champagne problems

"So, how long have you two been together?"
Jeongguk freezes, eyes widening. "Who?" he squeaks.
"You and Taehyung?" Seokjin asks, perplexed.
"Nah," Taehyung grins at Seokjin. "Jeonggukkie here would be way too out of my league. We're just bros."
"Bros," Jeongguk parrots. He can see from the corner of his eye how Jimin seems to be holding in his laughter.

Notes:

For sunsetskv.

For my love.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

Jeongguk, in general, was not the biggest fan of waking up at four in the morning. It makes his stomach feel all weird, his mood becomes cranky and coffee just doesn’t quite taste the same.

But, perhaps, today is a day where he can make an exception and not absolutely despise waking up at the crack of dawn. How could he, when it results with Taehyung dozing off on his shoulder.

Slender fingers curl around Jeongguk’s bicep, Taehyung’s whole face tucked into the side of Jeongguk’s body and Jeongguk thinks that if the plane would suddenly free fall and crash to the ground, at least he would die a happy man.

There’s slight turbulence, and it makes Jeongguk scowl as Taehyung stirs by his side, cursing the plane. Jimin sleeps peacefully next to Taehyung, a black sleep mask on his face and lightly snoring. Jeongguk seems to be the only one who is fully awake, and he’s not sure if drinking two cups of coffee at the airport is the reason for it.

He is also pretty sure that there is a damp spot on his shoulder from Taehyung’s drool, and surely any sane person would be mildly disgusted by such a thing, but it only makes Jeongguk repress a smile, turning to stare out of the window.

The flight from Seoul to Hawaii is a long one, almost ten hours, and it seems like Jeongguk’s friends have made the sensible decision of attempting to sleep throughout most of it. And Jeongguk should too, knows that if he doesn’t, he’ll end up passing out once they reach the hotel, missing out on all of the activity for the day.

But Taehyung nuzzles closer, and it makes Jeongguk’s heart triple in size, making it impossible for him to even shut his eyes. So, he resigns to his fate of pulling a technical all-nighter and leans forward a little so that he can fish his earphones out of his bag between his feet. He’s careful not to jostle Taehyung too much on his shoulder, freezing as Taehyung lets out a small noise in complaint as Jeongguk moves around.

After waiting a few moments to make sure he didn’t wake his best friend up, Jeongguk leans down again, managing to pull his bag onto his lap and begin sifting through to find what he’s looking for.

Untangling the cords of his earphones turns into a whole task of its own, especially with one of his arms practically immobile due to the grip Taehyung holds him with. He knows his best friend likes to cuddle when he sleeps, hands grasping for anything to pull close (this usually ends up being Jeongguk if he’s in close proximity). Taehyung always tells him that Jeongguk is his favorite pillow, making Jeongguk confused since Taehyung prefers the softest of pillows and Jeongguk, well, he’s nothing but pure, bulky muscle. But he would be crazy not to accept the task of being Taehyung’s portable headrest, so he leans back again, body shifting a bit lower so that Taehyung’s head could lean more comfortably on his shoulder.

He clicks the small screen in front of him, blinking once as it flashes a bright white before he can adjust the settings to dim the screen. Most of the lights in the plane are turned off, just dim ones along the floor of the hallway and a few overhead ones from passengers reading books or magazines.

“Jeongguk-ah?” Taehyung asks. His voice is low, tired, and he suppresses a yawn right afterwards.

“Sorry,” Jeongguk whispers. “Didn’t mean to wake you,” he continues.

Taehyung hums against his shoulder. “‘S’alright,” he says, voice coming out slurred. “Watching something?”

Jeongguk nods, lifting up a hand to press a finger against the screen, clicking through the different movies on offer.

“Oh, how about that one?” Taehyung asks, lazily pointing towards the monitor. Jeongguk stares at the preview of a film he had watched alone just last week, but as Taehyung grabs for one of his earbuds, Jeongguk can only nod, clicking play on the movie.

Taehyung lets out a happy little hum, wiggling a little on the spot before wrapping his hands around Jeongguk’s bicep again, and Jeongguk finds himself a weak, weak man. He’d watch this boring ass movie a hundred times if it meant Taehyung would stay curled by his side.

The movie begins, and Taehyung instantly barrages him with questions Jeongguk should have no way of knowing the answers to unless he had previously seen the film. He feigns oblivious, shrugging as a response to each question until Taehyung gets so absorbed in the film that he forgets any other thoughts he may have had.

It’s around mid-film when Jeongguk feels the head on his shoulder become heavier, droop a little bit more, a clear indication that Taehyung has fallen back asleep. They’re still sharing earbuds, and Jeongguk sighs, not daring to switch away from the movie in case Taehyung would wake up. So, he wastes another one and a half hours, alternating between staring out of the small cabin window to staring blankly at the screen, to then staring at the top of Taehyung’s brown hair which tickles his cheek.

Jimin wakes up at some point just to use the restroom. When he heads back down the dim hallway of the airplane and sits back in his seat, he rubs at his eyes, still puffy from sleep, before glancing at Jeongguk. His eyes drop to Taehyung leaning against his shoulder, to the way his hands grab at Jeongguk’s arm.

Jimin rolls his eyes as he spots the pink tint in Jeongguk’s ears, pulling his sleep mask back in front of his eyes with a yawn. His voice practically echoes in Jeongguk’s mind. - Confess to him during the wedding. It’ll be romantic. If you won’t, I’ll hint at it on the plane ride back and you’ll have ten hours to awkwardly sit next to him if you get rejected.

-I think I’d rather jump off the plane without a parachute at that point, if I’m being fully honest with you.

-And leave Taehyung without a pillow? You’re brutal, Jeongguk. A terrible friend.

His point here is that there is no way in hell that Jeongguk is going to confess. He is perfectly content with not ruining his friendship with his best friend, thank you very much. Plus, he doesn’t want to be one of those weirdos who tries to steal the spotlight during their friend’s wedding by wearing white or proposing to someone.

And, no matter what Jimin may argue, no, Taehyung does not like him back. This, Jeongguk is 99.9% sure of. And while that 0.1% of uncertainty exists, Jeongguk would quite literally rather rip out his vocal chords than ever even consider confessing.

Still, as Jeongguk stares out of the airplane window, looking out into the dark sky, the stars shining so far away, ethereal and celestial, with Taehyung pressed to the side of his body, he hopes, perhaps someday before it is too late, he would gain some courage.

“Wow.”

Jeongguk can only nod in agreement to Taehyung’s breathless voice. He stares at the resort in front of them. It’s grand, tens of stories of smooth, tanned stone walls with large pillars and palm trees lining the entrance.

“I knew being a music producer paid well, but how rich is Yoongi again?” Jeongguk whispers in awe.

“Crazy rich,” Jimin says. “To afford having a wedding in Hawaii, paying for how many people’s accommodations. Fuck, if he and Hobi break up, I’ll be shooting my shot.”

Taehyung grins, elbowing Jimin. “Or just try and hint at a poly. You’d be into that, wouldn’t you?”

“A threesome, for sure,” Jimin nods, putting serious thought into the question. “Don’t know about the whole marriage thing, though. I’ll get back to you on that.”

“Not sure how Yoongi would take it if you’d suggest a threesome with him and his brand new husband, hyung,” Jeongguk sighs, lugging his suitcase behind them as they head into the resort. The inside is just as lavish,and Jeongguk doesn’t even want to know how expensive it would be to book a room.

Taehyung walks up towards the reception while Jeongguk and Jimin trail behind him. He hears as Taehyung speaks to the receptionist, the low rumble of his voice sending soothing tingles down Jeongguk’s spine. “We have a reservation under the name Min Yoongi.”

The receptionist nods, nails tapping against the keyboard for a while before she looks back up, asking for identification. Jeongguk takes a little bit longer to fish his out, his head blanking as Taehyung leans against the reception desk, body elongating, his back arching and round ass on full display. He’s wearing cotton shorts, and the curve of his backside is in full view–Jeongguk only snaps out of it as Jimin pinches his ear, eyes rolling at the invisible drool dropping down the side of Jeongguk’s lips.

The receptionist soon slides them three keycards. “All three of you have suites on the 14th floor. The 15th floor is where the wedding venue has been booked, but I believe the main ceremony will be on the beach. All of the resort's commodities are in your use, including the pool, the massage parlor, the gym, and restaurants. I hope you enjoy your stay!”

“So cool,” Jimin whispers. Jeongguk nods along.

Taehyung turns around with a grin, keycards in hand. Face morphed into something boyish, Jeongguk’s heart thumps at the sight of Taehyung’s excited expression. “Fuck, this is going to be an amazing weekend.”

“Jeongguk,” Jimin says as they head towards the elevators, rolling their luggage along the posh, marbled floors. “I forbid you from spending the whole weekend at the gym. You may have exactly one workout session.”

Taehyung smiles as he listens to Jimin’s lecture. “Don’t worry, Jimin. I’ll take Jeongguk to the massage parlor with me,” he says, wagging his brows suggestively.

Jeongguk flushes. Thank god he can blame the humidity of Hawaii. “I’m like a walking zombie since I barely slept on the flight. I’d pass out on the spot if I’d go for a massage.”

Jimin snickers, pressing the button to call for the elevator. “Were you preoccupied with something, Jeongguk-ah, so you couldn’t sleep during the flight?”

Jeongguk shoots Jimin a glare while Taehyung’s smile turns a bit confused at the comment.

“You spent the whole time watching movies, right?” Taehyung asks in clarification.

“Yeah,” Jeongguk nods, shooting Taehyung a convincing smile. When Taehyung is the first to walk into the elevator, Jeongguk gives Jimin a shove, smiling smugly as the smaller man stumbles in after Taehyung.

Jeongguk flicks the back of Jimin’s head for good measure, earning a whine in response

“So, what’s the plan?” Taehyung asks. “Wedding tomorrow, departure the morning after?”

“There’s like– a partial bachelor party tonight,” Jimin says, reading off his phone. “They’re having one together, which is kinda cute, but I guess it still counts as a bachelor party. I think it’s just drinks at the bar, but we’re all going, of course.”

Taehyung leans against the elevator wall as it begins ascending the floors, leaning in to flick Jeongguk’s chin. “Champagne and soju all weekend, right, Jeonggukkie?”

“Planning on getting wasted?” Jeongguk grins.

“Absolutely,” Taehyung says in all earnest.

Jeongguk laughs. He doesn’t know how much he’ll be drinking, knowing it can’t be too much or he’ll end up doing something reckless like pressing his lips against Taehyung’s. Jimin smiles at him knowingly, grinning from ear to ear like a cheshire cat.

“Oh, our baby is going to get wasted this weekend, I’ll make sure of it.”

While the elevator keeps going up towards their floor, Jeongguk considers how many chances he might get to toss Jimin into the ocean.

