Archive of Our Own

Drops of sweat are sliding down Jeongguk's spine uncomfortably as he makes his way back to his apartment-suite. His clothes are sticking to his skin and his feet feel like they're on fire in his Vans. His hands are sweaty, and all Jeongguk wants to do is take a cold shower and watch the new episode of Haikyuu!! on his bed with the AC blowing cool air into his room.

His plan was ruined, though, when he comes home to his roommate and his FWB sitting awkwardly on the couch, staring at the TV in front of them, despite it being turned off.

He shuts the door behind him and slips his feet out of his shoes, muttering a quick hey Hoseok, hey Taehyung before heading to his bedroom. "Jeongguk! Hey!" His roommate, Hoseok, laughs sheepishly. "We actually need to talk to you for a second, are you free?" Jeongguk looks at both of them cautiously. Taehyung has his face hung low, avoiding any sort of eye contact.

He knows that look on Hoseok's face.

He likes to call it the I-Messed-Up-Big-Time-And-Need-Your-Help-look.

"Hoseok. Don't tell me you two fucked on my bed again, or I swear to god I'll-" he's cut off by Taehyung's embarrased that was one time and you know we were drunk!

"No, that's not it, don't worry," Hoseok says, scratching the back of his head nervously. "So, something funny happened just a while ago actually-"

"Oh god. Do I need to sit down? Will I faint?" Jeongguk asks, expecting the worst, and Hoseok tells him to sit down on the couch next to them. For your own safety.

"So. Err. Well, Taehyung and I were... you know, having some fun earlier,” Jeongguk grimaces. “And, uh. Remember how I asked this girl, Minah, out?" Jeongguk nods once slowly, waiting for the bomb to drop. "Well, she came by earlier and saw Taehyung here. And you know that I really like her, right? So we came up with an excuse as to why Taehyung was here, shirtless, with hickies on his neck and everything," Hoseok says, looking at Jeongguk like he's ready to sprint out of the apartment like Usain Bolt any moment, in case Jeongguk tries to strangle him.

"So I kind of told her that you and Taehyung are dating." Hoseok's voice is high and Jeongguk almost missed it with how fast Hoseok was talking

Silence.

Jeongguk eyes wander from Hoseok to Taehyung's face, now looking directly at him. He rubs his ears with his hands and looks at Hoseok again.

"Can you repeat that? I think I imagined you saying that Taehyung and I were dating. I think I should go and get my ears checked because-"

"Look, I know this is really sudden and you and Taehyung don't know each other that well, but I really like her and I don't want to mess this up. So will you do your favorite bro a favor and fake-date Taehyung for a while?" Hoseok looks at him, pleading.

"You want me to fake-date him? Hoseok, I'm sorry, but I don't think that's a good idea, I really don't know him at all. Also, you know that Yoongi is my favorite bro," Jeongguk says. He likes Hoseok but he fucked up more than once in the past and he can't overlook those times. He'd call Hoseok his bro but not his bro.

"Come on, Jeongguk, Taehyung is a chem major, he'll even help your failing ass!" Jeongguk stills at that. It's true that he's failing his chem class and he desperately needs someone to teach him. But he's not desperate enough to fake-date his roommate's FWB.

"Wait, why would Taehyung even want to teach me, I bet he's busy enough with his own classes. And if anyone should do me a favor it should be you," Jeongguk says, his brows furrowed.

Taehyung speaks up at that. "I really want to see Hoseok happy, and I can see how happy Minah makes him. I don't want to ruin everything just because Hoseok and I are friends with benefits. If all it takes to convince you is to help you with chemistry, I'm down. I love chemistry, it's, like, the best thing on earth, I don't even know how someone could fail chemstry," Taehyung rambles.

Jeongguk freezes for a second. It's true that Hoseok has been single for as long as he's known him, and Hoseok has always complained about not having someone to call them his. He understands where Taehyung is coming from. Hoseok is still his bro and Jeongguk wants nothing more to see him happy, so he guesses he could help him out. (Taehyung is cute too, so it could be worse, really. Not that Jeongguk would say that out loud.)

“Okay. I'll do it.” Jeongguk sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. “You owe me one, though.” Hoseok envelops him in a bone crushing hug, and he can see Taehyung smiling at him over Hoseok's shoulder.

Jeongguk has to admit, it doesn't seem all that bad.

†

Fake-dating Taehyung has its pros and cons.

(but if he's honest, there's more pros than cons, so he can't complain, really)

(His chemistry professor is also quite glad.)

When they had their first 'study date', as Taehyung likes to call it, he'd met Taehyung's roommate and best friend Jimin. Jimin was nice and fun to be around but his constant attempts at embarrasing Taehyung seemed kind of cruel. Jeongguk had asked Taehyung why he's even friends with Jimin, but Taehyung had just shrugged and told him that he doesn't mind all that much and that Jimin can be the nicest person on earth when he's not being a meanie.

(Jimin had protested and shouted that Taehyung is the meanie here, he's probably even worse than I am!)

Jeongguk liked Jimin, he'd seen him around at the dance studio a few times before so he wasn't surprised when he found out that Jimin was a dance major.

Also, his chemistry homework was much easier to do, now that he had Taehyung around to help him out.

The only thing about Taehyung that didn't settle well with Jeongguk was his obsession with hugging Jeongguk. Jeongguk was never too fond of skinship and he just doesn't like it when people get too close to him. He gets all tense and stiff when someone hugs him or puts his arm around his shoulders, and Taehyung was no exception. But he had to endure it for Hoseok. (Not that it was perticurlarly hard with someone who looked like he just walked out of a fashion magazine. Maybe he could even get used to Taehyung hugging him all the time)

"So, are we done for today?" Taehyung asks, bringing his hand to his mouth to hide the yawn that he couldn't surpress. They've been studying for a few hours and the sun had slowly disappeared.

"Yeah, sorry to keep you up this long. Thanks for your help, really." Jeongguk says.

"No problem. I mean, I did suggest helping you out." Taehyung smiles and flops back onto his bed.

Taehyung's apartment-suite is nicer than Jeongguk had expected. It's not perticularly big or spacious but there's polaroids of him and Jimin taped on the wall of their bedroom, making it feel warm and lived in. Taehyung's duvet is a dark grey and it matches with Jimin's black ones. Jeongguk notices the plushies next to his several cushions. (I need them to sleep, Taehyung explained.)

"Right. Well, I'll head home now," Jeongguk announces, standing up and walking out of the room to the front door to slip into his shoes, Taehyung following and seeing him out. "Until next time, fake-boyfriend." Jeongguk says, winking.

"No fake-good night kiss?" Taehyung asks, pouting for a second before flashing his boxy-smile again.

"Take care, Jeongguk." He says before closing the door gently.

†

The first time Jeongguk actually has to act as Taehyung's boyfriend is when Hoseok invites Minah over to their apartment for a double date.

Over the past few weeks, he had seen Taehyung a lot, so he wasn't too worried about not knowing what to say when he was around Taehyung anymore. He learned that Taehyung is a chemistry major and a theater minor, that he's originally from Los Angeles and actually applied for UCLA, but decided to go farther away, that his dog's name is Soonshim and that he belives that rabbits live on the moon.

Yet Jeongguk was still nervous. His last relationship had been two years ago and it had ended with him making his girlfriend cry and people were calling him asshole for the rest of the year. He's not sure if he can manage to actually look like he's madly in love with Taehyung after two years of not having any sort of bond with another person other than friendship. (It's not like he hasn't been laid for two years, he still had sex on a regular basis. He's handsome, and girls like him.)

He startles when the door opens and Hoseok enters the apartment, Taehyung following behind. Jeongguk is sitting on the chair at their dining table, slurping his chicken soup while watching some shitty vlog on his phone. They're shitty but at least they are entertaining to some extent.

“Hey fake-boyfriend,“ Taehyung sings when he plops down on the chair opposite of him.

“You need to stop saying fake-boyfriend, Taehyung.“ Hoseok shouts from his room. “I'm going to kick your ass if you say that in front of Minah,“

“Don't worry, don't worry. Also, you love my ass, you would probably kiss it instead of kicking it!“ Taehyung shouts over his shoulder and grins.

“Stop this right there, I don't want to know abour your sexcapades.“ Jeongguk sighs, glancing up at Taehyung to find him smirking. “I'd rather not make up some weird pet names so we're just going for the good old 'babe'.“

“Aww, I was looking forward to call you my little Honey-Bunny-Kookie“ Taehyung says, pouting but accepts it anyways. Jeongguk rolls his eyes. “Well, anyways, let's just go over some things before Minah arrives,“ Taehyung says, standing up and waits for Jeongguk to mirror his actions.

Jeongguk leads them into his room, closing the door behind Taehyung.

“Whoa, you don't have a roommate?“ Taehyung asks, looking at the bed without a duvet.

“Nope, he moved out last semester and no one else moved in ever since. I guess I got lucky.“ He sits down on his own bed, scrolling through his twitter feed.

“Nice. I kind of envy you. I mean I love Jimin but sometimes I think I shouldn't have moved in with my best friend. I guess what they say is true, huh.“ Taehyung says, sitting down next to Jeongguk on his bed.

“So, back to the topic. Do you have any boundaries? Like, what you feel uncomfortable with what I can and what I can't do?“ Taehyung asks. “I don't want to force you into anything but I also want to make this as believable as possible.“

“Uh, not really, I guess? I don't know, how far have you thought we should go?“ Jeongguk asks, not sure about how to feel about this whole situation

“Hmm. I guess kissing is a given but I don't plan on making out with you in front of them. Unless you want to, of course.“ Taehyung smirks. “I wouldn't mind making out with you though, you're hot.“ he adds, laughing.

“Are you flirting with me? And I thought you were the cute innocent boy that went for the bad boys. But I guess I should've known, I mean you're Hoseok's FWB. He's the polar opposite of a bad boy,“ Jeongguk says in a low voice, smirking.

“Hmm, shouldn't you know the best that I'm definitely not innocent? I'm loud, I'm one hundred percent sure that you've heard me and Hoseok before. And I definitely do go for bad boys. Otherwise I wouldn't be flirting with you,“ Taehyung winks, “And Hoseok was my FWB. We broke it off before it could get any more awkward.“

“Any more awkward? I don't think It could get any more awkward than this,“ Jeongguk laughs, waving his hands to point out the situation.

“True,“ He chuckles “so kissing it is? Tell me if I go to far, though.“

“Yeah, will do.”

The next moment Hoseok is calling their names, telling them that Minah arrived, and they walk out into the living room to find Hoseok and Minah standing there, waiting for them.

To say it wasn't awkward would be a lie, but Taehyung is a theater minor, so Minah and Hoseok had been oblivious to the awkward atmosphere.

Taehyung had clung to his arm for the whole night, resting his head on Jeongguk's shoulder (At some point Jeongguk had thought Taehyung turned into a koala). Minah had cooked dinner for them. Something german apparently, but the name was too complicated so Jeongguk didn't even try to remember it. Minah had lived in Germany for six years so she was excited to introduce them to the german cuisine. They had been eating in silence for a while when Minah suddenly asked them for how long they've been dating. The lump in Jeongguk's throat almost caused him to choke and he panicked for a second before Taehyung spoke up.

