Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It began the way a lot of things start.

Not with a bang or sudden change, but with a trickle. Like a stream slowly filling his mind. And by the time he realized what had changed, it was like it had always been there.

It began with a whisper.

There was silence. Then suddenly a voice. It didn’t speak to him, but to itself.

Eggs, ham, bread, and milk. Eggs, ham, bread, and milk. Eggs, ham, bread, and milk.

Then as suddenly as it arrived, the whisper ceased. Then it was replaced by another.

I have an appointment at three, then dinner with Mom at six. I wonder what she’s making. I hope it’s her homemade . . .

And again it left. Only for another to take its place. He sat in his seat, panic creeping into his chest as he realized what was happening. Then the panic calmed as a soothing voice trickled into his mind.

It’ll be okay.

Everything will work out.

You’ll be fine.

And though the words weren’t meant for him, Yoongi calmed. The voice was right. He would be fine. Everything would work out. It would be okay.

Until it wasn’t.

It’ll be okay.

Everything will work out.

You’ll be fine.

But he wouldn’t because Hoseok was going to be late to his audition. And if he missed this audition, his life would be over. And if his life was over then he didn't know what would happen. He burst through the doors of the auditorium just as a man with a clipboard called his name.

“Here!” Hoseok called, pushing his way through the crowd. “I’m here!”

The man studied him and nodded for Hoseok to follow. They stood in the wings of the stage, watching as the contestant before him waited for her results. Hoseok put his things down and checked his shoes. He stood as he heard the judges clap and saw the girl exit the stage, brushing past him.

“Next,” one of the judges said.

Hoseok took a deep breath and stepped into the harsh light of the stage. He bowed to the judges at center stage.

“Name.” It was more a command than a question.

Hoseok took a shaky breath before calling out. “Jung Hoseok.”

“Year.”

“Sophomore.”

The judge looked up from his paper and stared at Hoseok from over the edge of his glasses. “I’m sure you are already aware that no sophomore has ever passed the audition to join our dance team before, Mr. Jung Hoseok,” the judge said.

Hoseok swallowed. “Yes, sir. I know, but I think I might be that exception.”

The female judge looked up and smiled. “You seem very confident in yourself. That’s good. Please, proceed,” she said, earning a jabbing look from the first judge.

Hoseok nodded and stepped back as the lights dimmed. He shook his hands, trying to get his nerves steady. You can do this , he told himself.

The music began and Hoseok’s mind cleared, thoughts only on the beat of the music and the movement of his body. The dance was solid. He felt a smile creep onto his face. Everything was going well. All he really needed to worry about was the flip Jimin had convinced him to include at the end and he’d be fine.

It was coming up. The music swelled once more before the end of the song and Hoseok let it carry him into the air. His feet returned to the ground as the final note rang out. His breathing was ragged as he felt his ankles shake.

That was terrible , he chastised himself.

As he stood, he suddenly heard, No, it was amazing .

Hoseok’s eyes widened as he looked around, trying to find the owner of the voice. But the judges were busy flipping through their pages, calculating his results. The clipboard man was whispering something to the girl standing at his side. There was no one else there.

Who . . . who said that? He called tentatively in his mind, feeling silly for trying such a thing.

You can hear me?

Hoseok started at the foreign voice in his mind. His eyes strained to comb through the dark stands. They caught on a shadowy figure, far in the back that stood tensely.

“Mr. Jung Hoseok.” His eyes shot down to the judge. “I will admit, you are quite talented.” Hoseok felt his heart clench in his chest. “So it is my pleasure to welcome you to our team.”

Hoseok smiled and bowed before exiting the stage. He grabbed his bag from the wing of the stage and decided to find the man in the stands. But as he entered the hall filled with other contestants, someone caught his arm.

“How did it go?” Jimin asked, staring into Hoseok’s eyes hopefully.

Hoseok swallowed and smiled brightly. “I made it,” he breathed.

Jimin squealed and jumped around Hoseok, earning a laugh from him. “I knew you could do it, hyung!”

“Hey, if I can make it, then you surely will next year,” Hoseok said.

Jimin looked down at his feet. “Nah, you’re a way better dancer than me.”

Hoseok shook his head at Jimin’s humbleness. “When will you be confident in yourself, Jiminnie?”

Jimin shrugged and dragged Hoseok out of the auditorium by his hand. “Come on. Taehyung said he’d buy us all ice cream if you made it.”

Hoseok laughed a few minutes later as Taehyung smeared ice cream on Jimin’s cheek. Then his thoughts returned to the voice and the man who had surely left the auditorium by now.

It’ll be okay , he told himself.

The words echoed in his thoughts.

Who . . . who said that?

Yoongi’s hands shook as he exited the auditorium. He had to get away. Away from the voices that suddenly sounded so loud. That suddenly were so overpowering.

He found his motorcycle by the coffeeshop and shoved his helmet on. He scoffed at himself when the voice’s weren’t muffled. He revved the engine and sped off to the only safe place--the only quiet place--he could think of.

Namjoon never locked the door, a habit Jin often yelled at him for. Yoongi drifted into their apartment, feeling the panic in his chest fade as the voices faded. He was reminded of how he’d heard Hoseok’s voice before. How it had calmed him until it spoke back to him.

He turned on the TV, an activity he usually refrained from doing very often, and raised the volume until his ears pounded.

Someone banged on the walls. “Hey, turn it down!”

With a sigh, he turned down the volume, wishing that Jin had let Namjoon soundproof the walls like he’d wanted. Yoongi drifted around the apartment, music streaming into his ears through his headphones. After about an hour, he heard Jin’s voice whispering, He forgot to lock the door again.

Yoongi would have smirked at his friend’s misfortune if the voice hadn’t raised the panic in his chest again. Jin started at the sight of Yoongi standing in the living room.

Holy shit , Yoongi flinched as he heard Jin think.

“Hi,” he said weakly.

Jin strode over in three steps, his hands already traveling Yoongi’s shoulders. “What happened? Are you hurt? You seem shaken,” he said.

“I-I don’t know,” Yoongi said, exhaustion creeping into his voice.

Namjoon appeared at Jin’s shoulder. “You look like shit,” he said.

Yoongi glared at him as Jin slapped his shoulder. “Sit down,” Jin said. “I’ll make some tea. It will give you some energy.” Yoongi smiled gratefully as Jin retreated into the kitchen.

Namjoon sat down next to him and studied Yoongi cautiously. “What happened, man?”

Yoongi’s shook his head, hearing Jin’s faint, Which would be better, Earl or Camomile? “I don’t know, Namjoon,” Yoongi said truthfully. “You wouldn’t believe me if I tried to explain.”

Namjoon turned and leaned forward. “It’s worth a shot,” he said. “I’ll believe a lot of things.”

Yoongi shook his head and swallowed. He didn't speak, enjoying this brief moment of silence.

Silence.

Yoongi tensed and caught Namjoon’s arm in a steel grip. He looked into Namjoon’s wide eyes, searching for something. “Why can’t I hear your thoughts?” he asked with a shaky breath.

Namjoon let a rueful smile spread across his lips. “Because I hear the voices too,” he whispered.

Yoongi released Namjoon’s arm. “You do?”

Namjoon nodded. “One day I suddenly began hearing these voices in my head. I couldn’t explain it so I freaked out. I came over to Jin’s place and when I heard his voice, my mind cleared,” he said. “The only place I could think was here with Jin, so I stayed and tried to figure out what was happening to me.”

“Did you find out?” Yoongi asked, letting his desperation slip past his cool facade.

“No,” Namjoon answered. “But I figured out how to stop hearing the voices.”

Jin entered the room and handed Yoongi the cup of tea. He sat down next to Namjoon and reached across, squeezing Yoongi’s knee. “I eavesdropped a bit,” he confessed.

Yoongi scoffed and took a sip of the tea. Namjoon continued, “When I thought about it, our minds are like a garden. A garden without walls let’s everything in. So I built mental walls to keep the voices out.”

“And it worked?” Yoongi asked, feeling unsure.

Namjoon exchanged a look with Jin. “Sorta,” he said. “The only voice I hear now is Jin’s. And for some reason he can speak to me.”

Yoongi’s eyes widened. Just like what happened to Hoseok and me today,  he thought.

“Do you think you could teach me?” Yoongi asked, feeling a blush creep into his cheeks.

Namjoon smiled. “Of course, hyung.”

It was a complicated process that took a few hours, Yoongi discovered. He both had to clear his mind and picture his metaphorical garden at the same time. When he had succeeded at that, Namjoon told him, he’d have to imagine a wall surrounding his mind. What it was made of was up to Yoongi. It’d have to be something compatible with his personality, Namjoon said. After a few failures, Yoongi looked into himself (as ridiculous as that sounded to him) and realized that his wall should be made of the strongest thing he knew--music. Finally, the wall was in place.

To test the wall’s strength, Namjoon instructed Jin to think about anything as strongly as he could.

And to Yoongi’s amazement, he heard nothing.

He stood in the center of campus the next day, and heard nothing but his own thoughts.

Hoseok left practice a week after his audition, content with his practice. He greeted a few upperclassmen on their way to practice and slipped out of the building into the brisk autumn air.

And then he heard the music. It was soft at first before it rose to a whisper. Before long, it filled his mind. He felt like he was in the center of a symphony. He could almost feel the different melodies intertwining into the singular song. 

He looked around and saw only one other person on the sidewalk. He stood an inch or so shorter than Hoseok. His eyes were wide and Hoseok wondered if he’d startled the man.

Then he heard it.

You-you didn’t startle me. Not really.

Hoseok jumped and looked around before letting his eyes drift back to the man before him. The music had lulled into a background noise as he stared at the man.

Was that you? He thought.

The man bit his lip before nodding.  

Wha-what are you? Hoseok thought before realizing how horrible that sounded.

I-I don’t know , the man thought, staring down at his hands.

Chapter Text

It had been a week since he’d heard anyone’s voice but his own.

It had been a week of peace for Yoongi. He was alone once more in his mind.

But the worry of hearing Hoseok’s voice through his walls haunted him. When he let himself forget about his strange ability, the memory of Hoseok’s question Who . . . Who said that? awakened a sense of panic in his chest. A fear arose that his walls would break and he’d never be able to rebuild them.

And a question followed him, nagging him. What was he?

It scared him that he didn’t know.

“I’m sorry,” Hoseok blurted.

Yoongi blinked and looked up at him. “What?”

Hoseok kicked the concrete. “Well, it was insensitive of me to say that. E-even if this is all really weird and feels like it should come out of a sci-fi novel or something.”  Yoongi felt a smile flicker on his lips at Hoseok’s rambling. “Uhm, so why can we hear each other’s thoughts?” Hoseok asked, stepping closer to Yoongi.

Yoongi rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not entirely sure, but I can hear more than just your thoughts.”

“What do you mean?” Hoseok asked, scandalized.

“No, wait. I mean I can hear other people’s thoughts as well,” Yoongi said, rushing to correct himself.

Hoseok nodded. “Do they talk back, too?”

Yoongi shook his head. “So far you’re the only one who can hear me.”

Hoseok’s eyes brightened to Yoongi’s surprise. “Cool. I guess that makes me special.”

“And that’s a good thing?” Yoongi asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hoseok shrugged. “Sure. Who wants to be just like everyone else?”

“Yeah, but you were just freaking out over this whole deal, like, four minutes ago,” Yoongi pointed out.

“True,” Hoseok laughed.  A pause. “What’s your name?”

“Yoongi.”

“Well, I’m Hoseok,” he said, taking Yoongi’s hand in his own. Yoongi felt a blush warm his cheeks at Hoseok’s outgoing nature.

Oh, his hand is really soft , Yoongi heard Hoseok think. The blushing increased. And he looks cute when he’s blushing.

Yoongi took his hand back and stood. “I-I gotta go. Uhm, bye.”

“Bye . . . .” he heard Hoseok call softly.

After seeing Hoseok that day, Yoongi seemed to see him everywhere on campus. He saw Hoseok mostly at the performing arts center (where he had music theory). But when Yoongi was sure he’d get a break by visiting the library, there Hoseok was, clowning around with two freshmen. And every time Hoseok was around, his thoughts were a constant stream in Yoongi’s mind.

The worst part was that Yoongi could feel Hoseok reaching out for his mind.

“Why don’t we test out how far away you can be before you stop hearing my thoughts?” Hoseok asked one day, sitting down next to Yoongi in the cafeteria.

“Why?” Yoongi asked, shoveling ramen in his mouth.

Hoseok peeled  his orange. “Why not? Wouldn’t it be fun?”

“No,” Yoongi said automatically.

Meanie , Hoseok thought, scrunching up his nose.

Yoongi rolled his eyes and kept eating.

“Come on,” Hoseok whined, eating a piece of the orange. “It’ll be fun, Yoongi,” he said around the orange.   

Yoongi sighed and put down his chopsticks. “Fine.”

Hoseok clapped his hands and said, “Oh thank you, Yoongi.”

“ Whatever,” he grumbled. Yoongi’s eyes wandered down to Hoseok’s plate. All that sat there was the orange peel and a protein shake. Yoongi nodded to the plate. “Is that all you’re eating?”

Hoseok looked at his plate and said, “Yeah, why?”

Without a word, Yoongi pushed the rest of his ramen towards Hoseok and gave him another orange.

What is he doing? Yoongi heard Hoseok ask himself.

“Eat it,” Yoongi said, nodding at the food.

Hoseok’s eyes widened. “Oh, no. It’s fine, really. I can’t--”

“Eat,” Yoongi said in a more serious tone, “or I’m backing out of this stupid experiment.” He turned back to his smoothie and watched from the corner of his eye as Hoseok finished his ramen.

I guess he’s kinda nice, Hoseok thought.

Yoongi got up to leave. “I know I’m nice,” he said.

One hundred and fifty meters is how far they could stand apart and still hear the other’s thoughts. Hoseok’s voice was faint, but Yoongi could still hear his excited This is so cool! It’s like we’re superheroes! Or spies!

Yoongi rolled his eyes and thought to Hoseok, If we’re done then I’m going home.

Wait! He heard Hoseok call, but then Yoongi stepped out of range and began his trek home.

“Oh, hey Yoongi-hyung.”

Yoongi turned to see Namjoon standing a few feet away. He smiled. “Hey, Namjoon. What are you still doing here?”

“I’m waiting for Jin to pick me up,” Namjoon replied. “Want us to give you a ride home?”

Yoongi shrugged. “Sure. Thanks.”

Namjoon smiled. “No problem.” He gestured to Yoongi’s head. “How you holding up with the . . . you know,” he said, hesitant to name the topic aloud.

Yoongi opened his mouth to reply when he felt a sharp pain in his temple. Without any warning, Hoseok’s voice filled his mind.