The suite which had been reserved for him is huge, too large for just one person, and it looks so expensive that Jeongguk feels quite bad, knowing he won’t be spending too much time in it during the weekend.

He walks over to the sleek closet, pulling open one of the sliding doors. He didn’t pack much, and knows that half of the shelves will be left empty. Dropping his suitcase by the closet so that he can unpack later, Jeongguk heads further into the room.

There’s a large double-bed, with white satin sheets and four, luscious looking pillows. But Jeongguk’s attention gets drawn towards the balcony. He walks over to it, pulling the glass door open. The blue ocean is in his view, and he takes in a deep breath, smelling the salt air. He doesn’t even notice he’s smiling, lips pulling further up as he can hear his phone chime. Walking back to the bed, Jeongguk unlocks it.

Tae <3

r u gonna nap

just starting to unpack

thank god my suit pants didn’t crinkle T-T

Tae <3

bet even if they did

n u’d have to go for a totally diff outfit

u’d still look sexy as hell

Jeongguk’s stomach swoops at the words.

It’s chill, he’s not freaking out or anything, not at all. Okay? Taehyung talks like this to all of his friends. He swears. (Somewhere, behind the closed doors of his own hotel room, Jimin is furiously rolling his eyes). Biting down on his lip, unsure of what to say, Jeongguk gives the most generic response possible.

you’re one to talk

Tae <3

yeah?

you think I’ll look sexy?

Jeongguk flushes. He doesn’t understand what the hell is happening. Taehyung is just a few doors down the hallway, and seemingly bored out of his mind if he’s engaging in a conversation like this with Jeongguk.

And, especially now, Jeongguk has absolutely no idea how to respond. He can’t exactly say yeah, I know for a fact that the moment I see you I’ll want to drop down on my knees and suck you off right there in front of the fucking minister.

Aha

Jeongguk cringes. He’s about to continue, somehow probably managing to stutter through text, but Taehyung is quick to respond.

Tae <3

no need for words, Jeongguk-ah

I’ll see it on your face if you like my outfit or not ;)

Jeongguk sweats.

Jeongguk, indeed, does nap. The bed is too comfy, the aircon on full blow and the general luxury of the suite has Jeongguk relaxing. He manages to sleep for a few hours, dozing off even as the sun shines through the balcony window.

He only wakes up to a light knock on his door. It turns out to be Jimin, with sunglasses perched on top of his head and swimming trunks resting low on his hips. Jeongguk blinks at him tiredly, scrunching his nose as Jimin licks the palm of his hand and steps closer to smooth out Jeongguk’s hair which must be sticking out at every possible angle.

“Let's go swim.”

Jeongguk lets out a sound in protest, shaking his head. “Hyung, I'm way too tired for that. Go ask Tae.”

Jimin tuts, stepping into the hotel room. He walks over to Jeongguk’s closet, opening it up. “Namjoon arrived and dragged Tae off for some nature walk. Poor thing,” he sighs. “Anyways, they’ll be gone for at least an hour and we’re in Hawaii, no time to waste on sleeping in a hotel room. But, if you still want to sleep then you can sleep by the pool but come give me company,” Jimin finishes, tossing Jeongguk his swimming trunks.

Jeongguk catches them, complaints still heavy on his tongue. But he guesses Jimin makes sense, if he still feels tired he can just doze off by the pool if it makes Jimin happy. So, reluctantly, Jeongguk sighs, not caring much for the audience as he strips off his shirt to change his clothes.

Him, Jimin and Taehyung had been the closest of friends since their university days. It had been a few years since then, and Jeongguk is so incredibly thankful that their friendship has stayed just as strong even if they don’t meet every single day anymore.

Jeongguk had been scared that after Jimin and Taehyung graduated and he still had a year to go, that the older two would forget about him. But much to his delight, nothing like that ever happened. On the contrary, Jeongguk found it hard to even find time to study, with either Jimin or Taehyung, occasionally even both, barging into his dorm room, consequently causing Jeongguk’s textbooks to be left, forgotten on his desk.

“Woah, woah.”

Jeongguk blinks up, looking at Jimin in confusion. Jimin’s eyes are glued to his chest, large and wonderous.

“Since when do you have nipple piercings, Guk-ah?”

“Oh,” Jeongguk says sheepishly, standing still as Jimin walks closer to inspect them.

Jimin whistles, lifting up a finger to prod at one of the barbells, making Jeongguk squirm. “Does Tae know? He must not. Think he wouldn’t allow you to wear a shirt, ever , if he knew. Just so he could stare all day long.”

“No, he doesn’t,” Jeongguk huffs, swatting Jimin’s hand away as he begins squeezing his nipple too enthusiastically. “And stop lying. Taehyung wouldn’t even bat an eye.”

“Jeongguk, you’re like his walking wet dream. Tattoos, piercings, muscles, a heart of gold. It’s not my fault you’re blind to his drooling.”

“Stop bringing my hopes up,” Jeongguk mumbles, pulling his pants down to swap to his swimming trunks. Jimin shrugs, heading over to the bathroom to find Jeongguk’s sunscreen.

“How do you think I feel? Watching two of my best friends act like this.” His voice is a bit muffled, but it clears up once Jimin walks back out, placing a hand on his hip. “Y’know, this could be your guy's wedding I’m attending right now, but no, hyung, he doesn’t like me back,” Jimin mimics—in this incredibly high-pitched voice that sounds nothing like Jeongguk, and honestly, should be a tad bit insulting.

“As god awful as that acting was, you’re not wrong. He doesn’t. Now,” Jeongguk finishes before Jimin can open his mouth. “Let’s go to the pool. And shut your mouth or I’ll toss you in.”

Jimin pulls a face. “Jokes on you, I’d find that nothing but refreshing.”

Jeongguk glares at him. “The ocean then. And I’ll watch the current sweep you away with a smile on my face.”

“And when a hot pirate hunk rescues me? You’re fulfilling my gay dreams here, bud.”

“Why am I friends with you, again?”

“Because I’m amazing?” Jimin responds, quipping him with an incredulous look. “You wouldn’t make it a week without me.”

They continue their bickering all the way down to the pool. It’s only a bit after midday, the sun still high up in the sky as they walk along a narrow plank pathway with water streaming below their feet. Tropical birds chirp above, and they dodge around families and other vacationers before finally reaching the pool.

Jimin instantly lunges for two pool chairs, throwing their towels on top to claim them, grinning smugly at a couple who seemed to also be approaching the vacant seats.

Jeongguk flops himself down on one of the chairs while Jimin shrugs off his shirt, opening up the large patio umbrella to give Jeongguk shade from the sun. “I’m going for a swim.”

He hums in response, barely listening to Jimin as he begins warning Jeongguk to keep his eyes open in case that couple from before would attempt stealing his pool chair while he’s swimming. Soon, he hears Jimin walk along the edge of the pool before dipping in.

Jeongguk has his hands on top of his stomach, face shielded from the sun by the umbrella Jimin had opened up for him, humming contently as the warm wind of Hawaii breezes across his face. Children giggle around him, and someone has a portable stereo with them, playing music quietly a few seats down.

Jeongguk, to no one's surprise, falls back asleep.

“Jeongguk-ah?”

Jeongguk startles as someone tickles his foot which had been hanging off the side of the chair. His eyes snap open, blinking once to adjust to the brightness before he sees Taehyung crouching down right in front of him, grinning fondly.

“Deep in sleep?” Taehyung continues, flicking Jeongguk’s chin before standing back up. It looks like he must have showered and changed after coming back from the nature hike with Namjoon. His hair is a bit wet, dark locks curling around his face, dragging Jeongguk’s attention to his strong jawline as Taehyung looks towards the pool where Jimin is still swimming.

“It’s relaxing,” Jeongguk hums. “Being out here.”

“I’m sure it is,” Taehyung responds, fondness lacing his tone as he glances at Jeongguk once more. “Do you want to go for that massage? I’ve been eyeing the parlor all day and after that hike with Joon-hyung, I think I’m in dire need of one.”

Jeongguk groans.

His groan becomes internal when Taehyung’s mouth forms into a pout once noticing Jeongguk’s reluctance. He’s still tired, but Taehyung’s eyes are wide and beautiful and pleading, so Jeongguk can only nod with a protestful sigh before sitting up on the lounge chair.

And then Taehyung’s hand is instantly wrapping around Jeongguk’s wrist, yelling to Jimin who is still lounging in the pool, dozing off on a floaty. He tells him where exactly they are heading off to, and Jeongguk is tired enough not to listen to Jimin’s response, focusing only on the heat on his wrist, where Taehyung’s hand still lingers.

Taehyung lets out an excited giggle, clapping his hands a bit on the spot which does quite a number on Jeongguk’s poor heart. As Jeongguk follows along the trail towards the massage parlor, Taehyung’s mouth breaks into a gleeful smile, explaining all about his walk with Namjoon.

Jeongguk loves listening to Taehyung, especially when he speaks with a certain eagerness. The pitch in his voice increases, and there’s a whiny lilt to it when he talks about how smart Namjoon is, firing off facts about different flora and fauna as they trekked. Jeongguk can practically hear the pout in Taehyung’s voice, and it endears him to no end.

He gets so enraptured dissecting all of the quirks in Taehyung’s paralanguage that he doesn’t even notice that they had arrived at the massage parlor until Taehyung comes to a halt in front of him.

“Ready?” Taehyung asks, taking hold of Jeongguk’s hand once more as Jeongguk nods at him.

“Hi!” The receptionist greets as they walk in. She’s in a plain white dress, a flower garland around her neck, waving them further in. Watching the way Taehyung tugs Jeongguk along, she speaks again. “Here for a couple’s massage, I take it?”

Jeongguk flushes at the words, while Taehyung drops his hand, strolling over to the counter. “Yeah, if we could have a massage in the same room, that would be cool.”

“Of course,” the receptionist answers. “We have individual rooms, but our couples rooms are in the open space, so you can stare out towards the beach during the session.”

“Sounds great, doesn’t it, Jeongguk-ah?” Taehyung asks in English, turning around to give Jeongguk a smirk. “You like watching the ocean, don’t you, baby?”

Jeongguk doesn’t know if he wants to smack Taehyung or kiss him. Perhaps both. Especially the latter. Multiple times.

Taehyung twists back around. “Sorry, he gets shy whenever I call him that. A couple’s massage would be lovely, though.”

Envious of Taehyung’s ability to roll with whatever he faces, Jeongguk takes a few steps closer, opening up his arms as the receptionist hands over a pair of towels and two robes.

“The men’s changing room is right over there. I’ll ring up our masseuses right now, they should be ready for you by the time you come out.”

“Thanks so much,” Taehyung says, winking at the receptionist before smacking Jeongguk’s ass for good measure.

