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Don’t get him wrong, Hoseok loved and cared for Taehyung with all his heart.
He was one of his closest friends… and by all means he could consider him and the rest of the members in his group part of his family.
But he realized… Maybe he shouldn’t be sitting next to Taehyung during live streams.
Of course he hated to admit that to himself. And he had no clue how he could possibly say that out loud to anyone without hurting Taehyung’s feelings… or getting the stink eye from anyone else.
What even were his reasons? His very personal reasons, mind you.
Because Taehyung had this habit of touching him. And staring at him. And doting on him.
Repetitively.
Even with the camera on them.
Especially with the camera on them. Despite the fact thousands of people were watching their every move.
And all that attention was… difficult for Hoseok to deal with.
But there’s very little Hoseok could do about it without looking like a jerk. And he remembers what he’s about to get himself into a little too late as the group sat down to start a Weverse Live, feeling Taehyung sit down beside him on the couch.
Too close , Hoseok thought to himself, glancing at the other man who was pressed up close to his side before turning to face the camera.
He was grateful that he had chosen to wear a mask that day at least. His cheeks were rosy within an instant, almost… and a small part of him felt like maybe he should be wearing a hat as well to hide the (inevitable) sweat on his forehead.
Hoseok took a deep breath as he listened to Taehyung talk enthusiastically about a subject, too overwhelmed by his presence to truly listen in to the group conversation.
It wasn’t until Taehyung placed his hand down on Hoseok’s thigh to further emphasize whatever point he was making to snap Hoseok completely out of his thoughts.
He didn’t need to touch his thigh, surely. In fact, Taehyung wasn’t even looking at him while he did it. It was like second nature to him.
Hoseok gulped as he felt Taehyung’s hand gently slide down his thigh to his knee that was apparently shaking and tapping anxiously. He blinked, looking up to see Taehyung was now staring at him with a tiny smile on his face… almost as if he were amused.
Shyly, Hoseok wiggled a little bit in his seat, leaning away from Taehyung and into Jungkook’s side… who was apparently sitting next to him this whole time and he hadn’t even noticed.
“Hobi Hyung,” Jungkook whispered, giving Hoseok the relief of focusing his attention on anyone else but Taehyung. “Let’s order some food.”
Hoseok scoffed playfully, trying to ignore the feeling of Taehyung’s hand leaving his thigh. “ Aish… Why me?”
Jungkook grinned, giggling lightly. “Please? I asked Seokjinnie Hyung but he started nagging me.”
“Rightfully so!” Jin interjected, raising his hand righteously. “This kid saps the money out of my account I swear!”
Hoseok couldn’t help but smile, adjusting his mask so that it rested below his chin. “He’s a growing boy.”
“He’s twenty six .” Jin complained, looking towards the camera as if the viewers could say anything to help him.
After a couple seconds, Jimin bursted into laughter, pointing towards the screen with a large grin on his face. “They’re ordering Seokjinie Hyung and Hobi Hyung to feed Jungkookie.”
Jin gasped dramatically, watching as an amused Hoseok reached forward to pick up his phone. “The nerve…”
Jungkook merely snickered, curling up closer to Hoseok’s side so he could sneak a peek at the food selections.
Seeing this, Taehyung suddenly moved closer as well, sliding his hand up from Hoseok’s lower back, up his spine, and to his shoulder. “Order something for me too.”
Hoseok blushed, quickly placing the mask back onto his face as he shakily tapped on a few options. “R-Right… I’ll order for the whole group. My treat.”
Jungkook clapped his hands excitedly, turning to taunt Seokjin yet again.
But Hoseok tuned it out, trying his best to focus on the food selections as Taehyung squeezed his shoulder, pressing closer into Hoseok’s space.
Frankly, Hoseok was a little nervous to check if Taehyung was looking at his phone, or at him . And he knew he didn’t want to risk the chance of locking any eye contact with him.
But he could feel his body heat, and the way Taehyung’s thumb rubbed against his shoulder bone gently… meant to be a soothing touch, but it only made Hoseok tense up.
Hoseok knew deep down that he was in trouble. And there was basically nothing he could do about it.
***
At least in group lives like the one before, it was easier to find excuses to pull away from Taehyung whenever he got a little too touchy. Because they were usually squeezed together, most of their touches went noticed by most of the viewers… and for that he was grateful.