“It's our six-months anniversary soon, actually!“ Taehyung had said enthusiastically. Minah seemed satisfied with that answer and continued eating after she congratulated them. The dinner resumed in relative silence, some small talk here and there. When they finished eating, they moved to the couch to watch a movie. (Jeongguk almost threw up when they decided on watching some crappy Adam Sandler movie. Taehyung and Minah picked out the movie.)

Taehyung immediately snuggled up to him, resting his head on his shoulder, arms tucked around Jeongguk's torso. Minah had cooed at them, grinning. “They're so cute!“ she had said before hugging Hoseok's arm tightly. Jeongguk definitely saw the blush high on Hoseok's cheeks.

When the movie had ended, Jeongguk noticed that Taehyung fell asleep on his shoulder, lips forming a pout. He looked cute like this, Jeongguk thought.

“What do we do about him though? He sleeps like a rock.“ Hoseok says, frowning. Minah had left a while after the movie had ended, leaving Taehyung, Hoseok and Jeongguk behind in their apartment-suite.

“I'll just carry him back to my room, I have a free bed anyways,“ Jeongguk says, walking towards the couch where Taehyung is still laying fast asleep. He hooked his hands under his calves and behind his back before picking him up, carrying him into his room, careful to not startle him awake. He put him down on the free bed softly, jumping when Taehyung rolls onto his side, facing the wall. He pulled a blanked out of the closet and placed it on top of Taehyung before going to his own bed to get ready to sleep.

It didn't take long before, he too, fell asleep.

Jeongguk learns the hard way that Jimin is Taehyung's absolute 'bestest best friend forever'. He's been sleeping for approximetely thirty minutes before Big Bang's Fantastic Baby interrupted the comforting silence.

Jeongguk startles awake and searches for the offending piece of metal and glass. He stumbles through his room, searching for his phone and after what feels like decades, finally spots it on his desk. When he looks at his phone and sees that it's not his phone that's blasting Big Bang's greatest masterpiece (Jeongguk is not embarrased about his obsession with Big Bang), he looks over to where Taehyung is sleeping and notices light shining under his blanket.

He walks over to Taehyung and calls his name several times but the only response he gets is tried groans and Taehyung's arms flailing around. He shakes him, trying to wake him up and almost gives up after several tries but Taehyung grumbles something incoherent then and his eyes open slowly in the dark room.

“Turn this off, I want to sleep“ he says then and Jeogguk really wants to cry, because don't look at me like I'm the villain here, it's your phone that's ringing at fucking 3 a.m.

When Taehyung is finally awake enough to notice that the sound is coming from under his blanket, he sits up and answers it. (fucking finally)

Jeongguk doesn't mean to eavesdrop but it's his room and he really just wants to sleep.

“Minnie? Yeah sorry, I fell asleep at Jeongguk's. Yeah, sorry. You don't have to worry. I'm coming home now, alright? Yeah, see you in a bit. Love you too, Minnie.“ Taehyung lowers the phone from his ear and rubs his eyes tiredly.

“Jeongguk?“ Taehyung asks and Jeongguk just hums, letting Taehyung know that he's awake. “I'm going home now. Thanks for today. I'll see you on tuesday, right?“ Jeongguk hums again.

“Good night, Jeongguk.“ He says, walking on his tip-toes to the door.

“Good night, Taehyung.“ The door shuts after that.

The last thing Jeongguk thinks about before he falls back asleep is that he didn't get to kiss Taehyung.

Taehyung arrives back at his apartment-suite in the middle of the night, stumbling through the hallway like a zombie in his half-asleep-half-awake state. He fishes out his keys from his pocket and fumbles with the lock before he finally manages to open the door. Jimin is sitting in the living room, lights turned off but the TV illuminates the room. He looks up when Taehyung closes the door and turns off the TV. Taehyung makes his way over to him and opens his mouth to say something but Jimin cuts him to it.

“Did you know how worried I was? You just leave while I'm gone and don't even leave a note behind and then you just disappear for hours. At least answer answer my texts, god damn it!” Jimin shouts, not taking in consideration that it's 3 a.m. and most of the residents of their apartment building are sleeping.

“I'm sorry, Jimin. I didn't look at my phone at all when I was there. I'm sorry I worried you,” Taehyung explains. He knows Jimin is protective and sensitive when it comes to Taehyung disappearing without telling Jimin. It's his own fault.

“You know I don't want you to disappear again. Do you even know how scared I was that time? Hell, I almost called Namjoon-” He runs his hands through his hair and tugs at the strands in frustration. Seeing Jimin like this breaks his heart. “Just,” he sighs. “Just please, I beg of you, tell me when you go somewhere and don't come home.”

“Yeah. I'm sorry.” Taehyung says. He follows Jimin where he is walking into their room, closes the door and turns off the lights. He picks up his phone from where it's resting next to his head, turns down the brightness of his phone and texts Jimin. In any other situation, Jimin would probably snort and climb into his bed to talk to him in person.

i'm sorry jimin

i love you.

go to sleep, tae

love you too

Taehyung turns off his phone and closes his eyes.

†

The seond time is everything but planned. Yoongi drags him to a frat party because being the antisocial grandpa he is, he needs someone to sit on the couch and drink cheap beer with him and keep him company. Yoongi hands him a shot of way too sweet cherry vodka and tips back his own glass before Jeongguk can even lift his hand to bring the glass to his mouth. Jeongguk's grimaces when the fluid slips down his throat.

“This tastes like ass. Who even invented this, I wanna sue them,” Jeongguk complains.

“At least it can't get worse than this,” Yoongi stands up and walks towards the kitchen again. A few moments later he comes back with two red cups. Jeongguk reaches to grab one but Yoongi pulls his hand back.

“This is mine, move your ass and get one yourself.”

Jeongguk stands up and moves to get something to chase down the sweet taste of cherry. He almost smashes some dude's face with the door when he pushes it open to enter the kitchen. He mutters a quick apology and stops in his tracks when he sees Minah and Hoseok leaning on the counter. He's already turning around and walking towards the door to flee but then Minah calls his name over the music.

“Jeongguk! Hey! You're here!” She says. Jeongguk turns around and smiles at her.

“Minah, Hoseok. I didn't know you guys would be here,”

“Did you find Taehyung? When I asked him where you were he said he was looking for you,” Jeongguk looks at Hoseok over Minah's shoulder. Hoseok gives him an apologetic look and smiles sheepishly.

“Taehyung? Yeah, I found him. He asked me to go get him a drink actually.” Jeongguk says, reaching behind Minah to get two cups and fills them up with red bull before putting in some vodka. (He makes sure it's not the strawberry vodka before he fills up the cups with it)

They talk for a little bit more before Jeongguk excuses himself and goes to find Yoongi on the couch again. When he gets to the couch, Jimin is sitting on his spot next to Yoongi and they're talking about stuff Jeongguk can't hear over the loud music. Jeongguk steps closer and Yoongi seems to notice him because he looks up from where his cup is placed in between his legs to keep it from falling over and spilling the drink all over his legs.

“Hey, Jeongguk. Meet Park Jimin-” Yoongi gets interrupted by Jimin, who's now standing in front of Jeongguk, smile on his face. “Jeongguk! Hey, didn't expect to see you here!” Jimin yells.

“Wait, how do you guys know each other?” Yoongi looks at them, confused. And Jeongguk regrets not telling his best friend about his fake relationship with Park Jimin's best friend. He doesn't like explaining things and he likes it even less when he's drunk. “Long story,” Jeongguk states, looking at Yoongi. Luckily, Jimin is more than eager to explain Yoongi how they know each other.

“He's actually dating my best friend, Taehyung. I bet you've heard of him before. He's the sunshine boy on campus, boxy smile, different hair color every month,” Jimin says.

“Wait, you're dating someone? Why didn't you tell me you little brat! And Taehyung no less,” Yoongi looks only mildly offended.

“I'm fake-dating him, Yoongi. I would've told my best friend if I was actually dating someone, don't worry.”

“Fake-dating? How come?” Yoongi looks straight up confused now. “I feel like I've been in a coma for years and only woke up and now there's, like, a billion surprises. Help me out here.”

“Hoseok and Taehyung are FWB's, actually. And, well, Hoseok asked this girl out but she saw Taehyung at our apartment when he was over and now she thinks I'm Taehyung's boyfriend,” Jeongguk offers.

“And that's how we know each other. Ah, I have to find Taehyung actually, so I'll see you guys later.” Jimin runs off with a smile and waves at them.

“For how long?” Yoongi asks.

“What?” Jeongguk doesn't understand what Yoongi is implying.

“For how long are you going to keep this up? You know that fake-dating someone isn't a good idea.” Yoongi says, looking concerned for a second.

“I don't know. I guess we'll keep this up for a bit longer. Don't worry, what's the worst thing that can happen anyways? Me catching feelings for him? You know I'm not that kind of person.” When Jeongguk turns to leave and look for Taehyung, he doesn't see Yoongi's worried gaze on him.

Taehyung's back is pressed up against the hard chest of a stranger when he locks eyes with Jeongguk. They keep the eye contact for a few seconds before Taehyung breaks it, turning around to face the guy behind him. He looks at him and smiles at him for a second before excusing himself, muttering something about a toilet and the guy seems to understand. He lets go of Taehyung's waist and steps back. Taehyung stumbles through the mass of sweaty people, taking a deep breath when he's finally standing in front of Jeongguk.

“Jeongguk, hey! You're actually here! I was talking to Minah and Hoseok earlier so I told them-” Jeongguk cuts him off. “Yeah, I know, I bumped into them just now, actually.”

“So, what are you doing here? I heard you're not much of a party person,” It's true. Hoseok had told him that Jeongguk never goes out on parties. Taehyung had been genuinely surprised when he bumped into Hoseok that night and didn't expect to actually meet Jeongguk here after hearing about his lack of enthusiasm for parties.

“My best friend dragged me here, actually. He told me he'd do me a favor if I keep him company tonight. Turns out he doesn't need me here and I'm just awkwardly standing around, minding my own business.” Jeongguk says. Taehyung laughs because he knows how that feels. Jimin had dragged him to enough parties he didn't want to go to, to know how uncomfortable it is to be at a party where you don't know a single person.

“Well, you know me, that should be enough.” Taehyung winks at Jeongguk. He grabs the drinks in Jeongguk's hands and puts them down on the counter he's leaning on before his hand finds Jeongguk's wrist, and he pulls him right into the crowd. When they find a place in the middle of the room, he takes Jeongguk's hands in his and puts them on his waist, his own resting on Jeongguk's shoulders.

“Come on, I'm sure this isn't your first time dancing,” Taehyung laughs, his eyes turning into small crescents, his cheeks flushed from the alcohol he downed earlier. He starts moving his hips to the music and presses closer to Jeongguk's body. Jeongguk reacts then, his hands gripping Taehyung's waist harder, and he starts dancing too, finally warming up.

