cut out all the ropes (let me fall)

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/7239814.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: | Bangtan Boys | BTS
Relationship: Jeon Jungkook/Kim Taehyung | V, Minor or Background
Relationship(s)
Character: Jeon Jungkook, Kim Taehyung | V, Kim Namjoon | Rap Monster, Kim
Seokjin | Jin, Park Jimin (BTS), Min Yoongi | Suga, Jung Hoseok | J-
Hope
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Fashion & Models, Hate to Love, Model Taehyung,
Photographer Jeongguk, Enemies to Lovers, Recreational Drug Use,
Switching
Series: Part 1 of love is patient, love is kind
Stats: Published: 2016-06-18 Completed: 2016-08-10 Chapters: 9/9 Words:
76446

cut out all the ropes (let me fall)

by aeterisks

Summary

Being Korea's most successful model has been working pretty well for Taehyung. That is,
until Jeon Jeongguk appears.
 polarize
Chapter Notes

Russian | Spanish

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The click of the shutter goes off again and Taehyung changes his position, sending the camera a
flirty look. Hoseok laughs, and that’s all the confirmation Taehyung needs that this photoshoot is
going well. It’s not like any of his photoshoots ever goes anything less than perfect, especially if
he’s working with Hoseok, but the reassurance still feels good.

“Yeah, baby, give it to me,” jokes Hoseok, moving around the room and pressing the button of his
camera over and over, taking picture after picture of Taehyung’s slim frame dressed on Dior
Homme. “Alright, now try to look angry. Jesus, Tae, don’t pout, I appreciate the cuteness but it
doesn’t fit the editorial, thank you very much.”

Taehyung laughs, throwing his head back, but listens to Hoseok. He knows he’s got a bomb bitch
resting face, so he angles his body and looks at the camera condescendingly, slightly clenching his
jaw so it looks sharper.

Hoseok squeaks happily and keeps moving around and taking pictures, and Taehyung holds back a
smirk, bringing his hand to his face and touching his lip with both his index and his thumb. He’s
been modeling since he was sixteen and an agent approached him in the streets of Daegu, and after
nearly eight years he’d say he is quite good at it. At least, as good as Korea’s top male model goes.

“Okay, we’re done for today,” Hoseok says, lowering his camera and scrolling through the
pictures, humming approvingly. “Brilliant as always, Taehyung. Vogue is so going to love this.”

“Vogue loves everything you do,” replies Taehyung, raising an eyebrow at Hoseok. The
photographer laughs cheerfully, saying something that sounds a lot like true, and Taehyung sends a
grin on his direction.

“Anyways, you should get going,” sighs Hoseok. “I have a lot of editing to do, you know?” he
says, waving the hand that holds the expensive camera, and Taehyung grins sympathetically. At
least his work ends when the photoshoots or fashion shows are over―well, if you exclude all the
work out and skin care routines he goes through every day, but that is fun, in a way―, but he
knows for a fact that Hoseok, and like him most photographers, work extra hours at home.

“Stay strong, Hobi,” he says, patting his shoulder and squeezing slightly. “Hope we see each other
again soon, hyung.”

“I’m sure we will,” replies the elder, giving Taehyung a wide smile before he starts making his
way to the changing rooms.

He changes into his black skinny jeans and an oversized sweater that hangs too low on his
shoulders before sitting again at the chair where his make-up was done, rubbing at his face with a
wet tissue.
“That’s not how you’re supposed to do it,” laughs Sohyun, the make-up artist, taking the tissue
from Taehyung’s hands and throwing it to the rubbish bin. She then comes back with a cotton pad
soaked in make-up remover, and starts poking softly at Taehyung’s face with it, careful to not
irritate the skin. “You’ve been doing this for a third of your life and you still don’t know how to
properly remove make-up.”

“It’s because I’ve always had you to do it for me, noona,” he says, and Sohyun’s gaze softens.
“You are the reason I am hopeless.”

“Don’t try to blame it on me, kid,” reprimands Sohyun, but Taehyung knows she’s joking.
“Namjoon called while you were shooting, by the way. He said you should drop by his office as
soon as you are done.”

Taehyung groans, because all he wanted to do was to go home and laze around for the remaining
of the day.

“I hate how he always succeeds at keeping me busy,” Taehyung complains, and Sohyun shakes her
head, wiping away the kohl stains from the corner of his eyelids, forcing him to close his eyes.

“You should be grateful,” she says.

Taehyung really is grateful. Namjoon hadn’t always been his agent. On the first years of his career
his agent had been a forty-something year old who had suddenly lost interest when he figured out
Taehyung and him weren’t going to have anything beyond a strictly professional relationship, and
he had dropped him. After that happened, Taehyung had really considered quitting modelling and
focusing on with his studies, since he was just eighteen at the time, but then fate brought Namjoon
into his life. Both Taehyung and Namjoon were desperate and rookies at the time, but they
somehow made it work, and Taehyung knows that he would be nowhere without Namjoon, so he is
nothing but grateful. He’s not just his agent. He is also one of his closest friends, and the affection
Taehyung feels for the slightly older man is beyond words.

He doesn’t say that, though. He doesn’t need to explain himself, after all. He’s a grown up man.
“Don’t reprehend me,” he replies instead, frowning.

“I’m going to smack some sense into you,” she says laughing, before pulling away from Taehyung.
“Okay, you’re ready to go now. Tell Namjoon I said hi, will you?”

“Thanks, noona,” he says, standing up and grabbing grey wool coat. “I will if I remember when I
get there. Don’t be angry if I don’t.”

Sohyun raises an amused eyebrow and Taehyung blows her a kiss before making his way to the
exit, saying goodbye to Hoseok and the rest of the staff on his way out. He gets to his car and
drives to Namjoon’s office. Luckily, his agent’s office is in the same building as his apartment, so
he gets there in five minutes and parks his car on his usual spot, taking the elevator to the first
floor, where Namjoon’s office is.

When he gets there he finds the door unlocked as always, and rolls his eyes because Namjoon
should be more careful. He steps inside and finds Namjoon staring intensely to the screen of his
computer.

“Hey there, beautiful,” he chirps, sitting on one of the armchairs in front of Namjoon’s desk,
startling him. “I’ve been told you wanted to see me.”

“Hey, Tae,” greets Namjoon, giving him a soft smile. “How was the photoshoot?”
“It was good, but I’m tired now,” replies Taehyung, stretching his arms over his head. He totally
wasn’t trying to make obvious how tired he was, not at all. Why would he? It wasn’t like he was
hoping Namjoon would notice and would have mercy on him, maybe give him a couple free days.

“Do you know who the hottest fashion photographer in South Korea right now is, Taehyung?”
Namjoon asks, raising a teasing eyebrow at Taehyung.

And, honestly, Taehyung should be used to Namjoon’s antics by now. He has always had a way of
being straight to the point but also beating around the bush at the same time that Taehyung never
thought was possible before meeting him, so is he surprised that he’s doing this again?

“Hoseok?” Taehyung more asks than answers, making Namjoon laugh. It was Hoseok the last time
Taehyung checked, but the rankings are updated according to who’s talked about the most online,
so they are constantly changing. There’s usually not much movement in the top spots, but the
lower ones are updated nearly every day. But there is something in the expression and tone that
Namjoon is using on him tells him that it’s no longer Hoseok, and Taehyung feels curious. He
hasn’t heard about any new relevant photographer, and the possibility that an old one is taking
Hoseok’s spot now isn’t likely, so Taehyung wonders who this rookie who managed to get
Hoseok’s spot is. “Enlighten me, hyung,” he says, and Namjoon laughs.

“You haven’t heard about Jeon Jeongguk?” asks Namjoon, and something about the way Namjoon
speaks suddenly makes Taehyung feel ashamed.

As a model, his job doesn’t just consist on being pretty, posing for a camera or walking down a
runway. With a job like his is very important to mingle and have connections, and if that Jeon guy
is good enough to take Hoseok’s spot as the most popular fashion photographer in South Korea,
Taehyung should at least know his name. Hell, he should have already gone to get drinks with him,
maybe be on text basis with the guy. If you want to stay relevant in the fashion industry you need
to have really good connections and a lot of talent, and Taehyung isn’t about to be forgotten
because of lacking the former.

“Nope,” he just says, trying to keep his embarrassment away from his voice. He wants to bang his
head against the desk, but he decides his poor brain cells don’t deserve that kind of death. “Should I
have?”

“Well, I thought you were friends with Park Jimin,” says Namjoon as Taehyung nods, because
Park Jimin is his best friend. He likes to think of them as the male and Korean version of Naomi
Campbell and Kate Moss. Namjoon then raises an eyebrow, turning around the screen of his
computer to show Taehyung some pictures of Jimin in a forest.

“Is that Comme des Garçons?” he asks, looking curiously at the clothes Jimin is wearing. Namjoon
hums affirmatively, and Taehyung bites his lip because the pictures are really good. Maybe it’s
because the dark scenario fits perfectly the outfits Jimin is wearing, maybe it’s because of the
amazing make up on his friend’s face, or maybe it’s because that Jeongguk really is something
else, but Taehyung feels somehow uneasy.

He loves Jimin with every fiber of his being, but he also loves his number one spot on the ranks.

“What do you think?” asks Namjoon, and now Taehyung’s thoughts of banging his head against
the desk seem like a good idea.

“Those are really, really good,” he admits. Namjoon nods, raising his eyebrows as if he’s expecting
Taehyung to say something else. “I really need to work with that guy, don’t I?”
Namjoon laughs again, and Taehyung holds back from poking the dimples that appear on his
cheeks when he does. They’re discussing business now, after all.

“Yes, you do.”

“And my amazing agent happens to have arranged me a meeting with him, doesn’t he?” he asks,
flashing Namjoon his brightest smile.

“Your amazing agent happens to have arranged you a photoshoot with him, Taehyung,” says
Namjoon, pretending to be bothered. “Don’t underestimate me.”

“Vogue Korea?” he asks, and Namjoon shakes his head.

“No, it’s not Vogue, it’s Numéro,” he answers, and Taehyung pouts. “But it’s the cover.”

Taehyung’s face brightens again, because covers are always good. He is glad he gets to work with
the guy who apparently is Korea’s top photographer for a cover, and prays that the stylists behave.
When it comes to what he wears in editorials, he obviously has no choice but to stick to whatever
the brand sends and the stylists pick for him. There have been many occasions when he was
horrified, so he just hopes that this is not one of them. No one wants to look bad in a cover.

“When?” he asks, and Namjoon hums before looking at the pink post-it note stuck in the corner of
his computer screen.

“This Friday,” he replies finally, and Taehyung fights the urge to groan, because it’s already
Wednesday and that means he’s barely getting rest. “Don’t give me puppy eyes, Taehyung,
Jeongguk is a very busy man. There’s no way I can reschedule this.”

“Well, he’s meeting with me pretty soon for such a busy man,” remarks Taehyung, and Namjoon
snorts.

“Don’t be like that when you meet him, Taehyung,” he warns, but the playful smile on Namjoon’s
face tells him he’s not that serious. Taehyung has always been good with people, so he isn’t exactly
worried about meeting the photographer and making a good impression. He isn’t concerned about
his skills neither because, after all, he is number one.

“Don’t worry, hyung. I’ll charm the pants off him, Joonie. This Jeongguk guy is going to love me.”

Namjoon chuckles lowly. “I’m sure he will, Tae.”

***

“I don’t want to bring you down or anything, Taehyungie,” says Jimin, sitting cross-legged next to
Taehyung in the couch and bringing a fistful of popcorn to his mouth, “but I don’t think it’ll be that
easy. Jeongguk isn’t exactly a mingler.”

“So what? All he has to do is like me,” shrugs Taehyung, and Jimin laughs. “I’m likeable, aren’t I?
It’s easy to like me. I think.”

“You are, but Jeongguk isn’t one to fall for the meaningless chitchat that we’re used to, you know,”
adds Jimin, rubbing his chin. “I mean, you are charming as hell and all that, but that’s not really his
style.”

“Then what is his style?”

“I think he’s more into genuine.”

“I am genuine, you twat,” says Taehyung, throwing a cushion to Jimin’s head.

“Sure, you’re with me, or with Hoseok and Namjoon, but don’t try to make me believe you’re your
true self when you first met John Galliano, because I won’t believe you.” Taehyung frowns,
because Jimin is right. He wanted to give a good impression, so he followed etiquette and all that
shit. He said all the things that he was supposed to say and ended up booking a campaign, so he did
well, right? “Don’t think too hard about it, I do the same. Everyone who works in fashion does the
same, and I guess that’s why Jeongguk is tired. He says he wants to see people’s real side, not the
façades they choose, or something like that.”

Taehyung thinks that’s bullshit, because you really can’t open your heart to everyone you meet if
you have the kind of job Taehyung and Jimin―and hell, even Jeongguk himself―have, but he
doesn’t say anything.

“Then how did you do it? I’ve gone to dozens of parties with you and you’re even worse than I
am.”

Jimin laughs, his eyes turning into crescents. “You sound kind of jealous,” he says, smacking
lightly Taehyung’s arm. “I was drunk when I met him and we had a really interesting talk about
Freud's theory about psychosexual development.”

“Is that the kind of stuff you think about when you’re drunk? That’s deep, man.”

“I am a really deep person, you would know if you ever listened to what I say,” protests Jimin, and
Taehyung laughs.

“What kind of best friend would that make?”

“I don’t know, a good one?” laughs Jimin, laying down and resting his head on Taehyung’s thighs.
“By the way, pictures of Minjae leaving your apartment this morning are all over the internet.”
Taehyung hums distractedly, toying with the soft strands of Jimin’s brunette hair. “Are you two a
thing now?”

“We’ve been a thing for a long time and that’s all we’ll ever be,” says Taehyung, rolling his eyes,
and Jimin looks up at him from where his head is resting on his lap, worrying his plump lower lip
between his teeth. “Don’t look at me like that, is just sex.”

“I don’t think it’s just sex for him anymore, Tae,” comes Jimin’s reply, his voice soft now. “I ran
into him the other day and we were chatting for a little, and I think he’s pretty fond on you now.”

“We’re just friends, Jimin-ah,” assures Taehyung, and Jimin sighs, clearly not convinced. “I bet
you’re feeling threatened by him and that’s why you’re saying that kind of stuff, but don’t worry,
you’ll always be number one in my heart.”

“You’re an asshole,” mumbles Jimin, rolling on his side so he faces the screen.

The stay silent for a while, Jimin watching the movie in the tv and Taehyung thinking. He doesn’t
think that Minjae feels anything for him, if he’s being honest. Of course he’s heard about all those
stories of fuck buddies that end up falling for each other, but Taehyung doesn’t think this is the
case. They had both made it pretty clear when they first started this thing, and Minjae seemed
pretty reluctant about having a relationship, too. Jimin probably misunderstood him, Taehyung
thinks.

“You know…” he starts, but Jimin interrupts him.

“No way, Taehyung.”

“You don’t even know what I was going to say,” he protests, and Jimin turns to lay on his back and
look at him.

“Yes, and the answer is still no.” Something on Jimin’s face looks a lot like a warning, and his
voice is slow and cautious, but he still pouts. “We’ve talked about this a thousand times and you
always start saying the same thing.”

“But Jimin―” he tries to say before the other interrupts him.

“I’m not going to come out, Taehyung.”

“Why not? I feel way better ever since I did, and you know that. I get laid a lot more, too,” he says,
and Jimin sighs deeply before sitting and looking at Taehyung. The latter was about to laugh,
because Jimin’s hair is muffled in a weird way that looks extremely ridiculous, but the serious look
on Jimin’s face prevents him from doing so.

“You went through a lot of shit when you came out, and don’t even try to deny it because I was the
one who was beside you when you cried your eyes out at night,” he says, and Taehyung exhales
through his nose.

He remembers the sleepless nights with Jimin, reading article after article about him and his lewd
homosexual lifestyle, not sure if the life and reputation he had built for himself with sacrifices and
hard work would come crashing down just because he didn’t want to hide anymore. He remembers
being scared to leave his house, he remembers the hurtful comments posted both by portals and
readers, and he remembers the face of every single person who used to be on friendly basis with
him before he came out but started avoiding or directly dissing him afterwards. But he also
remembers the support he got, and he remembers the people who said he had inspired them to
come out as well. And, after all, he got to be himself now.

“It was worth it, Jimin.”

Jimin sighs and shakes his head, looking at his own hands. “Not everyone can just not care about
what people think about them, Taehyung. I don’t think I’d be able to get over it,” he says, and his
voice is almost a whisper. Taehyung crawls over to him and wraps his arms around him in a tight
hug, trying to comfort me. “Besides, I still have to come out to my own family. I think that’s the
part that scares me the most.”

“It’s going to be alright, Jiminie,” mumbles Taehyung against the crown of his head. “You’ll make
it right, we’ll make it right.”

Jimin exhales deeply, his breath hitting Taehyung’s neck, and he feels the sudden urge to protect
the smaller boy. Jimin is slightly older than him, and he is usually cheerful and happy. Jimin
doesn’t need to be protected, because he’s strong and he’s an optimistic, so it’s not easy to bring
him down. But if there is something Taehyung has come to realize over the years, something that
his best friend never explicitly told him, is that Jimin is also insecure sometimes, and he has his
weaknesses like everyone else does. When Taehyung and Jimin first met when they were both
seventeen and inexperienced, surrounded by models older than them who actually knew what they
were doing, they clicked instantly. Hanging out with Jimin was easy and felt natural, and it was one
of the few things that let him still feel like a teenager. Eventually they started getting more and
more famous, and they made a promise. They promised they would stand right beside each other
no matter what, and he’s happy that seven years after they still remain loyal to their word.

He has seen Jimin grow in those seven years, the boy who walked quietly around the backstage
now replaced by the bright star that Jimin has always been deep down. His insecurities aren’t
totally gone, but Jimin is way more confident now, and Taehyung knows that the same applies to
him. They were so young when they first started, and Taehyung sometimes wonders what would
have happened to them if they never found each other.

“Yeah,” agrees Jimin then, bringing Taehyung back to reality. His head is still resting in
Taehyung’s shoulder, and he can feel Jimin’s fingers wrinkling the fabric of his t-shirt. “We’ll
make it right. We always do.”

***

Jeon Jeongguk is a surprise, in every sense of the word. Taehyung wasn’t really expecting
anything, because he really didn’t give much thought to what the photographer would be like, but
he’s sure that he definitely wasn’t expecting this.

Jeongguk is young. His broad shoulders and muscled legs and arms seem like an attempt to hide it,
but even if he has the body of an adult his face is still tells how young he is, probably younger than
Taehyung.

And, well, he is hot.

Taehyung curses Jimin, because ever since they knew they both liked men there was an unspoken
agreement between the two of them to tell each other when the men they knew and worked with
were hot. And there is no way Jimin doesn’t think Jeongguk is hot.

Something that Taehyung wasn’t expecting either, even if Jimin told him that Jeongguk isn’t
exactly a social butterfly, was for Jeongguk to be so grumpy. Sure, he is incredibly polite and his
manners are exquisite, going as far as to call him Taehyung-ssi, but he is also a control freak, and
Taehyung can see the way his face twitches in annoyance every time he jokes around with the
stuff, trying to lighten the mood.

The truth is, Taehyung is familiar with most of the people on the photoshoot set now, and he has
never seen them looking so tense before. Of course, he understands, because Taehyung himself
feels a little uneasy in Jeongguk’s presence, his excessive professionalism making it hard for
everyone around him to relax. Taehyung literally can see the stress in the worker’s faces, and he is
just trying to make it a little better for them.

“Taehyung-ssi,” calls Jeongguk’s irritated voice. “Can you please focus? We could have been
finished if you stopped goofing around with the staff.”

Taehyung turns his head to look at Jeongguk, an eyebrow raised, and rests his hand on his hip
when he sees the way Jeongguk’s knuckles whiten around his camera, his sharp jaw clenching.

“Taehyung-hyung,” he corrects, and he practically sees Jeongguk holding back the urge to roll his
eyes. “You need to find your chill, dude.”

“No, I need to get this done,” cuts Jeongguk again, his voice sharper than knives, “so I’d be
grateful if you started behaving like a real professional instead of like a rookie kid who is shooting
for the first time.”

Taehyung snorts, a bitter laugh leaving his lips at Jeongguk’s words. He can hear the background
noise suddenly stop, and he knows that everyone’s attention is on them right now. On him,
precisely, the people around them waiting for his reply.

He can handle Jeongguk being all grumpy and rigorous, but he definitely will not let him get away
with putting him down. He honestly feels like punching him, but he’s never been the violent kind
and he doesn’t really want a scandal―he doesn’t want to get sued, either.

“Excuse me? I’ve been working in fashion for longer that you’ve known how to use a camera, so
don’t even try to lecture me.”

Jeongguk narrows his eyes at him, his eyebrows raising slightly. “I don’t doubt it, but that doesn’t
change the fact that you act like a small kid.”

Taehyung holds back the urge to tell him that at least he isn’t a small kid, but he doesn’t think it’s a
smart move. The elementary school comeback doesn’t seem like a particularly good choice right
now, to be honest, and Jeongguk can’t be more than a couple years younger than Taehyung.

“Do you really think this is a healthy work environment? Everyone here is terrified because you
glare at every single person who dares move when you don’t tell them to. You can’t just go around
making people feel inferior, I was just trying to make everyone else feel comfortable.”

“Well, you aren’t making me feel comfortable. How someone like you,” he says, as if Taehyung is
a rat and he’s disgusted by the mere sight of him, “can be Korea’s number one model is beyond my
understanding.”

Taehyung bursts out laughing, because that is unbelievable. Never in the eight years he has been
doing this has anyone told him something like that, has doubted his talent like that. He’s not going
to play humble, he knows he’s good, he knows he’s the best, and Jeongguk’s words do irritate him
beyond words. But he can’t exactly yell at him, so he laughs, laughs at Jeongguk and at the
nonsense coming out of his mouth.

“And I wonder how someone as insufferable as you can get people to work with him. How does
Jimin cope with you, really? I’m so sorry for him,” he says, venom in his voice, not missing the
way the corner of Jeongguk’s lips twitches, probably in anger.

He notices then the way the members of the crew are staring at them, silent and with disbelief on
their faces. Taehyung has always been pretty chill, and although he obviously has gotten mad at
people in the almost ten years he has been doing this, he always managed to suck it up and remain
calm. This is the first time he’s had an outburst like this, and he doesn’t really want to tell Namjoon
because he knows it’ll be a pain in the ass for his agent.

So he decides to leave it like this before he says something else that he’ll regret, and the way
Jeongguk looks at him, his thin lips pressed tight together, tells him that the photographer thinks
the same. So they end the photoshoot, this time working in a silence that feels heavy over
Taehyung’s shoulders.

When they are done and Taehyung is ready to leave, most of the staff went by now, Jeongguk’s
 voice startles him.

“Jimin deserves to be number one way more than you do,” he says. Taehyung turns around, facing
Jeongguk, who is now close enough that he can talk in a low voice than only Taehyung can hear. “I
wish I could make him number one instead of you.”

And Taehyung knows what the right thing to say is. He knows that he should say that no, Jeongguk
won’t make Jimin number one, because if Jimin gets to the first spot it’ll be because of his own
hard work, and not because of Jeongguk’s. To be honest, Taehyung wouldn’t even be mad,
because being number two right after your best friend isn’t that bad, but the words that leave his
lips are way different.

“And I bet I can make Hoseok number again before you can even think about taking it away from
me,” he says, raising a challenging eyebrow.

Jeongguk’s mouth curves in a cocky smirk, and Taehyung knows that he’s probably getting
himself in a problem, because Jeongguk doesn’t seem like the kind of person you’d want to mess
with, but it’s too late to back off now. And, well, he’s Kim Taehyung. He doesn’t back off
challenges, especially if those challenges come from cocky brats who seem to think they own the
world. What makes Taehyung’s blood boil aren’t the words leaving Jeongguk’s lips, but the way
he talks down to him as if he were filth, and he’s having none of it.

So yeah, there is a slight chance he may regret being on bad terms with Jeongguk in the future, but
right now his anger is clouding his judgement―he’s definitely going to need an intense yoga
session when he gets back home―and this bet seems like a fun thing to do. Both Jeongguk and he
have a lot to lose and nothing but satisfaction to win, but it still seems fun.

“Sure thing, hyung,” says Jeongguk then, and that’s the exact moment Taehyung knows there’s
probably no turning back now.

“Get your head out of your ass, Jeongguk,” he replies before turning around and leaving, not
waiting for the other’s answer.

It’s only when he’s on the elevator that he remembers he should tell his agent how the photoshoot
went. He remembers how excited Namjoon was about it, biting his bottom lip as he decides how
he should tell him. Namjoon is going to be the one who takes care of Taehyung’s reckless
behavior, making sure nobody from the staff decides to spread the word of the fight Jeongguk and
he had, so Taehyung decides he should be straight forward about it.

When he gets out of the building he gets his phone and dials Namjoon’s number, releasing a deep
breath he didn’t know he was holding when he picks up.

“Hey, Taehyungie,” he greets, oblivious of what he’s about to hear, and Taehyung feels sorry,
guilty and pitiful at the same time. “How did the shooting go?”

“Hey, hyung. Remember how I told you I would charm the pants off him? Well, it didn’t exactly
go like that.”

Chapter End Notes

ahhh i'm really excited about this au so i hope you like it!
kudos and comments are always appreciated ♥
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 the run and go
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Taehyung silently watches as Namjoon types on his computer. He’s been like this for fifteen
minutes now, and is starting to feel tired, because Namjoon’s work isn’t interesting to look at.

“Hyung―”

“Don’t even try, Taehyung,” he cuts, his eyes never leaving the computer screen, and Taehyung
sighs.

After telling Namjoon about his maybe-not-so-little fight with Jeongguk, Namjoon’s immediate
reaction was going into shock. Afterwards, he kicked Taehyung out of his office and spent hours
making phone calls, making sure no one from the staff or even Jeongguk himself would tell the
press about it. Taehyung knows that the tabloids would pay a good amount of money for a story
like that, but it’s almost been a week and the story hasn’t leaked yet, so he guesses that Namjoon is
way more persuasive than he originally thought.

“You know I’m so, so sorry, Joon,” he says anyways, and even if Namjoon doesn’t look at him
Taehyung sees him swallow, and he knows that he’s listening. “He just got on my nerves. You
should have seen the way he talked to me, hyung. You’d want to yell at him more than you want to
yell at me, I’m sure.”

“No, Taehyung, I wouldn’t want to yell at him because he’s not my problem,” replies Namjoon.
The words come out harsh, but at least he isn’t ignoring him anymore, so it’s an improvement.
“You, on the other hand, are my problem, and keep getting me into messes that I wouldn’t be in if
you could just suck it up.”

“But he was being a dick,” protests Taehyung.

“And you were being childish, so don’t even try to justify it,” he says, looking at Taehyung, and
the younger feels the urge to look down at his hand resting on his lap.

Namjoon is barely a year older than him, but sometimes Taehyung feels like there is a thirty year
gap in between them. Namjoon takes care of him and sometimes acts like a father to him, instead
of a friend or even an on older brother, and Taehyung couldn’t be more grateful. He really misses
his real family, but being with Namjoon gives him the same sense of security; it makes him feel
like he’s being taken care of, and he appreciates that.

“Don’t be mad at me, Joon. You know I don’t like it when you’re mad,” he says, and Namjoon’s
scowl softens. “I am so sorry you had to go through all that shit because of me, but I just couldn’t
let him humiliate me like that.”

Namjoon sighs and rubs the back of his head. “I guess it’s kind of my fault, in a way,” he says
then, and Taehyung looks at him confused. “When we first met I told you to never let anyone walk
over you and to always stand up for yourself, so I guess I should be proud.” Taehyung grins at
Namjoon and the other gives him a small dimpled smile in return, before turning his head again to
look at his computer. “But I also told you to never forget about your humanity and humility, so
stop behaving like a spoiled brat.”

“I’m sorry, hyung,” he starts, “but he just gets under my skin. I promise I’ll try to behave.”
“Look, if you want to meet up with him so the two of you can yell at each other for three hours
straight, I really won’t give a shit, but next time you want to fight make it privately so I don’t have
to save your ass from being eaten alive by the media,” he says, and Taehyung nods slowly. The
thought of yelling at Jeongguk for three hours seems pleasant, he should seriously consider it.
“Anyways, I have work to do, so you’d better go home. I’ll call you when I have something for
you, alright?”

“’Kay.” He stands up and starts making his way to the door. “I hope to hear from you soon, then.”

Namjoon laughs, saying “You’re lucky the press didn’t get a hold of it, otherwise nobody would
want to work with a diva like you ever again.”

“Just talk to Hoseok. We worship each other’s asses, he’ll always want to work with me,” he
assures, and Namjoon rolls his eyes. He hasn’t told Namjoon about his little bet with Jeongguk,
because there’s not much Namjoon can do about it and Taehyung is sure that his agent will get
mad if he finds out Korea’s most important fashion photographer is trying to truncate his career.

“I’m sure Hoseok is tired of seeing your face, but sure. I’ll let you know how it goes. Take care
and don’t skip your routines.”

“I won’t,” he assures before blowing a kiss in Namjoon’s directions. “Bye, hyung!”

Namjoon grumbles something that sounds a lot like goodbye , and Taehyung leaves because he
knows better than to bother Namjoon when he’s trying to work. He’s been enough of a pain in the
ass lately, he thinks, so he should make it up to him somehow.

He makes his way to his apartment, thinking of setting Namjoon up with someone, when his phone
starts ringing in the pocket of his jeans. He answers without checking the caller ID, and then
Jimin’s voice is ringing on his ears.

“Hi Tae, are you busy?”

“Nope,” he replies, closing the door to his apartment as he enters. “What’s up, Jimin-ah?”

“My shooting doesn’t start for twenty minutes and I’m bored as hell, so entertain me for a bit, will
you?”

Taehyung flops on the couch and hums. “Yeah, okay, I can do that. You’re easy to entertain, after
all,” he says, and Jimin laughs. “Are you shooting with Mr. Asshole?”

“I’m shooting with Jeongguk , Taehyung, don’t be a meanie,” replies Jimin, and Taehyung rolls his
eyes. “Oh! That just reminds me there is something I should tell you… Two things, actually. What
do you want to hear first, good news or bad news?”

“You know I’m an optimistic, tell me the good news first,” he says, and Jimin chuckles.

“Okay, so… The good news is Jeongguk thinks you are hot.”

“What the fuck , Jimin,” hisses Taehyung, and he can hear Jimin giggling in the other end of the
line. “Why should that be good?”

“Oh, c’mon, don’t act like you don’t love it when people think you’re hot. Especially when hot
people think you’re hot, and you’ve said Jeongguk was hot, so―”

“Yeah, alright, I don’t want to hear anything else about it. Please. Stop talking,” he says.
The truth is, he doesn’t feel as disgusted as he tries to sound. Sure, Jeongguk is a jerk and he
doesn’t like it when jerks have an interest in him, but the thing is, Jeongguk doesn’t have an
interest in him. He just thinks he’s hot, and being disgusted by that would make Taehyung a
hypocrite, since he also thinks Jeongguk is hot as fuck.

“Wait a minute,” he says, because suddenly something clicks in his head. “Did Jeongguk talk to
you about me?” he asks, a bit in disbelief.

“Well, yeah, just like you did. But I’m not telling you the bad stuff he said, just like I didn’t tell
him the bad stuff you told me about him, so don’t even ask.”

Taehyung swallows, because even if he is sure that there’s not much that Jeongguk didn’t already
tell him on set, he is still curious. He isn’t going to ask, but the doubt is still there.

“Why are you telling me this, anyway?” he asks instead.

“Oh, yeah, that’s the bad news,” says Jimin, and he sounds somehow nervous. “I may have told
Jeongguk that you think he’s hot.”

He stays silent for a moment, trying to process what he just heard. “Park Jimin,” he ends up saying.
Jimin doesn’t reply. “You’re telling me you just told my nemesis, my biggest enemy, that I think
he’s hot?”

“How can he be your nemesis? You just met once, you’re both so dramatic you make me want to
kill myself every time I have to listen to either of you rant about the other, God,” he says, and
Taehyung can practically hear him roll his eyes.

“He’s my nemesis and biggest enemy because he’s the only person whom I hate, Jimin-ah. And I
don’t need to meet him twice to know that he’s―”

“ Don’t , Taehyung, I don’t wanna hear it, he’s my friend, Christ,” interrupts Jimin.

“Whatever. What did you exactly tell him, anyway?” asks Taehyung, and Jimin sighs.

“Okay, so we were working out together, right? And we were doing this arms workout and I really
didn’t mean to, but remember how you told me that you hated him because his biceps looked so
good you wanted him to choke you with them? I lowkey told him that.” Taehyung groans. “If it
makes you feel better, he said your legs would look nice wrapped around his waist while―”

“Enough, please, don’t make me listen to it,” he says, turning around on the couch so he’s now
laying on his stomach. “You didn’t tell him what I said about his thighs, did you?”

“I don’t even remember, but don’t remind me or I’ll probably end up telling him as well,” he says,
and Taehyung is thankful that Jimin is finally saying something reasonable.

“God, you’re a fucking idiot, why am I friends with you?”

“Because I am incredibly lovable and overall perfect,” Jimin replies, and although Taehyung rolls
his eyes, a small smile makes its way to his lips.

“You need to improve your brain-to-mouth filter, Jiminie. You can’t even imagine how incredibly
mortified I am right now,” he says, hearing Jimin reply something like drama queen . “I should go
over to wherever you are and punch you.”

Jimin laughs again, and even if Taehyung chuckles back and playfully bickers with him, he still
recognizes the ugly feeling of jealousy and possessiveness, and it worries him. He’s never been a
possessive friend, because he also has a lot of friends besides Jimin and there’s literally no reason
for it to be a problem, but the fact that Jimin seems to be so close to Jeongguk infuriates him, just
because it’s Jeongguk . Taehyung is so used to Jimin and him disliking the same people that it feels
too weird to know that not only does Jimin like Jeongguk, but they are also good friends.

So he tries hard to push it to the back of his mind, because he really has no right to be butthurt over
who Jimin decides to befriend. He doesn’t own him or anything, and he’d be mad if Jimin ever
tried to tell him who he can or can’t be friends with it, so he just decides to pay no attention to it.
Sometimes Jimin mentions something Jeongguk said or did, and he decides to listen to the stories
Jimin tells him as if they were about a complete stranger, because he really enjoys acting like a
four-year-old.

It kind of works, at least, and he doesn’t think about how on earth the world’s purest angel Park
Jimin can enjoy the company of the devil himself Jeon Jeongguk until he goes over to Jimin’s
unannounced one day. They do that all the time, dropping by each other’s place out of the blue. He
can’t say he’s extremely surprised when the door opens and he finds Jeongguk on the other side
instead of Jimin, but it still doesn’t feel right .

He can feel the smile fall from his lips at the same time that he sees Jeongguk’s fall from his own,
almost as if they’re mirroring each other. Taehyung stares at Jeongguk’s blank expression for a
moment before he clears his throat.

“Uh, hello. Aren’t you going to let me in?” he asks. And he can see Jeongguk shifting
uncomfortably from one leg to another.

“Whatever,” says Jeongguk, turning around and leaving the door open for Taehyung to step in, and,
well, rude .

“Jimin, are you aware that there’s a rabid animal in your living room?” he calls as he walks inside,
kicking the door softly to close it after him, and he can see Jeongguk turning around to glare at him.

“Do you actively try to be annoying all the time?” he asks then, and Taehyung beams brightly at
him.

“You get special treatment,” he says, and at the same time Jimin enters the room, his hands on his
waist and an annoyed expression on his face.

“I’m honestly getting so tired of your stupid little quarrel, seriously,” he says then, and Taehyung
would laugh if it weren’t for the fact that Jeongguk is standing next to him and his presence is like
a black hole that absorbs all of Taehyung’s happiness―along with his maturity and coherence, but
he really isn’t going to admit that.

Namjoon’s voice echoes in his head telling him to never forget to be humble, but he can’t hear it
over the screams of evil Taehyung, screaming at him to make a snarky comment that he hopes
bothers Jeongguk and that will probably have Jimin kicking both of them out.

“It’s not my fault you’re friends with this dumbass,” says Jeongguk then, interrupting his thoughts,
and now he can hear evil Taehyung laughing manically and Namjoon’s voice groaning, aware of
what’s coming.

“Dumbass? What are you, twelve?” he asks, and before Jeongguk can say anything he adds, “I
thought I was the childish one in this relationship, but I’m glad to be proven wrong.”
“What relationship?”

“Well, Jeongguk―”

“Both of you, shut the fuck up now ,” deadpans Jimin, and Taehyung knows he’s getting mad.

The thing about Jimin is that when he’s angry, instead of being loud and aggressive and barking at
people, he does the exact opposite. He remains calm, but there’s a sharp edge on his voice that
never fails to make Taehyung’s blood freeze. He hasn’t seen Jimin really, really angry many times,
the last being over a year ago and the anger never directed at him, but he recognizes this tone.

And either Jeongguk is very good at reading Jimin or he already knows what the coldness on his
voice means, because his body visibly relaxes as he turns around from Taehyung, looking at Jimin
while he sucks on the inside of his cheeks.

“I’m going to head home,” says Taehyung then, looking at his feet because he suddenly feels
embarrassed. Namjoon and Jimin were right, he’s acting like a little kid and he’s ashamed of it, but
he can’t really help it. There is something about Jeongguk that really angers him, and he doesn’t
really think straight when he’s angry.

“You don’t have to go, Taehyung. You just have to stay civil around each other for a little while,”
replies Jimin, and Taehyung shakes his head, looking up to Jimin’s face and purposely avoiding
Jeongguk’s direction. He doesn’t want to see the mocking expression that is probably on his face
right now.

“I think I’ll pass. Just―let me know when you’re free, alright?” he says, and Jimin nods.

“I’m always free for you, Taetae,” replies Jimin, giving Taehyung a small smile that feels a lot like
an apology, and Taehyung nods.

“Yeah, sure. See you both around,” he says, stalking to the front door before Jimin can offer to
walk him out.

The drive from Jimin’s apartment to his own is probably the most quiet he’s ever had in his life, no
music pounding from the radio and no singing. He just taps his thumbs impatiently against the
steering wheel, because he really wants to get home and all the traffic lights in Seoul seem to be
against him today.

And he knows that he’s being petty and pathetic, but once he gets to the security and the loneliness
of his flat he can’t help but to lean against the door and slide down to the floor, tears thick on his
eyes as he furiously wipes the ones that already stream down his cheeks.

He’d like to be able to say that he doesn’t even know why he’s crying, but he does and it hurts
because it’s so fucking stupid . He’s crying because he misses Jimin a lot, and he’s angry both at
Jeongguk for taking so much of Jimin’s time but also at himself for letting something like this get
in the middle of his friendship with Jimin, because they are stronger than that. The worst part is
that he doesn’t just miss physically being with Jimin, spending time around him or talking to him.
He also feels miles away, because every time they talk Jimin brings Jeongguk up, and Taehyung
has to bite his tongue in order to not say something he may regret, and he never thought he’d ever
have to bite his tongue while talking to Jimin.

He rubs at his eyes angrily, refusing to cry more for something as stupid as this and makes his
mind up to try even harder to ignore Jeongguk’s existence. It can’t be that difficult, he reasons, he
doesn’t have a problem ignoring Seokjin and his wise life advice most of the time, and he really
appreciates him, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

He uses the heel of his hand to wipe away the tears from the already irritated skin under his eyes,
hoping that they don’t end up being swollen because he has schedules for tomorrow, and retrieves
his phone from the pocket of his coat that he hadn’t taken off yet because he was too busy being a
crybaby.

He scrolls through his contacts until he finds Minjae, asking him if he can come over for a while.
When Minjae and he had first started this thing they joked about it, saying they were each other’s
stress reliever. He isn’t exactly stressed, more like incredibly frustrated, but he guesses sex will
help with it, so he’s glad when he sees Minjae’s reply telling him he’ll be over in ten.

***

“You’re tense,” mumbles Minjae against his neck, right when Taehyung was about to drift off to
sleep, and Taehyung hums questioningly. “There are knots on your back,” he says, and Taehyung
can feel his fingertips brush against his shoulder blades as he speaks.

He’s lying flat on his stomach, his cheek resting against the pillow as Minjae straddles his hips
with his thighs, sitting on Taehyung’s ass.

“How would you know?” he asks as lets out a breathy laugh, his voice raspy.

“I was a masseur before I became an actor,” comes Minjae’s reply as his hands start working on
Taehyung’s back, fingers pushing deeper in the thick flesh. “What got you so riled up? Is it the
reason why you called me?”

“It is, but I was just expecting some hot, steamy sex, not a massage,” he says, and Minjae laughs
lowly. “Do you know Jeon Jeongguk?”

“I’ve heard about him, but I don’t know him personally. Why?”

“Because―oh God , that felt so good, do it again,” he groans when Minjae presses his hands just
right in the middle of his shoulder blades. “Well, because I do know him and that probably is the
worst thing to ever happen to me.”

“And why’s that?” Minjae asks, his hands creeping up Taehyung’s neck. “God, the muscles on
your neck are so tense; you’re so lucky to have me.”

“I know I am,” he says, and although he can’t see it he knows Minjae is smiling down at him.
“And, I don’t know. He’s just an asshole, but he’s also Jimin’s friend and spends a lot of time with
him, and I don’t like it. I don’t like him.”

“You’re jealous?” laughs Minjae, his fingers digging in the skin of Taehyung’s neck in a way that
sends chills down his spine. “I can’t believe this. If I didn’t know better I’d swear you have a crush
on Jimin.”

“Ew. I’m not jealous, I just don’t want my kid hanging out with that kind of people,” he says, and
he can practically hear Minjae roll his eyes.

“Keep telling yourself that if it makes you sleep at night, honey bee.”
“It’s not jealousy, I just don’t want anyone who likes me to like him too, because that means I am
like him, and that is ugly.”

“Eloquent,” breathes Minjae, leaning forward to press kisses down Taehyung’s nape and spine, and
the elder purrs. “Maybe they are friends like we are friends,” he suggests, his lips brushing against
Taehyung’s smooth back.

“He would have told me,” says Taehyung, and Minjae hums. “I don’t think Jeongguk is Jimin’s
type, anyway.”

“And what is Jimin’s type?”

“He doesn’t really have one, but I don’t think Jeongguk is anyone’s type.”

Minjae gets off of his back and lays on the mattress next to him, locking his gaze with Taehyung’s.

“I heard he’s hot,” he shrugs, and Taehyung turns on his side, bringing a hand up to trace Minjae’s
jawline with his fingers.

“He is hot, I would totally bang him if he weren’t an asshole,” Taehyung replies, pretending he
doesn’t notice the way the corner of Minjae’s mouth twitches slightly. “Anyways, are you up for
round two?”

Minjae smiles again and curls an arm around Taehyung’s waist, pressing their chests together as
their faces inch closer. “Thought you’d never ask.”

***

It’s not that Taehyung doesn’t like to party, but the kind of partying he likes involves clubbing and,
more often than not, mornings where he doesn’t have a clue of what happened the night before. So
when he receives an invitation to the new Saint Laurent store opening in Seoul he exactly can’t say
no, but he isn’t thrilled to go, either.

This kind of party is the boring kind where you mingle around with a little with a flute of
champagne in your hand, waiting for the after party, where things really get wild and interesting.

And if it weren’t already bad enough―which it is―, one of the guests happens to be Jeon
Jeongguk, and every time Taehyung can practically feel holes being drilled on the back of the skull
and turns around he finds Jeongguk looking away, and he really is trying hard to ignore him.

He’s had too much champagne and is beyond tipsy, entering slowly in the stage where he regrets
all of his life choices, when Hoseok approaches him and takes the champagne away from his hand.

“Hey! That was mine,” he says, his voice a little bit loud, and Hoseok shushes him.

“Oh my God, Taehyung, do you want to medially kill yourself?” he says, slamming his palm over
Taehyung’s mouth before he can answer and linking their arms. “Come here.”

Taehyung tries to protest, but Hoseok is still gagging him as he drags him to what Taehyung
assumes is the bathroom, and he starts to panic.

What if Hoseok wants to have sex with him? He really does appreciate him as a friend, but he
doesn’t feel that way about the older man. He’s pretty drunk, but he’s still thinking straight right
now, and if Hoseok tries to make a move on him he’ll probably end up punching him.

When Hoseok lets go of him, he squeaks and sprints to the opposite corner of the bathroom, almost
tripping over his own feet.

“Jesus, Taehyung, you’re the least graceful runway model I’ve ever seen, are you okay?” he says,
stepping closer.

“Don’t come near me!” he says, and Hoseok looks at him, confusion clear on his face. Taehyung
clears his throat before adding, “I don’t feel that way about you, Hoseok. I’m sorry.”

“What are you― shit , Taehyung, do you think I brought you here because I wanted to have sex
with you?” he asks, and Taehyung nods before Hoseok bursts into laughter. “Oh my God,
Taehyungie, you really need to stop drinking now, are you sure you’re okay?”

Taehyung blinks at him for a moment, before crossing his arms over his chest and frowning. “Am I
not hot enough?” he asks, and Hoseok rolls his eyes.

“You’re like my little brother, so don’t ever say stuff like that again,” he says, and Taehyung nods
slowly as his drunken brain processes the information. He sees Hoseok opening the door to one of
the luxurious stalls, and suddenly the photographer is softly taking his elbow and shoving him
inside. “Look, stay in there until I come back to get you. I need to do something, but I’ll come back
soon and then I’m taking you home.”

“Are you sure that you don’t want to have sex? The last person who told me he’d take me
home―,” he starts, but Hoseok pushes his index finger against Taehyung’s plump lips, effectively
shutting him up.

“Don’t.”

“Okay, but how long is soon?” he asks, and Hoseok shrugs.

“Fifteen minutes?” Taehyung frowns. “Thirty minutes, tops.”

Taehyung sighs, but he agrees because he doesn’t really like this party that much, anyway, so he
decides to sit on the floor after Hoseok assured him it’s spotless and play games on his phone. It’s
not too long after Hoseok is gone, maybe three or four minutes, when he hears noises outside and
decides to check who’s there, because maybe someone can keep him company.

He stands up and unlocks the door, and he can’t help but to feel extremely disappointed when he
sees Jeongguk standing before the sink, washing his hands. “Oh, it’s you,” he says, but still steps
out of the stall.

Jeongguk doesn’t turn around, but he looks at him in the mirror, and Taehyung notices the way
Jeongguk’s gaze lingers on his frame for a little longer than it should, a wave of something
washing over him.

“Good to see you, too,” says Jeongguk, and Taehyung hums.

He tries not to think about the way Jeongguk’s arms flex as he dries his hands with the towel, but
he still stares for a moment and when he raises his gaze Jeongguk’s eyes are on his, a cocky smirk
on his lips.

“What,” he snaps as Jeongguk takes one step closer. He feels a little dizzy the moment the strong
smell of Jeongguk’s cologne reaches his nose.

“What are you doing here, Taehyung?” asks Jeongguk, his voice dangerously low now.

“Why do you care?” he says, stepping back, his hip colliding against the sink, and they’re so close
now that Taehyung can see the small freckles that cover Jeongguk’s nose.

He realizes then that this is the first time they are completely alone, and the air feels heavy and
thick with tension around them. Jeongguk ogles him again, and Taehyung knows that he isn’t being
any more subtle than the younger with the way his eyes slowly run up and down Jeongguk’s
muscled thighs, hugged just right by his leather pants, and maybe it’s because thanks to Jimin they
already know they are attracted to each other, but Taehyung feels like both Jeongguk and he are
magnets right now, and knows that trying to pull away will probably end up being pointless.

And he probably shouldn’t be enjoying this, shouldn’t be loving the way Jeongguk’s arm cage his
frame when he rests his weight over the skink, shouldn’t be loving the way his breath, also
smelling like champagne like his own, hits Taehyung’s lips when he speaks again.

“Why not?”

Under any other circumstances he’d be questioning himself, but maybe it’s the alcohol or maybe
it’s Jeongguk’s scent, but desire is bubbling hot in his chest and he can’t help but whimper when
Jeongguk’s thigh presses against his crotch.

Taehyung bites his bottom lip as Jeongguk’s hand finds the back of his neck, his skin on fire under
his touch, and it feels so wrong but at the same time so good that Taehyung finds himself closing
the gap between them, making Jeongguk gasp in surprise before kissing back, their lips moving
together almost with rage.

Taehyung gasps when he feels hands under his thighs, lifting him, but he curls his legs around
Jeongguk’s middle as his own hands find their way to Jeongguk’s biceps, taking in the way the
muscles move under his touch.

He feels like he can’t breathe, because he shouldn’t be making out with Jeongguk in the bathroom
at a party, hell, he shouldn’t be making out with Jeongguk at all , because Jeongguk is annoying
and stupid and a professional asshole, but the way he bites down on Taehyung’s bottom lip has him
seeing stars and eagerly opening his mouth, giving Jeongguk’s tongue access to explore his mouth,
and how could he say no to this?

