Work Text:
Cat Hyung <3
Good morning, Jimin :]
How did you sleep last night?
Lovely Jimin 😍
Good morning, hyung!
I slept well! How bout you?
Cat Hyung <3
That's good to know
I slept fine. It was hard to fall asleep
I couldn't stop thinking about today
Lovely Jimin 😍
What's with today? 🤔
Cat Hyung <3
Tease
It's our date today, pretty
Lovely Jimin 😍
Oh i know
I'm ready, when you picking me up?
Cat Hyung <3
What
Lovely Jimin 😍
Just teasing!
See you later hyung!!!!
Super excited to date you!!!
Cat Hyung <3
Me too
I wanna hold hands later
Can we?
Lovely Jimin 😍
We slept beside each other already
I don't think hand holding would be too much
Cat Hyung <3
Hug?
Lovely Jimin 😍
We also woke up cuddling
Then continued cuddling until we were late
Cat Hyung <3
I can't wait
Can't I just come over now and do all that to you?
Lovely Jimin 😍
If we do that, we wouldn't be able to get up!
Then we'd miss our date :((
Cat Hyung <3
I miss your arms
Lovely Jimin 😍
Sap
Me too, you're not special 🙄
JK YOU'RE VERY SPECIAL YOU'RE MY YOONGI
Cat Hyung <3
Alright then 👍
Lovely Jimin 😍
Still want to date me?
Cat Hyung <3
Yes. And a million times more.
Lovely Jimin 😍
Only a million?
Cat Hyung <3
In every lifetime 🙄
Lovely Jimin 😍
Only in every lifetime?
Cat Hyung <3
What else is beyond that?
Lovely Jimin 😍
I'm breaking up with you
Cat Hyung <3
Brat
Just say you want me to want you more
Lovely Jimin 😍
I just miss you :(
Last time we met was.. checks notes :(
That was last week hyung!!! :(
Stupid business trip of yours :(
I can't believe Busan got to have you for days!!! ;(
That's criminal :(
You're mine :(
Cat Hyung <3
Mmmm
I miss you too
And yes, I'm very much yours. Busan can fck off
And texting doesn't do our dating justice
Lovely Jimin 😍
You know what
Do come over IDC i want you
Cat Hyung <3
On my way :]
Jimin lets out a giggle as he rereads their recent messages one last time before turning in bed and switching the app over to YouTube.
Ever since that night of Yoongi's birthday, the long conversations, the sudden confessions, and all of the revelations, the both of them have been inseparable. They were always texting; giving little updates, taking random photos, sending links to funny videos, and gossiping. And sometimes they call, but it only happens when they're not at the office, which is not always—like the corporate slaves they are.
However, this inseparability between them only reflects through their digital interactions because, in very bad timing, Yoongi had to attend an emergency business trip to Busan that Sunday. Which resulted in a string of apologies from Yoongi's end and understanding whines from Jimin's end. And of course, sharing sentiments of regret for not having planned to date on Friday evening instead, since they had to celebrate with their friends on Saturday.
Yoongi's birthday party with the others was a blast. Just like the impromptu birthday date, all of them simply ate and drank in Yoongi's unit. The only difference was the chaos of someone bringing a karaoke machine (most likely Jungkook's), of someone drinking too much they spent an hour in the bathroom puking their guts out (most likely Taehyung), of someone shoving their phone up on everyone's faces recording (most likely Hoseok... and Jimin himself), and of two people talking about random trivias over the mics (Namjoon and Yoongi) while a third person sings (Seokjin).
It was, to simply put, loud and fun. The exact opposite of how his and Yoongi's night went. And although the elder complained and whined over the phone the next morning about being hungover while having to travel to Busan last minute, Jimin can confidently say that Yoongi had the best time of his life. Especially when they all barely have get togethers anymore, and he is certain Yoongi missed all of them a lot.
Now, it's exactly a week since Yoongi's birthday. Saturday. They ate dinner together on Wednesday evening when Yoongi finally got home—oh, how tightly Jimin kept him in his embrace. The hug probably lasted ten minutes, but Yoongi never complained once and only held on tighter. All in the middle of the train station. They definitely caught a few odd glances, but they didn't care. And ever since he came home, they never went a night without dinner spent together.
Those dinners weren't considered dates though, Jimin made it clear to Yoongi—which the elder easily agreed with. The both of them did not want their first date to be a dinner after a long tiring day at work, with their minds still stuck in the office. So they simply just eat at cheap, warm, family-owned restaurants near their offices and talked during their shared meals—ranting, venting, or gossiping about their office lives.