They lock eyes after a while and Taehyung can't stop staring. Jeongguk's eyes are big and round, cute almost, if it wasn't for the heated look directed right at Taehyung. He feels himself getting hotter and he uncurls his fingers from Jeongguk's shoulders.

“Wait, I need some fresh air or I think I'm going to faint,” Taehyung says, panting slightly. He leads them to the balcony then, pulling the door open and breathes a sigh of relief when he sees that it's not occupied by a couple that's sucking faces or someone throwing up on the floor. Taehyung's had enough of walking in on uncomfortable situations just to get some fresh air.

“Pretty nice view up here, huh?” Taehyung says when he sees Jeongguk's amazed face.

“I should have brought my camera, shit. This is beautiful, what the hell. I didn't know there was a place like this on campus,” Jeongguk is leaning on the railing, taking in the sight in front of him. Taehyung chuckles at the sight of an amazed Jeongguk, his mouth open and eyes wide. The lights of the city reflect in Jeongguk's eyes and Taehyung is having a hard time trying not to stare. The city is illuminated by bright lights, shining bright in the darkness. Stars are decorationg the pitch black sky and the moon shines bright.

“I begged Jimin to move in here with me just for this. Couldn't convince him though,” Taehyung says. His lips are tugged upward in a slight smile.

“Come on, let's get out of here.” Jeongguk looks at him, surprised.

“Where to?”

“I'm hungry. And I know a good place nearby.” Taehyung says, smiling his boxy smile and grabs his hand before Jeongguk can say anything. He leads them through the mass to find Jimin. When they finally find them sitting on the couch next to Hoseok and Minah, Taehyung interwines their fingers. Jeongguk's hands are warm and big. Taehyung finds that he likes holding hands with Jeongguk.

“Jimin!” Taehyung calls, getting Jimin's attention immediately. “We're going to head out and get something to eat. Do you want to come with?” Taehyung asks, knowing that they both had come to the party by foot and he doesn't want to let Jimin alone and make him walk home in the middle of the night without any company.

“Nah, I'm good. Get me some fries though. And text me if anything comes up.” Jimin says, looking at their interwined hands for a second.

“Alright. Be careful, Chim.” Taehyung says. His eyes wander to Hoseok. “Hoseok, can you give Jimin a ride home?” Hoseok nods and gives them a thumbs up and they make their way to the door.

The air outside is still warm but the wind blows cool air. The walk to the diner isn't long and they manage not to get hit by a car. Taehyung had downed pretty much everything that was handed to him that night and his mind was still a bit fuzzy, but it started to clear up as soon as he got some fresh air. Jeongguk had his hand around his wrist everytime he seemed to stumble a little and it felt good to have someone to catch him from eating shit.

They're sitting in a booth in a quiet corner of the diner, waiting for a waiter to pick up their order when Jeongguk's phone vibrates. He looks at it and types a short reply before he sets it down on the table.

“Sorry, my best friend was asking where I was. I left without telling him.” Jeongguk says and looks through the menu. He seemed to remember something and his head snapped back up to look at Taehyung.

“I think you might know him, actually. Or at least he knows you. His name's Min Yoongi, grey hair and he's maybe an inch or two taller than Jimin,”

“Yoongi? Yeah I know him. We were pretty much neighbors when we were children,” Taehyung smiles, remembering their childhood together. “You're his best friend, huh? I didn't know he'd be able to make any friends here,” he laughs.

Yoongi has always been rather grumpy and negative. It had taken Taehyung years to actually befriend him. Yoongi seems cold and unfriendly at first but he cares about the people he loves. He doesn't show it often and makes it rather hard to believe but Taehyung knows Yoongi had a big soft spot deep, deep inside. Taehyung had cried on his shoulder more than once back in LA, shedding tears over all kinds of different things but Yoongi was always there to lend him his shoulder and comfort him.

“Yeah, people are always surprised when I tell them that I'm best friends with The Ice King Min Yoongi.” Jeongguk laughs.

The waiter finally seems to notice them and walks over to them to take their orders. Taehyung is basically a regular at the small diner. He comes here more often than he actually tries to cook. But it's okay. More than enough people have told him that he rather should stay away from the kitchen, afraid that he'd set something on fire.

(He can't blame them though, he did kind of burn his food and set off the fire alarm.

The memory makes him chuckle, Jimin had ran out of their room in only his boxers and a loose top, ready to get the extinguisher. When he finally looked where the smoke had come from and saw Taehyung standing in the kitchen with a burning pan in his hands, eyes wide in panic and sheer horror, he had started laughing. Laughing. They managed to kill the flame and ordered pizza afterwards.

Taehyung hadn't been allowed to set foot in the kitchen after that.)

†

Jeongguk enjoys Taehyung's company. He likes being around him more than he'd like to admit. He's fun and nice, has a cute smile and an even cuter laugh. He likes seeing Taehyung laugh. It's infectious and it makes the world seem bright and colorful. He feels more positive when he's around Taehyung, and he likes it. His whole life he'd been more of a pessimistic guy, always expecting the worst. His mindset is changing more and more. Slowly but steadily.

They have been hanging around a lot ever since the frat party. They met up after classes and went out to eat or just go to either of their places and binge watched animes with english dub because they're crappy, and they share the hobby of making fun of shitty voice actors. He knows Taehyung and his quirks like the back of his hand by now and he finds that he's more than okay with it.

Taehyung still teaches him chemistry but they always end up on the couch together instead of studying.

Taehyung's head is resting on Jeongguk's shoulder, and his vibrant red hair tickles his jaw. They're both staring at the flat screen in front of them. Taehyung's laptop is sitting on the couch table, a long cable connecting it to the TV. They're in the middle of the fourth episode of Attack on Titan when Taehyung's tummy rumbles and he groans.

“We need food.” He states and Jeongguk knows that Taehyung is going to get up in about thirty seconds to get his phone and order food. It's always like this. Jeongguk learned that Taehyung needs food when watching anime.

Just like Jeongguk predicted, he gets up a few seconds later and walks over to the couch table to stop the episode and grab his phone from where it's lying on the kitchen counter.

“What do you want to eat?” Taehyung asks while scrolling down his contact list on his phone. “Pizza again? Korean or Chinese? Japanese?”

“Let's just eat pizza again. I don't want to look through endless menues of different versions of fried rice and Sushi again.” Jeongguk says from the couch and streches his arms over his head. His bones make a cracking noise in the process and he groans.

“Pizza it is then. The usual?” Taehyung looks up from his phone and his eyes fall on Jeongguk.

“The usual.”

“Alright, give me a minute. Taehyung brings his phone up to his ear and orders their pizza.

They always order the same pizza. Taehyung likes ham and corn and Jeongguk likes pineapple on his pizza. Taehyung had been against the idea of pineapple on pizza at first, but Jeongguk forced him to try it and he was surprised how good it tasted. Jeongguk had given him his infamous I-told-you-so look.

Taehyung comes back to the living room and starts the episode again. He flops down next to Jeongguk and streches his legs out in front of him. “It's going to take them about half an hour. Let's just finish this episode and then take a break, yeah?” Taehyung yawns.

“Sure. I't not like this is the first time we're watching this anyways.” Jeongguk says. Taehyung nods and shifts so that his head is settling on the arm rest and his legs are resting over Jeongguk's thighs.

“True,” He yawns again. “I feel like I'm going to fall asleep any second. Jimin made me go to the gym earlier,”

“The gym? Why did he take you to the gym?” Jeongguk asks.

“I don't know, something about me being too unhealthy and heart attacks,” Taehyung shruggs. “But honestly, I'd rather have a heart attack than go to the gym again. I feel like the treadmill drained me of all my energy,”

“It's not that bad once you actually get into it,” Jeongguk laughs. He remembers feeling the same when he first started to go to the gym. But all his hard work payed off. He feels incredibly good in his skin and, honestly, he thinks he's quite handsome like this.

There's a knock on the door after a while and Taehyung is about to stand up, but Jeongguk beats him to it. “It's probably just the pizza. I'll take it.” He says and walks over to the door.

When he opens it, it's not the delivery guy that faces him but a tall, taller than Jeongguk, guy with blonde hair and round glasses perched on his nose.

“How can I help you?” Jeongguk asks after a second of confusion. The guy looks surprised, too. He clears his throat.

“Sorry, I'm coming for Taehyung, actually. Is he here?” The guy says, his voice is deep and dimples form on his cheeks when he smiles.

“Yeah, he's here.” Jeongguk doesn't feel too good about this guy. He looks older than Jeongguk. Did Taehyung have plans today with this guy? His thoughts get interrupted when the guy speaks again.

“Can I see him please?” He looks hopeful, like he hasn't been able to see Taehyung for a while. Jeongguk considers saying no for a second, but it's not his business, so he steps aside and opens the door to let him in. The guy mutters a quick thanks before he steps inside.

Jeonguk walks over to where Taehyung is sitting on the couch and sees him with his eyes closed, dozing off. “Taehyung, hey. Some guy is here to see you,” He says quietly.

“Hmm? What guy? Where's the pizza?” He rubs his eyes with his palms and sits up on the couch. His bangs fall over his eyes and Jeongguk thinks he needs a haircut.

“I don't know, I've never seen him before,” Jeongguk stretches his arm out and offers his hand to Taehyung. Taehyung takes it and walks over where the guy is standing. He follows after Taehyung to go to the toilet and almost runs into Taehyung when he suddenly stops walking. He's about to say something but stops when he sees the horrified look on Taehyung's face.

“Namjoon?” Taehyung's voice is low and for a second Jeongguk swears he can hear sadness in his voice. Or is it madness? Maybe even disappointment. “What are you doing here?” He asks then. Jeongguk suddenly feels out of place and walks back to the couch, sitting down quietly. He doesn't mean to eavesdrop but there's a thick tension between the two.

“Taehyung. I wanted to see you,” The tall guy says. He can't see them from where he's sitting on the couch, but he can hear their voices loud and clear. “I've been wanting to talk to you for a while now but every time I came over, Jimin would tell me to fuck off and not show my face to you again.” Taehyung laughs at that.

“Then why did you show up? I don't want to see you.” Taehyung says coldly.

“Seokjin and I are worried about you, Taehyung. Your brother wants to see you, wants to make sure you're okay.” The guy, Namjoon explains in a quiet voice.

“But I don't want to see either of you. Fuck off. I don't want your excuses or your pity. You guys just go back to your perfect relationship and leave me alone,” Taehyung says. His voice is getting louder. Jeongguk can hear how frustrated Taehyung is.

“Taehyung, we--” Namjoon starts again, pleading.

“No, get out!” Taehyung shouts and Jeongguk stands up. He walks over to where the two are standing. Taehyung has his head hung low, fists clenching at his sides. Namjoon looks sad and opens his mouth to speak again.

“I think it's better if you leave now,” Jeongguk interrupts then. Taehyung turns around with wide eyes and stares at Jeongguk. “He obviously doesn't want to talk to you, so I think it's better if you just leave.” Namjoon looks surprised and maybe eve a little mad, because Jeongguk is an outsider and he shouldn't interrupt. But Jeongguk wouldn't be Jeongguk if he wasn't always looking out for his friends.