Of course, Hoseok knows that nothing is ever completely invisible to his fans. He noticed that multiple times over the years with some armys who love them so much that they will catch every single moment within a livestream.
And that attention increased greatly during the Weverse lives where he was joined by one or more of his other bandmates.
Such as tonight… where he was holed up in his hotel room after a long day of photoshoots, originally planning to just stream himself eating his dinner. However, Jungkook had caught wind of his livestream early on and let himself into his room with a giant grin on his face.
And of course he had brought along Taehyung in tow.
Hoseok took a deep breath as they stood behind him, both leaning down to look at the comments buzzing by.
Jungkook busied himself by stealing bits of Hoseok’s food and snickering at a few funny comments here and there… and Hoseok did his best to listen to him and reciprocate his energy. But Taehyung was there… putting his hands upon Hoseok’s shoulders, gently massaging the muscles like it was the most casual thing he could be doing.
He must’ve noticed that Hoseok had gotten a little stiff… Taehyung was observant like that. And Hoseok loved that about him, but he was also a mess when it came to massages.
In fact, you could say that it turned him into liquid . And Taehyung seemed to know that judging by the small smirk he spotted through his phone’s screen.
He needed an out… quick , he realized glancing in Jungkook’s direction.
Please say something insanely funny so I have an excuse to pull away from this massage, Hoseok thought to himself, frowning at Jungkook who was currently staring off into space, biting at his lip piercing absent mindedly.
Taking a deep breath, Hoseok bit the bullet and stood up from his seat, effectively pulling away from Taehyung. He’ll deal with the accusatory posts later.
“ Ahh… okay. I’m going to end the live.” He said quickly, trying his best to appear in control of himself. “I’m all tuckered out after today.”
Jungkook snapped out of his daze, grabbing Hoseok’s arm before he could take the camera away. “No… It’s too early.” He complained playfully, looking back towards the comments. “Hyung can’t just kick us out.”
Taehyung grinned, wrapping his arms around Hoseok’s shoulders from behind and leaning all his weight into his back. “Yeah you go rest in the bed, we’ll continue the live stream.”
Hoseok flushed, struggling to stand upright with Taehyung and Jungkook pulling on him. “With my phone?”
Jungkook snickered and gave a quick nod.
“No.” Hoseok grunted, managing to pull his arm away from the youngest… but Taehyung stayed put, unmoving. “How much rest could I possibly get with you two continuing the live in the same room.”
“Easy,” Taehyung hummed, leaning in towards his ear, “ We’ll whisper.”
Hoseok shivered, glancing back at him before quickly looking away when he realized just how close his face was. “N-No…” he stuttered, nervously glancing towards the camera but finally pulling Taehyung off of him. “You two will just start blasting music, I know it.”
Jungkook laughed, picking up Hoseok’s phone and holding the camera close to his face. “He knows us too well, Army.”
“Uh huh…” Hoseok sniffled, pinching Jungkook’s side and snatching the phone back from his hand. “Out! Start your own live.” He huffed, shooing them with his hand towards the door.
The two youngest members giggled mischievously and shuffled off towards the door after saying goodbye to Army.
By the time Hoseok could turn it off completely, he was a blushing mess, still feeling the lingering warmth of Taehyung’s breath against his ear.
He sighed, glancing down at his phone and looking at his reflection in its dark screen. He knew that people were probably posting about how odd he was acting already, if they weren’t doing it already when the livestream was ongoing.
Groaning, Hoseok tossed his phone onto the bed, rubbing his face anxiously. “What’s wrong with me?” He grumbled to himself, “What’s wrong with him ?”
Right as he was going to get ready for bed, a knock on his door interrupted him.
Peeking at the hotel door through his fingers, Hoseok hesitantly walked over and looked through the peephole.
Taehyung stood there, hands behind his back as he rocked back and forth in his heels.
Hoseok sighed again, opening the door just a crack to glare at him. “Taehyungie…”
He smiled down at him innocently, cocking his head to the side. “Hoseokie Hyung.”
“I’m going to bed.”
“Me too.”
Hoseok’s frown deepened, still making no move to fully open his door. “Okay, so you should be in your room for that.”
Taehyung shook his head, removing his hands from behind his back to show the pajamas he had brought with him. “I want to sleep in your room.”