It's all good. Very good. So good that it brings out the 21-year-old Jimin who had the biggest crush on his cool hyung. All giddy smiles and squealing in the privacy of his bedroom. Except now, he doesn't just see Yoongi as the cool hyung—now he also sees a kitten with the way the elder purrs a hum when he's extra tired, the way he melts when Jimin plays with his hair or chin, and the way he subtly seeks physical affection in his own nonchalant way. This is an upgraded version of his crush. And it's making him equally, if not more, giddy and excited than before.
Jimin sinks deeper into the sheets while his thumb swipes up to skip a Short, and just in time, a small sound of the front door's lock beeping reaches his ears. Instantly, a too-wide smile blooms on his face, and he has to bury his face into his pillow to lightly scold himself for being such a sap. Well, Yoongi would find it adorable for sure, but it's still embarrassing.
As he is about to lift his head when the bed dips behind him. This time, he doesn't hide the smile on his face, letting the ache on his cheeks settle to numb. Arms snake around his waist before he's gently pulled back, and he sighs in content as he closes his eyes, letting the elder bury his face in Jimin's neck. He hears a deep inhale, then feels a quiet peck.
"Good morning, Jimin-ah," Yoongi finally greets, voice raspy like he's just woken up, but his tone soft and fond.
Jimin giggles at the ticklish feeling of the words pressed against his neck, and he sinks deeper in Yoongi's embrace. They cuddled just like this the morning after the elder's birthday, except Jimin was the big spoon. Ah, really, to this day, he still thinks of that impromptu cuddling session, still thinks of the way Yoongi purred in content while nuzzling Jimin's chest.
Today, he wants to be the one doing the nuzzling. So he turns around and immediately does exactly that.
"Good morning, Hyung," he belatedly responds, but Yoongi gladly accepts it by placing a soft kiss on the top of his head.
"Weather's great today for a cute date." Yoongi's voice lifts up in an aegyo, baby tone.
They've spoken in this voice too often just recently. What started out as a joke one late evening call, became one of their favorite things to do with each other. And, yes, it has everything to do about the way they unironically find the other cute with that voice.
Jimin lifts his head, resting his chin on the elder's chest as he grins up at him, matching his voice. "Where should we go? We only really planned the date part and not the date part."
The elder chuckles. "I know. Should we look stuff up online? Or should we just stroll 'round the city and see if we find anything interesting?"
"I think that's good." Jimin lays his cheek back on the chest lets out another sigh of content. "Next time, we properly plan where we're going... We're so bad at this."
His head jostles with Yoongi's laughter, and he just smiles at the feeling. It's his favorite to hear his hyung being joyful and happy.
"Let's relearn everything together."
A hum of agreement, and then silence falls. Their thumbs mindlessly caress whatever area they're resting on, and Jimin would get pecks on his head every once in a while.
Morning moves slowly like this—in each other's arms, bathing under the soft light passing through the curtains. Yoongi's breathing eventually slows down to a slumbering pace, but Jimin simply lays there on his chest, staring at the wall in front of him and drowning in his happy thoughts. There is no rule as to what time they should begin their date, so he leaves his hyung alone to rest and decides to wait until he wakes up. Or at least until he's too hungry to stay in their cozied state.
Jimin's thoughts wander to wherever it wants to land. It begins with reminiscing the past—from the first time they met, to all of the times they've shared mostly with the company of their friends. And then it turns into shock. A week has gone by, but he still cannot move on from the fact that they have gone this far. From not being able to hold a proper conversation more than five words shared, to now cuddling in his bed early in the morning simply because he demanded to be cuddled.
It's... a lot. It's a whiplash. So sudden. But at the same time, so right, so natural. As if this was meant to happen all along. And even if it took such a long time for them to arrive here, he'd do it again in a heartbeat. Well, preferably with less time, but he supposes as long as it's Yoongi, always Yoongi, then timeline be damned.
The mattress buzzes behind him, and he blindly reaches his arm out to take his forgotten phone. It's Taehyung, and he's calling. Facetime.
He cautiously glances up at Yoongi's face, then back down at the incoming call.
Maybe if he just keeps the phone angle down.
He accepts the call.
"Jimin-ah!" Taehyung exclaims with a huge grin on his face. Really, he's lucky he kept his phone volume down.
His friend looks like he's sitting out on a balcony, the loud winds and ocean waves a little audible even over the phone's noise-canceling feature.
Taehyung works as a stylist for one of the biggest idol groups in the industry. He travels a lot, very frequently actually, especially now in the middle of the idols' comeback, but he always finds time to see everyone in their circle, especially Jimin. Just this week, he had to attend a week-long shooting in Jeju island. He got quite lucky that he was able to attend Yoongi's birthday party.
Back to his busy schedule—to make up for their constant distance, they both always reserve time every other day that's just for them. They have it scheduled in a shared online calendar.
Jimin forgot today was one of those days.