Namjoon sighs. “Alright,” he whispers then, turning to leave the room.

When door clicks shut, Taehyung lets out a deep breath and looks at Jeongguk again. “Sorry you had to hear that. I didn't think he'd show up again.”

“No, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let him in,” Jeongguk says. Taehyung looks even more exhausted now. “Want to talk about it?” He offers. He knows it's always better to tell someone about your problems. But Taehyung shakes his head and puts his palm on Jeongguk's cheek.

“Thanks, but I don't want to bother you with this,” He smiles. Jeongguk's about to say something when there's another knock on the door. Jeongguk walks towards it before Taehyung can say anything and opens it. He's about to tell the guy to fuck off already but he realizes that it's the delivery guy this time. Taehyung appears next to him with his wallet and pays for the pizza.

“Wasn't it my turn to pay?” Jeongguk asks when they're on the couch again. The TV is turned off now. They're not in the mood to imitate anime characters anymore.

“It's an apology for making you witness this,” Taehyung chews on the cheesy pizza. “Don't even think about saying no. Not only did you hear that but you're also comforting me,” Taehyung grins now.

“You're the best, Jeon Jeongguk.”

When Jimin returns home from his night class, he's surprised to find Taehyung sleeping on the couch, his head perched on Jeongguk's lap. Jeongguk is running his fingers through Taehyung's hair softly.

“Whoa, what's going on here?” Jimin asks, gaping a little. Jeongguk looks up at Jimin and shrugs.

“He fell asleep a while ago and I don't want to wake him up,” Jeongguk says. He looks tired and should probably go back to his own dorm and sleep. Jeongguk looks like he wants to say something.

Jimin squints his eyes at him. “Okay,” He starts, “But we both know that he sleeps like a stone and you'd practically have to scream to wake him up,” Jeongguk looks surprised at that.

“Yeah, well.” Jeongguk says scratching his neck nervously. “I didn't want to leave him alone.” Jeongguk sighs. “Some guy called Namjoon came by earlier, and he seemed really upset.”

Jimin sees red. How many times has he told Namjoon to back off and leave Taehyung alone? “Namjoon? Is he actually kidding me? I'm gonna beat his ass, this motherfucker deserves to die--” Jimin seethes. He's livid. He forgets about Jeongguk for a second.

“Wait, was he alone?” If he brought Seokjin with him he's going to need two coffins.

“Yeah. He said something about wanting to talk to Taehyung and said he's worried about him but I threw him out before he could do so,” Jeongguk says.

“Good. Thanks for being here with him. You can go now, I'm going to take over.” Jimin walks over and hooks one arm around Taehyung's neck and one under his knees to lift him up and carry him into their room. He sets him down on his bed and carefully tugs his blanket over his body. He sighs and runs his fingers through Taehyung's hair.

Jeongguk is standing at the door frame, watching them, before he clears his throat.

“I'm leaving now. Good night, Jimin.” Jeongguk says. The door clicks shut behind him.

†

His face is pressed into a hard chest when Taehyung wakes up the next morning. He's confused for a moment, his mind still fuzzy from sleep, but when he pulls back and tilts his head up and sees familiar blonde hair, he just sighs and presses back against the warm body.

“Jimin, what are you doing?” His voice is muffled by Jimin's shirt.

“Cuddling, what else does it look like?” Comes the answer.

“Yeah, but why?”

“First, you're practically my platonic soulmate, second, I'm your best friend, I have the permission to cuddle with you any time of the day, and third,” Jimin pauses for a second, “I've heard about what happened yesterday.” Jimin's voice is sad and quiet. Suddenly all the memories come rushing back, from watching anime with Jeongguk, to Namjoon's face and Jeongguk throwing him out of his apartment. Taehyung tightens his arms where they're curled around Jimin's stomach.

“I don't know why they still want to talk to me. I've told them several times that I don't want to see them, but they still try and reach out to me. Isn't it enough that they ruined everything? Do they need to rub it in?” Taehyung sighs. No matter how much time passes, he still needs to hold back his tears. It's frustrating and irritating and he just really wishes they'd leave him alone.

“I know. I'm sorry I couldn't be there.” Jimin's fingers are playing with the hair on the back of his head and Taehyung finds it comforting.

“Don't be. You have your own life too. I don't want to bother you with my petty problems all the time,” Taehyung pulls back and looks at Jimin. Jimin's looking down at him, frowning and his mouth opens to say something, but Taehyung shuts him up by pressing a kiss on his cheek.

“I love you, Jimin. You're the best friend anyone could ever ask for, and I'm so lucky to have you.” They rarely say stuff like this. It's normally just quick I love you's.

“Love you too. We'll always stay together.” Jimin says, enveloping Taehyung in a bone crushing hug and Taehyung can feel Jimin's smile on his lips where they're pressed on the top of his head.

They stay in a comfortable silence for a while, the only noises being their breathing and the buzzing of the AC. Jimin breaks the silence first.

“So you and Jeongguk, huh? Are you sure you two are just fake-dating?” Jimin laughs.

“What the-- where did that come from. Of course we're just fake-dating. He's my fake-boyfriend, we're having fake-dates and we're having a fake-break up when the time comes.” Taehyung says. “We're just friends.”

“You two look cute together, though. I don't want you two to break up.” Jimin sighs and his arms curl around Taehyung's torso. “You seem happy when you're around him.”

“We're good actors. And I don't even think I'm his type.”

“Not his type? Dude, you're cute, everyone would fall for you.” Jimin reassures him.

“Well, Namjoon still went and cheated on me. And with Seokjin, too.” Taehyung shifts and turns to lie on his back.

“Yeah, because Namjoon is an asshole. So is Seokjin. I'm honestly surprised that they're not ashamed of themselves and even have the guts to show up here.” Jimin's brows furrow in a frown.

“I think Seokjin inherited the stubbornness from our mom.” Taehyung says. “Namjoon is just persistent and doesn't know when to stop. I wonder how I even managed to be in a relationship with him for that long,”

“He didn't deserve you. You're way too good for him. I personally think you should go for someone like Jeongguk, though. I seriously ship you two,” Jimin raises his eyebrows, looking at him suggestively. His lips pull up in a smirk.

“Oh, shut up Jimin.” Taehyung laughs.

†

“Come on, it'll be fun! And Minah wants to see you guys, too! She's been really excited to hang out with you guys again.” Jeongguk isn't completely opposed to the idea of another double date but Hoseok is really pushing his luck with Jeongguk sometimes. He actually really wants to go on another fake-date with Taehyung. But his exams are right around the corner and he really, really needs to study. He doesn't have the time to go clubbing with his roommate and fake-boyfriend. But Hoseok is really convincing and Jeongguk's mood is just way too good to say no. So he agrees.

“Great! I already asked Taehyung and he said he's definitely coming,” Hoseok says. “I'm sure Jiminie is coming with Tae. You should ask Yoongi if he wants to tag along, too. The more, the merrier!” Jeongguk wonders how someone can be this enthusiastic.

“I wouldn't bet on it. Yoongi doesn't like sacrificing sleep.”

Their first kiss isn't exactly unexpected but it still catches Jeongguk by surprise when it actually happens.

They've lost Jimin and Hoseok in the crowd somewhere so it's just Taehyung, Jeongguk and Minah standing at the bar. Jeogguk has one hand on Taehyung's waist and the other is holding his glass. Taehyung is talking with Minah about something Jeongguk can't keep up with, so he just pretends like he's listening and brings his glass to his mouth once in a while to sip at his drink.

It's when Jeongguk leaves for a while to find Hoseok, because Minah is his date after all where did he even run off to, that some girl makes his way up to him and starts talking to him. She's asking where he's from, if he's here often, how old he is and at some point Jeongguk thinks she's going to ask for his adress too. He tries to explain that he's taken and that his boyfriend is literally right there but she doesn't seem bothered by that and keeps on talking. He gets saved by Taehyung, who is now slinging his arm around Jeongguk's middle and clings to him from the side. The girl stares at Taehyung's arms around him and something seems to click inside her head.

“Babe, who's this?” Taehyung asks, and the girl gets a little red in the face and excuses herself, running off quickly. When he turns his head to look at him, he can make out Minah's figure behind Taehyung. She's looking at them, a soft smile decorating her face.

“I don't know, some girl,” Jeongguk says, his arms finding their way around Taehyung's waist. “She was bothering me when I was searching for Hoseok.”

What Jeongguk doesn't expect is Taehyung's lips pressed on his a moment later. It's quick and really not worth talking about, but his lips just feel so good. They're plush and soft and he tastes so, so sweet, Jeongguk thinks he's kissing a pillow for a second. The moment is over as quick as it comes though, and Taehyung's lips are gone the next second.

“Mhh, you're mine though.” Taehyung says and slides his hand up so that they're resting on Jeongguk's chest. Jeongguk thinks he hears Minah squealing in the back but his mind is a complete mess. He doesn't register what he's doing and the next moment he tightens his arms around his waist.

“I'm yours.” Jeongguk leans in and presses their lips together again. He's drunk enough to ignore the voices in his head that tell him to stop. He does break the kiss for a second to look Taehyung in the eyes though, and he searches for a sign that tells him to stop on Taehyung's face. Instead, he finds Taehyung's eyes closed shut and his ears are flushed red. So he connects their lips for the third time that night and forgets all about Minah standing next to them. Taehyung's hands are in his hair now, pulling at the black strands and Jeongguk groans against his mouth. He tips his head to the side to deepen the kiss. Jeongguk takes Taehyung's lower lip between his teeth and nibbles on it softly. He slips his hands lower on Taehyung's waist so that they're resting on his hips and pulls him closer. They break apart only because they're still human and need to breathe, even though Jeongguk feels immortal when he has Taehyung in his arms.

Taehyung is panting, and Jeongguk is trying to calm down his heart that's beating fast inside his chest. Taehyung's eyes flutter open slowly and peeks up at Jeongguk between long lashes. Their foreheads are pressed together.

“Wow,” Taehyung breathes and Jeongguk almost misses it over the loud thumping music. “That was great,” He says then, louder, and smiles at him.

“Yeah,” Jeongguk says under his breath and only then sees Hoseok and Jimin in the crowd, walking over to where they're standing. He can see the grins on Jimin's and Hoseok's faces from afar. Taehyung's palms are warm on his chest again and he turns his head when Jimin calls his name.

“Taehyungie, let's get some drinks!” Jimin shouts and Taehyung nods. He slaps Jeongguk's chest lightly and Jeongguk loosens his hands on his hips, hesitating. Taehyung pecks him on the cheek beore Jimin grabs Taehyung's wrist and drags him to the bar. Jeongguk feels heat rising to his cheeks and Hoseok's grin directed at him, but he shrugs it off. Just then, a hand taps his shoulder and Jeongguk jumps. When he turns around to face what scared the hell out of him, he finds his best friend standing behind him. Jeongguk lets out a breath of relief.

“Yoongi, hell, don't do that again. You scared the fuck out of me.” Jeongguk says, clutching at his chest.

