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The first time Jeongguk saw Taehyung was on a blind date arranged by Jimin and Yoongi, their two best friends. Yoongi used to say that Jeongguk needed to go out more often, that he was only seventeen and instead of enjoying life more, he was dedicating himself entirely to his studies. It turns out that his parents had planned his entire life since childhood: they chose the best university, decided he should continue the Jeon family tradition of being lawyers, and because he liked to please them, he accepted his destiny, which was easy at first, until he met Taehyung.
Before Jeongguk, Taehyung went out with different guys every weekend. Jimin always said that he deserved more than random one-night stands, and that he had the potential to be someone's perfect boyfriend, but that he continued living that way because he hadn't found the right person.
Taehyung always rolled his eyes when he heard that because Jimin was an incurable romantic, which worsened when he met Yoongi. He thought everyone should fall in love and experience great love, but Taehyung thought that was stupid, until he met Jeongguk.
Jimin and Yoongi were determined to change their best friends' lives, and somehow, they were sure that Taehyung and Jeongguk would be a perfect couple. So, after some insistence, they agreed to the date.
Jeongguk went because he really needed to distract himself a little from his studies and, even if nothing happened — because he wasn't going there with that intention — he could have a drink, meet a new person and, perhaps… make a new friend. Taehyung went because, even though he wasn't bothered by his lifestyle, he was curious about the hype Jimin had given to his childhood friend from Busan. He praised how intelligent, funny, and handsome Jeongguk was, and assured that the boy would be his type. Taehyung didn't know if it would work out, but if at least he could get good sex by the end of the night, he would be satisfied.
The date took place at a restaurant recommended by Jimin and Yoongi, and the time was set for 7 PM. Jeongguk arrived first because he hated being late for any appointment and, moreover, didn't want to make a bad impression. Taehyung, however, hadn't worried about that. He arrived fifteen minutes late and blamed the traffic. Jeongguk tried not to let it bother him; after all, Taehyung was even more handsome in person than in the photos Yoongi had shown him. Taehyung was impressed by Jeongguk's beauty and immediately thought that the photos he had seen didn't do justice to the handsome young man in front of him.
They ordered a drink and everything seemed to be going well, until they realized how different they were as they talked.
Taehyung ordered soju and beer, while Jeongguk ordered a glass of red wine. Taehyung wanted to eat Korean barbecue, and Jeongguk chose to eat noodles because he was vegetarian. Taehyung was extroverted and started talking about random things he liked, and Jeongguk was introverted, a little quiet with people he didn't know, but he listened attentively to everything.
This attention made him realize that nothing Taehyung said he liked matched his tastes. They had nothing in common, except the attraction they felt when they saw each other, and that wouldn't be a problem, especially for Taehyung who was fine with the idea of casual sex at the end of the date, but Jeongguk wasn't that kind of guy.
At the end of the night, they said goodbye, somewhat awkwardly.
Taehyung tried to steal a kiss. Jeongguk dodged and stepped back with an awkward smile. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. Perhaps they weren't destined to be together, and they both seemed to accept that.
But not Jimin and Yoongi.
It was at Yoongi's birthday party that they decided to try to get them together again. It was just a small party with a few friends: Namjoon from Yoongi's music class, Seokjin, one of his childhood friends, and Hoseok, Jin's boyfriend. They bought soju and beer and several boxes of pizza, and Jimin made a cake, but that part was a surprise.
Taehyung gladly went because he never refused an invitation to drink, especially for free, and Jeongguk accepted the invitation because, after all, it was his best friend's birthday.
Neither of them was particularly excited to see the other when they arrived, but after a few sips of soju, they all decided to play mimicry, and Jeongguk and Taehyung formed a duo at one point. Perhaps it was a little push from destiny, but they soon discovered they made an incredible couple, and with the alcohol making them much more comfortable and uninhibited, they won every round of the game, which naturally brought them closer.
When everyone was tired and slightly tipsy, Namjoon, Jin, and Hoseok decided to leave, and Jeongguk and Taehyung decided to sleep at Yoongi's apartment because of Jimin's insistence and his speech about drunk driving. After brushing their teeth and each borrowing comfortable clothes from their best friends, they settled on two mattresses spread out on the living room floor.
“They're really dedicated to getting us together,” Jeongguk laughed, his head spinning from the alcohol. “I could have called a taxi, but I've never seen Jimin put so much effort into a speech about drinking and driving.”
“Do you think so?” Taehyung lay on his side to face him.
