place on earth, which he knew fell in the middle of the pacific ocean because he had looked it up. Stupid soulmate was probably drowning there.
He knew his soulmate was not dead though, his mark had not turned silver like it usually did when a person’s soulmate died.
Jin sighed internally. There is nothing you can do about that, Jin. It will happen when it is supposed to happen, he soothed himself.
He had thrown countless parties and invited people over in a bid to find his soulmate. He had gone on vacations across the globe and interacted with people despite his introverted nature. He even joined an online community for people trying to find their soulmate. At one point he was so lost, he had even joined a meeting where people like him gathered and shared their struggles with not finding their soulmate.
There was nothing he had not done. He had about given up at this point. He only hoped he did not meet the man when he was old and grey. He wanted to enjoy his youth with his soulmate.
He could hear Jungkook singing and Taehyung complaining ‘Oh great and now they are dancing together.’ A moment later Taehyung groaned and said ‘Yoons come and dance with me I am lonely.’
Jin could see Yoongi looking at him cautiously from the corner of his eyes and his lips twitched.
“Go on. Go on.” Jin said laughing.
As much as Yoongi pretended to not like the PDA and skinship, he was a goner for Taehyung. There was nothing the man would not do for Taehyung.
Another moment later, Jin could hear a faux groan by Yoongi and Jimin’s giggles.
Jin felt his eyes burning and he clenched the pan a little tighter.
Do not cry in someone else's house. Do not cry in someone else’s house. Jin chanted to himself.
Dammit! Where are the other two people who were supposed to be here? Where were Jimin’s guests?
They were not a couple were they? Jin groaned softly. He would have the worst luck if he was stuck between 3 couples here. Jin promised himself he would yeet himself off the balcony than endure another couple adding to the love and happiness practically choking him at this point.
The sound of the doorbell came like a deliverance to Jin.
Thank God. They seem to be here.
Jin stepped out of the kitchen. Food was almost done. Thankfully, Jin did not have to barbeque the meat. That was Jungkook’s domain. The man was militant about his barbequed meat.
Jin walked towards the two men who had just entered. One who was all big smiles and warm hugs and one who was so stoic and formal, it had Jin questioning if he would fit in with them. The glasses on him were cute though. Jin deduced this one was the boss. How stereotypical!
“Hyung.” Jimin went forward to hug Namjoon who was evidently not a person who allowed people into his personal space.
It was evidenced by what happened next.
Jin had just reached them and stood smiling, waiting for Jimin to introduce the newcomers to everyone. Jin watched with rising horror as Jimin went forward for a hug only for Namjoon to turn sideways in a bid to have minimal contact.
He was holding what looked like a pot in both hands. He removed one hand from the pot. He must not have realised in his haste to counter Jimin’s hug. It caused the pot to tip and its contents to spill. Namjoon stumbled back into Hoseok who lost his footing, the wine bottle in his hand slipped and shattered on the floor.
Instinctively Jin went ahead when he saw Namjoon trying to get the pot upright. He touched the base and Jin knew what was going to happen before it even happened. Namjoon winced as his skin touched the heated pot and he pulled it away causing the pot to tip again.
Jimin yelped and stepped back when more contents spilled.
Foolish! Jin thought. How is this big clumsy oaf of a man leading his own law firm?
The next second, Jin was holding the pot from its other handle.
Namjoon spluttered looking at Jimin.
“Minnie you okay?” Namjoon asked.
“Yes. Yes. I am fine.” Jimin said.
“I see what you mean by hulk.” Jungkook said to Jimin, sniggering.
“Hulk no destroy.” Namjoon said in a pitiful voice looking down at the spilled contents which oddly felt endearing to Jin.
“I hereby dub you God of Destruction.” Taehyung said, peeking over Jin’s shoulder.
“Do not encourage him by giving such names brat.” Jin said to Taehyung. Yoongi nodded sagely from his side.
“My wine Joonie.” Hoseok whined.
Namjoon looked over at Hoseok and was about to step back when Jimin shouted.
“Joonie No. There is glass.”
It was too late, Namjoon had stepped on it and then for the second time that day, Namjoon stumbled again, this time letting out a very undignified squeak and then he left the pot, his hands cartwheeling as he tried to gain his balance.
Jin yelped and tried to hold the pot. Namjoon accidentally hit the pot upwards with his cartwheeling hands and the remnants of the contents of the pot washed over Jin’s face.
For a moment no one spoke. Jin stood rooted to the spot in horror. He slowly turned towards the mirror hanging in the entryway and saw his face and hair covered in what looked like curry.