“Sorry, kid,” Yoongi laughs. He turns to Hoseok and Minah and greets them. Hoseok is pleaseed to see that Yoongi actually came. “Where's Jimin?” Yoongi asks nonchalantly.

“He and Taehyung are getting something to drink,” Jeongguk says. Yoongi is looking for Jiimin. Huh. That's useful information. Now that he thinks about it, Yoongi has been talking about Jimin a lot lately. Yoongi interrupts his thoughs before he can think any more into this.

“Aren't you guys all underage? How did you even get in here?”

“We're not friends with Jackson without a reason, Yoongi. He gave us fake-ID's,” Jeongguk says.

“Right.” The smaller boy nods once. “Just don't overdo it. And watch out for bouncers. I don't want to deal with your whining asses again. And don't drink anything funky strangers offer you.”

“Sure, mom,” Jeongguk rolls his eyes.

“Watch your mouth, brat.” Yoongi says and punches his arm.

Taehyung's feet are sluggish and he almost trips over someone's feet when Jimin pulls on his wrist. The club is packed and Taehyung bumps into several people on their way to the bar. He recieves a glare from a guy twice his size, but he's lucky that no one wants to beat him to a pulp. When Jimin's fingers finally uncurls around his wrist, he's standing in front of the bar and Jimin shoves him forward. The edge of the counter presses into his stomach uncomfortably.

“Ow, what the hell, Jimin?” Taehyung hisses and glares at his best friend.

“Sorry, sorry. Now order our drinks already,” Jimin urges. He pushes a few bills in his hands and slaps his butt.

“Why don't you order yourself? Am I your slave or something?” Taehyung whines.

“We both know that every barkeeper on this planet practically ignores my existence,” Jimin grumbles. “Also, I'm paying your drink so don't complain. Get me a Heineken,”

“It's because you're so short- Ow!” Taehyung shrieks as Jimin pinches his butt, hard. He pouts and turns around to face the bar. He waits for the barkeeper to notice him and take his order but the bar is crowded so he listens to the orders of other random people beside him. When the barkeeper finally faces him, he orders their drinks, hands him the crumpled bills in his hand, and waits for the drinks.

Taehyung turns and hands Jimin his drink before grabbing his own from the counter. Jimin stares at him incredulously. “What's that?” Jimin points to his drink.

“Crown Royal and Coke?” Jimin gives him The Look. “What, don't look at me like that. This is my first time here and they can't screw this up,” Taehyung shrugs.

“If you say so,” is the only thing Jimin says before he changes the subject. “So,” he drags out the 'o' and Taehyung already knows what's about to come.

“You and Jeongguk were getting quite... close back there, huh?” Jimin smirks at him. Taehyung can already feel the migrane coming.

“Jimin, I already told you that this is all just for show,”

“I know, I know. You just seem happier lately,” Jimin says. “I just think he's doing you good.” and Jimin may be right, he feels livelier than ever, energy practically oozing out of his pores. But Taehyung knows better than to fall for Jeongguk. He knows that Jeongguk doesn't see him that way.

“Let's just go back, alright?” Taehyung is already walking across the dance floor and through the crowd to where the rest of their friends are. He tries his best not to trip over some stranger's feet again and keeps his gaze glued to the floor. He makes sure to glance over his shoulder once in a while to make sure Jimin's right behind him, though.

Tehyung is surprised to see Yoongi standing with their small group of friends when they come back. It's rare to see Yoongi at parties and an ever rarer to see him at a club.

“Yoongi?” Jimin says over Taehyung's shoulder. “Hey, you came!”

Yoongi looks at them then and smiles. Taehyung's eyes almost pop out. He looks between Yoongi and Jimin swiftly. What's going on? What has he missed? Yoongi and Jimin? Taehyung feels left out and slightly insulted that Jimin hasn't told him about this.

“Yeah. I had nothing better to do anyways,” Taehyung looks at Jeongguk then and finds him just as surprised as Taehyung is.

“Wait, wait, wait. Time out,” Jeongguk makes a 'T' with his hands. “You told me you were busy, Yoongi. I practically begged you to come and you still said no!” Jeongguk looks completely offended. Taehyung chuckles at the sight. It's cute. The way his brows are furrowed and he's sulking.

Taehyung swears he sees a blush rising up to Yoongi's face but no one seems to notice in the darkness. For a moment he thinks he should record this but discards the thought immediately. Yoongi would kill him if he found out about this and he treasures his life, thank you very much.

“Shut it, kid,” Yoongi says and hits the back of Jeongguk's head lightly. “I finished my homework early and I was bored,” he explains. Jeongguk seems to understand and smirks at him.

“Sure,”

They stumble out of the club at three in the morning. Most of them are fairly drunk and they barely make it to Morgan Hall in one piece. The small group splits up and Hoseok brings Minah back to her room while Yoongi stumbles through the hall to get to his own room. Taehyung, Jimin and Jeongguk decided to go to Jimin's and Taehyung's room.

They crash into the apartment-suite and barely make it to their shared room without breaking something. They make an effort to whisper at first, so that their other roommates don't wake up, but fail when Jeongguk accidently slips on a stray t-shirt on the floor. Jimin and Taeyhung burst out laughig and Jeongguk is too drunk to actually care about the pain, so he starts laughing too.

Taehyung's eyes are tearing up from how hard he's laughing and he clutches his stomach. “Jiminie, did you see that?” He bursts out in another fit of laughter. “He literally fell on his ass because he tripped on a t-shirt,” Taehyung pauses to breathe, “with a banana peel print”

Jimin just laughs harder and nods his head. And if he wasn't drunk, he'd probably glare at them because that hurt, help me up already but he's piss drunk and it is kind of ridiculous, so he keeps on laughing with them on the floor.

Their laughter gets cut off by a pissed Jongup knocking on the door and telling them to keep it the fuck down, he's trying to sleep. And they giggle a bit more before the tiredness sinks in. Jimin climbs on his bed and falls asleep not much later. Taehyung ushers him to lie in his bed and lends him one of his way too big sweaters with holes in them to sleep in. Taehyung lies down next to him and grins.

“You're a great kisser. Wouldn't mind doing it more often,” Taehyung says. Jeongguk thinks that it's the alcohol speaking in Taehyung, but if he's honest, he wouldn't mind either.

“I can make that happen,” Jeongguk says and leans forward. He stops just before their lips are about to touch to see Taehyung's reaction. His eyes are lidded and dark, staring right through Jeongguk's soul. But before Jeongguk can even blink, Taehyung leans in and connects their lips. He sees Taehyung's eyes close shut and he does the same and concentrates on the warmth that radiates off of Taehyung. They start out slow, their lips moving languidly. Jeongguk moves closer to deepen the kiss and his thigh accidently rubs against Taehyung's crotch in the preocess. Taehyung gasps and Jeongguk takes the chance to slip his tongue in Taehyung's mouth. Their tongues slide against each other like silk and Jeongguk swallows the little moans that slip out of Taehyung's mouth.

Jeongguk pushes himself up then and hovers over Taehyung. He slides his hands into Taehyung's and puts them next to his head. They stay like that for a while longer before Taehyung slips his hand out of Jeongguk's and pushes at his shoulders lightly. Taehyung's out of breath and his lips are red and swollen and his cheeks are tinted a beautiful pink.

“We should stop this here for now,” Taehyung says then, “Jimin's literally right there and he's going to kill me when he finds out that we had sex in the same room,” he laughs.

Jeongguk lies back on the matress and stares at the ceiling. His mind is blank and the only thing he can think about are soft lips on his.

“Hey Jeongguk,” Taehyung whispers. Jeongguk tilts his head to the side look at him.

“Yeah?”

There's silence and Jeongguk is about to say something, but Taehyung's eyes are closed and his breathing is even. He fell asleep. Jeongguk sighs, shuts his eyes and sighs. He feels the sleep overtake his senses and soon after he's sleeping too.

†

College is kicking his ass. Coffee and Energydrinks are his life savers and fast food is all he's been eating for past few days. Jeongguk can almost hear his pores screaming for help. The floor of his room is full of papers and the walls are decorated with bright yellow post-its. He's glad he doesn't have a roommate, because he's sure they would have kicked his ass long ago. His mom would probably be shocked if she saw the state his room was in.

Finals are just around the corner and he hasn't seen any of his friends lately. Well, except for Hoseok, they live in same apartment after all. He still texts Yoongi and Taehyung all the time. Even Jimin texts him sometimes and he feels just a little better when he does, because his friends are suffering just as much as he is.

The only thing he's really deprived off is sleep and sex. He can't quite remember the last time he's been laid, and it's killing him. He's a healthy young man, there's nothing wrong with wanting to have sex.

So it's not a big surprise that he wakes up in the morning with sweat covering his body and a certain stiffness in his boxers. Not a problem.

What is a problem though, is that Taehyung is the reason for the hardness in his underwear. Jeongguk closes his eyes and gulps, trying to get the picture of Taehyung, splayed out on his back, legs spread wide open with flushed cheeks and plump lips opened to let out a high pitched moan, out of his head. He sighs and plops back down on his matress. He's tired and he really just wants to sleep, but his body is sticky with sweat and he feels uncomfortable like this.

He gets up and walks to his bathroom. He makes sure the water of the shower is as cold as possible before he climbs in and prays his boner dies down as soon as possible. He really needs his sleep.

†

The next time Jeongguk sees Taehyung in person is after his finals are over. Hoseok decides that it would be a good idea to visit Taehyung and Jimin and he drags Jeongguk with him. After The Morning, Jeongguk kept his distance from Taehyung but he guesses he can't avoid him forever, so he tags along.

He can hear Taehyung before he sees him. He's standing in the hall with a broad shouldered and tall guy. The guy has his hands on Taehyung shoulders and seems desperate. Taehyung only glares at him.

Taehyung looks upset and Jeongguk knows that face. He's seen it on Taehyung before when that Namjoon guy showed up. “Why the fuck would I come home with you? Are you fucking kidding me? You still have the courage to show up at my door and--”

“Taehyung, how many times do I have to tell you that I'm sorry? Mom really wants to see you. She misses you. I miss you. Taehyung, please consider it,” The guy (his brother?) says, shaking him. When Jeongguk steps closer, he can see Jimin next to Taehyung, glaring daggers at the guy. This scene is different from when he met Namjoon but it feels oddly similar.

Jimin slips into korean when he speaks up and Jeongguk only understands half of it. He should have listened to his mom when she was trying to teach him korean as a kid. From what he understands, tough, Jimin tells the guy to shut up and leave. Hoseok puts his hand on his shoulder then.

“I think we should leave,” He says and turns to leave but Jeongguk thinks otherwise. He hates the distressed look on Taehyung's face.

He stomps forward, jaw clenched, and he can hear Hoseok in the back, calling out his name. Taehyung, Jimin and the other guy seem to hear him too, because they're all looking in Jeongguk's direction. He doesn't stop though, instead, he walks faster to where they're standing.

