Archive of Our Own

"Hoseok hyung, Jimin just called from reception." Jungkook — his hoobae — announces as he steps into the office. "He says your boyfriend is waiting for you at reception."

"He's already here?" Hoseok looks at his watch, it's past his time to clock out. He gasps and quickly puts everything in its place, but stops after he registers what the younger man just said. "He's not my boyfriend."

"Yeah, my bad." Jungkook grins. "Anyways hurry up, don't keep him waiting." He drags Hoseok by the wrist towards the elevator.

"Wait, Jungkook." Hoseok tries to free himself from the man but he's stronger. "Everyone get home safely." Is all he's able to say before the doors close.

As soon as he steps off the elevator he spots his friend chatting with Jimin, the receptionist.

"Sorry, I didn't look at the time," Hoseok says as soon as he approaches them. "Did you wait for too long?" he asks Yoongi in an apologetic tone.

"A little bit," Yoongi says calmly. "But it's okay, I figured you were busy."

"It won't happen again, I promise," Hoseok says earnestly, putting his right hand on his chest and raising his left palm.

"Seok-ah, we both know it will happen again," Yoongi deadpans, while Jimin laughs. "I don't mind. But let's go, I'm getting hungry."

Both men say their goodbyes to Jimin and leave the building.

"I have news! Let's order some chicken and go to the Han River," Hoseok suggests once they're in Yoongi's car, his voice filled with excitement.

"Oh, did you get a promotion or something? You seem happier than usual," Yoongi says, turning to look at his friend while putting on his seat belt.

"I won't tell you yet." The younger man grins. "Not until we arrive at our spot."

So they head toward Ttukseom Park.

"Have you finished with your project yet?" Hoseok asks as the car moves through evening traffic, gazing out the window.

"Almost, maybe in a couple of days I'll be done. Why?" the older replies, fingers tapping the steering wheel to the beat of one of the songs that's playing on the radio.

"Nothing, I'm just curious." He lets out a nervous laugh. "Look, you can park there." Hoseok points at an empty space, trying to change the subject.

"What are you hiding, Jung?" Yoongi squints at him.

"Me? Nothing." He tries to play it cool. It doesn't work.

"You've been acting strange these past few days," Yoongi insists. "I've known you for so long, you're obviously hiding something." Hoseok pretends he didn't hear him and gets out of the car instead.

They finally get to their spot: the stairways under the Cheongdam Bridge. It's nothing fancy, they used to hang out there all the time when they were students, but as they grew older and busier they visited the spot only on special occasions.

"It's been so long since the last time we came here," Hoseok says, taking in the sight. Winter hasn't started yet, but it's getting chillier and chillier as time passes by.

"Yeah, I missed it." Yoongi agrees.

Both men fall into a comfortable silence. The place barely has passerbys, at this time most people are getting out of work or school and prefer to go straight home. After a few moments the delivery man arrives and without saying a word they start eating the chicken.

"Hoseok, I love the view and your company, but," Yoongi says after munching on a chicken leg. "What was the thing you wanted to talk about?"

"I may go to Las Vegas soon." Hoseok says softly.

"What?" Yoongi asks perplexedly.

"Seokjin sunbae told me our company's offering a special training at the Las Vegas branch in December," Hoseok explains. "Just a couple of us can go, and he offered me a spot."

"That's great Seok-ah!" the older man exclaims. "You should go, it'll look great in your curriculum vitae."

"Yeah. I told him I was going to discuss it with you." Hoseok nods, absorbed in his thoughts.

"But that's not all, right?" Yoongi inquires. "Is there a problem?"

"No, it's just that I don't know how to say this." Hoseok reaches for another piece of chicken.

"I promise I won't forget to eat when you're gone." Yoongi tries to assure him. "I'll send you pictures every time I have a meal, if that's what's worrying you."

"You better not forget or else I'll fly back and make sure you eat and take breaks." Hoseok points at Yoongi with his chopsticks. "But that's not it."

"Then what is it?" The older man asks, lowering Hoseok's hand.

"Would you like to come with me?" Hoseok asks carefully.

"Woah." His eyebrows raise in surprise. "This is so sudden."

"It begins on the 19th, but I have to be there a day before the date," the younger one says. "It's technically when we're on vacation. You'll be done by that time as well."