Curry. CURRY. He had curry on his hair and on his face.
He heard several sharp intakes of breaths.
Jin shrieked seeing himself which was enough for others to burst into laughter.
Namjoon was appropriately horrified watching Jin.
“My Worldwide Handsome Face.” Jin shrieked out in horror causing the others to go into fresh peals of laughter.
“More like Indian Curry Face.” Jungkook wheezed out.
Jin turned towards Namjoon feeling murderous. The man seemed to be cowering where he stood.
“You. I am going to sue you to high heavens. I am going to claim damages so high, it is going to take your entire lineage until kingdom come to pay me off. Do you even know how much this is worth? It is the only one in the entire fucking world.” Jin said to Namjoon, pointing a finger at his own face angrily.
Namjoon blinked. He blinked again and then again.
Belatedly Jin wondered if he had broken the man.
Jimin whistled behind him.
“Namjoon Hyung, please don’t mind Jin Hyung. He is just angry.” Jungkook said gently.
“He is a big softy really.” Taehyung added.
It was quiet for a moment. Jin was about to turn around to go wash off when he stopped dead in his tracks.
“Are you fucking kidding me? This is why I went to school and worked my ass off? All those long hours and sacrificed sleep for THIS?” Namjoon all but roared.
Everyone was taken aback. It was obvious Namjoon was not one for aggressive behaviour.
Jin was taken aback for an entirely different reason. Those were the words that decorated his right bicep. Those exact words. Verbatim.
He had searched for his soulmate high and low. In different countries and different settings. He had imagined this moment millions of time, yet now that he was here, he had no clue how to proceed.
“Namjoon Hyung.” Jimin whispered, going towards him slowly.
Jin blinked. Holy Shit! He thought to himself. That is my soulmate. Jin could see a similar realization bleeding into Namjoon’s eyes. What had Jin said? Jin recalled his words. Oh! Oh!
Jin schooled his features as much as possible. Along with a singer he was also an actor. All those acting classes were paying off this very moment when he reigned himself in and did not react.
He could see the realization in Namjoon’s eyes bleeding into panic at Jin’s blank stare and lack of reaction.
Jin knew he couldn’t keep this on for much longer so he turned on his heel and stalked to the bathroom to clean up. He could hear Taehyung hurriedly following him.
Jin took the offered towels and locked himself in the bathroom where he let himself actually accept that he had just met his soulmate.
Truthfully all Jin wanted to do was to drag Namjoon out of here and go somewhere private and talk to him but he was terrified. He had longed so much for the man for so long and now that he was here, Jin was terrified.
So many years pinning for someone who he had never seen, never met. Jin had built up the man so much in his own head based on the words etched on his arms, he was dead afraid to find out if his soulmate matched his imagination or fell short.
He was also painfully aware that he had not given Namjoon any indication of being his soulmate. Namjoon must know. Namjoon’s mark must have turned red. He must know Jin is his soulmate.
****
Namjoon was panicking. Hard. Years and Years of being a practicing lawyer sometimes comes in handy when you know how to control your body cues. That does not mean he could hide it from Jimin and Hoseok.
The moment Seokjin, or Jin as everyone called him, turned around and left, Namjoon forced himself to react normally. Even though every cell in his body was itching to run after the man and beg for forgiveness.
Trust him to fuck up his first meeting with his own soulmate.
When Namjoon’s mark had first shown up he was terrified. Just what had he done for his soulmate to sue him? What had he destroyed that was the only one in the entire world?
In the coming years Namjoon would often wonder if his soulmate would ever forgive him and if he would ever get his happily-every-after.
Knowing he had destroyed something that was one of a kind and that he was going to get sued for it had led Namjoon to make a career in law. He figured if nothing else, he could at least defend himself in the court of law. It had also led to Namjoon having a passion for art and history. He had figured if whatever he had destroyed was one of a kind it could be related to these two fields. He had tentatively looked into it first but had soon developed a genuine love and fascination towards it.
If only he had known it was the face of his soulmate. Namjoon had a strong urge to flick his forehead but resisted as Jimin made introductions.
“Hyung. You need to change. You too Hoseok Hyung. Something from Jungkook should fit you two.” Jimin said, once the introductions were done. All but dragging them both to what Namjoon assumed was his bedroom.
Once there Jimin whirled around, “Okay. Spill.”
“What?” Namjoon feigned ignorance. He had yet to wrap his head around what happened. How was he even supposed to explain this to them?