“Jeongguk, we can’t―” he starts, pulling away, and Jeongguk frowns up at him, his lips red and
swollen. “Someone can come and see us,” he adds, and Jeongguk’s frown disappears as he starts
walking to the stall where Taehyung was previously locked in.

When they’re inside Jeongguk closes the door and smashes Taehyung’s body against it, pressing
hot open-mouthed kisses on the column of his neck.

“No marks,” he says in a moment of lucidity, because if he shows up with hickeys all over his neck
Sohyun is going to kill him before he even tries to apologize.

Jeongguk hums but he complies, dragging his teeth softly over the sensitive skin and sending
shivers down Taehyung’s spine.

“Stand up, Taehyung,” he says as he lets Taehyung get back on his feet, kneeling down before
him, and Taehyung thinks he can come just from the sight of Jeongguk looking up at him from the
floor, biting his bottom lip.
Jeongguk’s fingers find their way to Taehyung’s ankles, his fingertips brushing the skin that isn’t
covered by Taehyung’s tight jeans, and when he feels his hands slowly creep up to his calves he
releases a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“Your legs are so long,” mumbles Jeongguk, his hands roaming through the back of Taehyung’s
thighs and slightly squeezing the flesh.

“Jeongguk,” blurts Taehyung, bringing the man’s eyes to his face. He’s definitely not going to beg
for it, especially since it’s Jeongguk and he’s still a dickhead, a dickhead that is about to give him
head, sure, but still a dickhead. He bites down a moan as Jeongguk palms him through his jeans,
but he can’t control the way his hips roll, making Jeongguk smirk knowingly at him.

Taehyung groans as Jeongguk undoes the button of his jeans, pulling down his pants and
underwear in a smooth motion and letting his cock spring free, already hard and leaking pre-come.

“Pretty,” whispers Jeongguk, his fingers holding the base of Taehyung’s cock, and the elder throws
his head back against the wall as Jeongguk pumps his length on his hand, thumbing at the slit and
smearing the pre-come over the head.

No one has ever called his dick pretty, but again no one whom he hates has ever gotten anywhere
near his cock, so Taehyung guesses Jeongguk brings a lot of firsts along with him.

Taehyung should have guessed that Jeongguk isn’t much of a teaser, immediately swirling his
tongue around the tip before wrapping his lips around it. Taehyung moans loudly, his hand going
to the back of Jeongguk’s head and holding tightly on the soft, dark strands, making the younger
moan around him.

“You like that?” asks Taehyung, a smile making its way to his lips as he gives another
experimental tug to the younger’s hair. He moans again, this time louder, the vibrations making
Taehyung’s knees go weak. “ God , Jeongguk. Bet you don’t feel so fucking cocky right now, do
you?” he asks as Jeongguk starts bobbing his head, taking a bit more of Taehyung every time he
goes down.

Jeongguk’s mouth feels so wet and hot, engulfing Taehyung’s dick just right , and then he’s taking
Taehyung deep in his throat and swallowing around him, and Taehyung closes his eyes as his hips
jerk forward.

“Shit, Jeongguk, are you alright?” he asks as Jeongguk gags, his cock twitching when Jeongguk
pulls away and he sees him look up at him, his eyes glassy and his lips slick with spit.

“It’s alright,” he says before stroking Taehyung’s dick with his hands and adding, “I like it.”

Taehyung, now hyper aware of his grip on Jeongguk’s hair, pulls him down again, the small
whimpers falling from Jeongguk’s lips feeling like bliss in his ears, and with one hand, aligns his
cock against the younger’s mouth, rubbing the head on his swollen lips.

“You want me to fuck that pretty mouth of yours, huh?” he asks, and Jeongguk whines. “How bad
do you fucking want it?” he says then, the words leaving his mouth before he can think them
through.

And for a bitter moment he think he has taken it too far, than Jeongguk will stand up and leave him
there alone with blue balls, telling him to fuck his own mouth if he feels like it, but then there’s this
glint on his eyes, now wide open and looking at Taehyung, and then he’s saying, “Taehyung,
please. I want to feel you fucking my throat, I want you to cum in my face, I―”
“God, Jeongguk, yes , stop talking and do it, fuck,” he says, and then Jeongguk is taking him on his
mouth again and looking up at him, eyes bright with expectation.

Taehyung pulls him down by his hair at the same time he thrusts erratically on his mouth, feeling
his orgasm start to build up as he sees Jeongguk palming himself over his leather pants.

“God, you look so good choking on my dick,” he says, lolling his head back against the wall, eyes
threatening to close in pleasure as Jeongguk gags a little, drool falling from the corners of his
mouth and down his chin. “So fucking beautiful, fuck.”

It becomes too much, the way Jeongguk tightens around him, throat vibrating and clenching
around Taehyung, and when he’s about to cum he pulls Jeongguk back by his hair, who opens his
mouth eagerly as Taehyung pumps his length.

It’s overwhelming to see how much Jeongguk seems to want his cum on his face after taking him
in his mouth, the way his tongue drags over his lips in anticipation before he’s opening his mouth
for him. The first streak of come lands on his cheek, then over his open mouth and lips, his closed
eyes, and Taehyung barely has time to pull his pants and underwear up before he’s sliding down
the wall, sitting right in front of Jeongguk as he pants heavily.

Taehyung gets closer to the younger and picks up the come from his skin with his fingers, and right
when he’s about to get a piece of toilet paper to wipe the slick substance from his hand Jeongguk
grabs his wrist, bringing his fingers closer to his mouth and licking them clean one by one.

He notices then the bulge on Jeongguk’s pants and leans forward to brush his fingers over it. “You
want me to take care of this?” he asks, and Jeongguk nods eagerly.

“Please,” he says, and although it’s almost a whisper Taehyung notices how hoarse his voice is,
something twitching inside of him because he did this. He got Jeongguk unraveled like this, eyes
glassy and unfocused, his mouth red and swollen, his voice raspy and his dick rock hard in his
pants. He leans forward and quickly undoes the belt and the button.

They’re both a mess of tangled limbs on the floor of the small stall, but he still manages to pull
down Jeongguk’s underwear to mid-thigh before spitting on his hand, wrapping his long and
slender fingers around Jeongguk’s thick cock.

Jeongguk’s moans fill the air around them, and Taehyung can’t help but to stare at him, at how
beautiful he looks with his head thrown back and his eyes closed, the most wonderful sounds
falling from his open mouth.

“Oh my God,” says the younger, one of his hands finding its way to the back of Taehyung’s
shoulder, nails digging on his skin through the thin fabric of his shirt. “Fuck, Taehyung, I’m
gonna―”

“Do it, Jeongguk,” he growls, and Jeongguk visibly trembles while Taehyung brings up
Jeongguk’s shirt, baring his abdomen so he doesn’t stain the black fabric when he comes. “You
were such a good boy, taking me like that, come for me now,” he says, and with that Jeongguk is
releasing all over Taehyung’s hand and his own abdomen as he bites his lips, trying to muffle the
loud moans that threaten to leave his mouth.

Taehyung licks the come off of his hand before leaning forward and taking the streaks on
Jeongguk’s torso―and it’s just to return the favor, it has nothing to do with the fact that Jeongguk
has really nice abs that have Taehyung seeing stars―, pressing a peck to Jeongguk’s lips.
Jeongguk’s hand finds the back of Taehyung’s neck and presses him closer, deepening the kiss
until they’re both panting breathless on the floor again, but when they pull away, now down from
both his lust and alcohol rush, Taehyung realizes what he’s just done and pulls away abruptly,
almost hitting himself with the toilet.

They both stand up and get properly dressed in silence, the awkwardness and the tension thick
between them, and Taehyung can’t help himself when he says, “I didn’t expect you to be such a
sub,” a smug smirk appearing on his mouth.

“Oh my God, shut the fuck up,” snaps Jeongguk, and Taehyung can see his cheeks turn bright red.

“You weren’t telling me to shut up while you were begging me to fuck your mouth,” he says,
flashing Jeongguk his brightest smile as he pulls up the zipper of his jeans.

“Are you seriously going to rub it in my face after I gave what was probably the best blowjob of
your life? You’re such a fucking asshole ,” he replies, and Taehyung rolls his eyes.

“What makes you think that was the best blowjob of my life?”

“I know I’m good at giving head,” he just says, smirking in a way that makes Taehyung feel as if
Jeongguk is challenging him to say otherwise, and Taehyung thinks about it for a minute, because
he wouldn’t mind getting another blowjob in case Jeongguk wants to prove his point.

“I bet I’m better,” he says instead, and if Jeongguk was going to reply something he is interrupted
when they hear the bathroom open and Hoseok calling him.

“Okay, get out of there, Taehyungie, we’re ready to go.”

He looks at Jeongguk, as if asking if he’s okay with Hoseok seeing them together in the stall
looking as wrecked as they do and jumping to―logical―conclusions, but he just shrugs his
shoulders and shakes his head, so Taehyung opens the door, watching Hoseok’s smile turn into a
horrified grimace.

“You have to be fucking kidding me,” he deadpans then, and Jeongguk slips past both Taehyung
and Hoseok to look at himself in the mirror.

“What the fuck did you do to my hair, Taehyung?” hisses Jeongguk then, his hands flying to his
hair, clearly trying to fix it but only making it worse.

“God, stop, you useless piece of shit,” says Taehyung then, stepping closer to Jeongguk and
brushing the dark strands of his hair with his fingers. “Are we going home now, hyung?”

“You’re going to a fucking asylum,” says Hoseok, and Jeongguk snorts.

“Where does all the bitterness come from?” asks Taehyung, tugging a bit at Jeongguk’s hair as a
punishment for laughing at him. “I’m starting to think you really wanted to have sex with me and
are jealous because I found a replacement.”

“Just―shut the fuck up,” says Hoseok, rubbing his temples. “Aren’t you two supposed to hate
each other and have some beef going on?”

“So?” asks Jeongguk, and Taehyung tugs at his hair again. “Taehyung, what the fuck?”

“Don’t be mean to Hoseok, you brat,” he says, stepping away from Jeongguk as he rolls his eyes.
 “Whatever. I’m going to leave now because this is getting so fucking weird,” he says, and then
he’s turning around and leaving.

And Taehyung, well, he isn’t really sure of what’s just happened. He’s still a bit tipsy, so probably
when he wakes up tomorrow and remembers this he’s going to feel so ashamed that he won’t leave
his house ever again, but right now he’s happy because he’s going home and he’s just had a really
nice orgasm, so what’s not to love?

So he turns around to look at Hoseok, who doesn’t seem to be so happy and is looking at him with
a worried look on his face.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, because Hoseok is his friend and he doesn’t really like to see his friends
being upset over stuff, especially if those friends are Jung Hoseok, who is supposed to be always
smiling and happy.

“You have a lot of explaining to do, Kim Taehyung.”

Chapter End Notes

hi i'm updating so soon because there is a slight possibility that i won't be able to
update until august so...
hope you liked it, comments and kudos are appreciated ♥
(twitter/tumblr)
 save it for the bedroom
Chapter Notes

tf is this chapter

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“I guess there’s something hot about hate sex,” Seokjin says, rubbing his chin.

Both Taehyung and Seokjin are sprawled on Taehyung’s sofa, limbs tangled, as Seokjin’s fingers
lightly stroke Taehyung’s bangs.

“Don’t start with your kinky shit again, I don’t think I can handle it this early on a Saturday
morning,” Taehyung replies, resting the back of his hand on his forehead, and Seokjin snorts.

“You’re the one who started it,” he singsongs. “Anyways, was it good?”

Taehyung sighs, resting his head on the cushions of the couch, and hums. He had woken up to
Seokjin making him breakfast, because apparently Hoseok was kind enough to text him after
dropping Taehyung off last night, telling him to check on Taehyung in the morning.

“It was so good , Seokjin, I feel so guilty,” he groans, and Seokjin laughs cheerfully.

“Don’t, Taehyungie,” he says as he reaches to Taehyung’s face to pinch his cheeks. “It’s just sex.
You both were horny so you went for it, there’s nothing wrong with that. You’ve been with men
whose names you don’t even know, why is this a big deal?”

“Because those men aren’t my number one enemy!” he exclaims, making Seokjin’s eyebrows raise
impossibly high. “Jeongguk is the Mojo Jojo to my Powerpuff Girls, the Sideshow Bob to my Bart.
He’s all the bad things in the world concentrated in just one person.”

“Stop being melodramatic,” Seokjin says, and Taehyung just sighs. “Did you tell Jimin?”

“I just woke up,” shrugs Taehyung.

“And are you going to tell him?”

“Why should I?” he asks, and Seokjin huffs.

“He’s your friend,” explains Seokjin, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “And he’s also
Jeongguk’s friend.”

“Do you think I tell Jimin about every time I get laid? Only people who barely get laid tell their
friends about every time they get laid,” he protests, earning himself a smack on the forehead by the
elder.

Taehyung complains and rubs his head, and for a moment he feels as if Seokjin is his mother
scolding him for pulling his little sister’s pigtails. A lightbulb lights up in his head, because if
Namjoon is his fake father, then Seokjin is his fake mother, and Taehyung totally sees them
together. Namjoon totally fits Seokjin’s type and Seokjin is so nice, pretty, and unproblematic that
Namjoon is one hundred percent going to love him.

“Look, I’m leaving now. I can drop you at Jimin’s place, if you want,” says Seokjin, his voice
interrupting Taehyung’s train of thought.

“You’re an angel,” he says, hugging Seokjin’s middle. The elder tries to push him away, but
Taehyung, a professional at clinging, holds on tight. “By the way, I might know a way to repay
you for your unlimited kindness. How do you feel about going on a date this Friday?”

It takes some―a lot―of persuasion on Taehyung’s side, but after showing Seokjin a few pictures
of Namjoon and telling him his height Seokjin finally agrees right before getting to Jimin’s
building.

(“Wait, you said he’s 181cm?”

“Yes, hyung! He’s taller than me, taller than you , what are you waiting for?”

“You should have said that earlier , God, why am I friends with you?”)

He rings Jimin’s doorbell, because even if he has a key to the apartment both Jimin and he had
agreed to only use each other’s keys in emergency occasions. He hears footsteps approaching
before the door is opened, Jimin frowning slightly at him, but Taehyung ignores it and steps inside.

“What are you doing here, Taehyung?” asks his best friend, voice still rough from sleep. He’s
wearing a raging pair of red boxers and a grey T-shirt, dragging his feet after Taehyung in the
direction of the living room.

“Since when do I need a reason to visit my bestest friend in the world?” he asks, and Jimin laughs
a little as they both step into the room.

Jimin’s apartment looks like one of those sample rooms in the home decoration catalogues, with
bright white furniture and dark walls: very aesthetically pleasing. Taehyung is sure Jimin didn’t
decorate himself, but he never brought it up because he really doesn’t care that much. Even if he’s
jealous that his apartment doesn’t look half as good as Jimin’s.

“I mean, you don't need a reason to visit me, but you know I don't function until past noon,” he
says, and Taehyung shrugs. That’s true, Jimin isn’t really a morning person. He should have
thought about it.

“The early bird gets the worm, Minnie.”

He’s about to flop in the leather couch when a voice that he wishes he didn't recognize startles him.

“Jimin, who—Oh. Taehyung,” says Jeongguk, freezing under the doorframe as he was stepping
into the living room, and Taehyung’s eyes widen for a moment.

Jeongguk, just like Jimin, is wearing boxers and a sweatshirt that Taehyung recognizes as Jimin’s,
and the engines in Taehyung’s brain start working before he even processes what is going on.

“I swear this is not what looks like,” says Jimin as Taehyung and Jeongguk stare at each other, and
then Taehyung’s head snaps in the direction of his best friend.

“That’s exactly what everybody says when things are what they look like. You two are fucking? ”
he half-squeaks, panicking. Jimin slowly shakes his head, and Taehyung's eyes widen even more.
“Oh my God, you’re dating .”
“Taehyung—” starts Jimin, but Taehyung shakes his head and starts making his way to the door.

“Fuck, Jimin, I'm so sorry,” he says, walking to the door of the apartment as Jimin and Jeongguk
exchange a look, and Taehyung feels sick. Communication with their eyes, Taehyung notices, and
that's probably the number one couple trait. He is an awful human being, letting his best friend’s
boyfriend suck his dick, even if didn’t know at the moment. Christ, he should be able to control his
thirst, he doesn't even like Jeongguk that much―at all, actually―but he still managed to wreck the
guy’s relationship.

“Taehyung,” calls another voice, this time Jeongguk’s, and hearing him right now has Taehyung
screaming internally. His voice is hoarse, partly from sleep and partly from last night, probably.
“You’re overreacting.”

How is he going to tell Jimin? It’s definitely not his duty to do so. He didn’t know what was really
going on, and Jeongguk did, so he should be the one to tell Jimin. God, Taehyung feels so bad just
thinking about how heartbroken Jimin is going to be.

“You tell him, Jeongguk,” he says, and Jeongguk shakes his head as he narrows his eyes. “I need to
go now.”

Taehyung storms out of the apartment as quickly as he arrived, ignoring Jimin’s calls of his name.
He fortunately catches a cab as soon as he gets into the street—the driver doesn't recognize him,
and Taehyung is glad because he doesn't feel like making small talk with admirers right now—and
frantically texts Hoseok. He can see the notifications from incoming messages, probably from
Jimin, but he doesn't feel ready to check them until he's home. He knows confrontation can't be
avoided, but he's good delaying it.

From jiminnie: tf was that tae

From jiminnie: im not dating guk i swear

From jiminnie: ill call you later k?

From Unknown Number: Taehyung? its jeongguk

From Unknown Number: What the fuck was that

From Unknown Number: Jimin and i arent dating jeez

He bites his lip, deciding to send Jimin an okay with an endless string of emojis so it doesn't sound
rude, deciding to save Jeongguk’s contact and reply to him.

To satanguk: well what was i supposed to think if i suddenly find u in ur underwear in jimins
apartment? sleepover?

To satanguk: guilt was driving me crazy jfc why r u half naked at jimins

Taehyung updates Hoseok about Jeongguk and Jimin’s texts, because the photographer is really
invested in how this story goes. Taehyung for once is grateful someone keeps up with him and
understands him, instead of calling him and his reactions dramatic. He k n o w s he’s a
bit―super―dramatic, but he can’t help it.

From satanguk: I lost my keys so i crashed at jimin’s

From satanguk: Anyways why would i cheat on jimin with you lmao

To satanguk: wow so fucking rude but okay fuck u

satanguk: ;)

Taehyung huffs as he furiously locks his phone. If both Jimin and Jeongguk tell him that they're
not anything then he should believe them, he guesses, but the situation was suspicious. He would
have thought the same about any man he found half-naked at Jimin’s, even if it were Namjoon-
hyung.

He guesses he should be getting used to see Jeongguk everywhere now. Not just when he’s
working, but also at Jimin’s, and that makes him want to groan and curl in a ball on the floor. If
being in the same room as him when there really wasn’t anything between them more than mutual
dislike is rough, he doesn’t want to imagine what it will be like with all the sexual tension he’s sure
there’s going to be. Actual hell on Earth.

For the next couple of weeks Taehyung decides to focus a lot on his career and to ignore his
personal life, because everything is easier that way. He wastes a lot of time doing gym routines that
he doesn't really need to do, spends more time in photography studios than at his own home, and
doesn't see any friends unless he has a working relationship with them; that group only including
Hoseok and Namjoon.

Jimin has been appearing in a lot of spreads and campaigns lately, most of them photographed by
Jeongguk, and even if Taehyung doesn’t feel threatened (he has no reason, because he’s the
best―or at least that’s what he tells himself every day) he stills needs to work hard. He doesn’t
want to sleep on Jimin or Jeongguk and fuck up because of being too confident, or even worse,
underestimating his rivals.

His stress reaches the point that he gets home on a Friday night and he feels like he's about to tear
up just from remembering he needs to go to work again on Monday, so he decides he needs to
loosen up, and what's better to loosen up than hitting a few clubs and finding a hook-up? He recalls
Jimin telling him something about going to America the last time they spoke almost two weeks
ago, so he unlocks his phone and dials Seokjin’s number. It takes him more than usual to pick up,
but he doesn't really mind. After all, he’s the one who has been neglecting his friends for almost a
month.

“Taehyung?” calls Seokjin’s voice when he picks up the phone. “It’s been weeks, where were you
at?”

“Hi hyung,” he greets, relieved to hear Seokjin’s voice for the first time in so long. He really
missed him, along with all of his friends. He makes a mental note to not go on a working spree like
this one ever again. He feels wrecked, both physically and emotionally. “I’ve been working a lot
these days. Working out, too,” he says, and Seokjin hums.

“Yah, I kind of know about the insane amount of work you've been doing these days, Joonie told
me,” he replies, and Taehyung tries not to wince too much at the nickname. Seokjin and Namjoon
ended up clicking pretty well and are now acting like one of those couples that have been married
for thirty years, and Taehyung lowkey wants to puke—he still is very happy for his hyungs, but
they are gross. “He also says you look like stick these days, want me to cook a nutritious, greasy
meal for you?”

“Do you want me to get acne?” he asks, and Seokjin laughs cheerfully. “What I really, really want
you to do right now is to come clubbing with me today,” he says, and Seokjin sighs loudly.
“You should have told me earlier, I'm on a date right now,” he says, and Taehyung clicks his
tongue.

“Sorry about interrupting then, hyung. Tell Namjoon I say hi.”

“We always put you on speaker,” says Namjoon then, and Taehyung isn't really sure about how he
should feel about it. “You're like our child.”

“ Keeping up with the Kims,” he says, and he can hear Seokjin laugh and Namjoon asking him to
explain what the joke is about, which makes him snort.

“Why don't you call Jimin?” Seokjin asks then, and Taehyung chews on the inside of his cheek.

“He's in America. Besides, we haven't been talking much lately.”

Seokjin makes a disapproving noise. “Fix it, you twat,” he says before suggesting, “What about
Minjae?”

“Oh,” says Taehyung, scratching his chin. “That's actually a very good idea, hyung. That means I
have almost a one hundred percent probability of getting laid at the end of the night,” he adds, and
he can hear Namjoon groan.

“I'm his sex guru, so get used to it, baby,” he hears Seokjin say, and he rolls his eyes at the pet
name. “Anyways, we need to go now, Taehyungie, have fun but be safe, okay?”

“Sure, hyung,” he assures. “Love you both.”

“Love you too!” says Seokjin cheerfully, his voice muffling Namjoon’s as he hangs up.

He then calls Minjae, who picks up at the first tone and is unsurprisingly easy to convince. They
both agree that Minjae will come pick Taehyung up, and although they don't mention going home
together Taehyung is sure that they both know the unspoken agreement to do so. After all, that's
what they do.

When they both get to the crowded club―one Taehyung has never been to―and after getting rid
of their jackets, Minjae curls an arm around his hips to guide him through the crowded space.
Taehyung is wearing a loose crop top that falls a little over his belly button, but he's so used to the
feeling of Minjae’s touch on his bare skin it doesn't startle him.

It's right then we he sees a familiar face in the crowd, large dark eyes staring right into his own. He
sees a small smirk in Jeongguk’s face, who is dancing surrounded by a group of people whom
Taehyung doesn't recognize. He's wearing a v-neck that almost glows in the darkness of the club,
and for a moment Taehyung can't tear his eyes away, until Minjae leans towards him to whisper on
his ear.

“Wanna dance?” he asks, and Taehyung nods enthusiastically as Minjae grabs his hand and drags
him to the dancefloor.

Minjae glues his back against Taehyung’s chest, grinding his body against Taehyung as the elder’s
hands fall loosely on his hips. It’s nice, and even if most of their encounters have always been
limited to the intimacy of each other’s bedrooms, their bodies are still in sync as they dance.

But even with Minjae moving against him in an almost sinful way he still finds Jeongguk’s eyes
across the room, fixed on him, a challenging gesture on his face. Taehyung tries not to focus on
Jeongguk, because it’s not fair to Minjae, but even when he looks away he still can feel Jeongguk’s
eyes burning on his head.

“I'm gonna go get us a drink,” says Minjae then. “Wait for me here, alright?”

“Sure,” says Taehyung as Minjae turns around, squeezing his cheek in a gesture that feels too
intimate for Taehyung's liking. “I'm not going anywhere.”

“I'll be back soon,” he says, and Taehyung gives him a small smile as he goes.

Taehyung has always hated the awkward moment of standing alone in the middle of a club while
he's sober, not quite knowing what to do and too embarrassed to dance alone or join a stranger, but
then he sees Jeongguk snaking around the sweaty bodies, making his way to where he is. He tries
not to feel grateful, mostly because it’s Jeongguk and he should never be grateful so see him, but
it’s still better than standing alone in the middle of the dancefloor.

“You weren't going to say hi?” Jeongguk asks when he gets there, leaning dangerously close to
Taehyung to make himself be heard over the loud music. Taehyung recognizes the strong smell
that reaches his nose as the same cologne Jeongguk was wearing at the party, his body reacting to
the memory.

He doesn’t think that Jeongguk or him meant for what happened at the party to happen again, but
there is this thing about Jeon Jeongguk, one that Taehyung can’t quite pinpoint, that screams sex ,
and lust , and mostly fun to Taehyung, because he finds himself inching closer to Jeongguk’s
touch.

“Are we really that close?” Taehyung asks, a teasing smile on his lips as Jeongguk’s hand reaches
to the belt loops of his jeans.

“We're on text basis now, right?” he says, and Taehyung laughs as Jeongguk spins him around,
pressing his own chest against Taehyung’s back.

The truth is that they hadn't exchanged more texts ever since the incident over at Jimin’s, and
Taehyung doesn't really intend to in the future, but he guesses it still counts.

Jeongguk’s breath is hot against his ear as a hand creeps up his waist, and Taehyung bites his lip
because the grip of Jeongguk’s hand is strong and warm over his bare skin. He holds back the urge
to throw his head back into Jeongguk’s shoulder and melt against the younger, refusing to believe
that he can just touch him so right.

“I’ve been thinking about you for weeks,” he whispers then, his soft lips brushing Taehyung’s ear
shell, and up until that moment Taehyung hadn’t realized how much he craved the way Jeongguk’s
lips felt on skin, making his insides burn.

“You’ve been thinking about how desperate you were for me to fuck your mouth, huh?” he says,
turning his head a little so he can speak on Jeongguk’s own pierced ear. The hold on his waist
tightens as Jeongguk’s jaw clenches, and Taehyung would be lying if he said it doesn’t feel like a
win.

“You are so fucking arrogant ,” Jeongguk says then, biting down on Taehyung’s earlobe, and the
elder suppresses the moan that threatens to leave his throat. “Do you think I can’t do the same to
you? That I can’t make you beg for me to fuck you until you cry?”

“I’d like to see you try,” he breathes against Jeongguk’s jaw, pressing the slightest of kisses, and
Jeongguk grunts before pressing Taehyung’s back flat against his chest, his forearm curled around
Taehyung’s waist.
Taehyung marvels at Jeongguk’s forearms, the prominent veins creeping up under the skin, the
muscles flexing so nicely around his slim waist, and he aches to touch. A small whine leaves his
lips at the feeling of Jeongguk’s strong body pressed against him, and he feels himself getting lost
before he even can regret it.

“You’re going home with me tonight,” says Jeongguk, and Taehyung can’t bring himself to argue
because he really wants to. He knows it’s dangerous how badly he wants to unravel under
Jeongguk’s touch, the way all his instincts tell him to comply with Jeongguk’s commands, but he
can’t bring himself to care. Not when Jeongguk is nibbling against his nape, not hard enough to
leave a mark but with just the right amount of pressure to make Taehyung’s head spin.

And Taehyung knows better than anyone that just because you can act submissive―just like
Jeongguk had done that day at the party―it doesn’t mean that you can’t act dominant sometimes,
too, but he’s not going to make it easy. He remembers the satisfaction of having Jeongguk begging
at him, so compliant to everything Taehyung asked, and he doesn’t want to give it to Jeongguk by
returning the favor.

“Make me,” he whispers then as he turns around to face Jeongguk.

Jeongguk growls as he leans forward, now both hands curling protectively around Taehyung’s hips.
He bites down on Taehyung’s lip, hard, and Taehyung gasps in surprise. Jeongguk’s tongue is then
on his mouth, wet, and warm, and everywhere , and Taehyung doesn’t think he has ever been
kissed like that. He’s kissed a lot of people in a lot of different occasions, but Jeongguk is just
intense in everything he does, whether it is taking pictures or making out, and Taehyung can’t
control the moan that leaves his mouth when both Jeongguk’s hands go lower and lower, until they
reach Taehyung’s ass, squeezing it almost lewdly as the slide inside Taehyung’s back pockets.

The moment the sound falls from his lips he feels Jeongguk’s mouth curl into a smirk against his,
before he’s mumbling, “Your ass is a fucking blessing.”

“Everything about me is a blessing,” Taehyung says, holding back the teeny giggle that he feels
starting to form in his chest. His hands, previously pressed against Jeongguk’s firm chest, curl
around his neck, and Jeongguk hums appreciatively before diving in for another kiss.

“Taehyung?” he hears then, and that voice is definitely not Jeongguk’s.

Jeongguk pulls away first, clearly not pleased, and Taehyung looks behind the younger’s back
where he finds Minjae, standing with two drinks on his hands and an unreadable expression on his
face. That’s the thing about actors, Taehyung thinks then. They really can control how much they
want to tell with their faces.

“Shit, Minjae, I totally forgot about you,” he says then as Jeongguk steps to his side, curling an arm
around his waist, and Taehyung wants to hiss at him and ask what the fuck he’s doing, but the way
Minjae’s eyebrows furrow in a frown as he looks away distract him. “Ugh, I didn’t mean it to come
out like that, I just―fuck, this is a mess.”

“What Taehyung means,” says Jeongguk then, and he’s using the same tone he used in the
photoshoot when they first met. It’s different from the one he uses when it’s just the two of them
bickering, way colder and more controlled, and suddenly Taehyung remembers where his irritation
towards Jeongguk comes from. That condescending tone, as if he firmly believes he’s better than
everyone else around him. It makes Taehyung want to punch him. “Is that he’s leaving now.”

“I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, but he came here with me,” deadpans Minjae, and
Taehyung can feel Jeongguk’s chest shake with laughter before he actually hears his low chuckles.
“Yeah, and he’s leaving with me,” he replies, and Taehyung elbows him in the ribs.

“Stop being rude to my friends, you fucking brat,” he says. He hears then Minjae sigh
exasperatedly, and he frees himself from Jeongguk’s arm, stepping closer to Minjae and lowering
his voice so the younger doesn’t hear them. “I’m so, so sorry. I’ll make it up to you, yeah?”

Minjae clicks his tongue. “You can do whatever you want, hyung,” he says, looking away, and
Taehyung squeezes him in a tight hug, repeating thank you thank you thank you as he does.

When he turns around he finds Jeongguk staring at them with a raised eyebrow and his arms folded
over his chest, lips pressed together in a thin line. Minjae leaves even before Taehyung lets go
completely of him, and then Jeongguk is grabbing his elbow and pushing him in between the
sweaty bodies of the club.

“Careful there, you prick,” he hisses then, and Jeongguk doesn’t even bother to look at him, still
dragging him through the dancefloor. “Are you seriously so fucking angry because of Minjae?
Because I think you should know I’ve been banging him for way longer than I’ve known your
name,” he says, and Jeongguk’s grip tightens on his arm.

“I don’t like it when people touch what’s mine,” he says as his eyes meet Taehyung’s, and the
elder notices they are darker than usual. Before he can ask what the hell makes Jeongguk think
he’s his, he speaks again, “and you’re mine for the night.”

“Oh my fucking God,” says Taehyung, refusing to acknowledge the way his stomach twitches at
the words, “you are crazy. Like, you have serious problems, kid.”

“Whatever you say, Taehyung,” he says as they step through the door of the club. It’s mid-May
now and the nights aren’t chilly anymore, and Taehyung is grateful because he doesn’t have a clue
of where his leather jacket is nor does he intend to go get it back.

They walk in silence for a few more seconds before Jeongguk roughly slams him against a car,
Taehyung hissing both from the pain in his back and from how much he loves the feeling of being
manhandled like this―it’s not like he’ll ever admit it, anyway.

“You’re so bad to poor Minjae, Tae,” says then Jeongguk, his voice mocking as he leans against
Taehyung so their lips brush when he speaks. “He’s so gone for you, and you just treat him like a
toy.”

“You don’t know him. You don’t even know me .”

“So what? It doesn’t take much to realize how much he wants you. What a pity he can’t have you,
huh?” he says, his hands clinging to the sides of Taehyung’s ribcage. “I bet you think of me every
time he blows you, don’t you?”

“You wish I did,” he says before leaning forward for a kiss, but Jeongguk pulls away.

“You’re being such a fucking asshole,” he mumbles as he presses open mouthed kisses down the
line of Taehyung’s jaw, “I don't think I should let you come tonight.”

Taehyung doesn't back off, because he eats Jeongguk’s kind for breakfast, saying, “We both know
you want me to come almost harder than I do,” and then Jeongguk bites down on his neck.

He knows that this is surely going to leave a mark on his skin, but he can’t help but melt against
the side of the car when he feels Jeongguk’s teeth sinking on the sensitive skin of his neck, tongue
soothing circles in the spot. It’s been so long since he last felt something like that, years , and a
loud moan escapes his mouth at the sensation.

“This is your thing?” Jeongguk asks, lips curving in a teasing smile as he pulls away from
Taehyung. “You like being marked?”

“I can't,” chokes Taehyung, and he is so ashamed to be so needy and desperate after just having his
neck kissed, but that part of his body has always been sensitive and he didn't even remember the
feeling of getting a hickey.

“I don't really care,” replies Jeongguk, smiling deviously before attacking Taehyung’s neck again.

He nibbles softly at the skin first, tongue tracing the skin around the velvet strap around
Taehyung’s neck, and Taehyung’s hands fly to Jeongguk’s arms looking for support, because his
legs are going weak and suddenly the car behind him isn't giving him enough balance—and, well,
he really likes to feel Jeongguk’s biceps moving under his hands, but that's not a secret anymore.

Jeongguk’s thigh parts Taehyung’s legs, pressing against his crotch, and Taehyung gasps as a hand
goes up to Jeongguk’s head, holding a fistful of hair and making the younger groan against his
neck, biting harder on the skin.

“Fuck,” he mumbles making Jeongguk chuckle, which brings him back to reality. “Fuck,
Jeongguk, I have a shooting on Monday, they are going to fucking kill me.”

Jeongguk sighs as he reluctantly pulls away, digging in the pocket of his jeans to get his keys, and
Taehyung notices then he isn’t wearing a jacket, either. “Come on, get inside,” he says as unlocks
the car, and Taehyung reaches behind his back for the door handle as his hand cups Jeongguk’s
jaw, kissing him sloppily again.

He breaks away only when Jeongguk grips his waist, shaking his head as he says “Car, Jeongguk.
Focus.”

Jeongguk clicks his tongue in annoyance as he tears his body away from Taehyung’s. “Fuck you.”

“That’s the plan, right?” asks Taehyung as he gets inside the car. He wrinkles his nose, the smell
of pine freshener too strong around him. “Why would you ruin such a nice car with this shit?” he
asks when Jeongguk sits beside him, reaching for the tree-shaped freshener hanging from the rear
view.

“Do you really have to question even my car freshener choices?” he asks, smacking Taehyung’s
arm lightly as the latter buckles his seatbelt, but there is no bite in his words.

“Yes, because apparently your car freshener choices are absolutely the worst thing about you,” he
says. Jeongguk hums for a moment, turning on the engine.

“And what’s the best thing about me?” he asks then, a teasing smirk plastered on his mouth that
Taehyung wants to wipe away, either with his fist or his own lips.

“Your dick,” he says, watching Jeongguk as bubbly laughter leaves his mouth. It’s not like he will
ever admit it out loud—or even to himself —but Jeongguk’s laughter is nice, and he looks beautiful
when he’s laughing. He still likes the way his face twitches in anger better, though. Absolutely.
“Your dick is nice. It’s literally the only good thing about you, so I hope you know how to use it,”
he adds, throwing his head back against the headrest.

“Whatever, Taehyung,” says Jeongguk, turning on the radio and humming to a song Taehyung
doesn’t know.
They stay silent the whole drive, and Taehyung thinks about how weird it is, how weird they are.
He closes his eyes and wonders if he really hates Jeongguk, because he never thought he’d be in
the same car as someone he despised, heading to their place to get laid. Maybe Seokjin was right
when he said there is something hot about fucking people you don’t really get along with,
something playful and borderline masochist.

“Are you fucking sleeping?” asks Jeongguk when the car stops, sounding profusely affected, and
Taehyung pretends to be asleep just to piss him off a little. He can’t hide the small smile on his
lips, though, and Jeongguk sighs. “Nice try. Come on, get out. I’m about to change your life,” he
says, both his voice and his expression cocky, and Taehyung doesn’t think minds at this particular
moment. He is still disgusted by Jeongguk’s attitude, but he’s too horny to put up a fight right now.

“You think too highly of yourself, Jeon Jeongguk,” he says as he unbuckles his seatbelt and steps
out of the car.

Jeongguk raises his eyebrows but doesn't say anything. They walk quietly towards the elevator, but
it feels oddly comfortable. At least is better than bickering, Taehyung guesses.

He isn't drunk this time, and he knows Jeongguk isn't either. They can't blame it on the alcohol,
because right now he is fully aware of what he's doing, and probably the most worrisome thing is
that he really wants to do it. He wants to go to Jeongguk’s home and he wants Jeongguk to wreck
him, but he doesn't think too much into it. It's nothing that deep: they both want sex and they both
happen to be quite good at it, that's all.

“Are you sure about this?” he asks as Jeongguk unlocks his front door.

Jeongguk opens the door and gets his keys into his pocket. “I am,” he replies then. He turns his
head around to look at Taehyung, and for the first time he sees none of the bratty attitude that he
has always seen Jeongguk pull off. “Are you?”

“Yeah,” he says, releasing a breath he wasn't aware he was holding. “I am, too.”

“Then come here,” mutters Jeongguk, grabbing Taehyung’s wrist and pulling him against his body.

Jeongguk’s mouth feels warm against his, and Taehyung thinks he could get used to the way
Jeongguk kisses him, hurriedly and sloppily as if they are running out of time. Taehyung’s arms
curl around Jeongguk’s neck, as if they have done it a thousand times, and Jeongguk drags both of
them inside before kicking the door closed.

There are strong hands on his waist, guiding him through Jeongguk’s apartment, and Taehyung has
to bite down the whines forming in his throat when he sees how strong Jeongguk is. It's not rough
—not that a little roughness would upset him, to be honest—but Jeongguk moves him around as if
he weighs nothing, and Taehyung can't help but to feel incredibly turned on by that.

“This way,” mutters Jeongguk against his lips, biting softly on the bottom one, and he tries really
hard not to melt against the younger, because he has promised himself he won't make it easy for
Jeongguk.

They stumble into Jeongguk’s bed and Taehyung falls onto the mattress when the back of his
knees hits the edge of the bed, falling on his back. Taehyung sees Jeongguk kicking off his shoes,
and Taehyung leans forward to undo the laces on his combat boots and throw them in the carpet
too, taking off his socks while he’s at it.

“Top off,” commands Jeongguk as he gets rid of his own white v-neck, and Taehyung indulges his
eyes to wander over Jeongguk’s toned stomach before propping himself up on his elbows.

“Why don't you take it off yourself?” he teases, crawling away from Jeongguk towards the
headboard.

“You're the fucking worst,” says Jeongguk, kneeling in the bed and wrapping his fingers around
Taehyung’s ankles, preventing him from moving away. “You're so going to regret this,” he adds,
hovering over Taehyung’s body, now on his hands and knees.

“You know what I think, Jeon Jeongguk?” asks Taehyung, leaning up so his lips are almost
brushing Jeongguk’s. “I think you’re all bark,” he whispers.

Jeongguk chuckles as his hands find the hem of Taehyung’s top, lifting it up over his head and
discarding it on the floor.

“Whatever you say, Taehyung,” he says, capturing Taehyung’s mouth in another kiss. Taehyung
wraps his arms around Jeongguk’s torso, content at the way he can feel the strong muscles in
Jeongguk’s back under his hands.

Taehyung groans when Jeongguk nibbles on his bottom lip, opening his mouth for Jeongguk’s
tongue to enter.

“I think these need to go,” he mumbles against Jeongguk’s lips, his fingers already working in
Jeongguk’s belt.

Jeongguk hums in contentment as Taehyung gets rid of his tight jeans, and Taehyung swears he
almost has a stroke when he sees Jeongguk’s thighs in all of their naked glory. He already knew
they were thick and muscular, but he hadn't imagined anything like this .

“Like what you see?” he hears, and when his gaze snaps from Jeongguk’s legs to his face he sees
the younger looking at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes,” Taehyung admits, because he thinks it's pointless to tell Jeongguk otherwise when he was
so obviously staring and they’re about to get hot and heavy. “You're so fucking hot,” he groans,
and Jeongguk laughs.

“Took you long enough,” Jeongguk says, a cocky smile on his face, and Taehyung immediately
regrets saying it out loud. Jeongguk doesn't say anything else, focusing on yanking at Taehyung’s
jeans instead of being an ass, and Taehyung is glad.

Once they're both in their underwear Jeongguk kisses him again, but Taehyung presses a hand on
his chest and pushes him away softly before meeting Jeongguk’s gaze again, confusion clear on his
face.

“I want to suck you off,” he explains, and Jeongguk sits on his butt as his lips turn the shape of an
‘o’. “Why are you looking at me like that? I'd expect that from a teenager getting a blowjob for the
first time, but I'm sure you know how this works by now.”

“I just didn't expect you to give in so soon,” he just says, and for a moment he sounds genuinely
surprised.

“I'm doing this out of love for nice dicks, not for you,” says Taehyung, pulling down Jeongguk’s
underwear, his hard cock revealed and pressed against his lower stomach, “and I gotta admit you
have a pretty nice one.”
Jeongguk groans as Taehyung wraps his fingers around his length, laying on his stomach in the
middle of his parted thighs. He gives the head a teasing lick, tasting the pre-come leaking from the
slit as he pumps it lightly on his hand, and Jeongguk hisses.

“No teasing, baby,” he orders, although it sounds more like a plea to Taehyung’s ears. “I want
those pretty lips around it, yeah?”

And although Taehyung has never been one to obey orders, he finds himself really wanting to go
down on Jeongguk’s dick. He wants to see Jeongguk moaning under him, completely unraveled by
his mouth. He knows it's selfish and borderline narcissistic, but the reason why he has always
enjoyed sex―apart from his own satisfaction, obviously―isn't really for giving his partner
pleasure, but knowing the kind of effect he can have on people.

So he finally takes Jeongguk in his mouth, engulfing his whole dick with his lips until the tip hits
the back of his throat. Jeongguk moans loudly, and Taehyung has never been so glad to not have a
gag reflex, because Jeongguk is big . He puts his palms on Jeongguk’s thighs, both for support and
to keep them spread. He’s positive Jeongguk could smash his skull with those two, and although
dying between Jeongguk’s thighs would be a quite pleasant death, he’d rather stay alive.

He starts bobbing his head up and down, using his tongue to lick the underside as he does, when he
feels a hand at the back of his neck. It's not forcing him down, it feels more like Jeongguk is
encouraging him to do so, and Taehyung would have never expected Jeongguk to be so gentle.

When he hears Jeongguk hiss he pulls away, a string of saliva falling from his lips and down his
chin, and looks up at the younger to see him with his head thrown back and eyes closed in pleasure,
and Taehyung’s stomach twitches in anticipation.

“I told you I'm better at blowjobs than you,” he says, wiping the drool from his chin away with the
back of his hand.

“Excuse me? At least I made you come,” Jeongguk says.

“You want to nut now? I thought you wanted to go all the way, Jeon,” he says, challenge on his
words, and Jeongguk snorts.

“Who says I can’t come twice?”

Taehyung rolls his eyes, replying “I’d rather not take the risk,” and before he realizes Jeongguk is
over him, grabbing his wrists and pinning them over his head easily with one hand as he mouths at
a spot under his ear that has him arching in the bed.

“Jeongguk, fuck,” he yelps as Jeongguk’s other hand brushes the side of his ribcage, making him
shiver, his hips jerking forward in desperate search for friction. “Come on.”

“What is it, Taehyung?” he asks, trailing kisses down Taehyung’s neck until he’s on his chest.
“You have to tell me what you want,” he adds, and Taehyung can see the trap behind Jeongguk’s
sweet words and tone. He wants to have Taehyung begging just like he was a few weeks ago in that
bathroom stall, but Kim Taehyung does not beg. At least, not this soon.

He just grunts, biting hard on his bottom lip to prevent himself from saying something
embarrassing, and Jeongguk chuckles. His tongue traces shapes over the subtly toned muscles of
Taehyung’s chest, his teeth softly dragging against Taehyung’s nipple, and he hisses.

“You can keep pretending all you want, Taehyung,” he says, slowly circling the sensitive skin with
his tongue as he slaps softly the flesh on Taehyung’s ass. “And I can keep pretending I don't know
how badly you want me, how much you want my dick to fuck you open as you scream my name
until your throat hurts.”

Taehyung tries to arch again, but Jeongguk uses the hand that isn't holding his wrists to push his
chest down into the mattress, pinching his nipple with his fingers while he’s at it.

“Fuck you,” manages to choke Taehyung, although all he wants right now is to have Jeongguk
buried deep inside him. “You’re the fucking devil, Jeon Jeongguk.”

“I'm going to finger you open until you’re begging for me to fuck you,” he says, going up again to
whisper on Taehyung’s ear. Taehyung moans as Jeongguk bites on his earlobe, his cock brushing
with Taehyung’s yet clothed one. “And when I get my dick inside you, you're going to cry from
how good it feels.”

Taehyung sobs, involuntarily spreading his legs and circling them around Jeongguk’s waist. He
wants to ask him where did a kid like him learn to talk like that, but his mind can't form coherent
words right now. He’s so turned on, so needy he can't help himself when he whines, “Fuck me,
Jeongguk, please .” Jeongguk smiles—and it's not a cocky smirk that makes Taehyung want to
punch him, but a proper smile as if he’s just achieved his biggest goal in life—, propping himself
on one elbow and looking down at Taehyung’s face. “Hurry the fuck up and get that dick inside of
me before I bite it off, Jeongguk, I swear to God—”

“So needy,” says Jeongguk after interrupting Taehyung’s babbling with a kiss, and he knows he
should be grateful the younger stopped him before he said anything even more mortifying than
what he had already said. “I'm going to get lube and a condom, ‘kay?” he asks, and Taehyung nods
furiously, because lube and a condom sounds right. It sounds like fucking heaven, actually.

Jeongguk stands up and leaves the room, and Taehyung shouldn't be surprised that he keeps that
kind of stuff in a room that isn't the bedroom. It's Jeon Jeongguk they’re talking about, after all. He
has known for a while that he is kind of stupid.

He takes off his underwear while Jeongguk is gone, relieved to be finally able to stroke himself. He
bites his lip, closing his eyes as he thumbs at his slit.

“Hey—Taehyung, don't!” protests Jeongguk as he steps into the room, grabbing Taehyung’s wrist
and putting his hand away from his dick. Taehyung sighs, but Jeongguk ignores him, sitting down
next to him.

"Wait," says then Jeongguk, standing up and crossing the room until he gets to his pants, long
forgotten on the floor.

Taehyung groans, because he hates waiting, especially when he has a hard on and is about to get
his ass fingered and ready to be pounded on.

"I hope whatever you're looking for is worth what you're missing here," he says, laying on his back
on the mattress.

"Oh, believe me, baby, it is," he says, a devious smirk on his face. He then makes a content noise,
and Taehyung notices the small bag with white powder on the younger's hands.

"Shit, Jeongguk, tell me you weren't high on that shit when you drove us both here," he says, sitting
up as Jeongguk approaches the bed.

"I'm not an idiot," he says, and Taehyung raises an eyebrow. "So, you up for some fun?"
Taehyung chews on his bottom lip, because it's been a while since the last time he had cocaine, or
any other drug apart from weed, actually. He knows that sex while high on cocaine it's a one
hundred percent would recommend experience, and sex with Jeongguk while they both are high is
probably even better, so he ends up nodding, taking the small bag from Jeongguk's hands.

"Me first," he says, pushing Jeongguk down on the mattress by the chest. "Where's your ID card?"

"I have a credit card over the bedside," he replies, gesturing to his right, and Taehyung crawls on
the bed until he gets there, taking the plastic card on his hand.

"You shouldn't leave your credit card thrown around like that," he says, positioning himself in the
middle of Jeongguk's parted legs, stealing a kiss on his way. "Someone might take them."

"Who's going to be in my bedroom unsupervised?" he asks as Taehyung pours the white powder on
one of the creases of Jeongguk's deep v-line.

"Burglars," he replies distractedly, swiping the white dust from Jeongguk's body until it's forming
a thin line from almost Jeongguk's hipbone to his crotch area.

"Come on, babe," encourages Jeongguk as he cups Taehyung's jaw, his eyes dark with lust.

Taehyung laughs but leans forward, blocking his left nostril with his index and inhaling deeply
from the right one, taking the powder deep inside his nose. He hums at the sensation, at the
tingling on his nose, and licks away the remainder of the drug with his tongue, making Jeongguk
grunt under him.