“What's with all the people bothering you,” Jeongguk says but he's not looking at Taehyung. He's looking at the tall guy and for a second he's a little intimidated. The guy is taller than what he thought from where he was stanidng before and his shoulders are wide. He wonders how he can even fit through the doorframe. But his face is soft and beautiful. Under different circumstances, Jeongguk would probably peg him as a friendly and nice guy.

“I don't get it either, no matter how many times I tell them to fuck off, they always come back,” Taehyung sighs. He turns to the stranger.

“Seokjin, tell mom I'm sorry but I'm not coming home. She can come visit, but I don't want to be stuck at a place with you and Namjoon,” Hurt flashes in Seokjins eyes but he gives up and nods. He brushes past Jeongguk and Hoseok comes jogging over to them.

“Sorry about that. Come in, guys,” Jimin says then and opens the door to let them inside.

“So he was here again, huh,” Hoseok tugs Taehyung into his side and throws his arm over his shoulders.

“Yeah. Wants me to go back to LA and stay with them for the holidays,”

“You're staying here over the holidays?” Hoseok asks. He seems surprised.

“Yeah, Sungjae is letting me stay at his apartment.”

“What! You could've come with me! My parents love you!” Hoseok pulls back to look Taehyung in the face.

Jimin's voice calls from where he's standing in the kitchen. “Dude, give up, he won't even come with me. And we're basically brothers,”.

Taehyung laughs. “I can't bother you and your parents forever, Minnie, we aready established that.” Jeongguk thinks he would like to take Taehyung home with him and introduce him to his parents. But he's in the same position Taehyung's in. He can't go home. His parents have already booked their flight to europe and they'll be gone over the holidays.

“Is there a possibility of me staying at Sungjae's too?” Jeongguk says suddenly. He doesn't even realize he's said anything until they're all looking at him, the conversation they were having interrupted. “I- I mean, I can't go home either and I'm broke so I can't exactly book a hotel and I don't want to stay at my parent's house alone and-” Jeongguk adds, trying to explain himself.

Taehyung laughs. “I don't know, you need to ask Sungjae. But he's chill so there's a chance,” he says, “And I wouldn't mind sharing a bed so there should be enough space.”

“I can ask him tomorrow if you want,” Taehyung shrugs and Jeongguk sighs in relief. He really forgot about his homelessness over the holidays because of the stress. He's glad that finals are over.

“That would be awesome.” Jeongguk doesn't see Jimin grinning at the both of them.

†

Jeongguk doesn't know how he ends up in this situation. Except he does.

He's got his arms around Yoongi in a hug, Taehyung's arms are around his waist and his chest is pressed against Jeongguk's back. Jimin is on the other side, hugging Yoongi around his middle. It had all started with Jeongguk hugging Yoongi because he and Jimin were about to leave to catch the taxi to the airport, but then Jimin started hugging Yoongi. Taehyung had whined and had said he felt left out so naturally, he came up behind Jeongguk and started hugging him too. This position lasted for about two minutes before Yoongi forcefully shoved Jimin and Jeongguk away.

Taehyung is pouting and steps away from Jeongguk only to envelop his best friend in another hug.

“Jimine, promise me to text as many photos as possible! And say hi to your parents and your brother,” Taehyung mumbles against where his head is pressed against his shoulders. “I'm gonna miss you, Minnie.”

“I know, I know, Taehyungie. We had the exact same conversation about five minutes ago,” he chuckles, before adding “I'll miss you too. Take care of yourself, Tae.”

They pull back and smile at each other before Jimin grabs his luggage. Yoongi and Jimin step out of the apartment-suite and wave one last time before they close the door and leave Jeongguk and Taehyung inside, alone.

Their own stuff is next to the door and they're ready to leave. Taehyung had asked Sungjae and he had said it was alright if Jeongguk stayed at his apartment over summer break. He'll have to squish in one bed with Taehyung for the next few weeks. But he's okay with it. Taehyung is a good friend and he can't be that bad when he's asleep, right?

Wrong. Taehyung talks in his sleep. He woke up one day to Taehyung talking to his dog. Jeongguk had thought Taehyung was awake and talking to Jimin on the phone but when he had called Taehyung's name, the older had just rolled over in the tiny bed and hugged him in his sleep (this is also how he found out that Taehyung likes to hug Jeongguk like a koala when he's asleep).

Jeongguk gets used to it after about one week. He finds himself waking up to Taehyung in his arms more often than not, and, if he's honest, he likes it. Taehyung is like a furnace against him and his body is constantly emitting warmth. Their blanket always lies on the floor when they wake up but he likes Taehyung's body better than the thin blanket.

Jeongguk's right arm is thrown over Taehyung's waist and he can't feel his left arm where it's resting under Taehyung's head. Taehyung's right arm is squished between their bodies and his left lies in an awkward position over his head. Their legs are tangeled and Jeongguk can't bother to think about how they ended up like this. He groans and carefully slips his arm out from under Taehyung's head. He stretches it and gets up from the bed.

The apartment is small but Jeongguk honestly can't complain. He's paying Sungjae a small amount for the rent and it's a lot cheaper than a hotel room. They're staying in the guest room where Sungjae's roommate used to live in, so they have their own small nightstand and wardrobe. It's neat and clean, and the fridge is always filled with food.

“Morning,” Sungjae says from where he's standing behind the kitchen counter. “I have to leave for work in a bit, so lock the door when you go out, yeah?”

“Yeah, will do.” Jeongguk yawns. “Oh, by the way, do you mind if I use your shampoo? I ran out yestersay,” Jeongguk asks, scratching the back of his head.

“Sure,” Sungjae smiles before he leaves.

Jeongguk heads to the shower to get rid of the gross feeling of sweat on his body and grabs a towel on the way. He has always wondered why Sungjae doesn't have a shower curtain but he has learned to cope with it. He slips out of his clothes and steps into the shower before he turns on the water. He pretends he didn't just squeal like a little girl when the ice cold water hits his body. He gets used to the cold water eventually and starts washing his body.

Jeongguk forgot to lock the door to the bathroom so it's really his own fault when the door opens and a tired Taehyung walks in. He shrieks and he hastily reaches out for the shower curtain to cover him before he remembers that there is none. Taehyung is just standing awkwardly in the bathroom before he realises that he should probably get the fuck out of there. He turns around and walks straight out of the door with a red face.

Jeongguk sighs, brings his hands to his face and groans.

so, is it big?

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

i hate you

awwh

you love me

i do.

but still

i don't know how i'm supposed to face him now

i've literally seen his dick

He sends the message to Jimin before Jeongguk slips into their room awkwardly. He's still half-naked but at least there's a towel covering his lower body. Taehyung stares at the drops of water slipping down Jeongguk's back and he has to force his eyes away when Jeongguk slips a shirt over his torso. He stares at his phone to avoid Jeongguk's gaze and reaches over to set it down on the nightstand.

Jeongguk interrupts the silence. “Hey, um, I'm sorry about earlier, I should've locked the door,”

“No, no I was the one who came in, I should have heard the shower running.” Taehyung says. He's sitting at the edge of the bed, his feet shuffling on the floor and his head hangs low to avoid looking at Jeongguk.

Jeongguk clears his throat and sits down next to Taehyung. “Wanna go grab something to eat? I'm not in the mood for cooking,”

“Sure,” Taehyung says and nods his head. It's not as awkward as it was just a few miutes ago and Taehyung is thankful for that. He needs to sleep in the same bed with the guy he has walked into while he was showering, and the fact that the guy is one of his closest friends doesn't help at all. “Wanna go and get McDonald's? I heard they have a new breakfast burger,”

They're looking at each other now. The images of Jeogguk's naked body still linger, but it's a lot better now. Food always makes it better. Taehyung thanks all the gods he doesn't believe in for food.

They make it to the nearest McDonald's in ten minutes. It's still early so he doesn't expect many people to be there. The few customers that sit in the booths look like they were up all night and haven't slept for days. Jeongguk goes up to the counter to order and Taehyung follows him. They oder their food and search for a booth that's not occupied. They sit down somewhere in the back of the room and set their trays down on the table. There's a piece of salad on the floor ad Jeongguk squishes it with his foot without noticing.

“I normally don't eat burgers for breakfast, but we all know that I'm not allowed in any kitchen,” Taehyung says before he bites into his breakfast burger. Jeongguk chuckles and bites into his own greasy burger.

“I would cook but I'm just too tired to do anything at this time of the day,” It's not perticularily early, but Jeongguk is currently in between the state where it's too early to do anything he has to pay attention to, and the state where it's too late to go to sleep again.

“I don't blame you. I'm grateful you took me here,” Taehyung laughs, “I like the coffee here though. It's better than the crappy coffees from seven eleven,” Jeongguk snorts.

“Anything is better than the coffees from seven eleven. I don't even know what they put in those, they just taste like diarrhea.”

“True that. They look like it too.” Taehyung chuckles.

They eat in comfortable silence before Taehyung speaks up. “Where are you from?” Jeongguk is taken aback by the sudden question.

“Me? I'm from Boston, actually.” Jeongguk says, not sure where Taehyung is going with this conversation.

“Boston, huh. So you're still pretty close to home.” Taehyung smiles.

“Close? Dude, it's like six hours from Philly to Boston, that's not particularily close,”

“Hey, I'm from across the country, it's taking me like six hours by plane to get here,” Taehyung pouts. He sips at his coffee and glares at him over the rim.

“Why did you decide to go here anyways? I thought you said you applied to UCLA?” Jeongguk asks. They've never been talking about things like these and Jeongguk is curious.

Taehyung looks down at the table and smiles. But Jeongguk knows that it's neither a genuine smile nor a happy one. It looks sad. “I decided to go here because my ex does. Back then I was naive and thought he was The One.” Taehyung fiddles with his cup of coffee. He looks up at Jeongguk then and he's surprised, because Taehyung looks determined all of a sudden.

Taehyung speaks again. “Remember Namjoon? The guy that knocked on my door a while ago?” Taehyung asks. Of course he remembers. How could he not.

“Yeah,” Jeongguk answers, “What about him?”

“That's him. The one I follwed here.” Taehyung looks back down at his cup. “I really loved him, thought he'd be the one I'd grow old and wrinkly with,” Taehyung huffs. “Sorry, I'm bothering you with this again, aren't I?”

Jeongguk shakes his head rapidly. “No, not at all! Please tell me about it, it's always better to voice out your emotions than bottling them up.” Jeongguk stutters.

Taehyung looks uncertain for a moment but then nods and continues. “I've been looking up to him for a while because he's been doing his own music and all, and I was a big fan of him in high school. I've been kind of star struck when he started talking to me, because he knew my brother from when he was still in high school,” Taehyung chuckles sadly. “And honestly, our story wasn't even really romantic. I'm really bad with hiding my feelings. He must have noticed that I liked him more than a friend, so he asked me out. And of course I couldn't say no. The guy I've been head over heels with had asked me out, who would I be if I said no, right?” Taehyung looks up at Jeongguk again and he still has that sad smile on his face. Jeongguk thinks it doesn't suit him.