The room was dimly lit, with only a faint light filtering through the thin curtains of the balcony door.
“Subtlety has never been one of Jimin's qualities.”
“Not Yoongi either. I think that's why they get along so well. They're similar.”
Taehyung stared at the ceiling, one arm folded behind his head while the other rested on his stomach.
“Yeah… maybe. But do you think two people can only get along if they're similar?”
“In a relationship?”
“Generally speaking.”
Jeongguk took a few minutes to answer, biting his lower lip as if carefully considering his response. Finally, he turned and stared at the side of Taehyung's face.
“I think in a friendship it doesn't interfere that much. I'm quite different from Yoon, but we've always gotten along well as friends. In a romantic relationship, I think having things in common might help maintain the connection.”
“Have you always dated guys like you?” Taehyung stared at him.
“I've never dated anyone.”
“Why have you never met anyone who is like you?”
“Because dating was never in my plans.”
“Wow, you're always so perfect.”
“What do you mean?” Jeongguk became defensive.
“You even plan who you should date, it seems mechanical. I don't think a relationship has to be planned. I think it needs to be natural.”
“And that's why you agreed to go on a blind date planned by our best friends?”
“Yeah, you got me. Maybe that's why it was such a disaster.”
They remained silent for a few seconds, until they burst into laughter.
“Hey, it wasn't that bad,” Jeongguk tried to argue. “We just don't have much in common. I mean, we're good at mimicry.”
“Yes, we make a good couple at that.”
They smiled at each other, trying to see their faces better in the dark. Taehyung couldn't help but let his eyes wander to Jeongguk's lips, and Jeongguk couldn't help but bite his lower lip reflexively.
“I think we can find something else we'll be good at together,” Taehyung whispered, moving closer to the edge of the mattress where Jeongguk was lying.
“Really? Like what?” Jeongguk felt a chill in his stomach, his heart racing.
They were so close that their breaths mingled, warm and slightly panting. Taehyung touched the side of Jeongguk's face, gently holding it and closing the distance. Jeongguk closed his eyes before their lips touched and held his breath as he felt the soft texture of Taehyung's mouth against his.
At first, it was just a brushing of lips, as if they were testing the waters, to make sure they could continue. When Jeongguk didn't pull away, Taehyung opened his mouth and licked Jeongguk’s lips, asking for entry with his tongue. Jeongguk allowed it, unable to refuse. They kissed, filled with intense curiosity, discovering each other's taste, recognizing their bodies as they allowed themselves to caress certain places, feel the warmth, and enjoy that kiss.
Then they realized that there was, in fact, something else they were great at together, even though they were so different, and Jimin and Yoongi, hidden at the end of the hallway, smiled and clapped their hands, celebrating the success of that cupid operation.
After that day, Taehyung and Jeongguk decided to go on a date that they had planned themselves, and over time, Taehyung showed him that a couple doesn't always need to have a lot in common to be together, and that despite being different, they were crazy about each other.
They dated for a year, a love that consumed them in the craziest and most intense way. At first, everything was wonderful, a true honeymoon, but falling in love with someone wasn't part of Jeongguk's perfect life plan.
He wanted to be with Taehyung at all times. He wanted the outings, the kisses, and the incredible sex they discovered was also one of the things they were great at together. He wanted the affection and companionship to do nothing, just to be by each other's side knowing the other was there. But he also needed to continue with his plans and his studies.
The first fight happened two months before their one-year anniversary. Taehyung knew that Jeongguk was studying hard to get into a good university, but he had no idea which one. Then, one day he asked to use his laptop and Jeongguk let him, because he had nothing to hide and trusted Taehyung.
He went to take a shower, Taehyung picked up his laptop, and while using it, an email notification for Jeongguk popped up on the side of the screen. Taehyung would have ignored it, because after all, it wasn't his business, but glancing quickly at the sender, he saw the name of Princeton University. It was automatic to move the mouse to the notification.
The email opened on the screen, written in English. Taehyung wasn't good at the language, but he knew the basics to understand what the message meant. The university was congratulating Jeongguk for passing the first phase to enter the law course and informing him of the new dates for the next phase, in two weeks.
Taehyung felt a tightness in his chest. He minimized the email screen and closed the laptop. Minutes later, Jeongguk returned from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist as he dried his hair with another.
“Did you manage to see what you wanted?” He moved closer and sat on Taehyung's lap.
“Which university are you going to try to get into?” Taehyung stared at him, barely able to hide in his voice that there was a problem.