"So fucking hot," he growls, and Taehyung laughs.

"Can I do another one?" he asks then, gaze raising to meet Jeongguk's.

He can feel his heart beating faster on his ribcage, the effects from the cocaine already washing
over him, and he guesses his pupils—already dilated from the sexual stimulation—look blown
wide right now.

"You're a lightweight," Jeongguk says frowning down at him, what seems like genuine concern on
his face, and Taehyung snorts through his nose.

"I can take two lines, Jeon," he assures, and Jeongguk shrugs.

"Then sure, whatever. Just let's not go to the hospital tonight, yeah?"

Taehyung bites down on the flesh on Jeongguk's leg, half as a punishment for being so fucking
rude and half because Jeongguk's thighs look like they could be eaten.

He then takes again the plastic bag, but instead of pouring the dust on Jeongguk's v-line this time
he pins Jeongguk's upper leg on the bed with his hands.

"God, Taehyung," mutters Jeongguk as Taehyung's hands explore smooth skin, biting down on his
lips as he looks at the elder.

"You're so fucking hot," repeats Taehyung for the second time that night, pouring the powder on
Jeongguk's inner thigh. He then grabs the card again and slims down the line, careful to not let a
single grain fall to the covers.

He repeats his previous motion again, snorting the line and then wiping away the remains with his
tongue. This time, though, he lets his tongue wander up Jeongguk's thighs until his cock, giving the
underside a broad lick from the base to the tip.

"What a pretty little tease you are," Jeongguk chokes out, and Taehyung smiles brightly at him.

His tongue feels numb and heavy in his mouth, and a wave of heat spreads through his body. He's
hyperaware of every sound and movement of Jeongguk's body in the sheets, of the touch of his
fingertips on his skin as he takes the plastic bag and the credit card from his hands.

“I’m going to finger you now,” Jeongguk announces as he pulls away from Taehyung, making him
sigh in discontent. “Get on your knees.”

“Doggystyle is so goddamn unoriginal,” he protests as he hears a bottle uncap behind of him, but
he can't deny the sound of Jeongguk pouring lube on his fingers excites him, making him want to
squirm in anticipation. “I should have expected this from you.”

Jeongguk doesn't say anything, spreading Taehyung’s cheeks open with one hand and circling the
rim with a lube-slicked finger. When a gasp escapes Taehyung’s lips he can practically feel the
younger smirking behind of him, and he clenches around the foreign digit.

“Relax, baby,” mutters Jeongguk behind him, a hand stroking his lower back as the finger curls
inside of him. It’s not like he’s not used to the feeling, but it’s been weeks since he just met with
Minjae, so it takes him a little while to get used to the feeling.

“Put another one,” he says, resting his cheek against the mattress as he wiggles his ass impatiently.

He feels every touch in a renewed way, the touch of Jeongguk’s fingers on his skin and inside of
him making his body arching and taking everything Jeongguk offers him. He whines and babbles
about how good it feels, about how much he needs it.

Jeongguk laughs, but adds another finger, scissoring both his digits on Taehyung’s ass, stretching
him open.

Taehyung bites down on his lip, swallowing down moans when the tips of Jeongguk’s fingers
brush against his prostate.

“God, Jeongguk, right there ,” he yelps, jerking his hips back to fuck himself on Jeongguk’s finger.
Jeongguk laughs behind him, the nails of his other hand digging in the soft flesh of Taehyung’s
ass, leaving crescents on the skin.

Jeongguk groans, squeezing another finger inside as unintelligible curses fall from Taehyung’s lips.
His fingers curl inside of Taehyung, hitting his bundle of nerves and almost sending him over the
edge.

Eventually, the pounding of Jeongguk’s fingers stops feeling enough. He needs something more .
He needs Jeongguk fucking into him like he promised he would, making him cry and beg and ask
for more until his body can’t take it anymore. It’s probably the high, but he has never felt an urge
to be pounded on this big.

“Now,” he moans, propping himself up on his palms again. “I'm ready now, Jeongguk, please.”

“Okay,” says Jeongguk then, and it sounds more like he's talking to himself than to Taehyung. He
hears the sound of the condom wrapper being open, and Jeongguk groans slightly as he rolls the
latex over his length and slicks himself with lube. “Okay. You ready?”
“Come on, Jeongguk. I’ve already told you I am,” urges Taehyung impatiently. “Get your fucking
dick inside of me, God,” he moans as Jeongguk rubs the head of his cock against his entrance,
teasing the ring of muscle. “Isn't this what you wanted? Me begging you to fuck me? Do it, pound
that cock inside of me until I beg you to stop.”

“Patience is a virtue, Tae,” he says then, whispering on Taehyung’s ear as he bends over him.

Unfortunately, Taehyung has never been a patient man, so he—unsuccessfully—tries to move his
hips back, Jeongguk’s strong hands holding him in place.

“Don't even try,” warns Jeongguk, and something about Jeongguk’s hoarse voice and his
commanding tone tempts Taehyung do it again.

“Are you going to punish me?” he asks as he turns his head around to look at Jeongguk, the hint of
a challenging smirk on his face.

Jeongguk grumbles something, but Taehyung doesn't quite catch it, too focused on the way
Jeongguk slowly slides inside of him. He moans loudly, shameless at this point, and Jeongguk’s
firm grip on his hip steadies him when he feels his arms go weak.

“God, Jeongguk,” he groans, burying his head in between his trembling arms. It feels kind of like a
win, finally having Jeongguk buried inside of him.

“Feels good, babe?” asks Jeongguk, pulling away before thrusting inside again, his pace
deliberately slow, and Taehyung is quite sure Jeongguk is intending to make him go crazy.

Taehyung can't form any coherent words now, so he arches his spine, clenching around him and
making moans erupt from Jeongguk’s chest.

One of Jeongguk’s hands finds his way to the back of Taehyung’s neck, not squeezing but resting
around it in a way that feels almost possessive. The other one still grips tightly on Taehyung’s hips,
the gentleness from before gone. This is how he had imagined that sex with Jeongguk would be, in
the rare occasions after that party when he indulged himself to think about the photographer in that
way: rough and harsh, the loud slap of skin on skin filling the room along with their moans and
grunts.

“You’re so fucking loud,” calls Jeongguk voice from behind of him, and Taehyung rolls his hips as
bubbly laughter leaves his chest. “Do you want all my neighbors to know how much you’re loving
it? How well I'm fucking you?”

Taehyung bites down on his bottom lip when Jeongguk’s nails drag across the smooth expanse of
his back, leaving angry red marks as it goes back to its previous place on Taehyung’s hip, holding
hard enough to bruise.

“Jeongguk,” he moans, feeling his stomach tighten at the way Jeongguk’s hips snap against the
back of his thighs. “Let me ride you,” he says, clenching the sheets of Jeongguk’s bed in his fists.

“No,” replies Jeongguk, but both his voice and the way he stops moving inside of Taehyung reveal
the hesitance behind his negative.

“Come on, Jeongguk. You won't regret it,” he says, and Jeongguk is pulling out with a sigh and
laying on his back.

“Fine,” he says, and Taehyung smiles as he straddles Jeongguk’s hips, aligning his cock in his
hole. “You better make it worth it.”
“I always make it worth it,” replies Taehyung as he sinks down on Jeongguk, the younger gasping
under him.

Taehyung drags his tongue over his teeth and smirks knowingly, supporting his body with his
hands on Jeongguk’s chest. He starts moving his hips at an insane pace, much quicker and way
more erratic than Jeongguk’s previous one, and Jeongguk moans under him as he squeezes
Taehyung’s thighs, straddling him at each side of his body.

“You’re so fucking beautiful, Taehyung,” says Jeongguk, and Taehyung moans at the praise. “You
look so pretty riding me like this, taking me so well.”

“I’m so close now, Jeongguk,” moans Taehyung when he feels himself clenching uncontrollably
around Jeongguk, his cock hitting his prostate every time Jeongguk lifts his hips to meet the roll of
Taehyung’s mid-way.

“Come for me, babe,” Jeongguk says, wrapping his fingers around Taehyung’s dick and pumping it
erratically.

Taehyung moves his hands from Jeongguk’s chest to his thighs, that way feeling him even deeper
inside of him, and then Taehyung is panting and releasing his load all over his stomach and
Jeongguk’s hand, clenching tightly around Jeongguk.

“Fuck, Taehyung,” yelps Jeongguk as Taehyung rolls his hips in slow motions now, making him
reach his orgasm as well.

They stay like that for a moment, the room completely silent except for their heavy breathing,
before Taehyung lifts himself from Jeongguk’s body and rolls in the bed next to him.

“Got a towel?” he asks panting, gesturing at his come-stained abdomen.

“Yeah,” says Jeongguk, nodding and standing up as he sends a quick glance in Taehyung’s
direction. He gets the used condom off of his body before leaving the room, so Taehyung guesses
he'll get rid of it in the bathroom. He comes back a few seconds later with a towel that he uses to
wipe away both the inside of Taehyung’s thighs and his stomach.

“Thanks,” breathes Taehyung, stretching in the bed like a cat. When he opens his eyes Jeongguk is
staring at him, frowning. “What?”

“Nothing,” shrugs Jeongguk. “So, uh, you don't want to spend the night or anything, right?”

Taehyung looks up at the younger, narrowing his eyes. “Are you trying to kick me out? Rude,” he
says, and Jeongguk looks away.

“I mean, this was fun, but after-sex cuddling isn't really my style, you know. Let alone with people
like you,” he says, his voice mocking, and Taehyung gasps, offended.

He jumps out of the bed and puts his briefs on. “Don't worry about it, sweetheart . I'm allergic to
assholes, anyway,” Taehyung replies, and he hears Jeongguk laugh as he puts his top on.

“No need to be so butthurt,” he says, and Taehyung raises an eyebrow, already expecting what's
coming next, “except for, well, the soreness on your ass from that amazing fuck I've just given
you.”

“Again, you think too highly of yourself, Jeon,” he says, retrieving his jeans from the carpet and
yanking them in.
 “Does lying to yourself make you feel better?”

“Does being so fucking cocky make you feel better?” he asks, mimicking Jeongguk’s tone while
he sits on the bed and starts putting his boots on. “You know, you make fun of Minjae for
supposedly being so gone for me—”

“What do you mean supposedly?” Jeongguk interrupts, and Taehyung rolls his eyes before he
keeps talking.

“—but at least he has never called me baby, or babe, or whatever while we were fucking.”

Jeongguk stares at him for a moment, before he says, “Minjae is a fucking loser.”

“And you’re a middle schooler,” Taehyung sighs as he stands up, walking towards the door. “No
need to show me to the door, I remember the way.”

Taehyung is almost in the corridor when Jeongguk’s voice startles him again. “Taehyung?” He
turns around, leaning against the doorframe and crossing his arms over his chest as he waits for
Jeongguk to keep talking. “Have you, uh, lost weight? You look thinner.”

Taehyung raises an eyebrow, looking at Jeongguk. He’s still naked, standing in the middle of his
own bedroom. The truth is that Taehyung has indeed lost weight over the past few weeks, partly
because of the amount of exercise he’s been doing and partly because he’s been stressed, but he
didn’t expect Jeongguk to notice. Not even Namjoon or Sohyun, who have seen him nearly every
day, have noticed, so it feels weird that Jeongguk is bringing it up, after not seeing him for weeks.

He doesn’t think too much about it, though. He gives Jeongguk a small smile before saying,
“Yeah, I’ve lost some weight.” Jeongguk nods then, and Taehyung sighs. “Goodnight, Jeongguk.”

He turns to leave then, and this time Jeongguk doesn’t stop him. Taehyung thinks it’s better this
way, because for the first time since he met Jeongguk he feels things being awkward. Not tense,
because tension seems to be a constant whenever the two of them are in the same room, but just
awkward, weird and uncomfortable. He can’t help but to feel relieved as soon as he steps out of the
apartment.

Chapter End Notes

idek anymore
kudos and comments are appreciated!! thank you so much for reading ♥
(twitter/tumblr)
 fake you out
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

“You know, when I told you to come eat breakfast at my place I didn’t think you would bring your
own food,” states Jimin, frowning at Taehyung as he takes a tupperware full of cereal out of his
bag.

“It’s part of my diet,” replies Taehyung, sitting on a stool by Jimin’s counter.

Jimin takes the plastic box in his hands and opens it, looking at its contents. “I had to eat this too a
couple years ago,” he says. “It’s gross, just eat something else. I’m sure you’re under the weight
your agency says you are, anyways.”

“It’s fat free,” replies Taehyung, taking it back from Jimin’s hands, “which is good for my skin too.
I’ll go to the nutritionist next week so they give me a new diet, but I’ll stick with this one for
now.”

“Like ass you will,” he says, and in a swift motion he takes the tupperware away from Taehyung’s
hands and empties it on his trash can. Taehyung gasps at him. “I have chocolate cereals for you,
and you can’t say no,” he adds, placing a cereal box before of Taehyung.

Taehyung sighs, because he shouldn’t really skip diets, but once in a lifetime can’t really hurt
anybody, he guesses. Besides, Jimin is right, he’s under the weight he’s supposed to be now. He’s
probably underweight, medically speaking, so some chocolate cereals won’t hurt him. At least, not
too much.

He pours some in his bowl of milk, taking a spoonful of the―delicious―cereal to his mouth. “I
thought you didn’t like chocolate,” he says, and Jimin shakes his head.

“They’re Jeongguk’s,” he replies, and Taehyung swallows before he speaks again.

“Are you sure you are not dating? I mean, you keep his cereal at your place. You don’t even keep
my cereal at your place, Jimin-ah,” he says frowning.

“I’m not dating Jeongguk, jeez,” he says, rolling his eyes. “How many times have I told you
already?”

“Okay, it’s a good thing you’re not dating him,” he adds then, bringing more cereal to his mouth.
Jimin raises his eyebrows at him. “We might be sporadically fucking.”

Jimin, who was taking a sip of his juice when Taehyung told him, coughs on his drink, and for a
moment Taehyung is scared his best friend is dramatically going to choke on orange juice.

“You are fucking ?” he asks, disbelief in his voice, and Taehyung nods. “How can the two of you
possibly be fucking if you’ve been talking shit about each other for almost three months now?” he
asks, and Taehyung shrugs.

“It just happened,” he explains vaguely, and Jimin gives him the don’t-bullshit-me look. “We were
a little drunk at that Saint Laurent party in March, and then when you were in America I saw him
again while I was clubbing with Minjae, and he’s so hot, Jimin, you know I’m weak for hot men,”
he says, and Jimin gasps.
“Two of my bestest friends have been fucking for three months now and neither of them bothered
to tell me?” he says, and although he’s trying hard to sound offended Taehyung knows it’s an act.

“It just happened twice, Jiminnie,” he says, rolling his eyes. “I haven’t seen him for over a month
and I don’t intend on seeing him again. I don’t think it’s going to happen again, anyway.”

“Why?” asks Jimin, resting his chin on his palms as he wiggles his eyebrows. “Was he that bad?”

“He was good, but I’m sure he has a lot more of potential than he showed that night,” explains
Taehyung, making Jimin snort. “I just feel like I needed to get it out of system. There’s no more
sexual tension now.”

“If you say so,” mumbles Jimin, and Taehyung pinches his arm because of course he says so.
“Wait, was Jeongguk the one in those pics released last month?” Taehyung frowns. “That pictures
of you making out with someone against a car, Taehyung,” explains Jimin, Taehyung saying a long
ahh at the realization. “ Kim Taehyung gets hot and heavy in the street with a mystery man , I’ve
never seen a headline as ridiculous as that.”

“Remember Male models Park Jimin and Kim Taehyung rumoured to be in long-term relationship
? That was worse,” he replies, and Jimin hums.

“So? Was that my Jeonggukie?” he asks, wiggling his eyebrows. Taehyung nods slowly. “I can’t
believe you both. What about Minjae, though?”

“He’s clingy these days,” admits Taehyung, and Jimin smiles knowingly. “I know literally
everybody told me and that I should have realized sooner, but in my defense I must say he is an
actor, and he’s good at pretending he’s just in for the sex when he’s with me,” he says, and Jimin
huffs.

“So? Are you going to end things with him?” Jimin asks, and Taehyung buries his head on his
arms, groaning.

“I don’t know, Jiminnie. He’s just so nice. Maybe I should date him?”

“Wow, Taehyung, what the fuck ?” asks Jimin, and Taehyung shrugs. “Are you aware that you
should have romantic feelings for someone to date them?”

“What are romantic feelings, anyways? I like him physically and I like his personality, too. Isn’t
that enough to date him?”

Jimin snorts. “I don’t think that’s how it works, Tae,” he says, and Taehyung sighs. “You
shouldn’t feel pressured to date him if you don’t like him like that.”

“I’m not even sure what liking him like that implies anymore. He’s cute and he takes care of me,
and I like that. I can date him and see how things go, and if they don’t really work out I can always
break up with him, right?”

“You’re going to break his heart,” warns Jimin, and Taehyung sighs deeply.

“I’m going to break it no matter what I do,” he sighs.

“You really shouldn’t let him get his hopes up if you’re going to crush his feelings, Taehyung.”

Taehyung clicks his tongue in annoyance, because Jimin is right. He is always right, and that
annoys Taehyung beyond words.
“But he got his hopes up already all by himself,” he protests. “I don’t even know how or why, but
he did.”

“Still. Fix your shit, don’t make it worse,” says Jimin, smacking softly the back of his head, and
Taehyung sighs.

“I’ll find a way out,” he says, closing his eyes. “There is always a way out.”

***

The absolute worst thing of being a male model is that he’ll never get the same recognition as
females do, Taehyung thinks. He’s not butthurt about it, at least not anymore, but he still think it’s
unfair. He understands why the fashion industry is kinder towards the female side, but it still
doesn’t feel good to work as hard or even harder than some female models and not get half as
recognition as them.

He doesn’t let himself be bitter, though, because bitterness isn’t good for the soul and he doesn’t
want his mundane, earthly self to ruin the afterlife for his soul.

At least, that’s what Taehyung reasons while he’s getting ready to attend the closing party for New
York’s men’s fashion week, the last of the spring season this year. It’s mid-July now, and he’d
rather stay in his hotel room with the air conditioning on, trying to forget how every single pore in
his skin is dripping sweat, and drinking three bottles of water per hour in order to not
dehydrate―okay, maybe it’s not that hot, but it still feels like walking through hell and back.

Instead, and although he’s tired from attending the previous men’s fashion weeks in London,
Milan, and Paris, along with Paris’ Haute Couture week, he still needs to go to that stupid party
where he’ll see all the people he has been spending almost the whole month with, but at least Jimin
will be there.

He has been seeing a lot of Hoseok and Jeongguk these days, too. He has been talking to both of
them when he ran into them―which has been quite frequently, if he’s being honest―and just like
Taehyung predicted, they aren’t there to photograph the shows but just to mingle and make
connections, and Taehyung isn’t surprised since they’re both editorial photographers, after all.

The thing about Jeongguk these days is that he’s still being an ass, but he is a nice one, and even if
Taehyung is aware that it doesn’t make any sense he can’t find a better way to describe how he
feels about the younger lately. They are still fighting, but it’s more playful bickering now, and
Taehyung doesn’t feel irritated by the younger’s presence anymore. Taehyung can’t help but feel
like this is incredibly dangerous, but being around Jeongguk now is sort of nice―he hasn’t
admitted out loud yet, but Jimin is really good at reading him and has already figured it out―, and
Taehyung promised once he would never try to stop himself from experiencing nice things.

So Jimin, Hoseok, Jeongguk and Taehyung himself have been spending a lot of time together
lately, mostly because there aren’t many Koreans around and it’s nice to be able to have a
conversation in their mother tongue, but also because they have formed a small group and are
comfortable around each other, even with Taehyung and Jeongguk’s constant little quarrels.

Taehyung is scrolling through his Twitter feed when he hears knocks in the door. The four of them
had booked rooms in the same hotel, but only Jimin and Taehyung were still there, since they
arrived late from the last show of the day.

“Looking good,” observes Jimin as Taehyung opens the door, stepping into the hallway. “Where
are the wide-legged pants and the oversized clothes?”

“I’m in fashion icon mode now,” he says, looking down at his navy blue chinos, his blazer
matching. There’s no point in denying he’s way more comfortable when he wears clothes that hang
loose on his slim frame but he’s got a reputation to keep. He can’t go to a fashion event looking
like a beggar, especially if it’s in one of the capitals of fashion.

“That, my friend,” says Jimin, running a hand through his now black hair as they both step into the
elevator, “is the difference between me and you. I’m always in fashion icon mode.”

Taehyung smacks Jimin’s arm lightly, and they both laugh. When they get out of the hotel there is
already a black car waiting to drive them to the party, which is hosted at a conveniently near-
located venue. Taehyung is glad, because he’s feeling way more tired than usual lately, and he’s
sure that he’ll be pretty much wrecked by the time the party is over. Is this goddamn heat, he tells
himself. He’s always been a winter kid.

They get to the party fifteen minutes later, and as soon as they step inside Taehyung feels
significantly small .

“Why is everybody so tall here?” he whines. He has never considered himself short, reaching
almost 180 cm, but he’s sure almost everyone here is at least five centimeters taller than him.
Well, everyone but Jimin.

“I feel like I’m the smallest person in this room,” says Jimin, and for a moment he sounds
genuinely scared. Taehyung knows it’s an act, since they do the same every single time, but it still
sounds sincere.

“You probably are,” Taehyung says, but then he adds, “Never mind, John Galliano and Anna
Wintour are in the room. You’re good, ChimChim.”

“Don’t call me ChimChim when people I want to impress are near,” hisses Jimin, and Taehyung
giggles quietly.

They end up making small talk―in very broken English―with some models they’ve been hanging
out backstage for the last couple of days, but then Taehyung feels a hand on the small of his back,
and when he turns around he finds Jeongguk’s broad frame, behind him a beaming Hoseok. He
raises an eyebrow at Jeongguk, not snapping at him because he’s talking to Baptiste Radufe, and he
can’t afford to snap when he’s talking to a god like that.

Once Baptiste is gone Taehyung turns around to face Jeongguk, a murderous look on his face.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” he hisses, keeping his voice low as he removes
Jeongguk’s hand from his back.

“He was flirting with you,” it’s all Jeongguk says, and Taehyung feels the urge to smack some
sense into him.

“I know, he was until you came here and got your filthy hands all over me,” he replies, and
Jeongguk flashes him a bright, fake smile.

“I just wanted to rile you up a little, hyung,” he says, and Hoseok snorts, starting to laugh.
Both Taehyung and Jeongguk turn to look at him, frowns on their faces, and his laughter dies.
“Wait, were you serious? Were we supposed to believe that?” he asks then, and Taehyung looks
away, scratching his elbow.

The thing about both Hoseok and Jimin being part of the small group of people who actually knew
about Taehyung and Jeongguk’s things, unluckily for the two of them, brought a lot of teasing
from the two elders. It’s not like anything had happened again ever since that night at Jeongguk’s
place, but Taehyung knew it was a matter of time. They had spent nearly a month riling each other
up, and they both knew what would end up happening. It could take them a day or three months,
but Taehyung was sure he would end up finding himself in Jeongguk’s sheets again, and what
surprised him the most was the fact that he wasn’t really opposed to that.

Being around Jeongguk also implied witnessing a lot of this kind of behavior, always trying to ruin
Taehyung’s attempts at getting laid. He, obviously, hadn’t succeed every single time, but the
amount of hook-ups that Jeongguk ruined for him in the last month was almost insulting. He
doesn’t really doubt that part of Jeongguk does it merely just to piss Taehyung off, but he is sure
that the other part of him is, maybe , a little jealous. Jeongguk has stated before that he’s
possessive, so Taehyung wouldn’t really be surprised if that were the case. He still wants to kick
Jeongguk in the balls for reducing his chances of getting laid, but he’s a firm believer in karma, so
he stays away from Jeongguk’s ball-sack just so life doesn’t kick him back in the crotch.

“Stay away,” he hisses at Jeongguk. “If I see your face again for the remaining of the evening I’ll
probably end up going to jail for aggressive behavior,” he says before turning to leave.

The party is okay, Taehyung guesses. By the end of the night he’s talked to so many people, most
of them now nameless in his memory, but he’s sure he has booked a few campaigns and just make
a spot in the ready to wear shows that include male models, so he calls it a night. He’s in the car
back home, squeezed in between Hoseok and the car door, when his phone screens lights up with a
notification from the messaging app.

From minjae ♡ : hey can you talk now?

“Aw, Taehyung’s boyfriend is texting him,” says Hoseok, peaking over Taehyung’s shoulder and
reading what’s on the screen before he can shove him off. Fricking cars with their fricking tiny
backseats, goddamit. “How sweet.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” replies Taehyung, looking through the car window distractedly.

He’s been talking a lot to Minjae since he left Seoul when the spring season started, nearly a month
ago. After his chat with Jimin his best friend had made him promise he would really try to get to
know Minjae before heading into a hopeless relationship, so they’ve been properly getting to know
each other for a while now. It’s ridiculous to think how little he knew about Minjae, even if they
had spent almost a year meeting up, but he guesses that twenty minutes pillow talk doesn’t really
make you know anyone, at least not deeply. The thing is, after almost one month texting him,
Taehyung is positive he doesn’t feel anything more than totally platonic and non-romantic
fondness for Minjae, and he’s sure Minjae’s hopes have slightly gone up, so he feels like shit. He
doesn’t know how he will do it, but he’s planning on breaking things with him when he gets back
to Seoul, because Minjae is a good guy and doesn’t deserve to be hurt like this.

“You have his contact saved with a heart next to his name,” remarks Hoseok, and Taehyung glares
at him. In his defense, he must say Minjae saved himself like that. “If he’s not your boyfriend yet,
he’ll be soon. Do you want to romantically ask him under the moonlight? Or maybe at a candle-lit
dinner?”
“Right now what I really want to do is shove my fist up your ass until it comes out of your mouth,”
he replies, and Hoseok laughs again. Obviously .

“Stop fighting,” says Jimin from the passenger seat, punctuated by a yawn. “You’re a very
problematic kid, Taehyung. Always picking up fights with everybody.”

Taehyung remains silent, waiting for Jeongguk’s snarky remark about how Taehyung is always the
one to blame when it comes to them fighting, but it never comes. He leans forward and looks at his
right to see if the photographer is sleeping, but he finds him staring at the back of the driver’s seat,
seemingly deep in thought. They are all tired, Taehyung guesses. It’s been a hell of a month, and
the heat doesn’t exactly help. He’d kill for a glass of water right now, God.

When they get to the hotel and go into their rooms, Taehyung gets rid of his make-up and changes
into more comfortable clothes before he calls Minjae through Facetime. They had started
facetiming each other almost fifteen days into Taehyung’s trip, because Minjae stated he missed
seeing Taehyung’s stupid face . Taehyung himself wasn’t really opposed to Facetime, because
Minjae is always smiling at him and is nice to feel a familiar, warm face grin at him after a rough
and long day. Even if he feels a little guilty because of it.

It’s past eleven in the night here, so it must be almost one in the afternoon in Seoul. That makes
him vaguely think of lunch time in Korea, of the strong taste of food on his tongue. Food in the
west sucks, mostly because he can’t really allow himself to eat greasy things such as hamburgers or
pizza, so he’s been eating mostly salads these days. It’s good for him, though, especially since he’s
so tired these days he can barely exercise, so it’s a good thing he’s eating food that won’t make him
put on weight.

Minjae is smiling before he even picks up, and that makes Taehyung grin a little, too. They talk for
a bit about how their days went, Taehyung omitting the whole deal with the French model trying to
flirt with him and Jeongguk getting all asshole-y about it, because he doesn’t think Minjae would
appreciate knowing that. He remembers how weird he had been the couple of weeks after
Taehyung ditched him for Jeongguk at the club―it was a dick move, Taehyung must admit; totally
not nice of him―, which was what made him realize that Minjae has another interest in him apart
from sex, so he’d rather not tell him about it. Mostly because he thinks it would upset him, and he
doesn’t really want to see Minjae upset.

Minjae is in the middle of telling him a story that happened the day before on set when a soft
knocking on his door startles Taehyung, who frowns up at the closed door. He isn’t expecting
anyone.

“I have to leave now, Minjae,” he says, his voice soft and low so he doesn’t bother the other hotel
guests. “I’ll see you tomorrow after landing, yeah?”

“Sure thing. I can go pick you up if you want,” he replies, and the care in his voice makes
Taehyung’s chest sting a little.

“I’ll text you tomorrow, yeah? Have a nice day,” he says, giving him a small smile.

“Goodnight,” wishes Minjae right before hanging up.

Taehyung crosses the room, his phone still in his hand, and opens the door only to find Jeongguk
with his back to him, already leaving.

“Jeongguk?” he asks, making the younger turn around and look at him.
“Oh,” says Jeongguk, turning around. “You took so long I thought you were asleep, that’s why I
was leaving. Wait, I didn’t wake you up, did I? I can leave if you were sleeping, I just―”

“You’re rambling,” cuts Taehyung, a small smile making its way to his lips. “Want to come in?”
he asks then, gesturing to the inside of the room with his head. He steps out of the way when
Jeongguk nods, closing the door after him when he enters the room. “Why are you here?”

“I just can’t sleep,” shrugs Jeongguk, and Taehyung gives him a sympathetic smile. “I thought of
going over to Jimin’s or Hoseok’s, but I’m pretty sure they are asleep by now.”

“What made you think I would be awake?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.

“I know you don’t sleep much these days,” is all Jeongguk says, and Taehyung sighs. Jeongguk is
right, Taehyung hasn’t been sleeping a lot lately, but he wonders how the photographer knows. He
hasn’t told anyone about it, not even Jimin, because it’s probably just stress. He’ll be alright as
soon as he comes back to Seoul, to his bed. His surprise must be clear on his face, because
Jeongguk explains, “You look so tired lately.”

“I just want to go back,” Taehyung replies in a small voice, and for a moment he sounds like a kid
again. He remembers being seventeen and scared, wanting to go back too. But he wasn’t abroad in
a foreign country back then and didn’t want to go back to Seoul, no. He was, indeed, in the capital,
but he wanted to go back to Daegu and his parents. He was wrecked and he was hopeless back
then, just a teenager working his ass off day after day and getting barely anything in return. Those
aren’t happy memories, but Taehyung won’t let himself forget about it.

“We’re going back tomorrow,” says Jeongguk, sitting on the edge of the bed as he looks up at
Taehyung, still standing in the other side of the room, leaning against the door. “It’s the last night
of the trip, and then you won’t have to see my face every day,” he jokes.

“Finally,” says Taehyung, smiling now.

Jeongguk looks at his right as he scratches his jaw, nervousness clear on his gestures, “Do you
want to―”

“ Yes ,” interrupts Taehyung, taking a step forward.

“You don’t even know what I was going to ask,” replies Jeongguk.

“Except I do,” he says, and with that he closes the gap between them and sprawls himself over
Jeongguk on the bed, locking their lips on a heated kiss.

Taehyung’s hands fly to Jeongguk’s neck, pulling him impossibly closer as fingers make their way
under his one t-shirt, gently caressing the skin and making him shiver. They kiss like they’re
desperate, like it’s been too long since the last time, and Taehyung thinks that maybe that’s true.
Maybe they should have done this earlier, because Jeongguk’s fingertips cause explosions under
Taehyung’s skin wherever he touches, and he’s positive the same thing is happening to Jeongguk.

“Fuck, Taehyung,” gasps Jeongguk under him, breaking the kiss to yank at the fabric covering
Taehyung’s upper body. “Get rid of this.”

Taehyung sits on his heels to take off his t-shirt, while Jeongguk slightly sits up to do the same
with his own. It’s too hot, Taehyung thinks. It’s hard to breathe, but it doesn’t seem to matter now
because he’s alright with stealing Jeongguk’s oxygen from his mouth.

He leans over Jeongguk’s body again, the younger’s hands clasping around his waist, roaming all
over his bare back, traveling the curve of his back, from the small of his back down, until they slip
under Taehyung’s briefs, giving his ass a squeeze.

Taehyung hums against Jeongguk’s lips, the younger swallowing the little noises coming from
Taehyung’s mouth, and it physically hurts to tear himself away from him to breathe.

“Wait,” he says, propping himself up on one palm. Jeongguk is looking up at him, his eyes bright
in what Taehyung for a moment pretends is adoration instead of lust. “Can I―Can I eat you out?”

Jeongguk stares up at him for a moment, blinking. “God, Tae, please, yes,” he blurts then, hands
leaving Taehyung’s ass and creeping up his back, nails digging softly in the skin and leaving pink
lines. “Please,” he repeats, and that’s all Taehyung needs to close the space between them again.

It’s almost lazy, the way Taehyung’s lips go down Jeongguk’s neck and chest, nibbling softly at
the skin his collarbones and nipples, making sighs and gasps leave his swollen lips. He takes his
time contouring every crease and line on Jeongguk’s abdomen with his tongue, the warm body
under him squirming and arching against the mattress, until he reaches the waistband of
Jeongguk’s basketball shorts and pulls them down with his underwear.

Taehyung stares down at the man under him, and can’t help but to feel that Jeongguk is
overwhelmingly beautiful. It’s different from the kind of beauty Taehyung has been told he himself
has, delicate yet sharp: the high fashion beauty. There is no doubt that Jeongguk is attractive at first
sight, but after getting so used to his face Taehyung can pinpoint the traits on Jeongguk’s face that
would be considered flaws by the same canon that brands Taehyung as beautiful: his nose is a bit
too big, his top lip a bit too thin, his teeth poke too much. And yet, Taehyung feels his breath catch
in his throat when he stares at Jeongguk’s naked body tangled with his.

Taehyung guesses that maybe that’s why Jeongguk feels overwhelming, because just like his
features, everything about him feels like too much. He infuriates Taehyung too much, but he also
makes him crave his touch too much. He also wants Taehyung too much―and too much is as
much as Taehyung wants him―for their own good, and that’s probably the worst part of the story,
Taehyung thinks.

Taehyung runs his fingers through Jeongguk’s thick thighs, the muscles contracting under his
fingertips as he does. That’s the moment he realizes how quiet both of them are, and he raises his
gaze to meet Jeongguk’s, whole body tensed up in anticipation.

You’re beautiful, he wants to say, but the words refuse to leave his mouth. “You’re so eager,” he
ends up saying instead, and Jeongguk swallows thickly.

“Come on, Taehyung,” is all he says, his voice strangled with want, and desire, and anticipation.

Taehyung isn’t sure why, but he doesn’t find himself capable of denying Jeongguk anything in that
exact moment, so he lowers his head until the warm puffs of breath that leave his mouth hit
Jeongguk’s cock, standing hard and flushed against his stomach.

He goes lower and lower, Jeongguk’s breath hitching with the first swipe of Taehyung’s wet
tongue against the sensitive skin of his hole. Taehyung licks eagerly at Jeongguk’s rim, watching
and hearing the younger come undone under his tongue.

“You’re too loud,” he says, his tongue leaving Jeongguk’s entrance, making him whine. “You’re
going to wake the people next door up.”

“Sorry,” Jeongguk breathes, and Taehyung smiles up at him, pecking his inner thigh before getting
his mouth back to Jeongguk’s ass, tongue teasing and slipping past the ring of muscle.

Jeongguk covers his face with one of his hands, biting down on the heel to muffle the loud moans
leaving his mouth, and the other finds its way to the back of Taehyung’s head, fisting the soft
strands but not tugging at it.

“Fuck me,” pleads Jeongguk’s voice, and Taehyung looks up to see Jeongguk’s face. His eyes are
closed, lips red and swollen from biting on them too hard to hold back the noises that want to come
out, and desire hits his body like a lightning. “Fuck me, Taehyung, please, I want you inside me
now .”

“God, Jeongguk,” mumbles Taehyung, crawling up to kiss Jeongguk again. Jeongguk’s hands
desperately roam over all his body, frantically moving from his hair to his back and arms, leaving
Taehyung’s skin on fire. “Yah, let me go, I need to get the lube and condoms,” he says, and
Jeongguk whines. “You don’t really want me to go raw, you brat.”

“Go,” says Jeongguk, letting his arms flop in both his sides. He looks angelic, Taehyung thinks,
but he doesn’t let himself stare, going to his suitcase and desperately looking for his toiletry bag.
He can hear Jeongguk gasping and groaning behind him, and the thought of the younger pleasuring
himself right behind him doesn’t let him focus on his task.

He eventually finds what he needs and comes back to the bed, dropping the wrapper and the bottle
next to Jeongguk and laying over his body again, kissing him frantically. Jeongguk nibbles at his
lips and goes down on his neck, pressing wet, open-mouthed kisses, and Taehyung reads his
intentions as soon as he feels teeth softly dragging on his skin.

“Not again, Jeongguk,” he says, his voice firm. As much as he’d love to let Jeongguk map his skin
with his mouth he really isn’t allowed to, and he doesn’t want to get into trouble again.

Jeongguk hums and flips them over, kneeling over Taehyung and staring down at Taehyung with a
devious smile. He leans down to drop feather-light kisses over Taehyung’s sternum and belly
button, and it feels too gentle but Taehyung doesn’t want to think about it. He focuses on the way
Jeongguk smiles up at him, teasingly, as his mouth finds his sharp hipbone.

“What about here?” he asks, already sucking and biting on the skin, almost as if he knew
Taehyung would give in. “Nobody will see it here, right?”

Taehyung whimpers, and the sound encourages Jeongguk to suck a bruise in the skin before
switching to the other hipbone. By the time Jeongguk is done there is a belt of reddish marks in the
front of Taehyung’s hips, and Taehyung bites his lip looking down at his skin.

“You’re a fucking vampire,” he says pulling Jeongguk up by his neck, kissing him again.

Jeongguk laughs lowly against his lips, saying, “I like biting,” punctuating his words with a soft
nibble to Taehyung’s plump bottom lip.

Taehyung switches their positions in the bed, placing himself again in between Jeongguk’s parted
thighs, squeezing lube into his palm and coating his fingers with it.

He fingers Jeongguk open slowly and carefully, bringing him too close to the edge again and again
and shushing at him when he gets too loud. It’s not that Jeongguk is too vocal, but it’s late now and
people are probably trying to sleep. Besides, Jeongguk’s lips look pretty good when he bites down
on them to contain his moans.

He wants to squirm at the feeling of Jeongguk’s walls clenching around his fingers, his hands
clenching and fisting the covers of the bed.

“Now,” he yelps, his voice needy. “I need it now. I need you now.”

Taehyung groans at the words, removing his fingers from inside Jeongguk and watching him
clench around air. He gets rid of his underwear, now stained with pre-come, puts the condom
around on his cock and slicks himself, aligning his dick in Jeongguk’s entrance.

“Ready?” he asks, and Jeongguk nods vigorously.

“Fuck me, Taehyung,” he almost chokes. “I've been ready for days now.”

Taehyung slides inside Jeongguk slowly, watching him throw his head back into the pillows and
bring his fist to his mouth to stop the low whimpers coming from his mouth.

“Fuck, Jeongguk,” he breathes, leaning on his elbows at each side of Jeongguk’s head. “Fuck.”

“Eloquent,” teases Jeongguk, followed by a giggle that is interrupted by a moan when Taehyung
starts thrusting his hips.

He keeps a quick pace of short and sharp thrusts, silencing Jeongguk’s noises with his mouth as the
younger’s nails dig crescents on the skin of his arms, right over his biceps.

Jeongguk is pliant under his touch, unraveling as Taehyung fucks into him. His strong thighs wrap
around Taehyung's frame, bringing him even closer if that's possible, digging his heels in the small
of Taehyung’s back.

“Look at me,” Taehyung says before he can even stop himself, Jeongguk’s eyes fluttering open as
a whine escaped his throat. “You're so fucking noisy .”

“So shut me up,” Jeongguk challenges, his dark eyes burning into Taehyung's pupils.

One of Taehyung's hands flies to Jeongguk’s lips, covering his mouth with his palm, and
Jeongguk’s eyes widen. He was probably expecting a sloppy kiss from Taehyung, but if the
muffled whimper against his hand and the way he clenches around Taehyung's dick inside of him
are any indication, Taehyung would say Jeongguk isn't exactly opposed to being gagged.

“God, Jeongguk, you feel so fucking good around me,” he whispers on Jeongguk’s ear, biting
down on the earlobe. Jeongguk squirms and tries to get a hand in between his body and
Taehyung's, but the elder slaps it away. “You want to come?” A nod. “But I'm not done with you
yet, Jeon.”

Jeongguk groans in the back of his throat when Taehyung wraps his fingers around the base of his
cock. The movements makes Taehyung slightly move inside of Jeongguk, changing his angle and
hitting Jeongguk’s prostate, and the younger arches in the bed.

“Right there, Guk?” Taehyung asks, his voice sweet as honey on Jeongguk’s ear as he quickens his
pace, hitting the bundle of nerves inside of Jeongguk with every single thrust. “Don't you wish you
could scream my name right now?” he asks, and Jeongguk whines against his palm.

The thing about Jeongguk right now, just like when he blew Taehyung at the Saint Laurent party,
is that he's so pliant and obedient under Taehyung's touch. So different from the Jeongguk who
tries to rile Taehyung up at every chance he gets, the Jeongguk who barks and snaps at him, even
the Jeongguk who had taken Taehyung home that night at the club.
He's so good for Taehyung, so sweet .

“You can come now, Guk,” he breathes on Jeongguk’s ear, the fingers around his cock loosening
and stroking the length on them. “You’re always so good for me, Jeongguk, come now. Let me
know how much you love it when I fuck you like this.”

Jeongguk’s legs tighten around Taehyung's waist at the same time his walls tighten around his
dick, a broken moan being blocked by Taehyung’s warm palm on his mouth as he releases all over
their stomachs.

Taehyung follows soon after, spilling inside of the condom with a groan, letting his hand slip from
Jeongguk’s mouth.

“Holy shit,” pants Jeongguk when he can finally talk again. “Holy shit, Taehyung.”

Taehyung lets out a low chuckle, pulling off of Jeongguk and heading towards the bathroom both
to dispose the condom and get a small towel that he throws at Jeongguk as soon as he steps inside
again.

“Thank you,” says the younger, wiping at his stomach and thighs before turning towards
Taehyung, who is now lying next to him, and cleaning his stomach too.

“Yah, you always end up cleaning me,” protests Taehyung, slapping Jeongguk’s arm away.

“I can't stand messes,” says Jeongguk frowning, and Taehyung smiles a little. “You should keep
my come on your skin, though. I bet it's a good moisturizer.”

“So. Fucking. Gross,” groans Taehyung, and Jeongguk laughs. “Do you know what else is gross?”
he says, sitting up. “My bed is gross now, drenched in your sweat.”

“You’re so dramatic,” Jeongguk says, but then he slightly turned his head to give Taehyung a
serious look. “You can sleep in my bed, if you want to.”

Taehyung blinks at Jeongguk, frowning a bit. “That’s sweet,” he starts, “but you aren’t supposed to
be sweet to me,” he says, looking again at the ceiling. “I don’t want things to get complicated.”

“I get what this is, Taehyung,” replies Jeongguk, his tone hard. “I’m not Minjae. I’m just not going
to be an asshole and let you sleep in a bed soaked in my sweat when it’s like five fucking hundred
degrees.”

If Taehyung’s judgement wasn’t so clouded, he would probably refuse and stay on his dirty sheets,
staying on his own room and just taking a shower in the morning. But the thing is that it’s just too
hot, and Taehyung can’t really think straight with a heat like this. So he looks at Jeongguk from the
corner of his eye, only to find him staring at the ceiling just like Taehyung is pretending to be.

“You’re right,” he says. “Should I shower first?”

Jeongguk shakes his head, standing up to get his clothes from the floor. “It’s late now. Just get
some clothes on and let’s go.”

Taehyung has never been one to have good ideas, anyway.

***
When Taehyung wakes up in Jeongguk’s bed next morning he is sure that’d be the weirdest thing
of the day. They aren’t touching, but they’re still too close, and Taehyung sneaks out before
Jeongguk wakes up, because the fact that Jeongguk’s face is the first thing he saw in the morning
is uncomfortable enough, and he doesn’t really want to be the first thing Jeongguk sees when he
wakes up.

Besides, his hair sticks in ridiculous directions until he takes his morning shower, and he doesn’t
want to give Jeongguk a reason to tease him.

Minjae comes pick him up at the airport just like he promised he would, and Taehyung can’t help
but break a little when he sees the other willingly taking his bags and taking them to his car,
driving him home. It doesn’t feel right, but he can’t bring himself to stop it. He guesses one more
time won’t hurt anyone. After all, Minjae has been waiting for him for the whole month. One more
night together won’t really hurt anyone.

The weirdest thing of the day comes when Taehyung and Minjae are alone at Taehyung’s
apartment, in the bedroom, and Minjae’s face falls when he takes Taehyung’s t-shirt off, eyes fixed
on his lean stomach.

“What is that?” he asks, his voice so small and so broken it makes Taehyung feel guilty.

He wants to scream, because that is a stupid question asked just with the purpose of making them
feel worse. Of course Minjae knows what they are, so why would he ask? He wants to say, you
already know what those are , but the word that leaves his lips instead is “Hickeys,” simple and
clear. Almost as simple and clear as things with Minjae were supposed to be.

“But why?” asks again Minjae, his eyes meeting Taehyung’s. “I don’t understand. After the past
month, I thought―”

“You thought what, Minjae?” Taehyung asks, and he doesn’t want to be harsh but he’s so tired of
all of this. He should have ended things with Minjae when Jimin warned about the way the
younger felt about him, almost four months ago. “That we were going to date? That I would fall for
you? I don’t feel that way about you, Minjae. We talked about this before he started fucking
around.”

“It’s not the same, Taehyung!” shots Minjae. “You knew how I feel about you, but you still called
me every day and talked to me, you let me believe I had a chance, but you were planning on
coming home and do this . And you come here with your fucking belly full of marks for me to see,
do you think it doesn’t fucking hurt?”

“It’s not my fault, Minjae. We talked about this a thousand times, you always knew we weren’t
exclusive.”

“I can’t do this anymore,” he says, shaking his head and standing up. Taehyung stays sat on his
bed, watching him get to the door and then turn around. “Who did it? Was it someone I know?” he
asks, gesturing at Taehyung’s abdomen.

And Taehyung probably should tell him to fuck off, because why should he tell him? But he still
feels like he owes Minjae something, because if part of the guilt is the younger’s for falling for
him, the other part is Taehyung’s for letting this go this far. He owes this, if he really wants to
know.
“Jeon Jeongguk,” he says, looking down at his feet, because for some reason saying it out loud
makes him feel ashamed.

Minjae snorts before saying, “Wow. You never let me leave any mark on you, but you let the guy
you supposedly hate give you a fucking belt of love-bites.”

“I didn’t let him,” protests Taehyung.

“We both know they wouldn’t be there if you didn’t want them to,” says Minjae before turning
around and storming out.

And if Taehyung is being honest, both with himself and Minjae, he has to admit that maybe it’s
true. Maybe they wouldn’t be there if one part of Taehyung’s mind, the one that doesn’t really
think things true and he has been trying to bury since he was eighteen and started to be well-
known, didn’t want them to. Maybe Jeon Jeongguk is awakening that irrational part of Taehyung’s.

Maybe he doesn’t want it stop, though.

***

“I must admit it, you could have been nicer, but it needed to be done,” says Seokjin, clicking his
tongue, and Taehyung groans.

“I could have been nice . Period.” Seokjin snorts. “You should have seen his face, I’ve never felt as
guilty as I feel about that. I’m trash. I’m garbage .”

“Those are synonyms,” remarks Jimin, and Taehyung rolls his eyes.

“Aren’t models supposed to be dumb?”

“Aren’t dicks supposed to not talk?” he says, and Taehyung laughs. “Besides, you’re a model too.
You’ve just insulted yourself.”

“I insulted myself too when I called myself trash and garbage and you didn’t bat an eye,” he says,
and Jimin mumbles touché before taking a sip of his water. “I will never forgive myself, God .”

Seokjin sighs, flicking Taehyung’s forehead before he takes another bite of his burger. And, oh,
how does Taehyung he could eat a burger right now, instead of freaking salad . He’s been eating so
much salad right now he swears his hair is turning green.

He feels personally victimized right now. When Seokjin invited both Jimin and he for dinner
downtown he really didn’t think he’d be the only one eating something healthy while his friends
stuffed their filthy mouths with greasy, delicious food that Taehyung hasn’t eaten in what feels like
centuries.

“You’re being dramatic again,” comments Jimin distractedly, bringing his spaghetti to his mouth.
“He’ll move on, it’s not the end of the world. I bet your dick game isn’t that good, anyways.”

“That’s exactly the problem, Jimin-ah,” deadpans Taehyung, his face blank. “If he only liked my
bomb dick game we’d still be happily fucking, but he has feelings . Who has time for feelings
nowadays? I don’t.”
“I do ,” says Seokjin, and Taehyung and Jimin roll their eyes at the same time.

“I need to focus if I don’t want this jerk,” he says, pointing at Jimin, “and his pet Jeongguk to steal
my number one spot that I worked so hard to get.”