"Hi," he greets quietly with a small smile.
"It's been a while, I miss you! Last time we talked was—"
"Yesterday." He rolls his eyes fondly.
"Through text for a minute! That's not enough. Anyway, I'm coming back to Seoul tomorrow. I arrive in the afternoon. Let's meet up! This is not a request." Taehyung playfully points a finger at him.
"Sure." He and Yoongi will just have to have a morning date then. That is if they don't stay late in bed.
"Perfect! Anyway, how was your week, my Jiminie?"
Jimin pouts and buries half of his face on Yoongi's chest. "Same as always. Dreadful, tiring, empty."
The elder stirs beneath him, and he freezes just as the arm underneath his phone comes up to wrap around Jimin's neck, putting him in an awkward headlock. A position which, quite comically, makes Taehyung gasp dramatically loud and stare at him through the screen with a cartoonish expression.
"Who—what—"
Jimin lifts his chin out of Yoongi's arm and smiles sheepishly at his friend. "So—life update?"
"The fuck?"
A giggle breaks out of his chest before he could stop it, and it's enough to fully wake Yoongi up, who whines and hugs him tighter.
"How long?!"
"Very recent. Too recent, which is why I haven't announced anything yet."
"Oh! I understand." But Taehyung still sports a flabbergasted look on his face. "Just—this whole time at the party? Finally getting over Yoongi-hyung?"
At the mention of his name, Yoongi's head shoots up from the pillows, but doesn't make a sound nor move to appear in the camera. So they're both on the same page about the 'reveal.' They don't want to share it yet.
"W-well." He glances sidelong at his hyung, then resists a grin to grow on his face. "Yes to the entire time, no to Yoongi-hyung. He'll always be in my heart—he knows." He tilts his head to the side, referring to his secret guy, and while Yoongi snorts, Taehyung blanches.
"That's such a weird arrangement but I'm not judging." Taehyung laughs. "You make it sound like Hyung died though."
"Knock on wood," mutters Jimin with a small laugh.
"Still, wow. This is big news. It's been years since you last dated! I can't believe—I'm so happy for you. I hope things work out for you both."
"Me too. I like him a lot." Jimin presses a kiss on Yoongi's arm for emphasis, and he feels the way the arm flexes as if holding back from squeezing him.
"He's got bulging arms too, definitely your type." They both share a laugh, even Yoongi who's now more awake than ever and scrolling through his own phone with his free hand.
"Anyway, what about you, Taehyung-ah? Any life update?"
"I do, but not as life changing as yours!"
Jimin and Taehyung end up speaking for over two hours, a long time which, in the middle of it, Yoongi eventually got up to cook brunch. They catch up on the past week, exchanging gossip from Jimin's workplace and idols behind the scenes from Taehyung. Not a single name was dropped throughout, which was a bummer since they carelessly did it in person. Either way, they both made most of their two hours gossiping.
Near the end of the call, Yoongi calls him from the kitchen that the food's ready, to which he responds in that same cute tone they spoke with one another on autopilot. And when he goes back to face his phone, Taehyung would look at him both horrified and endeared.
"That's the first time I've ever heard you use such an ugly voice before. Oh my god—this is serious, isn't it?"
"Very much." Jimin's face heats up at the admission, and a shy grin makes its way on his face at the thought of this with Yoongi for a long time. Perhaps even the rest of their lives, and the dream of that kind of future with Yoongi just feels... right, just like how right it was when they both decided to confess and start dating.
"Seriously, I'm so, so happy to see you this way. You're glowing, Jimin. This man might just be the one if he's got you looking like this." Taehyung shakes his head. "I hope to meet him one day. At both of your pace, of course."
"Of course." Jimin sighs, then finally sits up in bed. "Thank you, Taehyung. Really. And um, sorry to end it here, but I do have to go. Hyung won't eat without me and his stomach's been rumbling since he arrived."
Taehyung laughs and nods. "Sure, sure. Bye, Jimin. See you tomorrow!"
"See you!"
Without bothering to make the bed, Jimin jumps off and rushes to the kitchen where, as predicted, Yoongi sat waiting with his phone. The food on his plate untouched. He smiles at the gesture and comes up to hug the elder from behind, then lathers his back with kisses.
"You're," kiss, "So," kiss, "Sweet," kiss.
"The best, I know." Yoongi reaches behind him, signaling Jimin to come to the front, and once he does, arms immediately pull him to settle on the elder's lap. "What did you two talk about?"
"Just caught up with some gossip—did you know there are apparently two members of this one group who have bad blood?" Jimin lights up, his voice pitching up in intrigue as he wiggles around Yoongi's embrace to face him. "But in front of the public eye they seem like very close friends?"