“You’re really playing up this couple thing,” Jeongguk grumbles as they walk over to the changing rooms.

“Ocean view, baby,” Taehyung sighs.

Jeongguk snorts, throwing the towels and robes onto the changing room bench with more force than necessary just so that he can attempt to tamp down the frantic racing of his heart.

But then Taehyung does the one thing which could send Jeongguk’s heart into overdrive again.

He takes off his shirt.

Jeongguk finds his mouth drying.

Taehyung’s skin is golden, his figure lean and broad, firm but not as muscular as Jeongguk. Jeongguk kind of wants to wrap his hands around Taehyung’s waist. Wants to trace the tip of his finger along every dip and curve of his skin. Wants to know if his touch might elicit goosebumps.

But he looks away as Taehyung’s eyes drag back to him. “Well?” Taehyung asks, a small smile still playing on his face. Jeongguk prays to the heavens above that his face isn’t flushed. It feels warm, but perhaps Taehyung will believe it is only due to the heat of Hawaii.

“Com ing .”

His voice cracks as Taehyung stretches.

Taehyung raises an inquisitive brow his way, but doesn’t comment anything, much to Jeongguk’s blessing. Instead of further embarrassing himself, Jeongguk busies himself, pulling his shirt over his head and toeing off his flip flops.

“Put on the robe and wrap the towel around your waist, hyung,” Jeongguk says, ushering Taehyung towards the bench between the changing room lockers.

But Taehyung stands still.

Then, Jeongguk feels a large hand wrap around his waist, pulling him closer. It’s not the first time Taehyung touches him, not by a far mile, but Jeongguk gets goosebumps from the unexpected proximity.

“What?” Taehyung whispers, voice breathless and in awe while Jeongguk stumbles closer, heart rate picking up.

“What what?” he squeaks.

“These,” Taehyung says, the tips of his fingers brushing along Jeongguk’s chest, making his skin rise in their wake. His touch curves along Jeongguk’s pecs, not daring to go any closer to the piercings.

“Oh,” Jeongguk chokes. “Yeah, got them a while back.”

Taehyung swallows, nodding. He looks up at Jeongguk then, his gaze a bit hooded, letting out a breath a tad bit louder than should be necessary before he seems to shake out of the daze. His dark gaze replays in Jeongguk’s mind on a loop.

“So, massage?” Taehyung asks, less a question and more a command, removing his hand from Jeongguk’s waist and picking up one of the towels from the bench, wrapping it around his waist and pulling his board shorts from under the towel.

And great , Jeongguk is now very much aware of the fact that Taehyung is indeed naked underneath the towel. Of course–dumbly he knows Taehyung is always naked underneath his clothes, but in these close quarters, with just the towel tightly placed, his chest and stomach on full display, Jeongguk, unfortunately, finds his dick twitching just a bit beneath his shorts.

It’s not the ideal place for a boner.

Jeongguk gnaws on his lower lip, trying to think of something, anything else, stomach swooping as his mind replays the expression which had been on Taehyung’s face after seeing Jeongguk’s piercings. Maybe he's just incredibly passionate about nipple piercings, Jeongguk thinks. Perhaps he had been considering getting his own pair, and the expression on his face had been jealousy that Jeongguk had gotten them first.

Yeah, that must be it, he convinces himself. Smiling, he lets Taehyung pull him out of the changing room. Later, back in Seoul, perhaps he can recommend the piercer from whom he had gotten his own done.

Jeongguk is the first to walk into the massage room, towel loosely wrapped around his waist and the robe hanging off his muscular shoulders. Like the receptionist had told them, both the beach and the ocean are in their view. The sun blasts high up in the sky, rays of heat thankfully blocked by the air conditioning within the massage room.

He can hear Taehyung padding along the floor behind him, coming to stand by Jeongguk’s side. “Woah,” Taehyung murmurs. “Glad we pretended to be a couple, right Jeonggukkie?”

“Right,” Jeongguk responds, scratching at his nape as he tilts his head behind him to see two massage tables side by side. There are two masseuses patiently waiting, allowing them to marvel over the view for another moment. ”So glad we are a couple, Taehyungie,” he says, louder, scared they’ll get kicked out if the truth would become unveiled. Honestly, he doubts the massagers give a shit if they’re truly a couple or not, but the words sound nice on Jeongguk’s tongue, creating a giddy feeling within.

“Ready?” one of the massage therapists asks, and Jeongguk nods, heading over to one of the tables. He lays down on it, chest pressing against the leathery cushion, folding his hands underneath his chin and resting his head there, watching as Taehyung clambers onto the massage table by his side and repeats the same actions.

There’s relaxing music filtering through the air, and Jeongguk finds his eyes automatically closing as the masseuse pours oil onto his back, before beginning to massage him. It smells of flowers and herbs, and Jeongguk lets out a sigh, glad Taehyung dragged him to this spot.

Although he had not been particularly in need of a massage, it’s still nice–the feeling of the masseuse digging their fingers into Jeongguk’s shoulder blades, rubbing out any knots in his muscles.

Taehyung though, had been in dire need of one, and he lets out a soft sound as his own masseuse begins massaging him.

Jeongguk blinks his eyes open, suddenly much less relaxed as he looks over at Taehyung. His mouth is parted, eyes shut, brows pinched together in pleasure as the massage therapist rubs at his shoulders.

Then, like he can’t quite help himself, Taehyung lets out a low groan.

Jeongguk freezes.

He wonders if the masseuse notices his sudden rigged posture - and the reason behind it - but thankfully they don’t mention it, taking a short break to pour more oil onto Jeongguk’s back instead. Jeongguk tries to relax again, but Taehyung lets out another sound, a higher-pitch this time, and it goes straight to Jeongguk’s dick.

“Sorry,” Taehyung mumbles, sounding breathless. “I’m just so sore after the hike.”

Jeongguk attempts to respond, but he’s pretty sure all that leaves his mouth is an unintelligible grunt, before he turns his face away, covering the heat which rises up his cheeks as Taehyung lets out a loud sigh.

Fucking hell.

Jeongguk, under no circumstance, will allow himself to get a boner while he is being massaged by a stranger, wearing nothing but a towel.

Taehyung, unintentional as he may be though, keeps making these soft, quiet sounds with each flex of the masseusers fingers, and each one chips a little bit more at Jeongguk’s sanity, and he finds himself now cursing the fact that Taehyung had dragged him over to the massage parlor.

He dares to look at him once more, tilting his head to the side to watch Taehyung. The brown waves of his hair curve along the side of his cheekbone, messily splayed across his forehead. He looks so pretty like this, mouth still open and shiny. Jeongguk holds his breath as Taehyung’s eyes slightly part, gaze locking onto Jeongguk just as another sound flows past his parted lips, the low rumble of his voice sounding nothing less than pure sin.

Jeongguk should perhaps be more ashamed of the fact that he did indeed pop a boner during that massage session, but Taehyung is hot and pretty and sounds sexy as hell–and Jeongguk is just a weak, weak man, hopelessly in love with his best friend.

Jimin decides to get ready for the bachelor party in Jeongguk’s hotel room. He suspects it has a lot to do with the fact that Jimin has gotten way too over eager with showing off Jeongguk’s nipple piercings to the whole world (namely to Taehyung).

His suspicions turn out to be correct, as Jimin barges in, a dark glint in his eyes as he tosses his clothes onto Jeongguk’s bed.

“You went for a massage?” Jimin asks. “So he saw your nips?”

Jeongguk rolls his eyes, turning back towards the mirror in the bathroom to comb through his hair. He’s shirtless, having not decided what to wear yet, and certainly not expecting the sudden company. “Yes, Jimin, he saw my nips. And for your information, he was very close to touching them, but didn’t, unlike your horny hands, he kept his distance and respected my personal space.”

Jimin doesn’t seem fazed, instead waving his hand around to silence Jeongguk. “Get off your high horse. You would have jumped at the chance for Taehyung to touch them. But let’s focus on the rest of that sentence. He was all over you?”

Jeongguk speculates Jimin through the mirror for a moment before he nods. “Taehyung-hyung is touchy with everyone. Bet if you’d get piercings he’d be all over you, too. So what if he thinks they’re attractive? Friends can find their friends attractive,” Jeongguk convinces, words rushing out his mouth. He’s not too sure who exactly he is trying to convince, though, as Jimin refuses to agree to a single word he says.

Jimin huffs from the main room of the suite, opening up drawers, most likely in search of clothes for Jeongguk. “Jeongguk. He does not just find you attractive . He wants you to fuck him. Does that clarify things for you?”

Jeongguk splutters, eyes turning wide as he pokes his head out of the bathroom. “Jimin, you’re the most delusional person I’ve ever met.”

Jimin ignores the comment, a satisfied smile on his face as he pulls out a shirt from one of the drawers. Jeongguk stares as Jimin walks over to him, pressing the fabric against his chest. “You’re going to wear this white button-up shirt, which will firstly stick to your skin when the wind blows and show off your piercings, and secondly, have Taehyung salivating once he can make out the shape of them.”

“You’re truly going above and beyond,” Jeongguk says wryly, accepting the piece of clothing.

Jimin only shrugs, turning around to pick up his own clothes off the bed and swap into them. “I want the best for my friends and I am willing to go to drastic measures to have such things happen.”

Jeongguk is still standing in the doorway of his bathroom. He shakes his head a little. “Has Taehyung ever actually told you that he likes me?”

Jimin sighs. “You can’t ask me that.”

Jeongguk folds his hands over his chest, still clutching the shirt. “I just did.”

Jimin twists his head around to glare at the younger.

“Jimin,” Jeongguk says. “I’m not risking it. I’m really not. If Taehyung shows absolutely no hints of reciprocating my feelings, why on earth would I confess?”

“And have you shown him any signs? No, no you haven’t. Every time he gets an inch too close or looks at you for a second too long you run off and convince yourself it’s nothing. You think, if he likes you too, he’s been getting any signs from you?”

Jeongguk purses his lips. “Then I guess we’re stuck.”

“Yeah,” Jimin mutters. “I guess you’re both idiots.”

They get ready in silence for a while, Jeongguk’s mind running a mile a minute. The truth is, that he was just incredibly scared. Of a multitude of things. If Taehyung doesn’t like him back. If Taehyung does like him back and they pursue something and it ends, causing Jeongguk to lose Taehyung. And what if he and Taehyung date, somehow creating a weird barrier between them and Jimin, causing them to lose Jimin. (In the back of his mind, he knows the three of them are inseparable. But the mind is a scary thing, conjuring up thoughts no matter how untrue they may be).

There are too many factors and too many what if’s in Jeongguk’s mind.