Jimin smacks him on the arm, glaring at him, but Taehyung ignores him as he brings another leaf
of lettuce to his mouth. Gross .

“You, out of all people, call him my pet. I swear to God, Seokjin, you should have seen them last
month, bickering over the smallest stuff all the time as if they were a married couple. It was
embarrassing to see, I wanted to kill myself most of the time,” Jimin says.

Taehyung gasps, because that is a low blow. How dare Jimin.

“Well, he definitely is not my pet. If I tell him to go the right he does a motherfucking back-flip to
the left,” he replies, making Jimin raise an eyebrow. He then turns to Seokjin. “He spent the whole
month cockblocking me, hyung. I’ve never felt so sad before as I did when I watched Baptiste turn
away from me,” he says, and Seokjin pats his shoulder.

“You’ll get over it, Taehyungie.”

He’s about to say something when his phone starts ringing in the pocket of his jacket, and he gives
an apologetic look to both his friends before retrieving it and looking at the caller ID, frowning a
little when he sees it’s Namjoon. He stands up and walks a few steps away before taking the call.

“Hyung?” he says when he answers.

“I’m sorry I’m calling so late but you’re not going to believe what just happened,” he says, his
voice rushed and cheerful.

“What is it?” he asks. He’s genuinely curious about what got Namjoon so excited, not gonna lie.

“I’m going to try to go straight to the point,” he says, and Taehyung hums, aware that his hyung’s
words mean that he’s not going straight to the point. “Karlie Kloss fell down the stairs at his own
home last week, and she broke her ankle.” Taehyung frowns, because how does that make
Namjoon happy? “She was meant to do the cover of Vogue Korea this September, but she can’t
shoot now, so they―”

“Please, stop talking if you’re not going to say they want me,” says Taehyung, closing his eyes to
assimilate the information. “Please, please, please.”

“They want you,” he says, and Taehyung feels tempted to squeak . “They want you for the fucking
September cover.”

Taehyung pinches his own arm to prove himself he’s not dreaming. The September issue is the
most important one of the year, without a doubt. Magazines plan its cover for at least six months in
advance, that’s just how important they are. He never thought he would be on a September issue
cover, much less in fucking Vogue . He has gotten one Vogue cover in the eight years he has been
working―again, thanks to the treatment male models receive―, and getting the September one is
like a dream come true. This, he thinks, is the peak of his career. After this happens everything can
only go down, because there is nothing better than a Vogue cover in the September issue. Except,
well, cover in the September issue for Vogue US, but he doesn’t think he can replace Kim
Kardashian.

“Namjoon, send Karlie Kloss a fruit basket telling her to get better but thanking her for falling
 down those stairs. Now ,” he says, and Namjoon laughs.

“There is one downside, though,” he says, and Taehyung frowns. There are no downsides for that
kind of thing. Not even if he has to do a nude shoot in the Everest. “The photographer is going to
be Jeon Jeongguk.”

“Oh, fuck me,” groans Taehyung. Even if he has been more or less getting along with him―read:
playfully bickering and sporadically fucking―he doesn’t feel ready to work with Jeongguk again.
Not with his tyrannical antics and his controlling behavior. “Why does this kind of thing happen to
me?”

“So?”

Taehyung knows that the choice is his to make, and that no matter how good this chance is both
for Namjoon and him his agent would never force him into something he doesn’t want to do, but
you can’t just say no to the September Vogue cover. As a male model you don’t really get much
covers, let alone the most important of the year for the national issue of the most important fashion
magazine around the world, so there is no way Taehyung can say no. It’s probably one of the
biggest opportunities of his career, and if it goes well it can make him more relevant
internationally, so Taehyung isn’t clearly going to say no. He’s smart , he knows what’s best for
him and he’s not going to let whatever this thing with Jeongguk has become get in the middle of
the career he has been working so hard on for almost all his life.

“I’m doing it,” he says, his tone determined. Even if he has to deal with Jeongguk being an asshole,
there is no way he’s wasting a chance like this.

“I knew you would,” says Namjoon, and Taehyung can practically hear the smile on his voice.

“Does Jeongguk know it’s going to be me, though?” he asks then. “Hopefully when he finds out
it’s me he’ll reject the offer, so we should confirm soon. I don’t think he’ll want to deal with my
childish, unprofessional behavior again.”

“Don’t be butthurt, Taehyung. When did that happen, January? We’re in August know, you have to
let it go,” Namjoon says, using the father tone, and Taehyung rolls his eyes. “Besides, Jeongguk
already said yes, and he’s aware that you’re the chosen one.”

Taehyung clicks his tongue. It makes sense that Jeongguk doesn’t want to miss that opportunity, to
be honest. They’d probably end up working something out so they can both work together
peacefully. Probably.

“I’ll make it work,” he says confidently, and Namjoon laughs. “I gotta go now, hyung.”

“See you tomorrow, Tae. Come by my office and we’ll discuss the details, yeah?”

“Sure, bye. Love you,” he says, and the he hangs up.

When he locks his phone he looks over at where his friends are eating, and a devious smile appears
on his face. Jimin is going to die out of jealousy.

Chapter End Notes

#protectminjae2k16
(twitter/tumblr)
 always attract
Chapter Notes

honestly

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Taehyung has never felt so nervous about a photoshoot as he is right now, standing in the elevator
waiting for it to get to the thirteenth floor. He’s on the seventh already, so he’s running out of time
to panic, which is bad.

It’s not even about Jeongguk―maybe it has a little to do with the fact that Jeongguk is going to be
in charge there, but it’s just a tiny part of the reason why he’s about to tear his hair out. He’s done
dozens of photo shoots by now, and he’s confident in his modeling skills, but this is probably the
most important thing he’s ever done in the professional field.

He read once that you need a mid-stress level to perform well in exams and that kind of stuff, so
maybe it works in a similar way with photoshoots. He hopes his anxiousness helps him to be better
instead of fucking things up. Besides, Jeongguk is going to be there, and he doesn’t want to
imagine how the photographer will get if Taehyung looks like a stiff potato today, but it probably
won’t be nice to watch.

The elevator then pings, signaling that he has already reached the thirteenth floor. He takes a sharp
breath and mentally pats his own shoulder, because this is nothing he can't go through. He's going
to make Vogue love him, just like they have been doing for the past few years, and he's going to
make Jeongguk kiss his ass―not literally, obviously (not that he would mind too much).

He steps out of the elevator, squaring his shoulders and raising his chin, adopting the self-confident
posture he has been perfecting ever since Namjoon told him that what people are going to see
about him is nothing more than what he chooses to show. He can already hear the muffled voices
from the shoot, and he'd be lying if he said he isn't relieved to see that the atmosphere doesn't feel
as tense right now as if felt on his previous shoot with Jeongguk.

“Good morning!” Taehyung greets when he opens the door. He tries not to let his nervousness
show, because he’s a pro at this and shouldn’t be getting all riled up over just a stupid photoshoot.
He gets a few distracted replies from the staff, who is already working around him.

Closing the door behind him after he comes in, Taehyung scans the room and the people inside. He
sees a few familiar faces, but none of them catches his attention until he sees Sohyun in the back,
getting her brushes ready.

“Hi noona,” Taehyung greets when he reaches her, and Sohyun gives him a soft smile.

“Hey, Tae,” she says, gesturing at him to sit across from the mirror. "It's been awhile since I last
saw you, huh?"

“You know how fashion week madness is,” he says, rolling his eyes, and Sohyun chuckles.
Taehyung isn’t really sure, but he thinks Sohyun just does Seoul fashion week. At least, he has
never seen her around in any of the others, but maybe she just goes for the female ones.
“You know what you're going to wear today, right?”

“All I know is it's Jeremy Scott, and that can be both extremely good or a complete disaster,” he
says, frowning a little, and Sohyun smacks his forehead.

“You're going to get wrinkles if you keep doing that,” she reprimands, and Taehyung groans. “You
know how... colorful Jeremy Scott's things are, so you're getting a different make-up for every
outfit. Your skin and I are going to go through a lot today, so behave and make it easy for me, will
you?”

“You know I will, noona,” he says, to which Sohyun smiles contently. “Are the clothes too ugly?
Please, tell me I'm not wearing the flag tracksuit, I don't think I'd ever recover from wearing
something like that.”

“The clothes are fine,” she states, starting to work on Taehyung's make-up. “Have you talked to
Jeongguk yet?”

“No, I didn't see him when I arrived,” he replies. “Why? Is he angry already? Was he asking for
me? I arrived on time, he has no reason to get all grumpy at me.”

Taehyung has his eyes closed and can't see Sohyun's face, but he is sure the make-up artist is
rolling her eyes at him right now. Sohyun does that alot, rolling her eyes at Taehyung. "He asked if
you were here, but he didn't seem angry. Maybe he just wanted to talk to you, make a peace offer or
something. He's working on the backgrounds now, though."

“Peace offer my ass,” he says, and Sohyun snorts. “He probably wanted to scold me for, I don't
know, showing up three seconds later than I was supposed to.”

“You were here early, actually,” replied a voice that definitely isn't Sohyun's but he's come to
know just as well―or even better, since he's never heard Sohyun's moans―than his noona's. “Nice
to see you too, Taehyung.”

He holds back a frown, mostly because he doesn't want Sohyun to hit him again, before replying,
“Go back to preparing sceneries and let me have a few peaceful moments before I have to deal with
you for hours and hours,” he says, and Jeongguk laughs.

It doesn't sound mocking or annoying, though, so Taehyung raises an eyebrow. He wishes he could
open his eyes and look at Jeongguk's―probably smug―expression, but there are fingers pouring
some sort of concealer on his eyelids.

Jeongguk doesn't say anything else, though, and after what feels like forever but were probably just
forty second he asks, “Is he gone now?”

“Of course he's gone, do you think he'd really stand here watching get your face caked up?”

Now it's Taehyung's turn to roll his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest.

Almost forty minutes later Taehyung's hair and makeup are done, and he closely inspects the subtle
metallic eyeshadow on the mirror. He's curious about what the outfits are going to be like―and is
internally praying that they are not horrendous, because Jeremy Scott isn't always a tasteful guy―,
but so far he's quite happy with the make-up. Besides, his hair is styled showing his eyebrows in a
very nice way, so he guesses that even if he wears the most horrendous clothes ever seen, at least
his face will make up for it. Sort of.

“Nayeon should be waiting for you over there,” Sohyun says when Taehyung stands up. “Go get
'em, tiger.”

Taehyung blows a kiss in her direction before turning around and leaving, stepping into the
changing rooms where the stylist is waiting for him. He looks at the outfits displayed and clicks
his tongue. It could definitely be worse, but it could be infinitely better too. He changes into a pair
of metallic pants that feel cold against his legs, putting on a t-shirt and tying a Shrek-patterned
jacket―Shrek-patterned, he refuses to believe something like this can be called high
fashion―around his hips, before taking a look at the bright orange monsters that are supposed to
go on his feet.

He perches a pair of yellow sunglasses on his head before leaving the changing rooms. Nobody
spares him a second glance, most of them already used to the outrageous combinations that some
designers pulled off, but even from across the room he sees the grin that makes its way to
Jeongguk's face.

He wants to leave and go meet whoever is willing to talk to him before Jeongguk can even think
about making fun of him, but he isn't really close to anybody in the room right now, so he stands
there patiently watching Jeongguk approach him, that stupid smile still on his face.

“Please, don't say anything. I can't deal with you making fun of me right now,” he says, and
Jeongguk's grin grows wider.

“I wasn't going to make fun of you,” he says, and Taehyung raises an eyebrow at him.

“I look like a robot with a thing for incredibly bright colors who has seen Shrek too much for his
own good,” he complains, and Jeongguk snorts.

“I was going to say you look cute, but I guess that works too.”

“Wow, was that a compliment?” he asks, a teasing smile on his lips.

Jeongguk raises an eyebrow to pinch his cheek softly, his voice low enough so no one around can
hear when he says, “It was the truth, sweetie .”

Taehyung's eyes threaten to widen for a moment, but he'd rather die before letting Jeongguk know
he caught him off guard, so he just slaps his arm away, grunting, “Shut the fuck up.”

“Rude,” says Jeongguk, but he still has a small smile on his lips.

Taehyung frowns at Jeongguk for a brief moment. He isn't really used to see him this chill and
happy, not even when they were together abroad, much less on set while they were working and
being professional, or that shit Jeongguk used to believe in so firmly but has now abandoned in
favor of flirting with him. Which, woah. Jeongguk was flirting with him. Okay.

He's somehow disappointed that Jeongguk isn't following his attempts to stop bickering, because
he has grown quite fond of their little arguments―not that he'd ever admit it. He knows how to
deal with a pissed off Jeongguk or a horny Jeongguk, but has never had to face a flirty Jeongguk.
He's shocked, and for a moment he just wants to curl in a ball on the floor because the alarms in his
head are telling him to stay away from trouble, but he's never been one to listen. He probably
wouldn't be in this kind of situation if he were, anyway.

“You're in such a good mood, today, Jeon,” he says, and Jeongguk hums. “Got laid recently?” he
asks, smirking at Jeongguk.

Jeongguk leans closer, so close he's almost whispering in Taehyung's ear when he says, “Last time
I got laid I was in New York,” and Taehyung has to remind himself they are in a public place,
surrounded of people, because it's not like he will ever admit it, but that was exactly what he was
looking for. What he was hoping for, if he's honest.

He feels his heartbeat quicken, and he knows it shouldn't. It's just lust, he tries to convince himself,
but he's not sure anymore. He's not sure about anything related to Jeon Jeongguk anymore, but he
knows he shouldn't be feeling this way.

He presses his palm flat on Jeongguk's chest, pushing him away. “You're so unprofessional , Jeon
Jeongguk, it's going to be such a pain in the ass working with you.”

Jeongguk smiles at him, raising both his eyebrows before taking another step back. “Let's get
started with the first setting,” he says then, raising his voice so all the crew can hear him.

Taehyung would be lying if he said he doesn't feel relieved that Jeongguk is acting all chill and
relaxed today, but he's nervous about this new side of Jeongguk, about not knowing how to deal
with it. He's also disappointed that there is a slight possibility that he will appear on the cover of
Vogue wearing that , but the only thing he can do right now is pose for the camera and hope that
the next outfits are better.

After what he feels like forever, Jeongguk takes his camera and scrolls through the pictures,
narrowing his eyes and clicking his tongue.

“Let's have a lunch break,” he says then with a sigh. “Taehyung, come here.”

Taehyung frowns, approaching Jeongguk. “Something wrong?” he asks, and Jeongguk bites down
on his bottom lip.

“Look at these,” he says, handing Taehyung the camera. “I mean, they're good, but they could be
way better, and we both know that. You look stiff, it seems like you're uncomfortable.”

“I am uncomfortable,” he admits, looking away and scratching his elbow.

“Why?” Jeongguk asks, and when Taehyung looks back at him he sees him frowning.

“You make me uncomfortable,” he admits, an oh falling from Jeongguk's lips.

“I'm sorry,” he apologized, looking down at his feet as he rubs the back of his head. “I didn't mean
to, I―”

“It's not the bad kind of uncomfortable,” he interrupts, and Jeongguk looks up at him, his frown
deepening. “It's the good kind of uncomfortable when someone makes a move on you and you
don't quite know how to react.”

Jeongguk's lips part slightly as his eyes widen at the realization, staying silent for a moment.
Taehyung is somehow embarrassed, so he just looks at the black floor tiles until Jeongguk's voice
startles him.

“You know, I wasn't expecting you to be the kind to get flustered over this kind of stuff,” he says,
and Taehyung's questioning eyebrow urges him to carry on talking. “Not because of how you are,
and especially not with me because we've done stuff bigger than this,” he says, lowering his voice.

Taehyung looks around the room, but nobody is focusing on them. “I don't get flustered about this
kind of stuff, but―it's just you. You're unpredictable as fuck, and I really wasn't expecting that
from you. I'm good at reading people, but you are always like this, you always catch me off
guard,” he admits, and Jeongguk smiles pleased.

“I'm the enigma Kim Taehyung couldn't crack, huh?”

Taehyung snorts through his nose. “You're not an enigma,” he starts, “just a dickhead.”

They stay in silence for a moment, and Taehyung can feel the tension in between them grow
thicker and thicker as the seconds go by. He doesn't really know where this thing is going, and he
isn't really sure if he wants to. He just wants to let himself go and get tangled in the mess that is
Jeon Jeongguk.

He wonders if things would have gone differently if he had given in at their first shoot, instead of
being so proud. Maybe they would have ended up being friends, just like he is friends with Jimin.
Maybe they wouldn't have had sex at all, making small chit-chat at that party instead of having
Jeongguk sinking down to his knees in the bathroom stall. Mostly, he asks himself what goes
through Jeongguk's mind. If he also questions himself about that stuff, or if he doesn't really care at
all. If he's also getting worried about where things are going and can't bring himself to stop it just
like Taehyung does. Maybe he doesn't, Taehyung reasons. Maybe Jeongguk doesn't care at all, and
Taehyung is overthinking stuff.

“Come with me,” mumbles then Jeongguk, voice barely audible even to Taehyung who is standing
right there beside him.

Taehyung swallows thickly, nodding and giving the camera back to Jeongguk, who turns it off and
places it on the tripod. He follows Jeongguk into one of the changing rooms, locking the door
beside them, and as soon as they're out of sight he feels like their bodies attract like two magnets.

He sighs when his lips crash against Jeongguk's, his hands cupping Jeongguk's cheeks. It's fast and
rough, teeth clacking and lips bruising, almost as if they hadn't done it plenty of times before, but
Taehyung feels as if he was dying to breath and Jeongguk is blowing oxygen back into his lungs.

Jeongguk's back hits a table, his arms curling around Taehyung's neck to press their bodies even
closer, and Taehyung has to balance himself on the table, caging Jeongguk's frame with his lean
arms, because he feels like his knees will fail him anytime soon.

Jeongguk viciously licks inside his mouth, his warm tongue roaming everywhere . Taehyung’s
hands go to Jeongguk’s hair, tugging softly and making him moan into the kiss, the sound going
straight to Taehyung’s dick, sending him back to reality.

“Jeongguk, we're working,” he says, but Jeongguk lets out a needy whimper, kissing him again.
“C'mon, babe, we can't do this right now,” he says, slightly pulling away, and Jeongguk sighs.

“Don't babe me,” he says, sitting on the table and throwing his head back, before groaning, “God,
what are we even doing,” he asks, and although a part of Taehyung wants to laugh, the other
bitterly wants to pat Jeongguk's back and tell him that he doesn't know either.

“We're fucking,” he says instead, and Jeongguk raises an eyebrow. “Well, not right now, but, you
know. Generally.”

“You found yourself a replacement for Minjae pretty soon, huh?” Jeongguk teases, but there is no
bite on his voice.

For a moment Taehyung wonders how Jeongguk knows about Minjae and him not being a thing
anymore, but Jimin probably told him. Besides, it's been a month already and there haven't been
any pictures of them leaving each other's apartment, which used to be a regular thing since
Taehyung didn't really give a fuck anymore. In fact, it's been a month since there haven't been any
pictures of anyone leaving Taehyung's home or of him leaving anybody's, but he doesn't look too
much into it.

“This is nothing like what Minjae and I had,” he says, eyes fixed on Jeongguk's.

His relationship with Minjae was something he could go to when he was feeling stressed, or bored,
or horny, or whatever. He just called, and if both were free and up for some fun they'd have a nice
time together. Sometimes they spent the night, because Taehyung thought that things were clear
enough to not get confused by something like sleeping in the same bed after having sex, but that
was it. The thing about Jeongguk is that Taehyung doesn't feel like either of them are in control of
what they're doing. He doesn't feel like it is a choice at all, more like a carnal need. It's not always
when Jeongguk is around, but there are some times when he craves his touch on his skin, when he
needs to be reminded of the way Jeongguk's lips moved against his.

It's almost like an animal instinct, and Taehyung isn't proud of this side of himself. It's more than
lust, it's almost like an addiction, and Taehyung can't bring himself to stop it. Not that he even it
wants to stop, anyway.

“I know,” Jeongguk says, pulling Taehyung closer by his hips to kiss him again, this time slower.
“I know.”

And Taehyung isn't sure about what goes through Jeongguk's mind most of the time, but he knows
he gets this. He knows Jeongguk is drawn to him in the same way he is drawn to Jeongguk, and he
doesn't know or care how long this will go on or even why, because it is not that bad. It is not bad
at all, actually.

“We should be eating,” he laughs against Jeongguk's lips.

“We can grab some takeout and head to my place later, if you want,” he suggests.

“Woah, really smooth, boy.” Jeongguk snorts softly, leaning in to capture Taehyung's lips on his
again, but the elder pulls away and looks at him. “We’re, uh, casual, right?”

“Yeah,” replies Jeongguk, leaning back on his palms on the table and looking at Taehyung, his
voice cautious. "We’re casual, of course.” Taehyung sighs. “We should head back before anyone
comes to get us and finds us like this,” he says, gesturing at Taehyung's body pressed in the middle
of his parted thighs, and the elder laughs as he pulls away.

If anyone notices that Taehyung's lips are a little redder than before and Jeongguk's hair is a bit
messy, nobody says anything or stares at them weirdly. The rest of the photoshoot flows smoothly,
and Jeongguk no longer frowns at his camera after snapping picture after picture.

Much to Taehyung's relief, the rest of the outfits aren't as bad as the first one. They are still
eccentric and he would never wear that to walk down the street, he's not going to the street wearing
any of that clothes, anyway, so he guesses they are alright for just a photoshoot. It has totally
nothing to do with the fact that Jeongguk said his ass looks good in them when they were leaving
the changing room, of course it doesn't.

When they're done and Taehyung is ready to go, back into his clothes and now make-up free,
Jeongguk calls him again. He's sitting before his computer, rubbing his chin and staring intensely
at the screen.

“Which one do you like best?” he says, turning the laptop so the screen is facing Taehyung. He
sees then three pictures of himself, each one of them in a different outfit.

“You're going to let me choose?” he asks, his face brightening. Nobody has ever let him choose
the pictures for his editorials, let alone for the covers. Not even Hoseok, and he's been friends with
Taehyung for years now.

“I mean, I don't have the final say in the whole process, but I know my opinion will be taken in
consideration,” he says, and Taehyung nods, turning his head to look at the screen. He can still feel
Jeongguk's gaze on his face, before he adds, “I know this is important for you, I want you to be
happy about it. I'm going to submit these three to the editor and she'll be the one to make the final
choice, but I'm hoping I can convince her to pick the one you choose.”

Taehyung hums, biting down on his bottom lip as he looks at the three pictures. They are still
unedited, so Jeongguk is probably going to go through a long night of re-touching them after
Taehyung is gone tonight.

“I like this one,” he says, pointing at the second picture. He was wearing pants similar to the ones
from the first outfit, these time in blue, and a pink t-shirt. Pink suits him well, he thinks.

“Alright,” says Jeongguk then, closing the windows on his laptop screen before turning it off and
placing it inside of its case, both silent.

Most of the staff is gone by now, so the room is quiet except for a few people chatting in a low
voice in the corner.

Right when Taehyung is about to ask Jeongguk if the dinner invitation is still up, Nayeon, the
stylist, approaches him.

“Taehyung-ssi? The brand said you could keep an article of clothing if you wanted to,” she says,
and Taehyung drags his tongue over the front of his lip.

“Uh, I don't know,” he says. It's not that he has fallen particularly in love with any of the stuff he
has worn today, if he's honest, but he feels like rejecting it would be rude. “Maybe the sunglasses?”

“What?” calls Jeongguk on his side, and both Taehyung and the stylist turn to look at him. “You
need to take the Shrek-patterned jacket.”

“What the―are you serious?” he asks, Nayeon giggling next to him.

“I'm sure you'd look good on it, c'mon. In fact, I'm sure you're the only person who could manage
to look good wearing that.”

Taehyung elbows him in the ribs and Jeongguk complains, but when he leaves for Jeongguk's place
later that afternoon, he still is taking a ridiculous Shrek-patterned jacket he's sure he's not going to
wear with him.

***

Taehyung is in the middle of binge-watching Cheese in the Trap with Jimin when Vogue releases
the cover for the September issue. He's focused on the tv screen while Jimin distractedly types
away on his phone, but then his startled by his best friend squeaking.
“Shut the fuck up,” he growls, softly kicking Jimin. “I'm actually trying to watch this, unlike you,”
he hisses, but Jimin still jumps on the sofa and shoves his phone in Taehyung's face.

“Look, Taehyung, is you on the Vogue cover for their September issue, why aren't you excited? Be
excited! I can't be excited for both of us.”

Taehyung laughs and takes Jimin's phone from his hands, looking down at the picture. For a
moment he is happy about it, since it's the picture he told Jeongguk he liked, but then he realizes
something and frowns down at the screen.

“They whitewashed me,” he says, giving Jimin the phone, and Jimin takes another look, his lips
forming an 'o'. “Wait, Jeongguk was the one to edit the pictures, he fucking whitewashed me, how
dare that fucking asshole ―”

“Woah, easy there, cowboy,” says Jimin, covering Taehyung's mouth with his palm. “I just―
woah. I don't think there's anything I can say in his defense, but don't insult him.”

Taehyung feels the sting of tears on the back of his eyes, but shakes his head. He's not going to cry,
he's going to go over to Jeongguk's and yell at that prick for three fucking hours straight, just like
Namjoon had suggested when they first met. It's not like it hasn't happened before to him―it's
happened to every single non-white celebrity, he thinks―, his skin has been whitened countless
times before, but he wasn't expecting this from Jeongguk. Jeongguk, who is close to him and
explicitly told him he's aware of how important that cover is for Taehyung. And even if he knew,
he still photoshopped his skin just to make him look whiter, more western, prettier . Taehyung
shouldn't be surprised, because after all, the fashion industry is just that: an industry. It's a constant
fight for relevance, and of course Jeongguk's pics will look more appealing to the big fish in the
business if the model's skin is fairer. And of course Jeongguk doesn't give a fuck about how
Taehyung feels about having his skin whitened, they're not even friends , why should he?

Taehyung wants to pretend that he is just bothered, that is doesn't hurt, but he doesn't see himself
able. He's heard so many harmful comments about his skin that he already thought it couldn't get
to him anymore: people have said he looks more like a farm-worker than like an actual model, that
they are surprised someone who looks as tan could make it as far as he did. He thought he could
just turn them off, because the comments haven't stopped, he just doesn't pay attention, but for a
brief moment there he let himself think that maybe, just maybe Jeongguk gives a fuck about him.

He is hurt, but he is also furious. He's so mad he doesn't think twice about it when he takes his car
and house keys and leaves a confused Jimin alone inside of his apartment. He drives to Jeongguk's
apartment a bit faster than you're supposed to go in the city streets, but he can't even let himself be
worried about getting fined as he smashes the buzzer to Jeongguk's apartment, scowling up at the
camera.

When he gets there he finds Jeongguk waiting under the doorframe to his apartment, and he pushes
him inside before kicking the door closed behind him.

“Taehyung, what the fuck are you doing?” asks Jeongguk, clearly irritated, and Taehyung snorts.

“No, what the fuck are you doing, you fucking prick?” he asks. Jeongguk's face twists in confusion.
“Don't play dumb, the fucking Vogue cover, you whitewashed my skin. I look like I haven't seen
the sun in at least fifteen years, what the hell, Jeongguk?”

“I didn't whitewash your skin,” deadpans Jeongguk, and Taehyung crosses his arms over his chest,
both his eyebrows raising. “I swear I didn't, Taehyung, I can show you the email I sent them. I
didn't re-touch your skin, who the fuck do you think I am?”
“You photographers are all the same,” he hisses, stepping closer and pointing an accusatory finger
at Jeongguk. “Do you think I haven't been photoshopped before? I've had my skin photoshopped,
my legs photoshopped, my moles photoshopped, even my fucking ears because apparently they are
too big and stick out too much . You all photoshop models as if we were fucking landscapes all the
time just to get successful, and I don't mind most of the time because I know it's nothing personal,
but what the fuck, Jeongguk? You know me, we're somehow close , I wasn't expecting this from
you, fuck, Jeongguk,” he says, his finger now hitting Jeongguk's chest. He hates the way his voice
breaks at the end, the way he feels tears pooling in his eyes, but he's just so tired of pretending he
doesn't give a fuck about anything, when he actually cares a lot.

“Hey, Taehyung, hey,” Jeongguk says, holding his wrists. “Show me the cover, yeah? And I'll
show you the picture I sent them.”

Taehyung sniffles, wiping away a stray tear that is falling down his cheek. He gets his own phone
out of his pocket and searches Vogue Korea's instagram account, opening their latest post and
giving Jeongguk the phone. Jeongguk takes it on his hand and stares down to the screen, frowning
a little.

He then takes his own phone out of his pocket, scrolling a little through his emails before opening
one and showing it to Taehyung. He sees the same picture that Jeongguk showed him the other day
and that was used for the cover, and although it's edited his skin still looks tan.

“They edited the picture I sent them, Taehyung,” he says, Jeongguk gaze meeting Taehyung's. “I
didn't whiten your skin, I would never do that to you. To anyone.”

“Fuck off,” he says, hiccupping. “Really, fuck off, now I'm sad and embarrassed.”

“It's okay, Tae,” mumbles Jeongguk. “It's okay to be sad sometimes, and you have nothing to be
embarrassed about.”

“I came here yelling at you for something you didn't do,” says Taehyung looking away. “I almost
hit you.”

“No, you don't almost hit me, you actually did. Lowkey,” he says, making Taehyung laugh a little.
“It's alright, I was the only one supposed to edit the pictures, it was the logical thing to think.”

“I'm still sorry,” he says, his voice soft, and Jeongguk shakes his head.

“C'mere?” he says, opening his arms.

“Don't want to,” Taehyung says, a playful smile on his lips. Jeongguk raises an eyebrow at him.
“Catch me if you can,” he says, turning around and sprinting down Jeongguk's corridor.

He squeaks as he enters in Jeongguk's living room, jumping to avoid the puff in the floor. He hasn't
really seen much of Jeongguk's apartment, a bit of the living room and a lot of the bedroom, so he
doesn't really know where he's going when he goes through another door, finding himself in the
kitchen. He tries to stay silent, because Jeongguk isn't following him like Taehyung was expecting
him to, so he guesses his better choice is to hide and hope Jeongguk doesn't find him.

He steps out of the kitchen again into the corridor only to see Jeongguk right behind him, grinning
at him, and starts running again when his eyes start going black, and woah .

He stops running abruptly and uses one hand to lay against the wall, stumbling a little as he hears
Jeongguk's concerned voice call his name. Leaning his back against the wall, he rubs at his eyes
trying to get them to focus, but all he sees are blurry images and a lot of black spots, and his head
feels heavy, his neck failing to keep it up.

He feels hands on his cheeks, forcing him to look to where he guesses Jeongguk's face is, but he
can't see anything anymore. The last thing he remembers before everything goes black are
Jeongguk's panicked yelps of his name, begging him to keep his eyes open.

***

Taehyung wakes up in a room that definitely isn't his, his limbs heavier than they have ever been.
He opens his eyelids, blinking a few times because of the bright light of the sun hurting his sleepy
eyes, and scans the room he is in.

The hospital. Fan-fucking-tastic.

He's not alone, of course. Jimin, who was sitting in the chair right next to him squeezing his hand,
smiling at him brightly. Namjoon, leaning on the wall right across from Taehyung, approaches the
bed, muttering /thank god/. He also sees Seokjin, sitting on another chair by the window, who
sighs on what sounds a lot like relief.

“What happened?” he asks. He remembers going to Jeongguk's and passing out, and after that
everything is gone. He probably was out until now, and that must have been a long time, if he was
already at the hospital and his friends were already here.

“What happened? You being a fucking idiot happened,” says Seokjin, frowning down at him, and
Taehyung stares up at him with a confused expression. “Have you been eating well lately,
Taehyung?”

“Of course I have!” he exclaims, trying to sit up on the bed, but he feels a little dizzy and falls back
into the pillows. “I have been following all the diets.”

“Maybe that's the problem,” says then Namjoon, looking at Seokjin as if Taehyung weren’t in the
room.

“I think I know what the problem is,” states Jimin, still holding Taehyung's hand tightly on his
own. “Taehyung is on strict diets, way harder than mine, but lately he's been doing the same
exercise routines I do. We're burning the same, but he's eating way less.”

“I'm eating just fine,” he protests. He really is, honestly. He hasn’t been skipping meals or starving,
but nobody seems to believe him.

“I'm afraid you aren't, Taehyung-ssi," calls an unknown voice. Taehyung turns his head around to
look at the door, where a doctor stands. He's not really tall, blonde hair falling over his forehead as
he slowly walks towards the bed, reading something off his clipboard. “My name's Min Yoongi,
I'll be the doctor taking care of you until you’re completely recovered,” he adds.

“Kim Taehyung,” he replies, although the doctor obviously knows his name―not because he's
famous or anything, but because he's his doctor.

“I'm going to go straight to the point,” he says, and Taehyung nods. He likes straight to the point.
It's quick and direct, just like he likes everything. “You have an iron deficiency that has caused
your hemoglobin levels to drop way lower than normal, reducing the amount of oxygen that blood
takes to your body, consequently weakening you,” he explains in a calm voice, and yikes . Maybe
he hasn't been eating well, after all. “This is what we call anemia, and looking at your blood
analysis you've probably been showing some symptoms for the past few months,” he adds.

“Oh,” is all Taehyung says, looking down at his hands. He has never been one to feel weak, or
anything, but right now looking down at his body under the blankets makes him feel ridiculously
small and skinny. He isn't exactly a lightweight, he works out and his muscles are lean and strong,
even if he isn't as muscled as Jimin and Jeongguk are, but right now staring at his slender fingers
and absurdly thin wrists makes him feel weird.

“Have you been feeling tired, out of breath or thirsty lately?” asks then Doctor Min, taking a pen
and looking expectantly at him.

“Oh, Taehyung is always thirsty,” laughs Jimin from beside of him, and the doctor turns to look at
him with the hint of a smile on his lips.

“Oh my God, shut the fuck up you ugly piece of dried shit,” he says, and he can feel Namjoon
facepalming before he actually sees him. “To answer your question, Doctor Min,” he says then,
turning again to face the blonde man, “all of those apply to how I've been feeling the last couple of
weeks,” he says, and the doctor hums. “It's bad, isn't it?”

“It depends a lot on the causes and the way your body reacts to the treatment, but at least we got
this on time before anything more serious happened, and I’m positive it won’t give you much
trouble,” he says, and Taehyung nods. “Have you been experiencing bleeding or appetite for ice?”

“Uh, no,” Taehyung replies, and he can see Namjoon's face visibly relax after twitching at the
mention of bleedings. What a babe , Taehyung thinks.

“Okay,” hums the doctor, scribbling something on his clipboard before giving Taehyung a
reassuring smile. “Don't worry, Taehyung-ssi. It seems like the anemia was caused just by the lack
of iron on your diet and the inability of your body to absorb it. I'll come back in a couple hours and
tell you what the treatment you'll be following will be like, but as long as you follow it there should
be no problem at all.”

“Thank God,” he sighs. He doesn't know what the treatment will be like, but by Doctor Min's
words it doesn't seem like anything too over the top. “Thank you so much, Doctor Min.”

“Just Yoongi,” he says, and Taehyung can feel Jimin's fingers tightening around his own. Oh, holy
shit , how dare he call Taehyung thirsting when he’s being like this. “I'll leave now to get some
rest.”

“I'm gonna get going too,” says Jimin, standing up as he lets go of Taehyung's hand, and Taehyung
feels the urge to roll his eyes at his best friend. “I'll tell Jeongguk to come in, he's been waiting
outside for almost two hours now, the poor kid,” he says. He then flashes Yoongi a bright smile,
saying, “After you,” and they both leave the room.

Taehyung, who was about to comment on Jimin's not subtle at all behavior, turns to look at
Namjoon and Seokjin, asking “Is Jeongguk here?” He shouldn't be sounding as happy as he does
right now, but fuck it. He's in the hospital. Nobody can judge him right now when there are a lot of
machines connected to his body, one of them injecting what he guesses is iron through his wrist.
He's a martyr.

“He brought you here,” says Namjoon. “You were at his house when you passed out.”
“Yeah, I remember that, but I thought he'd call an ambulance and stay at home,” Taehyung shrugs.

“Oh, Tae,” Seokjin laughs. “He brought you here and stayed beside you until we arrived, you
should have seen him, he looked so worried. It was so cute, almost like a puppy. I think he lowkey
wanted to hold your hand but didn't want to be cheesy,” he adds then, and he can see Namjoon roll
his eyes as he smiles fondly.

“Jin is exaggerating,” Namjoon clarifies, “but he genuinely looked worried. He left when we
arrived for the only three visitors rule, though. He said he'd wait outside until you awakened.”

“He's so cute,” groans Taehyung, flopping in the pillows. “Why is he so cute? He's supposed to be
evil so we can just fuck and fight and things can be easy. I feel like I'm about to pull off a Minjae,”
he protests, and Seokjin snorts, the water he was drinking almost coming out through his nose.

“That was so mean,” comments Namjoon.

Taehyung sighs, but then he hears a knock in the door and his heart does a backflip on his ribcage,
looking anxiously towards the open just to see Jeongguk stepping inside. He almost walks
hesitantly, a shy smile on his face, and Taehyung feels his heart break a little because this
Jeongguk looks so tired and so different from the one he's used to. He looks defeated, worry still
clear on his face, and Taehyung feels a funny tingling on his stomach, because Jeongguk was
worried about him. Not that he wouldn't be worried if anyone passed out at his home, but still.

“Hey,” he says, the corners of his lips quirking up in a tired smile. “Good to see you're awake,” he
says, standing awkwardly by the end of the bed, and Seokjin clears his throat.

“We're going to get some food now,” he says, holding Namjoon's hand in his as they walk to the
door. “We already called your parents and they're on their way, they should be here in an hour,
more or less,” adds Seokjin, and Taehyung nods.

“'Kay, thanks hyungs. Love you both.”

Namjoon and Seokjin say their goodbyes before leaving, and when they're alone Jeongguk sighs,
sitting down in the chair Jimin was occupying minutes before.

“Don't ever do that again,” he says, flopping down in the chair, and Taehyung laughs weakly.

“I didn't exactly choose to pass out, but I'm sorry,” he says, smiling a little. “I'll try to faint at my
own house next time.”

“Just try to not faint at all, Taehyung,” says Jeongguk, his gaze flicking to the floor as he licks his
lip before raising his eyes to Taehyung's again. “You scared me shitless, you know.”

“I get having someone passing out at your home isn't nice, but—”

“No, it's not about my home,” interrupts Jeongguk. “I guess it's all the shit inside your system at
the moment, but you're dense as a brick,” he says, and Taehyung narrows his eyes at him.

“Is this your asshole-y way of saying you are concerned about my health?” he asks, and Jeongguk
rolls his eyes.

“Maybe, I mean―ugh, fuck it, I'm too tired to pretend I dislike you right now,” he says, and
something inside of Taehyung clenches. He can't help but to think that he's reading too much into
it, but oh, Jeongguk likes him. Maybe he means it in a completely platonic way―as platonic as
they get to be, well―, maybe he doesn't even like him, because there is a huge difference between
not disliking someone and actually liking them, but honestly, fuck it. He's too tired to pretend, too.

“You don't need to pretend anymore, though,” he says, a small grin appearing on his lips, “I can
see through your lame acting, anyways.”

“Really?”

“Really," he lies, nodding. “I'm nice and likeable and you just disliked me because you're an
asshole.”

“I'm not going to argue because you're at the hospital,” he says, and Taehyung hums.

“I can still fight," he says. "We haven't fought in so long.”

Jeongguk raises an eyebrow at him, his gaze holding Taehyung's and feeling heavy on him.

“You literally came into my apartment a few hours ago yelling at me and stabbing my chest with
these knives,” he says, his hand creeping at the bed until his fingers playfully brush against
Taehyung's. And honestly, Taehyung isn't sixteen anymore and shouldn't be blushing at this kind of
stuff, especially not after the places on each other's bodies those fingers have been in, but it still
seems more intimate and not unpleasant at all.

“You're so weak,” he mumbles, watching his fingers tangle with Jeongguk's as his heart skips a
beat. He's suddenly painfully aware of the way the beeping from the machine next to him
quickens, and prays that Jeongguk doesn't realize.

“I really like your hands,” Jeongguk blurts then, and Taehyung raises his gaze to meet Jeongguk's
eyes already fixed on his face. “I've been obsessing over your hands for a while now, and―you
don't even know how embarrassing it is to admit it out loud, God,” he says, laughing a little.

“I thought you liked my legs better,” he teases, remember the conversation Jimin and he had what
now feels like forever ago, and Jeongguk hums.

“I really like your legs, too, but it's not the same,” he explains. “Your legs―well, they turn me on,
if I'm being completely honest,” he says, and Taehyung laughs as Jeongguk's thumb rubs circles on
his skin. “But about your hands, it's more the photographer side of me, I guess? You have pretty
hands. I'd love to photograph them,” he says, and Taehyung gives him a soft smile.

“I'd love you to photograph my hands,” he replies, and Jeongguk's eyes brighten up.

Taehyung has always been one to get himself in messes, but right now, as he lets Jeongguk hold his
hand in that sad hospital room, he doesn't really know how something that feels just so good and so
right can be even remotely wrong.

***

Taehyung stares horrified at his iron supplements, the pills big and flashy, of an angry red color.

“Those are monsters,” he groans in disbelief. “How am I supposed to swallow that?” he asks, and
Yoongi gives him a sympathetic smile.

He hears Jimin laugh quietly next to him, and questions himself again about why did he agree go
let him come with him to the hospital. He's just here to make heart eyes at Yoongi, not that he
gives an actual shit about Taehyung—okay, that might be not true. He's probably just having dirty
and inappropriate thoughts about Taehyung's last words, and now Taehyung finally understands
why pre-pubs are so annoying to actual grown-ups.

“I already contacted your nutritionists and a new diet will be given to you by this afternoon. Of
course, any kind of exercise or extremely tiring activity is completely off limits until the iron levels
on your blood are high enough again, and you should get your analysis done in exactly a week,”
says Yoongi, handing Taehyung the handwritten instructions for his treatment. “Obviously, if you
have any doubt don't hesitate to call, and we'll happily help you.”

“'Kay, got it,” he says, grinning at him. “I just have one question, what are exactly extremely tiring
activities?”

“What he means,” interrupts then Jimin, “is if he can have sex. You see, he's sort of dating this
really hot guy—”

“Jimin, I swear to fucking God I'm going to end you,” he hisses.

Jimin smiles brightly, and Taehyung suspects that it's more directed to Yoongi than to him.

“Sex shouldn't be a problem as long is not too, uh, rough,” says Yoongi then, and Taehyung covers
his hands out of mortification. He's going to end fucking Park Jimin. "Just try not you exert
yourself too much at any kind of activity, and if you feel extremely tired, dizzy or out of breath quit
doing what you're doing.”

Taehyung sighs, but he guesses he can do that. He's never been too fond on exercise, anyway, and
now he has the perfect excuse to just stay as far away from the gym as possible. It's not that he's
happy about being sick, but he's just trying to look at the bright side.

He thanks Yoongi, promising that he will call if the pills show any secondary effect on him or if he
feels weak again, before leaving the hospital with Jimin animatedly talking right next to him.

“Anyways, you're going to the Vogue party today?” he asks, and Taehyung hums.

“It's not that I have much of a choice," he replies, shrugging as he gets in Jimin's car. He is not
allowed to drive until he's feeling better, which he thinks it's totally unfair. "It'd be weird if I didn't
go, and I don't want anyone to know that I have health problems, so I guess I'm going.”

“You could skip it and say you're not attending for personal reasons, fuck 'em.”

“That sounds like bullshit, and we both know that. I am okay, I promise, I'd just rather spend the
night watching tv and looking at pictures of dogs on my phone,” he sighs, and Jimin laughs.

“I'm just worried about you, Taehyung-ah. Stay at home if you're feeling tired or anything," he
says, and Taehyung rolls his eyes. Everyone is worried about him, but he's not that bad. They are
all overreacting. "Just so you know, Jeongguk is going.”

“Oh,” says Taehyung as Jimin starts the engine. “Makes sense.”

Jimin hums, driving out of the parking lot. “Maybe you two could go together,” he suggests,
distractedly. “It’d be nice to know someone is keeping an eye on you.”

“If something happened at the party a lot of eyes would be on me. Besides, I don’t need anyone to
take care of me, Jimin. I’m an adult, just because I’m ill doesn’t mean that I can’t take care of
 myself,” he protests, his voice soft. He knows that his friends just want what’s best for him, but he
doesn’t need Jeongguk―or anyone at all―to babysit him. “Besides, Jeongguk and I are not like
that.”

“Then what are you like?”

Taehyung bites his bottom lip. We fuck , would be the easy answer, the one he told Jeongguk not so
long ago at the shooting, but Taehyung isn’t really sure if it’s that simple anymore. It’s weird to
think how the events in the past week have changed Taehyung’s perception of Jeongguk so much,
especially because Taehyung feels like there’s something much more intimate in Jeongguk holding
his hand while he was on that hospital bed than in their previous hook ups. Maybe―probably―it’s
just on his side and he’s getting his hopes up, building castles in the air, hoping for something that
will never happen, but oh, well. That’s what life is about, getting your hopes up and being
disappointed over and over. Taehyung has been very lucky for a long time, maybe it’s time for
something like that to happen.

“I don’t know,” he ends up admitting. He doesn’t have the heart to lie to Jimin, and his friend
sighs. “Don’t say anything.”

“I’m not going to tell you what you need or don’t need to do, because contrary to what you implied
before I know you’re a perfectly capable adult,” he says, and Taehyung lets out a breathy laugh,
“but that sounds complicated. You’ve never liked complicated.”

“It’s not complicated if I ignore it and don’t overthink it,” he mumbles, and although he isn’t even
looking at Jimin and the other doesn’t make any sound Taehyung can feel the disapproval.

The thing is that he can’t really let himself ignore, or not overthink it. It’s only been one day since
the whole hospital fiasco happened, and he had spent the previous afternoon convincing his parents
that he was okay and that they should go back to Daegu, but once they were gone and he was alone
again at his apartment he couldn’t help that his mind went back to Jeongguk, again. He felt he was
starting to develop some kind of weird obsession ( it’s called a crush, Taehyung , you’re being a
high schooler since you spent your late teens pretending to be an adult in a runway , had laughed
Seokjin over the phone) with the younger, and Jimin, knowing Taehyung better than Taehyung
knows himself, was right when he said that it’s complicated. But there is something inside of
Taehyung’s mind that tells him that maybe, just maybe this is worth the risk.

Chapter End Notes

don't y'all love whipped jeongguk

kudos and comments are always appreciated! thank you for reading ♥
(twitter/tumblr)
 heart out
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Taehyung doesn’t end up going to the party. Mostly because he is actually really tired and he
doesn’t feel like going, but partly because he has a special mission for today. He’s determined
to give both Namjoon and every single stylist that will ever work with him a heart attack, the
small tube of green dye standing proud on his sink. He’s doing it out of boredom, mostly.
Today has been bored, and the next two weeks will be bored too since Yoongi and Namjoon
decided that he needed a break, much to his dismay.

He stares at himself in the mirror, his hair divided in multiple sections with hair clips that he
isn’t quite sure why are at his home. He has never dyed his hair himself, but he’s had it dyed
boy other people―Sohyun, mostly―to know how it works. Of course, he’s not stupid enough
to think that he’ll be able to do it just from remembering how it had been done on him before,
but after Jimin dropped him at the nearest supermarket he had spent the remaining of the
afternoon reading and watching tutorials, just because he aims for nothing less that perfection.

Besides, if he fucks up real bad he can always get stylists to fix it, so it’s not that big of a deal.

He knows he’s a bit clumsy sometimes, so he changes into a ratty old sweater with holes all
over it before putting on the gloves and applying the hair dye on his bangs. He’s not dying his
whole head green, obviously, he doesn’t want to look like a broccoli. But he feels like
changing his look, and he wants it to be unique, so green bangs it is.

The dye feels cold against his scalp, making him hiss at first. He’s done applying it pretty
quickly, since he’s just coloring a few locks. The thing that has always bugged Taehyung the
most about getting his hair dyed is waiting, because he’s an impatient person by nature, so he
tries to entertain himself playing games on his phone, sprawled on the bathroom floor.

It’s a bit weird to think about the amount of time he’s been spending alone at home lately,
especially since he has always been pretty social, but for the past few months he has been
finding more comfort in the quiet of his apartment than in any other place. That doesn’t mean
that he doesn’t like going over to his friends’ places, or that he doesn’t enjoy their company
when they visit, but it just feels nice being on his own, sometimes.

When the alarm he set on his phone goes off he removes the dye and washed his hair, staring
pleased at the way his bangs look now. His hair is still damp over his forehead, but he still
thinks it looks good. He’s in the middle of brushing it when his doorbell rings, making him
frown at his own reflection in the mirror. He isn’t expecting anyone today, but it’s probably
one of his neighbors, since nobody rang the buzzer.