"Wouldn't be surprised. It's very common among idol groups. Do you know the names?"
"Sadly, no." He pouts. "Because it's over the phone and TaeTae wasn't exactly in private space. If he were here, he'd definitely tell me. But apparently they're a very famous group, so I'm dying to know who they are!" Yoongi leans in and nuzzles his nose against his jaw in a consoling manner.
"When you find out, do tell me."
"Always thirsty for tea!"
"You know me."
After a heavy brunch with equally heavy affections—nuzzling, soft baby talking, and feeding each other small bites—their slow morning finally begins to dip into the noon hours. They take turns showering, and when Jimin asked Yoongi if he was fine borrowing his clothes, he was surprised to find out that his Hyung had actually brought a bag complete with overnight essentials as well as date outfits. Seriously, Jimin's a goner for this adorable grown man.
He's sat in the vanity putting on light makeup when Yoongi walks in fresh from out of the shower. The elder is already wearing pants, but his torso remains bare while he towels off his hair. Jimin's hand freezes midway from applying a tinted balm, his eyes closely following his Hyung's movements from the mirror. The soft lines of his body, the beefy muscles of his arms, the small happy trail peeking from the waistband.
"Knew you'd stare."
The comment breaks him out of his reverie, meeting Yoongi's eyes in the reflection with his own wide ones. Of course he did this on purpose. Jimin snaps the cap back on his balm before getting up and walking towards the elder, who stays in his spot and tracks him with his hooded eyes.
What's gotten into him? Jimin's very much complaining. Yoongi is a dangerous man, and even more so when he knows the impact he has on Jimin.
"You're so hot. Seriously. But you might have to slow down—'m not ready to show you my freaky side yet."
And just like that, the moment breaks. Yoongi barks out a laugh, eyes shut and head tilted back as he does, and when he recovers, he pulls Jimin into his arms, where he immediately rests his hands on the elder's chest—lightly squeezing it for good measure. They just can't get their hands off one another for too long.
"Sure, was just teasing you, Jimin-ah. Taehyung's little comment got to me."
"Hm? Which one?" He tilts his head.
"About your type. Bulging arms. It spurred me on."
Jimin groans, heat crawling up his cheeks as he hides in Yoongi's naked shoulder in embarrassment. "You're gonna be such a menace when the time comes we take the next level."
The elder doesn't deny it. "But I think you'll be worse."
"We'll see." He pulls away and gives his Hyung a bright, teasing smile. "Soon."
"Soon?" Yoongi sputters.
Instead of answering, Jimin simply shrugs his shoulders and pulls away from the embrace to finish up preparing for their date. Which he casually reminds Yoongi over his shoulder, leaving the elder pink all over his body and stuttering.
It takes thirty minutes for the both of them to finally stand by the entrance, checking for their belongings before they take their leave. And when their shoes are on, lights are off, and door is locked behind them—they're finally set. Their first official date.
Fuck.
All too suddenly, Jimin's palms and armpits dampen with sweat as they walk side-by-side towards the elevator in silence—then become fully drenched inside the suddenly-humid car as they, again in silence, watch the numbers go down.
Is Yoongi nervous, too? Is he waiting for me to talk? He must be sweating under his jacket, too, he must be...
Yet, when he sneaks a glance over his Hyung, he sees nothing but serenity and composure. And now he feels dumb. Why would he be nervous? This is his Yoongi-hyung. His. They've spent multiple nights eating dinner together. They literally give each other chaste kisses on any part of the other's body they can.
"Are you nervous? Because I am, and I kinda lowkey want to puke right now." Jimin blurts out just as the doors slide open. Yoongi glances at him for a second before pulling him out of the elevator. And it's only when they're standing in front of the elder's car, parked just beside his own, still hand-in-hand, that he gets a response.
"I should've asked you this inside... but do you still want to go on with our date?"
The question drops his heart to his stomach, and he immediately squeezes Yoongi's hand in an assuring manner. To show him his certainty and firm decision that, yes, he does want to go on with their date—once again making him feel dumb for giving his Hyung the wrong idea.
And Jimin should have known better. His Hyung was and is definitely nervous, and the calm stature he saw earlier was just a facade. Because Min Yoongi now, though still looking composed, shows with his rapidly moving eyes and constant movement of his throat that he is indeed nervous as well. That somehow brings relief to Jimin.
"Of course I do, I'm just..." He steps closer and pecks Yoongi's cheek. "I told you that night that it felt like nothing changed when we decided to start dating."
"Yes."
"But now that we're actually here, starting our very first official date, I just realized that, no, nothing didn't change. Lots of it did, and is. Even if we've known each other for years, even if we've unknowingly acted upon our feelings for one another, I still have so much to show you. You still have so much to learn about me. And I don't want to fuck things up—I want to keep impressing you, to keep looking handsome for you, to keep pleasing you."