But he also knows–that Taehyung loving him back, in a romantic sense of the word, would be one of the most beautiful things which could ever happen to him. Taehyung is warm and bright and beautiful. He is someone who has always brought a smile to Jeongguk’s face, always made him feel heard and safe.

Taehyung has always encouraged him softly, helping him back in university to become more social, more active. He knew exactly when Jeongguk became too overwhelmed with attention and needed time in seclusion–bringing snacks and an extra pillow and the two of them would spend the night binge watching anime in Jeongguk’s dorm. And on those nights Jeongguk would wake up with Taehyung’s long limbs wrapped around his body, holding him close and it would make everything in the world feel right. It made Jeongguk feel like he belonged.

He thinks Taehyung loving him would be the best feeling that one could ever have. But losing him, well, there is no doubt in Jeongguk’s mind that nothing could ever be worse than that.

Five figures are already sitting by a table of an outdoor bar by the hotel when Jeongguk and Jimin arrive. Both of them wave eagerly, dodging around tables to reach them.

“Yoongi-hyung,” Jeongguk grins.

Yoongi stands up with a smile on his face, opening up his arms. It’s been a while since Jeongguk had last seen him, but he still looks the same. His eyes are still tender, smile a little shy as he warmly greets the two. Jeongguk leans in to hug him, patting his back a few times before pulling back. Jimin hugs him next, while Jeongguk turns towards the rest of the party.

“Hope we’re not too late,” he says. He instantly recognises Taehyung and Namjoon sitting by the table. Then his eyes land on Hoseok, who is grinning from cheek to cheek, his whole body vibrating with excitement. “I’ve seen too many pictures of you to not have any recognition. Yoongi likes to talk my ear off about you when he calls me, so I take it you’re Hoseok? The lucky groom?”

“That would be me,” Hoseok laughs, standing up to shake Jeongguk’s hand. “And I’m guessing you are Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk nods, stumbling as Taehyung tugs at his hand from next to him to force him into the seat.

Hoseok turns to Jimin next, and Jeongguk doesn’t find it rude anymore as his focus shifts to Taehyung, like it has wanted to ever since they first entered the bar. He’s wearing a floral-patterned shirt, the top few buttons dangerously open, exposing his collarbones, revealing a tempting sliver of skin which Jeongguk does his best not to stare too long at.

Taehyung leans in, placing his hand onto Jeongguk’s thigh, the heat of his large palm burning right through Jeongguk’s pants. “Was wondering when you two were gonna show up,” Taehyung murmurs into his ear. His breath smells like soju, voice pressing so close to his skin that Jeongguk sucks in a breath.

“Missed me that much?” he asks quietly, breathing out a quiet exhale as Taehyung leans back, pouring a drink for Jeongguk.

“Always do,” Taehyung responds without hesitation.

Jeongguk flushes, looking away as he hears the scrape of a chair. Jimin sits down next to Namjoon, the two of them instantly falling into deep conversation.

Jeongguk only then notices another unfamiliar face, narrow and handsome, inquisitive eyes already holding Jeongguk’s. There’s a soft smile on his face, gaze flicking from Taehyung to Jeongguk.

“I’m Seokjin,” he introduces, leaning across the table to offer his hand. “Apart from Yoongi, the best thing in Hoseok’s life.”

Jeongguk laughs, shaking Seokjin’s hand. “A pleasure. I’m Jeongguk.”

Seokjin nods politely. Seemingly interested in making conversation, he continues. “So, how long have you two been together?”

Jeongguk freezes, eyes widening. “Who?” he squeaks.

“You and Taehyung?” Seokjin asks, perplexed.

“Um,” Jeongguk says, voice a higher-pitch.

Always better in social situations, Taehyung only laughs, pulling the frozen boy back on his chair and throwing a hand over his shoulder. “Nah,” Taehyung grins at Seokjin. “Jeonggukkie here would be way too out of my league. We’re just bros.”

“Bros,” Jeongguk parrots. He thinks he can see from the corner of his eye how Jimin seems to be holding in his laughter.

“Oh,” Seokjin blinks. “I’m so sorry for the assumption.”

Taehyung waves him off, the epitome of relaxed, and Jeongguk wonders what kind of reaction he was expecting from Taehyung. Thankfully, it hadn’t been one of offense, or disgust. He thinks there’s a very high chance of him crying on the spot if that would have been the case.

But Taehyung had shown no other reaction either. There was no hopefulness in his voice, no gauging Jeongguk’s reactions. Just, pure, unfiltered casualness like they truly were nothing other than friends.

It makes his shoulders sink a little, his heart throbbing in his chest as Taehyung retracts his arm from around his shoulder, pushing the shot of soju closer to Jeongguk before turning around to talk to Yoongi.

Jeongguk downs the shot, hoping to swallow his sorrow with it. He’s always been a little bit dramatic.

Hoseok sits opposite him, having followed the interaction. “Want to come with me to get a new round for the table?”

A little bit surprised, Jeongguk nods. Hoseok’s face spreads into a smile, his soft, brown hair jostling in the wind of the open bar as he hops up from the chair, squeezing Yoongi’s shoulder before tucking his hands into the pockets of his khakis, waiting for Jeongguk to join him.

They head over to the bar, Hoseok leaning against the counter as he orders four more bottles of soju and a few cocktails. Jeongguk taps the surface of the bar with the tip of his finger, unsure of what to say, really. Sometimes it’s hard for him to start conversations, especially with practical strangers, but Hoseok seems warm and kind, radiating a certain comfort which Jeongguk finds himself easing into.

“Interesting bachelor party,” he says, watching as the bartender mixes their drinks. “Usually people celebrate them separately.”

Hoseok snorts. “Yeah, what do they call it—last night of freedom? How weird. Saying it like that sounds like being married is a bad thing. The ‘ol ball and chain.”

Jeongguk chortles. He had never thought of it like that, and it rings nothing but truth. “Straight couples, huh.”

Hoseok laughs, nodding along. “Right? Hyung and I want to celebrate it all together. Our last night before we get married isn’t something we should be hosting at strip clubs separately, trying to get it on one last time before tying the knot.”

“That’s always been ridiculous,” Jeongguk agrees. He looks back at the table, watching the back of Taehyung’s head for a moment before turning back to Hoseok.

“I know we just met,” Hoseok says, watching Jeongguk carefully. “And I don’t mean to intrude, but are you two truly only friends?”

“We are. He- he doesn’t like me like that.”

“Oh,” Hoseok says, frowning a little. “He was awfully fidgety before you and Jimin arrived. Like his mind was somewhere else and when you showed up, everything was good again.”

Jeongguk’s heart flutters dangerously with hope and excitement, but Taehyung’s actions must have some other rational explanation to them. “Maybe he thought something had happened to me and Jimin since we took so long to arrive.”

Hoseok snorts, not believing it for even a moment. “Sure,” he drawls teasingly, brown eyes filled with mirth. Jeongguk only flushes, offering a small shrug as he knows Hoseok read through his lie with ease. “You know,” Hoseok continues. “I’m not suggesting you attempt to hog the spotlight because Yoongi would rip your head off for taking it away from me, but weddings are awfully romantic.”

“They are,” Jeongguk agrees slowly.

“Full of love,” Hoseok nods, casually accepting the tray of drinks from the bartender.

“Uh huh.”

Jeongguk takes the tray from Hoseok’s grip, just to have something to do with his hands. They begin shuffling back towards their table, and Jeongguk hopes the flush curling up the side of his neck will fade away before he reaches Taehyung’s side.

“A perfect place to confess, one might say,” Hoseok whispers. “In Hawaii, under the stars.”

Jeongguk lets out a quiet guffaw, not quite sure if they’re close enough that he could shove Hoseok’s shoulder. Hoseok seems to be aware of this fact, grinning widely as he fluffs Jeongguk’s hair and waltzes back to Yoongi’s side once they reach their table.

Taehyung leans in the instant Jeongguk is seated, breathing right into his skin as he eyes the tray on the table. “What did you get me?”

Jeongguk pushes a bottle of grape soju his way. “Don’t drink the whole thing,” he warns.

Taehyung slings an arm over Jeongguk’s shoulder. He threads his fingers into Jeongguk’s hair, tugging teasingly. “And if I do, hm?”

Jeongguk can do nothing but let out a helpless little grunt, uncapping the soju bottle and taking a sip of it without pouring it into a shot glass first.

Taehyung’s wandering hands thankfully reach towards the bottle next, and Jeongguk lets out a relieved breath as the warmth leaves his side, Taehyung leaning back on his own chair, tongue poking past his lips as he concentrates on pouring them all shots.

Hoseok sneaks a glance at him, a teasing smile on his lips and Jeongguk rolls his eyes because great, now there’s him and Jimin who seem to be aware of Jeongguk’s raging crush— and if Taehyung spots either of them looking in their direction with that suggestive look on their face, perhaps he might begin to suspect something.

And if he finds out Jeongguk is head over heels in love with him, well, Taehyung will probably leave the moment the wedding is over with a tight-lipped smile and an awkward wave, never to see Jeongguk again. And Jeongguk will end up swimming in the sea, convinced that the saltiness of the water would increase tenfold due to the tears spilling down his cheeks.

Did Jeongguk ever mention he’s a little bit dramatic?

Taehyung downs a shot, leaning into Jeongguk’s side once more, alcohol on his breath. He plants one of his hands onto Jeongguk’s thigh, the heat of it searing right through the fabric and into Jeongguk’s bones, making him swallow, willing himself to think about anything other than how Taehyung’s hand inches a little higher as he adjusts himself on the seat.

It’s not purposeful, Taehyung’s hand resting just a bit higher up on his thigh, but the action makes sweat break on Jeongguk’s skin. The air is already humid, sweltering heat causing Jeongguk’s shirt to cling to his skin, and Taehyung’s touch makes all of it so much worse. Kind of wishing there were an ice bucket closeby Jeongguk could dunk his head in, he takes another shot of soju, downing it in one go.

Hoseok has launched into a story of how he and Yoongi first met, which all of them have already heard from Yoongi’s point of view, but hearing the new, dramatic turn of events which Hoseok comes up with is entertaining. He sprinkles exclamations and facial expressions which have never been a part of Yoongi’s retelling, so Jeongguk doesn’t mind hearing the story again.

At some point, Taehyung’s hand has made its way from Jeongguk’s thigh to his shoulder, loosely hanging off the side of the chair while his fingers twirl around the locks of hair on Jeongguk’s nape.

“Do you want to go see the sea?” Taehyung asks, after all of the stories have been retold and Jimin is yawning, leaning into Seokjin’s side.

“Right now?”

“Yeah,” Taehyung says with a soft smile. “It must be beautiful at night.”

“Okay,” Jeongguk agrees. All of the others seem to be ready to depart too, so Jeongguk doesn’t find it rude as they give Yoongi and Hoseok final hugs before dipping out of the bar.