“What? Why are you asking me that now?”
“Because I realized I never asked you. You talk to me about your plans to go to a good university, to follow your family tradition, but you never told me which good university it was.”
“Baby, when we're together, that's not exactly the most interesting topic between us.”
“What's the university, Jeongguk?”
Jeongguk huffed and stood up. He looked away, and that tightened Taehyung's chest even more.
“Tae, I don't understand why you want to know about this now.”
“Because I want to understand why my boyfriend is hiding this from me.”
“Hiding what from you? Are you crazy?”
Taehyung opened the laptop, then the email, and turned it towards Jeongguk.
“Didn't you think it was important to tell me that you're taking tests to get into a university in another country?”
Jeongguk's eyes widened as he stared at the open email. There was the euphoria of knowing he had passed the initial tests, but also the panic of Taehyung finding out in that way.
“Were you messing with my email?”
“Don't try to turn this into something else. I was looking through my things and the notification came through. I thought it was strange, and you can't blame me. Good thing I did, right? When were you going to tell me? When you were boarding for the United States?”
“Tae is nothing like that. I didn't tell you because I wasn't even sure if I'd get in. Do you know what the chances are of getting in? Less than 6% of the students who try succeed.”
“Please, Jeongguk. Are you trying to convince me or yourself? We know that no one has a better chance of getting in than you. And well, there's the proof. The problem isn't you trying, or even succeeding, the problem is not telling me. Did you never think it would be worthwhile to tell me you're leaving?”
“I didn't want to have to think about it until I was sure. I didn't want to have to deal with the possibility of being away from you. Until I met you, I never had to think about what I would have to do if I passed because there was nothing holding me back here.”
“So now I'm a problem? Am I preventing you from continuing with your plans?”
“For God's sake, Taehyung. That's not what I said.”
“But that's what it seemed like, Jeongguk. You had your whole life planned out, and everything was fine, then you met me and this is becoming a problem because you have to leave and theoretically I'm stopping you.”
“You can't be serious. I can't believe we're fighting over this. I don't even know if I passed!” Jeongguk sounded almost hysterical.
“We're not fighting because you passed or not. We're fighting because you lied to me.”
“I didn't lie to you, Tae. I just didn't tell you about it.”
Taehyung laughed, mocking and hurt.
“Great, because that completely changes things.”
After that day, things were never normal again.
They had talked about it at another time, with Taehyung less upset, but every time the subject came up, they ended up arguing. It got worse when Jeongguk actually passed of the selection process and received confirmation that he had been accepted and would be moving to another country.
However, the reason for the arguments became the jealousy they felt for each other and how to maintain a long-distance relationship. Taehyung didn't want to imagine what Jeongguk's university life would be like, even knowing that his boyfriend wouldn't do anything to hurt him. And Jeongguk knew what Taehyung's life was like before him, and despite the trust that existed, he knew that time and distance would eventually wear down the relationship due to arguments.
So, a few weeks before Jeongguk moved away, Taehyung ended the relationship because he was too hurt, frustrated, and insecure.
It had been six months since they broke up, but that didn't mean things had improved. Jimin felt sad seeing his best friend heartbroken, and Yoongi felt the same every time Jeongguk called in the middle of the night because he needed someone to listen to him cry because he missed Taehyung.
They loved each other; the problem was never a lack of love, perhaps an excess of it, and insecurity, the fear of losing each other, and jealousy, but never because they stopped feeling something.
“We need to do something. I can't stand seeing Taehyung in this mess anymore,” Jimin commented to Yoongi one night.
“And what can we do? They're both stubborn, and it's not like we can bring Jeongguk back.”
“I know, but they could have found a way. Tae could visit him, he could see him on holidays. I know the study schedule can be difficult, but Yoon, they love each other, they would find a way.”
“Jeongguk calls me crying in the middle of the night…” Yoongi said, feeling his heart clench.
“Taehyung seems to have lost his joy for life. Sometimes I talk and it seems like he barely listens to me.”
Then, with a jump, Jimin suddenly sat up in bed.
“What if…”
Yoongi raised an eyebrow.
He knew that devilish expression on his boyfriend's face well. Something that was almost comical on such an angelic face.
“What is this mind planning?”
“We have a holiday next week.”
“And…?”
“What if we planned a trip?”
“What do you mean?” Yoongi seemed confused.
“I can tell Tae that we're going on a friend’s trip, to try to cheer him up or something. And you talk to Jeongguk. This is the weekend he visits his parents, right?”