In all honestly, out of all the people that he thought could be visiting him at nearly eleven in
the evening on a Friday night, Jeongguk is at the bottom at the list. He would expect Jimin,
Namjoon or even Hoseok, but definitely not Jeongguk in a tuxedo, his bowtie on his hand and
the first buttons of his shirt undone.

“What are you doing here?” he asks, Jeongguk’s eyes furrowing slightly. He didn’t mean to
sound so rude, but he is surprised.
“You weren’t at the party,” says Jeongguk, his fingers playing with the bowtie, and Taehyung
raises an eyebrow. “I wanted to know how you were feeling. About, uh, you know. Your
health.”

“You have my phone number. Could’ve texted, or called,” points out Taehyung, and Jeongguk
shrugs. “How did you get my address? And how did you get in my building?”

Jeongguk huffs, and Taehyung leans against the doorframe, watching Jeongguk rub the back
of his head with a sly smile on his lips. “I asked Jimin. And then I ran into Namjoon and
Seokjin, so… Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I’m about to get a restraining order,” says Taehyung, making Jeongguk roll his eyes. “My
first stalker. I’m both flattered and creeped up at the same time.”

“You’re awful, I hope you know that.”

“Then why are you here?” Jeongguk bites the inside of his cheeks, and Taehyung lets out a
breathy laugh as he takes a step back inside his apartment. “Are you going to come in or
you’re just going to stand on my doormat?”

Jeongguk mutters something Taehyung doesn’t quite catch as he starts moving, Taehyung
closing the door behind him when he’s inside.

“Can I ask you something?” Jeongguk asks. Taehyung hums as he walks in the direction of
the living room. “Why is your hair green?”

“I dyed it,” he says, and Jeongguk makes an annoyed noise at the obvious response. “No
reason in particular, but I think it looks good, doesn’t it?” he adds, turning around to look at
Jeongguk as he runs his fingers through his still wet hair.

Jeongguk narrows his eyes and scratches his chin, and right when Taehyung his thinking
about smacking his arm he says, “It looks oddly good.”

“Oddly?”

“Green hair is not supposed to look good on anybody,” Jeongguk replies dryly, and Taehyung
snorts.

“You’re so boring, Jeon,” laughs Taehyung, sitting down on one end of the couch. “Do you
want something to drink? I don’t have much, but I can offer Diet Coke.”

“I’m fine,” he says, sitting on the opposite side from Taehyung as silence falls over them. It
feels a little bit weird, and Taehyung brings his knees to his chin, bracing his arms around his
legs.

“So… You came here to check up on me?” he asks, trying to make small talk, and Jeongguk
nods as he looks down at his hands.

“Yeah, I guess I did?” he says, although it sounds more like a question. “Besides, the party
was lame as fuck, so…”

“Oh,” Taehyung replies, cracking his knuckles. Jeongguk winces at the sound. “Sorry. You’re
not here because… you know.”

“What?” asks Jeongguk, looking at Taehyung confused until realization hits him, widening
his eyes. “Oh. No, no, I didn’t come here to get laid,” he says, tilting his head to the side,
looking at Taehyung in a way the elder can’t quite decipher. “Are you feeling better?”

Taehyung shrugs, stretching his legs on the couch until they are barely inches away from
Jeongguk’s thighs. “It’s barely been a day, but at least I haven't felt dizzy or passed out, so I
guess that's progress.”

“Are the pills giving you problems?” he asks, and Taehyung shakes his head.

“I'm peachy, so don't worry about me,” he says.

Jeongguk sighs. “It's just that, when you passed out— I got so scared? Like, one minute we
were both running through my apartment, and you were laughing and happy, but suddenly you
were stumbling with the walls, and I tried to talk to you but you wouldn't react, it was just,” he
pauses one moment, biting on his lip. “You should have seen yourself, Taehyung. I panicked.”

“Oi, I know I'm ugly, but I didn't think it'd be bad enough to frighten you,” he says, and
Jeongguk smiles a little.

“Shut up, you’re literally a high fashion model.” He stops for a moment, clicking his tongue.
“I can leave, if you want me to.”

“No, it’s okay. You can keep me company, I was pretty bored, anyway,” Taehyung hums,
looking at Jeongguk. He's still wearing his tuxedo, sitting stiff on the couch.

He's looking down at his hands, playing with his fingers in what Taehyung guesses it’s
nervousness. The fact that Jeongguk came here has to mean something, right? It must not just
be that he felt obligated to or anything, since you don't just come at someone's doorstep at
almost midnight if you don't really want to. The possibility of Jeongguk wanting to spend time
with him, of being the first person that Jeongguk thought about when he decided to leave a
boring party he wasn't fun at makes a warm feeling spread on Taehyung's stomach.

“Do you want comfy clothes?” he asks before he can stop himself, before he adds, “I mean,
those clothes look really good on you, but they don't look especially comfortable.”

“Uh, yeah? That'd be nice,” says Jeongguk, surprise and confusion clear on his face.

“Then come here,” calls Taehyung as he stands up, walking on the direction of his living
room. “You’re lucky I like my clothes loose so you can get that gym body in there,” he says,
hearing Jeongguk laugh behind him.

“Don't pretend you don't like that gym body,” he says, and Taehyung snorts.

“I don't like it that much,” lies Taehyung. “It's just okay-ish: I can bear looking at it, but it's
nothing out of this world.”

“What a fucking liar,” replies Jeongguk, and Taehyung can already picture his raised eyebrow
and the way one of the corners of Jeongguk mouth is slightly quirked up—the right one, to be
exact. Not that Taehyung has been paying much attention.

He wonders when he started to know Jeongguk like that, but he ignores in favor of opening
the door of his wardrobe, looking for a pair of pants and a t-shirt that he can give Jeongguk.

“Here you go,” he says, handing him a pair of grey sweatpants and a red t-shirt whose neck he
ravished with some scissors—he’s totally not giving him that one because he likes the way
Jeongguk’s collarbones peak from his unbuttoned shirt, and it definitely wouldn't be a shame
if he couldn't see them anymore. Definitely not.

Jeongguk stands there, looking at him awkwardly as he holds the clothes on his hands.
Taehyung can't help but to raise a skeptic eyebrow.

“Are you really getting shy now?” he asks, and Jeongguk looks away shyly as Taehyung
snorts. “Okay, okay, I'll turn around,” says he then, lifting his hands in surrender as he spins
over himself.

“Thanks,” Jeongguk says, his voice small. Cute, Taehyung thinks. The younger then clears his
throat and adds, “it's just because I don't want you to fall in love.”

Taehyung laughs, slightly throwing his head back as he does so. “Again with this? We've
already established you're not that hot,” he says over the soft sound of clothes sliding over
skin.

(He doesn't wish he could brush Jeongguk’s skin with his own fingertips, of course he
doesn't.)

“I’m not going to quote you praising my body because I'm soft today,” he says, and Taehyung
smiles widely now that Jeongguk can't see him.

“You're always soft,” he replies. “You're softer than a marshmallow.”

“I'm not,” says Jeongguk, flicking Taehyung's nape. The elder turns around to frown at
Jeongguk, rubbing the place where he hit him. Taehyung's t-shirt is tighter on Jeongguk’s
broader shoulders and chest, but it still falls loose over his frame. It looks good on him,
Taehyung decides. “I'm harder than Jimin’s boner when he saw Doctor Min.”

Taehyung laughs then, hiccupping a little, and Jeongguk looks at him with a small smile and a
soft expression.

“Let's go back,” says Taehyung, hesitantly holding Jeongguk’s wrist on his fingers. When
Jeongguk doesn't show any sign of discomfort he tugs slightly, starting to walk towards the
living room.

They go back to their previous positions on the couch, but now their legs tangle in between
them, a blanket thrown carelessly over them. Taehyung skips from channel to channel until he
finds a movie that Jeongguk says he likes, but none of them pay attention to it anyway, talking
in a low voice about nothing and everything.

Talking to Jeongguk is nice, Taehyung decides. Actually talking to him, without fighting or
the promise of sex afterwards. He mentally smacks himself for judging Jeongguk so harshly
after that disastrous first meeting—he still deserved it, though; he had been a total asshole, but
so had been Taehyung—because Jeongguk is nice and sweet, a little bit awkward sometimes,
but he has a nice laugh and the way he smiles makes Taehyung want to smile too, but that's
too cheesy to be said out loud.

He feels himself slowly drift away, Jeongguk’s legs warm between his and his voice low and
sweet on his ears. When he wakes up again it's almost four am, and Jeongguk is snoring softly
in the couch right across from him. His mouth hangs open, and for a moment Taehyung is
tempted to snap a picture and send it to Jimin, but he decides to be a nice hyung and
approaches Jeongguk, shaking his arms softly.
“Jeongguk?” Jeongguk frowns slightly, but he still doesn't wake up. Stupid deep-sleepers and
their stupid profound sleep, damn. “Hey, wake up, c’mon,” he says, shaking him harder this
time.

Jeongguk blinks then, his eyes heavy and swollen, looking at Taehyung as he mumbles,
“What time is it?”

“It’s past half past three now,” he replies, and Jeongguk groans, his voice rough from sleep.

“Crap, I need to go home now,” he says, rubbing at his eyes.

“There's no way I'm letting you go at four in the morning, Guk,” he says, not missing the way
Jeongguk bites his lip at the nickname. “C’mon, you let me sleep on your bed back in New
York, I'm just returning the favor.”

“I kicked you out of my apartment the first night you went there, too,” he says, looking away,
and Taehyung snorts.

“That was a dick move, but we didn't really like each other back then, so don't worry about
it.”

“Do we like each other now?” Jeongguk asks then, his eyes flicking back to Taehyung's.

“I'd say we do, yeah,” he replies, and Jeongguk nods, smiling a little. “Let's go to bed now,
yeah?”

“‘Kay,” mumbles Jeongguk, sitting up. “Bed sounds good.”

Taehyung giggles a little, guiding a sleepy Jeongguk to his bedroom again, where he trips with
his own shoes that he left on the carpet, making Taehyung laugh.

“Thanks for letting me stay,” says Jeongguk when they're both tucked under the covers, a
prudent distance in between them.

“No problem at all,” he says, before adding, “Sleep tight, Guk.”

He likes the way the name rolls out of his tongue, but he likes better the way Jeongguk reacts
at it. Even if he doesn't see him right now in the darkness of the room, he still hears the way
his breath stops for a minute, and somehow that's more than enough.

“Goodnight, Tae,” he replies then.

Jeongguk’s steady breathing lulls him to sleep, and for a brief moment right before blacking
out, drunk in the drowsiness of sleep when his rational filter is off, he thinks he could really
get used to it.

***

Taehyung wakes up next morning to the feeling of legs tangled in his and fingers brushing
against his own.

His eyes flutter open, blinking a little to get used to the brightness on the room, to see
Jeongguk way much closer than he was when they both went to sleep last night. They're not
cuddling, per se, but they’ve moved closer on their sleep and one of Taehyung's legs is caught
between Jeongguk’s thighs, their hands resting next to each other on the pillow.

Taehyung peaks at Jeongguk through his eyelashes. He's lying on his side, his cheek on the
pillow, as heavy puffs of breath leave his parted lips. He looks so young now, messy hair
falling over his eyes and his lips pulled out on a slight pout, and Taehyung finds himself
smiling at what a cute baby Jeongguk actually is: he tries to act like the opposite, but that's
what Jeongguk really is. A cute baby bunny.

He wants to touch, pinch Jeongguk’s cheeks with his fingers and brush his hair out of his
forehead, but he seems so peaceful Taehyung thinks it'd be a shame to startle him.

He doesn't know how long he stays looking at Jeongguk, but then he hears, “You know, I can
feel you staring at me so hard I think you're burning holes in my skull.”

“Sorry,” laughs lowly Taehyung. “You're a cute sleeper,” he adds, propping his elbow on the
pillow so he can rest his cheek on his palm.

“I'm a cute everything,” says Jeongguk, stirring in the bed and freeing Taehyung's leg, that is
starting to feel numb—not that Taehyung cares, anyway. “You have a sexy morning voice.”

“Oh, really?” asks Taehyung, poking Jeongguk on the ribs, making him gasp and giggle a
little. “I would offer you breakfast, but I don't really know how to cook,” he says, and
Jeongguk shakes his head.

“No, it's okay, I'm going to leave now anyway, I abused of your hospitality enough for today,”
he says, and Taehyung laughs.

“I told you it's no problem,” he says. “I'll give you new clean clothes so you don't have to do a
pseudo walk of shame on a tuxedo, and you can get dressed and use the bathroom while I put
the ones you wore today in a bag for you to take home.”

“You're an angel,” mutters Jeongguk, covering his eyes with his forearm, and Taehyung tries
his best not to smile sheepily.

“I am, indeed,” he says, hopping off bed and walking to his wardrobe again. “You owe me
one now, I'll let you know when I want that favor back.”

Jeongguk’s eyes are still closed, but a grin appears on his lips. “‘Kay, you know where to find
me.”

Taehyung gives him one more small smile before he takes Jeongguk’s clothes, carefully
folded on the armchair in one corner of Taehyung's room. He puts them on a bag before
sitting on top of his counter, waiting for Jeongguk to come.

When Jeongguk shows up, Taehyung concludes he likes the way his clothes fit on Jeongguk.
He wears the sweatpants rolled up, since they are a bit too long on his legs, and the sweatshirt
is tighter around Jeongguk’s arms than he thought it'd be, but he still looks nice. Taehyung
can see the other had tried to fix his hair quiet unsuccessfully, so he gestures at him to
approach.

Jeongguk fits himself in the middle of Taehyung's parted thighs, his hands finding the edge of
the counter at each side of Taehyung as Taehyung's roam through his hair.
“It's the second time you fix my hair for me,” he comments, and Taehyung let's out a breathy
chuckle.

“Yeah, but the first time I did it out of guilt,” he replies, his mind flying back to the blowjob
Jeongguk had given him on that bathroom stall.

Jeongguk hums, not questioning Taehyung's motives for this time around. Taehyung is
grateful, because he isn't quite sure about why he's doing it now, fixing Jeongguk’s hair.

“You're presentable now,” he says, pushing softly Jeongguk’s chest and making him step
away.

“Thanks,” repeats Jeongguk again, Taehyung giving him a tight-lipped smile in response. “I
should get going.”

Taehyung jumps off from the counter, getting on his feet again. They walk in silence to the
front door, but it's not uncomfortable or awkward. When they get there, Jeongguk turns to
look at Taehyung, licking his lips.

“This was nice,” he stars, and Taehyung interrupts.

“If you thank me one more time I'm not talking to you ever again,” Taehyung jokes, and
Jeongguk smiles slightly, looking at his feet.

“Okay, okay, sorry,” he says, reaching for Taehyung's wrist and giving it a light squeeze. “See
you soon, Taehyung.”

“Bye, Guk,” he says as Jeongguk opens the door, giving him one last look before leaving
Taehyung alone in his apartment again.

It's not until a few hours later, after he's had lunch and is lazing around some more, that Jimin
calls him.

“Explain,” he demands as soon as he picks up.

“Explain what?” he asks, and Jimin lets out an exasperated noise.

“Explain why nearly every single news portal in South Korea is saying you and Jeongguk are
dating,” Jimin says. “There are pictures of him leaving your apartment this morning. Wearing
clothes I know are yours,” Jimin causes, making Taehyung groan.

“It's not what it looks like,” he says, and Jimin snorts.

“I recall you telling me that when people say that it's always what it looks like,” he says.

“Well, I was wrong, wasn't I?” he asks, and Jimin hums. “He came over to check on me and
we both fell asleep on my sofa until four in the morning, I couldn't just let him leave at
freaking four am.”

“So you let him sleep on your couch?”

“No.”

“Wait, do you have a guest room?”

“No?”
“Then you slept at your own couch? You need to get rest, Taehyung!”

“No!”

“Then—” Jimin says, before he gasps and asks, “You shared a bed?”

“Yes.”

“And you didn't sleep together?”

“What— no!”

“Can you please stop answering with monosyllables?”

“Sorry, sorry,” Taehyung says, and Jimin says something like thank God. “I’m telling you, he
just came there and then we shared a bed. That’s all, I’m promise.”

“Not even a platonic bro handjob?” Jimin asks, and Taehyung huffs.

“If I were into platonic bro handjob you would have been on the receiving end many times,
don’t you think?” he says, and Jimin makes a gagging nose.

“Dude, there’s no such a thing as platonic soulmate handjob,” he replies, making Taehyung
laugh. “So, nothing happened? Wasn’t it awkward?”

“Things were a bit weird when he first showed up, but it didn’t last long. And by the time we
went to bed I think we both were too tired to feel shy about it,” he shrugs, even if Jimin can’t
really see him.

“This is so cute,” Jimin whines. “I bet you’ll end up getting married and adopting a lot of dogs
and babies.”

“I’m not even twenty-five,” protests Taehyung, but Jimin ignores him.

“I’m totally being the best-man in the wedding, since I’m both yours and Jeongguk’s best
friend,” he reasons.

“Same sex marriage isn’t even legal in this country,” deadpans Taehyung, and Jimin sighs.

“You’re killing my vibe,” he complains. “I should get going now, anyways.”

“Bye, Jiminnie. Love you.”

“Love you too, Tae. I'll call you tomorrow,” he says, hanging up.

Taehyung bites the inside of his cheeks, thinking. He's been linked to at least a dozen people
during the years he's been in the spotlight, and both Namjoon and he had decided that the best
would be simply not say anything about it—well, except when the rumors were about Jimin
and him, back then they both decided to deny it when it became too much—, but he doesn't
really know how Jeongguk feels about this, about being publicly linked to him in such an
intimate way. He remembers the pictures from that night at the club, before they went to
Jeongguk’s apartment. They never talked about them and he never really knew Jeongguk’s
thoughts on them, although Taehyung doesn't think he particularly mind since Jeongguk’s
face can't be seen.

He thinks about it, and there's a part of him that wants to pick up the phone and ring
Jeongguk, but instead he just groans and keeps on with his trash tv marathon.

***

Taehyung never thought he'd have go get used to the sight of Jeongguk standing on his
doorstep, but it's been happening more and more frequently in the past few weeks, to the point
that when he opens the door—not looking through the peep-hole, as usual—and finds
Jeongguk standing there he really isn't surprised anymore.

He is quite pleased, actually. It seems like Jeongguk always comes back to see him, and he'd
be lying if he said that doesn't feel nice—it makes him happy, even.

It's not like they suddenly agree on everything. The other day, when Jeongguk showed up to
have breakfast before shooting on Taehyung's area, they had an important disagreement about
what should go first, cereal or milk. It ended up with Jeongguk shoving spoonfuls of cereal on
Taehyung mouth since he refused to willingly eat cereal that was put in the bowl before milk,
but it was still a disagreement. Sort of.

So now Jeongguk is waiting before his apartment again, wearing a beanie—although it's mid-
September and it's still hot—and a black mask.

"Hey," says Taehyung, taking a step back so Jeongguk can come in. The younger brings a
hand to his ear, taking off his mask. "Miss me already?"

"Madly," replies Jeongguk, stepping inside with a smile on his lips.

Taehyung closes the door behind him, following Jeongguk who is already walking in the
direction of the living room. It feels a bit weird that he feels already comfortable enough to
walk freely around Taehyung's apartment, knowing almost where everything is, especially
considering how they felt about each other when they first met. But it feels oddly good, too, to
see Jeongguk walking in Taehyung's apartment, to see him being familiar enough with
Taehyung himself and act like that at his home.

"So what lame excuse you came up with today to see me?" he teases, although both of them
know there is some truth behind his words.

"It's not lame and it's not an excuse," he says, flopping down on the couch. "I've been thinking
about it ever since I last slept here, actually."

"Then that is a lot of thinking," says Taehyung, sitting down on the couch too.

"Yeah, it is," agrees Jeongguk. He drags his tongue over his teeth, and Taehyung adds that to
the mental list of things he keeps of Jeongguk's habits when he's nervous. He's been seeing a
lot of nervous Jeongguk lately, and he must admit it's totally endearing. "I've been wondering
since, you know, everybody already thinks we're dating, I could take you on an actual date?"

Taehyung narrows his arms at Jeongguk, the corners of his mouth lifting up in a small smile.
Jeongguk fidgets anxiously under his gaze, playing with his mask, still on his hands, and for a
moment Taehyung remembers him doing the same with his bowtie the first night he showed
up.
"Are you asking me out on a date, Jeon?" he asks, half on disbelief and half teasingly.

"Maybe?" Jeongguk answers, making Taehyung raise an eyebrow. "I mean, yeah. I am. If you
want."

Taehyung bites down on his lip, and now it's Jeongguk's turn to look at him expectantly. It's
been years since Taehyung went out in a date, nearly five now. He vaguely remembers what
dating was like, stealing shy glances across the table and the awkward silences in between
them. It's not that he hasn't missed them—dates are nice, sometimes they go bad and are
uncomfortable, but it really feels nice to go out on a date—, but he didn't really have the time
lately, and he didn't have anyone he wanted to go on a date with.

It's not that he wants to go on a date with Jeongguk, obviously. He just doesn't mind, or at
least that's what he tells himself when he finds himself nodding unconsciously.

"Okay, but you better make it worth my time," he says. He sees Jeongguk's shoulders relax,
and the thought of Jeongguk being tense about his answers is strangely adorable. "When?"

"How about now?"

"Now? I need to think about my date clothes, you know I'm a fashion icon," Taehyung
protests, and Jeongguk smacks his thigh lightly.

"Just wear whatever, I'm not taking you anywhere fancy," says Jeongguk.

Taehyung hums, running a hand through his now light-brown hair—the green bangs were a
good ride, but like all good things they had to come to an end.

Taehyung gets changed into a pair of black ripped jeans and and also black sweater, picking
up a white mask on his way out of his bedroom. His hair is a bit puffy, and while he's
unsuccesfully trying to fix it in the elevator.

"Just stop," says Jeongguk, grabbing one of Taehyung's wrists and locking their eyes on the
mirror. "It's alright, you look good," he assures.

"There are paparazzi at the exit of my building," he protests. "You said it yourself, there
always is someone."

A crowd of people seems to permanently be right waiting in front of his apartment block these
days, with his sudden hiatus. The only reason he has left his home for on the past few weeks
are his weekly visits to the hospital, but they have managed to sneak out unseen, so this is will
be the first he'll be seen outside in a long time, and he looks like a mess.

Jeongguk sighs, taking off his beanie and offering it to Taehyung. "Here, take this," he says.

"Are you sure?" he asks, worrying his brows in a frown, bur Jeongguk nods.

"Yeah, take it," he assures. "I don't need it, c'mon."

Taehyung takes the gray beanie from Jeongguk's hand, tucking it on his head and brushing his
bangs before turning around to look at Jeongguk with a tight-lipped smile.

"Thanks," he says, and Jeongguk waves his hand as to rest it importance. "You're so nice,
Jeonggukie, taking me out on dates and helping me hide my bad hair days," he says, watching
Jeongguk smile widely as the elevator stops, its doors opening.
"Let's go, we have a lot of places to go to today," urges Jeongguk, stepping out of the elevator.
"I'm showing you my favorite places in Seoul," he announces then.

"That's sweet," replies Taehyung, following him as they cross the hall. They share a look,
watching the group of people outside, nearly all of them taking cameras with them. "Is your
car near?" asks Taehyung, hoping that the answer is yes.

"Just across the street," Jeongguk replies, and Taehyung nods, letting Jeongguk step in front of
him so he can guide them to the vehicle.

Now, Taehyung is used to the shutter and flash of cameras. He works with them, but usually is
just one camera, just one noise and one flash. It's been a long time since he just had this many
cameras pointing at him, snapping picture after picture as paparazzis yell him questions that he
doesn't really understand. He follows Jeongguk closely, keeping his head low as he ignores
the questions thrown at both of them. The group moves as they do, practically following them
into the car, and for a brief moment Taehyung regrets not letting Jeongguk take his car and
leave unbothered through the parking lot, since it would have been way easier.

They're both silent as they enter the car, Jeongguk starting the engine and driving them off the
street, leaving the flashing lights behind, until Taehyung takes off his mask and sighs, "I hate
this."

"Looks stressing," points out Jeongguk, and Taehyung shrugs.

"It's not like it happens every day, but I hate when it does," he admits, before adding, "I'm
sorry you had to go through it because of me."

"I knew what I was getting myself into," shrugs the other. "Besides, it's not like I wasn't
getting pictures when I came here before. Not nearly as much as today, but still a few," he
says, and Taehyung watches him smile from the corner of his eye.

"Still," he says. "Where are you taking me, though?"

"I told you, my favorite places in Seoul," he repeats. "Don't worry about the paparazzi, I got
that covered since I already figured they'd get a hold on you as soon as so stepped out of your
apartment, so just relax and enjoy yourself, alright?"

"I'll try to," he says, and Jeongguk squeezes his knee. "You're a sap."

Jeongguk hums in acknowledgement, but doesn't say anything in response. That's okay with
Jeongguk, since over the past few weeks Jeongguk and he had managed to be comfortable
around each other even when they're not talking. He likes watching Jeongguk driving, his
brows slightly frown and his lips silently moving, mouthing to the lyrics of whatever song is
playing.

They arrive to the first destination soon after, Jeongguk parking next to a small, white
building.

"This is the first gallery that ever displayed any of my pictures," he explains, both of them
walking towards the entrance. "I was still a student and it was no fashion related, so don't
expect anything more than landscapes and a few portraits, but I still like to come here every so
often," he says. "It brings good memories."

"I never took you for the sentimental type," laughs Taehyung. "I don't know anything about
photography, though, it's going to be embarrassing as hell."
"So what? You don't have to know a lot about photography to enjoy a beautiful picture, just
like you don't have to know a lot about art to appreciate the beauty of a painting," Jeongguk
replies, opening the door. "There's nobody here today, by the way."

"You rented a whole gallery?" asks Taehyung, clinging to Jeongguk's arm. "No way, you
didn't even know if I'd say yes."

"The owner owes me a favor," replies Jeongguk, smiling fondly at Taehyung as they both step
inside. "And of course I knew you'd say yes, duh."

"Really? Didn't look like it while you were almost trembling while you asked me, but
whatever you say," laughs Taehyung.

Walking through the gallery with Jeongguk, Taehyung decides, is nice. Whenever he asks
him for what he thinks the meaning of a certain photograph is,Jeongguk starts ranting in what
Taehyung thinks it's a very cute way, altercating his personal thoughts with facts about angles
and lighting that Taehyung doesn't really understand. It's nice to hear Jeongguk listen to talk
about what he's really passionatio about, creating a whole story from just a picture in mere
seconds, and Taehyung wonders if that's what he does with his own pictures too, and if he
does, Taehyung would like to know what's the meaning behind the ones he snapped of him.

Taehyung can't help but to stare at Jeongguk while he talks, his eyes lighting up and his
mouth spread in a wide smile, and Taehyung's stomach twitches in a way that he has never felt
before, making him wonder if this is what you feel when you fall for someone. He can't help
but to smile when Jeongguk looks on his direction, tearing his eyes away from whatever
picture he's looking at at the moment. He feels the urge to kiss Jeongguk every single time,
but instead he just takes wraps his fingers around his wrist and drags him to the next picture,
starting all over again.

Taehyung realizes then that Jeongguk is one of those few lucky people who are able to
dedicate themselves to what they like the most, those people who are passionate about their
job, and Taehyung feels bad for behaving the way he did the first time they met, even if
Jeongguk was an asshole back then.

They spend nearly two hours in the gallery, Jeongguk thanking the owner right before they
leave. They make their way to the car again, this time chatting quietly, as a few people stare at
them, probably recognizing Taehyung.

When they get in the car, he needs to hold back the urge of lacing his fingers with Jeongguk's
over the console, because he knows how soft his fingers feel on his skin.

"We're going to a coffee shop now," he says, and Taehyung hums questioningly. "I first
started going there when I was a freshman in college, but I haven't gone there in a while."

"Now that you're famous and successful you're forgetting about your roots," Taehyung teases,
earning himself a smack on the arm by Jeongguk.

"I'm not famous," Jeongguk protests. "A few people from the industry know my name, ask
someone random in the street who Jeon Jeongguk is and I don't think anyone will be able to
answer."

"Yes, they will," Taehyung replies. "They'll say he's Kim Taehyung's new boyfriend."

Jeongguk laughs then, his eyes turning into crescents and his lips baring his teeth for
Taehyung to see. "Yeah, that's all I'll ever be known for by most of the population, and it's not
even true," he replies, a small smile on his lips.

They get to the coffee shop soon, Jeongguk parking his car right before the entrance. It's not
one that Taehyung has ever been to, but again, despite the fact that he's been living here for
the past eight years, Taehyung doesn't know Seoul really well.

They've both made their orders, sitting now in a quiet corner after Jeongguk warmly greeted
the bartender, when Taehyung admits, "It's been the first time in years I'm out in Seoul like
this."

"What do you mean like this?" asks Jeongguk, ogling at him curiously.

"Like this, going out to visit somewhere, to grab a coffee," he shrugs. "Lately, all I'm out for is
work-related."

"That's bad," says Jeongguk. "You work too much, I see your face in every single fashion
magazine in South Korea every single month. Several times. And I'm sure you do some
international spreads too, even if it's just for East Asia.”

"I don't work that much,” he says. “I bet you work just the same, but you’re all just worried
about me because of the anemia.”

“Are you still taking the pills?” Jeongguk asks, and Taehyung nods.

“Yeah, I take three a day: morning, lunch, breakfast.”

Jeongguk frowns slightly. “You have them with you right now?” he asks, clacking his tongue
when Taehyung shakes his head. “Crap, I wanted to take you to dinner,” he says.

Their orders arrive just then, both thanking the waitress.

“I wouldn't have been able to go, anyway,” shrugs Taehyung, taking a sip of his coffee. He
knows coffee isn't the best, both for his health and his teeth, but it's his guilty pleasure.
Jeongguk looks at him puzzled. “I'm on a strict, iron-rich diet, and I'm not allowed to skip
under any circumstance.”

“Oh,” Jeongguk says, looking down at his own cup. “That's a pity, but I wouldn't dream of
doing anything that could risk your health.”

“Inviting me to dinner is not something that threatens my health, Jeongguk,” he says, reaching
over the table to give Jeongguk’s hand a quick squeeze. “You worry too much, seriously.”

Jeongguk still doesn't meet his gaze, but his fingers curl around Taehyung's, holding them on
place when he lazily threatens to retreat his hand. He feels a warm feeling spreading on his
stomach, and although he is sure that holding Jeongguk’s hand has something to do with that,
he also suspects that the main reason is that Jeongguk really does care about him, or at least
that's the feeling Taehyung gets.

“I don't,” Jeongguk disagrees, and Taehyung sighs. “I worry just enough.”

“Whatever,” Taehyung sighs, drinking from his cup again. “You can come to my apartment
and have dinner there, if you want,” he suggests.

“Really?” asks Jeongguk, his gaze lifting from the table to Taehyung's eyes.
“Yeah, obviously,” replies Taehyung as he grins at him. “I'm having a nice time today, I'd like
to have dinner with you,” he carries on, before adding, “besides, it's because of me that we're
cancelling those dinner plans. Did you have reservations?”

“Oh, no, don't worry,” Jeongguk says, waving his hand. “It wasn't a fancy place, or anything
like that. It's not that big of a deal.”

“I'll make you take me to dinner there when I'm good again,” Taehyung promises, which
makes Jeongguk smile at him across the table. “You're not getting rid of me that soon.”

Taehyung finds himself cherishing every single moment spent with Jeongguk. They finish
their drinks and leave again, this time Jeongguk showing him around the old neighborhood he
used to live in when he was a college student. They don't get out of the car, but Jeongguk still
manages to show him the park where he and his roommate used to hang out at, the building he
lived in and the bus stop he used to go every morning to.

It's hard not to notice how everything Jeongguk is showing Taehyung is somehow related to
college and his time as a student, and Taehyung wonders if those were the happiest years of
Jeongguk’s life, if he's unhappier now. He wants to ask, but he feels violent and intrusive, so
instead he keeps listening to Jeongguk talk about his roommate Yugyeom.

When they get to Taehyung's place again it's almost dinner time, and he's pleased to find out
that the big crowd in front of his building has dissipated. There are still a few people, who
take pictures of them as they step back inside, but it doesn't feel as overwhelming now as it
felt before.

“I can't cook so Seokjin makes food for me and drops it here when he comes to Namjoon’s,”
explains Taehyung when they're both making their way to the kitchen. “There’s more than
enough for both of us, but you can order some takeout if you want to.”

“It's alright, I can eat whatever you eat,” Jeongguk assures, and Taehyung clicks his tongue.

“Okay, then take this to the table,” says Taehyung, giving him plates, glasses and two sets of
chopsticks. He then puts the content of the tupperware Seokjin labelled as Saturday — dinner
on a plate, bringing it to the microwave.

Taehyung goes to the bathroom, where he keeps his iron pills, picking up one and making his
way back to the kitchen, only to find Jeongguk taking the food out of the microwave, carrying
it to the table, his heart skipping a bit at the sight. He is starting to get used to see Jeongguk
around at his place, but his heart isn't. There's something incredibly domestic about Jeongguk
helping him set the table to have dinner together, or about him brushing his teeth many of the
days he randomly showed up to have lunch with Taehyung—and if Taehyung asked Jimin to
buy an extra toothbrush for him after the first night Jeongguk was over, nobody needs to
know.

They eat chatting animatedly, and Taehyung can't help but wonder why when they first met
things went so wrong between them. Especially because Jeongguk now is sweet and caring,
and he seems to click so well with Taehyung, that the thought of ever hating him seems stupid
to Taehyung’s mind. And although he knows that part of the fault is his, that he should have
been humbler, he still wants to know why Jeongguk treated him the way he did back then.

“Tae?” asks Jeongguk, and then Taehyung realizes he has been zoning out. “Are you alright?”

Taehyung lifts up his gaze from his plate, looking at Jeongguk. “Yeah, I was just thinking.”
Jeongguk nods quietly, and although he doesn't really say anything Taehyung can see the
hesitance on his expression, almost as if he wanted to ask but felt that he'd be invading
Taehyung's personal space. “Why would you snap at me like that the first time we met?” he
asks, and although he hadn't intended to his voice sounds softer and lower than before.

“I knew you’d ask, eventually,” says Jeongguk, his gaze dropping to the now empty plate
before him. “I was hoping you would, too, so I can apologize. I was too much of a coward to
bring it up,” he says, rubbing the back of his head.

“It's alright, it's not like I still care about that, but— I guess I want to know?”

Jeongguk sighs. “It's just— you're Korea’s most successful model, and I wanted to give a
good impression? Not by yelling at you, obviously, but I wanted a perfect shooting. I wanted it
to go well, and smoothly, and I was probably too rough on the rest of the stuff, but I was
hoping you'd like to work with me again,” he says, scratching his elbow. “But then you
started fooling around, and I just snapped. I wanted everything to go perfect for you, but then
you started making it difficult for me as well, I know I behaved like an ass and I'm sorry
about that.”

“It's alright, Jeongguk,” says Taehyung, still not believing perfectly composed Jeon Jeongguk
was nervous about him. “I gave you the I've-been-doing-this-for-longer-than-you attitude, and
I know how that feels. I fucking hated it when I was a newbie and older models gave it to me,
it made me feel like no matter how hard I tried I could never be like them, just because they
had been doing it for longer than me.”

“To be frank, after that I thought you were too much of a diva,” Jeongguk says, and Taehyung
laughs. “But then we went to the fashion weeks and spent the whole month together, and I
guess I realized you're actually pretty down to earth, and I guess I liked that.”

Taehyung bites down on his lip, looking up at Jeongguk. He's looking at him, his dark eyes
full of something that feels a lot like fond and makes Taehyung want to melt on the spot.

The thing about Jeongguk, Taehyung has come to realize, is that he says everything he doesn't
dare say out loud with his eyes. It's a lot, but not because he's a coward like he called himself
earlier, but maybe because it's too soon yet. It's too soon, and maybe the words would feel too
risky on Jeongguk’s tongue and too heavy on Taehyung's ears, but things are okay as long as
Taehyung can read them on Jeongguk’s eyes.

It's not love, at least not yet, but maybe Taehyung is hoping that it’ll eventually be.

“I feel bad for spending so many months trying to convince myself I hated you, God,” he
says, covering his face with his palms as Jeongguk chuckles.

“It’s alright as long as you like me now,” calls Jeongguk’s voice.

“I wouldn't be on a date with you if I didn't, would I?”

Jeongguk hums, but he doesn't say anything else. When Taehyung removes his palms from his
eyes he finds Jeongguk grinning at him, and he swears his heart does a backflip.

“I wanted to ask you something,” Jeongguk says when they're both done loading the
dishwasher, Taehyung leaning against the counter and Jeongguk standing across of him.

“What is it?” Taehyung asks, tilting his head to curiously look at him.
Jeongguk licks his lips before saying, “I need to travel to Brazil to do a photoshoot for a
magazine there in November, and I get to choose the model I want to work with,” Jeongguk
starts. “So, I guess this is me asking you to come with me?”

Taehyung blinks at Jeongguk. “God, you’re so awkward,” he laughs, and Jeongguk smiles a
little. “Did Jimin say no?”

“I didn't ask Jimin,” replies Jeongguk, frowning. “You're my first choice.”

“Why me?” asks Taehyung. “Jimin is your best friend, you should have asked him.”

“Why not?” asks Jeongguk in reply, holding Taehyung’s gaze. “Jimin might be my best
friend, but I want you to be more than that, more than a friend. This is why we’re both here
today, right?”

Jeongguk’s eyes feel hot and heavy on Taehyung’s frame, and their proximity is suddenly
going to drive Taehyung mad. He can see Jeongguk’s apparent confidence, small traits of
anxiousness as he waits for Taehyung’s answer: the way he constantly clenches and
unclenches his fists, the way he swallows every so often, or the way he subtly bites on the
inside of his bottom lip.

Taehyung knows what his answer is going to be, because even if he teases Jeongguk for being
cheesy and sappy he’s even worse, he just doesn’t show it, but he takes his time to see the
tension on Jeongguk’s frame grow.

“I’ll go with you,” he says softly when he feels like Jeongguk is about to take a step back. He
reaches for his wrist, his thumb gently stroking the inside. “I’m glad you asked,” he says,
giving him a sincere smile.

Relief is clear on Jeongguk’s face as he nods, licking his lips and sighing a little. “I’m glad
you said yes,” he says, before adding. “I need to go home now.”

“I’ll walk you to the door,” Taehyung offer, letting go of Jeongguk’s wrist.

The walk to the door seems longer than all the time they spent together today, the air between
them filled with tension and the unspoken questions and promises none of them dare to ask
and make. Taehyung feels like there are a thousand things he wants to tell Jeongguk, but all of
them seem to get stuck on his throat as they reach the door, Jeongguk turning around to say
goodbye and go away, leaving Taehyung again.

Now, Taehyung has always been a firm believer that an action is word a thousand words, so
when he can’t get the words to leave his mouth he decides he can always show Jeongguk all
the things he can’t say out loud.

Before he can think twice about it and stop himself, his hand curls around Jeongguk’s wrist
again, bringing him closer until their breaths hit each other’s lips and their noses are brushing.
He stays like that for a brief moment, because he doesn’t want this to be a clash of teeth, he
doesn’t want this to be a hurried kiss like every single one they’ve shared so far. This time he
wants to make it last, he wants it to be almost as sweet as Jeongguk is to him, he wants it to
feel important.

He feels a hand cup the back of his neck as he closes the gap between them, Jeongguk’s lips
soft and pliant under his. He feels like it’s been way too long since they last did this, since he
last felt Jeongguk’s mouth on his, but in some way it feels like it’s the first time they do this,
too. He has never had Jeongguk’s lips moving against his like this, so gently and at the same
time so promisingly.

Jeongguk exhales through his nose, his hand finding its way to Taehyung’s waist and he
nibbles on the younger’s bottom lip, his tongue entering Jeongguk’s mouth when he gasps.

“Taehyung,” he pants, pulling him closer by his waist. Taehyung arms curl around Jeongguk’s
neck, their chests flush together as Jeongguk locks their lips again.

He can feel a fire starting in his stomach, so he pulls away before taking things too far,
pecking Jeongguk on the lips once, twice, thrice as he laughs against his mouth.

“Sorry, I don't put out on the first date,” he says, putting a few inches in between them and
loosening his grip around his neck.

“It’s okay, I need to go now, anyway,” Jeongguk says, and Taehyung hums, leaning down to
press his lips against Jeongguk’s. He isn't taller than Jeongguk by much, maybe a centimeter
or two, but he loves every single one.

“I want to see you again soon,” blurts out Taehyung before he can stop himself.

“I've been coming to your house nearly every single day for the past few weeks,” admits
Jeongguk, his voice embarrassed but a wide smile on his face, “so don't worry, I'll be back
before you even have the time to miss me.”

“Good,” Taehyung says, untangling himself from Jeongguk’s body so the younger can make
his way to the exit.

“See you soon, Tae,” he says softly, opening the door.

“Bye, Guk,” he says as Jeongguk leaves.

For the first time since Jeongguk started coming to his house every so often, Taehyung doesn't
feel the ugly feeling of longing burning on his chest when he sees Jeongguk leave.

Jimin’s birthday party takes place on October 15th, exactly two days after his actual birthday
and three weeks before Taehyung and Jeongguk leave to Brazil. On October 15th, Taehyung
takes a decision that he knows is not, well, smart.

Jeongguk is a about to come pick him up to go over to the place where Jimin is throwing his
party, and he's at the bathroom staring at his reflection, the iron pill he was supposed to take
almost three hours ago when he had dinner on his hand.

The thing is, he isn't sure if he can both take the iron supplements and drink alcohol. He
doesn't know if taking the pills will interfere in any way with the alcohol, but he knows he
wants to get hammered. Biting his lip, he decides to put the pill back in the jar, because
skipping them oncewon't be that big of a deal.

Jeongguk comes pick him up right after that, driving them both to Jimin’s party—and,
honestly, Taehyung is pretty upset at Seokjin for not giving him back his car keys yet, and is
starting to think that hr actually wants to steal his car, but he's okay with it if that gives him an
excuse for both Jeongguk to come pick him up and drinking a lot without worrying about
driving back later. He gets to hold Jeongguk’s hand over the console now, and he's pretty sure
 Jeongguk will take him to his bed if he's too wasted to go on his own, so in days like today it's
just a win-win situation.

The party is already wild when they get there, but it's not like Taehyung was expecting
differently. Out of all the people Taehyung knows, the only one who can compete with Jimin
when it comes to party-throwing skills is Hoseok, so he really isn't surprised.

“Is that Doctor Min?” asks Jeongguk, pointing to the direction where Jimin is, fluttering
around the blonde man.

“Oh, yeah,” shrugs Taehyung. “He said he'd tell me embarrassing stories about you if I
managed to invite him to come, so now he's here and I know a lot of stuff about you that you
would never tell me.”

“Stuff like that?”

“Stuff involving you, your boyfriend, ice cream, no clothes and your mother, for example,”
replies Taehyung, smirking.

“I can't believe this,” groans Jeongguk. “I'm going to kill him.”

Taehyung laughs, grabbing softly Jeongguk’s elbow and dragging him in the direction of the
bar, hoping to get something to drink.

Jeongguk frowns at Taehyung when sees him take a drink, asking, “Can you really drink that
if you're taking your supplements?”

Taehyung has never liked the idea of lying, not at all, and he likes way less the idea of lying
to Jeongguk , who is soft and caring, who looks at Taehyung like there is a whole universe
inside of him when he thinks Taehyung doesn't notice.

He doesn't want to lie to Jeongguk, because he'd like to keep whatever this thing full of
afternoons at Taehyung's place and kisses that never go lower than each other’s necks is, but
today is Jimin’s birthday party and he just wants to drink something. It's been too long since
he last went out to have fun like this, and he knows that if he tells Jeongguk the truth, he won't
only not let him drink, but will also drag him to his home so he takes the goddamned
supplements.

So he lifts up his gaze from his drink and looks straight into Jeongguk’s eyes while saying,
“Yeah, Jeonggukie, it's okay. Don't worry about it.”

After all, skipping his pills one day and telling one little white lie won't hurt anybody.

Chapter End Notes

this is so cheesy i hate myself

(twitter/tumblr)
 no one does it better
Chapter Notes

why am i updating so early smh i'm indulging myself + y'all but hell yeah enjoy

See the end of the chapter for more notes

It takes twenty-one days to build up a routine. Twenty-one days repeating the same action over and
over until it becomes a habit, something that you naturally do, not even thinking twice about it.
Taehyung had been taking his supplements for forty-nine days when he skipped them for the first
time, to attend Jimin’s birthday party. A later encounter with Yoongi that party made him discover
that there was actually no problem taking his pills and alcohol at the same time, since they don’t
really interfere with each other, so in that moment Taehyung thinks he won’t really skip them
again.

The next morning, when he wakes up in his bedroom with the blurry memory of Jeongguk taking
him home last night and of himself clinging to Jeongguk, refusing to let it go, he realizes he feels,
well, great. He isn’t hangover or anything, but most importantly, he isn’t tired or thirsty, so he
guesses that he’s fine again. After last week, Yoongi told him to stop the weekly visits and loosen
a bit on his diet, since he was improving considerably, so no one will know if he skips them every
once in awhile―they are big, hard to swallow and taste horrible, so Jeongguk fucking hates them.

Now, the flight Taehyung and Jeongguk are taking to Brazil is right three weeks after Jimin’s
birthday party, exactly twenty-one days after. Ones might say that over those twenty-one days he
destroyed the routine he had been building during the previous forty-nine, but he feels more as if
during those twenty-ones he built another routine. It’s an unhealthy one, the routine of dropping
your medication without medical confirmation, but his pills are disgusting and he isn’t feeling tired
again, like he did back in summer. If he feels the symptoms coming back he can always start taking
the supplements again, after all.

He doesn’t mean to drop the pills altogether, he just has been taking them less and less frequently
lately, but it’s not until both Jeongguk and he are sitting on the plane, Jeongguk sleeping with his
face on Taehyung’s shoulder, when he remembers he forgot to pack the supplements, the jar full of
red pills forgotten on the sink of Taehyung’s bathroom.

He bites down on his lip, considering the option of texting Jimin so his friend asks Yoongi what
the name of the medicament was―Jimin actually ended up managing to seduce Yoongi, and
Taehyung still isn’t sure if he’s surprised or if he saw that one coming all along. However, he ends
up deciding against that, because the trip is less than a week long and it’s not worth bothering both
of them for something like that, especially if he’s feeling okay.

He decides that stressing over it is way worse for his health than not taking the pills itself, so he
just rests his head over Jeongguk’s and lets the younger’s steady breathing lull him to sleep, none
of them awakening until they’ land in Rio de Janeiro.

The thing about Brazil’s weather in November is that it’s way, way hotter than Seoul’s, but they
luckily arrive in the middle of the night, so it’s not that bad. There’s a car waiting for them to drive
them to the hotel, and they both get their luggage in the truck and climb sleepily in the backseat,
nearly falling asleep on their way there.
They don’t speak Portuguese at all, and their English isn’t really good, but they still manage to talk
to the receptionist and get the keys to their rooms. Taehyung’s is on the seventh floor and
Jeongguk’s in the tenth, and they part in the elevator with a quick peck in the lips that tastes a lot
like sleepiness and tiredness.

Taehyung doesn’t even bother to unpack or shower, since he’s been flying for what feels like
forever and is so, so tired. They have to shoot in the morning tomorrow, and he’ll be lucky if he
gets five hours of sleep tonight. He just hopes his eye bags aren’t that bad as he feels like they’ll be
tomorrow.

When morning comes, the shooting goes pretty well, if Taehyung’s pretty honest. An interpreter, a
pretty girl called Hwasa with hair bright as fire, accompanies them today, allowing them to
communicate with the crew that will be helping them. They’ll be doing two locations for the
shooting, one each day, the first one being one of those dreamy beaches with crystal water and
white sand that can be found in travel catalogues. The magazine they’re doing the spread for rented
it―Taehyung doesn’t even want to think about how expensive renting a beach must be, although
he isn’t sure if single shooting will be able to make up for it―so there’s no one except for them.

He gets his make-up and hair done by a man with bright blue hair and a lot of piercings who looks
pretty chill and even nice from the weak conversation they manage to hold with broken English.
Hwasa is busy helping Jeongguk give indications to the staff, so she can’t really help him make
small talk with the make-up artist.

(He gets a little dizzy when he stands up, but he attributes it to the fact that he stood up too abruptly
and it’s too hot here. Still, he makes a mental note to take his supplements when he gets back
home.)

“You look good,” says Jeongguk when Taehyung approaches him, his fingers softly running over
the shirt Taehyung is wearing, as if he didn’t want to wrinkle it. His eyes then lift from his clothing
to his eyes, before he adds, “Cute.”

“I know I do,” he admits, spinning around so Jeongguk can see him. “My ass looks fantastic,” he
jokes, and Jeongguk rolls his eyes.

“You say that every single time,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest, but the corners of his
mouth still lift up a little; not too much, just enough so Taehyung knows there’s no bite in his
words. Maybe, just enough so Taehyung knows he agrees, too.