"Yeah, I haven't picked any new projects yet." Yoongi hums, wearing a blank face. "But why do you want to take me too?"

"Sometimes I think you're overworking yourself, you deserve a vacation, hyung." Hoseok says softly, giving Yoongi a quick neck massage.

"I'm not overworking myself." Yoongi knits his brows together.

"I'm sure you would be in front of your computer right now if I didn't ask you to pick me up," Hoseok accuses.

The older man doesn't argue. They've been friends since they were in college, and of course Hoseok has witnessed his roommate pull all-nighters near his deadlines many times. He'd even stay up late as well to keep him company.

"You can arrive after it ends so you don't have to spend a lot of time alone," Hoseok insists.

"I don't know." Yoongi looks around, thinking. "What about Ddalgi?"

"Jimin can take care of her, don't use the cat as an excuse," Hoseok retorts. "Hyung, we promised we would go on vacation together some day."

"I thought you meant Jeju, Busan or even Japan, not to the other side of the world." Yoongi bites his nail, thinking. Hoseok is right, they made a promise years ago when they were still students, but now, their tight schedules have made it impossible for them to even bring it up again.

"We can stay after the training ends and spend Christmas there," Hoseok suggests.

"What about the accommodations?" Yoongi asks, still trying to find a pretext, not knowing why.

"I already contacted this guy Sunbae recommended," Hoseok responds simply. "I know you'll like the place."

"And the money? Can we even afford that?" Yoongi frowns. "I think I can find a new project right now." He takes out his phone and goes through his emails.

"Don't worry about the money," Hoseok takes the phone from his friend's hands. "I already got a loan from the bank." Hoseok says, making his friend widen his eyes.

"Are you kidding me, Hoseok?" Yoongi gapes at the younger man's words.

"I knew you would react like this." Hoseok pouts. "Come on, who knows when we'll get an opportunity like this again."

"You mentioned someone else would come as well," Yoongi reminds him, slowly giving in.

"Yeah, Kim Namjoon from finances. You remember him, right?" Hoseok asks.

"Tall, has dimples, smart but kind of clumsy." Yoongi describes the man.

"The one and only," Hoseok smiles.

Silence wraps them again after their laughs die down. They finish the chicken as they see the sun set. The cold breeze hits their faces.

"So, hyung, what do you say?" Hoseok is the first one to speak again.

"Alright." Yoongi sighs.

"Yes!" Hoseok raises his arms in victory. "I knew it!"

"This is why people say one cannot win against a smiling man," Yoongi says, making Hoseok smile wider.

✳

"What happened to your hair?" Hoseok asks as soon as he sees his friend coming out of the terminal with ginger hair.

"I did it yesterday" Yoongi scratches his ear. "It’s been a while since I last dyed it, so I thought I should go for it."

"I like it," Hoseok says, combing his hair with his fingers. "It looks good on you."

"Thanks," the older one says sheepishly.

"How was the flight?" Hoseok asks.

"It could have been better." Yoongi yawns soundly. "I could barely sleep."

"Was there a baby crying?" Hoseok puts the luggage on the backseat.

"Not only that," Yoongi exclaims, frustrated and a bit too loud. "I got the middle seat. I had a snoring man on my right and a lady that needed to go to the bathroom all the time on my left side."

"Poor you." Hoseok rubs Yoongi's back. "You could have asked to change seats."

"I did, but no one wants the middle seat." Yoongi groans. "Anyways, did you wait for too long? You told me you arrived here before my flight even landed."

"Nah, I got here 15 minutes ago," Hoseok says, starting the car.

"Whose car is this?" Yoongi finally realizes where he is.

"Taehyung's, he lent it to me yesterday so I could pick you up." Hoseok smiles.

Yoongi is about to say something but a big yawn overtakes him. Hoseok sticks his finger inside the older's mouth, stopping the yawn.

"You sure are tired," Hoseok says, laughing as he sees his friend break into another yawn, this time, the yawn spreads to the younger as well.

And that's how somewhere in the middle of the McCarran International Airport's parking lot, at 2:17 AM on a winter night, you could find two young men trapped in a yawning cycle. By 2:30 AM — after trying to suppress their laughter and the sign of their tiredness — they're able to leave the place.