Jeongguk had never been to Hawaii before. He had settled in Seoul, used to seeing the lights of the city and the buildings that reached the sky. So he finds himself awestruck at the view in front of him as they walk past the pool, down some stone steps that link to the beach.

The sea is pitch black, the waves of white foam crashing against the shore being the only indication for him where the sand ends and the water begins. His flip-flops sink with each step he takes, and Taehyung latches onto his arm with a drunken giggle as he almost loses his balance as they walk along the treacherously dark sand.

“Look,” Taehyung grins, pointing upwards. “Look at the stars, Jeongguk-ah.”

Jeongguk does, craning his head up to see the midnight blue above him, encompassed with shining stars that blink down at him. Never before has he seen as many before, as clearly. Maybe it’s the view, or the company, or the alcohol, but Jeongguk finds himself awe-stricken.

“I’ve never seen your eyes as wide as they are now,” Taehyung muses, fondly.

Jeongguk blinks back into reality. “Sorry.”

“Why would you apologise?” Taehyung questions, crouching down to pick up a stray stick, barely visible in the darkness around them. Taehyung carries it around as they begin walking again.

Jeongguk lets out a helpless shrug, a little sheepishly, causing Taehyung to speak again. “If anything, apologise only when others would see your eyes so wide. I don’t think they have the right to see such a view.”

Jeongguk watches as Taehyung stops, and begins dragging the stick along the surface of the sand. Once he’s managed to draw a heart, he plops himself down onto the sand and consequently pulls Jeongguk along with him. Jeongguk lands with a quiet oof, the sand looking much softer than what it actually is.

“Are you saying my eyes are special?” Jeongguk grins.

Taehyung nods, looking out into the sea. “They are a part of you, after all.”

Jeongguk stares at Taehyung for a few moments. His heart thuds in his chest, thundering with such volume he wonders if Taehyung can hear it over the crashing of waves.

I’m in love with you.

Taehyung could probably see it, if he’d look over that very moment. He would be able to see the longing, the anguished pining and fear which swam in Jeongguk’s eyes. And perhaps, it would be better if it were to happen like that. Ripping off a bandage, Taehyung would be able to hear what Jeongguk has never spoken, and he could shut him down nicely.

Perhaps he would still attempt to maintain their friendship, and years from now they would laugh at the hopeless expression on Jeongguk’s face.

Decades from now, Taehyung would have forgotten all about the ordeal, comfortable with a partner and family, perhaps meeting Jeongguk once or twice a year for birthdays and christmases.

God , how it rips Jeongguk’s heart to bits.

The ocean breeze blows across Jeongguk’s face, attempting to soothe his thoughts. Taehyung is still fiddling with the stick, scraping it along the sand, but Jeongguk can’t quite manage to make out the writing.

“Are you liking Hawaii?” Taehyung asks. His arms are wrapped around his knees, toes digging into the sand beneath them. Jeongguk can see the glint of the thin, golden bands around Taehyung’s fingers, reflected off the moon shining above.

“Yes, it’s beautiful here,” Jeongguk whispers. “Relaxing. Very different from Seoul, which I think is a good thing. What about you?”

Taehyung lets out a hum, contemplative. “Seoul is nice, but,” Taehyung sighs. “Sometimes it’s just a bit… crowded, perhaps.”

Jeongguk nods in understanding, mimicking Taehyung and digging his toes further into the sand, too. It gets colder the further he digs, funnily enough, even as the breeze around them is warm. “It is,” he agrees.

“So. Do you want to move here?” Taehyung asks.

Jeongguk blinks up at him, watching the soft smile which takes over Taehyung’s face as his eyes trace the waves in the ocean. He can’t be serious, he can hear the humor in Taehyung’s voice. Yet he entertains the thought in full seriousness. “Yeah.”

Barely audible above another crash of waves against the shore, Taehyung speaks once more. “With me?”

Jeongguk swallows.

“Yeah.”

Taehyung turns to look at him then, eyes roving over Jeongguk’s face as if in search of something. Jeongguk averts his gaze, twisting his head back so that Taehyung can’t see how serious he actually was. He’s pretty sure he would move to the other side of the world, just to be with Taehyung. At the drop of a hat, as embarrassing as it may be to confess, Jeongguk thinks he would do anything Taehyung would ask of him.

“Good,” Taehyung responds.

Jeongguk swallows as he feels Taehyung drop his head onto Jeongguk’s shoulder, looking out into the dark ocean.

“I wouldn’t want to live without you,” Taehyung whispers.

And then, like the moon wanted to give him some aid, shining just a bit brighter, Jeongguk’s eyes drop down to the heart Taehyung had drawn on the sand, and can finally see the text written within.

Taehyung, Jeongguk, love forever.

A wedding in Hawaii goes just about as Jeongguk had imagined it to. White seats are arranged in rows by the beach, slowly filling up with guests from both Yoongi and Hoseok’s side.

Jeongguk ends up walking towards the front row with Namjoon, past the peach-colored petals on the sand, slowly blowing around due to the wind that surrounds them. There’s a small podium in front of them, just an inch off the ground so that when the two grooms step onto it, they don’t begin to sink while reciting their vows.

Jeongguk sits down onto one of the chairs, close to the edge of the row. He clasps his hands in front of him, resting on his dark dress pants. Both Yoongi and Hoseok had told all of them multiple times how casual of a wedding it would be, and showing up in full blown suits would end up in more than one guest passing out from a heatstroke. So, Jeongguk had opted for another button-up shirt, light blue this time.

He watches in curiosity as more people begin to arrive, none of whom he knows. Yoongi must have invited many people from work, and Jeongguk sneaks glances to see if anyone famous pops up in the crowd.

Meanwhile, Namjoon sits by his side, silently murmuring as he reads the piece of paper in his grasp.

“What is that?” Jeongguk asks once he notices it.

“My speech.” A pause, and then, “Have you not prepared one?”

Jeongguk’s eyes widened. “What? Speech? I should have– me ?”

Namjoon’s head tilts to the side. “All of us are. Did you not read the itinerary? Five minutes for each speech.”

Jeongguk might faint, quite frankly.

But then Namjoon snorts, cracking up like the expression on Jeongguk’s face had brought him the most joy he had felt in weeks. “I’m kidding. Yoongi-hyung asked me to hold one. Jimin would end up blubbering nothing but sorry and thank you, and Taehyung would somehow drag you onto the stage where you’d begin hyperventilating, so I seemed to be the only sensible option.”

Jeongguk grunts, a bit unamused by Namjoon joking at his expense, but it would pretty much go how he had described. Reminded of Taehyung and Jimin, Jeongguk begins looking around once more, stilling as he spots the two of them walking down the steps towards the beach.

They were the very steps Taehyung and Jeongguk had walked down the previous night, and this time Jeongguk can see them clearly. Taehyung is wearing slip-ons, beige shorts and a light, airy shirt that flows in the wind, catching along his collarbones.

He notices Jeongguk and waves excitedly, the sunglasses perched on his nose almost falling off due to his eagerness. Jimin whispers something to him, and Taehyung elbows him in the stomach as a response, causing Jeongguk to lift up one, dark brow.

Namjoon is still muttering over his chicken scratch handwriting when Jimin and Taehyung reach them.

“Saved us seats?” Jimin asks, smile blinding.

“Of course,” Namjoon says, chin jutting next to him.

“I want to sit next to Jeonggukkie,” Taehyung announces, prodding at Namjoon’s calf with his toe to get the elder to move.

“Of course you do,” Namjoon sighs, scooching over and leaving a seat between them empty which Taehyung happily drops into.

“You look good,” Taehyung smiles, paying attention instantly to Jeongguk while Jimin begins skimming over Namjoon’s speech and pointing out words that are too fancy for the rest of their understanding.

“So do you,” Jeongguk responds, watching as Taehyung lifts his sunglasses so that they rest on top of his head. He almost chokes as Taehyung turns back to look at him, hazel contacts in his eyes.

The smirk Taehyung sends his way is loud and clear– Jeongguk truly is the worst when it comes to hiding his attraction. And Taehyung does know he is attractive, he must, so Jeongguk prays Taehyung doesn’t suspect any deeper meaning behind it. “Thanks,” Taehyung responds, smile turning bashful, and Jeongguk swears he can spot a light blush on his cheeks, but it could just be the sun playing tricks on him.

The wedding begins soon after all of the seats have been filled and Yoongi and Hoseok show up, both wearing white-collared shirts and bright smiles on their faces, which almost make Jeongguk melt with the unabashed affection he sees in both of their gazes.

At some point during the ceremony, Taehyung had begun fiddling with the pocket of Jeongguk’s pants absently–as if he just liked touching Jeongguk. Like he’s not able to resist it, when Jeongguk sits in close-contact with him.

And oftentimes, Jeongguk feels exactly the same. He wants to reach out and hold, to touch and kiss, but he never dares, especially kissing–that was something he could only dream of.

As Yoongi and Hoseok speak their vows and share a kiss, Taehyung turns to look at Jeongguk with a blinding smile. His hand squeezes at Jeongguk’s knee, and there’s something in his eyes which almost has Jeongguk confessing his love right then and there, but thankfully the crowd erupts into cheers, and both Taehyung and Jeongguk join in clapping, standing up from their seats and hooting as Yoongi and Hoseok walk down the middle.

“Alright, whose wedding will it be next?” Jimin grins, turning to look at the three of them once the married couple have retreated up the stone steps. “Namjoon?”

“Mine, I think,” Taehyung interrupts.

Jeongguk swallows.

Jimin cocks a brow. “You kind of need a boyfriend for that, Tae.”

Taehyung shrugs. “It’s a wedding. Lots of good-looking guys around,” he hums, linking his arm with Namjoon and dragging him off to follow after Yoongi and Hoseok.

Jimin ends up giving Jeongguk a pointed look, causing Jeongguk’s shoulders to shrink.

“Confession time?”

“He wants someone else, it seems.”

Jimin rolls his eyes. “He’s–fucking– hinting to get a move on or he’ll move on. I can’t– my god. The two of you are going to be the death of me.”

Jeongguk lets out an exhale, and it must sound sad enough that Jimin gives him a look of pity. “C’mon. Let’s get you some liquid encouragement and then approach this topic again.”

“It’s hopeless,” Jeongguk sighs, letting Jimin pull him along the sand.

“ You are hopeless,” Jimin corrects.

“That’s a bit rude,” Jeongguk huffs.