“But it’s true, isn’t it?” he says, turning around again and shaking his butt, making Jeongguk snort,
giving it a quick slap.

“Yeah, whatever, stop, we’re at work now, Tae,” he says, a small grin on his lips. Taehyung looks
at him, putting the most innocent expression he can manage, and Jeongguk pinches his cheek with
his fingers. “We’ll be ready in around ten minutes, ‘kay?”

Taehyung nods, smiling sheepishly at Jeongguk as he turns around. He goes to sit in the area where
he got his make-up done, under the shadow of the tarp the staff set up earlier today. He’s there,
playing games on his phone, when he sees Hwasa sit next to him.

“Hey,” she greets, giving him a kind smile. “How’s Brazil treating you so far?”

“It’s good, but I bet it’d be even better if I had slept enough to not want to bang my head against the
nearest wall,” he replies, and Hwasa gives him a sympathetic smile.
“I know the feeling, flying from Korea to Brazil is something I wouldn’t even wish to my worst
enemy,” she says, making Taehyung laugh. “Also, I’m sorry if I’m being intrusive or something,”
she says, playing with one of the rings on her fingers, “but I couldn’t help to notice you and
Jeongguk back there, so… are you two dating?”

Taehyung blinks at her, licking his lips. “I―I don’t know?” he says, and Hwasa raises an eyebrow
at him. “We haven’t really talked about it,” he admits, although he knows he really doesn’t know
Hwasa at all. He’s aware she could just sell this information as soon as she gets out of here, and
that a lot of gossip magazines would happily buy it since all of them seem to be intrigued by the
nature of Taehyung and Jeongguk’s relationship, but he guesses the question caught him off guard.

Now that he thinks of it, he really doesn’t know what Jeongguk and he are. What they do feels a lot
like dating―staying over at each other’s, spending an awful amount of time together, constant
texting when they’re apart―but they haven’t really talked about it, so Taehyung isn’t sure. He
knows he likes Jeongguk, and he’s pretty sure Jeongguk likes him too reached this point, but he
can’t help but doubt. He doesn’t really sure where they stand or what they are, and it’s frustrating
him so much.

“A lot of great relationships starts with an I don’t know,” she replies, probably feeling the
hesitance on his voice. “If it’s worth something, I’ve always wished someone would look at me the
way you look at each other.”

And the truth is, Taehyung doesn’t really need to ask how Jeongguk looks at him. He has noticed
the fondness and the adoration on Jeongguk’s eyes whenever they fall over his frame, but has never
given much thought to what he looks like when he looks at Jeongguk. By Hwasa’s words he
deduces he lets out as much as Jeongguk himself does. He has never considered himself a subtle
person, but not an especially obvious one. His mother has always said that certain things, those that
for better or for worse are the most special ones in life, are impossible to hide. He wonders if what
he has with Jeongguk is one of those things or if it’s just that they’re too bad at pretending. He also
hopes they fit in the for better category.

Hwasa is nice and warm, but she also seems like the intuitive kind, more like a journalist than an
interpreter, so he is somehow relieved when a member of the stuff calls his name, telling him that
the shooting has to start now.

They hadn’t worked together since that Vogue cover back in August, and Taehyung is again
surprised about how different Jeongguk is from what he remembers. He’s softer now, and he
doesn’t make much commands now, letting Taehyung do what he feels like doing most of the time.
He looks at the pictures on his camera with contentment and what Taehyung recognizes as pride,
and although Taehyung isn’t really sure if that feeling is directed at him or at Jeongguk’s own
pictures and skills, he feels a warm feeling spread on his stomach at the possibility of the former.

They don’t take any breaks since this, technically, is only half a shoot, so they just finish when
they’ve gone through what the stylist has prepared for today and Jeongguk claims he has enough
pictures. Taehyung changes again into his clothes, Jeongguk giving him a dirty look because he
isn’t a fashion icon like Taehyung and doesn’t get the appeal of wide-legged pants, and they both
are driven back to their hotel.

“I wish we could get out,” Taehyung sighs as they walk back to the elevator. “I mean, pool sounds
great and everything, but I was hoping we could see Rio.”

“We’ll end up getting lost,” Jeongguk repeats for what Taehyung thinks is the nth time in that hour.

“Then let’s go get lost. That’s some Tumblr, indie shit right there, Jeongguk, getting lost in a
strange city with the one you―” He cuts himself, turning his head to look at Jeongguk, who is
staring at him with a raised eyebrow. He can feel his cheeks burn at what he almost says, and he
hopes Jeongguk didn’t really get that―maybe the five hours of sleep make his brain work slowly,
just like they deactivated Taehyung’s brain-to-mouth filter.

“The one you what?” Jeongguk asks, but Taehyung can’t really tell if he’s genuinely asking
because Taehyung interrupted himself mid-sentence or because he’s teasing him.

“The one you’re traveling with, dummy,” answers Taehyung, the door to the elevator opening as he
steps inside. He then presses the buttons to both his floor and Jeongguk’s. “I guess I’ll see you in
the pool, then?”

“Yup,” confirms Jeongguk, and Taehyung sighs. “What?”

“You’re so unadventurous, if Hoseok were here we’d already be out and having lots of fun,” he
replies, watching Jeongguk cross his arms over his chest, his eyebrow twitching slightly.

“Oh, really? Such a shame you have to stick with boring, old Jeongguk, then,” Jeongguk replies,
clicking his tongue.

“Don’t be like this, Jeonggukie,” he teases bopping Jeongguk’s nose. He grimaces, stepping back
until his back hits the mirror. “Don’t be mad, you know I wouldn’t change being here with you for
anyone else,” he confesses, and even if it sounds a little bit too cheesy even to his own ears it
makes Jeongguk’s expression visibly soften.

“I’ll see you at the pool,” he says then, gesturing to the now open doors of the elevator. “Meet me
down in ten, okay?”

“’Kay,” he agrees, beaming at Jeongguk.

They spend the whole afternoon by the pool, Taehyung splashing Jeongguk every time he
threatened to stop paying attention to him. It’s not like Taehyung craves attention, but he just likes
people to spend time with him―especially if those people are hot boys who have really nice abs,
and especially if those boys are Jeon Jeongguk. So what, Taehyung likes to have Jeongguk paying
attention to him and playing along to his stupid pool games, but who could blame him, really.

Jeongguk just picks Taehyung up and throws him away when he gets too clingy, the water making
it easier for Jeongguk to lift him up―although Taehyung thinks Jeongguk would be able to do the
same even if they weren’t in the pool―, but then he’s swimming to where Taehyung is and poking
him on the ribs, making him squirm and fold in laughter.

And honestly, Taehyung would love to wrap both his legs and arms around Jeongguk and pull their
bodies closer, kissing him until their lips go numb, but they’re in public and he doesn’t like to be
involved in scandals. He can’t help, though, to grab Jeongguk’s bicep and pull him closer, a playful
glint in his eyes as he feels the border of the pool against his back.

“I’ve missed this,” he says, running his hands down Jeongguk’s wet chest, his fingertips picking up
the water droplets.

“Taehyung,” gasps Jeongguk when his slender fingers meet Jeongguk’s abdomen, the muscles
flexing under his touch. “C’mon, babe, don’t do this here,” he says, and Taehyung sighs, letting
both his hands fall to his sides.

Jeongguk still steps closer, though, and much to Taehyung’s surprise cups his jaw, giving him a
slow kiss that threatens to suck all the oxygen away from Taehyung’s lungs.
Taehyung still needs to get used to being with Jeongguk―because even if he can’t exactly
determine what they are right now, he knows they are together―, to be able to pull him for a kiss
whenever he feels like it, to be able to call him pet names. Jeongguk seems to be doing way better
than him at this assuming thing, always one step ahead of him when it comes to this stuff.

The thing is Taehyung is hesitating even when it comes to holding Jeongguk’s hand as soon as
they aren’t alone. Mostly because he knows there are people ready to catch their every move and
he doesn’t want to drag Jeongguk in any messes, but he’d be lying if he said he’s not scared that
once he might try to lace his fingers with Jeongguk’s or give him an innocent peck and the younger
rejects him. It’s probably stupid, being insecure about this kind of stuff when he knows Jeongguk
likes him, but just can’t help it.

“Maybe we should go grab dinner,” he suggests when Jeongguk pulls away, his arms resting
lightly on his shoulders. He can feel a few dirty looks sent on their direction, but he couldn’t care
less. The straights do this all the time, after all. “It’s getting dark now,” he adds.

The truth is, while he’s with Jeongguk at the hotel he almost forgets they’re here for work.
Jeongguk is fun to be around―honestly, Jeongguk is a complete dork―and makes Taehyung
laugh until his tummy hurts and there are tears threatening to roll down his cheeks. For a moment
Taehyung almost thinks they are going to be kicked out of the hotel restaurant, because he feels
like they are laughing way too loud.

Jeongguk’s company makes him feel normal, because even if they spend their good amount of time
gossiping about their famous acquaintances’ lives, Jeongguk doesn’t put him on a pedestal like a
lot of people have been doing ever since he started getting important. He knows not all the praises
he hears are sincere, and that in fact most are because those who make them are looking for
something in return, but it still feels overwhelming when the majority of people who approach you
when you’re out just treat you like some sort of divine creature. When it first started happening,
Taehyung thought it was funny, because who doesn’t enjoy compliments every once in awhile?
But it started getting too frequent, too much, and Taehyung started feeling like it dehumanized him.

Jeongguk doesn’t make him feel that way, though. He makes him feel just like anyone else,
something that only his closest friends like Jimin and Hoseok―or even Minjae, even if he really
isn’t Taehyung’s friend anymore―were able to do. When he’s with Jeongguk, sometimes he
forgets he’s super famous model Kim Taehyung, and that he’s supposed to cover his mouth
whenever he laughs, be careful to not show his teeth when he smiles and always keep a straight
posture. Instead, he feels like being kicked out of restaurants for being too loud and being given
dirty looks at for making out with his sort-of-maybe-not-boyfriend at the pool because they both
have dicks.

Taehyung has never realized how much of those little things, how much of those small moments of
joy and happiness he has sacrificed in order to be successful until Jeongguk appeared and brought
them back to his life. It scares Taehyung to death, that Jeongguk is able to make him happy in ways
that he forgot he could be happy in, but there’s no reason to complain as Jeongguk holds his hand
and walks with him to one of the bars in the resort, stealing glances when he thinks Taehyung
won’t see.

“Thanks for coming with me,” says Jeongguk when they’re both sitting on the stools by the bar, a
colorful drink before each one of them. “I don’t think being here with anyone else could be half as
good as being with you is,” he confesses, and Taehyung smiles at him, holding back the urge to
coo at him and kiss him hopelessly.

“You’re so sweet you give me cavities, Jeonggukie,” he sighs, and Jeongguk laughs. “Hey, don’t
laugh, you’re so cheesy I might as well just dump you.”

“I mean, that’s the closest you’ve ever gotten to reciprocating whenever I say that kind of stuff,”
Jeongguk says. There’s still a small smile on his lips, but even if he’s looking away and Taehyung
can’t meet his gaze he’s sure that smile doesn’t reach his eyes.

Taehyung is just two years older than Jeongguk, and although most of the times it’s hard to
tell―well, sometimes it even feels like Jeongguk is older―in moments like this every single
month Jeongguk was born after feels heavy over Taehyung’s shoulder. Because Jeongguk is young,
and so is Taehyung, but he wears his heart on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to tell the world what he
feels for Taehyung. Jeongguk has never had his heart broken, and he probably has never broken a
heart, at least not in a serious way, the kind of damage that really matters, not rejecting somebody
who has a crush on you on high school. But Taehyung is older than Jeongguk, and Taehyung has
been on the spotlight for longer. He’s had his heart broken many times, but not like one might
expect, not a lover just ending things with him, no. Taehyung has had his heart torn by the media,
he has been talked about and dragged through the mud, he has seen more lies about himself that he
can count, but what hurts the most, he has seen truths, actual words that he said and people
promised they would never tell, being used in headlines.

He doesn’t have trust issues, it’s not that bad, but he’s careful about what he says and what he does,
and he can’t get the words to leave his mouth as easily as Jeongguk seems to. He wishes he could,
because he feels them get stuck on his throat and he can feel how much Jeongguk needs to hear
them, because in the end the younger needs reassurance in the same way Taehyung does.

“I’m sorry,” he says, and Jeongguk waves his hand carelessly, as if he’s brushing it off. “No, I
really mean it. I’m bad with feelings and that stuff, and I apologize. I like being here with you, I
already told you earlier on the elevator, and I’ll tell you as many times as it takes. I like being here
with you. I like you, Jeongguk,” he says, only realizing his voice went lower and lower after he’s
done talking.

“You don’t need to tell me if you’re not comfortable saying it,” replies Jeongguk, still not meeting
Taehyung’s eyes. “I know, I can read between the lines.”

“You still need to hear it,” Taehyung says, and when Jeongguk opens his mouth to protest he adds,
“You deserve to hear it, Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk looks up, meeting Taehyung’s eyes, and the softness of his gaze never fails to leave
Taehyung unarmed.

Sometimes Taehyung forgets Jeongguk is pretty new to this whole universe they’re both living in,
not having been working into fashion for more than two years now. It’s easy to, since he has
already become so big and for most people Taehyung knows, especially Jimin and he, fashion has
been not only in, but has been almost their whole life since they were teenagers.

Jeongguk finished high school at the age he was supposed to, something Taehyung struggled to do
while he was on his early twenties, studying in between photoshoots and sleepless nights. Jeongguk
went to university and got a degree, he lived a youth that would be considered normal, unlike
Taehyung’s, and he is curious. He is curious because he knows how it is supposed to be, has seen it
on tv and experienced it himself before he moved to Seoul, but now that he thinks of it he has never
had somebody told him their personal experience on it, so he asks Jeongguk.

Jeongguk tells him about his classmates and his college roommate, Yugyeom, who is even taller
than Taehyung himself and apparently has an amazing smile. He talks about his first boyfriend and
Taehyung actually gets to hear the ice cream incident Jimin told him about from Jeongguk. He
also finds out Jeongguk was kind of a fuckboy, too shy to be an actual one, but he isn’t surprised at
all.

“What about you?” asks Jeongguk, and Taehyung frowns at him. “I know you didn’t take classes
your last two years or high school and never went to college, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have
memories,” he asks, and Taehyung shrugs. “First boyfriend?”

“I’ve never had a boyfriend,” he admits, his cheeks burning in embarrassment, and Jeongguk raises
an eyebrow. “I had a girlfriend in kindergarten, if that counts.”

“You must be kidding me,” he says, but Taehyung shakes his head. “Then first kiss? First time?”

“My first kiss happened when I was at Daegu and it was a girl from my class. I don’t even know
why I did it, it felt like the right thing at the moment,” he says, clicking his tongue. Jeongguk gives
him an amused look, almost as if he can relate. “First time happened after I moved to Seoul, when I
started modeling, and it involves someone famous.”

“Someone famous?” repeats Jeongguk, raising both his eyebrows in surprise, and Taehyung nods,
biting down his bottom lip. “Who?”

“You can’t tell,” he says, Jeongguk nodding eagerly. “Jung Sangyoon,” he admits, watching
Jeongguk’s eyes widen.

“He’s like eighty, Taehyung,” Jeongguk says. “Please, say you're kidding.”

“He’s not that old,” Taehyung replies, rolling his eyes. “He’s sixteen years older than me,” he
admits then in a low voice, and Jeongguk chokes on his drink.

“How old were you at the time?” Jeongguk asks, and Taehyung bites down in his bottom lip.
“Tae…”

“I was seventeen,” he admits.

“Gross, Taehyung, oh my god, you were underage, he was almost twice your age, what the fuck?”

“Shush, don't talk too loud,” he says, slamming his palm over Jeongguk’s mouth. “I was starting to
get bigger gigs, and he was there in a few of them and he flirted with me, and I just— I don't
know? I was seventeen and a man was paying attention to me, not a boy, but a man who was way
older than me and was also famous, and well, he was attractive. Still is attractive, even if he's
around forty now,” he adds.

“You know how fucked up it still is, right? You were a teenager at the time.”

“Yeah, well, joke was on me since next time we ran into each other he just acted like he didn't
know me,” laughs bitterly Taehyung. “I don't even know why the thought of having anything with
him even crossed my mind, I was stupid at the time.”

“You weren't stupid,” says Jeongguk then, lifting his hand to stroke Taehyung's cheekbone. “You
were a teenager and you had a crush, it was okay. I bet he's regretting not paying attention to you
when he had the chance to,” he says, and Taehyung smiles. “Was he good?”

“I mean, at the time it was great, you know?” asks Taehyung, gesturing a lot, and Jeongguk smiles
up at him. “But, looking back on it, he had a small dick and didn't know how to use it well, so I
guess it ended up being as lame as first times are supposed to be,” he shrugs. “I really didn't know
what I was doing, God, I had his dick in my mouth and was like woah, the fuck am I supposed to
do with this?”

“Well, you clearly know what to do now,” Jeongguk giggles, and Taehyung swears he loses it. He
can't deal with a motherfucking cute Jeon Jeongguk giggling.

“How would you know?” he asks. “It's been months since last time. I don't think you remember
well enough.”

“There are some things in life that are unforgettable, Taehyung,” Jeongguk says then, and
Taehyung doesn't know when they got close enough so Jeongguk’s breath is hot on his cheek, but
he doesn't complain.

“Am I that good giving head?” he asks, raising an eyebrow at Jeongguk, who exhales sharply
against his lips.

“If I remember correctly, you are, but you can always refresh my memory, if you want.”

“Smooth,” laughs Taehyung, tempted to lean forward an inch and close the unbearably small gap
in between them now. “I'd love to,” he says, a smug smile making its way to his mouth as
Jeongguk’s tongue wets his bottom lip in anticipation.

“My room?” asks Jeongguk, standing up and softly grabbing Taehyung’s wrist as he stands up.
Taehyung nods. “Let's go, then.”

Taehyung really, really wants to kiss Jeongguk while they're on the elevator, especially since the
ride to the tenth floor seems way too long now that he knows what awaits when they get there, but
he knows that there are probably cameras and he doesn't want to know what the staff of the hotel
would do with the recordings if they discovered a famous model was shamelessly making out with
his rumored-to-be boyfriend in them—sell them, probably.

What the multiple times he has had any kind of sex with Jeongguk had made him expect was
Jeongguk to smash him against the door once it was closed, kissing him sloppily and maybe lifting
him up—that only happened once, but Taehyung still remembers it. Vividly.

Instead, when the door closes behind them and they're left alone in the solitude of Jeongguk’s
room, Jeongguk grabs his hand in between his hands and pulls him for a kiss that bets all of the
ones they have shared in the almost nine months they have been doing this, whatever it is.

It’s in that moment, when one of Jeongguk’s hands falls to the back of his neck and the other still
lingers over his cheek, when Jeongguk’s lips move against his in a way that is so delicate, yet
makes Taehyung's chest beat so strongly, that he realizes he might be falling in love with Jeon
Jeongguk.

Because Jeongguk, even though stubborn and a bit grumpy sometimes, still calls him baby and
takes care of Taehyung in such an intimate way it makes Taehyung feel vulnerable and exposed,
mostly because no one has ever cared about him like that. Jeongguk, who is always so gentle and
so good it makes Taehyung's breath hitch, his heart skipping a beat every single time. Jeongguk,
the one whom he used to hate, is the same he thinks he’s madly in love with right now, and
although he never thought they’d end up like this, Taehyung doesn't think he'd change it for
anything, or anyone.

He slips his hands under Jeongguk’s shirt, fingers caressing his torso as he feels him tremble
against him, and Taehyung doesn't think he’s ever felt anything near as mind blowing as having
Jeongguk shivering against his body is.
He pushes Jeongguk down onto the mattress with one of his palms, but when he tries to sink down
to his knees, getting lost in the middle of Jeongguk’s parted thighs, Jeongguk holds his wrists and
pulls him down with him, bodies tangling on each other.

Jeongguk’s kisses are languid and short on Taehyung's mouth, often moving to his neck and his
exposed collarbones, his mouth grazing the skin there but not daring to leave marks. And for a
moment, Taehyung wants to ask him to do so, do adorn his skin in the same way he did when they
both were pressed against Jeongguk’s car, or in New York. He wants Jeongguk to kiss his skin and
mark it, because he doesn't mind the whole world knowing who he spent the night with, he doesn't
mind the whole world knowing he's Jeongguk’s, but they have a shooting tomorrow and they just
can't.

“Please, Jeongguk,” he begs, although he isn't really sure what he wants, or needs. Jeongguk’s
hands are already all over his body, unbuttoning random buttons of his shirt and undoing the zipper
of his jeans.

“Please what, baby?” he asks, his fingers liberating the last of Taehyung's shirt’s buttons, letting
the piece of clothing fall into the mattress before mindlessly throwing it into the floor. “What do
you want? I'll give you whatever you want, Tae,” Jeongguk says, dropping kisses all over
Taehyung's exposed chest, and he wants to sob at how good it feels. Both having Jeongguk touch
him like this, and listening to his words.

“I want you,” Taehyung replies, his hands taking Jeongguk’s face on them and pulling him up for
another kiss. It's slow and deep, and Taehyung thinks his knees would go weak if he weren't lying
on a bed. “You, you, just you,” he mumbles against Jeongguk’s lips.

Jeongguk exhales sharply, pulling away from Taehyung to lift his own shirt over his head,
carelessly throwing it to the floor.

Taehyung's hands run up and down the expanse of Jeongguk’s back, his nails digging in the skin.
He feels Jeongguk’s fingers hooking on the waistband of his jeans and underwear, peeling the
clothes off Taehyung's body until he’s naked on the bed.

“So pretty,” Jeongguk says, his hands creeping up Taehyung's thighs, roaming through the sides of
his body until they reach his face. One of his thumbs drags over Taehyung’s bottom lip, swollen
and slick with spit.

Taehyung wraps his lips around Jeongguk’s thumb, locking his eyes with the younger’s as he
swirls his tongue around the digit.

“Tae, god,” he moans, his other hand slipping past Taehyung’s shoulder, snaking down his torso
until it wraps around Taehyung’s already hard dick.

He holds back a whimper by biting softly con Jeongguk’s thumb, the younger groaning and jerking
Taehyung’s dick on his hand, smearing the pre-come over the head with his thumb.

“So fuckin’ pretty,” Jeongguk repeats, broken moans falling from Taehyung’s mouth as he
increases the pace of his fist around his cock, “I want to hear you, babe.”

“Fuck me,” Taehyung pleads, Jeongguk’s finger slipping from his mouth. “Jeongguk, fuck, now,”
he urges, his own hands struggling to undo the button and zipper of Jeongguk’s pants.

“You’re so eager, Tae,” Jeongguk says, his voice teasing as he presses a palm on Taehyung’s bare
chest, now covered in a thin layer of sweat, making him lay on his back. “Always so needy for my
cock, aren’t you?”

Taehyung hisses as Jeongguk licks a stripe up his neck, all the way to his ear, kissing and biting on
the lobe until Taehyung is sobbing under him, yanking at the clothes still covering Jeongguk’s
body.

“You said anything I wanted,” Taehyung complains, tugging at Jeongguk’s hair to pull him away,
taking in the way he bites his lips to suppress a moan. “I want you to get lube and a condom, come
over here and fuck me.”

“Bossy,” laughs Jeongguk against his lips, but he still tears his body away from Taehyung’s and
makes his way to his suitcase, getting rid of the remaining clothes covering his body while he’s at
it.

Taehyung stays there, panting hard as he watches Jeongguk rummaging through whatever he
decided to pack. The room is dark, the lights from the hotel patio coming through the window and
painting shapes on Jeongguk’s skin.

He suddenly feels the urge to stand up and trace them with his fingers, his tongue. There has never
been anyone whom Taehyung wanted to worship as much as he wants to worship Jeongguk,
running his fingertips over every crease of his body until it’s imprinted on his memory. It’s a scary
thought, that Jeongguk has managed to get himself such a big spot on Taehyung’s
heart―especially after the way their relationship started―, but Taehyung can’t bring himself to
care when he sees Jeongguk coming back to the bed, a bottle and a wrapper on his hands as he does
so.

“How do you want to do this?” he asks, sitting in the bed next to Taehyung, and the elder pretends
the question doesn’t make his heart skip a beat.

“I want to see your face,” he replies, maybe a little too quickly. “Fuck, Jeongguk, please, come on.”

Jeongguk settles himself in the middle of Taehyung’s parted legs, the elder holding the back of his
thighs to spread himself to an extent he didn’t know he could. He can’t tear his eyes away from the
way Jeongguk’s sweaty hair falls over his forehead, eyebrows slightly frowning and tongue
sticking out from his pink lips in concentration.

Taehyung gasps when he feels a cold, lube-slicked finger circling his entrance, Jeongguk’s other
hand moving to his hip, his thumb soothing circles over the prominent bone in there. Jeongguk
fingers him open painfully slowly, only adding fingers when Taehyung practically begs him to, his
fingers clawing at Jeongguk’s biceps with enough strength to bruise.

“Jeongguk,” begs Taehyung, his spine arching on the bed and his toes curling as Jeongguk’s
fingers press against his prostate again. By now, he knows he’s more than stretched and that both
Jeongguk and he know that, and he doesn’t like to be teased, so he adds, “I swear to God if you
don’t get your fucking cock inside of me within one minute I’ll chop it off and feed it to my dog.”

“Stop being aggressive,” Jeongguk says, but he still gets his fingers out from Taehyung and tears
the condom wrapper open with his teeth. “You’re so mean to me, when all I wanna do is make you
have a good time.”

“What a filthy liar,” Taehyung claims, squirming in anticipation when Jeongguk puts the condom
around his length and slicks up himself, biting down on his lip at the feeling.

“Shut up,” laughs Jeongguk, pinching softly Taehyung’s inner thigh. “Ready?”
“Holy fucking shit, yes,” he says, biting hard on both his lips when he feels Jeongguk sliding inside
him.

Jeongguk moans loudly, propping himself up in his forearms, both resting on each side of
Taehyung’s face. The feeling of Jeongguk’s warm body pressed up against his is overwhelming,
making his head spin and his breath catch on his throat as incoherent babbling falls down from
Jeongguk’s parted lips.

“God, Jeongguk,” he says, his eyes fluttering closed as Jeongguk thrusts into him, hips moving at a
pace too slow for Taehyung’s liking. “Fuck me harder, Jeongguk, please,” he begs, his voice
cracking.

Jeongguk laughs as he kisses the juncture of his neck and jaw, nibbling just slightly and soothing
his tongue over the spot, making Taehyung mewl.

“You like it, baby?” asks Jeongguk, kneeling up as he still thrusts into Taehyung, his hands
holding Taehyung’s hips and lifting them up, Taehyung resting on his back. He goes deeper now,
Taehyung’s head lolling back into the pillow at the feeling. “Do you like how I fuck into you?”

“Fuck, yes,” he pants, his eyes squeezed shut. “You feel so good inside me, Jeongguk, make me
feel so full.”

Jeongguk growls at that, his thrusts gaining speed and force as Taehyung curls his fingers around
his forearms, gripping tightly.

Their breathing is heavy and erratic, careless moans falling from open mouths as they both seek
release, and right when Taehyung starts to feel the orgasm building up on his lower stomach,
clenching around Jeongguk as he cries out in pleasure, he feels Jeongguk’s fingers tighten around
the base of his cock, preventing him from coming over both their stomachs.

“Jeongguk, what the hell?” he protests, his voice broken and desperate. He was so, so close, but the
way Jeongguk drags in and out against his walls feels too delicious to give up already, so maybe he
shouldn’t complain that much.

“Come here, baby,” says Jeongguk, cupping his jaw and pulling Taehyung up for a kiss. Taehyung
is eager to sit up and tangle his hands around Jeongguk’s neck, pressing their chests together as he
kisses him hungrily, his tongue invading Jeongguk’s mouth.

Their mouths slide together noisily, lips wet with spit and tongues seeking each other, and it feels
so fucking lewd it brings another wave of pleasure through Taehyung’s body, who whimpers and
reaches down for his neglected cock.

“You want to come, Tae?” asks Jeongguk, stopping Taehyung’s arm midway by grabbing his
wrist.

Taehyung wants to yell at him that yes, he wants to come, he would have already done it if it
weren’t because Jeongguk stopped him a couple minutes ago, but he doesn’t trust his voice or the
words that can leave his mouth right now, so instead he just nods, a smirk appearing on Jeongguk’s
lips as he slips his hands under the back of Taehyung’s thighs, easily lifting his body as if he
weighed nothing at all, and pressing him against the headboard.

Taehyung gasps, the cold feeling of the wooden headboard on his back so different from the heat
of Jeongguk’s body pressed against his front. He feels the head of Jeongguk’s cock press against
his entrance, not hard enough to slip past the ring but just with the enough pressure to make small
whimpers leave Taehyung’s parted lips as he tightens his hold around Jeongguk’s neck.

“Jeongguk, please, God, you got me begging you, I need you to fuck me now, I need you to make
me come, I―,” he starts, but Jeongguk interrupts him, shushing against his lips and kissing him in
a way that would feel too sweet for the situation they are in, except because it is Jeongguk, and
Taehyung is getting used to the extreme sweetness in every kind of situation.

“I’ll make you come, Tae,” he says, letting go of one of Taehyung’s legs―not that it really
matters, since Taehyung already secured them around Jeongguk’s waist―to align his cock again
with Taehyung’s hole, then gripping the edge of the headboard. “Wanna see you fuck yourself in
my dick,” he pants against Taehyung’s mouth.

“Oh, fuck, Guk,” Taehyung cries, using both his legs and arms to bounce on Jeongguk’s dick, the
new angle allowing him to hit his prostate in every thrust. “Jeongguk, oh my God, fuck, fuck,
fuck,” me moans, pressing his forehead against Jeongguk’s.

“Can you come without me touching you?” he asks, lips brushing against Taehyung’s swollen ones
as he speaks. He moves his hips, accompanying the movement of Taehyung’s body, squeezed
between Jeongguk and the headboard.

“Yeah,” he chokes out, his voice breathy and rough. He kisses Jeongguk again, the younger
moaning loudly on his mouth as Taehyung rolls his hips just right while biting on his bottom lip,
and he can feel the pleasurable pain of nails digging in the back of his thigh, a groan erupting from
the back of his throat at the sensation. “I’m going to come, babe,” he warns, throwing his head
back against the wood behind him.

Jeongguk growls, his hand letting go of the headboard and gripping tightly on Taehyung’s thighs
again, probably hard enough to leave the mark of his fingers imprinted on the tan skin. If
Taehyung thought that they were already keeping a fast pace, the way Jeongguk thrusts up into
him now is maddening, sending waves of pleasure up his spine with every thrust, abusing the
bundle of nerves inside of him until his mind goes blank and keeping his eyes open becomes too
much of an effort.

“Jeongguk, yes, fuck me,” he cries out, one of his hands tangling in the dark strands of Jeongguk’s
hair and tugging harshly, a lewd moan joining Taehyung’s.

Jeongguk comes first, filling the condom and biting down on Taehyung’s shoulder, leaving a mark,
but Taehyung is too close to his own climax to care. It only takes a couple more languid thrusts
before he’s coming too, his load spurting in between their chests as Jeongguk falls on his back,
taking Taehyung with him.

“Holy fuck,” Taehyung says, using his hand to hold the condom in place as he lifts his body up
from Jeongguk’s, who is panting heavily with his eyes closed. He then lies right next to him, too
tired to care about the come drying on both their chests. “That was amazing,” he says, tilting his
head to the side to find Jeongguk already looking at him, a sheepish smile on his face.

“You are amazing,” he says, and Taehyung hums.

“There’s no lie in that statement,” he says, watching as Jeongguk picks up the come from his chest
with his hand, bringing it to his lips and licking his fingers clean. “Fuck, Jeon, you’re so fucking
kinky,” he laughs.

Jeongguk, who Taehyung is pretty sure is shameless at this point, leans over him to lick at his
stomach, taking Taehyung’s load from his abdomen as well, and right in that moment a thought
crosses Taehyung’s mouth.

“Don’t swallow,” he says, Jeongguk looking up at him with an inquisitive raised eyebrow.

Taehyung brings one of his hands to Jeongguk’s jaw, pulling him up for a kiss and taking his own
come from Jeongguk’s tongue. Jeongguk hums in surprise against his lips, parting his lips even
further for Taehyung to slip his tongue in between.

“Nasty,” Jeongguk says when he pulls away, pecking him on the lips as Taehyung swallows. “And
then you call me kinky.”

“Shut up,” replies Taehyung, giving Jeongguk’s thigh a playful smack.

Jeongguk stands up then, disappearing into the bathroom to what Taehyung guesses is getting rid
of the condom. When he comes back, instead of getting in bed he just stares at Taehyung for a
moment, standing up in the middle of the room.

“Can I take pictures of you?” Jeongguk says, fidgeting nervously, and Taehyung raises an eyebrow
at him.

“You have dozens of pictures of me,” he observes. “You literally get paid for taking pictures of
me.”

Jeongguk huffs, as if Taehyung has just said the stupidest shit in the world.

“Those are cold, you're wearing clothes that aren't yours and posing for a camera. I want to take
pictures of you being you .”

“Just do whatever you feel like doing, Gukkie,” Taehyung says, tangling himself on the sheets so
at least his dick is covered.

“Let me get my baby,” Jeongguk says, making his way over to where Taehyung guesses his
camera is.

“You call your camera baby?” Taehyung asks, a note of amusement on his voice.

“I call things that are valuable to me baby,” Jeongguk corrects, and Taehyung laughs.

Taehyung tries to ignore the fact that Jeongguk calls him baby.

Now, Taehyung lives surrounded by the click of shutters and the brightness of flashes, but the way
Jeongguk takes pictures of him doesn't feel like any photoshoot he's ever done before. It's intimate,
almost like something confidential between the two of them.

Jeongguk doesn’t talk much as he takes the pictures, his tongue sticking out of the corner of his
pink lips as it always does when he’s focused on something. Taehyung feels somehow
embarrassed, like he’s exposing himself in a way that he’s never done before, but he doesn’t think
it’s due to his nudity. It’s not like he hasn’t done nude photoshoots before, he’s more than used to
being naked in front of a camera, but it’s the whole situation. He feels like he’s giving Jeongguk a
part of himself he hasn’t really shown to anybody, and although it makes him feel vulnerable, he
doesn’t want to take it back.

“Beautiful,” Jeongguk whispers, scrolling through the pictures he has just taken. Taehyung groans,
covering his face with the pillow.
He has to show his face again when Jeongguk kneels on the bed and crawls to where he is, taking
the pillow on his hands and throwing it beside him. He pecks Taehyung on the lips before flopping
to his side, slipping under the covers.

“Stay?” he asks, and Taehyung can’t stop a wide smile from spreading across his face.

“Obviously,” he says, getting in the bed next to Jeongguk while he announces, “but we’re cuddling
and I’m the big spoon, so don’t even try to fight me.”

“I’m a lover, not a fighter,” states Jeongguk as he presses his back against Taehyung’s chest, the
elder’s arm wrapping around his waist.

“You’re a loser,” he says, and Jeongguk laughs against his body. “You know, Jeon…”

“Yah, let me sleep,” Jeongguk protests, squirming in Taehyung’s arms. “I’m sure whatever it is it
can wait until tomorrow.”

Taehyung gasps, pretending to be offended, but he really can’t keep it up when he feels Jeongguk
leaning on his embrace.

“Goodnight, Tae,” he mumbles, turning around slightly to drop a kiss on Taehyung’s forehead.

“Nighty night, Guk.”

***

The first thing Taehyung notices when he wakes up next morning is an unfamiliar weight over his
body: not heavy enough to be uncomfortable, but certainly heavy enough to awake him.

When he opens his eyes, the first thing he sees is Jeongguk, his chin resting tucked on Taehyung's
abdomen, large doe eyes staring up at him.

“Rise and shine, beautiful,” he says, a small smile appearing on Taehyung's mouth.

“Hey there,” he greets in return, his hand going down to run its fingers through Jeongguk's hair.
“What time is it?”

“Still early,” Jeongguk assures, dropping an open mouthed kiss over Taehyung's belly button,
making the elder laugh.

Jeongguk leaves a trail of wet kisses all over Taehyung's sternum and neck, dying on his kiss,
before he presses their mouths together, making a sleepy groan leave Taehyung's mouth.

“I have morning breath,” he protests between kisses, but his hand still holds the back of Jeongguk's
neck, pulling him closer.

“Don't care,” Jeongguk replies, his chin falling again over Taehyung's chest as he runs a finger
through the other's sharp jaw. “You know, since we have some time...” he starts.

“You are a nympho,” chuckles Taehyung, his chest vibrating with laughter and making Jeongguk's
frame tremble.
“I'm not,” scoffs Jeongguk, frowning up at Taehyung. “I've been thinking about this for awhile,
you know,” he purrs.

“Surprise me,” he says, hissing when Jeongguk's hand brushes over his nipple.

“I want to rim you,” Jeongguk admits, licking his lips as to give more emphasis to his statement,
and Taehyung feels his soul leave his body.

“That's just— wow, you know?” he eloquently says, Jeongguk grinning from where he is resting
over Taehyung's chest, and he adds, “I'd like that.”

Jeongguk hums, pulling up to kiss Taehyung again, this time deeper and slower, his tongue
reaching and exploring every corner of his mouth as if they had all the time in the world.

“Turn around for me, baby?” Jeongguk asks, pulling away just enough so Taehyung can roll over
himself, propping himself on his knees and elbows and spreading his legs open. “What a good boy
you are, Tae, opening up your legs like this so I can see your pretty little hole,” he says, spreading
Taehyung's asscheeks with his hands.

“Eat me out,” Taehyung urges, making Jeongguk laugh before he bites softly on the flesh on one of
Taehyung's cheeks, sending a shiver up his spine. “Why do you enjoy teasing me so much?”

“Because I love to see you get all hot and bothered,” Jeongguk says, dragging a fingertip over
Taehyung's perineum and his puckered hole, the elder feeling his cock hardening at the tease.
“Because I love to see you get all ready for me to touch you, clenching around air waiting for my
tongue to fuck that pretty ass,” he carries, his breath now hitting Taehyung's sensitive skin, and he
can't hold back a moan.

“You're insufferable, ” Taehyung groans before Jeongguk laughs and licks a stripe, from the base
of his balls to his hole. “Oh, God, no, you're a gift from the gods, please do that again, Jesus.”

Jeongguk doesn't even bother teasing him any further, bringing his mouth to Taehyung's rim again,
licking and sucking at it until Taehyung is moaning against the pillow, trying to muffle the loud
noises that leave his mouth.

He can't help but to bring an arm back, fingers tangling in the soft strands of Jeongguk's hair and
bringing him even closer at the same time he pushes his hips back, in an attempt to bring his
tongue deeper into him.

“Holy shit, Jeongguk,” he chokes out, feeling tears prickle in the corners of his eyes from how good
it feels to have Jeongguk eating him out like this, moaning against him like he's enjoying it as much
as Taehyung.

He yanks at Jeongguk's hair again, pulling him away from his entrance as fingers hold tightly the
skin on his asscheeks, nails digging crescents.

“Sit on my face,” Jeongguk says, and when Taehyung looks over his shoulder he finds Jeongguk
looking at him, pupils dilated and spit on his lips and chin.

“Oh, fuck, Jeongguk, yeah,” he says at the same time Jeongguk lays on his back, gesturing at him
to come there. “You're literally the best.”

“I know,” laughs Jeongguk as Taehyung straddles his head with his thighs, his hands finding
balance on Jeongguk's broad chest.
He feels Jeongguk's hands spread him open again, his tongue giving another experimental lick
before he's back at it again, rimming Taehyung until his back is arching and his nails are scratching
angry, red trails on Jeongguk's skin.

“I'm so close, Jeongguk, shit,” he cries, hips pushing down against Jeongguk's face, hearing a
muffled moan in response.

He brings one of his hands to his own dick, stroking himself as Jeongguk's tongue fucks in and out
of him, bringing him close to climax.

He comes with a sob, his hips jerking forward as he spills all over his own fist, swiping the cum
away on the sheets—it's not like anybody will sleep on them anymore.

Taehyung gets off of Jeongguk's body, hovering over him before he lets himself curl on his side
with a content whine, pecking the side of his neck.

“You have a nice ass to choke on,” Jeongguk comments, Taehyung giggling against his neck.

“You know, I can return the favor in form of blowjobs,” he offers, aware of the way Jeongguk's
own dick stands hard and proud against his lower abdomen. “Somebody told me yesterday my
blowjob skills are unforgettable,” he adds, and Jeongguk raises an eyebrow at him.

“Want to put your money where your mouth is?” Jeongguk teases, raising an eyebrow.

“I don't know about my money, but there are a few places I'd like to put my mouth on,” he says,
regretting the words as soon as they leave his mouth.

But then again, maybe he really doesn't, because the way Jeongguk laughs, lolling his head into
the mattress and closing his eyes, is worth every bad joke in the world.

***

“I can't believe you go to Brazil, get yourself a boyfriend, get said boyfriend to give you the best
rimjob of your life and join the mile high club in the way back,” Jimin protests, frowning. “All I
got when I went to Brazil were a lot of mosquitoes go bite my ass.”

“He's not my boyfriend,” Taehyung replies, hitting the back of Jimin's head softly.

“Then what is he?” Jimin asks, raising both his eyebrows, and Taehyung shrugs.

“He's my Jeongguk,” he replies, watching the skepticism in Jimin's face. “Don't say anything, we
still have to DTR, okay? But I just— I don't want to scare him away, you know?”

“Oh, sweetie, do you really think you can do that now?” Jimin asks, looking down at a frowning
Taehyung resting his head on his thighs. “He's so whipped, I don't think you'd be able to scare him
away even if you committed murder right in front of him,” laughs he then, making Taehyung
groan.

“Shut up,” he snaps. “How are things with my doc, anyway?”

Jimin's tongue darts to drag over his bottom lip, like it always does when he's nervous, and
Taehyung looks at him expectantly.
 “That's the thing, they are going so well I've been considering doing something,” he replies,
Taehyung raising an eyebrow at him. “I think... it might be time to come out?” he says, sounding
more like a question than a proper answer.

“Oh, Jimin-ah,” Taehyung says, his hands flying to Jimin's cheeks and pinching them. “Look at
how grown my baby is, ready to tell the world he likes dick.”

“Taehyung, I'm serious about this,” Jimin protests.

“You know I’m serious too, Jimin-ah,” assures Taehyung, his voice not mocking now. “I’ll be
there for you just like you were there for me. That’s what we do, remember? Best friends forever,
you’re the Naomi Campbell to my Kate Moss, the Paris Hilton to my Lindsay Lohan. The best of
buddies. Forever together, Jimin!”

Jimin laughs, his fingers pinching the flesh on Taehyung’s thighs as he does.

“If I end up doing it— I know I don’t have to make you promise you’ll stay by my side, that you
will no matter what,” says Jimin, looking up at Taehyung with a sincerity on his eyes that
overwhelms Taehyung.

“What a fav,” replies Taehyung, Jimin sticking his tongue at him.

“I’m still going to pressure you into sorting things with Jeongguk,” Jimin says then, making
Taehyung groan.

“I like this limbo,” he protests, Jimin huffing. “What? We’re both happy about it, I’m getting laid
regularly and he does my laundry when I get lazy. This is just perfect , Jimin, you don’t
understand,” Taehyung insists.

“I’ve known you for a long time, Taehyung,” Jimin says, arching an eyebrow at him. “I can see
through your lame attempts at lying.”

The worst part is that Taehyung knows he’s lying to himself, because there’s nothing he’d like
more than being Jeongguk’s boyfriend right now. Not his fuck buddy, not his one—more like five
—night stand.

“You don’t know shit, Park Jimin.”

Chapter End Notes

SOOO my beta suddenly disappeared so idk when i'll be able to post chapters 8 and 9,
so unless i find a new one (if you're willing to do it please let me knowwww) soon or
she comes back from the dead i don't know when i'll post?? it it takes too long i'll just
post unbeta'd but i wanted this to not have mistakes *cries in spanish*
anywayssss!! hope you like this
kudos and comments are always appreciated ♥
(twitter/tumblr)
 playing the blame game
Chapter Notes

you're welcome for the first half of this chapter...

See the end of the chapter for more notes

After a lot of thinking, Taehyung concludes that the worst part about being with Jeongguk is,
although he knows there is something, he doesn’t really know what that something is, or what it
implies.

There are a lot of doubts running through Taehyung’s mind most of the time: are they dating? Are
they officially a thing now? Hell, he doesn’t even know if they are exclusive now―not that
Taehyung would want to fuck with anyone else when he has Jeongguk; he just hopes Jeongguk
feels the same way about him.

However, he really can’t complain. Jeongguk is what anyone would call a keeper; he’s sweet and
attentive, takes care of Taehyung and lets Taehyung take care of him as well, and they click in a
way that makes Taehyung think that maybe they’ve done this before in their past lives. Sure,
Jeongguk has his flaws too. He’s a bit childish sometimes, and gets competitive over the most
stupid, domestic stuff anyone could think of, but Taehyung finds kind of endearing. It’s probably
the honeymoon phase, and he’s sure he won’t find it as cute as he does now when a little time goes
by (he really hopes he gets to stay beside Jeongguk long enough to find out, if he’s being honest),
so he’s just enjoying it while it lasts.

And, well, he really can’t complain because Jeongguk lets him do a lot of stuff. Even if that stuff
involves Jeongguk himself tied up to the headboard of his own bed, naked, as Taehyung drags an
ice cube up and down his neck, water droplets dripping down his chest as he bites down on his
lips.

Taehyung swears it had started innocently. He, just like Yoongi said he would, has been craving
ice for a few days now.

Jeongguk looks at him frowning when he first mentions it, asking him “Aren't you supposed to be
getting better?”, but he still goes to his freezer and brings Taehyung a bowl full of ice cubes, much
to Taehyung’s delight.

Things were supposed to carry on normally, really. Jeongguk curls on the couch beside Taehyung
again, the latter now happily sucking on the ice, and they were supposed to just finish the movie
they had been watching, but Taehyung keeps wondering. The ice feels so nice against his tongue,
melting in his mouth, and he can’t help but ask himself if it’d be just as good on Jeongguk’s neck.

The thing is, Taehyung has always listened to his instincts. So when his instincts tell him to lean up
just enough so the puffs of air coming out of his nose as he breathes hit Jeongguk’s throat, he does.

“Taehyung?” Jeongguk asks, trying to pull away to look down at Taehyung, but the elder holds the
back of his neck with his palm, pushing the ice cube out with his tongue until it peaks between his
parted lips, swollen from the cold. “What are you― oh ,” Jeongguk interrupts himself, a surprised
gasp leaving his mouth when he feels the cold wetness of the ice cube against his skin.
Taehyung teases Jeongguk’s skin as he feels the ice melt, water dripping down his chin and down
Jeongguk’s neck, seeping into the necks of their t-shirts, and then he spits the cube on his hand,
wetly kissing the skin of Jeongguk’s neck.

He pulls away when he feels the body under his arching, and sees Jeongguk looking down at him,
his cheeks flushed and his hair messy as he runs a hand over it. “Hyung,” he whines, and Taehyung
loves how his voice sounds so needy and broken.

“Yeah, Jeongguk-ah?” Taehyung asks distractedly, bringing the now small ice cube to his mouth,
taking in the way Jeongguk follows his movements with his eyes, licking at his own lips when he
sees Taehyung’s wrap around the piece of ice.

He doesn’t say anything, surging forward to press his mouth against Taehyung’s for a wet and
sloppy kiss. Jeongguk’s tongue dives into his mouth, trying to steal the ice cube from him as
Taehyung laughs against his lips. He ends up settling himself on Jeongguk’s lap, the younger’s
hands pressed firmly against the back of his neck in an attempt to bring Taehyung closer against
him. The ice melts as it travels back and forth from Taehyung’s mouth to Jeongguk’s, their noses
bumping as Jeongguk fervently kisses into his mouth, only pulling away when Taehyung tugs at
his hair, making a low groan leave his mouth.

“Your shirt,” he breathes against Jeongguk’s lips, his touch falling down Jeongguk’s neck and
back.

“What about it?” he asks, frowning a little, and Taehyung suppresses a laugh by innocently
pecking at Jeongguk’s lips.

“Take it off,” Taehyung mumbles, hands playing with the hem of the piece of clothing, realization
washing over the younger’s face as he clumsily removes it, revealing his naked chest.

Jeongguk stares up at Taehyung with wide eyes and dilated pupils, anticipation clear on his face as
he pants heavily, watching Taehyung take another ice cube from the bowl before licking a stripe
up Jeongguk’s neck.

“Is my mouth cold?” he asks, watching Jeongguk shake his head weakly before muttering, “Good,”
nibbling at Jeongguk’s skin and soothing the reddening skin with his tongue.

Although he loves teasing Jeongguk, he can feel the ice melting on his fingertips, droplets falling
down his fingers all the way to his forearms, so he gently presses the ice against Jeongguk’s jaw,
slowly dragging it along his neck until he reaches his collarbones. Jeongguk’s soft gasps fill the
room, the noises of the television going unheard.