"Where are we staying?" Yoongi asks when the car stops at a red light. They're driving down the Las Vegas Strip.

"In an apartment right here." Hoseok points at the GPS. "It's not too far from here."

"You guys still have one day left, right?" Yoongi asks, remembering the schedule the younger sent him before leaving a week ago.

"Mhm, it won't take long though, just a short closing ceremony," Hoseok informs him.

The car starts moving again. The older takes his time to check out all the neon signs decorating the street and the people walking in all directions.

"There's a pool area, you can wait for us there," Hoseok suggests, but then laughs when he sees his friend frown at the idea from the corner of his eye. "Or you can sleep."

"I'll definitely do that," Yoongi says, pleased, and Hoseok chuckles.

The streets are packed. The city always gets busy around this time of the year due to the holidays. It takes them some time to arrive at their Airbnb.

"What do you think?" Hoseok asks, expectation written on his face.

"I like it." Yoongi nods with a satisfied smile, then he walks straight to the floor lamp located beside the sofa to examine it. "Did you choose it?"

"Yeah, Sunbae's cousin sent me a few options, and I thought you would like this one," Hoseok says proudly.

For as long as Hoseok remembers, Yoongi has always been into interior design, to the point he would make Hoseok watch tv shows with him.

"You must want to rest, follow me." Hoseok walks towards the hallway and points at one of the closed doors. "Namjoon is staying there." He opens the other door. "And this one is yours, good night hyung."

"Wait, where are you sleeping then? There are only two bedrooms." Yoongi stops Hoseok by the wrist before he could go.

"I'll take the sofa," the younger one answers as if it's the most obvious thing.

"No way." Yoongi scowls. "I'll take it, you stay here." He walks towards the door.

"Hyung, you were on a plane for more than 14 hours." Hoseok places a hand on his friend's chest to stop him from exiting the room.

"And you still have a day left," Yoongi retorts. "You’ll barely get any sleep if you don't take the bed."

"It's okay, I have no trouble falling asleep." Hoseok smiles, trying to convince his friend, but the other just keeps his stern expression.

"There's only one way to work this out," the programmer mutters, raising his fist.

"I advise you to give up while you still have a chance." Hoseok grins, pulling up his sleeves. "You know I'll win."

"Keep dreaming, Hoseok." Yoongi straightens his back.

"For fuck's sake!" Namjoon barges into the room, clutching a pillow. "Share the bed, take the floor or go to the damn rooftop… Just let me sleep!" he snaps and leaves the room, slamming the door behind him.

After being woken up at ass o'clock and not being able to go back to sleep due to a heated rock paper scissors game happening in the room next door, Namjoon's last straw was finally drawn. Don't get him wrong, he likes the duo, and he thinks they're nice people, but he won't forgive anyone that disturbs his well deserved 8 hours of rest.

"I've never seen Namjoon act like that," Hoseok stares perplexed at the closed door.

"He's right, though. Let's just share the bed. We just wasted 20 minutes." Yoongi opens his luggage and takes out his sleepwear. "You go to sleep first. I need to take a shower," he says as he goes into the bathroom.

Nervously, Hoseok does as he's told. After all, this is not the first time they 've shared a bed. They used to do it all the time when they were staying at each other's houses during holidays back in the day… The only difference is that back then Hoseok didn't feel anything for Yoongi.

Yoongi smiles fondly when the first thing he sees as he walks back in the room is an already sleeping Hoseok. The older lays down next to his friend and rolls on his side to leave a bit of space between them. When he extends his hand and begins to stroke Hoseok's hair, the man visibly relaxes at the touch.

Hoseok is woken up by a sudden flash and the "Oh shit" that comes after. When he opens his eyes, he sees Namjoon standing above him.

"Hey, I knocked on the door but no one replied, so I came in." Namjoon smiles at him, fakely, but Hoseok is too sleepy to realize something suspicious is going on, "It's time to get up, come on."

Hoseok rubs his eyes and makes a move to get up but a weight on top of him stops him, it's Yoongi's arm. The younger carefully lifts it and slowly wiggles out of the bed.