“Trust me, I’ve thought a lot worse in my head,” Jimin mumbles darkly, tugging Jeongguk up the stone steps. “Now, we’re at a rich ass wedding in Hawaii, with an all-you-can-drink serving, and soon it’ll be dark and the stars are out again and you can pull Taehyung to the hotel balcony and serenade him on how many stars his eyes hold and how his skin is prettier than the moon or some shit–I don’t know ask Namjoon, he’s better than me at this romance stuff. My point is, I’ll be trying to bag that hunk of a man, Seokjin today, and I don’t want my good dicking to be ruined by either of you two weeping into my Gucci shirt. Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes, Jimin,” Jeongguk sighs.

“Good boy,” Jimin says, giving Jeongguk’s ass a slap. “Now, let’s go get our men.”

Jeongguk takes a sip from the flute of champagne in his hand. It tastes expensive, and undoubtedly a whole bottle could pay for his monthly rent. Idly, he wonders if Yoongi would let him sneak out some of the alcohol and sell it, just so that Jeongguk could buy a new flatscreen he had been eyeing for a while.

The venue is large, on the top floor of the hotel they are residing at–a large open space opening up in front of them with sleek tables and dark chairs, white and gold peonies framing the area, draping along the sides of the ceiling of the venue.

Jeongguk turns his gaze towards Taehyung. He’s sitting next to him, as he always seems to be, and has yet to notice him staring, allowing Jeongguk a few moments to absorb the crinkle in his eyes, the way his mouth forms into the shape of Jeongguk’s heart.

And then Taehyung turns his gaze to Jeongguk, still smiling. Taehyung threads his fingers into Jeongguk’s hair, tugging teasingly before he flicks his chin, dragging his finger down to the bump in Jeongguk’s throat.

His hand ends up wrapped around Jeongguk’s shoulder again, and it soothes Jeongguk, the way Taehyung grants him all of the attention which he seeks for.

Taehyung squeezes his fingers along Jeongguk’s shoulder, softly massaging along its length while they listen to Namjoon stand up and hold his speech for Yoongi and Hoseok.

Their food is brought out soon after. Jeongguk does his very best to focus on the food placed in front of him. A steak. Medium rare. Yet, his eyes drag to Taehyung as the other retracts his hand from around his shoulder. His eyes trail to Taehyung’s plate, staring at the slender fingers which pick up utensils. As always, he has rings decorating them, thin, golden bands on each one apart from his ring finger.

“We should have gone for a different minister.”

Jeongguk looks up, focusing on something other than Taehyung’s fingers before his thoughts begin heading into a direction not appropriate for a wedding dinner. Hoseok has a piece of salmon on his fork, waving it around dangerously enough that Yoongi is leaning further away so that his shirt doesn’t get dirty. “Did you see the way he was looking?”

Yoongi rolls his eyes. “Babe, he was not homophobic.”

“I know that,” Hoseok scoffs, stuffing his mouth full of the salmon. “He spent more time ogling Namjoon than focusing on our holy matrimony.”

Namjoon chokes on the steak he has in his mouth, and Yoongi hesitantly taps at his back as some sort of help. “He what?” Namjoon squeaks.

Hoseok takes another bite of his fish before nodding. “Pretty sure he was having some sinful thoughts. Can’t believe it. While God was listening.”

The rest of the table falls into silent snorts and humoured glances while Yoongi begins soothing Hoseok, quietly whispering into his ear. Jeongguk lifts a brow as he sees Hoseok’s cheeks flush a bright pink from something Yoongi says.

Turning his attention elsewhere, he sees Seokjin and Jimin in deep conversation–mainly Seokjin cracking jokes and Jimin letting out these high-pitched fake giggles, hand landing on Seokjin’s bicep and squeezing it after each joke.

“Gosh,” Taehyung laughs, leaning into Jeongguk so that he can whisper into his ear. “I know for a fact that Jimin found only one of those jokes genuinely funny.”

Jeongguk snorts, taking another bite of the steak. “Oh my god, it wasn’t a mackerel, but a…super tuna?” Jeongguk mimics.

“I have never heard Jimin talk about fishing. Ever. Not even once–except maybe to mention how much he hates it.”

“Look, look,” Jeongguk whispers, nudging his chin towards the two.

Jimin stares at Seokjin with wide, loving eyes, the hand he had on his bicep now rubbing comforting circles on his back. “Hyung, you'll get another chance to catch a tuna someday. I swear to you.” The sincerity in his voice is startling, to say the least. Jeongguk would be expecting their conversation topic to be about a recent death within the family, not Seokjin’s inability to catch fish.

Taehyung snickers, smothering his laughter with his hand. Jeongguk curls his body into Taehyung's side, planting his face into Taehyung’s shoulder so that his chuckles wouldn’t be heard too loud.

“And what are you two idiots giggling about,” Jimin snaps, loud enough that Jeongguk bursts into another round of laughter.

And Jeongguk thinks–right now, with Taehyung shielding his body as Jimin threatens to throw pieces of salmon at them–a hand curled around his shoulder and cheek pressed against the top of Jeongguk’s head, everything is kind of perfect. He feels that maybe confessing might not be the end of the world, after all. Taehyung has been his friend for a long time, and something as trivial as a crush (read: being head over heels in love) wouldn’t break them up.

Somehow, he manages to gain a shred of courage he hopes he won’t lose as the night goes on.

Jeongguk finds himself enjoying the wedding more than expected. Yoongi and Hoseok share their first dance, after which a band enters the stage and begins playing live music. There’s a bar where people flow to and from, always a new drink in hand.

The two grooms seem to be having the time of their lives, dancing and chatting and quite honestly, Jeongguk feels his chest bursting with happiness.

There are a few occasions where Hoseok comes to speak to him, giving him certain looks and expressions and not-so-subtly raising his brows in Taehyung’s direction, which makes Jeongguk roll his eyes.

And then there’s Jimin, slowly becoming drunker by the hour, and at some point disappearing with Seokjin in tow, coming back a while later with rumpled shirts and tousled hair.

Namjoon has also seemed to catch on to Jeongguk’s raging crush towards his best friend, and thankfully is much more subtle than the rest of them. The two of them are sitting by the bar, watching the rest of their friends dance along to the live music. Jimin and Taehyung are dancing together, and it doesn’t go unnoticed to Jeongguk how Taehyung’s eyes occasionally flicker towards him.

“He’s always looked at you, you know?” Namjoon murmurs.

“Friends do that,” Jeongguk sighs.

“And how often has Jimin looked towards you, then?” Namjoon counters, flagging down the bartender to order both of them more champagne.

“Jimin’s drunk,” Jeongguk responds, letting out a huff that comes out quite petulant, even to his own ears.

“Stop arguing with me,” Namjoon says. “We barely even meet and I know you’re crushing and obviously he is too. It’s so clear to anyone who looks.”

“So I should confess?”

“Do you want to confess?”

Jeongguk thinks about it for a while, taking a sip of the champagne Namjoon hands him and looking back at Taehyung, grinning as he twirls Jimin around. “It’s gotten quite– burdensome, I guess. It’s tiring, crushing on someone for such a long time and living with the uncertainty it brings.”

Namjoon props his elbow onto the counter, leaning his head against the palm of his hand. “Then, my friend, the solution seems quite simple to me.”

“And if he’ll hate me?”

“Taehyung could never hate you. Not in this lifetime. Not even in the next.”

“Really?”

Namjoon’s smile is soft as he sees Jeongguk’s imploring, scared gaze. “Really, Jeongguk-ah. I don’t think this will break your two’s friendship, no matter the outcome.”

Jeongguk lets out an exhale, nodding. “Okay. Jimin thinks so too. I’ve been pretty stupid, haven’t I?”

“Nah,” Namjoon disagrees, still smiling. “Crushes are scary. Especially when you’re harboring feelings for someone so close to you, it’s only natural to be kind of freaked out.”

He takes a short pause. “Thanks, hyung,” Jeongguk tells him. “You really are good at speeches. A born leader, maybe.”

Namjoon threads his fingers through Jeongguk’s hair, tucking a few strands behind his ear. “In an alternate universe, perhaps. Now, get your boy a drink and ask him for a dance.”

“Yes, sir,” Jeongguk grins, swirling around on the barstool to ask for another glass of champagne. Once he gets it, Namjoon gives him one, last encouraging smile before Jeongguk takes a deep breath, two flutes of champagne in his hands.

Taehyung and Jimin are still dancing, but it’s calmed down significantly by now. They’re not waving their hands around anymore, challenging each other to impromptu dance-offs before suddenly falling into a roleplay of them trying to hit on each other in a crowded bar.

Jeongguk keeps his nervous gaze on them as he approaches the dancefloor, and Jimin is the first to catch his eye. He looks down at the champagne in Jeongguk’s hands and gives a small smile, whispering something into Taehyung’s ear before leaving the other alone on the dancefloor.

Taehyung looks a little taken aback by his dance partner leaving him so suddenly, and his wide eyes begin searching around. Jeongguk’s heart thumps in his chest when he notices the first place Taehyung’s gaze went to is the bar that Jeongguk was just sitting by.

And as Taehyung’s shoulders slump, seeing a stranger occupying the seat Jeongguk had previously been on, Taehyung turns around, almost bumping into someone as he goes to search for his other friends.

Jeongguk is still on the side-lines, far enough that he can’t yell out for Taehyung and he can only watch as the male who had bumped into Taehyung takes a second to eye Taehyung up and down before he’s asking for his hand, leading him for a dance.

And this is it–Jeongguk thinks. Where he slowly begins losing Taehyung. Maybe it is just a dance with a random stranger and Taehyung will not even remember his name by the next morning, but there will be another, and Taehyung will choose them again. And again, and again, Jeongguk will be too late, too slow. He’ll take too long to find the courage to confess and by the time he does, Taehyung’s eyes are already elsewhere.

And there he stands, two flutes of champagne in his hand, grounded to the floor as he watches the scene in front of him unfold. His expression must show nothing other than utter devastation, and for a fleeting moment, he’s glad Taehyung’s attention is not on him.

He watches as the man further offers his hand, an expensive watch wrapped around his wrist and Italian leather shoes taking a step closer. He must be one of Yoongi’s rich friends, and his smile, as he looks at Taehyung, seems sincere.

Another chip breaks free from his heart as he sees Taehyung’s expression. Consideration. Jeongguk remembers back to the wedding ceremony on the beach when Taehyung had said there are a lot of handsome guys at the wedding–and he wasn’t wrong.

A part of Jeongguk had just wished Taehyung would pay them no mind.

He can almost feel the grip on the glasses in his hand wavering, a few seconds away from smashing to the floor, undoubtedly bringing all attention to him, and Taehyung would be able to see the dramatics unfold in front of him. Jeongguk–running off like Cinderella, wondering if the prince will chase after him. Taehyung, comforting Jeongguk momentarily before heading back to Expensive man, shooting Jeongguk a message in the morning to make sure he’s feeling okay.

So, he holds onto the flutes of champagne tighter, wondering if the frail glass in his grasp will shatter. He holds them with all the willpower he has, biting down on his lip as he allows the waves of hopelessness wash through him, drowning.