“When he graduated and said that he'd be going to college in Pennsylvania I was honestly sad. I never really believed in long-distance relationsips but I honestly though we could make it work. And we did. We made it work. I applied for UCLA and got in, but I decided to go here because I missed him. I wanted to see him again and as much as possible, so why not just go to the same college. So I followed him here. And we were happy for a while. At least I thought we were. Apparently he wasn't. He wasn't ever happy with me. My brother came here last year. He applied for a job at a nearby restaurant and moved here. I was happy. I missed my brother, he was always some sort of role model to me.”

Taehyung sighs and covers his face with his hands. “Well, turns out that they've been in love for years. Namjoon then broke up with me on our anniversary, saying he couldn't do this any longer and that he's not in love with me. I found out about him and my brother when I came to visit his new apartment. They had been doing this for a while. I don't think Namjoon ever loved me, he was just happy to have a loyal puppy that followed him around wherever he went.”

Jeongguk doesn't quite know what to say. “I'm sorry,”

“Don't be, it's not your fault,” taehyung says and smiles at him. “I'm glad that it's done and over with, anyways.”

“He doesn't deserve you. And they're stupid if they think you would forgive them for all that,” Jeongguk says. It's true, Taehyung is too good for Namjoon. He doesn't know him personally but whoever goes out with someone for years only to leave them for his brother is stupid. Especially if it's with someone as beautiful and sweet as Taehyung.

“Yeah, well I think I've made it clear that I don't want to see either of them anymore. It's hard, really. My brother has always been special to me. Sometimes I think about forgiving him,” Taehyung says, stuffing the last bite of his burger in his mouth, “But then Jimin says that I'm too nice, that I should let him suffer for a bit more. And who am I to deny Jimin,” he laughs.

Jeongguk thinks Jimin is right.

†

The first time they had sex was neither expected nor discussed.

Taehyung can already hear Jimin squeal. Taehyung ignores that thought. He doesn't want to think of his best friend while he's having sex.

Jeongguk hovers over him, his hands are perched next to his head and Taehyung just can't stop staring at his biceps, reveling in the way Jeongguk's arms flex. He's kneeling between Taehyung's spread legs and his fingers are buried deep inside him. Jeongguk pushes in a third finger and streches him. Taehyung's fingers are gripping the sheets, his knuckles white. Taehyung feels like this is wrong, they shouldn't be doing this because they're only pretending and nothing more, and pretend couples don't have sex. But Jeongguk presses in just right and brushes his prostate, and Taehyung doesn't understand how something this wrong can feel so right.

“Jeongguk- I'm ready, hurry” Taehyung is surprised at his own voice. He sounds desperate. Jeongguk seems to notice too, because his fingers stop and he pulls them out slowly. He reaches over to the nightstand to grab the bottle of lube they found in one of the drawers and pops it open.

“Fuck, Tae” Jeongguk groans, his eyes lidded and borws furrowed. He reaches over to the small nightstand and grabs his wallet to pull out a condom. Taehyung laughs.

“What, I wasn't prepared for this,” he mutters while rolling the thin latex on his cock. Taehyung only shakes his head slightly and grins. He grabs the bottle of lube they found in one of the drawers and pops it open. Jeongguk squeezes out a fair amount of the liquid and lubes himself up.

“You ready?” Jeongguk asks, his hand gripping the base of his dick.

“Just get inside of me already,” Taehuyng breathes. He spreads his legs only a little wider when he feels the tip of Jeongguk's cock on his entrance. Taehyung's heart is beating fast in his chest and he wonders if Jeongguk can hear it from where he's sitting between his thighs. His head falls back on the pillow when Jeongguk finally pushes in. His body is on fire when Jeongguk is seated fully inside him. Taehuyng has never quite felt like this. Jeongguk is big and he's stretching him to a point where Taehyung can't tell if it's pleasure or pain he's feeling.

“Are you okay?” Jeongguk asks, his pupils blown wide. He's breathing hard and beads of sweat are forming on his forehead.

“Yeah, I'm good, I'm great,” Taehuyng moans. “But lemme get used to you first,”

“Yeah, of course,” Jeongguk says and waits patiently. He's kissing Taehuyng on his lips, his nose, his throat and his forehead to distract Taehuyng from the pain. Taehuyng would feel embarrassed if he wasn't in this position. Jeongguk shifts and pushes in deeper and Taehyung can't tell where he ends and Jeongguk begins anymore. Jeongguk's cock grazes his prostate slighty and Taehyung whimpers.

“Sorry, oh my god, are you okay?” Jeongguk panics.

“I'm great, oh my god. Gukkie, move” Taehyung urges. Jeongguk looks uncertain for a second but pulls out slowly. Jeongguk closes his eyes and exhales sharply. The pleasure is visible on his face and Taehuyng feels proud for making him look like this. He closes his eyes and tightens his grip on the sheets when Jeongguk starts thrusting. His mouth falls open and a wanton moan slips past his lips at the feeling of Jeongguk's cock stretching him so good.

Taehyung is breathing hard and he feels like he's running a marathon but this is so much better. Jeongguk speeds up with every thrust and a few moments later he's pounding him earnestly. Taehuyng can feel the familiar warmth building in his belly and Jeongguk seems to notice too. He grabs Taehyung's cock with one hand and jerks him off.

“Jeongguk- shit- I'm coming,” Taehyung whimpers and Jeongguk only tightens his hand around the base of his cock.

“Not yet,” He grunts. Taehyung is confused and whines when Jeongguk slips out and flips him around. He's on his hands and knees and he can feel Jeongguk's chest pressed against his back. Jeongguk sucks a hickey at his nape and pushes in again. He's hitting Taehyung's prostate dead-on and Taehyung can't help but let out a loud moan.

His arms are wobbly and feel like jelly from the force of Jeongguk's thrusts. He drops on his elbows and buries his head in his arms. Jeongguk holds his hips in a hard grip and Taehyung is sure it's going to bruise. Jeongguk leans forward and kisses his back, his nape, his neck and nibbles on taehyung's lobe. Taehyung can hear Jeongguk's pants and low groans.

“Shit, Taehyung, you feel so fucking good,” Jeongguk's pants are getting heavier and Taehyung can tell that he's close. Taehyung rocks back on Jeongguk's shaft and Jeongguk moans. They continue like this for a little more and then the pleasure is too much and Taehyung gives in to it. His whole body tenses and his legs are going weak and he would probably collapse on the sheets if not for Jeongguk's grip on his hips. He's coming untouched over the sheets and whines, his body falls forward and his chest is now flat on the bed.

Jeongguk comes just a few thrusts later, the heat clenching around his member too much. He releases in the condom and bites at Taehyung's shoulder to muffle the loud groan. He slips out of Taehyung when his breathing calms down and collapses on the bed. He flips Taehyung around so that he's lying on his back and gets up from the bed. “Don't go,” Taehyung says and holds his arms out for Jeongguk.

“I'll be right back, I just need to clean us up,” Jeongguk smiles and walks out of the room. He comes back just a few moments later, boxers low on his hips and a wet towel in his hand. He slips in the bed and lifts Taehyung's legs, wiping at his thighs and belly. He drops it on the floor when he's done and slips into bed next to Taehyung. Taehyung feels his lids go heavy and he's just about to doze off when he feels strong arms around his waist, pulling him into a hard chest. The warmth raidating off Jeongguk lulls him into sleep.

Minnie

Jimin

Chim

fuck wake up already

tae it's like four fucking am what the fuck is your problem

I fucked up

so bad

oh my god minnie

tae what's wrong

answer me

shit you're worrying me

I slept with jeongguk

fuck

I'm calling.

“Taehyung?” Jimin's voice sounds worried over the phone. Taehyung is biting his fingernails, a bad habit he picked up.

“Minnie. What do I do?” Taehyung is desperate. He woke up about an hour ago, wrapped up in Jeongguk's arms, naked and with a sore lower back and thighs. He panicked and did the first thing that seemed logical, he texted Jimin.

“Taehyung, calm down. Start from the beginnning. How the fuck did that happen?” Jimin sighs.

“I don't know,” Taehyung starts but pauses to think about it. “Sungjae wasn't home so we decided we'd watch horror movies and get some booze,” Taehyung hears Jimin say of fuckig course you were drinkingbut doesn't comment on it. “Well, you know how I get when I watch The Ring.”

“Yeah, you cling to the closest thing next to you and hope that it protects you, I know. So you clung to Jeongguk, right?” Taehyung doesn't think he has to explain much more, Jimin already knows how the story is going to continue.

“Exactly. Now tell me what I'm supposed to do, I'm going crazy here,” Taehyung groans.

“Have you talked to him yet?” Jimin asks and Taehyung shakes his head before he realizes Jimin can't see him and mutters out a quiet “no”

“Well, do it. You should ask him how he feels about you or something, or ask him if it was just a casual thing,” Jimin pauses.

“I know you're shit at confronting things, but we both know that it's important,” he continues.

“Yeah. I'll talk to him. I'll call you later again, Jiminie.” Taehyung sighs.

“Yeah. Tell me how it went, Tae. Love you.”

“Taehyung?” Jeongguk says, his voice raspy from sleep. “What are you doing out here?”

Taehyung looks over his shoulder and gives him a tight lipped smile. He's leaning on the railing of the small balcony with his fingers gripping the metal tightly.

“Just getting some fresh air,” he replies. He looks nervous and tense and Jeongguk wants to put his hands on his shoulders and massage them.

“You okay?” Jeongguk says and offers him a worried smile.

“Yeah,” Taehyung says relucantly. “Actually, no. I'm not fine. Jeongguk I-,” Taehyung breathes in. “I need to know what yesterday meant to you, what I mean to you,” he says then and Jeongguk is stunned. He likes Taehyung, likes him a lot. He's beautiful, funny, cute and he makes him smile and Jeongguk would call him his best friend right after Yoongi. Their actions the day before weren't thought through, they didn't think about the consequences or the possibility that their friendship could just shatter into a billion pieces right in front of their feet, like a broken mirror. Of course he thought about his feelings for Taehyung before, but he never labeled them as anything official. They weren't official until Jeongguk made them official.

“I like you, Taehyung.” Jeongguk says without thinking. His body moves on his own and takes his hand into his. “I like you a lot.”

Jeongguk stares right into Taehyung's eyes. He thinks he can see surprise flashing in them for a second but then he blinks and now he looks uncertain and maybe even sad. Taehyung doesn't say anything and slips his hand out of Jeongguks before turning around and opening the door that leads back into the apartment. He stops.

“Give me some time,” is all Taehyung says before he steps back into the livingroom.

Jimin is surpirsed when Jeongguk calls him. They usually don't call each other so Jimin thinks it must be important and answers the call.

“Jeongguk? What's up?”

“Jimin I need your help--” Jeongguk urges. “Taehyung locked himself in the bathroom for an hour straight and won't fucking come out,” Jimin can hear Jeongguk sigh on the other side of the line.

“What? What happened?” Jimin asks. Jimin is used to Taehyung's antics but locking himself in the bathroom doesn't seem like something he would do.