✳

operation eternal sunshine

jungkook
and that's why i no longer
eat m&ms

jimin-ssi
that sounds scary (´д`)
i'm glad you're okay

jin sunbae
and how did you get it out?

jungkook
that's the worst part
first i had to contact my landlord because of the hole on the wall

namjoon sunbae
i'm back
jungkook what the fuck, how did you get it out of there????

jungkook
as i was saying

jin sunbae
shhh you can tell us later
namjoon-ah did you get anything???

namjoon sunbae
yes i did
[picture attached]

jimin-ssi
they are hugging!!!!!

jungkook
i knew hoseok was the
little spoon, jin hyung you owe
me money

jin sunbae
first of all, don't get so ahead
of yourself, i'm still your boss
secondly, i never agreed to pay you

jungkook
boo, you're no fun

namjoon sunbae
guys i don't think we should be doing this
it's their privacy
also i almost got caught

jimin-ssi
c'mon hyung you're our eyes

jungkook
yeah aren't you curious too??

jin sunbae
you have the privilege to see
them firsthand and you want to back up?
is this the example you want to give to jungkook????
smh

jungkook
yeah hyung, i thought you were cooler than that :'(

jimin-ssi
you made the kid sad >:(
is this what you wanted??

namjoon sunbae
sigh whatever, i gotta go

✳

"Oh, good morning, did you just wake up?" Hoseok asks when he steps out of the in-room bathroom and sees his hyung sitting on the bed with his eyes still closed.

"I woke up when you did," Yoongi responds before standing up and walking towards Hoseok. "Morning." He rests his head on the other man's shoulder.

"Go back to bed if you're still sleepy," Hoseok says as he fixes his tie, but Yoongi shakes his head.

"Nah, I want to see you off, it's been a while," the older one says, and Hoseok smiles.

One of Yoongi's best qualities is that he has always been good at taking care of others. Every morning he wakes up early just to hang out with Hoseok before he goes to work. It’s been their routine for the past few years, but it wasn't always like that, it took a lot of convincing and a trip to the hospital after he fainted due to burnout and malnutrition for Yoongi to finally give in.

Ever since then he’s been in charge of making the meals at home and picking up Hoseok from work. That way, Hoseok makes sure the older one is eating and resting appropriately.

"Alright, I'm fully charged now." Yoongi pulls back from Hoseok and walks to the bathroom.

Later, just after Hoseok follows Namjoon into an Uber and closes the door behind them, he receives a text.

hyung /ᐠﹷ ‸ ﹷ ᐟ\ﾉ
good luck today Hoseok, try not to fall asleep
but if you don't feel well, call me
fighting!

And it’s these small gestures, along with the sense of security and comfort he always feels whenever he’s with Yoongi, that makes him fall even deeper.

The first time Hoseok had these kinds of thoughts was back in university, on New Year's Eve. Early that day, Yoongi — who was on his way to spend the holidays with his family — called him to check on him, because he couldn't go back to his hometown and had to stay alone at the dorms. The younger one said that he felt a bit lonely but he was okay. The call was short but it sure made him feel better. What he did not expect, though, was Yoongi coming into their dorm with chicken and soju in his hands.

After eating they visited the Han river, stopping under Cheongdam bridge. It was packed but they got to see the fireworks together, and when he saw Yoongi's face being illuminated by the lights something clicked in his mind. He realized how happy he felt being like this with him, maybe a little too much, and that scared him.

At first he tried to find excuses to explain why his heart would suddenly race whenever they were too close, but it happened so many times that it became impossible to deny.

Being in love is scary, but being in love with your best friend is on a different level. He couldn't help but feel like he was betraying Yoongi for confusing his kindness as something else, so he hid those feelings, until he just couldn't do it any longer.

One night, after drinking more than he should have, he confessed. He knew Yoongi wasn't going to accept his feelings right away, especially after doing it so suddenly. What he did not expect though, was a clearcut rejection.

He watched Yoongi mumble something about not wanting to ruin their friendship and then walk away. That's when he knew he’d fucked up, he felt so dumb, and the headache building due to the alcohol wasn't helping at all.

After a week of avoiding each other Yoongi finally made the first move to talk, as soon as Hoseok saw him come his way he’d told the older man that everything was a prank. He saw Yoongi's mouth turn into a thin line and whatever he had to say was left untold.

Things went back to normal, or at least that's what Hoseok wanted to think. Not long after a girl named Chaebin confessed to him, he didn't know her that much other than she was in his faculty, but he agreed to go out with her in an attempt to forget about Yoongi.