“Yeah. Spill. What was that? And don’t give us that lawyer face we both can tell when you are bullshitting.”
Namjoon took a deep breath and let the panic in, “I think…I think I met my soulmate and said the wrong thing in response. I fucked up.” Namjoon whispered the last words.
Jimin and Hoseok blinked.
“Huh?” They both said in unison.
“Jin. I mean Seokjin. He said the words. My words and I got angry and I said what I said reflexively and I think it was the wrong thing to say because he did not react at all.” Namjoon said, wringing his fingers.
“Maybe you did not say it to him?” Hoseok offered.
“Try again?” Jimin offered.
“Definitely try again.” Taehyung’s voice came.
“It is not a video game for Namjoon Hyung to get an extra life.” Jungkook’s voice sounded.
“What the fuck?” Jimin whispered angrily to the two culprits. Yoongi standing behind them looking sheepish.
“You can’t whisper secrets around me, I sniff them out.” Taehyung argued.
“Also, I know Jimin’s I-have-a-fuck-up-to-solve face very well.” Jungkook said.
“That is because half the time I am solving your fuck-ups.” Jimin retorted.
Jungkook gasped, “The man lies.”
“Okay. Enough you two.” Hoseok said, shaking his head, “Focus on Namjoon. He looks one step away from a panic attack.”
Namjoon was shaking at this point.
“Oh God!” Namjoon groaned, “Oh God I fucked up. I fucked up. I lost my soulmate. I have never heard of the second thing your soulmate says being etched onto your arm. I lost my soulmate.”
Jimin held Namjoon’s shaking hand, “Joonie calm down. Try again. Maybe it did not take the first time. Try again.”
“Try again. Right. Try again. I have to.” Namjoon said, nodding his head to himself. This was too important for him to just give up.
20 minutes later they were all sitting in the living room. The others were trying very hard to keep the conversation flowing on lighter topics. A hush fell on the room as soon as Jin rejoined them, back from his shower.
Namjoon wanted to facepalm himself. Way to be subtle guys!
“How did that curry taste?” Taehyung blurted out and Namjoon was seriously considering jumping off the window.
“Tae.” Jimin hissed.
“You are lucky my world wide handsome face is intact.” Jin muttered looking at Namjoon.
Namjoon gulped. He opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water wondering what he should say. What if it did not take the second time as well?
Jin shook his head and picked up the snacks that Yoongi had laid out. He plopped down next to Jungkook on the couch and ruffled his hair fondly.
Jimin, Hoseok and Yoongi were discreetly looking at Namjoon and tilting their heads aggressively in Jin direction urging Namjoon to speak.
What do I even say? Namjoon wanted to ask.
Okay. Okay. You can do this. He gave himself a short pep-talk and when Jimin’s glare got increasingly violent Namjoon opened his mouth.
The plan was simple. Apologise and say that he would make it up to Jin by taking him out to dinner. Before Namjoon could speak Jin looked at Namjoon and for a fraction of a second Namjoon was struck speechless.
Because Jin was sitting on the couch and behind him from the floor-to-ceiling windows light spilled in soft golden rays. Jin looked absolutely ethereal.
What he was supposed to say was I am sorry for being a clumsy oaf and I hope you can forgive me for my mistake. Please let me make it up to you by buying you dinner.
What came out instead was a breathy “So Pretty.”
Horror rose in Namjoon when he realised he had said that out loud.
Taehyung and Jimin groaned in unison. Jungkook and Hoseok were giggling and Yoongi just looked disappointed.
Jin raised a brow and pointed at himself, “Me?”
Namjoon coloured. He couldn’t even recall when he had blushed the last time.
Judging from Seokjin’s reaction, that was not the words etched on him. This is the second time Namjoon failed. No third chance right? Namjoon had never heard of anyone not getting it right on the first go.
Seokjin himself looked like he was holding back a laugh. He all but man handled Jungkook to the kitchen saying they would serve food.
“Seriously? Jimin whisper-shouted.
“You blew it.” Taehyung whisper-shouted too.
“What happened to our confident leader?” Hoseok whispered incredulously.
Yoongi signed something and then Jimin said, “He says you went hulk on your own love life.”
“Good one babe.” Taehyung said, fist-bumping Yoongi.
“Help Me.” Namjoon hissed in a whisper.
“We are coming.” Jungkook announced rather dramatically.
They scattered back to their own places. It was a little too suspicious how quiet and razor-backed they were sitting.
Once the table was set, they gathered around.
“Enjoy Everyone.” Jin said, smiling at the table.