“Yes.”
“Great, you're going to say that you guys are going on a trip, that it's also to distract him, make something up, but make him agree.”
“And then what? I don't think we should get involved in this, honey.”
“We're not going to interfere, we're just going to help,” Jimin said with a cynical expression. “Let's take them to my parents' house near the mountain, the one we went to when we turned one, remember? I'll tell Tae that you'll arrive later, and you take Jeongguk. Then, when they're both there, we'll leave them alone, without a car and without a chance to leave until they sort things out.”
“Jimin, they're going to be angry with us.”
“It's fine if this helps them understand each other.”
The couple spent the rest of the night planning the details of that crazy idea. It wasn't easy to convince Taehyung and Jeongguk to agree, but they managed. On the weekend of the trip, they did everything as they had planned. Jimin took Taehyung's phone when he was distracted, and Yoongi did the same with Jeongguk. Furthermore, when Jimin arrived with Tae, he waited for him to take the suitcases out of the car and said he was going to get his own.
Yoongi and Jeongguk arrived next, and Yoongi used the same excuse. As soon as Jeongguk entered the house, Jimin and Yoongi closed the trunk and each got into a car. Then, with confused faces, Taehyung and Jeongguk left the house to question what was happening.
“Jimin, what the hell is this?” Taehyung approached.
“You guys need to talk! We'll be back to pick you up Sunday night,” Jimin shouted out the window.
Yoongi was already maneuvering back onto the road.
“You guys have got to be kidding me,” Jeongguk complained.
“Please, Ggukie, you have to sort things out. Nobody can stand this sadness anymore when we know you guys still love each other. Have fun, you have the whole house.” Jimin winked and also drove off.
With nothing else to do, the two stood watching the cars drive away.
“That's great, they really have us trapped here.”
“I should have been suspicious of that random trip.” Jeongguk rolled his eyes.
“I'll call an Uber to pick us up.” Taehyung looked in his pants pocket for his phone. “Damn, I can't believe this.”
“What?”
“Jimin stole my phone!”
“You used to be smarter, Taehyung.”
Jeongguk laughed and searched for his phone. When he reached into his sweatshirt pocket, it was empty.
“I can't believe this.”
“Wow, what happened to your smartness? What's wrong, did six months at Princeton fry your brain already?”
“Wow… we're off to a great start.” Jeongguk rolled his eyes, turning his back to Taehyung and going inside the house.
Taehyung followed him and noticed that Jeongguk was looking for something.
“What are you doing?”
“Looking for a phone, a computer with internet access.”
“Did you notice where we are? Jimin's parents bought this house to get away from all this when they need to rest. There's none of that here. We're trapped and unable to communicate.”
“Great, I'll go out and look for somewhere nearby.”
“Jeongguk, are you serious? There's no way you didn't see that the nearest place is miles away. I imagine it must be awful for you to be here with me, but there's nothing we can do, Jimin said he's coming back on Sunday, so we can only wait.”
“You're too complacent for someone who didn't know anything.”
“Do you think I planned this with them? Do you think I'm jumping for joy at being stuck for three days with my lying ex-boyfriend? I don't know if you remember, but I was the one who ended it, why would I plan this?”
Jeongguk stared at him. Taehyung saw the hurt glistening in his large eyes.
“Yeah, why would you do that? I'm an idiot.”
Without waiting for a reply, he turned his back and went upstairs.
Taehyung mentally cursed himself, punching the top of the couch near him.
“Damn it. Alright, Taehyung, you should get an award for being such a jerk.”
He rested his hands on the couch, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.
After a few minutes, he went to the kitchen. He had no way to get out of that house, so he would try to distract himself. He opened the cupboards and noticed they were full of food, and imagined that Jimin had been there before the trip to take everything. The refrigerator was also full, so he decided to cook something for dinner; maybe Jeongguk would forgive him for being a jerk.
When everything was ready, Jeongguk appeared in the kitchen. He was wearing different clothes and his hair was still wet from his recent shower.
“I was just about to call you…” Taehyung said. “I made food for us.”
“Hmm…”
Jeongguk walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water.
“Jeongguk…”
Jeongguk ignored him, searching for a glass in one of the cabinets.
“Ggukie, please,” he pleaded in a softer tone.
Hearing that nickname in Taehyung's voice after six months made his heart ache.