At first it worked, he genuinely cared for her and they were happy, but as time passed by arguments began to arise.

It all started when Hoseok decided to introduce her to his best friend. She was excited to finally meet this 'Yoongi hyung' her boyfriend always talked about, but all that excitement drained when she witnessed her boyfriend act in ways he never did in front of her.

"You've never looked at me like that," she's accused. The first of many times these words left her lips.

They tried to make it work, they really did, but after two years of ups and downs they decided to end the relationship. Both cried, although for different reasons. She was heartbroken. He felt guilty, guilty for using her, and for lying to Yoongi about how great their relationship was going. None of them deserved it.

✳

The two office workers arrived back at the Airbnb late because the closing ceremony had been extended. This left them almost no time to get ready before they had to meet up with Taehyung — Seokjin's cousin and also the guy that would take them around the city.

"We'll change our clothes, and then we can leave," Namjoon says as he steps into his room.

"Hyung, Taehyung-ssi said he's almost here, could you let him in, please?" Hoseok asks before rushing to his room as well.

"And how will I know when he's here?" Yoongi mutters to himself.

He gets up and walks to the window just in case he can see him. A few minutes pass by, and there's no trace of this Taehyung guy. "I don't even know what he looks like."

Yoongi sighs. He's been feeling jet lagged since he woke up, and he hasn't been able to stop thinking. He sits on the couch and closes his eyes.

He shouldn't have done that, though, because he almost has a heart attack when he feels a large hand on his shoulder. He opens his eyes and sees a tall brown-haired guy staring at him through his long curly bangs.

"How did you get in here?" Yoongi asks in the most intimidating way he can. "Who are you?"

"I let myself in," the guy responds in a deep voice, almost as deep as Namjoon's. Yoongi looks around the room to find something to defend himself with when the guy speaks again. "I'm Kim Taehyung by the way, Seokjin's cousin, nice to meet you."

"You're Taehyung?" Yoongi relaxes visibly when the no-longer-intruder nods. "Wait, how did you get in?" he repeats his question.

"I knocked a few times but no one responded so I just entered the code Namjoon Hyung gave me to unlock the door," Taehyung explains.

"Sorry for that, I didn't hear you." He stands up. "Take a seat, Hoseok and Namjoon are getting ready. Do you want something to drink?"

"Water is fine," Taehyung says from the sofa, and starts some small talk. "You weren't with them when I picked them up."

"Ah, that's because I arrived today." Yoongi passes Taehyung a glass of water and sits next to him. "I'm Min Yoongi."

"Oh, so you're Hoseokie hyung's boyfriend?" Taehyung's eyes widened.

"Who told you that?" Yoongi sputters.

"Seokjin hyung told me, but don't worry, you guys are safe with me." Taehyung winks at him.

"No, wait we aren-"

"Taehyung-ssi, you're already here." Namjoon steps out of his room and interrupts Yoongi.

"Yeah, I just arrived." Taehyung turns to look at the accountant, who’s wearing the most casual set of clothing he's ever seen him in.

"Oh, Namjoon-ah." Hoseok's loud voice resonates from behind Namjoon. "You look completely different without your suits." He gives him a thumbs up.

"I could say the same for you, you look like you just came back from the 90's," Namjoon retorts playfully.

"That's a compliment for him," Yoongi says, knowing that Hoseok loves this style. "Don't even try."

"So," Taehyung clears his throat to get their attention. "I made a schedule for the next three days based on the places you guys told me you wanted to visit. It's on the group chat, please take a look."

The three men take out their phones and open the file.

"Of course, the schedule is open to changes," Taehyung adds.

They get in the car after they're finished with their lunch, Taehyung turns on the radio to liven up the drive and, immediately, Michael Buble's voice fills the car. Hoseok starts humming to the song but then stops when he feels Yoongi's head on his shoulder.

"You don't feel good, hyung?" he asks, placing a hand on the older man's knee.

"It's just jet lag," Yoongi murmurs. "Don't worry though. I'll take a quick nap, and it'll go away."

"You sure?" Hoseok inquires.

"Stop worrying, just let me sleep." Yoongi pinches Hoseok's nose and gently shakes him.