How could you? I was in the middle of talking to you, Yoongi. Did you never learn about manners? Where are you? I know you were standing around here.

And he kept going, his rambling like a drum in Yoongi’s mind. Yoongi clutched his temples and scrunched up his face with pain. Namjoon stepped forward and steadied him. Yoongi saw Namjoon’s lips move, but couldn’t hear any words come out.

There you are! He heard Hoseok call. You said you were going-- Wait what happened? Are you alright? Yoongi, answer me.

Yoongi felt Hoseok rest a hand on his shoulder. He met Hoseok’s concerned eyes. But he couldn't hear what he was saying.

It’s too much , he thought hopelessly.

Then, the world turned black.

Chapter Text

There are certain moments that define a turning point in our lives. Sometimes they go unnoticed, like the meeting of a new friend or reading a book you will soon come to know as your favorite. Then there are the more obvious kinds. Like a family member dying or a friend moving away.

But an outlier to both types of moments are the ones that we are aware are occurring, but don’t want to understand. Sometimes those are the most powerful. For they are moments that redefine your life.

And usually they begin with a simple tug.

Hoseok stared at Yoongi’s body held cautiously in Namjoon’s arms. He blinked. Then blinked again. But Yoongi still lay there, unconscious and in pain. And Hoseok was afraid it was because of him .

He tugged at his brown hair. “Is he okay, Namjoon?” he asked, beginning to pace.

Namjoon looked up at Hoseok. “I’m not sure. Did he tell you about anything strange? About anything that was bothering him?” he asked.

Hoseok scrunched his eyebrows together in thought. “Uh, he . . . Yoongi was telling me about something weird, but I don’t want to tell you without his permission,” he confessed.

Namjoon looked Hoseok up and down before asking softly, “Did he tell you about his telepathy?”

Hoseok’s eyes widened. “You knew?”

“I helped Yoongi-hyung control it,” Namjoon said. He stared down at Yoongi’s unconscious form and frowned.

“Before he passed out,” Hoseok began, “Yoongi . . . hyung . . . thought something like ‘It’s too much.’ Do you have any idea what that means?”

Namjoon looked up at him. “You can hear his thoughts?”

“Only sometimes,” Hoseok confessed.

Namjoon scratched his chin. “When you came over, were you thinking a lot? I mean, were you directing your thoughts to Yoongi more strongly than you usually do?” Hoseok nodded, feeling his face pale. Namjoon hummed. “That must be it. Your personalities are polar opposites, therefor your thought waves can easily overpower his. Especially if high quantities of your thoughts rush him at one time. I mean, in theory of course.”

“So this is my fault?” Hoseok asked quietly.

“No,” Namjoon assured him. “This was an accident. We’re all very new at this, Hobi. We’re all learning.”

Hoseok crouched down, clutching his head. “Yoongi-hyung is going to kill me.”

Namjoon placed a comforting hand on Hoseok’s shoulder. “Hey, I’m not sure how long you’ve known Yoongi-hyung, but he’s really sweet. Trust me. His bravado is just an act to keep himself from getting hurt.”

Hoseok smiled at him. “Thanks, Namjoon.”

Namjoon shrugged and shifted Yoongi in his arms. A dark blue truck stopped just in front of them and Jin rushed out of the driver's seat. Hoseok watched as Jin and Namjoon worked together to stick Yoongi in the backseat. And before Hoseok really realized what was happening, he was sitting next to Yoongi, hyper aware of Yoongi’s hair brushing against his neck a his head swayed with the motions of the truck.

He was drifting.

It felt like what he thought taking a space walk would be like. He felt weightless. All around him were stars. And in the background was a faint melody that was calming and soothing. It was an orchestra all around him, lifting him up and filling his mind.

It was everything and then nothing at once. He felt like if he stretched out his hand, he could carry the whole world. He felt peaceful.

But there was something missing. There was an empty space that nagged him. It kept him from truly feeling peaceful here, drifting in space.

Then, like it was pushing aside a curtain, a voice cut through the faint melody and spoke.

I'm sorry.

Come back.

Please.

And then he felt a tug; something telling him to move because he didn’t belong here, drifting aimlessly. He belonged where he could move and feel and fill that empty space with something real. Something immensely valuable. Something that was just for him.

Suddenly the calm dissipated. He felt like water was rushing into his throat and he trashed about, trying to find something to pull himself out by. The stars grew faint as he felt himself being pulled out of the thick, weightless space.

And when he opened his eyes, there was someone staring down at him with worried eyes. Then another face appeared, followed by a third. He watched as they said something, but his ears still seemed to be filled with the thickness of space. But then it cleared and he caught the end of their question:

“ . . . you okay?”

And though he wasn’t entirely sure yet (the empty space that he decided lay in his chest was still there), he decided he should answer.

“Yes.”

It came out hoarse, as if he hadn’t spoken in years, but the person above him smiled and he was happy he’d said something at all. Because that smile was the sun and he had always been pale. Because that smile started to fill up that empty space, just a little.

Because with that single smile, Yoongi realized that he wanted to make sure Hoseok smiled everyday.

Chapter Text

On Monday, Yoongi found out Hoseok had an older sister.

On Tuesday, he found out Hoseok’s favorite color was green.

On Wednesday, he found out Hoseok had a pet dog named Mickey.

And on Thursday, Yoongi realized that Hoseok was in his Calculus class.

Which can be explained. Yoongi hated math. Almost every class he found himself falling asleep in the back of the lecture hall. The only reason he was passing was because Namjoon let him see his notes (not that they really helped; Namjoon disliked math as well).

So when Hoseok sat down next to Yoongi on Thursday, he was understandably surprised.

“Hey, hyung,” Hoseok said, setting down his bag next to Yoongi’s, “feeling better?”

Yoongi sighed. “Hoseok, I’ve told you everyday for the past week that I’m fine. ”

Hoseok nodded and set out a binder. “Just thought I’d ask in case anything’s changed,” he said, opening his binder.

“If anything had changed I would have told you, stupid,” Yoongi muttered. Hoseok turned and stared at him. Yoongi felt his face grow red. Why had he said that? Why did he feel like he owed it to Hoseok to let him know if Yoongi was feeling bad? Hoseok wasn’t his goddamn doctor!

As if sent by some holy being, the professor stepped into the room at that moment and announced she’d begin taking roll. Yoongi opened his notebook and opened to a blank page. The professor began presenting the lesson slides and Yoongi watched from the corner of his eye as Hoseok sat forward and began taking notes. Yoongi shook his head slightly and tried to pay attention to the lecture.

And he tried, he really did. But there was something about Hoseok sitting there next to him that drew his attention away from Calculus. It wasn’t the staggered stream of Hoseok’s thoughts that ranged from I’m hungry to So if x=6, then y must equal 18 . No, Yoongi had found himself accustomed to Hoseok’s thoughts three days after he’d passed out. What caught his attention was Hoseok himself. Yoongi had never let himself study Hoseok’s features (both from fear of being caught and not wanting to let himself find something else likeable about Hoseok), but now that he got the chance to sneak a glance at his features, Yoongi (albeit begrudgingly) admitted that Hosek was very attractive.

From the curvature to his jaw to Hoseok’s bronze skin, Yoongi found everything beautiful. Before he was consciously aware, Yoongi was sketching out Hoseok. His side profile, his hands, his face, his mouth, his eyes, his smile--by the end of the lecture Yoongi’s page was filled with Hoseok. Yoongi stared down at the page and felt embarrassment grab him by the throat. Why the fuck did you do this? He asked himself.

“I didn’t do anything,” Hoseok said suddenly.

Yoongi started and slammed his notebook shut. “What?” he asked, looking at Hoseok with a fake air of calm.

Hoseok gave him a questioning look. “You asked why I did something, but I haven’t done anything,” he said, closing his binder.

Yoongi shoved his notebook in his bag. “Oh, I guess I accidentally thought that to you,” he said. “I was thinking about Calculus. I mean why the fuck you need that, right?” He laughed tensely.

Hoseok smiled. “I know, right? I hate math.” Hoseok gathered his things and stood. “Well, I’ve gotta go. See ya, hyung.”

“Bye,” Yoongi muttered. When Hoseok left, he let a sigh escape his lungs. He reached down to pull his notebook back out of his bag when he realized his notebook wasn’t in his bag. Frantically, Yoongi searched around his seat for the book, but the search was in vain. Paling, Yoongi realized he must have accidentally stuffed it in Hoseok’s bag.

Grabbing his stuff, he ran into the hall. Yoongi surveyed the hallway for any sign of Hoseok’s telltale golden brown hair. He caught sight of Hoseok turning a corner and began to weave his way through the crowd after him. Yoongi exited the building and watched Hoseok walk across the courtyard towards the performing arts center. Yoongi followed close behind.

Hoseok entered the building and Yoongi still followed a ways behind. I wonder if Taemin-sunbaenim will be practicing today. If he is I should ask him for his opinion my routine, Yoongi heard Hoseok think. He stood in the hallway was Hoseok entered a practice room. A dance room, he noted. Yoongi peered through the window on the door and saw Hoseok stretching alone in the center of the room. After a few minutes of stretching, Yoongi watched Hoseok’s fluid movements as he moved to the side of the room and turned on the stereo. Yoongi could hear the steady bass through the door. He considered for a moment going to another practice room and work on a personal project, but then Hoseok began to dance.

And it was nothing like the first time Yoongi had watched him dance. No, this time Hoseok’s movements were delicate and simple instead of powerful and demanding your attention. Hoseok was a leaf carried by the fall wind. He was a branch being carried by the stream. He was a weak heart being taken up by the strings love. And he completely and utterly captivated Yoongi in a way he hadn’t been since he first listened to hip hop. Yoongi felt an itch in his fingertips to take up his notebook and write something that could capture this beauty. But he knew that no words could truly describe Hoseok’s exquisite dance.

Then Yoongi realized that his notebook was in Hoseok’s bag, which was in the practice room with Hoseok . He drew his eyes away from Hoseok (slowly and almost painfully) and glanced around the room. Hoseok had dropped his bag near the door. Yoongi glanced quickly at Hoseok and when he was certain Hoseok was completely concentrated on his dance, Yoongi cracked the door open and dragged Hoseok’s bag out of the room.

He opened the bag and began to dig through Hoseok’s things when he heard the bass fade. Yoongi looked up and caught Hoseok stared at himself in the mirror, hands on his knees, and chest rising and falling in deep breaths.

Almost there .

Yoongi watched as Hoseok began the routine again. Sweat rolled down his face and Yoongi felt his nose scrunch up automatically. He hated to sweat. Yoongi returned to digging through Hoseok’s things. He wasn’t sure how his notebook had ended up so deeply in the bag.

It’s not good enough.

Yoongi stopped and reached out with his mind. He felt his mind touch Hoseok’s and Yoongi took a deep breath and pushed.

His senses seemed to broaden. Yoongi heard the melody of the song in addition to the faint bass he heard in the hall. He felt his clothes stick to his body and the sticky sweat roll down his cheek. He felt his muscles begin to cry out in the faintest bit of fatigue. Most of all, he felt the invigoration of dancing. He felt his heart race and his lips quirked up as he mastered a move. He was one with Hoseok in almost every way.

One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four--

No that should have been a sharper movement.

Okay, now for the spin. Nice.

Yoongi pulled away. His senses returned to him and he was sitting in the hallway, the muffled bass behind him again. He felt a smile creep onto his lips as he pulled his notebook out of Hoseok’s bag. He pushed the bag back into the room quietly and entered another practice room. Sitting at the piano in the room, he felt his body tingle. Words might not be able to describe Hoseok’s dance, but perhaps he could translate it into music.

His fingers rested on the keys and he closed his eyes.

From deep inside him, the beginnings of a melody tumbled out. In that moment, he was the music; just as Hoseok was the dance. He was everything and then nothing at once.

Hoseok finished practicing a few hours later, finally satisfied with his new routine. He took his towel out of his bag and a paper fluttered to the floor. He picked it up, careful to wipe the sweat off his hand first. On the front was a page of sheet music titled “Dance of the Sun.” Hoseok turned the page over and gasped. There was a pencil drawing of him. His eyes were closed, lights shining on him, catching on the beads of sweat that flew off his hair. He was in the middle of his dance. It was beautiful. At the bottom of the drawing was a message:

“You will always be good enough. ~M.S.”

Chapter Text

Yoongi sat across from him, scribbling in his notebook. Hoseok looked up at him from his history notes every once in awhile. Hoseok smiled as he watched Yoongi doodle in the margins as he listened to a lecture. It was nine in the evening, and the library was silent around them. Hoseok liked to think that they were in their own world, sitting there in the still silence.

They sat at a narrow table, their feet brushing against each other with every shift. Hoseok glanced at Yoongi as his foot skimmed Yoongi’s. Hoseok smiled as Yoongi’s cheeks flushed pink. So cute , he thought to himself.

They sat like that for about half an hour when Hoseok noticed Yoongi’s head nod with the beginnings of sleep. Hoseok mimicked Yoongi’s movements as his head came close to the table. Hoseok smiled and nudged Yoongi’s foot under the table. Yoongi flinched, but simply huffed and set his head down.

He set his head down not on the table or on his own notebook, but somehow he managed to fall asleep on Hoseok’s history notes.

Hoseok stared at him in horror. Tentatively, he shook Yoongi’s shoulder. “Hyung,” he hissed, “you can’t sleep here. Not in the library or on my notes.” But Yoongi was out like the table was his four poster bed. Hoseok sighed and rested his cheek on his hand.

Hoseok let his hand wander into Yoongi’s light brown locks and was surprised by how soft they were. He ran his fingers through the short strands and felt his chest tighten. As he sat there he realized he really, really liked the way Yoongi looked as Hoseok ran his fingers through his hair.

Suddenly a buzzing split the silence. Hoseok flinched and dug through his bag to find his phone. “What is it?” he said, answering the call.

“Hyung, do you think you could pick up a pizza on your way home?” Jimin asked.

Hoseok glanced over at Yoongi to make sure he was still asleep. “Yeah, I guess so. Is Taehyung going to be eating some too?”

“Yes!” Hoseok heard Taehyung shout from the background.

He smiled. “Okay, I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Bye.”

(When Yoongi woke up, he found a note where Hoseok had been sitting. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t sleep on my notes, but I’ll let it slide this time, Sleeping Beauty.” Yoongi felt a blush creep onto his cheeks as he gathered his things. Hoseok received his notes during their next Calculus class from a very flustered cute Yoongi.)

Hoseok wasn’t sure where Namjoon was taking him. It was Friday evening and Hoseok was one hundred percent sure that’d he’d rather be at home writing his stupid English paper than being stuck in Namjoon's car, waiting for the world’s longest train to pass them by. Hoseok sighed for the fifth time and rested his head on the window.