He is about to witness Taehyung dance with a stranger.

Taehyung, prettily watching the man with a small smile on his face, lifting slender fingers to brush some dark hair away from his face that had plastered there from his dancing with Jimin.

Taehyung, giving the man a response, the low, baritone rumble of his voice almost reaching Jeongguk’s ears.

Taehyung, glancing to the side suddenly, doing a double-take as he sees Jeongguk standing a few meters away, shoulders slumped.

Taehyung, taking one look at the two drinks in Jeongguk’s hands, and saying something else to the man, receiving a polite nod in turn.

Taehyung, smiling softly as he turns to face Jeongguk, taking a step closer.

Taehyung, heading over to him.

Heading over to him?

Jeongguk feels dizzy.

A warm hand wraps around his own, prying one of the champagne flutes from his grasp.

“Quite a deathgrip on these drinks, Jeongguk-ah,” Taehyung giggles. “Was this one for me?”

Jeongguk can only nod, loosening his hold so that Taehyung can take the glass.

“Bought it from the bar.”

Taehyung smiles over the rim of his glass. “Bought it when they’re serving free drinks? You must really like me.”

Jeongguk flushes. “Um,” he says intelligently.

Taehyung’s nose scrunches, like the sight to him is just a little bit too endearing. It makes Jeongguk’s heart thump even louder in his chest.

“Do you want to dance?” Taehyung asks. His voice is gentle, like he can see how nervous Jeongguk seems to be.

“What about– the other dude?”

Taehyung snorts. “Very eloquent. In any case, I only care about one dude. So, do you want to dance?”

Jeongguk nods, too flabbergasted to form any sort of response.

Because Taehyung chose him.

And the male smiles at him warmly, taking another sip of the rich champagne before he nudges his chin, coaxing Jeongguk to walk further into the dancefloor. Jeongguk follows along, trailing after Taehyung, the beat of his heart notching up to a higher tempo as Taehyung twirls back around, pulling Jeongguk close.

His hand lands on Jeongguk’s shoulder, draping over it, fingers instantly reaching to play with the short hairs on Jeongguk’s nape.

“Won’t you hold me?”

Jeongguk lets out an exhale after hearing the quiet words. With one hand still around his champagne flute, Jeongguk brings the other to Taehyung’s waist, pulling him closer. He can hear the contented hum that Taehyung lets out, the hand with a drink in it also wrapping around Jeongguk’s shoulders.

“Thank you,” Taehyung whispers as they softly begin to sway on the spot.

For what? Jeongguk wants to ask. For holding him? For getting him a drink? For building up the courage to show Taehyung that there is something deeper than friendship in his gaze?

Taehyung leans in so that their chests press together, and he buries his head into the crook of Jeongguk’s neck, hugging him tight. Jeongguk can feel Taehyung’s warm breath on his collarbones, can feel the heaviness of Taehyung’s arms loosely wrapped around his shoulders.

He can feel the curve of Taehyung’s waist from where his palm rests, too scared to slip it towards the small of his back.

“Have you enjoyed the wedding?” Taehyung murmurs into his skin.

“Yes,” Jeongguk responds easily. It takes him a long moment to muster the courage to speak his next words. “Especially now.”

Taehyung smiles into his neck. Jeongguk can feel the upwards curve of his lips, and he wonders what it would feel like pressed against his mouth.

“Me too,” Taehyung whispers. “Especially now.”

Jeongguk slides his hand past Taehyung’s waist, so that he’s holding his lower back. They’re so close together, the swaying movement of their bodies can’t quite be considered as dancing, but Jeongguk doesn’t care.

Taehyung leans back, one hand unlatching from Jeongguk’s shoulder so that he can take a sip of the champagne. Jeongguk watches the motion–how the drink makes its way down Taehyung’s throat, making it bob. He watches how Taehyung licks his pink lips afterwards, shiny with spit and champagne.

As he looks up, he sees how Taehyung’s pretty, hazel eyes are on Jeongguk’s mouth, for just a fleeting moment before he looks away, red tinting his cheeks. It contrasts beautifully with Taehyung’s dark hair, the golden hue of his skin. And Jeongguk can only think–has Midas come? Dropped down from the heavens above just to press the tip of his finger against your skin?

“Can we talk?”

Jeongguk’s heart skips a beat, and he nods. Taehyung looks nervous as he licks his lips, pulling his hand away from Jeongguk’s shoulder and latching onto his wrist instead, pulling him away from the dancefloor and towards the balcony.

Paranoia fills Jeongguk’s lungs as he wonders what Taehyung wants to speak about. He prepares for the rejection.

There are a few others on the balcony, smoking or just breathing in the fresh air, away from the larger crowd inside.

Taehyung goes to stand on the very edge, arms draping over the glass railing, the champagne flute still firm between a few fingers. They can see the ocean from here, large and vast beneath them. The whole resort below, small lights trail between the pool and massage parlor in the distance, dimly-lit pathways showing the way to the beach.

With the night sky above them, Jeongguk joins Taehyung on the balcony.

Taehyung’s expression seems clouded in thought, and he stares out into the ocean. Jeongguk finds his gaze drawn to Taehyung, instead.

“I told myself I’d do it today,” Taehyung says, breaking the silence.

Jeongguk’s heart thumps in his chest, loud and wild. “Do what?”

Taehyung’s foot taps against the floor. “I’m scared you’ll run off.”

Jeongguk swallows. “I won’t. Whatever it is, I won’t.”

“Promise me.”

Letting out an exhale, Jeongguk nods. He’s still not sure what Taehyung is wanting to say, but he’s his best friend. Jeongguk would stay with him through anything. “I promise.”

Taehyung turns to look at him then, eyes flickering all over Jeongguk’s face. Half of his face is shadowed by the ocean, the other half cast in a dim, yellow hue from the lights inside. Jeongguk has never seen someone as beautiful.

It seems so serious, whatever is on Taehyung’s mind, that Jeongguk does get the urge to run. Anxiety thrums through his system as his brain attempts to fix all of the open endings, picturing too many different outcomes.

“I’ve been in love with you for a long time,” Taehyung tells him. He’s watching Jeongguk, gauging each reaction that flutters across his face. “For a very long time, Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk isn’t breathing. His mind only replays the words, and he’d push it off as a casual joke, but he doesn’t think he’s ever seen Taehyung as serious before.

“And I haven’t told you because–whenever I flirt, or hint, you run off. Sometimes I think that maybe you like me back, but then it’s like a bucket of ice gets thrown over me when you deflect, or laugh it off. So I’ve been really scared. But I’m tired of holding it in. And I hope you don’t see me in a different light now, or that this will somehow ruin our friendship. I just wanted you to know.”

Jeongguk’s always been bad with feelings–this much he’s known. He catastrophizes, always expecting the worst outcome for each situation–but never had he realized how it might show to Taehyung. How Taehyung thinks Jeongguk laughs it off because he doesn’t feel the same, when in reality, his heart was two seconds away from cardiac arrest.

And never had he expected Taehyung to confess to him.

It leaves him absolutely stumped, gawking with his mouth parted in shock as Taehyung’s face fills with nervousness, fiddling with the glass of champagne in his hand.

“Right,” Taehyung clears his throat. “Sorry, I know this is a lot. I just wanted you to know. Please don’t hate me. Let me know when you’ve processed it or want to talk or something,” he rushes out, making a move to step away from the balcony and head back inside.

As he takes his first step away, Jeongguk clasps onto his wrist, pulling him back.

Taehyung’s cheeks are flushed pink, and his eyes are downcast, staring at the floor beneath them. Rarely does Jeongguk witness a shy Taehyung, and the view has his heart tripling in size.

“Hyung,” Jeongguk says, managing to find his voice.

Taehyung pokes at the floor with the toe of his shoe, letting out a quiet sound in acknowledgment.

“You told me not to run off, and look at you go,” Jeongguk smiles, earning another grunt from Taehyung.

“Maybe because I just poured my heart out and received a gawking fish in return.”

Jeongguk sets his glass onto the railing, just so that he can use both hands to tug at Taehyung’s, pulling him a little bit closer.

“Am I not allowed to be surprised? That the one I love, loves me too?”

Taehyung’s eyes snap up to him, wide and scared.

“Because I’m in love with you, hyung. Okay? I’m very much in love with you. Kim Taehyung, the cherished owner of my heart, clutching it in the palm of your hands for too many years now to count.”

“Years?” Taehyung echoes.

“Years,” Jeongguk repeats.

And then Taehyung closes the space between the two of them, pressing his lips against Jeongguk’s.

And, oh, Jeongguk thinks.

This is what it must feel like, to be loved. The chaos of confessions have passed, the anxiety within Jeongguk long gone, and all he can feel is the kiss. The movement of Taehyung’s lips against his own, palm gently cupping his cheek as he presses his chest against Jeongguk’s, kissing him under the stars in Hawaii, soft music from the wedding, muffled by the glass, lightly playing around them.

And he feels it then, what he’s always been thinking of–the curve of Taehyung’s lips as he smiles into the kiss. Jeongguk wraps his arms around Taehyung’s waist, pulling him infinitely closer.

Taehyung kisses him hard, brows pinched together like it’s all he’s dreamed about for years.

Jeongguk can only feel the same.

Finally.

Jeongguk feels Taehyung’s hands all over him, intoxicating him more than any drink ever could. His back hits the wall of the hallway, Taehyung’s lips pressing against his jaw, his neck, his collarbones. All he feels is warmth, all he feels is Taehyung. The scent of his cologne, the leg that presses between Jeongguk’s, the little sounds he lets out as Jeongguk grabs at his waist, almost toppling them over as they attempt to reach Taehyung’s hotel room.

“I’ve wanted–” Taehyung gasps.

“For so long,” Jeongguk finishes, feeling as Taehyung nods against his neck.

Reluctantly, Taehyung pulls away to fish out his keycard. Jeongguk uses the opportunity to kiss along Taehyung’s nape, hands wandering around because now they can, and Jeongguk still can’t believe it.

He can’t believe the way Taehyung shoves the door open, as quickly as possible just so he can latch his lips against Jeongguk again. Taehyung’s warmth encompasses him whole as he slams the door shut behind him, pressing Jeongguk against it.

”Off,” Taehyung grunts. “Take everything off, now.”

Jeongguk grins, allowing Taehyung to begin unbuttoning his shirt, the back of his head resting against the door, eyes hooded and lips red, he watches Taehyung and wonders just how lucky he’s gotten.

“Hyung–” he says, breathless as Taehyung tugs the shirt over Jeongguk’s shoulders, pulling the whole thing off. “Are we dating?”