"Ew, your hand smells like green onion." Hoseok scrunches his nose and moves away, but Yoongi pulls him closer again and touches his nose again. They both laugh.

Hoseok resumes the humming, and with his hand still on Yoongi's knee he starts drawing circles mindlessly through the hole in his ripped jeans.

When the four guys get to The Strip, their first stop is Mandalay Bay. Namjoon wants to visit the Shark Reef Aquarium, and this is the only thing that isn't up to changes, because the reservations were already made. Luckily, they arrive on time.

They wander through all the different areas of the facility, taking pictures of the animals they come across.

Yoongi stops by the moon jellyfish tank, where the dim blue light makes the creatures glow beautifully.

"I see why people use them as desktop wallpaper," Hoseok whispers next to him, hovering over Yoongi's shoulder to get a look at the jellies.

"Mhm, they are very pretty," Yoongi hums.

"He looks like a big kid," Hoseok turns and points towards the center of the room where they can see Kim Namjoon excitedly speaking to a handful of children and curious parents about the rays that are on display.

"Leave him alone, he's having fun." Yoongi replies amused, he takes out his camera and captures Namjoon's joyful expression as he pets one of the rays.

"He's really enjoying this." Hoseok smiles fondly. "I hope you are, too."

"I am," Yoongi replies sincerely. "Thank you."

"The shipwreck area is the best part, let's go," Taehyung says excitedly a couple of meters from them.

And he's right, the big glass windows allow you to see all the different species of sharks, rays and fishes coexisting.

"This is so peaceful," Yoongi mentions as they walk down the shark tunnel.

"Peace is the last thing I feel right now." Hoseok whinces beside him.

"Don't worry Hoseok, this glass is very strong," Yoongi assures him.

"They're coming, they're coming!" Hoseok shrieks, holding onto Yoongi's arm when two sharks swim above them in the tunnel.

"The sawfish looks so funny from this angle." The ginger pats his arm and then points at the fish with his free hand to distract him from his fear.

"I never thought they would be like that." Hoseok's expression is unreadable.

"Guys look this way." They hear Taehyung say behind them, when they turn the man snaps a picture. "Ah this one came out really pretty."

"Let me see," Hoseok says while peeping at the camera screen.

Yoongi does the same, his face quickly turns into an endeared smile when he sees Hoseok's grimace.

"I look weird," Hoseok says with a pained expression.

"I think you look cute," Yoongi replies, with a smile still on his face. "Send it to me later, please."

"What will you do with it?" Hoseok gives him a quizzical look.

"I'm going to frame it and then put it on my desk so I can see your silly face while I work," Yoongi teases.

"Then I'll do the same with the baby picture your brother sent me of you." Hoseok squints at him.

"Sounds fair to me." Yoongi shrugs.

✳

"Hyung, take some pictures of me, please," Hoseok says as he copies the pose of the Bliss Dance sculpture, the older man complies.

"Now a side profile… Yeah like that." Yoongi leans back a bit to capture the whole scene.

"Your turn." Hoseok reaches out for the camera, and they exchange positions, "Oh hyung, you look great." He giggles. "One smiling, come on…. Yeeees, so cute."

"Do you think they realize they completely act like a couple?" Namjoon deadpans as he snaps a picture of the two for the groupchat. "Could you take some pictures of me, too?"

"They aren't?" Taehyung looks genuinely confused, and Namjoon shakes his head, while posing. "Then why did Seokjin hyung say they were?"

"Not officially at least. Thank you." Namjoon takes his phone back. "It's obvious that they're head over heels for each other, though."

"They looked so legit that I'm actually in shock," Taehyung confesses in disbelief.

"Sunbae, your cousin, and my other coworkers want me to get them together by the end of this trip." Namjoon shows him the groupchat filled with pictures of their two friends. "And also keep them updated on their progress."

"Pfff, and how are you gonna do that, hyung?" Taehyung chuckles.

"The thing is, I don't know how or even if I should." Namjoon sighs heavily. "It's their business after all, but I'm tired of third wheeling when they aren't even together."

"Guys are you done?" Hoseok suddenly turns in their direction.

"A while ago," Namjoon replies.

"Then let's keep moving!" Taehyung starts walking again. "We have a long way to go."

"You want me to help you?" Taehyung whispers to Namjoon. "Well, I don't really know them, but I can take you guys to romantic places and see if it works."