Hoseok looked down at the pajamas for a moment before quickly shutting the door. “No way…” He complained, looking at Taehyung through the peephole again. He looked utterly unfazed. “I genuinely need to sleep. Go stay the night with jungkookie or Jimin if you truly want to play with someone.”
“No.” Taehyung put it simply, raising his chin with pride. “I genuinely just wish to sleep here… with you.”
“Why?”
Taehyung shrugged, glancing down the hallway before looking towards the peephole. “You seemed tense…”
Hoseok faltered, pressing his hands against the door. “I… well… I was a little sore after standing around all day.”
Taehyung smiled softly, stepping closer to the door. “Okay so let me help you… you moved away from my massage earlier before I could properly get that knot out of your back.”
Hoseok blushed, quickly looking down at the door knob before looking back at the other man. “You promise we’ll go to sleep right after…?”
Taehyung nodded, lifting his pinky up in the air. “Open the door and we’ll make it a pinky promise, Hyung.”
Hoseok took a deep breath, staring at him for a moment before opening the door and standing to the side to let him in. “Fine then…” he mumbled, lifting up his pinky and watching as Taehyung linked his own with it.
He knew very well that this wasn’t the best idea.
***
“This is so inappropriate…” Hoseok grumbled, laying down on his belly on the bed.
“It’s only inappropriate if you make it inappropriate.” Taehyung responded, climbing on top of him and grinning as he cracked his knuckles. “You can tell me to stop whenever you’d like.”
“That makes it sound even more inappropriate.” Hoseok mumbled, trying to find a comfortable position for his arms.
“I’m not hearing a ‘ Stop ’ or a ‘ No more ’ so I’ll take that as my sign to start.” Taehyung hummed, starting to slowly knead his hands against Hoseok’s shoulders and along the edges of his spine. “Just relax, Hyung.”
Hoseok grunted, resting his cheek against his hands as he laid still on the bed. “Thank you… for this…”
Taehyung brushed his hands against Hoseok’s shoulder bones before continuing to massage small circles into his back. “Of course.”
“You’re very… observant.” Hoseok blushed, hoping Taehyung didn’t have a great view of his face from where he was sitting. “Of these kinds of things especially.”
“It’s hard to ignore.” Taehyung responded, his smile evident in his voice. “You get extra fidgety when you’re ache-y.”
Hoseok sighed, closing his eyes. “That’s an odd thing to know about me.”
“I like paying attention to you.”
Hoseok opened his eyes again, staring out the window of his hotel room to vaguely make out Taehyung’s reflection in the glass. “Just me…?”
“Mostly you.” Taehyung responded softly before pressing his knuckle into the knot on Hoseok’s upper back. “If not only you.”
Hoseok would have been a blushing mess if not for the tension and pain that was currently going on during the massage. But after one little pop, he breathed a sigh of relief, melting against the bed. “Ah… that’s better.”
Taehyung chuckled, leaning back on his heels to admire the other man’s back for a moment before crawling off of him.
Hoseok turned over, finally looking up at Taehyung. “Thank you, Taehyungie.”
“You’re welcome, Hoseokie.”
Hoseok took a deep inhale, suddenly realizing how intimate their current situation was.
Quickly, he scrambled up from the bed, nearly tripping and falling onto his face when his foot got caught in the blankets.
“Whoa there.” Taehyung reached out, but pulled his hand back when he realized that he was okay. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Hoseok said a little too quickly, staring at him for a moment before anxiously looking around the room. “Need to go to the bathroom. You should get ready for bed.”
Taehyung blinked up at him for a moment before smiling and giving a small nod. “Sure.”
Hoseok watched for a moment as Taehyung gathered his pajamas that were neatly folded on a chair nearby. What was he thinking letting Taehyung stay the night after straddling his buttox like that?
Taehyung glanced over at him with a raised brow. “Hyung?”
“Yes?”
“Bathroom?”
Hoseok glanced down to see that the singer was in the process of pulling off his shirt, showing the smallest glimpse of his midriff.
With a squeak, he dashed into the bathroom, cursing himself under his breath for how obvious he was being.
***
Hoseok truly needed to do something about the way Taehyung was behaving in front of the camera. Because, honestly, it was starting to get a little insane.
And it wasn't like Taehyung was finding every excuse to touch him. But he was also finding every excuse to stare at him… especially when they were sat far apart from one another.
He did his best to ignore it… truly .