"Jimin-ah..." Yoongi releases his hands then quickly pulls him into a hug. He slightly rocks them side-to-side, a cute action that pulls a smile on Jimin against the elder's shoulder. "I want to keep doing those too. We've become closer than we thought in just a week, everything has changed. And it makes me nervous because I don't want to fuck things up as well."
He pouts and burrows further in the elder's embrace, squeezing his waist a little tighter. "It just feels like... Like this date could be the ultimate test, y'know?"
"Test?"
"We've basically been on a honeymoon phase the whole time. Everything's great. So good. But what if it's in this date that you see past the rose-colored lenses and realize that I'm not the partner you want and then we just ruined the friend group."
"That's..." Yoongi pulls back slightly to look him in the eyes, and he resists the urge to look away in embarrassment. "Baby, I assure you—that won't happen."
"How would you know?" He whines, stomping his foot.
"Because I already saw plenty sides of you from the past decade, and through all the highs and lows, my heart chose you." Yoongi pecks his nose, then smiles softly, gently. "I don't think anything new I'll learn would change the way my heart beats for you, because I've already seen it all—your growth. And I know for a fact that you're incredibly kindhearted, incredibly sweet and caring, incredibly handsome even barefaced with a bed head, and incredibly impressive in every aspect."
"I..."
"I don't think you're ready to hear what I want to say yet, but for now... know my heart is completely yours, Jimin. Nothing could ever rip this away from your hands."
"Hyung," he sobs, then jumps to hug the elder tight. "Best date ever."
The sound of Yoongi's quiet laughter fills his ears like a melody made out of sweet somethings and soft cuddles in the early morning. It expands Jimin's heart full, taking over the entire space of his chest and filling it up with Yoongi, Yoongi, Yoongi. His sweet Yoongi. It almost aches from feeling too much all at once, but he doesn't want to rip it out. Instead, he welcomes the extreme adoration he feels and clings into the embrace even tighter.
Well, he's wrong. This is beyond adoration.
"Our date hasn't even begun yet."
After the conversation in the parking lot, they both finally hit the road. Yoongi ended up deciding for them both on where their date would go, which Jimin appreciated a lot. Their first stop is dinner at a good, a little classy, restaurant—somewhere they don't feel underdressed and wouldn't have so to worry too much about their wallets.
The restaurant is packed—loud clinking of silverware left and right, mixed with mild chatters among tables becoming a moderate volume of noise. It's the perfect kind of atmosphere that they are in the mood for that night. So they settle into their seats, across one another, with huge smiles on their faces.
"I want to sit beside you. We always sit beside each other when we eat." Yoongi pouts as soon as a waiter serving them takes her leave with their orders.
"It's too packed to get a four-seater table." Jimin mirrors the elder's expression, then leans forward to cross their hands together. Immediately, Yoongi toys with their fingers being intertwined—and if his Hyung feels the sweat build-up in Jimin's palms, he doesn't mention anything.
"Yeah, too bad..." Then Yoongi perks up, adorably grinning at him ear-to-ear. "I just remembered something—I talked to Hoseok over the phone last night, and he mentioned this great fight between you and Taehyung years back. I never heard of that before, but it seemed like everyone knew so I didn't ask him."
His reaction is instant. Jimin snorts, way too unattractively, and he ducks his head down as his face warms up at the reminder. "God—no way. How'd that even come up in your conversation?!"
Yoongi laughs as he says, "We were talking about a movie he saw about a friend group much like ours—we should definitely watch it together later, by the way—and when a fight came up, he just said it reminded him of you and Taehyung back then."
He whines and lets go of Yoongi's hands to sit back and cover his face. The event happened around fifteen years ago, when he and Taehyung haven't met the guys yet—they were still in high school! And yet, even as more than a decade has passed, the moment still embarrasses him the same since it was primarily his fault the fight happened.
Removing his hands from his face, Jimin arranges himself in his seat properly before replying. "We were talking about friendship, how it will end up becoming nothing in the future and how it will remain a memory. Because it's kind of common, isn't it? For high school friendships to end up that way?"
Yoongi nods slowly. "I guess. Which is why I'm very lucky I still have Namjoon and Seokjin-hyung with me."
"Yes, you three are adorable by the way." The blushy smile he's rewarded with jumps his heart and has him cooing. This grown thirty-three year old man is his baby. "Anyway, TaeTae suddenly said that I'd one day have another best friend and not him anymore because all friendships end, and it really upset me."
"Oh no—was he not joking when he said it?"
"He was," Jimin whines. "It's so embarrassing. I held back my tears while scolding him, like I don't even know if he understood because I was choking a lot. Then I walked away, got home, and deleted his number on my phone."