Namjoon glanced at the dashboard clock. “We’ll be late if this keeps up,” he murmured.

“What are we even going to be late for ?” Hoseok asked, staring out the window. “Namjoon, you know I have to finish Lee’s paper by Monday.”

“And you will,” Namjoon replied. “Now relax because I promise this will all be worth it in the end.”

Hoseok shook his head. In the car next to them, the driver began to roll down his window. Hoseok watched, wide eyed, as Min Yoongi stuck his head out of the window. “Come on, man. Some of us have places to be!” he yelled at the passing train.

“I’d like to see things from your point of view, but I can’t seem to find you fucking ass to stick my head up,” Hoseok heard Yoongi yell, pausing between insults. “I wasn’t born with enough middle fingers to let you know how I feel about you. . . . Is this what it’s like for a thought to cross your mind?” he asked. “How many times do I have to flush before you go away?”

The train blared its whistle in reply.

And Hoseok could only gaze at Yoongi through the window because he couldn’t do anything else. He was enthralled by this marvel before him. A man who could hear his thoughts and yelled at trains. A man who fell asleep on Hoseok's history notes. A man who doodled in the margins on his notes. A man who couldn't seem to see how amazing he was. By the time Hoseok reacquired his wits, the train had passed and they were driving again. Hoseok turned to Namjoon. “Y-you saw that too, right?” he asked.

Namjoon nodded.

“Wow,” Hoseok breathed, his eyes still wide. He stared blankly at the road ahead and didn’t catch the mischievous smile that played across Namjoon’s lips.

Namjoon had taken him to a club. Hoseok sat at the bar with Namjoon, scowling at his drink. “Why are we here?” he asked, irked that they were at a club when Hoseok could be writing his paper. (Or trying to figure out a way to tell Yoongi how amazing Hoseok thought he was. Not that Hoseok would admit that to anyone.)

Namjoon glanced at his watch. “You’ll see in about three minutes.”

“No,” Hoseok said, “I want to see now. I'm tired of waiting, Namjoon. ”

The club music that buzzed in Hoseok’s ears stopped. He and Namjoon looked over to the stage across the bar. For the second time that evening, all Hoseok could do was stare. Because Yoongi stood at the microphone to greet the crowd.

Yoongi stood silently and motioned for the crowd to respond. All around him, Hoseok watched as people yelled and screamed and asked Yoongi to start. Yoongi smiled and said, “Nice to see you, everyone. I’m Min Suga!” The crowd cheered and the club was filled with the start of Yoongi’s performance. A steady beat thumped against the walls and Hoseok watched with stars in his eyes as Yoongi began to rap.

The lyrics were vulgar and resonated deep within Hoseok. He felt his foot begin to tap with the beat. Hoseok found himself chanting with the crowd even though he didn’t know the lyrics. He felt the same way he did while he danced. The world was his and nothing could touch him in that moment.

The first song ended and almost immediately Yoongi began the next. He grabbed a bottle of water and began spraying some water on the crowd before pouring the rest on his head. Hoseok felt a smile take over his face. His heart raced like he’d been dancing for hours upon hours.

And he was completely and utterly taken by the creature that was Min Yoongi.

Chapter Text

Autumn blended into winter. Yoongi found himself lingering outside Hoseok’s practice room more often than he found himself in front of his piano. Every time Hoseok smiled, Yoongi felt his heart pound in his ears. He tried to convince himself that any feelings he had for Hoseok were platonic and Hoseok was just a very, very attractive person.

But he stopped trying the day Hoseok walked into the library, hair ruffled by the wind, a beanie on his head, and a scarf wrapped around his neck because, damn, Yoongi could appreciate that.

Hoseok set down his things and took off his scarf to reveal a black turtleneck. How can someone look so good in a turtleneck? Yoongi asked himself. Hoseok smiled at him as he sat down. “Hyung, what are you doing tomorrow?” he asked.

Yoongi raised an eyebrow. “Tomorrow? Sleeping in, why?”

Hoseok shrugged. “It’s just that they’re opening the ice rink for the season tomorrow and I was wondering if you’d like to go with me?”

Yoongi stared at him. “With you? Like, alone with you?”

Hoseok’s eyes widened. “No! Not like that. I mean, I would ask Taehyung and Jimin to go with me, but they’re together it would be like I’d gone by myself. So I thought maybe you'd want to go with me.”

Yoongi nodded. “Okay.”

Hoseok gave him a questioning glance. “Okay? As in, okay you’ll go with me?” he asked.

Yoongi nodded again, flipping through his notebook. “Okay, I’ll go with you.”

Hoseok smiled and grabbed Yoongi’s hands. “Thank you, hyung!” he exclaimed. Yoongi saw people at the tables near them begin to stare and felt his face go red. 

Hoseok was supposed to pick Yoongi up at four. He was fifteen minutes late and Yoongi was about to go back inside. Yoongi buried his nose into his scarf and rubbed his hands together. Five more minutes , he told himself. I’ll go inside in five more minutes .

Just as he was about to turn around and retreat into the warmth of his home, Hoseok pulled up in his car. Yoongi watched as Hoseok came around and opened the passenger door for him. “Sorry I’m late. I stopped to get us coffee,” Hoseok said, closing the door after Yoongi. Feels like a date, Yoongi thought sourly.

He picked up the cup of coffee closest to him and took a sip. Hoseok slipped into his seat. “How is it?” Hoseok asked.

“Warm,” Yoongi replied, keeping the scalding coffee between his hands.

Hoseok cringed. “Sorry, the line was longer than I thought it would be on a Saturday afternoon,” he said. Yoongi hummed, taking another sip. “On the bright side,” Hoseok said, “the ice rink is close to your apartment.”

“It is?” Yoongi asked. Hoseok nodded. They rode in a comfortable silence. Yoongi couldn’t help stealing glances at Hoseok. He's wearing glasses today, Yoongi noticed. I wonder if they’re real .

The glasses? They’re just for style, he heard Hoseok think.

“You heard that?” Yoongi asked, his voice cracking.

Hoseok nodded. “Was I not supposed to?”

“Yes. I mean, no. I mean . . . it’s not important,” Yoongi sputtered, a blush spreading across his face.

Hoseok smiled and laughed lightly. Yoongi slouched in his seat and pulled his scarf up to his nose.

He took everything back, he hated Hoseok. Yoongi swung his arms around, trying to regain his balance on the ice. Hoseok laughed in front of him and Yoongi shot him a fatal glare. “How are you so good at ice skating?” Yoongi asked, still glaring as Hoseok skated circles around him.

Hoseok shrugged. “I used to skate a lot with my sister back home. It just takes practice.”

Yoongi let out a yelp as he began to fall backwards. Suddenly, his chest rested against Hoseok’s as he supported him. Yoongi let Hoseok help him regain his balance. His cheeks were on fire. “Thanks,” he muttered. Hosek chuckled and watched as Yoongi struggled to move forward.

“I could teach you,” Hoseok offered.

Yoongi’s first instinct was to refuse because he could figure this out on his own, thank you very much. But then he saw Hoseok skate leisurely before him and realized he wouldn’t figure it out without Hoseok's help. With a defeated sigh, Yoongi muttered, “Fine. Please teach me.”

Hoseok smiled broadly and began teaching Yoongi the basics: how to balance himself, how to move forward, and how to change directions. All silly things Yoongi felt stupid for not being able to figure out. Then Hoseok decided he’d teach Yoongi how to move a little faster. Taking Yoongi’s hand in his own, Hoseok pulled him forward. Yoongi yelped and grabbed Hoseok’s arm with his free hand. So cute, he heard Hoseok think. Hoseok smiled and pulled him forward a little faster.

“What are you doing?” Yoongi hissed, his grip like steel on Hoseok’s arm.

Hoseok smiled at him. “You’ll see.”

Yoongi felt his stomach flip as Hoseok pulled him along. “No,” he said, realizing what Hoseok had planned. “No, no, no. Don’t do this, Hoseok. Don’t spin me!” he cried as Hoseok spun him around. Yoongi felt like his arm was getting pulled out of his shoulder. Yoongi let out a cry as Hoseok laughed. He met Hoseok’s eyes and if he hadn’t been spinning around on ice skates, his heart might have skipped a beat. But then Hoseok decided to let go of Yoongi’s hand. “Hoseok!!” Yoongi screamed as he went sliding across the rink.

He reached the side of the rink without falling somehow. He glared once more at Hoseok as he glided over, eyes tearing up with laughter. “I hate you,” Yoongi growled. But Hoseok just kept laughing. “I mean it,” Yoongi insisted, but it didn’t seem to mean anything to Hoseok.

Yoongi watched as Hoseok doubled over. A smile tugged at his lips as he said, “Alright, it wasn’t that funny.” A chuckled escaped his lips. “Okay, maybe it was a little funny,” he admitted.

Hoseok calmed down, taking a few deep breathes. He stood up straight and smiled tenderly at Yoongi. For the third time that day, he blushed. Hoseok took his hand again and pulled him along. And when Hoseok spun him around this time, Yoongi took both of Hoseok’s hands in his, threw back his head and laughed.

“Hey,” Hoseok said, breaking the silence that surrounded them in the car, “do you want to come over to my place and watch some movies? Maybe order some pizza?”

Yoongi stared at Hoseok as he bit his lip. His heart thumped wildly because Hoseok might have gotten away with passing the afternoon at the ice rink as “just hanging out,” but inviting Yoongi to movies and pizza at his place? Total date material.

And despite that (or maybe because of that) Yoongi said, “Sure.”

He couldn’t deny that Hoseok’s smile sent tingles down his spine and to his fingertips. He didn’t pretend his heart wasn’t racing because watching movies with Hoseok probably meant sitting close together on a couch where thighs would touch and their hands would brush as they reached for the popcorn, and--

Since when was I this cliche? Yoongi asked himself.

Did I clean the living room yesterday? He heard Hoseok think anxiously. Shit, what if Jimin and Taehyung ate the last of the popcorn the last time they were over?

Then we can just go buy some more, Yoongi thought to him gently. Simple as that.

Yoongi learned that Hoseok owned all the Star Wars movies.

He also learned that Hoseok owned every Disney movie to date.

And he learned that he really liked watching movies with Hoseok.

They sat on Hoseok’s couch (which was a little longer than Yoongi had imagined) and watched A New Hope . The room was dark and Hoseok’s shoulder was a hair's width apart from Yoongi's. He found it endearing that even though Hoseok had seen the movie countless times before, he still jumped when the sand people ambushed Luke and still teared up when Vader broke his promise to Leia.

And he really, really enjoyed it when Hoseok started to fall asleep about halfway through the movie. Yoongi watched him as his head rolled towards his chest and then shot up again as he woke up. His heart clenched as Hoseok tried to shake the sleep out of his eyes only for them to begin to droop again. Finally, Yoongi gently pulled Hoseok’s head onto his shoulder and he fell asleep. Yoongi watched the rest of the movie still as a statue.

Finally the credits began to roll. Yoongi looked down at Hoseok and smiled fondly. Confidence grew in Yoongi’s chest as he watched Hoseok sleep peacefully on his shoulder. Yoongi leaned his head closer to Hoseok’s ear and whispered, “You want to know something really scary? I think I’m starting to fall in love with you.”

Chapter Text

“For the last time, Taehyung,” Jimin said, getting up from the couch, “we are not getting a dog.” He met Taehyung’s eyes. “No,” he said forcefully, “those puppy-dog eyes won’t work on me this time. Try something different, Tae.”

Taehyung pouted as Jimin went into the kitchen to throw away their plates. Jimin sighed, sure that when he returned to the living room, Taehyung would have a solid reason to why they should get a dog. And if not that, then surely Taehyung would refuse to kiss him until they got a dog (and honestly Jimin wasn’t sure how long he could go without kissing Taehyung).

But he would be strong. Because they were not and could not get a dog. Entering the living room again, Jimin said, “Besides, Tae, our landlord said that he didn’t allow pets in the--” He stopped because sitting on the couch where he had left Taehyung, was a small white dog. Jimin furrowed his eyebrows and turned around to survey the room. “What the hell? Okay, Taehyung, I don’t care if you already got us a dog, we can’t keep him. Now come out here and let’s take him to the shelter.”

Taehyung didn’t appear. Jimin moved around the dog and called for Taehyung. The dog barked at him. Jimin glared at the dog and said, “Hush and help me find Tae.”

The dog hopped off the couch and began barking as it spun in circles. “Hush!” Jimin whispered yelled, kneeling down to grab the dog. He picked up the dog and walked into their bedroom. “Taehyung, you can come out now.” he said. The dog barked again and Jimin stared down at it. “Where did Taehyung go?” he asked it.

Suddenly, smoke covered the dog. Jimin coughed and waved it away from his face. Looking down at his arms again, he saw that where the dog had been now stood Taehyung.

“Hi,” Taehyung said with a bright smile.

Jimin’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. “Did you just--”

“Yep.”

“But how?”

“I don’t know.”

“Oh my god.”

Jin leaned into Namjoon’s side as they watched the news. “Joonie,” Jin said, “could you pass me the remote? I think Chopped is about to come on.”

Namjoon turned and stared over at their armchair. How the remote had ended up across the room, he couldn’t be sure. All he knew was that he was very comfortable where he was. He sighed and wished with all his might he had been given telekinesis instead of telepathy. I can’t believe this , he heard Jin think. Namjoon rolled his eyes and moved to get up when the remote trembled. He furrowed his eyebrows and concentrated. Slowly, the remote began to rise up from the seat cushion. Within moments, it landed in Namjoon’s hand. He turned to a open mouthed Jin and smirked.

“How many superpowers do you have?” Jin cried, snatching the remote from Namjoon's hands.

Light cannot be found in darkness, and thus darkness cannot be found in the light.

However, people are not so black and white.

In the light, what some would call miracles occur, but in the darkness, the shadows grow longer.

A boy walks home from school, alone. As he stares at his feet, his shoulder knocks into another man’s. The man and his friend catch the boy by the shoulder and drag him into an alleyway. The boy is shoved into the wall and glares up at the two men irritably. The first man punches him in the face. Blinded by rage, the boy throws back a punch. The man staggers and presses a hand to the blooming bruise the boy left on him. The second man shoves the boy back against the wall and knees him in the stomach. Doubled over, the boy can do nothing as the second man’s knuckles connect with his ear. The boy crumples to the ground as the men walk away, smirking over their shoulders at him.

The boy’s vision blurs as him head rolls from shoulder to chest. In his line of sight, a pair of expensive leather shoes appear. The boy struggles to look up, but all he sees is a blurry outline of the man.

“It must be horrible,” the boy hears him say, “to be so powerless in front of such evil people.”

The boy shakes his head to try and clear his vision, but he is rewarded with only a sharp pain at his temple.

