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“I can’t believe it took so long for me to get you here,” Taehyung repeated himself like a broken record that day, but he just couldn’t phantom it.
Paris was one of his favourite places in the world and he cherished every time he had an opportunity to spend time there. But this time it was different, as when he turned his head to the side, Seokjin’s soft-smiling frame was walking right beside him, elbows brushing.
He was clearly amused when he glanced at Taehyung with his eyebrows raised. “You didn't get me here. We have the same schedule.”
Taehyung knew he was teasing him, but he couldn't help but defend himself.
“You know what I mean. It’s the first time we’re here together.”
“We’ve been here together before.”
“You know what, hyung?” Taehyung stopped walking for a second to make a point. “You are killing the romantic mood right now.”
Seokjin turned to him, also stopping. “Oh, am I really?” He tilted his head to the side in that cute manner he saw as challenging — but for Taehyung it was an expression that made him want to charge into Seokjin and kiss him silly.
“Yes, you are,” he answered, but there wasn’t any malice behind the words. He felt himself beaming just looking at Jin with the pretty scenery in the background, which he adored so much. Home, he thought. But then, even if he’s exhilarated at the moment at the circumstances he found himself in, it would feel like home even if he was in an empty room, as long as he’s with Kim Seokjin.
“That’s a bummer.” Jin pouted, cocking his mouth to one side, eyes casting down. “Maybe you should show me what romance looks like.” He looked up at Taehyung with a daring glimpse in his eyes and the latter’s lips formed a thin line.
Taehyung didn’t have an issue with acting irresponsible, everyone around him knew that well. He could drag Jin to the closest alley between the buildings they’re passing and give him a very detailed romance lesson. God knows he wanted to. But for the sake of everything and everyone, he just put hands into the front pockets of his trousers, restraining himself.
“Stop teasing me, because I will. You know it. And you’ll get mad. And the romance will die.”
“Okay, okay.” Jin chuckled and turned around, starting to walk again. “I’m happy I’m with you here, too, you know,” he added, when Taehyung was back to walking beside him. Jin looked at Taehyung’s profile and then down at his own hand, which quickly found the front of his jeans. He hooked his thumbs into his pockets, keeping his hands occupied. He lightly bumped his shoulder against Taehyung's, smiling sweetly. Taehyung returned the gesture, smiling back. It wasn’t much — Taehyung would much rather just hold his hand, as they strolled through the streets — but it was enough.
“I know,” he answered, turning to look ahead, as they continued their walk.
Taehyung wondered, as they talked and snapped pictures of each other, how much their lives had changed since the last time they were together in Paris. It was a long time ago, but he still remembered how confused he was starting to feel during the Love Yourself tour, when for him, loving himself was rather tricky at that time, as his heart was making weird flips at the wrong time with the wrong people. It took some time for it to rest and heal, to finally start beating in the right rhythm, when Seokjin’s palms covered his cheeks with a caring look in his eyes, full of little loving stars, a couple years later. It felt as though the world had finally decided to slow down, the realization dawning on him that his safety anchor had been right beside him all along.
The dark clouds retreated in that moment and when he finally decided to taste what he had considered the forbidden fruit, catching Seokjin’s lips in between his, the sunlight shone down at him and it kept him warm up to the current moment — when he caught a glimpse of Seokjin laughing about something with Jimin, as they entered the Eiffel Tower’s restaurant floor.
It was perfect — great view, loud laughs and gentle talk — everything he adored making him smile, as his hand found its place on Jin’s thigh repeatedly, grounding himself in the moment. After they ate, they decided to take pictures with the view. After Jin took his, he stood leaning on the railing in front of the window, a tall glass of champagne in his hand. The place was dim and the people around were uninterested in them. So, he closed the distance between them slowly, nose pressing into the crock of Jin’s neck, as his arms rested around his waist.
“Do you come here often?” Taehyung murmured into his skin.
“Depends on who’s asking,” Jin answered, taking a sip from his glass.
He squeezed Jin a little in his embrace. “A man, madly in love.”
“In love with whom?”
“With the only person worth loving.”
Jin bit his lip to contain the growing slime. “It’s hard to compare, then.”
“Well, it’s a good thing you don’t have to do that, then.”
Seokjin laughed. “You’re so cheesy.”
“You love it.”
“Do I really?”
Taehyung hummed, resting his chin on Jin’s shoulder. “Say you love me back.”
“I need to think about it.”
“You’re annoying.”
“You’re mean.”
“You love me.”
“I love you.” Taehyung’s face lit up with a pleased smile. “I want to kiss you,” Jin whispered even quieter, hand resting lightly on top of Taehyung’s.
“I promise you all the hugs and kisses in the world when we come back to the hotel later. Good?”