"What?!" Yoongi looks both concerned and on the verge of laughing, which, understandable—Jimin prefers that over Jungkook laughing his ass for three minutes straight. "When did this happen?"
"Eleventh grade! And really, my feelings were very much valid because we've been schoolmates, then classmates, then best friends since first grade!" This time, Yoongi is laughing but it's lowered to giggles in hishands as he holds back from bursting out entirely in the restaurant. "And he'll just joke about that a year before twelfth grade?! Where we'll possibly separate after graduation? I was hurt, Hyung!"
"Oh my god—yes, Min-ah, it's very absolutely valid."
"Thank you." He lets out a small giggle himself before returning to his story. "So then for the rest of eleventh grade, we were in different circles. Our 'friends' that time would talk badly about one another, like theirs would shit on me, mine would shit on TaeTae, and it was hard on both of us. So when twelfth grade began, on the very first day, I waited for him by the gates, and when he arrived, I pulled him into a hug, apologized, then we both cried for an hour."
"An hour? What about the opening ceremony?"
"Yes. We cried on our way to the classroom and to the gym."
Yoongi loses it, laughing hysterically as quietly as possible in his seat. The sight of his hyung has Jimin laughing as well, with the way a few tears run down the elder's cheeks. "That's so fucking adorable," he says in between giggles.
"Glad you think so. Jungkook just called me all forms of 'idiot,' that brat." He rolls his eyes fondly. "What about you and the other Hyungs? Did you guys have 'the great fights' as well?"
Just in time, the food arrives, and they are silent for a moment as they watch and help the same server from earlier set their table. When she's gone, they get right back into their conversation while enjoying their meal.
"We argued a lot, got into little fights here and there, but I don't think there was ever a moment where the fight was so big that it changed our relationship." Yoongi shrugs.
"Fights like what?"
"Like borrowed things that never got returned, food—especially food for some reason, or we'd fight about what the other said." Yoongi pauses mid-bite, then nods to himself as if remembering something. "Oh, one of those instances was our great fight actually. Hoseok just joined our group, and Seokjin-hyung began to feel left out. Namjoon accidentally said something hurtful in defense for Hobi, like how selfish Hyung was being and kind of an ass for pushing Hobi out like that."
"Oh no... This is serious. Are you sure it's okay for me to hear this?"
"Yeah, it was brought up with the whole group one time. I suppose you weren't there when it came up."
"I guess." Jimin pouts, then gestures for Yoongi to continue.
"So Hyung was both mad and hurt that Namjoon would think that, and for a whole semester, the four of us were separated. Hyung only had me, so we were glued together. It was the time that really brought us both closer—we talked a lot, opened our hearts a lot. And when I wasn't with him, I'd be with Namjoon and Hobi, and they were both very guilty."
Jimin nods in understanding. "I know that feeling. Being too guilty to make the first move because you think nothing could fix it anymore. And you'll just keep blaming yourself."
"Yes." Yoongi takes a sip of water before continuing. "Right before finals, I had enough of it and locked us all in a discussion room at the library and it was all better from then on."
"This was a year before TaeTae and I joined, right?"
"Yes. It was easier for us to adjust when you guys came along because we've had a long discussion about Hobi's by then, so." Then suddenly, Yoongi looks down with a shy smile on his face. "They thought it was hard for me to adjust with you though, 'cause they noticed how awkward I was with you."
Jimin's breath catches in his throat, and he allows himself a moment to feel the way his chest tightens with adoration before he lightly teases, "You just had a crush on me."
"I did."
"Fighting really does strengthen relationships, huh..." And if that's how it should be, then Jimin is... scared. He does not want to fight with Yoongi one day to make either of them blurt out something hurtful, something they'd regret, like... Like, maybe trying this was not the best decision we've made.
It's quite clear how Jimin overthinks things a lot.
But does it really take fighting to strengthen what they both have?
"I see the cogs turning in your pretty little head again."
He breaks out of his thoughts and pouts at the gentle smile Yoongi sends his way. His Hyung really does know him a lot—is attuned with his little nuances, and the quick realization makes his heart swell.
"Just... Well, you can guess."
Instead of sighing like he thought Yoongi would, the elder simply reaches for his hand and squeezes it reassuringly. "I promise that whatever comes in our way, whether it be little fights or, hell, even 'the great' ones—I'll stay. I'll always stay."
"I'm just scared we'd end up like our fights with them, you know? Months without you? I've already beared nine years not being yours. And now that I have you, a week now and counting..." Jimin shakes his head with a sigh. "It's so hard to imagine."
"Then don't," Yoongi says softly, so quiet it almost got buried under the restaurant noise. "Don't imagine it. Just stay where we are now. And if the time does come, if 'the great fight' comes, I'll keep my promise to stay."