The man crouches before the boy. “What would you do if I told you that I could give you the chance to do something about all this evil in the world?”

The boy’s vision began to clear. He met the man’s eyes and said, “I’d take it, no matter the price.”

The man smiled wickedly at the boy. “Good choice,” he said, pulling the boy to his wobbly feet. “Now come. We must start right away with ridding the world of all its evil.”

Chapter Text

“You want to know something really scary? I think I’m starting to fall in love with you.”

Yoongi let out a shaky breath into the heavy silence, relieved to finally put a name to his feelings.

“There are scarier things in the world than falling in love.”

Yoongi felt his muscles tense. His heart hammered in his chest as he turned to gaze down at Hoseok who had woken up and was now staring back up at Yoongi. And the world came crashing down on him. Because Hoseok had a habit of hearing things Yoongi didn’t want him to. Because somehow, Hoseok was always braver than Yoongi.

Hoseok stared at him, eyes that were truly windows to Hoseok’s soul. Yoongi felt his hands shake. He couldn’t do this. He was sure of it. If he said anything, the spell that kept Hoseok here--here as Yoongi’s friend--would break and Yoongi wasn’t sure what he’d do now that so much of his life was just simply Hoseok.

It’ll be okay.

Everything will work out.

You’ll be fine.

Again, Yoongi felt the panic that overtook his chest soothe at the sound of Hoseok’s voice in his mind. He kept staring into Hoseok’s open eyes, unsure of what he should say--or if he should say anything at all.

You’re so cute when you’re flustered.

Yoongi took a shaky breath, their eye contact a spell that had apparently been cast upon him.

You know, you’re also really cute when you taking notes during class. You stick your tongue out a bit when you’re concentrating. And when you doodle in your notebook. You're really cute then, too.

Yoongi felt his cheeks heat up. Hoseok knew these things. Hoseok had paid as close attention to him as Yoongi had to Hoseok.

You already know this, but you are so cute when you blush.

Yoongi’s mouth was dry.

I’d prefer it if you didn’t call me cute, he managed to think.

Hoseok smirked. But it’s true, hyung. You’re really cool when you rap, though.

Yoongi gasped. “Who told you that?” he asked.

Namjoon took me to one of your performances.

Yoongi held back his curses. He broke their eye contact as he looked away, attempting to think of a way to get back at Namjoon. And the spell was broken. Hoseok leaned back into the couch, creating some space between them. And when Yoongi noticed what had changed, Hoseok was busy fiddling with the TV. He felt his heart sink because if there had been any semblance hope of something that could come from Yoongi’s mistake, it was gone now. Yoongi opened his mouth, trying to get a grasp on that moment again, but no words came out. If there was a magic spell that would bring that moment back, well, Yoongi’s superpowers didn’t include it.

Jimin had always been good at realizing when something was wrong with one of his friends. And for the first time, Hoseok wished he wasn’t.

“What’s wrong, hyung?” Jimin asked as he sat down across from Hoseok. Taehyung slid in the seat next to him and began eating.

Hoseok sighed. “It’s nothing, Jiminnie, I swear.”

Jimin furrowed his eyebrows. “Are you sure?”

“Yes! I’m sure!” he exclaimed.

But Jimin didn’t deserve to get yelled at.

Hoseok rubbed the heels of his hands into his eyes and sighed again. “I’m sorry,” he said. “It’s just . . . I have some complicated stuff going on right now.”

Jimin and Taehyung exchanged a glance. “Do you wanna talk about it?” Taehyung asked.

Hoseok’s first instinct was to say no. He could figure this out by himself. But then he realized maybe he couldn’t. And maybe the best people to help him with this were his two friends who had gone through something similar. “Do you remember,” Hoseok began, “how you two got together?”

Taehyung scoffed. “Of course we do, hyung. Why wouldn’t we?”

Hoseok took a shaky breath. “Well, I have this friend. And he may have, uhm, accidentally confessed to his crush. But his crush doesn’t know how they feel about my friend and his crush may have made a huge mistake,” he said quickly.

Jimin leaned across the table and said softly, “Is this friend Yoongi-hyung?”

Hoseok’s eyes widened as he nodded.

“Is his crush you?” Taehyung asked quietly.

“How did you know?” Hoseok asked.

Jimin and Taehyung exchanged another glance. “It was obvious,” Jimin said. “Yoongi-hyung always gets these really soft heart-eyes when he looks at you.”

A wistful smile spread across Hoseok’s face. “I know, isn’t it cute?”

“Hyung,” Taehyung said softly, “do you like Yoongi-hyung?”

Hoseok furrowed his eyebrows. “I--I think so. But I think I’ve made a huge mistake.”

“Why?” Jimin asked.

Hoseok bit his lip. “Well, now he won’t talk to me.”

Yoongi had regretted a lot of things in his life, but none more than accidentally confessing to Hoseok and ruining their friendship. And he was sure, so sure , that Hoseok would never talk to him again. Because what weirdo falls in love with his best friend?

So he didn’t attend his Calculus lecture on Thursday.

He didn’t linger on campus after his other classes.

And he stayed home to work on his songs.

But even he could get bored sitting at home all day. So Yoongi found himself sitting the corner of the coffee shop near his apartment. He leaned back against his seat, his notebook open before him, and let the world move on without him. He hardly noticed when Jimin brought him his coffee. His mind was the sea, and his thoughts were getting jumbled together in the currents of his regrets.

“In recent news,” the pretty news anchor said from the TV across the shop, “a series of strange anomalies has occurred across South Korea in the past few weeks.” Yoongi felt his attention being dragged from the depths of his mind. Jimin, who had been setting down a chocolate-chip muffin on Yoongi’s table, stopped and stood next to Yoongi. “People from all walks of life have been experiencing strange occurences that seem like they’re from a superhero comic,” the anchor continued.

“In Ilsan, a man reported that his wife and left their house and flew down the street,” the anchor said. “In Gwangju, a woman reported that she saw a man lift a rock without touching it. And in Busan, a fisherman reported that after slipping off a dock, he heard the fish speak.

“Scientists around the country are baffled by these and other outlandish episodes,” the anchor reported. “As of now, they can offer us no explana--” She stopped, leaning forward to listen to someone off camera. The anchor turned back to the camera and said, “We have just received breaking news that a man in Seoul, one of the persons from around the country reporting these unusual experiences, has committed suicide. We will release more on the story later today, however we can report that the deceased claimed to be able to read minds.”

Yoongi felt his heart stop.

“Namjoon.”

He turned and met Jimin’s eyes. Without a word, Yoongi slapped all the money he had in wallet on the table and sprinted out the door, frantically dialling Jin’s phone number.

Chapter Text

As Jin brought a stack of cookies into the room to console his spooked friends, he frowned at Yoongi who stood next to Namjoon, far away from where Hoseok sat with Jimin and Taehyung. Yoongi looked up, feeling Jin’s gaze, and shrugged. He kept his eyes down, avoiding any chance that his gaze could even skirt around Hoseok.

“Well,” Namjoon said awkwardly, “I’m touched that you all came to check up on me, but Jin and I were about to go out for the evening.”

Taehyung wrinkled his nose. “Ew, hyung.” Namjoon threw a pillow at him.

“Anyway,” Jin said pointedly, “our reservation is at seven so . . . .”

Jimin stood, dragging Taehyung up with him. “It’s alright, hyung,” he said to Jin. “We’re glad you’re alright, Namjoonnie,” he said, crossing the apartment with Taehyung.

Yoongi rubbed his hands on his thighs. “I’d better get going. Have fun on your date,” he said, turning to leave.

“I’m leaving too, then,” Yoongi heard Hoseok say. Yoongi cringed as he opened the front door. He was almost in his car when Hoseok grabbed his arm firmly. “Hyung, can we talk?” he asked.

Yoongi didn’t turn around. He didn’t trust himself not to break down if he looked at Hoseok. “We’re talking right now,” he managed to let out.

Hoseok huffed. “Okay,” he began, “then I’ll go right ahead with it. Did I do something wrong?”

Yoongi stared down at his shoes. “No,” he grumbled.

“Then why are you ignoring me?”

“Because . . . .” he trailed off.

“Yoongi, look at me,” Hoseok said. Yoongi didn’t move. Suddenly, Hoseok’s shoes were before his eyes. “Yoongi,” he said softly. Yoongi closed his eyes as Hoseok’s hand came up and rested on his cheek. A shiver ran down Yoongi’s spine as Hoseok carressed his cheek with his thumb. “I want you to know something, Yoongi,” Hoseok said, “but you have to look at me while I say it.”

Slowly, Yoongi let his eyes travel up Hoseok’s body before stopping on his face. Yoongi realized he had been starved of Hoseok. His eyes drank up every crease and line on Hoseok’s face. He memorized every feature anew. And Hoseok was still indescribably beautiful.

So when the tears came, Yoongi wasn’t surprised.

Hoseok gasped as a drop fell onto his hand. “Why are you crying?” he asked, cupping Yoongi’s other cheek.

Yoongi felt like he hadn’t spoken in years when he said, “You’re so beautiful.”

Hoseok’s cheeks were aflame and Yoongi realized that he loved it when Hoseok blushed. Suddenly, Hoseok threw his arms around Yoongi’s neck, knocking him back a step. Yoongi held his hands at his side, unsure what to do with them. “I missed you,” Hoseok whispered.

Yoongi furrowed his eyebrows. “You-you aren’t angry with me?’

Hoseok pulled away a bit and stared at Yoongi. “You’re an idiot,” he said. “Why would I be mad at you?”

“Because I confessed,” he whispered.

Hoseok cupped Yoongi’s cheek again. “Yoongi, even if the circumstances were different, that wouldn’t have mattered to me,” he said.

“Different?” Yoongi asked.

Hoseok blushed again and Yoongi felt his heart flutter with something he thought was hope.

I . . . I like you, Yoongi .

Yoongi’s eyes widened. Hoseok bit his lip and stepped back, clasping his hands behind him. Yoongi reached out with a trembling hand, afraid that he would wake up and this would all be a dream, but he had to reach out. He wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.

So he reached out for Hoseok. He reached out and found that he was real. He reach out and pulled Hoseok into him.

Yoongi thought, I missed you, too.

Hoseok slung his bag onto his shoulder and looked over at Yoongi. He let a fond smile spread across his lips as he tapped on Yoongi’s shoulder. “Walk me to practice?” he asked, his head cocked to the side.

He watched as Yoongi swallowed and nodded. As the fell into step, Hoseok let himself ramble on about something that had happened the day before in his chemistry class. He faltered only when Yoongi’s hand brushed against his own. Hoseok studied Yoongi’s face as he grasped his hand. A smug smile overcame his face as Hoseok watched Yoongi blush and glance at him.

Why don’t you ever get flustered? Yoongi asked him.

Hoseok shrugged. I dunno.

They stopped outside the practice room. Hoseok watched as Yoongi stared wistfully at the empty room. “Do you want to stay?” Hoseok asked.

Yoongi’s head whipped around. “Can I?”

“Sure,” Hoseok said, unlocking the door. He smiled as Yoongi squeezed his hand. Hoseok set his things down and began stretching. He watched from the corner of his eye as Yoongi sat down against the back wall and pulled out a battered notebook. Hoseok went to the stereo and turned on his music.

Within moments he was lost, swept up by the melodies and steady beats of the song. He ran through the routine a few times before he let himself relax. He continued to dance, but let his gaze wander to Yoongi’s reflection. Hoseok smiled as he watched Yoongi write furiously in his notebook. He started the routine again and Yoongi was tapping his fingers on his lap in a steady rhythm. As he watched Yoongi sway with his eyes closed, Hoseok realized he was playing the piano in his mind.

Hoseok ended the routine and shuffled over to the stereo. After turning it off, he slid over and sat down next to Yoongi. Hoseok leaned over his shoulder and stared at the sheet music Yoongi had written.

Gross you’re all sweaty, Yoongi thought, leaning away from Hoseok.

Hoseok leaned in with a smug smile. I’m sorry, sweaty.

Yoongi scoffed and turned his pencil around in his hand before making a change to the notes. Hoseok watched with a childlike fascination at Yoongi edited and acted out the music.

“Will you play it for me?” Hoseok asked, his voice just above a whisper.

Yoongi glanced over at him and nodded. They got up and made their way down the hall. Yoongi sat down at the bench of the piano. He patted the seat. Hoseok sat down next to him. Yoongi set the notebook on the piano stand and stretched his hands.

The first note rang out and Hoseok felt shivers run through his body. Yoongi continued playing and Hoseok closed his eyes. Yoongi hadn’t played another measure before Hoseok was completely taken up by the melody. It was beautiful and delicately sorrowful. Hoseok felt like he was standing in a field of flowers, waiting for someone he wasn’t sure would come. He felt his heart swell with some emotion he could describe before he was tripping and falling like a brook with the music. As the song reached its climax, Hoseok felt like he was flying above the world, looking down on all its beauty. The song calmed and brought him back to the field. He felt the sorrow over take him and tears escaped his eyes as he listened to the song reach its end.

Hoseok opened his eyes. He met Yoongi’s and smiled a wistful smile. “It’s beautiful, Yoongi,” he whispered. Yoongi smiled and made some changes to the piece. Hoseok reached over and pulled a piece of paper out of his bag. Yoongi looked over and Hoseok smiled at the blush that spread across his face.

“That’s--” Yoongi said, stopping as Hoseok nodded.

“Could you play it for me?” he asked. Yoongi nodded and set the paper on the stand. He stretch his hands again and began playing “Dance of the Sun.”

And Hoseok was dancing. He felt the same exhilaration listening to Yoongi’s song that he did while he danced. He felt lighter than air. He was the sun.

They lost time, sitting there in that practice room. They were lost in the music and memories of wonderful things. And neither would trade it for anything in the world. Because they were there in that practice room, hidden away from the world. And it felt like the world couldn't touch them so long as they were together. 

“We have shocking news to share with you tonight. A fourth suicide has occurred this week and police have released that the victim was another one of those who reported acquiring supernatural powers earlier this week. Police state that while all four appear to have died by suicide, they are not ruling out homicide. Police also warn those who have reported having these powers, and those who have not reported them, to be wary and stay safe incase there is a murder on the loose.”

The boy shut the TV off. “Isn’t this a problem?” he asked.

From the shadows, the man answered, “No. The police won’t be a problem.”

“Are you sure?”

“Are you doubting me? After all we’ve been through already? After what we've achieved so far?”

“. . . No.”

“Good,” the man said. “Now, come along. There’s someone who we need to visit.”

Chapter Text

Movie nights at Namjoon and Jin’s apartment were always interesting. Not because the movie they were watching was particularly riveting, but because you could always count on Jimin, Taehyung, and Hoseok to do something stupid. Still, Yoongi hadn’t expected Taehyung to turn into a bird in the middle of The Conjuring .