“Thank you for cooking Hyung. You are the best.” Jungkook said fondly.
“Ideal soulmate material.” Taehyung said, nodding.
Namjoon spluttered and coughed. Hoseok pinched him on the thigh, glaring at him.
Namjoon was frustrated.
“Who picked out the china?” Jin asked.
“Me.” Jungkook said proudly.
“You did good. They are very cute.” Jin complimented.
“Just like my Jiminie.” Jungkook said, bumping shoulders with Jimin.
“I collect cute things.” Namjoon blurted out and then cringed.
Yoongi did facepalm himself. The smack echoing. For what it was worth, the others were trying very hard not to laugh at Namjoon’s expense.
“I am afraid Jimin’s taken.” Jin intoned.
“No. No. China.” Namjoon clarified.
“You want their china? For your cute collection?” Jin deadpanned.
Namjoon blinked. Well, in for a penny, in for a pound right? He had already embarrassed himself enough. He might as well throw everything at it and see what sticks. He recalled his own soulmark. Maybe he should say things that are in response to those words. That would make the most sense right?
Namjoon sarcastically commented internally, thank you brain for giving that wonderful piece of information before I can make a fool of myself.
He was going to keep responding to that one sentence until Jin’s mark changed.
Namjoon took a deep breath and then said:
“You can’t sue me. I am a lawyer.”
Jin tilted his head in confusion, “I am aware.”
“It is silly to sue someone for your face. Since you are a public figure, the damages would be on an assumed value of work that you would do throughout your lifetime, which while high will not take my entire lineage to pay.”
Jin raised his eyebrows, “I am not suing you.”
“How vain to call your face one of a kind and put so much value on it.” Namjoon continued.
Jimin gasped and he knew it was the wrong thing to say.
“Excuse me?” Jin said, narrowing his eyes.
“Suing me to high heavens? Seriously? How dramatic are you?” Namjoon asked.
Taehyung munched on his food furiously, “This is better than any new shows that have aired.”
Namjoon continued, “Seriously? It had to be the most dramatic man on the planet?”
Jin’s lower lip wobbled and Namjoon felt stricken. He was not going to cry was he?
Jin stood up from the table and threw his dinner napkin on Namjoon’s face.
“Fuck you. Worst soulmate ever.” Jin screamed and left.
Jungkook was out and behind Jin within the next second. Namjoon felt rooted to the spot.
“What happened?” He asked, looking around.
Yoongi glared at him and signed something furiously.
“What are you waiting for? Go behind him you idiot, he called you his soulmate.” Jimin interpreted.
Namjoon ran in the direction that Jungkook and Jin had taken. Turns out Jin was pacing in one of the bedrooms while Jungkook looked at him helplessly.
“Jin?” Namjoon began only to be surprised by a very furious Jungkook pushing him out of the room.
“Stay the fuck away.” Jungkook gritted out.
“Let him in. It’s my fault.” Jin said and Jungkook’s jaw dropped.
“Your fault?” Jungkook asked.
“I knew he was my soulmate the minute he started with Are you fucking kidding me.” Jin said, throwing his hands up in defeat.
“Seriously?” Jungkook asked, exasperated. “I was two seconds away from throwing this man out of the house thinking he is either lying or wrongly obsessed.”
Jungkook turned to Namjoon, “Sorry man.”
Namjoon waved him off. Jungkook was right in his place. Some fans did sometimes get obsessed with celebrities and lie about their soulmarks. Jungkook left, closing the door behind himself. Namjoon stepped forward, unsure of what he should say.
Well, his saying things had landed them here. Maybe it would be wiser for him to just shut up and let Jin speak at his pace.
“I am sorry.” Jin said, “That really took me by surprise. I just needed some time to digest the fact that I had met my soulmate.”
Namjoon smiled. His first full smile on hearing that.
“Oh great.” Jin said, “You have dimples too. How am I supposed to stay mad at you?”
Namjoon’s smile widened, “I should have just smiled at you instead of opening my big mouth.”
Jin laughed a small laugh, “What was with that very aggressive speaking. Very court-roomy vibes.”
Namjoon ducked his head embarrassed, “My mark turned red and you did not react in any way and I thought maybe yours did not and I panicked and I decided to say something…anything…that would be in response to my soul mark to see if it would stick.”
Jin laughed, “What if none of them worked?”
“I would have kept trying.” Namjoon shrugged, “You are too pretty to give up.”
Jin wrinkled his nose, “You are this corny and you call me dramatic?”
“Sounds like a good pair to me.” Namjoon smiled again.