Taehyung lets out a grunt, latching his lips against the free skin that had appeared, pressing kisses to the curve of Jeongguk’s shoulder, down the tattoos on his bicep, until he pulls Jeongguk’s hand up, and presses a gentle kiss to one of his knuckles. Jeongguk’s heart, once more, triples in size. A health hazard, Taehyung is, truly.

“I’d like to think so. Honestly, based on how long it took for the two of us to confess, you should be expecting marriage soon.”

“You must be drunk,” Jeongguk snorts, allowing Taehyung to kiss his lips once more.

“Well thank god I have my handsome boyfriend here to take care of me then,” Taehyung smirks, hands wrapping around Jeongguk’s neck and pulling him further into the room. The pout he suddenly wears is fake, only doing it because he knows what it does to Jeongguk’s self-restraint. “Is Jeongguk-ah going to take care of me?”

Jeongguk swallows, nodding.

Taehyung smiles once more, and Jeongguk is the one leaning in for the kiss this time. His tongue pushes into Taehyung’s mouth, and Taehyung moans around it, fingers pressing into Jeongguk’s bare shoulders.

The back of Taehyung’s legs hit the bed, and he pulls Jeongguk with him as they topple onto the bed below, giggling, drunk on each other.

The expression on Taehyung’s face looks a lot like love, eyes bright and cheeks flushed, arms still wrapped around Jeongguk’s shoulders.

“You want to do this?” Jeongguk asks, elbows planted on both sides of Taehyung’s head, half his body still hanging off the bed.

Taehyung nods, his gaze soft, a smile playing on his face. “Was me hinting how sexy you are during the whole vacation somehow not enough indication that I want you to bang me?”

“Yeah, but–” Jeongguk flushes. “Not just sex.”

“Sex with feelings,” Taehyung supplies, grinning. “When you bury your cock into me, the only thing I’ll be thinking about is how much I love you. And how sexy you are,” Taehyung leans in a bit, pressing a kiss to Jeongguk’s warm cheek. “And how big your cock is. And–”

Jeongguk lets out a shaky exhale. “Oh my god.”

“Get used to it baby,” Taehyung grins, pinching Jeongguk’s waist.

Jeongguk lets out a yelp, before standing up from his half-hanging-off the bed position, and straddles Taehyung’s thighs instead.

Taehyung lifts a brow, hands instantly beginning to roam around Jeongguk’s thin waist. “Quite a view,” he murmurs, dark eyes dropping down to the barbells on Jeongguk’s nipples. “Almost popped a boner when I first saw these. In the dressing room, remember?”

“If it makes you feel better,” Jeongguk mutters. “I got hard during the massage because you kept moaning.”

Taehyung blinks once, before he bursts into laughter. As embarrassing as it may be, Jeongguk’s face spreads into a smile too. “Don’t laugh.”

“You’re so cute,” Taehyung giggles. “That’s so cute.”

Jeongguk whines, dropping down to bury his face into the crook of Taehyung’s neck. “I shouldn’t have told you.”

Taehyung nods. “Very true. You’ll hear about this years from now.”

Jeongguk’s chest now leans right on top of Taehyung, so Taehyung has closer access to his body, his hand instantly starting to roam over Jeongguk’s ribs.

And then Jeongguk lets out a shuddering breath, pressed right against Taehyung’s skin as Taehyung pulls on one of the barbells, slender fingers tugging at the piercings.

“These are so fucking hot, Jeongguk,” Taehyung groans, bucking his hips upward.

“All yours to touch,” Jeongguk responds, kissing Taehyung’s neck, biting down gently before licking over the area.

“Kiss.”

He complies instantly, pressing his lips against Taehyung’s once more, tasting nothing other than spit, remainders of champagne and Taehyung.

All he can hear a few moments later is Taehyung, whining below him as Jeongguk presses a lubed finger against his entrance. “Please,” Taehyung says, and Jeongguk nods, biting down on his lip as he pushes his finger in.

Taehyung moans, and Jeongguk leans down, kissing him as he feels Taehyung clench around his finger.

“Hyung, you’ll be so tight,” he murmurs against Taehyung’s lips.

And eventually, after fully opening Taehyung up and as Jeongguk tears the condom packet open and rolls the rubber over his cock, lubing it up before leaning down, the tip of his length pressing against Taehyung’s entrance, he can only repeat the same thoughts as he begins pushing in. Taehyung is tight, clenching around him, overwhelmed by the sensation.

Taehyung’s bare legs are wrapped around Jeongguk’s waist, and he pulls Jeongguk even closer as Jeongguk’s cock inches in little by little.

“Oh god, oh god,” Taehyung breathes out, head lolling back on the white pillow beneath him. “Jeongguk-ah.”

Jeongguk presses kisses along the golden skin of Taehyung’s shoulder, holding him close as he bottoms out. He stays still for a while, basking in the tightness of Taehyung, allowing him time to adjust.

Meanwhile, his lips press up to Taehyung’s ear, kissing right below it, causing Taehyung to let out a louder exhale, arms wrapping tighter around Jeongguk’s shoulders.

They’re so close to each other, limbs tangled, Jeongguk buried deep inside Taehyung–he doesn’t think he’s ever felt this connected to someone. Arousal sparks down his spine, but so does love, adoration, pressing kiss after kiss onto Taehyung’s skin like silent worship. Taehyung responds to each touch, each word, soft fingers fluttering around Jeongguk’s skin like he still can’t quite believe he’s allowed to do such a thing.

And then Taehyung whispers to him that he can move, and Jeongguk does, slowly pulling back just to press in deep again. Taehyung feels so good, too good, it makes his head foggy, dizzy as he thrusts in and out again, listening to the soft sounds Taehyung lets out from beneath him.

“I love you,” Taehyung breathes into the curve of Jeongguk’s neck, biting down on his heated skin.

Jeongguk’s hips stutter at the words, before thrusting once more, listening to Taehyung’s moan in response. Taehyung’s hands now grasp at Jeongguk’s thin waist, aiding the motions inside of him. Jeongguk goes slowly–wanting to savor it.

And even if his heart is beating rapidly in his chest, every nerve in his body alight with lust and arousal–Jeongguk doesn’t think he’s ever felt so calm, so serene as he does with the boy he loves below him, whispering sweet nothings into his ear as Jeongguk grinds his hips, pushing flush against Taehyung’s body before pulling back, feeling the way Taehyung clenches around him.

Kissing him, Jeongguk lets the soft words flow into Taehyung’s mouth, private but not secret any longer. “I love you too.”

Jeongguk wakes up to frantic knocking on the door. He lets out a confused sound, sleep still heavily pulling at his lids. And then he looks down, seeing a head of brown hair on top of his chest, Taehyung’s cheek pressing on the warm skin of Jeongguk’s pecs, a large hand wrapped around Jeongguk’s waist.

He doesn’t have a long enough time to marvel over the fact that Taehyung is here, sleeping with him, white sheets draped loosely over their bodies–since someone knocks at the door again, frantically.

“Hyung,” Jeongguk complains, voice cracking. He wiggles his torso a bit, jostling Taehyung’s head who lets out a grunt in turn, fingers tightening around Jeongguk’s waist. “Go open the door, it may be urgent.”

Once more, a hand slams against the door and Taehyung lets out a long sigh, stretching out his limbs. He blinks up at Jeongguk, a pout on his face from being woken up so suddenly, eyes still puffy from sleep.

Jeongguk smiles down at him, infinitely fond.

Then Taehyung slowly gets up, picking up a discarded robe from the ground and trudging towards the door.

Jeongguk lifts a brow as he hears someone barge in, and he pulls up the white sheets to cover more of his naked body.

“Jimin, what the fuck,” he can hear Taehyung complain.

Jimin storms into the room, pushing past Taehyung. “I tried Jeongguk’s door first, but I don’t think he’s there. I swear to fucking god if he ended up sleeping with someone just because he’s too much of a cowardly bitch– oh. Hi Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk gives a sheepish wave.

Jimin’s eyes fall down Jeongguk’s bare chest, the sheets which are so thin they do little to conceal the shape of Jeongguk’s dick, the boy clearly naked beneath the blanket. Then, in a motion which can only be described as robotic, he twists to speculate Taehyung–the loose robe falling down his bare shoulders, hair tousled from Jeongguk’s fingers and sleep, lips still a bit raw– and gasps.

“Oh my god. Oh my god.” Jimin looks a second away from hyperventilating, and after so many years of waiting, Jeongguk can’t blame him. “You fucked. You fucked, you fucked,” he begins to chant.

“We also confessed,” Taehyung supplies. “But you know, order of importance. Yes, we fucked.”

“Tae-yah, hold me, I might faint.”

Taehyung rolls his eyes, but walks up to Jimin, placing a balancing hand around his waist.

“My babies,” Jimin sniffles. “I’m so proud of you. Jeonggukkie, c’mere.”

“Oh god,” Jeongguk sighs, pooling the sheets around his waist and standing up, padding along the ground to where Taehyung attempts to hide a smile, and Jimin looks two seconds away from crying. “You’re so embarrassing, hyung,” Jeongguk grins as Jimin tugs him closer, forcing them in for a group hug.

“I feel like a parent, sending my children off to college. I need to call Namjoon.”

Taehyung giggles into Jeongguk’s shoulder, and Jeongguk leans into the touch as he feels warm lips press against his skin for a fleeting moment.

A pretty perfect way to start the day, he thinks, with his two best friends by his side.

Taehyung’s fingers are curled around Jeongguk’s bicep, his chin planted on Jeongguk’s shoulder, the plane jostling a bit, which causes Taehyung’s grip on him to tighten.

“What movie should we watch first?” Taehyung asks.

Jeongguk tilts his head to look at him, smiling a little. “You don’t want to sleep? It’s a ten hour flight back to Seoul, hyung.”

“And I want to spend it all with you,” Taehyung says with a sigh, kissing Jeongguk’s cheek before snuggling closer, as much as the stuffy airplane seats allow.

Jeongguk’s heart is fond, turning to stare out of the plane as Taehyung starts swiping across the screen in front of them, looking for a good movie to watch. The chord of his earbuds hangs loosely between the two, and since they’re sharing them, Jeongguk is careful that he doesn’t accidentally pull Taehyung’s one out as he leans his head on the headrest behind him, watching the view.

They are taking an evening flight back, and right then and there, Jeongguk decides that it is his favorite time of day.

Above the clouds, he sees as the sun begins to set, slowly dipping down one cloud to the next, painting them in hues of orange and pink. Momentarily, the sun shines one of its rays through the small cabin window, and Jeongguk’s tilts his head to look at the way it reflects off Taehyung’s face.

And Jeongguk thinks that is the moment he began associating Taehyung’s name with the setting sun. For it radiated warmth, a golden splash of color along Taehyung’s skin, and something he hopes he will spend the rest of his life watching.

Notes:

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