But it’s Kim Taehyung. And his gaze is as sharp and piercing as a blade… cutting right through his peripheral vision.
And Hoseok was weak and always gave in to spare him a glance.
Just one single glance… but it was enough to ruin him. Because in the split second that he did look at him, Taehyung just had to smirk at him.
Like he won or something.
Hoseok quickly looked away, tugging at his earlobe nervously. Taehyung really had some nerve… looking like that.
It wasn’t until Jimin suddenly grabbed his knee that he realized that everyone was now looking at him. Taehyung, in particular, was still grinning at him from the opposite side of the couch.
“Huh?” Hoseok said lamely, glancing at everyone awkwardly.
Jimin snorted, leaning into his side as he laughed. “Ah hyung~ You weren’t listening at all were you?”
Hoseok cluelessly looked back at him before forcing out a laugh. “Ah— aha… no… what? What happened?”
“He must be tired…” Namjoon mumbled, clapping his hand down upon his thigh as he snickered.
I’m not , Hoseok thought to himself, I’m wide awake.
He looked back at Taehyung who was silent amongst the laughter, that darn smirk never leaving his face yet.
“We should go to bed.” Taehyung finally said, his smile becoming more devious as he watched Hoseok turn redder and redder by the second.
Seriously! What was his problem?!
Fortunately, the others didn’t seem to catch on to Taehyung’s words and they moved on to a new topic— minus the few times Jimin would get the giggle fits from earlier, pointing out to the camera whenever Hoseok would zone out for a second.
However Taehyung just kept staring, only looking away a few minutes at a time before giving Hoseok’s his full attention.
He knew then and there that he needed to fix it.
***
Hoseok had a plan.
A risky plan, but still a plan nonetheless.
“So you want to murder him?” Jimin asked, watching from his spot on Hoseok’s bed as the other shuffled around his closet.
“That’s a total exaggeration…” Hoseok huffed, holding a shirt up to his torso as he looked in the mirror. “I’m just giving back the same energy.”
“Which will kill him.” Jimin emphasized, a small smile on his face.
Hoseok sighed, putting the shirt away and returning to digging through his clothes. “I’m just going to do what he does to me during live streams.”
“Yes and you’re also picking out a sexy outfit to wear while doing it.”
“Not sexy.” Hoseok scoffed, throwing a sandal at him before grabbing a flowy shirt from the rack. “I’m wearing my normal clothes.”
Jimin watched as Hoseok stepped out of the closet, raising his eyebrow judgmentally. “Yeah… well you look like a doll.”
“Thank you.” Hoseok nodded proudly, turning to fix his hair and unbutton the top few buttons of the blouse. “I am a doll all the time so this shouldn’t be too crazy.”
Jimin snorted, getting up from the bed. “Alright alright let’s get going. We need to get to the company soon. You took far too long picking an outfit out.”
“You’re one to talk.” Hoseok pouted, grabbing his bag.
“For your information I’ve gotten better at being on time.” Jimin complained, following him out the door.
***
Maybe Hoseok overestimated his abilities. Planning to fluster Taehyung was one thing… actually doing it was another story.
Because how was he going to do anything if Taehyung was already staring at him with that very specific stare that he does?
And it doesn’t really help when Jimin is also looking at him… all amused and entertained…
Hoseok wondered if Army have caught on by now… given he’s been so distant and weird for the past few live streams. Surely they could tell something has been off with him if they could figure out so many other obscure things before.
Shit , he thought, glancing at the camera and all the comments that flooded the screen. This was definitely a horrible idea.
But Jimin will tease him if he does nothing.
And he doesn’t want that. Especially after how long it took to doll himself up this morning…
Taking a deep breath, he looked over at Taehyung who had sat down on the couch, busying himself by watching all the comments go by on the screen.
Thank heavens he wasn’t looking at him anymore.
Sparing one more glance at Jimin, Hoseok got up from where he was sitting and walked over to Taehyung, squeezing in beside him on the couch as he used the excuse of wanting a better view of the comments.
“Couldn’t see?” Taehyung whispered, scooting over slightly so that his hyung had room.
Hoseok hummed, leaning into his side as he watched them through the viewfinder. The audience could barely see their lower halves from behind the tablet they were using.
Taehyung seemed to notice this, using the opportunity to reach back and place his hand on the small of Hoseok’s back.