And really, Jimin would say he doesn't deserve Yoongi. But now... He can say he does.
Jimin deserves Yoongi, just like how Yoongi deserves him. Because he, too, promises to stay.
"Me too. Whatever it is... I promise to stay. We'll talk it out—won't let it run for weeks or months."
They share a look of understanding across the table. And with Jimin's heart feeling light once more, they continue the rest of their dinner with light conversations—interesting trivias they found on the internet, updates and gossip they came across their social media feeds,
"Mina from middle school married Jaewon just recently, the same boy she absolutely hated with her entire being," Jimin said and Yoongi would gasp dramatically as if he knew these people.
"No way."
And Jimin would shake his head with an exaggerated click of his tongue. "Knew those two would end up getting married."
Or little activities they want to try out together,
"I've always wanted to try going on a trip with my partner one day. Go snorkeling with them, island hopping, ocean stuff—it just feels like an expensive date, but something worth to spend on," Yoongi said and Jimin would wholeheartedly agree.
"I dream of that too, but to be honest, it never felt right to try with my exes..." And when they locked eyes, they'd share a knowing smile. "So... next summer?"
Then Yoongi would easily nod. "Next summer. Thailand. Just us."
And when their plates are emptied and the bill is paid, they will hop in the car and drive around the city for their next stop. They end up in a park where there seems to be an ongoing event—lots of stalls selling snacks and trinkets, music blasting from one area where people are gathered, and beautiful lighting and decor lining the entire place.
They stroll hand-in-hand hidden between their coats, and they walk in a slow pace as they chat and laugh about anything and everything. Every now and then they'd stop by the stalls, and at some point end up buying matching Norigae—Yoongi's blue and Jimin's yellow—pieces that they immediately attach to their keys and dangle in front of the other to cutely show off.
Eventually, they decide to take a seat at one of the rare free benches after purchasing fish cakes. There, the both of them enjoy the view of people mingling about while they eat their snack and continue talking.
To this day, it still surprises Jimin just how much they still have or want to talk about, considering the amount of topics they came up with over texts, calls, and dinners. And it also surprises him that he never gets tired of it. Talking with Yoongi is fun, and he just... can't stop. He loves it. He loves...
"What is one thing you wish you've done sooner?" Yoongi asks while his eyes remain overlooking the bustle of the park.
His reply is instant. "Confessing to you." He glances at Yoongi and there's a pout on the elder's face. "Though that'd be unfair, because each time I gained the courage to do so, you're already introducing a new date to the group."
"What changed on the ninth?" Their eyes finally meet, and Yoongi's hold the stars in his, stealing Jimin's breath away. "You... you started it, saying you had a crush on me."
It takes him a moment to respond. And then, he says, "I gave up." The admittance makes him look away, his heart pounding in his chest while his clammy hands fist the hems of his jacket. "You've been glowing lately and I thought—I thought you already had someone. But then being with you that night made me realize if you truly were dating someone, it would've been them in my place. So I had to just try at least once, for the first and last time. Plus, I drank quite a lot—was loose-lipped."
"Jimin-ah..." Yoongi places a hand on his thigh, and when he looks up, he's met with the most beautiful smile he's ever seen on his Hyung. "Thank you for your courage. If it weren't for you... I wouldn't have said anything. We wouldn't have been here today."
"I know... It's still crazy for me to think about that we're here right now." He scoots closer then boops their noses together. "I don't regret it. I love this. I love us like this."
"I love us like this too."
They're quiet for a while, simply letting their eyes wander over one another's faces. And each time their eyes meet, they'd break into a grin and chuckle softly to themselves. He loves quiet moments like these as well, where they just drown in admiration for the other's beauty and presence. Yoongi's a very beautiful man.
"On the other hand, I do wish to explore my hobbies. I know it's not an answer to your question exactly, but." Jimin shrugs.
"Can I join you? That actually sounds fun, exploring new hobbies in your free time. I could use that as well."
"Of course! Whenever you feel like it."
An hour or two passes, and their date eventually comes to an end. They decide to close it sharing a cup of ice cream, and after that, they tiredly make their way back to Jimin's place—with him driving this time after much insistence that Yoongi should take a break.
Driving with Yoongi in the passenger seat never happened before in the past week, considering that they do have their individual vehicles—but it feels nice. It feels... domestic. Because as he drives, Yoongi's hand rests over Jimin's on the gear stick caressing the small expanse with his thumb. And the entire time, his Hyung carries the conversation.
When they arrive, they stop by his door and face each other with huge grins on their faces.
"Thank you for tonight, Hyung. I... I loved it so much. I can't believe I got very nervous earlier when, y'know, it went well anyway."