“Feels good, babe?” he asks, tracing his tongue over the wet trail left by the ice, Jeongguk moans
under him at the feeling of Taehyung’s warm mouth over his cold skin.

“ Yes ,” he hisses, his fingers gripping tightly at the back of Taehyung’s t-shirt, jerking his hips so
his crotch meets Taehyung’s as he rolls his hips down. “Fuck, Taehyung, God ―”

He interrupts himself when Taehyung presses the piece of ice down his chest, making him arch his
back as he pinches one of Jeongguk’s nipples with his free hand. Jeongguk throws his head back at
the feeling, allowing Taehyung to press open mouthed kisses on his throat as he circles Jeongguk’s
other nipple with the ice, careful to avoid the sensitive skin.

He lifts up from Jeongguk’s body then, the younger looking at him in surprise as he stands up
before he says, “Lay on your back.”
Jeongguk shakes his head, making Taehyung raise an eyebrow at him, “Let’s go to the bed,” he
suggests, his voice needy as the looks at Taehyung from where he’s still sitting on the couch.

“Okay,” agrees Taehyung, putting the ice cube back in the bowl before picking it up as Jeongguk
stands up, walking quickly to the bedroom.

The rest, Taehyung guesses, is history. He urges Jeongguk to strip before a quick glance to one of
Jeongguk’s ties thrown carelessly on the floor makes a thought cross his mind, making his way
over and picking it up from the carpet as Jeongguk stares at him from the bed, now naked.

“You don’t want to tie me up, do you?” Jeongguk asks, the hint of a smile gracing his lips, and
although his words say otherwise he doesn’t really look opposed to the idea.

“Maybe?” Taehyung replies, a devious smirk making its way to his face, and Jeongguk snorts as he
mutters you’re unbelievable . “Can I?”

“As long as you untie me later,” he says, and Taehyung laughs because Jeongguk is looking at him
with genuine hesitation in his eyes, as if he actually believed Taehyung would leave him tied to the
bed. “No, don’t laugh, I’ve seen porn and movies, and I swear if you leave me tied and naked to
the bed I’ll―”

“Jeongguk, baby,” he says, settling himself over Jeongguk’s lap, careful to not brush his clothed
lower half against Jeongguk’s crotch. “How can you believe that I would ever leave you tied up to
the bed?” he says, peppering kisses all over Jeongguk’s face as he holds his wrists together over his
head, tying them to the ornament in the middle of Jeongguk’s headboard.

“Promise you won’t,” Jeongguk says as Taehyung inspects the knot around Jeongguk’s wrists.

“I promise I won’t,” he replies. “Are you comfortable like this, I can try―”

“I’m okay, hyung,” says Jeongguk, leaning forward to capture Taehyung’s lips in another kiss,
Taehyung humming in surprise as he lets his hands wander across Jeongguk’s chest.

He almost gets distracted by the way Jeongguk’s lips move against his, hands tugging over his
head every once in awhile when Taehyung guesses Jeongguk wants to touch him―because
although they’re just getting started with whatever this thing is they have, Taehyung has already
figured out Jeongguk gets touchy and grabby during sex―but then he suddenly remembers the ice,
which is the main reason why they are in this position after all. He quickly gets off of Jeongguk’s
lap, making him whine at the loss, and gets the bowl from where it rests on Jeongguk’s bedside
table, taking a cube in his hand.

He doesn’t say anything as he brings the ice to Jeongguk’s chest again, watching how he gets
gooseflesh from the cold, and he can’t help but marvel at the way Jeongguk reacts: biting down on
his bottom lip in a failed attempt to hold back high-pitched whimpers.

“Don’t hold back your pretty sounds, baby,” says Taehyung, a smug smile on his face as he drags
the ice cube over Jeongguk’s nipple. It’s for no longer than a brief second, but it still gets Jeongguk
arching against him, a loud moan leaving his mouth.

“ Taehyung ,” he cries out when Taehyung leans down to suck on his nipple, dragging his teeth
over the bud as the hand holding the ice cube moves to the other nipple. “Oh my fucking God,
Taehyung, fuck, shit .”

“You’re making a lot of sense right now,” says Taehyung, pulling away from Jeongguk’s nipple to
look at him. Jeongguk looks bewildered, and Taehyung thinks he has never gotten so much
satisfaction from making someone look like a mess as much as he does when he gets Jeongguk like
this: staring at him with that shine in his eyes and the want clear on his face.

He wonders why Jeongguk is so different to him, why he wants to worship him and make him feel
good . He hasn't ever felt like that for anyone, not even Minjae , whom he had been fucking for
over a year. He used to be into hook-ups because he liked to know he could rile people up like that,
but now, as he watches Jeongguk come undone under his touch, he realizes he wants Jeongguk to
feel good. He isn’t even seeking the satisfaction of making him curl under his touch, he just wants
him to enjoy it.

“Fuck you,” Jeongguk spits, and Taehyung laughs against his skin as he licks his abdomen,
collecting the stray trails of water dripping down his stomach, moving the ice to the other nipple
again. “You’re a fucking asshole, oh my God, Taehyung, Jesus fucking Christ,” he adds, squirming
and twisting under his touch.

“I thought we were past the stage of insulting each other,” he says, letting go of the piece of ice
and watching it slide down Jeongguk’s chest and torso, until it’s dangerously close to his crotch,
where he picks it up again as he smiles smugly at Jeongguk. “Such a bad boy, do you want me to
punish you?”

“Don’t talk like that, Taehyung―”

“It’s daddy to you,” he interrupts, jokingly, watching Jeongguk grimace before he drags the ice
over his v-lines, sliding it softly towards the junction where Jeongguk’s hips meet his thighs.

“What the―” Jeongguk starts, but then Taehyung slowly presses the ice over Jeongguk’s
perineum, making him interrupt himself, “Oh, God, holy shit.”

“You have a dirty mouth today, Jeongguk-ah,” he says, teasing Jeongguk’s rim with the cube. It’s
getting hard to ignore his own hardness, still trapped in his sweatpants and underwear, especially
with the sounds Jeongguk is making and the way he moves against Taehyung’s body.

He lays on his stomach between Jeongguk’s parted legs, looking up at him only to find hooded
eyes staring back, ogling him with both lust and curiosity. He seems to understand when he
watches Taehyung bring the ice cube to his mouth, now way smaller than it was before, throwing
his head back against the headboard as Taehyung lowers his head even more, breathing against
Jeongguk’s hole before he licks at it with his cold tongue, careful to not swallow the ice.

Jeongguk curses loudly, hissing as his hips jerk forward in an attempt to get Taehyung’s tongue
inside him, but the elder brings both his hands to the inside of Jeongguk’s thighs, holding him in
place while he pushes the ice inside with his tongue.

“Taehyung, fuck,” cries Jeongguk, squirming under Taehyung’s hands. His moans are shaky and
breathy now, making Taehyung look up at him as he sits on his heels.

He watches Jeongguk squirm and whine, hands still tied over his head as his hole clenches and
unclenches around nothing.

“Feels good?” asks Taehyung, and Jeongguk nods fervently, biting down on his lips.

“It’s so cold,” he replies. “But―it’s so weird, but good weird? Not bad weird,” he starts babbling,
and Taehyung laughs as he gets rid of his sweatpants. He lays down on his stomach again when
he’s done, tonguing at the stray drops of melted ice falling from Jeongguk’s hole, teasing the ring
of muscles until the last drop of water falls, Jeongguk’s moans turning into gasps as the coldness
goes away.

“Can I put another in?” Taehyung asks then, raising an eyebrow at him, picking up another piece
of ice from the bowl.

“I mean, yeah, but that’s so big,” Jeongguk replies, frowning slightly as he inspects the ice cube. “I
don’t think you’re supposed to put ice cubes that big up your ass.”

Taehyung chuckles lightly before he says, “I don’t think you’re supposed to put ice cubes up your
ass at all, but don’t worry, Guk, I’ll make it smaller while I finger you,” he suggests, Jeongguk
nodding eagerly at him. “Are your arms okay?”

“Please, have you seen these guns?” he asks, making Taehyung roll his eyes. “They’ve been
through way worse, this is nothing .”

“Whatever, babe,” Taehyung replies, but he can’t hold back the small smile forming on his lips.

He puts the ice cube in his mouth as he stretches over the bed, picking up the more than half-empty
lube bottle from Jeongguk’s drawer―he finally managed to convince Jeongguk to move it from
the bathroom to the bedroom―before he quickly comes back to the gap between Jeongguk’s legs,
drizzling the lube on his fingers.

He figures that after having ice in his ass, Jeongguk won’t mind if he doesn’t wait for the lube to
warm up a little before he eases the first finger inside him, and he really doesn’t feel like waiting
right now. He’s so turned on, watching Jeongguk arch against the headboard, a complete mess, and
he doesn’t think he can wait much longer.

He slides the first finger in easily, thrusting it in and out as Jeongguk bites down hard on his bottom
lip. He misses the way Jeongguk touches him, if he’s honest, how he grips tightly at his forearm or
wrist while he fingers him open, not to stop him but to encourage him. There’s something
incredibly hot about having him like this, tied up and willing to take whatever Taehyung gives
him, but he’d be lying if he tried to deny that he longs for the way his skin feels like fire under
Jeongguk’s fingertips.

By the time Taehyung has three fingers inside of Jeongguk, purposefully hitting his prostate with
every thrust of his fingers, the ice cube is the same size as the previous one was, more or less, so
Taehyung goes back to his previous position and takes his fingers out of Jeongguk, replacing them
with his mouth as he pushes the ice inside.

He watches Jeongguk arch again, but this time he gets his slicked fingers inside as well, finding the
ice inside and pushing it against Jeongguk’s prostate, making his hips snap as a broken moan
leaves his mouth.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, Taehyung,” he curses, his voice loud as Jeongguk shushes him between giggles.
He can’t help but notice Jeongguk’s cock, hard and flush against his lower abdomen.

“I’m going to suck you off,” he warns then, his fingers still thrusting the ice inside of Jeongguk as
he takes him in his mouth, Jeongguk crying out in response.

He can’t help but to think that this is so obscene, bobbing his head up and down Jeongguk’s length.
He doesn’t put much effort into the blowjob, though, because he really can’t focus right now. His
arm feels numb, twisted awkwardly so he can fuck inside of Jeongguk, but the constant moans
falling from Jeongguk’s lips are worth it.

“Taehyung, if you keep this up I’m going to come,” calls Jeongguk’s strangled voice, making
Taehyung pull away from Jeongguk’s length as he his fingers retreat from inside of him, water
spilling over the mattress.

“Do you want me to fuck you, baby?” he asks, leaning forward to cup Jeongguk’s cheek and press
what he intended to be a light kiss on his lips, that quickly turned sloppy with the way Jeongguk's
lips moved frantically against his.

“Please,” he says, nipping on Taehyung’s bottom lip. “Please, please, please ,” he repeats, and
Taehyung feels a knot he didn’t know was in his stomach tighten.

“I’m going to go get a condom,” he says as he tries to pull away, but Jeongguk’s legs curl around
his waist, holding him in place.

“Fuck the condom,” Jeongguk says. “I mean, we’re clean and I’m not fucking anyone else―” he
interrupts himself, looking up at Taehyung as he tilts his head. “You aren’t either, are you?”

“No, I’m not,” Taehyung admits, watching relief wash over Jeongguk’s eyes. The same relief he
felt when Jeongguk first said he wasn’t doing it with anyone else, but Taehyung decides to push it
to the back of his mind for now. “Are you sure?”

“ Yes ,” Jeongguk assures, his legs tightening around Taehyung. “Come on, Taehyung, I’ve let you
put ice cubes up my asshole, don’t you dare make me wait right now,” he says, making the elder
laugh.

“Okay, okay, chill,” he laughs, opening the lube bottle and pouring some on his palm before
slicking himself up, groaning slightly while Jeongguk watches him with hungry eyes.

He aligns himself with Jeongguk’s entrance, rubbing the tip of his cock against the ring of muscle
in a teasing manner, making him whine in protest.

“ Taehyung ,” he says, hitting Taehyung’s sides with his legs.

Unable to suppress a chuckle he pushes in, Jeongguk whining in relief as Taehyung fills him up.
His hands fall to Jeongguk’s waist, holding him as he thrusts his hips quickly, the loud slap of skin
on skin filling the room along with their moans.

Taehyung kisses Jeongguk languidly, lips slick with spit and parted as sounds drip from both their
mouths. Jeongguk repeats Taehyung’s name again and again, almost like a prayer, and Taehyung
thinks his name has never sounded as beautiful as it does right now, falling from Jeongguk’s mouth
as he arches his spine in pleasure.

Their posture is awkward, so Taehyung brings his hands up, undoing the knot around Jeongguk’s
wrists, a bruise starting to form around them.

“Thank God,” Jeongguk says, surging forward and bringing his palms to Taehyung’s face and
neck, “I was dying to touch you,” he says before he kisses Taehyung again.

“You should have told me it was too tight,” Taehyung says, holding one of Jeongguk’s wrists, but
he slaps his hand away.

“When did you get so vanilla?” he says, using his palm to press Taehyung down on the mattress as
he announces, “I’m going to ride you.”

Taehyung watches wordlessly as Jeongguk straddles him with his thick thighs, taking Taehyung’s
dick in his hand and guiding it to his hole, sinking down as he throws his head back. Jeongguk’s
lips part slightly, letting out groans and grunts as he builds up a quick, erratic pace over Taehyung,
who meets Jeongguk’s movements halfway with his own hips.

He lets his hands wander to Jeongguk’s waist, holding them as his thumbs stroke the smooth skin
on his stomach. Jeongguk looks stunning over him, his lips redder than usual and his eyes shut,
dark hair messily brushed off of his forehead, now drenched in sweat.

“So pretty, baby,” he blurts then, Jeongguk’s gaze flicking to him as he smiles briefly, his face
twisting in pleasure again. “You look so pretty riding me, Guk-ah,” he says, Jeongguk groaning
over him. “Taking my cock like this. You love it, don’t you, babe?”

Jeongguk nods weakly, too far gone to speak, his forearms falling on either side of Taehyung’s
body, leaning forward so their chests are pressed together. The new angle allows Taehyung to hit
Jeongguk’s prostate, the younger clenching tightly around him as his forehead rests against
Taehyung’s.

“Harder,” he breathes against Taehyung’s mouth. “Fuck me harder, Tae,” he urges, Taehyung
moaning loudly as he feels Jeongguk’s lips kissing the column of his neck, his tongue and lips
working wonders on the skin.

He doesn’t have to warn Jeongguk against leaving marks―not anymore, anyway. Jeongguk is
content leaving marks on Taehyung’s body where no one can see them. He says it feels intimate,
and Taehyung has to agree. He thinks it suits their relationship, too. It’s not that they’re a secret,
they’re far from it, but he likes to keep these sorts of thing just between them.

“You’re so tight around me, Guk,” he groans, Jeongguk whining in reply as he rolls his hips. The
air is heavy around them and he feels himself nearing his climax now.

He sighs shakily, his hips snapping harshly against Jeongguk’s, making him gasp and pant over
him, and Taehyung feels the orgasm building in the pit of his stomach.

“You close?” he manages to ask, his hand tugging softly at Jeongguk’s hair so that he’s facing him.

“Yeah,” Jeongguk confirms, his answer getting lost in a moan. “Make me come, hyung, please ,”
he pleads, and Taehyung feels his world spinning as he snakes an arm in between both their bodies
to jerk Jeongguk off.

“Come for me, Guk,” he encourages, Jeongguk clenching around him as his back arches, mouth
breathing over his. “Baby, I― fuck .”

Jeongguk interrupts him with a loud moan as he comes, spilling his load over Taehyung’s fist and
stomach. Taehyung can feel Jeongguk tightening almost unbearably around him, sending him over
the edge, and he’s coming inside of Jeongguk with a groan.

For a moment they stay like that, Jeongguk still propped on his elbows over Taehyung, until he lets
himself collapse over the elder, sweaty bodies pressed against each other. They’re both panting
heavily, Jeongguk’s breaths hitting Taehyung’s neck.

“You’re crushing me, Guk-ah,” says Taehyung, using his slender fingers to brush through
Jeongguk’s hair.

Jeongguk’s eyes flutter open as he lets out a discontented whine, but he still pulls off of Taehyung’s
body, laying on his side next to him.

“We should shower now,” observes Taehyung, Jeongguk humming in acknowledgement, but
Taehyung isn’t sure if the sound is in agreement or not. “We also need to change the bedsheets.”

“No, we don’t,” complains Jeongguk, closing his eyes as he attempts to pull the covers over both of
their bodies, Taehyung stopping him.

“But we’re covered in come, Jeongguk, come on,” he insists.

“Yah, let me sleep, I have a photoshoot early tomorrow,” he says, Taehyung sighing. “Just don’t
play prude now, we both know we’ve done grosser,” adds Jeongguk then, his voice sleepy.

And Taehyung, well, he gives in. Jeongguk is right, after all, so he goes quickly to the bathroom
and picks up a towel, cleaning himself and Jeongguk’s abdomen and thighs before throwing it onto
the floor and getting back in bed with Jeongguk. Because even if he feels sticky when he lets
Jeongguk curl around him, a hand around his waist as a soft kiss is pressed to the nape of his neck,
the feeling in his chest is still one of the nicest he’s ever felt.

***

“I could use some help,” calls Jeongguk’s voice behind Taehyung’s back.

He tears his gaze away from his own reflection in the mirror, his hands leaving the tie that he was
trying―and failing―to, well, tie. Jeongguk is sitting on Taehyung’s bed, looking at the elder with
a bottle of lotion in his hand.

“Do you want me to put that on you?” Taehyung asks, quirking an eyebrow.

“On my back, yeah,” he says, and Taehyung smiles widely at him.

“’Kay,” he replies, stepping closer as he takes the lotion from Jeongguk’s hand and climbs onto the
bed, positioning himself behind Jeongguk. He then locks his gaze with Jeongguk’s in the mirror
before he asks, “So, you like taking care of your skin, huh?”, watching Jeongguk’s cheeks flush in
the mirror as he pours the lotion on his palm.

“Yeah, I mean―I like when it’s soft,” he admits, Taehyung laughing while he rubs his hands on
Jeongguk’s shoulders. “Why are you laughing?”

“It’s unexpected,” he says, before quickly adding, “but it’s cute. You’re cute. How did you even
get it on your back before, anyway?”

“Struggling a lot,” admits Jeongguk, rubbing the back of his head as he smiles, looking a bit
embarrassed. “But now that we’re together I’ve got you now to do it for me, right?” he asks, tilting
his head back to look at Taehyung.

Together, together, they are together . Jeongguk and he are together, have been ever since they
both came back from Brazil over a month ago, but they both keep postponing a talk they know they
need to have. It’s easy to forget about it when they’re like this, and he doesn’t want to scare
Jeongguk away. And, well, he’s kind of scared himself, too―not that he’d admit it, though.

The thing is, both Jeongguk and he have gotten pretty good at beating around the bush. Saying they
are together is an easy truth, an obvious statement. They aren’t dating, they aren’t boyfriends, they
aren’t anything, actually. They are just together, and although the thought drives Taehyung mad he
can’t bring himself to say anything, even if their relationship is as fragile as glass and as abstract as
love itself.

“Sure thing,” he replies, his hands soothing the lotion down Jeongguk’s back as they both remain
silent. He squeezes Jeongguk’s neck lightly when he’s done, pecking his cheek before standing up
again and going over to the mirror.

“You’re twenty-five and don’t know how to fix your tie?” asks Jeongguk from the bed, his voice
teasing.

“I’m twenty-four,” Taehyung corrects, turning around to raise an eyebrow at Jeongguk. “You don’t
even know how old I am, some shitty lover you are.”

Jeongguk rolls his eyes, standing up and holding Taehyung’s hips to turn him around, his hands
flying to Taehyung’s tie, fingers working on a perfect Windsor knot―what else would he expect
from Jeongguk, anyway.

“You know,” he says, smiling down at Jeongguk, “this reminds me so much of The Lover, can we
stare into each other’s eyes and almost-kiss now?” he asks, making Jeongguk raise an eyebrow up
at him.

“I literally have no clue what you’re talking about, but sure?” Jeongguk says, Taehyung gasping in
exaggerated surprise.

“We’re having a The Lover marathon when we get back home from this stupid party, don’t try to
argue,” he says, Jeongguk humming.

“Okay, whatever that is,” Jeongguk agrees, leaning up a little to press a chaste peck against
Taehyung’s lips.

After that, they finish getting ready and get into Jeongguk’s car. They are attending a party at a
model’s house today, some girl called Dahyun that Taehyung doesn’t really know―Jeongguk is
the one invited, but he can bring a +1 and he had asked Taehyung to go because now they are
together. Together, together, together .

The thing is, Jeongguk seems to know everybody and actually be on good terms with all of them,
and Taehyung feels a little bored. It’s when he sees a familiar face in the crowd, one that he hasn’t
seen in a long time―nearly four months―that he softly grabs Jeongguk’s elbow and says in his
ear, “I’ll be right back.”

Jeongguk distractedly nods at him, a brief gesture of acknowledgement that makes Taehyung leave
Jeongguk’s side, walking away.

He isn’t really sure of what to expect, but he still makes his way over to where Minjae is. Not
having spoken to him or even seen him since that disastrous time at his apartment when Minjae
stormed out, Taehyung still feels like they have business unfinished―not the sexual kind, of
course. Before being Minjae’s friends with benefits, they were just friends , and Taehyung would
like to get that back, even if it’s selfish of him. He has given Minjae the time and space he guesses
he needed, mostly because Taehyung himself didn’t know how to act around him anymore, so
maybe they can go back to normal now.

“Minjae,” he calls softly when he’s behind him, his voice making the younger’s head snap in his
direction.

“Taehyung?” Minjae asks when he sees him, turning around fully to take a better look at him. He
looks puzzled, as if never in a million years would he have expected to run into Taehyung, to have
him approach him. “It’s been a while,” he adds then, his surprised expression softening, the
corners of his mouth quirking up in a small smile.

“It has, indeed,” Taehyung agrees. It feels more like the kind of chat between two acquaintances
that don’t know each other that well rather than two friends, but Minjae’s voice still has this
familiarity that Taehyung guesses you really can’t lose once you get close to anyone, and it feels
comforting when he’s surrounded by strangers.

“Are you here alone?” asks Minjae then, Taehyung shaking his head at him.

“I came with Jeongguk,” he admits, for a moment afraid of Minjae’s reaction, but he just nods, his
tongue darting to wet his bottom lip. “What about you?”

“I’m alone,” Minjae replies. “Jeongguk and you―are you two dating? I just see a lot about you
two, like, everywhere .”

“Something like that,” replies Taehyung vaguely, Minjae raising an eyebrow at that. “I’ll tell you
another time, I can call you and we can catch up,” he offers.

“I’d like that,” Minjae agrees, Taehyung sighing in relief.

“Anyways,” interrupts Taehyung, bringing his hands to his hips. “Enough about me, how are you
doing?”

“I’ve been doing well, I guess?” he awkwardly says, shifting from one foot to the other. “It’s been
easier lately, you know…”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” replies Taehyung when Minjae trails off, what he’s talking about going
unspoken in between them. “I still want to apologize about that.”

“It’s okay, Taehyung,” assures Minjae, tilting his head to the side to look at Taehyung, amusement
on his face. “You’re not that hard to move on from, anyways,” he says, making Taehyung snort.

“The level of disrespect ―” he starts, but he is stopped by the weight of an all too familiar hand on
his back. He turns his head around, looking over his shoulder to find Jeongguk right behind him,
hand curled around his waist. “Oh, hi, Jeongguk,” he greets, giving Jeongguk a small smile that he
doesn’t return, cold gaze shifting from Taehyung’s face to Minjae, unfazed.

“Hey, Taehyung,” he replies, almost on auto-pilot. “Minjae.”

Jeongguk’s hand almost burns around Taehyung’s frame, the tension in the environment too much
for Taehyung to deal with. The way Jeongguk holds him now doesn’t feel tender at all, but
possessive and borderline overwhelming, but Taehyung still doesn’t free himself.

“I told you I’d be right back, Guk,” he says, trying to fill the awkward silence as Jeongguk’s
piercing glare still drills holes in Minjae’s face. Taehyung knows how Jeongguk’s glares feel,
having been on the receiving end many times, so he wants to sympathetically pat Minjae’s back
and tell him that he doesn’t really have to worry about Jeongguk, since he’s all bark. A cute, sweet
kitten trying to act like a lion.

“Oh, sorry, am I interrupting something?” Jeongguk asks. Taehyung doesn’t miss the way
Minjae’s eyebrows raise on his forehead, Jeongguk’s jaw clenching. “I can leave, then.”

“I think I should be the one leaving,” Minjae says then, taking a step back before he adds, “It was
nice seeing you again, Taehyung. Jeongguk.”

“Nice to see you too,” he replies, feeling Jeongguk’s fingers tighten around his skin, and he wants
to turn around and slap his hand away, ask him what the fuck he thinks he’s doing, behaving like
that, and although they’re at a party and Taehyung would like to avoid scandals, both for his
reputation and for Namjoon’s mental health, Jeongguk is making it so fucking difficult right now.
“Bye, Minjae.”

Minjae waves him goodbye right before Taehyung spins on his feet, looking down at Jeongguk’s
face to see him scowling, hissing in his ear, “What the fuck was that?”

“No, what the fuck was that ?” Jeongguk says, his voice equally low but his tone angrier. “Minjae
again? Seriously?”

Taehyung snorts, laughing bitterly as he throws his head back. Out of all the possible scenarios he
thought he’d have to go through, he didn’t really think he’d have to deal with Jeongguk being
jealous of Minjae again , like the day they first fucked. He remembers Jeongguk telling him he
didn’t like other people touching what was his, but the thing is, Taehyung didn’t belong to
Jeongguk. Not now that they were together , and not even if they were ever something official.

“What a fucking dick you are,” is all he says, watching the corner of Jeongguk’s mouth twitch. “I
want to go home now,” he says, and for a moment is afraid that Jeongguk will tell him to call a
fucking cab or something.

“Fine,” Jeongguk says. “Let’s go, then.”

The way to the parking lot is just like the drive to Taehyung’s apartment is, silent and
uncomfortable. Taehyung wants to yell at Jeongguk, but he doesn’t really want to die in a car crash
because of fucking Jeon Jeongguk being petty, so he opts for closing his eyes and resting his head
on the headrest, escaping the dead silence and the way Jeongguk’s knuckles whiten around the
steering wheel.

He opens his eyes when he feels the car stop, catching sight of the street he lives on, empty so late
in the night. Jeongguk doesn’t say anything, but Taehyung can hear his controlled breaths, almost
as if he’s trying hard not to lose a rhythm, and Taehyung hates it. He hates that Jeongguk is acting
like a stranger again, that Jeongguk is doubting him. Hates that Jeongguk can even think about
Taehyung wanting to have anything with Minjae, with anyone else. It’s the distrust, the fact that
Jeongguk doesn’t seem to think that Taehyung can or will be loyal to this thing they have, that
hurts Taehyung the most.

“What exactly,” he starts, his voice as controlled and as cold as Jeongguk’s own was, “makes you
think you have the right to talk to me or my friends like this?”

“Friends?” replies Jeongguk, tone mocking. “Is that what you call it these days? Are we friends
too, Taehyung?” he asks, and although Taehyung is looking straight ahead, from the corner of his
eye he sees Jeongguk turn around in his seat to look at him.

“Minjae is my friend , like it or not,” he spits, Jeongguk letting out a bitter chuckle as he sits back
in his seat, folding his arms over his chest. “I’ve told you a thousand times what you and I have is
nothing like what Minjae and I had, why is it so hard for you to understand?”

“Maybe it wasn’t so different, after all,” replies Jeongguk, looking down at his hands, and
Taehyung feels like something just stabbed him in his chest.
He was so sure that even if they were avoiding having that conversation they both felt the same
way, or very similar, but then again, maybe they don’t. Maybe sex is all it ever was to Jeongguk,
and Taehyung fooled himself into thinking that the younger really liked him, wanted something
else, wanted him and not just his body.

He feels tears threatening to pool in his eyes, but he’s not going to cry. Not going to cry in front of
Jeongguk, not going to cry at all over this. It’s his own fault, for letting himself fall for Jeongguk.
He let himself get lost in this fantasy, cutting all the ropes that held him to reality, and now he feels
like he’s inside of a black hole, finding himself alone when he thought Jeongguk would be with
him.

“I don’t think I can have this conversation right now,” Taehyung says, blinking a few tears away
before Jeongguk decides to look at him and see them.

“Okay,” is all Jeongguk says, and Taehyung feels himself drowning because Jeongguk isn’t even
trying .

He doesn’t reply either, because anything he could say seems both pointless and worthless right
now, so he just undoes his seatbelt and leaves the car. He doesn’t spare Jeongguk’s car a glance as
he makes his way to his building, nor does he check if he’s still there when he gets home. He just
changes into the loose t-shirt he let Jeongguk borrow, what now feels like ages ago, although it
barely smells like the younger anymore. Funny how every single form of Jeongguk he thought he
had seems to now be slipping through his fingers like water.

He falls asleep telling himself he’s not going to cry.

***

Taehyung wakes up when his phone pings, not recalling the events from the previous night until he
sees the messages on his mobile phone.

From ♡♡♡gukkie♡♡♡: i’m coming over to talk now

To ♡♡♡gukkie♡♡♡: okay

There is a heavy weight in his stomach as he types the reply, so he decides he should keep himself
busy while Jeongguk is on his way there. Brushing his teeth, combing his hair, making his bed. His
hands keep moving but his mind is somewhere else, somewhere in between Jeongguk’s apartment
and his own as the younger makes his way there.

When his buzzer rings he doesn’t even bother to check who it is on the screen, automatically
opening the door as he nervously walks across his living room. Maybe he should do a stress-
relieving action before Jeongguk gets there, like slamming a few plates onto the floor. He’s never
been a violent person, but he’s seen a lot of people in a lot of movies and dramas do that when they
break up with their significant other.

Break up , Taehyung thinks to himself. He has never broken up with someone, not seriously, at all.
Does it count as breaking up if they aren’t even official?

He knows he doesn’t have an escape when he hears the strident noise of his doorbell being
pressed―well, unless he wants to jump from his window, but that’d likely involve death since he
lives on one of the higher floors of the building.

Out of all the things Taehyung was expecting Jeongguk to look like, wrecked wasn’t really one of
them. His hair is a mess, worse than he has ever seen him on any morning, and his eyes are swollen
and red-rimmed, as if he’d been crying―Taehyung has seen enough movies with Jeongguk to
know that it doesn’t take much for Jeongguk to cry, but his stomach still twists in guilt. Even if he
himself felt like bawling his eyes out last night.

“Morning,” he says, stepping out of the way as he gestures for Jeongguk to come in. The younger
does so, not saying a word. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Are you seriously asking me this?” Jeongguk says as Taehyung closes the door, a note of disbelief
in his voice. Taehyung understands, because he already knows what Jeongguk wants to talk about.

The thing is, he’s been convincing himself that he doesn’t care. He doesn’t―he can’t ―care,
because people get hurt when they care.

So when Jeongguk says, “Us,” Taehyung exhales loudly, looking away before he replies.

“There is no us,” he responds, unable to look Jeongguk in the eye. He’s surprised his voice doesn’t
crack when the words leave his mouth, but once he’s finished and his eyes drift back to Jeongguk
he can see the confusion and hurt in his expression.

Maybe Jeongguk cared, after all.

“How do you dare to tell me there is no us after every-fucking-thing that’s happened, Taehyung?”
Jeongguk half-yells, his fists clenched on each side of his body. “After all these months , are you
really expecting me to believe there is nothing between you and me?”

“There is nothing , Jeongguk,” he spits, losing his temper as well. “If there were anything you
wouldn’t have reacted the way you did last night, like the fucking asshole you are. Well, guess
what, Jeon? There’s not an us and I’m not yours to get all possessive over,” he says, watching
Jeongguk’s face crumble at the disdain in his voice.

“Should’ve said it before,” Jeongguk says, and although Taehyung wants to ask before what he
doesn’t really think he wants to know. “And yet you still say this isn’t exactly the same as it was
with fucking Minjae.”

And Taehyung is so, so tired. Tired because Jimin warned him when there was still time, that he
was getting somewhere complicated, but he ignored him because he was reckless and stupid and
thought he could make it work. He’s so tired, because Jeongguk seems to be taking over most of
his thoughts and time, and now that he sees them ―because there is a them, even if he’s just
denied it to Jeongguk’s face―detonating he doesn’t really know how he will fill the spaces.

“The difference with Minjae,” he starts then, this time his eyes piercing Jeongguk’s, “is that we
were friend with benefits. You and I, on the other hand, were never anything, and won’t ever be.”

“We were together ,” chokes Jeongguk, his voice strangled, and Taehyung looks away when he
notices the tears forming in his eyes.

“That doesn’t really mean much, does it?” he asks, and he hears Jeongguk cough in what he
guesses is an attempt to hide a sob. He knows Jeongguk doesn’t like crying in front of others, even
if he does it so fucking often, so he doesn’t look at him.

“I guess it doesn’t mean anything at all,” Jeongguk says then, voice barely audible. “At least not to
you.”

“It doesn’t.”

Taehyung hears Jeongguk take a shaky breath before the front door is opened again, feet moving
out of Taehyung’s range of sight.

“So this is the end?” Jeongguk asks, and from his voice Taehyung knows that although the
younger is asking one more time, there really isn’t any hope left in him.

It’s one more desperate try, one that Taehyung should use to come clean and tell Jeongguk how
fucking scared he is right now, but he doesn’t. Because Taehyung has never liked complicated,
really, and he has already proved that aiming for the easy way is safer than choosing to get himself
involved in problems. And, right now, letting Jeongguk go is the easiest choice, even if he feels
like he’s kicking himself in the ribs by doing so.

“Yes, Jeongguk. This is the end.” His voice is monotonous and cold, just like Jeongguk’s when
they first met.

And in that moment, right when Jeongguk takes two steps back and leaves his apartment,
Taehyung feels more alone than he has ever felt.

He tries to tell himself not to cry, but he doesn’t really succeed this time.

***

The thing about being in the spotlight, is that if you don’t plan on making a fuss of your personal
drama and sharing it for the whole world to see, nobody will really care about it. So after Jeongguk
leaves Taehyung’s apartment that day, Taehyung gives himself two days to whine and be sad
before he puts on a happy façade and goes back to work, both to photoshoots and events.

Photoshoots are a pain in the ass these days, unless he’s working with Hoseok since he’s like
Taehyung’s personal sunshine, but events are cool. They are cool because there is alcohol
involved, and Taehyung has a good time when he’s drunk, even if he is a bit inappropriate
sometimes. Especially when he’s drunk.

Taehyung might actually be becoming the male, Korean version of Kate Moss after all.

The events are fun, especially because after those parties there are after parties those are an
absolute blast, and Taehyung attends nearly every single one he’s invited to. He still isn’t sure how
he has gone through three weeks of intense, continuous partying with the big fish in the Korean
fashion industry without running into Jeongguk, especially because Jeongguk himself, just like
Taehyung, is another big fish, but he’s glad. He’s been making a few scenes these days, but what
might happen if he encounters Jeongguk, whether it’s crying or fighting, might be too much of a
scandal for Namjoon to handle without scolding Taehyung.

It’s around three in the morning, and he’s clubbing with a model he’s worked with a few times,
Hyungwon, and a friend of his called Minhyuk. The truth is he ran into the former when they were
both at a Dior Homme event earlier in the evening and thought he was a really, really cool guy―he
was a bit drunk already when he came to the conclusion―so he asked him to go together to the
after party.
At some point, Minhyuk disappears with a tiny, blonde girl with wide hips and a narrow waist, and
Hyungwon drags Taehyung to one of the bathroom stalls, saying he’s got something to show him.
He doesn’t know what to expect, but it definitely isn’t Hyungwon to take a small plastic bag out of
the pocket of his jeans, half-full of white powder.

“Want a line, Tae?” Hyungwon asks then, looking down at Taehyung.

Taehyung bites down on his bottom lip, considering his options. Sure, he could say no and be a
half-healthy guy, but he could also say yes and have a super good time with his new friend
Hyungwon. Besides, he’s entering the sad-drunk stage, starting to think about Jeongguk and his
pretty face, his sweet touches and his broken heart.

“If you’re offering,” Taehyung says, not minding that Hyungwon, nearly a stranger with whom he
has talked about thrice before today, calls him Tae .

The next thirty minutes, maybe forty, are a blur for Taehyung. He remembers getting out of that
bathroom with Hyungwon and going to the dancefloor with him. Taehyung knows he probably
shouldn’t be grinding against Hyungwon’s crotch, especially because he doesn’t have the intention
of going home with him, but Hyungwon is just so tall and so pretty . And for the time they’re
together on the dancefloor Taehyung forgets how much he misses Jeongguk and how bad it feels to
know that when he leaves to go back home he won’t be waiting for him, at his apartment nor at
Taehyung’s, so he doesn’t really think about it when he whispers in Hyungwon’s ear, “Gimme
another one?”

He feels one of Hyungwon’s hands snaking down from where they rested on Taehyung’s waist to
his hip, his breath hot on Taehyung’s ear as he says, “Earn it.”

“How am I supposed to do that?” Taehyung says, but he already has an idea of what Hyungwon
means.

“Be creative,” he replies as Taehyung rolls his hips, ass grinding against Hyungwon’s crotch,
making him moan.

This time it’s Taehyung who drags Hyungwon to the bathroom, and although it’s too humiliating to
admit it out loud, even in his drunken and high state, he gets down on his knees for him.

It feels so wrong, the weight of Hyungwon in his mouth, the feel of his fingers running through his
hair, and Taehyung wants to pull away and cry on the floor, because when did he turn into this? A
fucking cokeslut sucking dick to get a line or two. He wants to laugh at himself, because it’s so
fucking pathetic .

“You’re so fucking good at this, baby,” Hyungwon says, and even those words feel heavy and
wrong on Taehyung’s ears. The last person who ever called him baby was Jeongguk, and the word
now feels off on anybody else’s lips.

He spits Hyungwon’s load in the toilet when he comes in his mouth, but the taller doesn’t seem to
mind as he does, his hand going down to cup Taehyung’s cheek, stroking the prominent bone, and
Taehyung looks away from where he’s sitting on the dirty bathroom floor, ashamed. He isn’t even
turned on, his dick soft inside his underwear.

Hyungwon seems to realize, quickly lifting his jeans and briefs from where they pool around his
ankles, putting them on before he gets his fingers inside of the pocket of his pants, taking the
plastic bag and throwing it down to Taehyung.
“You can have all that,” Hyungwon explains, zipping up his jeans and putting on the button. “That
mouth is worth it.”

“Thanks,” mutters Taehyung, Hyungwon opening the door to the bathroom stall.

“You’re not coming, right?” Taehyung shakes his head. “See you around, Taehyung,” he says
before disappearing.

Taehyung kneels and reaches to lock the stall again as he sits up, his head against the wall. He
throws his head up, looking at the light on the ceiling, blinking every so often. He isn’t sure when
he starts crying, but there are tears rolling from the corners of his eyes and down his cheeks, drying
on his chin, and the plastic bag in his palm burns the skin caging it.

What a fucking joke he is, he thinks. Korea’s greatest high fashion model crying on the floor of a
bathroom stall after sucking a guy for some coke. He doesn’t even know why he’s crying, maybe
because he doesn’t recognize himself anymore, maybe because he feels himself drowning and he
doesn’t know how to ask anyone for help, or maybe he’s just heartbroken.

Whatever it is, it just makes him feel weak.

***

Taehyung doesn’t really know how he got into this situation, sitting in the solitude of his home at
almost midnight, staring at the plastic bag resting on his coffee table, as if he wanted to make it
burn with his eyes.

The truth is he does know how he got himself in this situation, giving head, but he still isn’t sure
what made him do that. After that he wasn’t feeling very cheerful―he wasn’t feeling cheerful at
all, if he’s honest―so he just put the plastic bag in his pocket and called Namjoon to come pick
him up, not feeling like taking a cab.

Namjoon sounded a little bothered, which Taehyung understood because it was almost five, but he
still came and brought Taehyung home, his expression softening when he saw what a mess
Taehyung was. There were pictures of Taehyung waiting in front of the club all over the internet
the following day, make-up smudged over his face after having clearly cried, so the press was
making an even bigger deal of the sudden stop of Jeongguk’s visits to Taehyung’s place, so
Taehyung kept avoiding interviews every time Namjoon offered him one.

And right now he’s staring at a plastic bag he should’ve thrown away the moment he found it in
the pocket of his jeans the day after that party, and the worst thing is that he hasn’t thrown it out
yet.

It’d be a waste, he thinks. There can’t be more than two lines in there, so he really is considering
having them. It can’t be that bad, right? It’s just two lines. He’s feeling sad today―he’s been
feeling sad every day for almost two months now, but today is a really bad day. He usually can
convince either Namjoon, Jimin, Seokjin, Hoseok, anyone to keep him company, but today
everyone is busy. Everyone is busy, he’s alone and sad, and Jeongguk is gone.

It’s just two lines , he convinces himself as he opens the plastic bag, pouring all its contents over
the wooden surface. He takes his ID card, already over on the table, and bites down on his bottom
lip, looking down at the small mountain of powder lying on his coffee table.
It’s not that a big deal , he keeps repeating in his head as he gets the first line ready, snorting it
before he can hesitate again. It doesn’t feel like enough, so he does the other one and gets it inside
his body too.

His nostril tickles, and he wrinkles his nose trying to get rid of the sensation. It’s a
bit―super―pathetic to get high on coke while you’re alone at home, Taehyung guesses, but it’s
better than being photographed crying around like last time, at least. It’s embarrassing, he’s been in
the business eight years―almost nine , since it’s almost January now and this is his first time
being caught in such a lame state. Not even when he came out he was like this. He doesn’t really
want anyone to think he’s a fucking whiny baby, nor does he want them to think that it’s because of
Jeongguk, like everyone is assuming. It’s not that they’re wrong, but he doesn’t want them to
believe it.

It takes awhile for the coke to kick in, but when it does, Taehyung suddenly gets a need . He can’t
help it, so he just gets his phone and scrolls down his contact list until he finds the one he was
looking for. His thumb hovers over it for a moment, but he ends up pressing the call button,
bringing the phone to his ear.

He feels his heart beat strongly in his chest before Jeongguk picks up, saying “Taehyung? ”

And, God , how much did he miss everything about Jeongguk. Even his voice, although he doesn’t
sound particularly pleased to have him calling now. Not that he sounds displeased, either, it’s more
like he just sounds unfazed. Almost as if he doesn’t really mind if Taehyung calls or not. Almost as
if he doesn’t miss him as much as Taehyung misses him, Taehyung thinks, but then again, maybe
it’s just his imagination playing cruel tricks on him.

“Hi, Jeongguk,” he says, and he didn’t realize his voice sounded so rough until now. Now that he
thinks of it, those are the first words he has said out loud today, and they are dedicated to
Jeongguk. “You probably don’t want to hear me, do you?”

“You’re right, I really don’t want to ,” Jeongguk says, Taehyung letting out a shaky laugh.

“It’s just―I miss you, Jeongguk,” he blurts out then, feeling a heavy weight being lifted from his
chest. “Come back,” he pleads, and he’d probably be crying if he hadn’t run out of tears by now.
It’s amazing, Taehyung thinks, how heartbreak could make him shed more tears than he has in his
whole life.

“Why are you doing this to me, Taehyung? ” asks Jeongguk, and he sounds so broken it makes
Taehyung wonder what they’re doing apart when it clearly isn’t doing either of them any good. But
he also sounds tired, and Taehyung can relate. He’s tired, too. He’s just so tired, both physically
and emotionally. “ Are you drunk? ”

“I’m not,” replies Taehyung, because even if Jeongguk isn’t being nice at least he isn’t being cold.
Taehyung thinks he can deal with Jeongguk’s anger, disdain, even hate, but he doesn’t think he
could ever handle his indifference. “I’m high.”

“On what? ” asks Jeongguk, and Taehyung bites down a sob―half of relief, half of
heartache―when he notes concern in Jeongguk’s voice. It’s brief, almost as if he’s trying to hide
it, but it’s still there. The same concern when he asked him if he was losing weight so many
months ago, even if he decided to ignore it at the time. The same concern when Taehyung was at
the hospital, when he was taking his pills. “ Where are you now? ”

“Nose candy, Guk-ah,” he says, the nickname slipping past his lips before he can stop it. “And I’m
at home. A guy gave it to me the other day, you would have gotten so mad at me if you were there,
Jeongguk. I got down on my knees for it, you wouldn’t be proud.”

“Taehyung, what are you doing? ” asks Jeongguk.

“I’m talking to you, silly,” Taehyung replies, and for a moment Taehyung wants to laugh at the
familiarity of everything.

“I mean, like, with your life ,” clarifies Jeongguk, and Taehyung thinks he sounds a little sad.

“I don’t know,” admits Taehyung. “I miss having you here, Jeongguk, I―”

“Don’t ,” Jeongguk interrupts, and even if it should be more a command, Taehyung thinks it
sounds more like Jeongguk is asking him to, and, well, he has never been good at denying
Jeongguk anything. Even if he was about to tell Jeongguk what he should have told him so long
ago, Taehyung has never talked when he knows people don’t want to listen. “ Taehyung, if you
want to mess with someone, or have sex, or anything like that, just call Minjae or whatever, I―I
can’t keep doing this. ”

“We haven’t been doing this for a while now ,” Taehyung says, the illusion now broken. They’re
not okay, Jeongguk doesn’t want him.

“Then don’t call me ,” Jeongguk replies, a little too quick.

“Maybe I won’t anymore,” says Taehyung, in an attempt to show how much Jeongguk’s words
hurt. He doesn’t think he’s succeeding, but it’s worth a try.

“Goodnight, Taehyung. Sleep well .”

“Night,” Taehyung says, and then Jeongguk hangs up.

Taehyung is alone again, staring at the ceiling when he decides that, for once, he should listen to
Jeongguk. He gets changed into a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie, and almost goes to get his car
keys when he remembers that he's, well, high.

The walk to Minjae’s building is not long, and almost feels refreshing as he walks alone through
the deserted streets. It’s a weekday, and he lives in a nice area, so he isn't surprised by the lack of
night activity. He still remembers the way to Minjae’s, every turn and every step, surprising
himself.

Minjae looks equally surprised when he opens the door to find Taehyung standing there, dropping
by unannounced.

“Hi, Minnie,” greets Taehyung, offering a small grin.

“Taehyung, what are you doing here?” Minjae asks. His hair is messy and he's wearing pajamas, so
Taehyung guesses he woke him up. He's too high to care, anyway.

“Why do I always come here, Minjae?” Taehyung asks, and Minjae tilts his head at him in
curiosity. “Sex,” Taehyung clarifies.

“I should’ve known,” Minjae replies, stepping back. “Come in, then.”

Taehyung didn't really think Minjae would say yes, but he does. He does and takes him to his
bedroom, and they find themselves in the same position they've been in so many times, but it's not
fun anymore. It's familiar, yes, but Taehyung isn't having a good time. He let's Minjae bite and
suck at his collarbones, letting him leave the marks that he always was so upset he couldn't leave,
mostly because he can't find in himself the strength to stop him.

Minjae is gentle, his hands caressing up and down Taehyung’s body as he undresses him, and
although Minjae gives, gives, gives him everything, Taehyung just doesn’t find in himself the
strength to care. His body is with Minjae, but his mind is with Jeongguk and his rejection, and
Taehyung just wants to close his eyes and forget.

When they're done, after everything is done but barely anything has been said, Minjae lays by
Taehyung's side before he states, “You're in love with him.”

It's not a question, Minjae is confirming it instead of asking, but Taehyung still feels the need to
answer.

“Yeah. Yeah, I am in love with him,” he replies, and even though nobody has mentioned
Jeongguk’s name, they don't really need to.

This, Taehyung realizes, is the first time he has ever told anyone he loves Jeongguk. He wishes he
could have told Jeongguk himself, but sometimes life doesn't go according to one’s wishes,
Taehyung guesses.

“Then why are you here instead of trying to get him back?” Minjae asks, and that's a good
question. Maybe because it's too late now, maybe Taehyung is just scared. Maybe, maybe.

“He doesn't want me to, Minjae,” he replies, the younger snorting at the words as if Taehyung has
just said a blatant lie. “Why didn't you try to get me back if you loved me?”

“Because you didn't love me,” Minjae replies. “But he clearly loves you, Taehyung. You've always
been a bit clueless when it comes to that kind of stuff,” Minjae replies, running a hand through
Taehyung's hair in a fond gesture.

“Are you still in love with me?” Taehyung asks then, turning his head to look at Minjae.

Minjae seems to think about it for a moment, turning to look at Taehyung as well, before he sighs
and says, “No, I'm not.”

“How?”

“How I stopped being in love with you?” Taehyung nods. “Healing takes time, Taehyung. You
broke my heart, but it healed. As surreal as it may sound, it's possible to move on from the great
Kim Taehyung, so I'd recommend you go get your loverboy before he does too,” Minjae jokes,
bumping his shoulder against Taehyung's.