"Yeah, that would be helpful. Just don't leave me alone with them please," Namjoon pleads. "Do you want to be added to the group chat?"

"Sure!"

✳
operation eternal sunshine
[unknown number has been added to the group]

jungkook
who is that? OJO

namjoon sunbae
Sunbae's cousin
he said he's going to help
me play matchmaker

[unknown number]
hi, i'm kim taehyung
95liner
nice to meet u

jimin-ssi
oh, we're the same age
hi i'm park jimin

jungkook
i'm jeon jungkook
still the youngest, dang
1997 ;(

jin sunbae
nice, a new set of eyes
taehyung-ah i hope you
can provide us some goods

vegas hyung
unaware of the circumstances
i snapped these, i hope
you like them
[3 pictures attached]

✳

On the third day, Hoseok admits to himself that sharing a bed with Yoongi is easier than he thought. He finds himself enjoying the feeling of waking up to warm hugs and tangled limbs.

One of their alarms rings, but they both ignore it.

"What time is it?" Yoongi rolls to his side and peers up at him.

"9:46 AM," Hoseok replies, squinting at his phone screen.

"It's too early," Yoongi grumbles.

"Come on, we have to get up," Hoseok says, yawning. "It's Christmas day, we have so much to do today."

But neither of them makes any attempt to move, instead they curl closer to each other, Yoongi almost burying his face into Hoseok's chest. It’s not until one of the alarms goes off for the second time that they decide to get up.

They climb into Taehyung's car an hour later.

"Taehyung, did you have breakfast already?" Yoongi asks when the car stops at a red light.

"Not yet, why?" Taehyung replies from the front.

"Cool, 'cause I made you a gimbap," Yoongi stretches his arm and hands him the wrap.

"Ah hyung," Taehyung looks at the man through the rearview, moved. "I haven't had one in a while, thank you."

Taehyung bites into it happily.

"It's been a while since I had homemade gimbap," Taehyung says nostalgically. "I want to go visit my mom now."

"She's in Korea?" Namjoon asks.

"Yeah, she stayed with my younger siblings while my father and I came to the states," Taehyung explains, before chewing the last roll.

"How long have you been living here?" Hoseok tilts his head curiously.

"Almost 4 years," Taehyung makes a mental calculation. "Father came for work and brought me so I could go to college here."

"And you haven't seen your family since?" Yoongj raises his eyebrow.

"We visited Korea 2 years ago," Taehyung sighs.

"Do you plan to ever return some day?" Namjoon asks.

"Sometimes I think about it," Taehyung says after meditating for a bit. "But I don't want to leave my dad alone."

"Makes sense," Namjoon says, the men in the back nod in agreement.

"Will he spend the holidays alone?" Hoseok wonders, he covers his mouth when he realizes he said it out loud.

"Don't worry, usually we spend the holidays on our own," Taehyung chuckles. "He hangs out with his band mates, and I go out with my co-workers."

"Your dad's got a band?" Yoongi asks.

"Yep, he joined a jazz crew not long after we arrived," Taehyung smiles, but his eyes are still on the road. "And sometimes I perform with them at this small lounge near downtown."

"That's really cool," Hoseok says from the backseat. "It really suits you."

"Right?" Taehyung exclames proudly. "They’re performing tomorrow night, we can go see them if you want."

"Absolutely," Namjoon says.

Taehyung parks the car a couple of streets behind the main avenue and the men walk towards The Cosmopolitan, where the ice rink is.

The pool-turned-ice rink area just opened so there are just a dozen people skating. The place has an amazing view of the Las Vegas Strip, the globe and the Eiffel tower of the Hotel Paris standing tall and pretty.

"I bet it looks prettier in the evening," Hoseok comments while putting on his skates.

"It does." Taehyung stands up, trying to keep his balance as he walks. "We can come in the evening if you want."

"Yeah, I don't think four drunk men ice skating sounds like a good idea," Yoongi says.

Namjoon starts skating as soon as he touches the ice, moving swiftly among the people, the rest walk around the edge of the rink, holding onto the wall.

"Since when are you a good ice skater?" Hoseok asks once Namjoon comes back.

"I'm not that good, you should see Jimin and Jungkook," Namjoon laughs, "They’re way better than me."