“Good.”
Taehyung left a ghostly kiss on Jin’s neck and moved back, making Jin turn around to face him.
“Are you going with me and Hoseok-hyung to that bar we talked about?”
Jin pouted a little. “I’m tired.” Taehyung raised an eyebrow. “But you go.”
“You sure?” Seokjin smiled and nodded. “Okay.”
So, they split into different cars after leaving the place. Taehyung had fun with Hobi and it was around 1:30am when he finally reached their hotel room’s door, which clicked behind him quietly after he stepped in. He saw the bedside lamp was on and he heard sounds coming from the TV but Seokjin could as well had fallen asleep watching something. So, being considerate, he slowly took off his shoes and jacket, and made his way to the main part of the room, planning to reach the bathroom, but he stopped in his tracks.
Two prettily sparkling eyes were following his movements from under a hood created from a grey plush blanket Jin was wrapped into.
Taehyung wanted to ask if he woke him up, but Jin was sitting up and he didn't look taken freshly out of sleep. So, Taehyung settled on..
“Have you been waiting for me?” He took out his phone from his trousers and placed it on the foot of the bed.
Jin just nodded. Taehyung raised his brows slightly.
“Are you mad?”
Jin shook his head no. Taehyung breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
“You said you were tired,” he continued, searching for the reason why his boyfriend was still up. He usually was sleeping like a baby by midnight.
“I am,” Seokjin finally spoke, he cleared his throat after. “But I'm not sleepy.”
“Right.” Taehyung grabbed the hem of his t-shirt and stretched his arms up, taking it off. “Were you playing games?” He folded the material in four and placed it on one of the chairs standing next to the wall across the bed. Maybe he played something new and got excited about it.
“I did play some, Jungkook came and played with me. But I got tired. So I kicked him out.”
A quiet laugh bubbled in Taehyung's throat, but it came out more as a quick breath.
“How long ago was this?” Taehyung opened his belt.
“Two hours ago.”
“And you’re still up. Waiting for me.” It was a statement, not a question. He took off his slacks and folded them too. “Did something happen?”
“No.” Jin shook his head again and Taehyung squinted at him, assessing.
“Okay,” he answered, not fully convinced. He walked around the bed, shortening the distance between them. Seokjin’s head turned, eyes following Taehyung's movements. He looked up when Taehyung was in front of him and the latter leaned down. He grabbed Jin's chin and angled it more to his liking, then connected their lips in a slow kiss.
God, the world just got so much better with the reminder of who his world is.
“Okay, what is it?” Jin looked at him, eyes big, as he sat on the edge of the bed. “You clearly have something on your mind and I don't know…”
If Jin wanted Taehyung to guess what it was, he clearly didn't care enough to be patient.
“You promised me hugs and kisses.”
Taehyung could physically feel his body soften. Of course.
“Oh, baby.” He moved closer. “Did you really stay up to get those?”
“You’re making me feel embarrassed about it now,” he whined, but Taehyung just giggled.
“No, don’t be. I’m honoured.” He leaned and left a peck on his lips. “You could have just texted me. Or tell me not to go.”
“I’m being a considerate partner willing to bend my wants as I know my needs will be fulfilled later on,” he recited quickly, bouncing his head from side to side and Taehyung fully laughed.
“Okay, thank you for being you, baby.” He squeezed Jin’s cheeks and kissed him again. “I'll just take a quick shower and be back, okay?”
Seokjin's eyes were closed when Taehyung stroked his skin with his thumb. He gave him a hum in response. “You have 5 minutes.”
Taehyung chuckled. “Understood.”
He stood up and quickly got himself to the bathroom, with a clean pair of boxers in hand. Maybe it took him a little longer than 5 minutes to take a shower and brush his teeth, but he was quick regardless.
“You could have blowdried your hair,” Jin whined, when wet strands of hair hit his face, when Taehyung was uncovering him from under the blanket to maximise the body to body contact.
“No time, sorry. Tight schedule.” He kissed Jin’s nose and both cheeks, then he gave attention to Jin’s lips before laying fully on top of him.
“Don’t crush my lungs, I need them for work,” he forced out, his voice strained. Taehyung guided his hands down and wrapped them around Seokjin’s waist before letting himself fall sideways onto the bed, taking Jin with him so that he ended up lying on top of him.
“Better?”
Jin simply leaned down and answered with a kiss.
“I love you,” he whispered against his jaw before pressing another kiss there.
Taehyung rolled them over once more, making Jin giggle.
“I love you, too,” Taehyung rubbed his nose against Jin’s before shifting lower. He rested his head on Jin’s chest, smiling as fingers combed gently through his damp hair, then nuzzled his face into Jin’s pajamas. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the familiar scent. Home.