“You're right,” Taehyung agrees, punctuated by a yawn. “I should just tell him.”

Minjae nods, humming, before he throws the covers over both his body and Taehyung's. The elder
looks at him confused, since he was planning on just going back home, but Minjae explains, “Stay.
You're crashing down hard from the high, hyung.”

“How did you know?”

“I know drugs, and I know you, Taehyung. Just be careful, yeah?”

Taehyung doesn't say anything, because his eyelids feel heavier than they ever have and the sound
of Minjae's breathing helps him sleep. It's not Jeongguk's, but it's close enough, Taehyung thinks,
 and he's taking everything he can get.

Taehyung should have known when he woke up feeling tired the next morning, the air of late
December unusually hot around him. He should have known, because it's been months since he last
took his supplements, but he didn't really spare it any thought.

Instead, he lets Minjae drive him home, thanking him for both bearing with him and letting him
stay over. It's when he's about to enter his building that his vision starts to blur and he feels his
body bending forward, falling onto his knees.

The past few days have been quiet around his apartment, not really a lot of paparazzi, but there are
always one or two, and the flashes of their cameras right now seem like too much for Taehyung
right now.

He feels a hand between his shoulder blades and a familiar voice call his name, but before he can
say anything back his eyes are closing and he's gone again.

Chapter End Notes

...and i'm sorry for everything after

anyways !!! i was so insecure about this (still am) so please please please if you liked
it even if it's just the porn tell me??? i'm needy and i need constant reassurance i'm
sorry kweenies and kings
also there's just one chapter left of this fic i'm lowkey sad omg but well i love y'all for
reading this omg i'm emotional today thanks for reading and making it this far istg it
means a lot and pleeeease leave kudos and comments if you're enjoying this ♥
(twitter/tumblr)
 contagious chemistry
Chapter Notes

will this have a happy or a sad ending place your bets !!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Taehyung wakes up in his own home, this time only accompanied by Namjoon, who is looking the
most worried Taehyung has ever seen him, and Jimin, curled up on the armchair by his bed.

“Hey, hyung,” he greets, his voice weak.

Taehyung’s throat feels sore and dry, and his lips chapped. He looks around the room, looking for
a glass of water, but he finds none.

“Taehyung,” starts Namjoon, and Taehyung can feel the tiredness in his voice. “Taehyung, what
the hell were you thinking?”

Taehyung blinks twice at Namjoon, not quite sure of what he means. Namjoon sighs, looking
away, his gaze lingering over Jimin’s frame still on the armchair. He looks tired, too, and
Taehyung hates this. Hates that he’s the reason why Namjoon and Jimin look so tired now.

“Thinking when?”

“Don’t play dumb, Taehyung, please,” Namjoon sighs. “You’re fainting again, aren’t you?”

“I thought I was fine ,” Taehyung replies, Namjoon looking unfazed. The worst thing is that
Namjoon doesn’t even look angry at him, just profusely disappointed.

“We’re going to the hospital to get your analysis done,” Namjoon states, Taehyung frowning up at
him.

“We can’t go to the hospital,” he rushes, knowing that the cocaine he snorted last night will
probably show on his analysis. “Please, hyung, we’ll go in a few days, but not today.”

Namjoon raises his eyebrows at him, but Taehyung knows that it won’t be easy to convince him, at
least not without a good reason.

“Hyung,” he starts, taking a deep breath. “If I get my analysis done right now you won’t want
anyone to see them.”

Jimin, who had stayed silent for most of the time, says then, “How come?”

“Don’t go all father-y on me,” he warns, Jimin rolls his eyes at him and Namjoon’s eyebrow
twitches. “I―I might have snorted cocaine last night.”

Jimin raises his eyebrows as he clicks his tongue. He doesn’t really look surprised―after all, just
like Taehyung he’s seen a lot of this, working in the fashion industry and all that. Namjoon, on the
other hand, crosses his arms over his chest and scowls down at Taehyung.
“Is that why you decided to snort fucking cocaine, Taehyung? Because you were fine?”

“You don’t understand, Namjoon, I―”

“You’re right, I don’t understand how you could think that dropping your supplements without
medical approval would be a good idea,” Namjoon says. “And then snort fucking cocaine ,
Taehyung, c’mon, we both know you’re better than that. Is all this because of Jeongguk?”

“It’s not,” Taehyung tries to explain, choking on the words as they leave his mouth. “At least, not
entirely .”

“I swear to God, Taehyung―”

“Go easy on him, Namjoon,” calls Jimin’s voice from Taehyung’s side. “Go tell Minjae Taehyung
is okay, he’s probably tearing his hair out by now, will you? I need to talk to Tae.”

“Fine,” replies Namjoon, standing up and making his way to the door.

Taehyung knows that Namjoon is just worried, that he doesn’t really mean to hold anything against
him: not the fact that he’s skipping his medication, not that he’s been getting himself in situations
he really shouldn’t be in, not that he hasn’t been really acting like himself since Jeongguk and him
split up. He knows Namjoon doesn’t really mean to hurt him, but it does. It does because he knows
that he’s the one to blame.

“I’m not going to reprehend you, or scold you, Taehyung,” says Jimin, standing up and sitting on
the edge of Taehyung’s bed. “ I understand, and I know it’s not easy to be in the position you are,
but please,” he says, and his voice breaks a little when he says that, “don’t ever do something like
that again, Taehyung.”

“I really didn’t mean for this to happen, Jimin, I thought I didn’t need the pills anymore.”

“It’s just―I don’t know why you would skip your supplements, Taehyung, is taking them such an
inconvenience? And then then hold deal about the cocaine, I don’t―I don’t know what to think
anymore, Taehyung. You’ve seen people be wrecked by it, you know it really is a big deal. Not
that you are going to die from snorting a line or two, but― I don’t want to lose you. You know
you’re playing with fire right now, and people who play with fire often get burned.”

“I know I shouldn’t have, Jimin, but it was just two lines,” he replies, Jimin sighing as he does. “It
was not that big of a deal.”

“Promise?” Jimin asks, and Taehyung sighs as he nods his head affirmatively.

“Promise.”

Jimin takes a deep breath, looking down at his hands, his fingers playing with one of his rings.

“You just can’t expect us to find out about something like that and tell us to not worry, Tae,” he
says, his voice soft. “Namjoon has been here since Minjae rang his buzzer, I just arrived, and
Seokjin is on his way. You should probably call your parents, we spoke to them a while ago―”

“I told you not to call my parents unless I’m nearing death,” Taehyung protests. He likes seeing his
parents, of course he does, but he doesn’t feel like making them get in the car and come all the way
from Daegu every time he passes out.

“We didn’t call anyone,” sighs Jimin. “You passed out in the middle of the street, there are even
pictures. But on the bright side, me coming out is still the most talked about gossip news of the
day, so suck it up,” smiles Jimin brightly at him, Taehyung mirroring him. “Not stealing the
spotlight from me.”

“You did it?” he asks, Jimin nodding as he beams at him. “I’m so proud of you, Jimin-ah, come
down here so I can hug you,” he says, stretching his arms for a giggling Jimin to fall into them, his
head resting on Taehyung’s chest.

Jimin still hugs him and touches him the same way he did nine months or four years ago. He
doesn’t treat him like he’s weak or fragile, he doesn’t make him feel he’s sick , even if he has just
fainted, and Taehyung appreciates it. He appreciates the way Jimin’s arms crush him ion his
embrace, a little too tight but even more comforting.

“I actually did yesterday, and I spent the whole night waiting for your congratulations text, but I
guess you were busy?” he says, his voice quirking up in the end as if he’s making a question
instead of a statement.

“I was at home,” he admits. “I got high and called Jeongguk, and then went over to Minjae’s,
Jimin. I don’t even know what crossed my mind,” he says, covering his face with one of his palms
as Jimin laughs, chin still resting on Taehyung’s chest.

“Now that you mention Jeongguk―” Jimin starts, but Taehyung interrupts him before he can keep
on talking.

“Please, tell me he’s not here,” Taehyung groans.

“He’s not here,” Jimin says, and right when Taehyung is about to sigh in relief he adds, “Yet.”

It’s not that he doesn’t want to see Jeongguk. The thing is, he really, really wants to see Jeongguk,
but he doesn’t know how he will react. He remembers vividly the conversation from last night, so
he doesn’t really think Jeongguk wants to see him. Then again, if he’s here it’s because he still
cares, even if it’s just a tiny, tiny bit. This time he doesn’t really need to come, no feeling of
obligation.

“Did you tell him?”

“No,” replies Jimin, sitting up the bed as he shakes his head. “I guess he saw it online, since he me
asking about you.” Taehyung sighs, because he doesn’t really know how to feel about it. “He still
cares, Taehyung. More than you could ever imagine.”

“Can we talk about this another time?” Taehyung pleads, throwing his head back onto the pillow.

“Whenever you’re ready, of course,” assures Jimin. “But I’ve been waiting for you to talk about it
ever since you first broke up. You can’t keep bottling things up like this, Taehyungie.”

“You need to be dating someone to break up,” points out Taehyung.

“Fuck off, Taehyung, we both know you two were dating, even if you were too afraid to brand it.”

Taehyung just sighs, closing his eyes as he rests against the pillow on his bed. He’d rather avoid
talking about Jeongguk before meeting Jeongguk himself, because talking about him makes
Taehyung emotional and he doesn’t really want to be a wreck by the time Jeongguk gets here.

“Do you think that Doctor Sexy will be able to hide my analysis from everyone else if I go to the
hospital today?” Taehyung asks, to which Jimin hums.
“I’m not sure, but I can always ask him. If not, you should start taking the supplements again and
wait a few days until the coke is out of your body, just so nobody sees and sells your analysis.”

“Isn’t selling that kind of information against their working ethic, or something?” Taehyung asks,
the corners of his mouth quirking up in amusement.

“I mean, yeah, of course it is, but any professional can be bought with a few hundred thousand
won,” Jimin replies.

“Except for Doctor Sexy,” states Taehyung.

“Yeah, except for Doctor Sexy,” Jimin repeats, and they both laugh.

It’s weird, Taehyung thinks, because even if he hasn’t seen Jimin any less than usual during the
past weeks, he feels like they weren’t being themselves. He was probably hiding in a shell because
he didn’t really want Jimin to see he was hurting, but it ended up having the opposite effect. This is
the Jimin effect, Taehyung guesses. He could make anyone feel happy in any situation, but you just
have to let him in.

Taehyung’s heart does a backflip inside his ribcage when he hears the door being opened, his head
snapping in the direction of it at lightning speed. Jeongguk stands under the frame, hesitance on his
face, as if he doesn’t really now if he’s welcome here. Taehyung wants to tell him to come in,
wants to tell him that he’s glad to see him, but he can’t get the words to leave his mouth as he
stares at Jeongguk, who looks back at him.

It’s probably beyond ridiculous and a little bit awkward, so that must be why Jimin clears his throat
and says, “I’m gonna go call Yoongi now,” making Jeongguk step inside so he can leave the room.

“You weren’t supposed to be here,” observes Jeongguk, staring at Taehyung from the end of the
bed. His voice is bitter, almost as if he’s angry at Taehyung for being here. “You were supposed to
be following a treatment for this to not happen again.”

“Who says I didn’t?” asks Taehyung. He doesn’t want to fight with Jeongguk, but the way
Jeongguk talks to him right now reminds him of the way he used to talk to him when they first met.
It suddenly feels like they’re starting all over again, jumping at each other’s throats, and Taehyung
doesn’t like this. Not after knowing how Jeongguk really is, anyway. “How did you get in here,
anyway? I didn’t hear the doorbell.”

“Still got your spare key,” Jeongguk says, Taehyung’s lips forming an ‘o’ at the mention of said
key. He also has a key for Jeongguk’s apartment, having exchanged them during those months
when things seemed like they could actually work and they spent more time together than apart.
“This shouldn’t be as full as it is, should it?” adds Jeongguk then, taking the more than known jar
of supplements from the pocket of his coat.

“No, it really shouldn’t, Jeongguk,” replies Taehyung, lifting his eyes from where they were
exhaustively staring at his own hands to meet Jeongguk’s cold gaze. It’s almost sad, Taehyung
thinks, that the same pair of eyes that used to tell him so many things with as little as a look now
stare at him showing nothing but hurt and disappointment.

“How long?”

“Since October,” Taehyung answers.

“You lied to me so many times after that,” Jeongguk says then, just the tiniest amount of hurt in his
voice to make Taehyung feel guilty. “When I asked you if you were still taking them. You always
said yes.”

“I guess I did, yeah,” he admits, Jeongguk sighing as he does.

And if he’s honest, Taehyung almost wishes Jeongguk would yell and scream at him, tell him he’s
a fucking idiot for what he’s been doing, but instead he just behaves like a stranger, and Taehyung
can’t deal with it.

“Maybe I should go,” Jeongguk says, but he doesn’t really sound like he wants to go. Taehyung is
tired of this, of not knowing what Jeongguk means to him or what he means to Jeongguk. If they’re
over, why does it feel like things between them are unfinished ?

“Jeongguk, wait, I―” he starts as he sits up on the bed, Jeongguk’s eyes going from his own feet to
Taehyung’s frame, but then he interrupts.

“Who did that ?” he asks, tilting his head in Taehyung’s direction.

For a moment Taehyung is confused, because he doesn’t really know what Jeongguk means by that
, but then he remembers how loose the sweater he was wearing hangs on his frame, revealing his
collarbones when he shifts on the bed. Revealing all the marks Minjae left on his skin the night
before.

It’s funny in a bitter way, Taehyung thinks. Funny how he has already lived this situation once, but
the other way around, when Jeongguk left hickeys on Taehyung’s body that Minjae wasn’t pleased
to see. Funny, because where Taehyung had been angry at Minjae’s reaction, he feels like he owes
Jeongguk an explanation. Funny, because although he felt Minjae’s heart break in the same way he
feels Jeongguk’s break now, he cares way more this time. It’s kind of funny, but it’s also incredibly
sad, because he’s madly in love with Jeongguk and he feels his own heart shatter in his chest as he
knows Jeongguk’s does in his own.

“Jeongguk, please―” he tries to explain, because Jeongguk is hurting, and he’s hurting because of
him. He knows it hasn’t been any easier for the younger than it’s been for him, and he doesn’t want
to add to it. He at least hopes Jeongguk found a better way to cope with it than him, that’s all.

“It was Minjae, wasn’t it?” Jeongguk asks. Taehyung nods, lowering his gaze to his hands because
he even feels ashamed right now, as if he’s done something terrible. “Yesterday. When you called
and I told you to go to him if you wanted sex, right?” Taehyung nods again, and he hears a shaky
breath leave Jeongguk’s chest.

“I didn’t call you because I wanted sex if that’s what you’re implying, Jeongguk,” says Taehyung,
but his voice seems more like a plea to his ears.

“But you still went to him. That― this is not love , Taehyung. Either you stay with me or you let
me go, but you just can’t call me one day and tell me you miss me and then go to fuck Minjae, this
isn’t healthy . I’m not your little experiment just so you know you can, Taehyung.”

“Do you really think that is what this is all about? That I just want to know I can ?”

“Well, that’s how you fucking make me feel.”

“Then I guess you don’t really know me at all,” replies Taehyung, raising his eyes to see Jeongguk.

Jeongguk holds his gaze, and Taehyung can see him swallow before he speaks again. His jaw his
clenched and his eyes glassy, almost as if he’s holding back tears.
“Sometimes you make me feel like I really don’t, yeah,” he says, looking down at his trembling
hands.

“Go now, Jeongguk. I don’t think you should be here anymore.”

Jeongguk blinks at him, and Taehyung thinks he sees the glint of tears on his eyes, making him
look away. He hears the door close, and then he’s alone in the room again. He looks down at his
fingers again, not quite sure if what has just happened is real or if he was making it up. What he’s
certain about, though, is that he has lost Jeongguk now. Jeongguk’s words echo on his head: this
isn’t love, this isn’t love , and Taehyung guesses that his biggest regret in his relationship with
Jeongguk―probably the only one―may be that Jeongguk doesn’t really know how much he meant
to Taehyung.

***

Taehyung is given the same treatment the time before, but this time he takes his supplements
religiously so nobody scolds him like last time. Jimin makes sure he does, bugging Taehyung so he
sends him proof that he takes them―Taehyung feels stupid sending Jimin videos of him taking a
pill ―and coming over for dinner as often as he can.

The thing is, even if Taehyung loves Jimin more than he loves himself, he still misses his home
alone time to whine over his broken heart and lose himself in a spiral of self-pity.

“I still don’t get why you were so reluctant to take them,” comments Jimin one night when he and
Taehyung are sprawled on Taehyung’s couch, Taehyung burying his head in a pillow.

“They taste like ass,” Taehyung groans, making Jimin scoff.

“If they tasted like ass then you’d happily have taken them,” replies Jimin, and although Taehyung
can’t actually see him he still knows Jimin is wiggling his eyebrows at him. “Oh, c’mon,
Taehyungie, I miss hearing you laugh,” says Jimin, making Taehyung sigh and throw the pillow
away from his face.

“I’m sorry,” he shrugs.

“No need to apologize,” replies Jimin, leaving his phone over the coffee table before flopping onto
the couch next to Taehyung, wrapping an arm around his shoulders so Taehyung’s head is on his
chest. “I get that you’re heartbroken.”

“Is this what being heartbroken feels like? I hope I haven’t made anyone feel like this, like, ever,”
he protests, Jimin’s chest vibrating with laughter under him.

“Minjae,” Jimin points out, to which Taehyung whines in acknowledgment. They’ve already gone
through that matter a thousand times. “Jeongguk, too.”

Jimin tells him a lot about Jeongguk these days, and Taehyung guesses he does the same but
talking about Taehyung when he’s with the younger. Taehyung is kind of glad to know about
Jeongguk, because he isn’t ready to completely let go yet, but it’s sad that what he hears doesn’t
seem to be good. He’s also sure that Jimin tells both of them in an attempt to make them get their
shit together since they’re both whining and being a mess, but Taehyung is not ready to face
Jeongguk. He doesn’t think he’ll ever be, mostly because the last thing he wants is to get into yet
another fight with him, which seems likely to happen.

“Jeongguk doesn’t count,” Taehyung says, more to convince himself than to convince Jimin, “he
broke mine too.”

“Maybe that’s why he matters the most,” Jimin replies, “because he’s the only one you actually
cared enough about to let him break your heart.”

Taehyung closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, snuggling into Jimin’s chest. He hates it when
Jimin is right, which is a lot lately. Jimin seems to be getting all philosophic and deep these days,
saying stuff Taehyung would expect from Namjoon instead of his best friend. He hates it when
Jimin is able to put into words what he struggles to come to terms with, as if he could read
Taehyung’s mind perfectly.

“I miss him a lot,” he mutters, voice so low he isn’t sure if his friend heard him until Jimin’s arm
squeezes tightly around him.

“Listen, Taehyung, I shouldn’t be telling you this, Jeongguk asked me not to, but…” Jimin starts,
and Taehyung feels a knot form in his stomach. Jimin sounds serious now, and Taehyung is already
imagining the worst scenarios on his head. “But Jeongguk got a job offer in the States, and he’s
thinking about leaving.”

“What?” asks Taehyung, sitting up so he can look at Jimin with wide eyes. “He’s leaving to the
United States ?”

“He’s still thinking about it, but I honestly think he’ll leave, yeah. But I think he’ll stay if you ask
him to, you know?”

“I can’t do that,” replies Taehyung, shaking his head as he looks down at his hands. They’re
shaking badly, and Taehyung doesn’t really understand why . It’s not like he has Jeongguk now,
anyway. The only thing that would change would be an ocean separating them just like the words
they threw to each other separate them now, but the thought seems unbearable. It would feel more
real that way, if they’re away both emotionally and physically. “It’s his work , how could I be that
selfish?” he asks, but he hears his voice crack.

“If he takes the job he’ll go from being Korea’s most successful fashion photographer to a badly-
paid photographer who does spreads for a small magazine, Taehyung. He’s not doing it for him,
he’s just―he’s running away from you . And from what he feels for you,” Jimin explains. “I know
you don’t believe me, but he’s a mess, Taehyung. And if he leaves he won’t only lose you, but
he’ll lose what he’s been working hard to get, and I’ve tried to talk him out of it but he won’t listen,
just like you won’t listen. I mean, you’re totally made for each other, you stubborn pieces of
shit―”

“Jimin,” Taehyung interrupts when Jimin starts to ramble.

“Sorry,” apologizes Jimin. “Just, if you won’t do it because you think it’s selfish, the do it for him.
He’s not thinking straight right now, Tae.”

“I―I should probably talk to him, right?”

“He has just a few weeks to make a decision, Tae, so if you really want to give it another try you
should make up your mind soon.”

“I will, Jimin. I always do.”

Jimin nods, but he doesn’t really bring it up for the remainder of the evening. It’s only when he’s
gone, after Taehyung has dinner and when he probably should go to bed, that he starts thinking
about it again. He’s being selfish no matter what Jimin says, because although he wouldn’t like
Jeongguk to throw his whole career away (he knows his heart would break if Jeongguk accepted),
but he doesn’t really want Jeongguk to leave. He can’t even explain why, since they aren’t
anything at all and it won’t maek much of a difference whether he’s in Seoul, Busan, Los Angeles
or even Paris, but he feels like once Jeongguk leaves South Korea, Taehyung will have officially
lost him, and he doesn’t want to give up like that.

Taehyung goes to sleep, trying not to think of pretty boys getting into planes running away from
their feelings because their lovers are too scared of telling them to stay.

Taehyung spends some time researching about love stories when he’s back home. He watches a lot
of movies; from Romeo and Juliet to Brokeback Mountain , including Titanic and even The Fault
in Our Stars . He also re-watches Boys Over Flowers along with many other dramas―because K-
drama love stories are the best kind of love stories, in Taehyung’s opinion―and even goes through
a lot of Disney movies, now forcing himself to pay more attention to the actual plots instead of the
catchy songs.

He calls his parents and his grandparents, asking them how they got together, and when all they
give him is a vague answer― at school or at the market ―he scolds them and asks for the whole
story.

The amount of time he’s been spending watching, reading or listening to tales about love, either
fictional or real, seems unhealthy even to himself. He’s starting to think that he’s getting obsessed,
and he’s so close to getting into fanfiction, when he finally comes to a conclusion.

The most tragic kind of love story isn’t really the one where one or both the lovers die, or where
they end up breaking up and hating each other. Not even when life gets in the way. No, the worst
kind of love story, and Taehyung is probably influenced by his own experience, is the one where
both sides still love each other, but are too proud to be together.

Taehyung hopes they still have a chance to escape that group.

***

After that, Taehyung manages to convince Namjoon that he doesn’t need a break, at least, not a
break longer than a week. He keeps doing what he has been doing for all his life, honestly. He does
photoshoots, he goes to events―always with a babysitter, either Jimin, Hoseok or even
Minjae―and manages to avoid Jeongguk.

That is, until one fateful night when he and Hoseok are attending yet another party at the opening
of another store. Taehyung knew the day would come, especially since Jeongguk seems to be doing
quite well lately, professionally speaking―it’s not that he wants to know how his personal life is
going, but Jimin tells him; Taehyung doesn’t really stop him. But, even if he knew that at some
point he’d have to handle meeting Jeongguk again, he doesn’t think he is ready.

The moment Taehyung’s eyes meet Jeongguk’s across the room he feels like he’s been struck by
lightning. He feels the feelings he’s been trying so hard to ignore over the past few weeks washing
over him, sending a jolt down his spine.
It’s just a brief second before they both look away, too flustered about being caught staring at each
other, but Taehyung still feels the weight of Jeongguk’s stare heavy on his own. He steals glances
at him whenever he can, at his tense frame and clenched jaw, and feels Jeongguk looking at him
every now and then, when he thinks Taehyung doesn’t realize.

“This is stupid,” says Hoseok after a while, making Taehyung frown at him. “Jeongguk and you.
What game are you playing?”

“This is not a game, Hoseok,” clarifies Taehyung, turning around just in time to see Jeongguk
looking away. “I― it’s the first time I’ve seen him since, you know…” he vaguely explains.

“Why don’t you just go say hi?” Hoseok suggests.

“It’s just more complicated than that, hyung,” mutters Taehyung, looking down at his shoes.

“This is not like you at all, Taehyung,” sighs Hoseok, his hand squeezing Taehyung’s shoulder in a
fond gesture, the younger leaning into the touch. “I’ve known you for a long time and you’ve
always been a pretty straight forward guy, why is it so different now? Why can’t you just tell
Jeongguk everything you want to tell him?”

Taehyung wants to repeat that it is more complicated than just going to Jeongguk and blurting out
everything he’s been holding in for months now, confessing Jeongguk has managed to get himself
a spot in Taehyung’s heart, confessing he misses him, confessing he’s in love.

He doesn’t really go to him during the party, but as he drives himself home he can’t stop thinking
about Hoseok’s words. What if he just did that, though? What if he just went to Jeongguk’s and
told him? At least that way he’d know he had tried, he wouldn’t have the feeling that he’s giving
up on Jeongguk.

So when he reaches his street, instead of parking his car on his usual spot he just drives past,
making his way over to Jeongguk’s apartment. He doesn’t think of anything apart from the fact
that he needs to make him stay , that Jeongguk can’t leave, so only when he’s standing in front of
Jeongguk’s door after ringing the doorbell does he realize he doesn’t really know what to say.

Then the door is opening, and Taehyung is facing Jeongguk for the first time in what feels like
years ―actually facing him, not stealing glances at him from the other side of a crowded
room―but really it hasn’t been more than a couple weeks. He looks just like Taehyung has seen
him so many times before, hair tangled from bed and dressed in shorts and a loose t-shirt, and for a
moment Taehyung is reminded of the short period of time he got to see Jeongguk like that almost
every day. The only difference, he notices, is that back then Jeongguk looked happy.

“Taehyung?” asks Jeongguk, as if he can’t quite believe Taehyung is standing right before him.

And he realizes then that even if he had thought up the most intricate and elaborate speech he
wouldn’t have been able to say it out loud. The words seems to be stuck in his throat, and although
there’s so much he wants to tell Jeongguk he really can’t bring himself to say it.

“Stay,” is all Taehyung ends up managing to say, his gaze burning on Jeongguk’s own.

Jeongguk’s expression softens at this, his small frown relaxing and his lips parting slightly as he
tilts his head to the side. He observes Taehyung closely, almost scrutinizing him, and Taehyung
feels more exposed than he ever has.

“Did Jimin tell you?” he asks finally, voice as soft and sweet as Taehyung remembers, now that it’s
free of all the venom and all the coldness from their last meetings.
Maybe Jeongguk is as tired as Taehyung, tired of fighting, tired of being alone.

“He did,” says Taehyung, nodding. “But please, don’t leave. If you do― crap, Jeongguk, I swear
I’ll search every corner in the States if that’s what it takes to get you back.”

They just stare at each for a moment, and for a brief second Taehyung is afraid that he’s asking too
much from Jeongguk. Endless scenarios flash through his mind right now, because what if
Jeongguk doesn’t feel the same way? What if he did before, but he has moved on? Or probably the
worst of all, what if he still wants Taehyung, but he’s hurt him to the point he doesn’t really want
to have anything do with him anymore?

But then Jeongguk is sighing in what sounds a lot like relief, and he assures, “I won’t go anywhere,
Taehyung.”

He isn’t really sure who surges forward, but then his body is molding against Jeongguk’s, arms
wrapping around his broad shoulders as Jeongguk’s hug his middle, nuzzling into the crook of his
neck. Jeongguk shakes against him, and the feeling of the younger falling apart in his arms is
probably the most heartbreaking thing he has ever felt.

“Hey, Guk, please,” he says, pulling away to look into Jeongguk’s eyes. He’s not crying, not in the
strict sense of the word since there are no tears falling from his eyes, but Taehyung can see on his
face what he’s been seeing on his own for weeks now: the longing, the heartbreak, the pain. What
makes him cup Jeongguk’s cheeks with his hands, thumbs tenderly rubbing the smooth skin under
his eyes and on his cheekbones is that there’s also a thin layer of relief. It’s barely there, almost as
if he doesn’t really want Taehyung to see it, but he’s proud to admit by now he knows Jeongguk
better than that.

Jeongguk’s eyes are bright and stare up at him wide, almost expectant, and Taehyung half expects
him to pull away when he leans down slightly, their noses bumping as if it was the first time they’d
ever kissed. Instead, Jeongguk’s breath hitches, a warm puff of air falling against Taehyung’s and
then there’s nothing more than the distance separating them.

“Is this okay?” he asks, his voice strangled as he speaks. Jeongguk nods fervently, his tongue
darting to wet his lips, and Taehyung can’t help but to press his lips against Jeongguk’s.

Jeongguk releases the deep breath he had been holding through his nose, his hands finding
Taehyung’s hips and pulling him closer. They kiss slowly for a moment, before Taehyung tongues
at Jeongguk’s bottom lip, demanding access that Jeongguk gladly gives, the kiss deepening. There
are hands tugging at hair and lips frantically moving together, Jeongguk whimpering when
Taehyung nibbles at his swollen lip.

In a way it feels like coming back home after being gone for a long time, Taehyung thinks.
Jeongguk’s arms make him feel safe and welcome, and he doesn’t understand how he could go so
long without Jeongguk after having a taste of him. He feels like his chest is going to burst, now that
he knows and there is no way Jeongguk―or anyone else, for that matter―can tell him otherwise:
he’s so in love with Jeongguk. In a way, every day they spent apart feels like an open wound on
him, but right now he’s feeling himself heal under Jeongguk’s touch, and somehow that’s enough.

But then Jeongguk’s hands are on his chest, pushing him away, and Taehyung frowns down at
Jeongguk, who is biting on the inside of his cheeks.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, hoping that his voice doesn’t show the anxiousness he’s feeling right
now.
“Tae, I―” Jeongguk starts, taking a deep breath as he steps back. Taehyung must look as surprised
as he feels, because Jeongguk looks at him as he licks his lips, looking for the words to say. “ We
are not okay, Taehyung.”

Taehyung blinks down at Jeongguk once, twice, before it finally sinks in. He feels panic spread
through his chest, because of course it’s not enough to just come here and ask Jeongguk to stay for
him. It’s nowhere close to enough, probably one of the most selfish and egotistical things
Taehyung has ever done, and it doesn’t really fix anything. For all Jeongguk knows, Taehyung
could just want to play with him, could just be an asshole.

This, Taehyung thinks, it’s the most complicated stage that their relationship has ever gone
through. Ever since they met they just progressed side by side, evolving from hate to indifference,
and then to affection, or, well, love , conducted by the fact that they were sporadically sleeping
together. It wasn’t the way relationships are supposed to go, he guesses, but at least he knew
Jeongguk and he were on the same page. Right now, though, he doesn’t know what Jeongguk feels
for him. Maybe he still loves him back, maybe he never did in the first place, or maybe he hates
him. He just knows that Jeongguk still cares, even if it’s not the same way.

So he does the only thing that rushes to his mind when he finally realizes that he’ll probably turn
around and leave things with Jeongguk almost as they were before coming, only with the promise
that he will stay in Seoul and one stolen kiss. He doesn’t really think it through, because if he did
he probably would never end up doing it.

“No, wait, Jeongguk, please,” he rushes, the words clumsily stumbling out of his lips before he
blurts, “I love you, we have to be okay, Guk-ah.”

Jeongguk stares at him for a moment, a small frown appearing in the middle of his eyebrows as he
looks at Taehyung with confusion clear in his doe eyes.

“Taehyung…” Jeongguk starts, his voice hesitant.

Taehyung notices then the way his eyes flick from Taehyung’s eyes to the wall behind him, and
how he nervously fidgets, playing with his fingers as he struggles to get the words out, and he feels
a dagger in his stomach. Of course Jeongguk has a right to be hesitant about his feelings after all,
or to not reciprocate them at all, but suddenly Taehyung feels like he’s drowning. Like being here
before Jeongguk right now is suffocating him, and he feels like he needs to get out.

It’s childish, and Jeongguk probably has something to say―either good or bad, but probably
something―but Taehyung can’t bring himself to stay and hear it. He takes one step back, then two
and three until he’s completely out of Jeongguk’s apartment, the younger staring at him as he does.

“Taehyung, wait―” he tries to say, but Taehyung shakes his head and interrupts him.

“I can’t ,” he replies, his voice high pitched, and Jeongguk’s expression softens visibly. “I need to
go, I just―I can’t be here anymore,” he clarifies, Jeongguk nodding wordlessly as he bites down on
his bottom lip. “But I meant it.”

He doesn’t wait to see Jeongguk’s reaction, quickly turning around and making his way to the
elevator, but as he does he hears the younger speak. “We’ll need to talk soon, Tae,” he says,
something about the nickname making Taehyung feel like somehow , things can work out,
eventually.

Taehyung goes home feeling like his heart has been ripped out of his chest.
 ***

Taehyung watches Jimin fidget in his seat, biting down on his lip nervously. They’ve been doing
this for long enough that Taehyung knows Jimin doesn’t get nervous anymore before kicking the
runway, even if he’s opening the show like today, so he wonders what might be happening before
it clicks.

“You haven’t gone on a smoking break yet,” he observes, Jimin tilting his head to give him a
narrow-eyed look.

“I’m trying to quit,” he sighs, flicking softly his own forehead. “But it’s not going really well, so
far. I just feel anxious all the time.”

“Why would you quit, anyway? Don’t bullshit me with all the it’s bad for my health crap, I already
know you don’t give two fucks about that,” he says, making Jimin laugh.

“Doctor boyfriend,” comes Jimin’s simple reply, Taehyung letting out an ahhh in realization. “And
I do care about my health, you punk. I just needed a little push.”

“Yoongi is your little push?” asks Taehyung, his tone mocking as he wiggles his eyebrows
exaggeratedly.

“Yah, I hope you’re not implying my boyfriend has a tiny dick, you jerk,” says Jimin. “He’s bigger
than you could ever dream of.”

Taehyung wants to laugh and smack Jimin―playfully, of course―but in that moment his phone
rings from where he left it tucked in his bag. He gets a few dirty looks from some models trying to
rest before the show starts, because everyone’s schedules are crazy lately, so he quickly stands up
and makes his way to where his bag is, rummaging through it until he finds his phone. He feels his
heart clench when he sees Jeongguk’s contact in the caller ID―still named ♡♡♡gukkie♡♡♡,
because he didn’t have the heart to change it ―, and he thinks he’s never answered a call as fast in
his whole life.

“Jeongguk?” he asks when he picks up, because he really can’t believe Jeongguk is calling him.
Even if he promised they would talk, back when Taehyung went over to Jeongguk’s place a week
ago, Taehyung didn’t really dare to hope Jeongguk would try to contact at him.

Jimin is staring at him from where he’s still sitting, giving him a raised eyebrow and a wicked
smile. He probably knew Jeongguk was planning to call but didn’t say anything, because he’s a
little shit. But he’ll take care of his unfaithful, poor excuse of a best friend later, when he’s not on
the phone with Jeongguk.

“Yeah,” replies Jeongguk, his voice soft and low. He stops then, taking a deep breath, as if he’s
thinking what to say next before he says, “I need to give you something. I was wondering if I could
come over tonight? Or whenever you’re at home, really. I know you’re busy these days.”

Taehyung blinks slowly once, twice before he’s saying, “I’ll be at home tonight, sure. Just―,” he
interrupts himself, Jeongguk waiting patiently for him to finish before saying anything else. “What
do you want to give me? I thought you already gave Jimin all the stuff I had left behind at your
place.”
Taehyung doesn’t mean to sound bitter, but he remembers how he had felt when he saw Jimin
show up at his door with a box full of clothes and other random stuff he had brought to Jeongguk’s
when he spent the night there. It had felt worse than a kick in the stomach, but what had been
worse was Jeongguk asking him to get all the stuff he had left behind at Taehyung’s in a similar
box and give it to Jimin too, so he could return it. He had had the urge to cry, but not because of
sadness, because of rage , because Jeongguk didn’t really want to see him at all, not even to get his
belongings back. He didn’t know if he was angry at himself for losing whatever they had, at
Jeongguk for pulling that kind of shit or even at Jimin for rolling with Jeongguk’s stupid ideas to
avoid him, but he had angrily shoved all of Jeongguk’s stuff he could find in the same box and
kicked Jimin out, box in hand.

So yeah, he tries to not sound bitter but he probably doesn’t succeed at all.

“It’s nothing like that,” Jeongguk replies, his vague answer making Taehyung curious. “So
tonight’s good?”

“Yeah, yeah, tonight is good,” says Taehyung, expecting Jeongguk to just say goodbye and then
hang up. Instead, Jeongguk stays silent for another the moment, Taehyung hearing the soft sound
of his breathing through the phone.

“Are you busy right now?” he asks then, the words rushed and barely understandable. He sounds
mildly embarrassed, and Taehyung bites back a fond smile. “I mean, can you talk?”

“I’m not,” Taehyung replies, the corners of his lips curling. “I’m backstage waiting for a show to
start, but I still have half an hour, more or less.”

“Can we talk for a bit, then?”

Taehyung knows nobody is paying attention to him, everybody in the backstage too caught up in
their own personal stuff to pay attention to him―except Jimin, who is smiling and looking at him
in a way that feels creepy as hell―but he still keeps his voice and occasional laughter low as he
talks to Jeongguk. They don’t really talk about anything deep or personal, just sharing fragments of
their lives ever since they parted ways, but if feels good to listen to Jeongguk. He had missed
hearing his accent and slight satoori. He had missed him, overall.

Thirty minutes get cut down to twenty five when the models are called, the show about to start
then. He gets even more dirty looks from the staff members now, because how dare he use his
phone until so late? Taehyung says his goodbye, and tries to convince himself Jeongguk doesn’t
sound disappointed as they both hang up.

After the show, when he’s back into his own clothes and Jimin has already interrogated him about
every single word Jeongguk and he exchanged, his best friend sighs and wraps his arm around
Taehyung’s middle―he probably aimed for the shoulders, but Jimin is small ―as they walk to his
car.

“It’s going to be okay, Tae,” he says, squeezing Taehyung’s frame with his arm. “No matter what
happens, whether you get together or you don’t, it’ll be okay. Not being with Jeon Jeongguk isn’t
the end of the world, you know.”

“I know , Jimin, it’s just― I know that even if I’m not with him I’ll eventually be alright and all
that shit, but I just don’t really want to be without him, you know?” he says, leaning against the car
door as Jimin gives him a sympathetic smile.

“You’ll both figure it out,” Jimin confidently says then. “I mean, you’re both clearly head over
heels for each other, you know.”

“But sometimes that’s not enough, Jimin-ah,” he protests. He wishes he could have half the faith
Jimin does, really. “Sometimes no matter how much two people love each other, the world keeps
getting in the middle. Maybe Jeongguk and I aren’t meant to be together.”

Jimin rests his hand on his hip, giving Taehyung a hard look. “There’s no such a thing as fate ,
Taehyung. Nothing is impossible if you try hard enough. You want to solve things with him? Fine,
then you both talk it out and fix it if you want, but I don’t think I can deal any of you blaming the
cosmic forces of the universe for your own cowardice,” he reprimands, Taehyung biting the inside
of his cheek. “ Now ¸ get in the car, I’m driving you home.”

***

Taehyung totally isn’t waiting for Jeongguk to arrive. He isn’t sitting still on his couch, waiting for
the doorbell to ring. He totally shouldn’t be doing laundry instead of waiting staring at a wall, and
he most definitely isn’t sort of nervous.

At least, that’s what he tells himself as the seconds and minutes slowly go by, trying to convince
himself he isn’t being lame as hell.

There’s no way he’ll admit to anyone―read: Jimin―he jumps in his seat when he hears the
doorbell. As he makes his way to the door he rubs his sweaty palms on the rough fabric of his
jeans, telling himself he really has no reason to be nervous. It’s the same old Jeongguk, for fuck’s
sake.

He finds Jeongguk looking down at his phone when he opens the door, his gaze snapping from the
device in his hand to Taehyung’s eyes as the elder startles him. Jeongguk looks good , but again, he
always does. His hair isn’t parted on his forehead like it usually is, dark, wavy locks falling over
his forehead instead, which makes Taehyung think Jeongguk has just stepped out of the shower.
He’s wearing a huge black hoodie and sweatpants, and for a moment Taehyung feels like he’s
watching college student Jeongguk instead of acclaimed fashion photographer Jeongguk. Or at
least, that’s what Taehyung guesses Jeongguk looked like back then.

“Hi,” Jeongguk timidly greets, awkwardly waving the hand holding his phone.

“Hey,” says Taehyung, trying to get the small smile that his lips threaten to curl up off of his face.
“Come inside,” he says, stepping back so Jeongguk can enter.

The corners of Jeongguk’s mouth quirks up in a tight-lipped smile, and Taehyung is sort of
relieved Jeongguk is as nervous as he is.

“I wanted to give you this,” says Jeongguk, his hand diving on the pocket of his hoodie as
Taehyung closes his door. He then takes a USB, giving it to Taehyung, who observes it carefully.
“Those are the pictures I took of you, uh, when we were in Brazil,” he explains, Taehyung nodding
in realization.

“I just―wow, I didn’t even remember you had taken them,” he admits, Jeongguk’s mouth curling
in a small grin as he shrugs his shoulders.

“I think those are some the best pictures I’ve ever taken,” he says then, Taehyung’s heart clutching
at the revelation. “I thought you’d like to have them. Just delete them if you don’t like them, but
I’m really proud of them.”

Taehyung looks at Jeongguk, his lips parting as if he were going to say something. There’s
something about his pictures being one of Jeongguk’s favorites out of all the ones he has taken in
his whole life―and Taehyung is sure Jeongguk has taken a lot of pictures―that makes a warm
feeling spread in his stomach. It’s something that feels a lot like flattery, but also fondness and
maybe gratefulness, too.

“I’m sure they’re great, Guk,” he sincerely says, flashing Jeongguk a quick smile as he curls his
fingers around the USB, still warm from being pocketed in Jeongguk’s pocket. “Thanks.”

“No prob,” he replies, rubbing the back of his head. “Can we, uh, talk now?”

Taehyung nods, muttering sure as Jeongguk takes a deep breath, cracking his knuckles and making
Taehyung wince a little at the sound.

“There’s so much I want to say, but I really don’t know where to begin,” he admits, making
Taehyung let out a breathy chuckle. It’s more of a sigh than actual laughter, but Jeongguk still
beams at him. “I’m sorry, Taehyung. For behaving like an ass when you were talking to Minjae
and for every single thing I told you after that,” he says.

It unravels something inside of Taehyung, having Jeongguk to apologize. He’s always been a firm
believer that words are empty if there aren’t actions to back them up, but he also knows Jeongguk
is proud. He feels a storm inside his head, all the feelings he’s been having during the past weeks,
both the bad ones and the good ones flooding his mind, and before he can stop himself he’s talking.

“You don’t even know how much it fucking hurt,” he starts, looking down at the wooden floor
under their feet. “I was so in love with you, still am, and to have you distrust me like that just
because I was talking to a friend―” he starts, interrupting himself when he feels tears prickling in
his eyes, blinking them away. “And then you were yelling at me that everything was just like with
Minjae, and it’s not like that at all, Jeongguk, you can’t even imagine how it felt to have you doubt
me and my feelings for you like that,” he blurts, raising his gaze to look up at Jeongguk.

It feels so good to finally be able to say it like that, to tell Jeongguk how his words had made him
feel. He hopes Jeongguk can understand him, because he knows he has done and said wrong things
as well.

“I’m so sorry,” repeats Jeongguk, his bottom lip shaking slightly. “I didn’t doubt you, Taehyung,
it’s just―Jimin always told me not to fall for you because you didn’t really do boyfriends, but then
we were together, and I thought I had a chance, you know? I thought we could be something,” he
says, looking down to his hands for a moment before meeting Taehyung’s eyes again. “But then I
saw you talking to Minjae and I know I was a fucking asshole, but I was scared, Taehyung, I just
didn’t want to lose you, but I did anyway.”

“Hey, Guk,” he says, reaching forward and wiping away a stray tear falling down Jeongguk’s
cheek with his thumb. “You didn’t lose me, okay? I’m still here and I love you, but please, don’t
cry,” he pleads, his voice breaking.

“I didn't know, Taehyung, because suddenly you were telling me there was no us, that there was
nothing between us, and it just fucking broke me,” he says, a sob breaking out of his chest. “I’ve
missed you every single fucking day, Taehyung, God, I love you so much.”

“I love you too, baby,” he says, cupping Jeongguk’s face in his hands, the younger laughing as he
does. “I’m so sorry, god. I should have never said anything like that, I’m sorry.”

“God, we are so fucking stupid,” Jeongguk says, his eyes turning into crescents as he beams at
him. “We are,” Taehyung agrees, chuckling as well, Jeongguk’s fingers wrapping around one of
Taehyung’s slender wrists, his thumb stroking the prominent bone.

“I’m going to kiss you now.” Jeongguk announces, his eyes bright.

“Wait a moment,” Taehyung replies, Jeongguk frowning at him. “Are we okay now? I don't want it
to be like the time I went to your house.”

“We're okay,” Jeongguk says, a giggle falling from his lips. “We’re more than okay, actually.
We’re peachy.”

“Then yes,” Taehyung laughs, one of his hands falling to Jeongguk’s waist as the other cups the
back of his neck, leaning in. “Kiss me.”

A shaky breath dies against Taehyung’s mouth when Jeongguk presses their lips together, his
fingers tangling in Taehyung’s hair. He sighs contentedly into Taehyung’s mouth, his tongue
soothing at the elder’s bottom lip, asking for access that Taehyung immediately grants. Taehyung
gasps when their tongues touch, a shiver running down his spine as Jeongguk presses himself even
closer to Taehyung’s body, their chests flush together.

“Wait,” demands Taehyung against Jeongguk’s lips, the younger whining in discomfort when he
pulls away. He presses another kiss to Taehyung’s mouth, who almost gets lost in Jeongguk’s lips
before pulling away again. “Guk, please, babe.”

“Fine,” he says, resting his forehead against Taehyung’s, resting his arms on Taehyung’s
shoulders. “What is it?”

“I want to be your boyfriend,” he blurts out, Jeongguk’s shiny and slick lips curling into a smile. “I
don't want it to be the same way we were before, I don't want to tell people we're together when
they ask what we are. I want to be able to call you my boyfriend and to hold your hand when we're
out,” he says softly.

“Oh my god, what a sap,” exclaims Jeongguk, tightening his hold around Taehyung’s neck when
the elder pouts and threatens to let go of him. “Who are you and what have you done with my
Taehyungie?”

“ Your Taehyungie?” he asks, raising an eyebrow as Jeongguk hums, pecking his lips. “Excuse me,
young man, I’m not yours .”

“But you’re my boyfriend,” he says, his voice mellow.

“Is that your way of saying yes?” Taehyung asks, tilting his head to look at Jeongguk.

And well, Jeongguk is looking at him with a soft expression, so much fondness and love in his eyes
that maybe a couple months ago it would have scared Taehyung, but not anymore. Because now,
he knows that love isn’t really that complicated if you don’t want it to be. Because no matter how
heartbroken he was, every single moment of pain is nothing compared to the feeling of having
Jeongguk in his arms again, to the feeling of knowing he loves him back.

He’s tired of running away, he’s tired of hiding, and if he could he would go into the streets and
scream at the top of his lungs that he loves Jeon Jeongguk, and even if he spent a long time
denying it, that’s probably the simplest thing ever.
 “Yeah, it is,” Jeongguk admits then, his lips turning into a sheepish smile. “You’re really
something else, Kim Taehyung.”

Taehyung has been reading and watching lot about love stories lately. He’s seen stories with both
happy and sad endings, he’s seen tragedies and he’s seen those with bittersweet endings that leave
a sour taste on his tongue. He has read and watched the most acclaimed films and books by critics
around the whole world, but as he looks into Jeongguk’s eyes and dives into the depths of his
irises, he concludes that none of them can compete with what they have, because he doesn’t think
that what he feels in his chest could ever be put into words in a script or a simple book.

This love, Taehyung thinks, is the one that only comes once in a lifetime.

Chapter End Notes

this was short and shappy but oh well friends it is what it is~~

ahhhh if you read through all this and still want to read what i have to say then: !!!!!!!
tysm !!!!!!!!!! you're a fav and i love you for the support and dealing with this omg. but
really thank you so much for reading this and also thank you so much for the +1000
kudos i've gotten so far like i wouldn't have expected to get as many in so little time so
thaaaanks i love y'all

now special thanks to lia (even if she disappeared suddenly i hope you read this one
day) and lex for being my betas and dealing with my terrific grammar, i could never
thank you enough <3

also to my girlie prisha and please all of you go thank her because if it weren't for her i
wouldn't have written this omg the draft of the first chapter would still be unfinished
on my laptop. but really if it weren't for you i wouldn't have written this or would have
dropped halfway through so thank you so much for reassuring me and encouraging me
when i needed it (and for being amazing and dealing w my clingy ass ahh i love you so
much)

as always kudos and bookmarks are really appreciated but talk to me in the
comments/twitter/tumblr and tell me what do you think~~ also if you just want to talk
about taekook or bts in general i'm 100% up for it fam so hmu
(twitter/tumblr)

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