They stared in silence as the bird floundered around the room. It landed on Jimin’s knee, and after a moment a puff of smoke surrounded the bird and Taehyung sat in it’s place. Jimin glared at him as the rest stared with opened mouths.

“Did you just turn into a bird?” Hoseok asked, pointing at Taehyung with a blank stare.

Taehyung rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s a long story.”

Jin leaned over Namjoon’s lap to reach the remote and turned off the TV. “We’ve got time.”

Taehyung chewed on his lip. “Well a few weeks I was trying to convince Jimin to get us a dog, and the next thing I knew I was a dog,” Taehyung said, exchanging an embarrassed glance with Jimin. “All I know is that I can control it only if I concentrate really, really hard.”

The room was silent as they took in Taehyung's confession.

Namjoon leaned forward. “Since we’re sharing secrets, I can hear people’s thoughts and move things with my mind.”

Yoongi stared at him with wide eyes. “Since when have you been a telekinetic?”

Namjoon shrugged. “It’s been a few weeks.”

Jimin and Taehyung gazed at him with wide eyes. “Hyung, will you show us?” Jimin asked.

Namjoon shrugged and furrowed his eyebrows, staring at the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table. Jin followed his gaze and gasped, snatching up the bowl as it began to wobble. “No, no, no. I am not cleaning popcorn off the floor,” he said sternly as Namjoon gave him a betrayed look. “Find something that won’t make a mess or break.”

“Fine,” Namjoon sighed, moving his gaze to a book on the coffee table. Withing moments it began to tremble and rise into the air.

Jimin and Taehyung gasped as the book hovered toward them. Taehyung giggled as he nudged the book with his finger. Namjoon smiled and let the book fall into Jimin’s hands. “That’s so cool, hyung,” Taehyung said, voice full of awe. Namjoon smiled shyly and leaned into Jin's shoulder.

Hoseok slung his arm around Yoongi’s shoulder. “Yoongi can hear people’s thoughts, too.”

“Hoseok,” Yoongi said, glaring at him.

“What?” Hoseok said. “I can’t tell them?”

Yoongi sighed a shook his head. “Never mind."

Jimin smiled. “Amazing.”

Taehyung slapped Jimin’s shoulder. “Hey, doesn’t it feel like we’re superheroes?” Jimin pushed Taehyung and giggled.

Yoongi scoffed. “We would be the worst superheroes.”

The boy found himself petting a small dog in the park while the man dealt with some business across the street. He smiled as the dog rolled onto its back and wriggled under his hand. The boy grabbed a stick and tossed it across the grass and watched as the dog bounded after it.

“You should be more careful.”

The boy startled at the man’s voice and stood up quickly, ignoring the dog as it bounded back with the stick. The man set his hand on the boy’s shoulder heavily. “You shouldn’t show weakness, boy. You never know who’s watching.”

“Yes, sir,” the boy murmured.

The man slapped the boy’s back. “Good lad. Now come, you should meet our new comrade.”

Hoseok sat tangled in Yoongi’s arms as they watched Healer . Hoseok’s chest felt warm as Yoongi absentmindedly brushed his fingers up and down Hoseok’s arm. Just as they reached the climax of the episode, the screen went black and switched to the face of a flustered news anchor. The anchor gathered his papers and cleared his throat.

“The government has released a statement requiring all citizens that have a acquired supernatural powers to officially register them. Registration will allow scientists to gather information on all those with these abilities and to better understand how and why they have these powers.” Hoseok exchanged a glance with Yoongi as the anchor droned on about the process of registration.

Hoseok watched as Yoongi scowled and turned off the TV. Hoseok rubbed his back as Yoongi rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands. “Great. Now I can be a lab rat,” Yoongi groaned.

Hoseok furrowed his eyebrows. “I won’t let them do anything to you, Yoongi.”

Yoongi smiled at him. “I appreciate the offer, but what could you do against a group of government goons if they showed up at the door?”

Hoseok puffed out his chest. “Don’t doubt my frame. My basic base is good.”

Yoongi looked at him skeptically. “Oh yeah, I’m sure.”

“You doubt me?” Hoseok exclaimed. “Come here, I’ll show you how strong I am.” Hoseok tackled Yoongi to the couch and gave him a smug look.

Yoongi scoffed. “Wow you’re so strong pushing someone onto the couch.”

Hoseok opened his mouth to reply but was stopped when he noticed how close he was to Yoongi. He could feel Yoongi’s soft breaths on his cheek. Hoseok felt his whole body heat up as his eyes moved to Yoongi’s lips without Hoseok’s permission. Hoseok cleared his throat and leaned back, climbing off of Yoongi. “I’m-I’m going to go make a smoothie. Want one?” he said, avoiding Yoongi’s eyes lest he lose control.

“Sure,” Yoongi whispered. Hoseok nodded and left the room.

If he had looked back, he would have seen Yoongi watching Hoseok leave with a disappointed expression.

But Hoseok was sure that he needed to let the moon breathe. And the sun couldn’t do that without dying every night.

If only the sun knew that the moon didn’t want to breathe. He wanted to drown in the sun’s rays and forget what it was like to be alone in the darkness of the night.

Chapter Text

“Why does he have to be here?” the boy asked angrily.

The man sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Seungjun is going to be a valuable asset in this war.”

The boy glanced over at where Seungjun crouched in a corner, playing a game on his phone vigorously. “Oh, yeah I can see it now.”

“Just do your job and there won’t be anything to worry about,” the man said, leaving the boy alone with Seungjun to continue his work.

The boy kicked the ground. “What even is my job anymore?” he asked himself quietly.

Before he had stepped into his Calculus class, Yoongi knew something had changed. The air on campus was different. It was tense somehow. As he walked through the buildings, he noticed people whispering behind their hands, pointing at people as others passed. Yoongi scowled at two boys pointed at him and whispered to each other. He stopped outside his Calculus class and sighed, knowing that the easiest way to figure out what was going on was to hear someone’s thoughts.

Carefully, he pictured a small hole in his wall of music. Reaching out to the girl standing across the hall, he channeled her thoughts to flow through the hole.

I wonder if this guy will off himself, too, Yoongi heard her thought. It’s really too bad he’s a freak. He’s kinda cute.

Yoongi crinkled his nose and cut off the girl’s thoughts. So they knew. Yoongi figured that the list of registered “freaks” had been released, probably under the pretense that the public should make sure they won’t kill themselves. Yoongi sighed and entered the lecture hall.

“Yoongi!” he heard Hoseok call from across the hall. Yoongi felt something flutter in his chest as he smiled at Hoseok. He sat down next to Hoseok and leaned his head into the crook of  Hoseok’s neck without a word. “Yoongi?” Hoseok asked. “Is something wrong?”

Yoongi nuzzled his nose into Hoeok’s neck. It’s nothing, he thought . I just need you. He smiled as Hoseok’s neck flushed. Yoongi closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of being close to Hoseok.

“Hey, Hoseok,” Yoongi heard one of their classmates (Baekhyun? He couldn’t remember) whisper, “I don’t mean to be rude, but it might be better if you didn’t hang out with his  kind anymore.”

“What?” Hoseok answered hotly.

Yoongi heard Baekhyun shrug. “I’m just saying it might be safer. Besides what if they, I don’t know, infect you or something. You’d have to quit the club.”

“That’s insane.” Yoongi could hear the scowl in Hoseok’s voice. “Thanks, but I’m not going to leave the people I love just because they’re different from everyone else.”

“Whatever,” Baekhyun muttered. Yoongi picked up his head and stared at Hoseok. He felt a smile creep onto his face as he watched Hoseok’s mouth twist into the ㅅ-shape. Asshole, he heard Hoseok think. Hoseok caught Yoongi’s eye. “What?” he asked.

“You’re cute when you pout,” Yoongi said softly. He didn’t try to hide the smirk that spread across his face as Hoseok blushed.

One of Yoongi’s favorite places was Jin’s bakery. It sat on a quiet corner of town where people mostly kept to themselves. Coincidentally, it was Hoseok’s favorite place to go to. So it was only fitting that after such an upsetting day, they would stop by for a quiet afternoon at Jin’s bakery.

But knowing his luck, Yoongi wasn’t surprised when the afternoon didn’t go to plan.

Just a few paces from Jin’s bakery, stood a boy around sixteen years old. Yoongi caught Hoseok’s arm and stared quietly. “What? What is it?” Hoseok asked.

Yoongi nodded in the boy’s direction. Hoseok followed his gaze. The boy stood in the shadow of the building, staring blankly at his feet. Yoongi felt something drop in his chest as he stared at the boy’s dirty grey sweater and bruised cheek. He stepped forward slowly and called out softly, “Hey.”

The boy looked up with a start. Yoongi stared into the boy’s wide, brown eyes and saw that behind the thin shine of fear lay a fire of determination above a lake of sadness. “What do you want?” the boy asked challengingly. Yoongi’s eyes caught on the red of the boy’s split lip.

Yoongi shrugged. “Nothing much. Just wondering if you were hungry.”

A rumble. He watched as the boy’s eyes shot down to stare at his feet, his ears pink. Yoongi smiled tenderly. “I’m Yoongi. You are?” The boy looked up, searching for something in Yoongi’s eyes. The boy’s eyes darted to Hoseok who stood behind Yoongi. What are you doing, Yoongi? He heard Hoseok ask. “He’s Hoseok,” Yoongi said, keeping eye contact with the boy. “Don’t mind him. He’s just a mindless ray of sunshine.”

“Hey!” Hoseok cried out in protest. Yoongi watched as the boy’s mouth quirked up for an instant. He chewed on his lip before taking Yoongi’s hand. “I’m Jungkook,” the boy said.

Yoongi smiled softly. “It’s nice to meet you, Jungkook,” he said, shaking the boy’s hand. “Come on, my friend owns this bakery. He’ll get you something healthy to eat.” Jungkook nodded and followed Yoongi into the bakery.

Jin was surprised to see Yoongi lead a dirty youth into his story, but after Yoongi explained the situation, he was more than ready to whip up a bowl of kimchi. Yoongi brought coffee for the three of them to drink.

“So,” Hoseok said. Yoongi watched from the corner of his eye as Jungkook tensed, keeping his eyes glued to the table. “How was your Biology exam, Yoongi?”

Jungkook’s shoulders relaxed. Yoongi shrugged, taking a sip of his coffee. “It was okay. What about you? I heard from Namjoon that the English essay was hard.”

“It totally was!” Hoseok exclaimed, his voice growing louder. (Jungkook flinched.) “I don’t know what Lee was thinking. All the prompts were on some obscure part of the reading.”

Yoongi smirked at Hoseok’s misfortune. “I bet you didn't even read it. Probably just found a summary online.”

Hoseok turned pink and took a sip of his coffee. “I was busy with dance.”

“‘I was busy with dance.’” Yoongi mimicked. “Not so busy that you couldn’t come watch Healer with me.” Hoseok slouched in his chair. Yoongi said bashfully, “You could always come over and study. I don’t mind.”

“Hold on,” Jungkook interrupted softly. “Do you two like each other?”

Yoongi and Hoseok exchanged a look before breaking into a chuckle. Hoseok set a hand on Jungkook’s shoulder as he caught his breath (Jungkook tensed). “Kid, we’re dating already,” he wheezed.

Jungkook looked down into his coffee. “Oh.”

Jin brought out Jungkook’s kimchi and Yoongi and Hoseok’s pastries. Jin smiled warmly at Jungkook before returning to the kitchen. Yoongi and Hoseok watched as Jungkook timidly began eating the kimchi. After a few bites, he began eating faster. “Hey, slow down,” Hoseok said. “Jin likes his customers to enjoy their food.” Jungkook ducked his head bashfully and ate a little slower.

Yoongi took a bite of his pastry. “Who’s your favorite superhero?”

Jungkook looked up from his bowl of kimchi. “Favorite superhero?” Yoongi nodded. “Uhm . . . Ironman,” he answered quietly.

“Really?” Yoongi replied. “You look more like a Captain America type.”

Hoseok shook his head. “No, he suits Ironman. They’ve got the same ‘genius’ air about them.”

Jungkook continued eating as they spoke. Yoongi couldn’t help but smile at the boy’s bashful smile.

“Many young individuals who have registered as having ‘knacks,’ as scientists have so named the powers, have gone missing,” the reported said. “At the moment we are unsure if they are being targeted specifically or if recent social developments have any effect with the disappearances. We will keep you updated as the news comes in, and we urge all to exercise the proper precautions to stay safe.”

The man turned off the television and turned to the assembly of young men and women before him. “Look at how long it took the media to notice us,” he said. “In the world we create, there won’t need to be a great disaster for the news to report it. You won’t have to be rich to be listened to. You won’t be ignored, left to suffer your pains alone!

“We will make the feet of those who abandoned us hurt before they take a single step!” he said, earning a cry of approval from the crowds.

Standing at the man’s right, the boy watched with wide eyes at the dedicated masses before him. He felt fear swell in his chest for the man he stood next to was more powerful than he had imagined.

Chapter Text

“Seungjun, I’m telling you we should leave,” Inseong said.

Seungjun sighed and rested his head in his hands. “I know, but he won’t just let us leave that easily.”

“Then let’s sneak out,” Inseong suggested.

Seungjun’s head shot up. “Do you know what would happen to us if we got caught?”

“Then we don’t get caught,” Inseong suggested simply.

“Fine,” Seungjun concided after a moment of thought. They move quietly through the building, startling at any semblance of a shadow or whisper of a voice. They would have been successful if the boy hadn’t decided to return at that precise moment. Seungjun and Inseong jumped and quickly attempted to cover up their escape.

“Where are you two going?” the boy asked.

“No where,” Seungjun said too quickly. Inseong elbowed him.

The boy studied them silently, causing the pair to skwerm. He nodded his head at the door. “Go,” he said. “I didn’t see you.”

Their eyes widened at the boy’s kindness. Seungjun took his hands. “Thank you. I won’t forget this, thank you,” he whispered before they brushed past he boy and ran for their freedom.

The boy watched them leave, longing hidden in his eyes. “Good luck,” he whispered.

Jin was impressed by how much Jungkook ate. Which was saying something since Jin was infamous in his friend group for eating. Jin would bring out a plate of kimchi for Jungkook when he stopped by with Yoongi and come back in a few minutes to find the plate empty and the boy humbly requesting another serving. Jin couldn’t say he minded, however. Because the more Jungkook ate, the more he opened up to Yoongi and Hoseok.