“You know, you can't be a jerk, cook for us and think everything's going to be okay. You're not the only one who didn't want to be here, Taehyung. I certainly wouldn't be here if I could, because being under the same roof as the guy I still love, but who broke up with me, is the last thing I'd want.”
Taehyung swallowed hard, speechless.
It was obvious that he still felt the same way, but hearing from Jeongguk that he still loved him was like being slapped in the face.
“I think Jimin is right… we need to talk, Ggukie. I don't like how things ended between us.”
“You were the one who decided it would be this way.”
“I know… I'm not absolving myself of blame, but do you really think we could handle the distance? Jeongguk, for six months I've been living with a hole in my chest. I think about you all the damn time.”
“And how do you think I feel, Tae?” He approached, setting his glass and water bottle on the counter. “You broke up with me at what should have been one of the most rewarding moments of my life. I wanted you to be a part of it with me, I wanted us to celebrate together. We would have found a way, we would have made it work. I never gave you any reason to doubt me. I've been crazy about you since our first kiss.”
Taehyung lowered his head, feeling guilty.
“I didn't know how to handle the situation. I freaked out, Ggukie. I let all my insecurity take over, I acted impulsively. I regretted ending it the moment I turned my back. But I was too proud to go back and let you leave hurt by me.”
“The things you said really hurt me. You acted like I was going to another country looking for another guy to cheat on you with. Damn, I was going to study! I've dedicated my whole life to this.”
“I know… and I understand that some time later. Two weeks after you left, I realized the stupid thing I had done. But it was too late. It is too late.” he finished with a sigh.
“It's not too late, Tae. It's not too late… I still love you. I'm still crazy about you.”
Taehyung gasped, biting his lower lip.
“Do you still love me?” Jeongguk asked, standing in front of him.
“I can't believe you're asking me that.” Taehyung pulled him by the waist, pressing their bodies together. “I can't believe you even considered that I could stop loving you. You're the most stubborn and bossy guy I know. You hate almost everything I like. We have almost nothing in common, Jeongguk. But you're also the sweetest, most hardworking, kindest, and most handsome guy. How could I not love you? I'm crazy about you too.”
Jeongguk bit his lower lip to suppress a smile.
“I missed you so much.” He rested his forehead against Taehyung's.
“Me too darling. Every day. Forgive me for being such an idiot.”
“I don't know how we're going to do this, but I don't want to fight anymore, Tae. I don't want to spend so much time without you in my life anymore.”
“So, about that… maybe I have a solution.” He gave a half-smile.
Jeongguk stepped back a little to face him.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, like I said, I regretted breaking up with you as soon as I left your house. When I truly realized the stupidity of what I had done, I think of a way to apologize.”
“But we've been separated for six months. You never tried to talk to me.”
“You never told me how complicated it was to try to get into one of those universities.” Taehyung rolled his eyes.
“Wait, what?”
“Let's just say I applied to a few universities, including Princeton.”
“Taehyung, are you serious?”
“Of course, why would I lie? New Jersey City University emailed me last week. They accepted me. I'll be just over an hour away from you.”
“You swear, Tae?”
“Yes, baby. I can start next semester.”
Jeongguk smiled, unable to explain the happy that overwhelmed him. He never imagined this would happen. Taehyung living so close was a dream. Unable to contain his longing any longer, he jumped into Taehyung's lap and kissed him.
Taehyung turned them around and placed Jeongguk on the counter, gently cupping his face and reciprocating the kiss with equal intensity. He didn't even know how long they just kissed. It felt like every minute was too short. With their mouths swollen and starting to go numb, they separated and laughed like fools. Then they decided to eat the food Taehyung had made and talked some more, making plans and trying to find the best way to see each other more often.
Now, it was no longer a problem for them to be stuck together.
In truth, they wished to stay for another weekend to avoid the moment of another goodbye, even though they knew it would be temporary. They spent the weekend glued to each other. They made love several times, both because they missed having their bodies connected and to get revenge on Jimin and his cupid instincts by having sex all over the house.
On Sunday, when their best friends came to pick them up, they agreed to pretend they hadn't gotten along, and Jimin turned so red with anger, yelling at them, that it was impossible not to burst out laughing. Then, they kissed in front of them and said they were together again.
They talked about Taehyung's move, and it was Jimin's turn to feel a pang of sadness knowing that half of his soul was leaving for another country. But in the end, Jimin was happy. Not only for the opportunity Taehyung would have to study abroad, but also because his friends were finally getting along.
With the help of the right people, everything ended up working out.
🍂