"It's alright. Your feeling was valid. I was very nervous too, so you and I both."
They giggle to themselves, the sweet sounds carrying down the empty hallway. And then, Yoongi steps closer, closer, until Jimin's back meets his door with a soft thud.
With their faces mere breadths away, Yoongi whispers, "You looked so pretty tonight, Jimin-ah. Have I told you that earlier?"
Jimin pouts, his lips immediately catching the elder's eyes. "No, you haven't."
"I'm sorry, Minmin-ah. You look handsomely pretty for our date today. Couldn't stop looking at you. You're so gorgeous."
"Hyung..." He smiles all too widely, biting his lower lip in a failed attempt to hold it back. "You're so handsome today, too. And so hot." And before Yoongi could say anything, Jimin dives in, pressing his lips against the other's.
Yoongi's breath hitching reaches his ears, then without another second, arms wrap around his middle and pull their bodies flushed. Jimin pulls away to catch his breath, but he doesn't get a chance to properly get one when Yoongi slips his tongue in and devours him whole.
A moan escapes from the back of his throat, and his hands come up to tangle in Yoongi's hair, squeezing and tugging as they pant in each other's mouths the deeper and heated their kiss becomes. And then they pull away with a light smack, staring at each other's disheveled state. A beat passes, and another one, another—and like two strong magnets, they kiss again.
Jimin slowly blinks eyes open, only to be met with a soft tuft of hair tickling half of his face. Which is what probably woke him up in the first place. He takes a long moment staring at the wall behind Yoongi to recollect on last night's events. The date, the dinner, the conversations, and lastly, the kissing.
He subtly shifts his body to get a feel of his surroundings, and he lets out a small breath when it clicks that they are both fully dressed—except he's shirtless. They didn't go beyond making out last night, and he's perfectly content with how things still went for them.
A memory of Yoongi whining cutely in the middle of the kiss cross his mind, and a wide smile blooms on his face as he buries his nose in the elder's hair. Yoongi had complained about his hard-on, so they had to stop their long makeout session just so he could handle it himself in the bathroom. Even though Jimin would've loved to watch it, but—whatever's the elder's choice. If neither felt prepared to do more than just kissing, then it just won't happen yet.
Yoongi stirs beneath him, and he nuzzles closer as he hugs him tighter. And against his chest, the elder grins and giggles.
"Good morning, Minmin-ah," comes Yoongi's muffled greeting.
"Good morning, my lovely Hyung." He presses a loud smooch on top of the elder's head. Thank you again, for last night."
Yoongi pulls his head back and looks up at him with squinted eyes and a lazy grin. "Thank you as well. You're an amazing kisser." They share a laugh before Yoongi goes back to hiding in his chest.
Silence blanketing them once more, Jimin goes back to drowning himself in his thoughts. And the first thing he can think of is how easy it is to be with Yoongi.
From the night of his birthday to the following nights they spend eating dinner together, just the two of them, and then on their date. Everything felt... easy. In a way that he doesn't have to worry about what the elder would think of him, of the way he expresses himself, his preferences, his feelings, his own self. Easy in a way that he feels safe enough to be himself around Yoongi. And he loves it.
Another thing he loves? Waking up to Yoongi's adorable sleeping face and the dull remnants of his cologne the day before.
Or eating any meal with him, whether in shared silence or engaged conversations.
Or always learning something new about the other even if they've basically shared the minuscule details of their personal lives to the T for the past week already.
Or the silent looks they share that they just know what the other's trying to convey.
Or talking about their future together that just doesn't feel scary because it only feels right. As if sharing their future is the only way to live their lives from now on.
Or how he doesn't feel pressured or scared to do anything with Yoongi, because again, he is his safe place.
Or how easy it is to love Yoongi after spending almost a decade already falling. Slowly. With time.
He loves Yoongi.
I love Yoongi.
"I love you."
Those words come easily.
The hand that's been unnoticeably caressing his back freezes, just for a second, and his throat clogs up when he feels rather than hears the way Yoongi's breath comes out shaky. But he doesn't feel any slight of hesitation, just... the surprise. And then they're looking at each other before he realizes it.
"I love you, too."
That, too, comes easily to his ears.
Yoongi's eyes, ever warm and gentle, looks at him like he's the one who hung up the sun. But it's Yoongi. It's him who did. It's also him who's responsible for the hyperbolic swelling of Jimin's heart—so much that a tear runs down the bridge of his nose. The same tear and nose that Yoongi leans in to gently kiss. And he loves him. God, he loves him so much.
And now he knows for certain that he doesn't have to be scared. Not when facing it means he gets to say he loves Yoongi. Not when facing it means he gets to listen to Yoongi say he loves him. Not when he could spend a lifetime just being like this with