Yoongi had finally gotten Jungkook to open up to him. The day before, Jungkook had told Yoongi about the time Jungkook’s older brother had gotten in trouble with their mom for helping Jungkook set up a water bucket prank for their dad, only to get caught by their mom. The nostalgic, tender smile on Jungkook’s face made Yoongi sure that soon Jungkook would feel comfortable enough to open up to Hoseok and him about his past.

He wasn’t sure whose bright idea it had been to tell Taehyung and Jimin about Jungkook, but he knew that when the couple arrived they may have ruined the trust he had with Jungkook.

He watched as Jungkook tensed when Taehyung and Jimin approached their table. 

He watched as Jungkook kept his head down as Taehyung rattled on about something he’d done that day at the daycare he volunteered at.

He watched as Jungkook began to relax in their easy presence.

And he realized that maybe telling Taehyung and Jimin about Jungkook hadn’t been a total disaster on Hoseok’s part.

Jimin leaned over and studied Jungkook’s face shyly. “He reminds me of my little brother,” Jimin said as Taehyung called for Jin to keep the cupcakes coming. (To which Jin reminded Taehyung that the cupcakes weren’t free and Taehyung only had twelve dollars on him.)

Jungkook blushed and shovelled a spoonful of soup into his mouth. “What part of him reminds you of your brother?” Taehyung asked, unwrapping his cupcake.

“They’re both cute,” Jimin replied, smiling widely as Jungkook’s blush deepened.

Taehyung studied Jungkook for a moment before saying, “Jungkook, you’re really muscular. I bet you’re a muscle-pig, right?”

“I work out a bit,” Jungkook said softly.

Hoseok smiled and exchanged a soft look with Yoongi. “Are you a thrill seeker, Jungkook?” Hoseok asked.

Jungkook shrugged. “I guess so.”

Jin came out a refilled their drinks. “That reminds me,” he said, stopping behind Yoongi’s chair. “Namjoon won these tickets to go bungee jumping. I forget how many he has, but we should go sometime.”

Yoongi smirked as Taehyung and Hoseok paled (which earned some teasing from Jimin). Jungkook seemed to perk up at the idea. “Sure, hyung,” Yoongi said. “That is, if Jungkook’s okay with it.”

The table’s attention was brought to Jungkook as they waited for his reply. Jungkook’s eyes widened under their gazes. The silence was cut only when Jungkook’s eyes shot to the clock and he said, “I have to go, but I’ll think about it . . . hyung.” And then he was gone.

“I wonder where he has to run off to,” Jin wondered aloud.

So do I , Yoongi thought to himself.

To Hoseok’s relief, Jungkook stood at the corner of the block the next day, waiting like he always did. “You know you could go in whenever you want,” Yoongi said as Jungkook entered the bakery with them. “Jin doesn’t mind.”

Jungkook nodded. “It just feels weird, not going in with you two.” Hoseok smiled and ruffled Jungkook’s hair softly as they sat down.

“There’s my favorite boy,” Jin said, setting down a cup of ramen before Jungkook.

“Hey, hyung,” Jungkook replied softly. Hoseok was chatting softly with Yoongi (Jungkook never seemed apt to talk during his first serving of food) when Taehyung and Jimin entered the bakery.

“Kookie!” Taehyung and Jimin cried, hurrying over to their table. “We were afraid we’d missed you,” Jimin said as they sat down.

“What do you mean?” Jungkook asked softly, his shoulders raising to hide his neck like a turtle.

“We wouldn’t want to miss out on all this friendship building,” Taehyung said, flagging Jin down to request a croissant.

“Oh,” was all Jungkook said before returning to his food.

How bad of a mistake did I make? Hoseok asked Yoongi. Because I can’t really tell .

Surprisingly not that bad, Yoongi replied. He’s more comfortable with them than he was with us at first. Probably because they’re closer in age .

“Taehyung,” Yoongi said suddenly, “how are your parents?”

Hoseok smiled as Taehyung’s eyes lit up. “Oh, they’re doing great. My mom called me the other day and said that they’re thinking about getting a puppy. Isn’t that exciting, Jimin?”

Jimin rolled his eyes. “I already told you that our landlord doesn’t allow pets, Tae!”

“Our puppy would be so cute it wouldn’t matter,” Taehyung muttered, crossing his arms. Jimin sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Hoseok and Yoongi smiled, bemused at the couple’s antics.

Then Jungkook laughed.

Yoongi wasn't sure he was ready, but Jungkook seemed so at ease with them now that he had to try. "Jungkook," Yoongi said softly. "Do you feel comfortable telling us about your parents?" Yoongi flinched as Jungkook's head shot up, his eyes wide. "You don't have to tell us if you aren't ready to," Yoongi said quickly. 

Jungkook pushed his food around silently for a few moments. "My family," he started, "they-they passed away."

Taehyung and Hoseok drew in sharp breaths as Jimin tentatively reached out for Jungkook's hand. (Yoongi felt all the tension his his body release when Jungkook accepted Jimin's comfort.) "It was a car crash," Jungkook said suddenly, his eyes locked onto his plate. "The other driver was texting and didn't see the light turn red. He slammed into their car as they were coming to pick me up from school early. We-we were going to go on a trip to Tokyo Disney." Yoongi held his breathe as Jungkook took a shaky one. "I was the one who asked to go on the trip. If only I hadn't, maybe . . . maybe they'd still be here."

"Oh no," Jimin said, rubbing small circles on Jungkook's back. "That wasn't your fault."

"But what if it was?" Jungkook snapped, lifting up his head to look at Jimin with red eyes. 

"It was an accident," Hoseok said softly. 

Jungkook wiped away a runaway tear. "I'm sorry I pushed you into this," Yoongi said softly. Jungkook shook his head, his voice choked by the tears that threatened to escape. Yoongi leaned over and set a comforting hand on Jungkook's neck. "It's alright to cry, Jungkook," he whispered. "We're here for you."

So he cried. Jungkook cried, letting the sobs overtake him. His shoulders shook violently. It didn't take long before the rest of the boys were around him, crying in varying degrees. In their little corner of the universe, Taehyung and Yoongi wished that they were real superheros. Because a superhero would know how to vanquish the cloud of sadness and regret that engulfed them.

Yoongi didn't need his telepathy to know that Jungkook hadn't cried since his family's death.

Chapter Text

Puffy, red eyes left the table silent. Jungkook ate quietly, his only sound a sniffle or two. Taehyung twiddle his thumbs under the table, his cheeks still wet. Hoseok cleared his throat. “Jungkook,” he said softly, “where are you staying right now?”

Jungkook’s head shot up. His movement startled Jimin who had been rubbing circles on his back. Jungkook’s voice cracked as he said, “I can’t tell you.”

“We just want to help you, Jungkook,” Yoongi said quietly.

Jungkook nodded. “I know that, but I can’t tell you.”

Yoongi nodded and leaned back in his chair. “I understand,” he sighed.

“No, you don’t. I want to tell you, but truly I can’t,” Jungkook clarified. “You could get hurt,” he said softly, his gaze returning to his lap. Jin’s grandfather clock chimed and Jungkook flinched. “I have to go,” he whispered.

“You don’t have to,” Jimin said. “Let us help you.”

Jungkook shook his head. “Thank you, but I have to go.” And without another word, he left them.

“How devoted are you to our cause?” Sojin asked the boy as he rubbed his temples.

The boy looked up and glared at her. “You doubt my loyalty?” he asked.

Sojin shrugged. “It’s just . . . you seem more emotional than usual.” The boy shrugged and stood. “Where do you go everyday?” she asked, stopping the boy as he stepped through the door.

“That’s none of your business,” he said over his shoulder, leaving the room.

Sojin followed him. “There are more inhumane ways that I could get this information. I assure you that answering me is far less painful.”

The boy scoffed. “You can hardly control your knack, Sojin. I’m not afraid of you.”

“Does this have something to do with your parents?” Sojin asked, exasperated.

The boy stopped and brought his face close to Sojin’s. She shivered as his eyes flashed with anger. “You don’t have the right to talk about them,” he whispered.

As the boy walked away, Sojin scowled and called after him, “I’m not the only one worried about you. He is as well. I suggest you forget about them before--”

She went flying through the wall before the boy allowed her to finish.

Yoongi watched the news with furrowed eyebrows. He couldn’t understand what circumstances kept Jungkook from letting them help him. Is someone hurting him? he asked himself.

He’s going to worry himself to death , he heard Hoseok think.

No, I’m not, he replied stubbornly.

Hoseok sat down next to Yoongi and sighed. “Yoongi, there’s not much we can do if Jungkook doesn’t let us help him.”

“Why doesn’t he let us help him?” Yoongi asked angrily. “That I can’t find an explanation for. Is he caught up in some sort of gang or does he have loan sharks after him? What is it?”

Hoseok rubbed Yoongi’s arm. “Hey, he’ll come around eventually.”

“How can you be so sure?” Yoongi asked him gently.

“I don’t,” Hoseok said. “But I hope he does.”

“Hope,” Yoongi repeated quietly.

“Breaking news,” announced the news anchor. “Near the Han River in Seongdong, two individuals possessing knacks are dueling it out. Police are currently attempting to subdue the two individuals, however they are facing some difficulty. At the moment, officials warn citizens to stay away from the area. Here’s Heesun with a brief update from our helicopter.”

Hoseok and Yoongi watched with wide eyes as the screen filled with the image of the two fighting in the street. The camera zoomed in on their faces, and Hoseok and Yoongi gasped.

Yoongi’s phone rang. Without taking his eyes off the screen, he answered. “I saw, hyung,” he said softly.

For the boy on screen, was Jungkook.

“Don’t make me do this!” Sojin cried as she dodged Jungkook’s punches.

Jungkook landed a hit and growled. “You should’ve been more careful with your words, Sojin.”

“I don’t want to do this,” she cried as Jungkook dragged her from the ground.

He frowned. “Neither do I, but the world is such a cruel place.” He raised his fist, but before he could move, pain erupted in his temples. He dropped Sojin in preference to clutching his head. He screamed as Sojin stood above him, her face twisted in regret.

Then, as soon as the pain began, it ended. Jungkook’s hands dropped from his head as he panted. “I’m sorry,” Sojin whispered as Jungkook fainted.

The police rushed in and cuffed an agreeable Sojin. Paramedics rushed past, helping those with the minor injuries that had occurred. A pair assessed Jungkook’s health. “He’s unconscious,” the first paramedic said. “We’re taking him to the hospital in case there was some severe damage done.”

The police chief nodded. “Keep us posted on his status.”

“Yes, sir,” the paramedic said. She shouted orders to get Jungkook into the ambulance.

Inside his mind, a wall had been built. His consciousness drifted up to the wall and touched it tentatively. It burned. Behind him, were ruins of memories, too painful for him to even look at. He studied the wall again and found that there were faces etched into the brick. He cocked his head, trying to recognize the faces.

He gasped, sitting up suddenly in his hospital bed.

“Hyung.”

Chapter Text

Yoongi chewed on his lip. “Okay, run that by me again, please.”

Hoseok and Yoongi stood in one of the hallways of the hospital where Jungkook had been admitted as the doctor sighed and said, “Jungkook’s memories of the past few months were wiped by the woman he was fighting. He only remembers the accident that killed his family and, for some reason, you two.” He paused to greet a passing doctor. “We theorize that a quick decision of self preservation provoked his brain to hang on to the people he trusted most.” he said.

Yoongi let out a shaky breath as Hoseok asked, “Did he sustain any other injuries during the fight?”

The doctor shook his head. “No. His knack is registered as supreme strength and physical durability. ”

Hoseok let out a low whistle. Yoongi let out a sigh of relief and asked, “When may we see him?”

“Immediately after the police ask you a few questions,” the doctor answered. “Obviously they haven’t been able to get any information from Jungkook so they were hoping you two could help them.”

Hoseok nodded. “Of course. We’ll do everything we can.”

The doctor smiled and led them to a small conference room where the police chief sat. He gestured for Yoongi and Hoseok to sit down. “Good morning,” he said as they sat down. “I’m Chief Kim. I hope you two can answer a few of our questions.”

“We’ll answer to the best of our abilities, Officer,” Yoongi said.

Chief Kim nodded curtly. “Then let’s begin. How long have you known Jungkook?’

“Just a couple of weeks,” Hoseok replied quietly.

“What did he tell you about himself?” Kim asked, noting down Hoseok’s answer.

“Not much,” Yoongi confessed. “We didn’t want to scare him off, so we were taking it slowly. He had only just told us about his parents.”

Kim nodded. “Did he tell you about where he’s staying, or about his knack?”

Yoongi and Hoseok exchanged a look. “He just said that if he told us about where he was staying, we’d get hurt,” Hoseok answered softly.

“Alright,” Chief Kim said, gathering his things. “I think that will be all for now. Thank you for your cooperation.” Yoongi nodded mutely as Hoseok rose to shake the chief’s hand. He stopped at the door and turned back to them. “I would appreciate it if you informed us of anything he remembers,” Chief Kim said.

“Hyung!”

Yoongi felt his heart clench as Jungkook called out to them from his hospital bed. “Hyung, is it true? I’m going to be living with you for a while?” Jungkook asked.

“Yeah,” Yoongi answered, his voice gruff with emotion. “Yeah, you will.”

Jungkook smiled and turned to Hoseok. “Promise me you won’t get jealous if I spend more time with Yoongi-hyung,” he said, jabbing playfully at Hoseok’s side.

Hoseok smiled brightly and ruffled Jungkook’s hair. “What are you talking about, kid? I moved in a while ago,” he teased. Yoongi felt a smile tug at his lips as Jungkook gasped and scrutinized Hoseok for not telling him sooner.

Jungkook’s nurse entered and began preparing Jungkook for his discharge. Jungkook watched as the nurse removed his IVs. “You can go ahead a change now,” the nurse said as he turned to put his equipment away. Jungkook stood and accepted the folded clothes Hoseok held out for him.

“Is there anything we should watch out for?” Hoseok asked as the bathroom door closed.

The nurse shook his head. “We aren’t sure if he’ll get his memories back, but if he does his doctor asks that you keep us posted,” he said. “Otherwise, Jungkook should be fine.”

“I hope so,” Yoongi murmured, hooking his fingers with Hoseok’s. Jungkook emerged from the bathroom dressed in jeans, a plain white shirt, and a red plaid shirt (which seemed familiar to Yoongi). “Where did you get these clothes, hyung?” Jungkook asked.

Hoseok shrugged. “I stole the plaid shirt from Yoongi’s closet.”

“You stole my shirt!” Yoongi exclaimed. Hoseok laughed and Jungkook smiled softly. “You could have asked first, Hobi!”

Yoongi felt his face heat up as Hoseok stared at him. “Hobi?” he asked, entangling their fingers, a smile spreading across Hoseok’s face.

“Sorry,” Yoongi murmured. “It just slipped out.”

Hoseok nudged his shoulder with Yoongi’s. “I think it’s cute,” he said.