“I – shit, I told him I liked him and he just walked out on me,” Jeongguk says and Jimin can hear footsteps over the phone. He's probably pacing around in his room.

“What, you just told him you liked him?”

“No, fuck, he asked me what he means to me and, well, I just told him the truth,” Jeongguk sounds frustrated. “He went all stiff and told me he needs time and don't get me wrong, I'm fine with that, but I'm just worried about him and whenever I tell him to come out he doesn't answer me.”

“Okay, I don't know what's really going on here but please promise me one thing, Jeongguk. If you really like him, please, please don't give up. Ever since his realtionship with Namjoon he's been overly self-concious. He thinks everyone is going to betray him someday, and he's too scared to fall in love and get his heart broken again.” Jimin sighs. “So please, do me one favor and don't leave him like Namjoon did. If you're really serious about this, tell me and I'll get his ass out of there. But if you're just fooling around, leave him alone.”

“I'm serious, jimin. I li – fuck, I love him. Please, Jimin.” Jeongguk pleads.

“Alright. I'm going to call him. You just go somewhere and wait.” Jimin says and hangs up. He scrolls through his contacts and finds the number he's looking for. He taps on the small picture of Taehyung and him and lifts his phone to his ear.

Taehyung feels his phone vibrate in his pocket. He fishes it out and looks at the caller ID. It's Jimin. He contemplates just ignoring him and going back to moping on the cold bathroom floor but Jimin would probably fly to Philadelphia just to strangle him for not answering his call.

“Kim Taehyung,” Jimin's voice is stern and Taehyung thinks he's going to scold him. “What are you doing?”

“Jimin, what –“ Jimin interrupts him.

“Jeongguk called me just now, said you're not coming out of the bathroom.” Taehyung's eyebrow twitches.

“He's lying, I'm not –“ Jimin cuts him off. Again.

“Taehyung, you're the one who's lying.” Jimin sighs. “Tae, what's wrong?” Taehyung hates worrying Jimin.

“I – I'm scared.” Taehyung pulls his knees to his chest and rests his head on them.

“I know you are and I don't blame you, but please give Jeongguk a chance. He cares so much about you.”

“Jimin, I can't just be as careless and naive as I was with Namjoon. Jeongguk will probably change his mind again.” It's Taehyung's turn to sigh.

“Taehyung, trusting someone isn't being careless or naive. You can't just keep thinking that everyone is going to leave you. I wouldn't ever tell you to do something that would hurt you and you know it.” Jimin is quiet for a while.

“Taehyung, you know that you mean so much to me, right?” Taehyung knows. Jimin treats him like his brother.

“Yeah. Yeah, I know.” Taehyung says.

“Then please, think about it, talk to him about it. Do it for me. I want to see you happy again.” Taehyung is about to say no, but he doesn't want to bother Jimin with his stupid feelings any longer. Jimin deserves to be happy, and if talking to Jeongguk is the key to Jimin's happiness, he'll do it.

“Okay. Okay, I'm going to talk to him. Thanks, Jiminie. Love you.” Taehyung says. He's still not sure if this is the right decision but he trusts Jimin.

“Love you too. Now get your ass out of that bathroom,” Jimin says and Taehyung can practically see his proud mom smile over the phone.

Jeongguk startles when he hears the bathroom door shut. He can feel his heart beat faster. “Taehuyng?” he calls out and soon after, Taehyung is standing in the bedroom.

“Hey.” He says quietly, refusing too look Jeongguk in the eyes. He's gripping the sleeves of his thin sweatshirt tightly. He's nervous.

“Hey, Taehyung.” Jeongguk says and hopes taehyung didn't hear the crack of his voice.

“Let's talk.” Taehyung says before sitting down next to him on the bed.

“Yeah,” There's a short silence between them but Taehyung speaks up before Jeongguk can do so.

“Jeongguk, I know it probably sounds ridiculous and stupid, but please hear me out.” Taehyung gulps and takes in a deep breath. “I like you – I like you a lot. But I'm scared, fuck I'm so scared. I don't want to have my heart broken again, you know? And it's not like I don't trust you, I do, but I can't help but chicken out whenever something gets serious.” Jeongguk looks at him and keeps quiet. He's listening. “God, I sound pathetic.” Taehyung sighs.

“I understand.” Jeongguk has his hands folded in his lap and he stares at them. “I understand, and I don't want you to feel pressured or anything. I don't want to force my feelings on you so, please, take all the time in the world you need. I'll wait for you. I'd do everything for you, Taehyung. I love you,” Jeongguk looks up then and their eyes meet. Taehyung looks less scared now.

“Thank you, Jeongguk.” Taehyung smiles. He leans over and presses a chaste kiss to Jeongguk's cheek. “I want to try this. I don't know what will happen, and I might hurt you while I'm trying to get over this whole mess, but please, don't give up on me.” Jeongguk envelopes him in a hug. His heart is beating so fast, Jeongguk thinks it will explode soon.

“I promise I'll do everything to make you happy.”

Their summer break comes to an end. Taehyung is tapping his foot on the ground impatiently. He's been waiting for over an hour now and Taehyung just wants to go home. He checks the time on his phone again and curses when he sees that his battery is down to 10%. The first thing he sees when he looks up are puffy cheeks and dark brown eyes. Taehyung can feel the smile spread on his face and he can't stop himself from running to where his best friend is standing.

Jimin drops his bags on the floor to wrap his arms around Taehyung's middle and hugs him tight.

“Okay Taehyungie, I missed you too, but if you hug me any tighter I think I'm going to throw up all over you,” Jimin laughs and Taehyung immediately lets go of his best friend.

“So, how's your mom doing?” Taehyung asks and picks up Jimin's bag. He starts walking out of the airport and to the parking lots.

“She's doing good. Said she wanted to see you though. I told you you should've come with me.” Jimin laughs. They reach Taehyung's car and he stuffs Jimin's bag and suitcase in the trunk. Taehyung walks around the car to get to the drivers seat and Jimin moves to the passenger seat. Before he can open the door, Jimin sees someone sitting on his seat. Taehyung laughs at his surprised face and tells the person on the passenger seat to move to the back, because the passenger seat is reserved for Jimin and Jimin only.

He grins even wider when he sees Jimin's mouth fall open and his eyes widen even more. Yoongi steps out of the car and smirks at Jimin, before he pushes him aside to open the door to the back seats and slips inside the car. Jimin stands there for a few moments until Taehyung calls for him.

“You know, if you keep standing there I'm just going to drive without you,” he laughs and Jimin finally moves. He puts on the seat belt and Taehyung grins at him. “So, what's Yoongi doing here?” Jimin says casually, but Taehyung knows that Jimin is more than happy to have Yoongi around again.

“Don't get your hopes up, kid. Taehyung dragged me here.” Yoongi says from the back of the car and Jimin only then notices Jeongguk sitting next to Yoongi.

“Hey, Jimin,” Jeongguk says, smiling. Taehyung turns back around and starts the motor. He's happy that Jimin is back. Jimin is probably the only reason why he's happy right now. If it wasn't for him, he wouldn't have Jeongguk sitting in the back seat of his car right now.

Taehyung and Jimin talk about all that happened in their summer break on the ride back to their dorm (they don't talk about the small issue of Taehyung locking himself in the bathroom). Taehyung and Jimin are roommates again and Jeongguk shares his room with Yoongi. Taehyung had been surprised when jeongguk told him that he'd be moving in with his best friend insead of Hoseok. Hoseok got himself his own apartment and lives there with his sister. Taehyung is glad that he has all his friends around him again. He's always been happier with the people he cares about in his vicinity.

Jimin drops down on his bed as soon as they enter their small room. He's probably tired from the flight. Jeongguk and Yoongi step into the room after Taehyung. Yoongi moves to sit on the chair in front of Jimin's desk, and Jeongguk sits down on Taehyung's bed. Taehyung smiles and sits down next to Jeongguk. He lays his head on Jeongguk's shoulder and sighs in content when his hand comes to rest on his hip. Taehyung misses Jimin's smile that's directed at him.

“Jeongguk can I talk to you for a second?” Jimin asks and Taehyung almost wants to complain and tell Jeongguk to stay but he stands up and follows Jimin out of the room. Taehyung looks at the door when it closes and sighs.

“So, are you making a move on him soon or do I have to wait until I'm eighty?” Taehyung looks at Yoongi. He just shrugs and ignores Taehyung's question.

“Thank you.” Jeongguk looks at Jimin, confused.

“What for?”

“For making him happy.” Jimin says and Jeongguk feels a small smile creep up onto his lips.

“I should thank you for giving me the chance to make him happy.” Jimin ruffles his hair when he walks past him and into the kitchen. Jeongguk can hear a faint man I'm hungry from Jimin and Jeongguk chuckles.

Hoseok visits them the next day. He's got his bright smile plastered on his face, as usual. Jimin immediately goes over to take his bag and settle it down on the floor next to the front door. Taehyung smiles when he sees him and tells Hoseok to sit down on the chair next to him.

“Hey, Hoseok! How was your break?” Taehyung asks and Hoseok smiles even brighter before he slips his phone out of his pocket and shows Taehyung all the pictures of his family and his dog and –

And they get interrupted by a knock on the door. Jimin, who's standing in the kitchen, opens the door to reveal a very familiar face and Taehyung grins the second their eyes meet. Jeongguk walks over to where they're sitting at the dining table and presses a short peck on the crown of his head. Hoseok looks absurdly confused.

“What's going on? What did I miss? Why is Jeongguk, the PDA-Hater-Extreme, being cute when Minah's not around?” Hoseok asks, shocked. Taehyung chuckles and puts his arm around jeongguk's waist.

“They're a real couple now,” Jimin shouts from the kitchen.

“What, for real?”

“For real, for real.” Taehyung says and grins his boxy smile. “How's it going with Minah, by the way?”

“We broke it off. She wasn't accepting of the fact that I'm bi.” Hoseok says, and his smile turns into a sad one.

“What, she was a homophobe?” Jeongguk asks, one eyebrow raised.

“No, never. She talked about how cute you two are all day, how could she,” Hoseok laughs. “She just said that she doesn't think she can date someone who's bi and I can understand. It's just sad that it ended like this.”

“You deserve better, anyways. Don't let her bring you down, Hoseok.” Taehyung says and his eyebrows are furrowed now.

“Don't worry, I don't feel too bad about it. I think I was more into the thought of a relationship than I was into Minah.” Hoseok says and grins brightly again, ruffling taehyung's hair. “Too bad my favorite FWB is taken now, though,” Taehyung can feel the death glare that Jeongguk shoots Hoseok.

“I'm sure you'll find someone soon, Hobi,” Jimin says when he emerges from the kitchen and joins them at the table. Taehyung lets Jeongguk sit on his chair and Taehyung plops down onto Jeongguk's lap. His arms sneak around Taehyung's waist and he feels incredibly happy. He has the most important people in his life around him almost 24/7 and he can't remember the last time he felt so good.

Taehyung feels more than hears the I love you that Jeongguk mutters against his neck and his heart swells to twice it's size.

He fell in love with one of his best friends and he doesn't regret it even one second.