A shiver ran up Hoseok’s spine, but he fought to keep control of himself; placing his hand on top of Taehyung’s thigh.
Fortunately, this actually seemed to affect the other man. Hoseok could feel the way he tensed up beside him.
“Something wrong?” He whispered, turning to look at him.
“No…” Taehyung mumbled, his palm rubbing against his back for a moment. “Nothing.”
Hoseok smiled, looking back down at the screen as he tuned back into the conversation that was going on around them.
***
The second the Live ended, Taehyung rushed out of the room; he cheeks red like strawberries.
Hoseok watched him, slightly intrigued, before turning to Jimin with a grin.
“He’s leaving to go die, I warned you.” Jimin sighed, flicking the collar of Hoseok’s blouse. “He had a perfect view down your shirt, did you know that?”
“No, but lucky him.” Hoseok hummed, placing his hand over his chest. “All I did was touch his thigh.”
Jimin laughed, shoving his shoulder. “Yes… you got all up in his business too. Your hand was pretty high up there and everything. You demon. ”
“Huh?” Hoseok responded dumbfoundedly.
“Hobi… You're so lucky no one could see just how high up on his thigh you were touching from where the camera was.” Jimin snickered, looking over towards the door Taehyung escaped out of. “He’s probably way more flustered than you intended if you catch my drift.”
Hoseok turned a bright red, looking at him with wide eyes before hopping up from the couch. “Oh my god? Shit… ” he squeaked, looking around the room anxiously before grabbing his bag. “Uh… shit okay… I— bye.” He said pathetically before bolting out of the room.
Covering his blushing face, Hoseok hurried through the halls of the company, only determined to just get home and wallow in his own embarrassment.
But his plan was interrupted as a hand suddenly shot out from one of the storage rooms, pulling him inside so fast that he almost felt like the Hybe ghost was abducting him to another dimension.
It wasn’t until he was pinned against the wall, with Taehyung’s gaze piercing into his own… one hand pressed against the wall next to Hoseok’s head, and his other on Hoseok’s waist.
“Taehyung—” Hoseok breathed in surprise before being cut off by his lips against his own.
Hoseok tensed up for a brief moment before melting completely into him, returning the passionate exchange of kisses with unexpected fervor.
Taehyung grunted, pulling him in closer by the waist. “You took me by surprise…” he whispered before kissing him again.
“I didn’t mean to…” Hoseok responded, holding onto his biceps before sliding his arms around his shoulders. “I wasn’t looking.”
Taehyung laughed against his lips, pecking his lips a few more times. “Well it worked, if this is what you wanted.”
“I don’t know what I wanted.” Hoseok said, somewhat dazed. “I just wanted to get you flustered like you’ve been doing to me.”
Taehyung paused, leaning back to look at his face. “Huh?”
“Huh?” Hoseok echoed, blinking his eyes up at him as he slowly regained himself.
Taehyung glanced down at his lips, red and shiny from the ambush of kisses, before looking him in the eye again. “I make you flustered?”
“Well… yeah?” Hoseok squeaked, awkwardly looking away. “Is that not your whole deal lately? Messing with me during our live streams?”
Taehyung pursed his lips, looking down at his hands that were still on Hoseok’s waist. “No I— well… I wasn’t intentionally doing anything.”
“Bullshit.” Hoseok scoffed.
“Well I mean it’s true I wasn’t scheming anything.” Taehyung shrugged, his voice going up an octave as he defended himself.
“What, so you’re like… charming, flirty, and seductive just naturally?” Hoseok pinched his cheek, “I’m just that much of a mess that I reacted to it that much?”
“Only with you.” Taehyung said quickly, his face a deep crimson as he shyly looked between Hoseok’s eyes and the ground. “I don’t even realize it but… I can only ever be that way with you.”
Hoseok felt his heart do cartwheels within his chest, squeezing Taehyung’s shoulders as he struggled over his next words.
Taehyung, observant as ever, must have realized this, moving in closer to press his forehead against his. “I guess I’m always subconsciously seeking you out.”
Hoseok hummed softly, trailing his hands up from Taehyung’s shoulders and up his neck to gently cradle his cheeks. “I guess I kinda like it…” he mumbled, coaxing him in closer. “Though it stresses me out sometimes.”
Taehyung chuckled, leaning in to give him another kiss. “I’ll keep that in mind.”