Yoongi felt a smirk tug on his lips. “ You’re cute,” he said, gazing into Hoseok’s eyes. Yoongi's heart fluttered as Hoseok's face flushed.

Jungkook groaned. “Tone down the PDA please. I’m dying here.” Yoongi felt his face flush again as the nurse piped up, saying, “I second that.”

Hoseok smiled and squeezed Yoongi's fingers. “Ready?” he asked Jungkook.

Jungkook nodded and Hoseok tugged Yoongi out of the room. Jungkook stopped at the door and turned to the nurse. Bowing, he said, “Thank you for taking care of me, Inseong-hyung.”

Inseong turned around and smiled as Jungkook sprinted down the hallway after Hoseok and Yoongi. “You’re welcome, Jungkook,” he murmured.

Sojin buried her head in her hands as she sat in the darkness. She listened as her inmates murmured quiety to one another. A door at the end of the hall creaked open and the cells quieted. Sojin lifted her head. With heavy deafening steps, a man strode down the corridor. He passed the cells, glancing at his clipboard. Sojin felt her chest tighten as he grew closer. The man passed her cell and for a fraction of a moment, she let out the stale air that had accumulated in her chest.

Then he turned around. With one step he was before her cell, peering down at her like she was a lab rat.

Sojin chided herself.

To this man, she was an toy to play with.

With a steel heart, she lifted her eyes to the man’s face. Her eyes widened as she recognized the scientist and his cruel, unforgiving smile.

Her screams echoed on the concrete walls as the man dragged her from her cell and down the hall.

Jungkook sat on the couch with a bowl of ice cream and a soft smile on his face. He listened as Hoseok and Yoongi bantered as they washed the plates left over from dinner. His attention flickered between the comfortable sound of his friends voices and the soft drone from the television.

“Lead scientist Lee Kibum told one of our reporters earlier this morning that he and his team are suspecting a breakthrough in what gives people their knacks,” the anchor said. Jungkook let his gaze flicker to the television as a reporter interviewed Lee. Jungkook felt his heartbeat quicken as the video showed the inside of the lab. His eyes stuck on a figure, a man he knew from a memory he no longer possessed.

Inside his mind, he felt the wall begin to crack.

Chapter Text

“Jungkook, would you be interested in having some plum torte if I made some?” Jin asked, sitting down next to Namjoon on Yoongi’s loveseat.

“Why do you ask?” Jungkook asked, taking a sip of his hot chocolate.

Jin shrugged. “I read that plums will help with memory loss,” he said.

Yoongi glanced at Jungkook as he shifted uncomfortably next to him. “That’s nice of you and all, hyung, but . . .” he trailed off, sinking into the cushions between Yoongi and Hoseok.

“But what, Jungkookie?” Hoseok asked softly.

Jungkook twiddled with the rim of his mug. “I’m not sure I want to remember,” he whispered.

“Why don’t you want to remember?” Namjoon asked, setting down his cup of coffee.

Yoongi watched silently as Jungkook swallowed and wrung his hands. “What if . . . What if I did bad things? What if I hurt people?”

“You can’t live your life afraid of the past,” Yoongi said. “If you did bad things, you accept the consequences and move on. If you hurt someone, you apologize and move on. But you can’t forget. You need to remember and learn from what you have done.” Jungkook nodded and stared down at his hands. Yoongi shifted forward and rubbed small circles on Jungkook’s back. “You need to face the past, learn from it, and move forward. But you won’t be alone,” he said. Jungkook lifted his head. “We’re here to support you,” Yoongi said.

The man stared out of the window, pondering. “The time is nearing,” he said to his new lieutenant.

The girl bowed her head. “Are we going to do anything about the boy?” she asked.

“Jungkook?” the man asked, glancing back at his lieutenant. “He is no threat. Sojin blocked his memory of our endeavours. The boy is strong, but Sojin’s sloppy job will keep his memories at bay.”

The girl bowed. “We trust in your judgement, sir.”

“Gather our allies,” the man said. “We will strike soon.”

Yoongi could tell that he was being watched. He could tell that they were talking about him. He didn’t need his telepathy to know; they spoke just loud enough for him to hear.

“I heard his knack is telepathy,” one woman whispered.

“Someone told me that he and his boyfriend are the heads of some secret society ,” said a man.

Another woman leaned forward. “Well, I heard that they’re harboring a criminal.”

“A criminal?”

“You know the kid that got into a fight with that lady in Seongdong?” the woman said. “I hear he’s living with them now.”

“Aren’t they scared he’ll hurt them, too?” the man asked.

Yoongi closed his eyes. Every fiber in his body screamed at him to tell them off, but a voice in his head reminded him that doing so would only prove their point: that he was someone--something--to be scared of. And he would do anything in his power to prove them wrong.

Next to him, he felt Hoseok seethe with a rage that Yoongi hadn’t seen since Baekhyun told Hoseok to stop hanging around him. He hooked a finger around Hoseok’s and shook his head. They aren’t worth it , he thought softly.

Hoseok grumbled and leaned against Yoongi’s shoulder. Yoongi sighed and turned back to his laptop, continuing his essay as they sat under a tree in the lawn before the performing arts center.

“Are you almost done?” Hoseok asked, resting his chin on Yoongi’s shoulder. “Jungkookie's shift should be ending pretty soon.” Jungkook had taken up a part-time job at the campus cafe to help Yoongi and Hoseok pay for his education even though they assured him that with Jin and Namjoon pitching in they could handle the cost. 

Yoongi nodded. “I just need to finished my conclusion and we can go,” he replied quietly. Hoseok hummed and kissed Yoongi’s shoulder before leaning away to check his phone.

“Hyung!”

Yoongi’s head shot up at the call a few minutes later. Jungkook crossed the lawn and sat down across from Hoseok. “Hyung, how was your day?” he asked, a smile lighting up his face.

Hoseok shrugged. “I spent all day in my lectures, so not too bad,” he said. Yoongi grunted in agreement, his attention back to his paper.

Jungkook leaned forward. “Hyung, can we stop by Jin hyung’s house tonight?” he asked. “He said that he and Namjoon hyung wanted to have a movie night.”

Hoseok nodded. “I don’t see why not,” he answered. “Is that okay with you, Yoongi?”

“Hm?” Yoongi looked up from his laptop. “Oh, sure. Namjoon told me he needed my opinion on a lyric in his new song anyway.”

“Great!” Jungkook exclaimed.

“There he is,” Yoongi heard the woman whisper suddenly.

Gritting his teeth he pounded the keys on his keyboard, forcing the words out of his fingers and onto the screen.

“He doesn’t look dangerous,” the other woman commented. “He’s actually kind of cute.”

“Don’t be fooled,” the first woman said. “I saw it on the news. He punched that lady through a wall.”

Hoseok leaned over Yoongi’s back. “Are you finished?” he asked.

“It’s the normal looking ones that are the most dangerous.”

Yoongi slammed his laptop shut (the group of gossipers jumped, he noted). “Let’s go,” he said gruffly, pushing himself off the lawn.

Hoseok and Jungkook stood up quickly and followed him to his car. Yoongi slammed his door shut and gripped the steering wheel tightly. He took a shaky breath and glanced at Jungkook through the rearview mirror. His heart sunk as Jungkook’s head hung low.

Running a hand through his hair, he said, “Jungkook, are you alright?”

After a moment, he replied, “They were talking about me, huh?”

Yoongi gritted his teeth as Hoseok said, “That doesn’t mean that they’re right.”

Jungkook nodded and sighed. “Hyung, do you think I’m dangerous?”

Yoongi shook his head. “Jungkook, you’re not dangerous.”

“You heard what they said!” Jungkook cried. “I punched someone through a wall, hyung!”

“And I could read your thoughts right now if I wanted to!” Yoongi yelled. “But that doesn’t make me dangerous,” he said softly. “What makes us dangerous is if we used our, our gifts I guess you could call them, irresponsibly.”

“You know what they say,” Hoseok said softly, picking at the stray threads of his sweater. “‘With great power comes great responsibility.’”

Jungkook let out a breathy laugh, tugging his beanie down over his ears. “Did you just quote Spider-Man?” he asked.

Hoseok shrugged. “I couldn’t think of any Iron Man quotes,” he said.

Yoongi felt a weight in his heart lift as he watched Jungkook smile.

The man sat at his desk, anger pouring from every inch of him. “Lee Kibum has brushed me off for the last time,” he muttered. “This lab wouldn’t have gotten anything done without me, and he dares take all the credit? I’ll show him.”

“Sir?” the man’s lieutenant said, standing at in the doorway.

The man looked up and straightened his tie. “Yes?”

His lieutenant stepped into the room. “Our allies are ready. We strike at your mark,” she said.

“Good,” the man said, nodding thoughtfully. “Thank you. That will be all for tonight.” His lieutenant bowed and exited the room. The man stood and stared out of his window. “Soon you will witness the power of the oppressed and those you have ignored,” he whispered. “Soon you will regret ignoring the man named Bang Shi Hyuk.”

Jungkook stared blankly out the window on the drive to Jin’s house. Something was tugging at the back of his mind. The woman he hurt. The face he recognized. There was something there. Something reaching through the crack in the wall in his mind.

At the stoplight, his eyes drifted to a dark alley way. His eyes widened as he recognized the two men standing at the edge of the alley.

As if hit by a wrecking ball, the wall in his mind shattered. Jungkook cried out, clutching his head as memories flooded his consciousness.

Dark alley ways.

Two angry men.

The man reaching out to him.

Recruiting all those people to their “cause.”

Turning a blind eye on those that the man hurt.

Seungjun.

Inseong.

Letting them go free.

Sojin.

It all rushed back into his mind and it hurt. The guilt, the pain, the remorse. He cried out, clutching his head helplessly. He felt Hoseok and Yoongi shake his shoulder. He heard them ask if he was okay, but it felt like he was underwater--their words dull and blurbed. He felt thick, hot tears fall down his cheeks, leaving rivers of despair in their wake.

And the worst part?

He felt like he deserved the pain.

Chapter Text

The exact details were fuzzy, but Jungkook realized that Jin was handing him a glass of warm milk and that the rest of his friends were sitting across from him, their faces etched with concern.

“I’m fine,” he said automatically.

Jimin furrowed his eyebrows. “Don’t say that,” he said. “You are obviously not okay so don’t pretend that you are. Let us help you, Jungkookie.”

Jungkook looked down at his cup, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. Jin squeezed his shoulder. Taking a shaky breathe, he said, “I got my memories back.”

“That’s a good thing though, right?” Taehyung asked.

Jungkook shook his head. “No. It’s not. I-” his voice cracked, “-I did some bad things.” He squeezed his eyes shut. “I hurt people,” he whispered.

“Is that the only thing you did?” Namjoon asked.

Jungkook looked up. “I may have helped some people, but that doesn’t change the fact that I turned a blind eye to the terrible things that man was doing.”

Yoongi nodded. “You’re right. It doesn’t change anything. Jungkook, you have a chance now to start to undo that hurt.”

“How, hyung?” he asked hopelessly.

“You could start by telling us the story from the beginning,” Hoseok said.

It was too much. The stares. The whispers. The fake empathy. The failed attempts to make anything better

He couldn’t take it.

He hated it all. The gossip. The voices. The phones.

There were too many reminders of that day.

Too many reminders that it was probably his fault. All his fault that they were gone.

So he went to for a walk. Just to clear his head, he told himself. But it was dark, and it's easy to make bad choices in the darkness. So when the man appeared before him, offering a way to let out his anger, he let the darkness blind him of thoughts of consequences and responsibilities. He realized later that that day—he had shaken hands with the devil.

And as the man’s power spread, he found himself drowning in regrets and sorrow. He turned away as the man hurt those who wouldn’t listen, and closed his eyes when he had no other choice but to raise his hand. He gave mercy where he could, but the facade of unwavering conviction was soon discovered. Out of fear he lashed out, and came to find himself with what he hoped was a fresh start.

But his demons weren't outside in the world.

They were his memories.

Jungkook spared them the gruesome details of the things he witnessed and did, but he was sure that his friends would figure it out and he would see the contempt in their eyes.

To his surprise, Taehyung wrapped his arms around him gently and brought him close. Jungkook heard sniffling and stared over Taehyung’s shoulder at his friends. “You aren’t . . . disappointed in me?” he asked.

Yoongi shook his head. “You shouldn’t have made those choices, but I can tell that you regret them enough,” he said. “You don’t need my disappointment in addition to your own.”

A warm silence engulfed them as Jungkook felt tears begin to prick at the corners of his eyes. He told himself that he wouldn’t forget the people he hurt. He told himself that they would always be in his mind, and he would take care of their memory.

Someone’s phone went off, shattering the silence. “Alright, who ruined the moment?” Taehyung asked accusingly.

Namjoon raised his hand sheepishly as he drew his phone out of his pocket. “Sorry,” he said, checking the screen, “I was waiting . . . for a . . .” He glanced up, his eyebrows furrowed with concern. “Would someone turn on the news, please?”

Jimin gave him a confused glance as he reached for the remote. Jin sighed. “What is so important that you have to interrupt such an important—” Jin paused as his eyes landed on the screen.

A parade of people marched through the streets. Some shot fireballs into the buildings. Others brought rain that flooded the street. And even more used their various knacks to bring havoc upon the people. And the man leading the charge was none other than Bang Shi Hyuk.

Jungkook stood up, his eyes wide at the scene unfolding. “It’s happening,” he whispered. “Their purge.”

“Purge?” Namjoon asked. “Why are they purging people?”

“He wants to rid the world of the prejudiced and overpowered,” Jungkook said, “so that the weak may be heard.”

Jimin frowned. “But he’s just shooting randomly. How is that killing the overpowered people?” he asked.

“Because he didn’t choose a random street,” Namjoon said, pointing at the screen. “That's Gangnam.” They watched in silence until the screen switched back to the news anchor who reported that they would continue to cover the story as it advanced.

Jungkook stood, his hands shaking. “I have to do something,” he grumbled.

Yoongi scowled. “You aren’t responsible for this,” he said. “None of this is you fault. The police can handle this.”

Jungkook let Hoseok pull him back down to the couch as the others voiced their agreement. Suddenly the television switched to the news anchor who listened intently to her ear piece before facing the camera. “Breaking news: The police all around Seoul are under mental control of Bang Shi Hyuk’s underlings,” she said. “At the moment, it is uncertain if the military will be able to intervene, or when they will be put into movement. More as the news comes in.”

Hoseok, Jimin, and Taehyung gasped. Jin gripped Namjoon’s hand tightly. Yoongi frowned and turned to Jungkook who shot him a smug look (as he’d expected). Yoongi shrugged. “Okay so the police don’t have this under control,” he said, “but that doesn’t mean that you have to do something about this.”