Jin sighed, “I need regular exposure to build immunity to those dimples.”
“Is that your way of asking me out?” Namjoon teased.
“I mean we are soulmates. A practically done deal for life. I thought you would take me home but sure, let's go waste weeks going on dates and such. I don’t mind.”
Namjoon’s jaw dropped, “Hey, not fair. I did not know that was on the table.”
“Always assume everything is on the table and up for grabs. You won’t get it unless you demand it. Isn’t that like lawyer 101?” Jin quipped back.
Namjoon laughed, “Which role did you play that had this dialogue?"
“Ironically I played a lawyer's soulmate in a series called ‘My Love is The Law.” Jin said, chuckling.
“Ill have to watch that.” Namjoon said. A moment later he asked, “Why did you not react? Is there something I should know?”
“I am 31 Namjoon. Everyone I know has already found their soulmate. Did you know there are only 2 people aged 30 in Seoul who were single? One was Yoongi and one was me, which is why we got along very well. Then he found Taehyung and I was still there and….. I just….. did not think it was in the cards for me. Honestly, a part of me thought my soulmate had fallen in love with someone and just chose to not look for me.” Jin said.
“But here I am.” Namjoon said softly.
“But here you are.” Jin said equally softly.
Namjoon hadn’t even realised he had moved closer to Jin. Namjoon took Jin’s hands into his own, smiling at the man he got to call his soulmate. He couldn’t wait to get to know Jin and spend his life together with the man, making up for all the years when Jin had felt sad and left alone.
Their tender moment was disturbed by distinct whispers from their friends.
“I can’t hear anything.”
“Are they kissing?”
“We would hear it.”
“How do you hear a kiss?”
“The suction soun -”
“Jeon Jungkook do not complete that sentence.”
“Jimin is right, they are not shooting a porno to make those sounds.”
“Taehyungggg.”
“Yoongi stop jabbing us.”
“We are trying to listen Hyung.”
Jin and Namjoon looked at each other amused. Namjoon motioned a quick shh to Jin and quietly unlocked the door before slipping an arm around Jin’s waist and stepping back.
Any second now.
“Still can’t hear.”
“Lemme listen shh - “
A series of startled yelps sounded as the unlocked door swung open dropping all their friends at their feet.
Namjoon raised an eyebrow at the group and Jin crossed his arms.
“You’ll would make shit spies.” Jin said.
“Agreed.” Namjoon said.
“Joonie, let's make new friends who are less nosy.” Jin said, glaring at their friends.
“Agreed.”
Taehyung snorted, “Kook your record is broken.”
“It is?” Jungkook asked, confused, still lying on the floor with the others in a jumble of limbs.
“Yep.” Taehyung said, “The fastest man to get whipped on meeting their soulmate award now goes to Namjoon.”
“You are one to talk.” Jimin griped, “You did not even talk to Yoongi, you went straight to kissing him all over.”
“Hey. My man is mute. Don't show your blatant disregard for the differently abled.”
“Jungkook, didn’t you bark for Jimin?” Hoseok asked.
“I did.” Jungkook said, rather proud of himself.
“I think we are the sane ones of the group.” Namjoon stage whispered to Seokjin.
Jin on the other hand dropped onto their friends in a roll of limbs “Yoongi was whipped for Taehyung before they even met.” He joined in.
Laughter echoed through the room.
“Oh I see. I am the only sane one.” Namjoon said.
No one paid him any mind, laughing and rolling on the floor in joy.
Well, Namjoon thought to himself, if you can't stop them… join them.
Namjoon also joined the others on the floor only to hear yelps and grunts of pain.
“God of Destruction I tell you. GOD. OF DESTRUCTION.” Taehyung groaned.
“How did you manage to hit all of us together?” Hoseok grunted.
“Holy thighs Namjoon Hyung.” Jungkook said with reverence.
“Kook stop drooling at my soulmate." Jin Hyung said.
“I found my new religion.” Jungkook said solemnly.
“I am right here.” Jimin said annoyed.
“Someone is jealous.” Hoseok sing-songed rolling around with Jimin.
“Namjoon Hyung stop moving dammit. Jin Hyung, take your man away.” Taehyung groaned, burrowing more into Yoongi only to be pushed away angrily.
Taehyung whined and stubbornly held onto Yoongi. Jungkook was poking at his thighs only for Seokjin to push it away with a frown.
Namjoon laughed. He would love to be known as Seokjin’s man from now on.
Right here, on the floor amongst the 7 of them, Namjoon found a new home.