Jungkook’s face hardened. “If I don’t do something, who will?”

“Oh don’t play the hero, Jungkook,” Yoongi shot. “There are more capable people out there. Besides, what can you do against a whole army? You’ll get killed.”

“I have super strength and durability,” Jungkook argued. “I think I’m plenty capable. I know his plan. I can fight him.”

“I think he’s right,” Hoseok said. “I mean, you’ve been given these gifts. What if this is what you were supposed to do with them?”

“He’s right!” Taehyung said, standing. “We should do something!”

Jimin scoffed. “You mean Namjoon, Yoongi, Jungkook, and you will do something? Jin, Hoseok, and I are normal.”

Taehyung smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

Namjoon shifted uncomfortably. “But even if we did do something, what could we do against all those people?”

“Taehyung can distract them by transforming into a bunch of animals,” Jungkook said, “and I’ll fight a few off while you and Yoongi-hyung get to Bang Shi Hyuk.”

“And what will we do then?” Yoongi said sourly.

Namjoon snapped his fingers. “We could read his mind! And then use his memories to guilt him into stopping.”

Yoongi scowled. “I don’t want to do that,” he said.

“Why not?” Hoseok asked.

“I don’t like reading people’s mind without their permission,” he said. “I’ve done it once before and it was unsettling.”

“We have to, hyung,” Jungkook said, taking Yoongi’s hands into his own. “If we don’t do something, he might actually succeed at this. He says he’s creating a utopia, but we all know that there is no such thing.”

Yoongi held Jungkook’s gaze before sighing. “Alright, but we are out of there at the first sign that is is something we can’t handle. Got it?”

Jungkook and Taehyung nodded. “Got it, hyung.”

Hoseok jumped up. “Let’s go save the world!”

“Excuse me?” Yoongi asked, standing. “What can you do against an army of superpowered humans?”

Hoseok frowned. “I’m not letting you go out there by yourself,” he said.

“Same here,” Jimin said, taking Taehyung’s hand in his own. Jin bit his lip and stood as well.

Yoongi groaned, rubbing his face. “I don’t know why I thought you three would just hang out here. Fine, let’s go,” he said. He stared into their eyes, his face etched with concern. “Please be careful though. I . . . I can’t lose you.”

They nodded, their faces set with determination. Yoongi took a shaky breath and took Hoseok’s hand as an anchor. Together they moved, a force to be reckoned with. Maybe not for their strength or brains, but because God help you if any of them got hurt.

Chapter Text

The rubble lay in the streets, converting them into a deadly maze. Jungkook cringed at every scene of destruction. He heard his friends gasp at the stains on the concrete. He didn’t have to turn back to see them clinging to each other in disbelief. He regretted his decision to bring them along for a moment, but realized quickly that he couldn’t do this without them. He came to an intersection that had been saved from the destruction. He paused for before him stood Bang Shi Hyuk.

“Bang Shi Hyuk!” He called.

Bang started and turned around. His face spread in a wicked smile. “If it isn’t my prized protege,” he said. “I see that you have overcome Sojin’s power.”

Jungkook scowled, clenching his fists. “I’m not your pawn anymore, Bang.”

Bang gestured to the wreckage around them. “Then why have you come to me amidst our war zone? You may be physically stronger than me but I have an army behind me.” Bang scoffed and turned away. “You probably don’t have a plan,” he said. “Get rid of him,” he told his lieutenant.

His lieutenant stepped forward and raised the gun he held. Jungkook’s eyes widened as the man aimed. He heard his friends scramble through the wreckage. He clenched his eyes shut as he heard the gunfire and his friends scream.

But the pain never came. He opened his eyes to see the bullet fall to the ground. The only sign that he had been shot, was a small hole in his shirt. He heard his friends gasp. Jungkook looked up to meet the lieutenant’s eyes. “You may have an army,” he said, “but I’m bulletproof.”

Hoseok’s feet were glued to the street. He watched as Jungkook lunged forward, slapping the gun from the man’s hand and brought him to the ground. Hoseok wondered briefly what the man’s knack had been, but the thought soon vanished as Bang ordered his men to attack.

Namjoon shook his head. “Come on,” he said. He pulled Taehyung forward as they jumped into the fray.

Jimin tugged at Jin’s sleeve. “There are still civilians here. We should help get them out of here.”

Jin nodded and followed Jimin through the rubble. Hoseok hook his fingers with Yoongi’s. “Good luck,” he said. Yoongi met his gaze and nodded. Pressing a quick kiss to Hoseok’s cheek, Yoongi left, picking through the wreckage. Hoseok watched him leave, pride swelling in his chest before he turned to assist Jin and Jimin.

Yoongi moved stealthily through the shadows. He watched from the corner of his eye as Jungkook brought lines of men to their knees. Namjoon stopped shrapnel with a flick of his hand and moved men around like chess pieces. Taehyung caused panic as he shifted from form to form in plumes of smoke. With each transformation he took down a line of soldiers. Yoongi watched some soldiers stood and reentered the fray.

He moved forward, creeping steadily towards Bang Shi Hyuk. With each step, he lowered his mental defenses to get ready to attack. Soon he began to hear whispers of panicked voices. He stopped every so often to find the owners of the voices, instructing them to move quickly and quietly toward Jin, Jimin, and Hoseok.

Eventually, he was just a few feet away from Bang Shi Hyuk. He felt his mind touch the fringes of Bang’s consciousness. Yoongi cringed as he felt the intensity of Bang’s anger and contempt. Steeling his will, Yoongi pushed into Bang’s mind. He searched around for the cause of all this in Bang’s memories when he was flung back into the wall behind him.

Yoongi retreated from Bang’s mind as he let out a groan. He felt his feet leave the ground as he floated towards Bang and his men. “So this was you plan,” he boomed. The soldiers stopped fighting as they listened. Yoongi watched as his friends watched in horror as Bang held him before his forces, held in the air only by the force of his mind. “You send a puny, weak telepath to what? Read my mind and sweet talk me into taking back everything that I've done?” Bang asked. He let out a rumbling laugh. “The attempt was valiant, but futile.”

“Let him go!” Yoongi heard Hoseok cry.

Bang narrowed his eyes. “How cute. Your little Normal boyfriend thinks he can fight me?”

“He’s normal so leave him out of this,” Yoongi muttured.

Bang snorted. “Why would I do that?” he asked.

Yoongi struggled against Bang’s telekinetic grip as Bang’s forces began to advance towards Hoseok, Jin, and Jimin. His friends fought against them, but they were an unstoppable wave. Yoongi gritted his teeth and pushed his mind into Bang’s once more.

He cringed as he pushed through Bang’s emotions. Once he was inside he felt his mind search around futily. Bang struggled against him, but Yoongi tightened his grip. His mind moved at a hundred miles a second, struggling to come up with a solution to end all of this.

Namjoon’s voice came to him. You read minds, right? So you can change the story.

So he did. Yoongi forced Bang’s thoughts onto pages, and as he neared the page that was still being written, Yoongi raised his own mental pen and wrote:

This is wrong. This was a mistake. But it’ll be okay. Everything will work out. I’ll be fine. As long as I end this now.

Yoongi felt the anger release from Bang’s mind as he built up his walls again. Bang Shi Hyuk lowered him to the ground. His troop stopped their advance, and looked around, confused. Yoongi turned to look at the scheme’s mastermind to see a broken man crying.

Bang Shi Hyuk gave himself up quietly when the police arrived. His soldiers were brought in for questioning, and many went free when it was revealed how Bang threatened and controlled them for his purposes. Jungkook went to the police and attempted to give himself up, but the police chief told him about a video a survivor had taken of Jungkook getting shot and offered him a job instead.

For the most part, things went back to the way they were. Except now people rained praise on Yoongi and his friends for their heroic deeds. And while those gifted with knacks were still feared by some, the public began to let use their talents for the benefit of them all. Yoongi was amazed when he entered the library to see telekinetics help other students reach books that were beyond their reach. Or walking passed the drama department and seeing shapeshifters on stage in different forms.

He noticed himself begin to smile more. Because it was okay. Everything worked out. And he was fine as long as Hoseok was by his side.

Chapter Text

Life isn’t made up of singular moments. You aren’t made up of singular moments.

We are made up of layers upon layers of moments and memories and experiences. The bucket of our lives is not filled with singular drops but a torrent of water.

Which probably explains why it is hard to pinpoint the moment when we fall in love.

One year later . . .

Yoongi’s feet were made of constant movement. He tugged on his tie impatiently as he turned to glance at the restaurant’s front door.

Hoseok was late.

He was late for what was possibly their most important date ever. Though a voice in Yoongi’s mind (that sounded suspiciously like Jin's) reminded him that Hoseok didn’t even know how important this date was.

After what felt like five hours (though it was probably only three minutes), Yoongi turned around to see Hoseok power walking through the doors. Hoseok pressed a kiss to Yoongi’s cheek as he sat down. “I’m so so so sorry I’m late,” he blurted. “I got caught up with Jimin while we were leaving practice and then I forgot to get my shirt pressed beforehand and . . . .” He trailed off as Yoongi took his hand and began to stroke it with his thumb.

“It’s fine,” Yoongi said. “Okay maybe not fine,” he said after a pointed look from Hoseok, “but you’re here and that’s all that matters now.”

Hoseok nodded. “So, what’s the occasion that we’re at an uber fancy restaurant?” he asked. He glanced at the menu. “Oh my God. Yoongi did you even check the prices before reserving our table?”

Yoongi chuckled, his hand still intertwined with Hoseok’s. “Jin knows the owner. We’re getting a discount.”

“Now that sounds more like the broke college student I know,” Hoseok said, his sunlight smile illuminating their dim corner of the restaurant. “But you didn’t answer me. What’s the occasion?”

Yoongi took a sip of water to soothe his dry throat. “Well, uhm, there’s a few things I wanted to talk to you about.”

The waiter arrived and took their order, a process that took longer than it should have because Yoongi swears Hoseok has commitment issues while ordering. Finally the waiter sauntered away and Yoongi could breath again.

Hoseok took Yoongi’s other hand. “You were saying?”

“Well, firstly,” he said, “I got a job offer.”

“Yoongi!” Hoseok exclaimed. “That’s great! From where?”

Yoongi shrugged. “Oh, this little studio near our place. They needed an assistant producer, but they say if I’m any good I could get promoted.”

Hoseok smiled again (an act that Yoongi was sure would give him freckles). He raised his glass. “A toast,” he said, “to music.”

Yoongi smiled bashfully and raised his glass as well. “To music.”

They bantered back and forth for a while before their food came. When they had finished eating, Yoongi felt his stomach clench. He’d let the conversation flow away from the meaning of the evening as an attempt to get his nerves to calm, but they were ten times worse now that his mind added throwing up over Hoseok to the list of things that could go wrong tonight.

He clenched and unclenched his hands as the waiter returned for him to sign the check. Finally, Hoseok stood to leave and Yoongi followed on wobbly legs. Outside, he grabbed Hoseok’s hand and lead him to the park a block down from the restaurant. They sat down on a bench and sat quietly as Yoongi’s stomach did flips.

“Hoseok,” he said, his hands clammy, “I need to talk to you about something.”

Hoseok bumped his shoulder with Yoongi’s. “The floor is yours.”

Yoongi smiled and wiped his hands on his pants. “I was thinking, you know, about us and I realized that I can’t remember when you became so important to me,” he said. “But now, I’m not sure what I would do without you.”

“Me too,” Hoseok said softly.

Yoongi swallowed. “So I was thinking about everything and I came to the conclusion that I . . . want to spend . . . the rest of my life with you.” He practically breathed the last part out.

He glanced at Hoseok out of the corner of his eye. Then he turned to face him fully because Hoseok’s eyes were stars and his lips were spread into his heart-shaped smile. “You do?” he asked.

Yoongi nodded mutely.

Hoseok threw his arms around Yoongi. “Yoongi! Yes! I want to spend the rest of my life in your arms,” he exclaimed.

Yoongi wrapped his arms around Hoseok’s waist and tucked his nose into the crook of his neck. “You’re so cringy,” he muttered, tears slipping from his eyes. He pulled away slightly. “I got rings,” he said. “I mean, only if you wanted to wear them before the ceremony. I didn’t know if you--”

Hoseok interrupted him with a look. “I would love to wear the rings now, Yoongi.”

He nodded and fumbled to get the box out of his pocket. He popped the box open (an act that almost sent the rings flying and had Hoseok in giggles). He took Hoseok’s hand and shakily slipped the ring onto his left hand. Hoseok in turn did the same.

Yoongi held Hoseok’s hand and stared at the golden ring fondly. “Someone might think you love the ring more than you love me,” Hoseok commented, a smirk in his voice.

Yoongi looked up. “It’s not that. It’s just--the ring--it’s a physical reminder that this is a thing. That you love me enough to marry me.”

Hoseok smiled and leaned forward until their foreheads touched. “My love for you is more than enough for marriage,” he murmured, his eyes closed. “And I can think of other ways to remind you that I love you.”

“Oh really?” Yoongi said, a smirk pulling on his lips.

Hoseok nodded and leaned forward the bit more that they needed to press their lips together. They had kissed countless times before but each one felt like the first as Yoongi’s heart exploded with emotion and he felt their minds subconsciously reach out for each other. They were filled to the brim with thoughts of each other and the intense love that was held in their hearts.

When Hoseok pulled away, Yoongi found his lips chasing for more. He opened his eyes and smiled bashfully, intertwining their fingers effortlessly. Hoseok leaned against Yoongi’s shoulder and stared up at the handful of stars that glittered the Seoul sky.

“You know, the guys will freak when we tell them,” Hoseok said.

Yoongi smiled. “Jin will be on Namjoon’s ass about how he didn’t propose first.”

“I bet Namjoon’s been carrying a ring in his pocket for the past few months, but hasn’t mustered the guts to propose,” Hoseok said.

Yoongi laughed. “I bet.”

Hoseok gasped. “Who will officiate the marriage?”

Yoongi sighed and rested his head on Hoseok’s. “That, and the rest of our plans, are things we can think about later,” he said. “Right now, I just want to enjoy the evening with my fiance.”

“Oh,” Hoseok cooed. “My heart fluttered. How cool.”

Yoongi scoffed and squeezed Hoseok’s hand. “Get used to it, Hobi. I’ll be making your heart flutter for the rest of our lives.”

“No! My heart can’t take this!” he exclaimed. “Since when is my fiance this smooth?”

Yoongi slapped a hand to his heart. “Stop. At this rate we’ll both be melted puddles of ourselves on the wedding day.”

Hoseok smiled and pressed a chaste kiss to Yoongi’s lips. “I love you.”

Yoongi’s heart warmed. “I love you, too.”