"They skate?" Yoongi asks this time, standing behind Hoseok, guarding him.

NamJoon nods. "Yeah, we go to the ice rink at Seoul Plaza every year."

"Help me, I can't stand up." They hear Taehyung say a few meters from them.

They turn their heads towards the center of the rink and there he is, his sophisticated outfit now getting wet as he crawls in the ice.

"Ah dummy, how did you get out here?" Namjoon hurries to his rescue.

"I slowly started sliding away from the wall, and I didn't know how to stop," Taehyung cries, holding the tall man's arms as he gets back on his feet.

"I'll teach you," Namjoon grabs his arms and slowly starts to slide backwards.

"Do you want to do the same?" Yoongi asks Hoseok, extending his hands. "I'm not as good as Namjoon but–"

"Just don't let me fall," Hoseok grabs his hand.

"Bend your knees like this," Yoongi instructs him, "Now slowly move your feet, and put your body weight from one foot to the other."

Yoongi glides backwards, guiding Hoseok through the rink and away from the wall.

"You think you can try going on your own?" The older man asks.

Hoseok tightens his grip. "No, don't let me go," his voice trembles.

"It's okay, you can do it." Yoongi encourages him.

Hoseok takes a deep breath and tries to move on his own, taking short strokes, his body completely stiff.

"Like this?" Hoseok asks, hesitance evident in his voice. His upper body is bending forward and his legs spread apart the more he slides.

"Mhm," Yoongi nods, biting down the smile that's forming in his lips.

"What's so funny?" Hoseok frowns at him.

"You look like that one scene in Bambi." Yoongi lets out a breathy laugh when he sees Hoseok's indignant face. "Let me help you."

Yoongi places his right hand on Hoseok's lower back and his right hand on his chest, applying enough pressure so the man can go back up to standing straight.

The older one laughs even harder when he sees Hoseok's back fully straight and his legs almost doing a split.

"Sorry," Yoongi apologizes immediately, not wanting the other to feel bad. "C'mere let's try again, try to close your legs as we move."

Hoseok lets himself be dragged until he's standing properly, Yoongi let's go of his hand once again and slides a couple of meters away from him and then motions Hoseok to follow him.

He starts moving again, trying to remember the steps Yoongi taught him, and he manages to reach the older man.

"Keep going Hoseok, you got it." The ginger applauds him and then moves away again.

They repeat it a couple of times until Hoseok stops bending forward too much.

This time Yoongi tries to make it a little bit more challenging. "Do you want to learn how to go backwards?"

Hoseok freezes.

"It's easy," Yoongi does it himself, pushing the outsides of his skates forward and out. "See?"

Hoseok agrees, and they move towards the wall again. Yoongi gives him some instructions, and demonstrates a couple of times.

"Focus on keeping your knees bent and back straight," Yoongi tells him from the side. "Angle your heels inward when you feel your legs split apart."

"Okay, here we go." Hoseok pushes off the wall.

"Now draw C's with your feet like I showed you," Yoongi tells him.

Hoseok follows through, immediately feeling his legs gliding back together. he's about to repeat the first step when he feels himself falter. He closes his eyes and embraces himself to hit the ice, but it never happens, instead two firm arms wrap around his waist.

"Don't worry, I won't let you fall," Yoongi whispers in his ear.

Hoseok opens his eyes, relieved when he feels his back pressed against Yoongi's chest, shivers run down his spine when hot breath hits the back of his neck.

They ditch practicing going backwards when more people start to arrive, and instead they make their way around the rink, hand in hand, "So we don't separate," Yoongi says, in a poor excuse, but Hoseok doesn't mind, it makes him feel safer.

A lot of laughter and several falls later they decided they’ve had enough of ice skating. It's not so cold outside thanks to the sun and all the physical effort they exert, so they wander around the deck, enjoying the view from the fourth floor of the hotel. From there they see a wedding photoshoot taking place on the street and Taehyung and Hoseok walk to the corner of the terrace to take a better look.

"I lost count of how many weddings we’ve come across since the day we arrived," Namjoon says, watching from afar.

"We should go to one," Yoongi rests his arms on the rail, turning to look at Namjoon when he doesn’t get a reply, just to find the man looking at him like he had grown a second head.

"You want to crash a wedding?" Namjoon looks at him amused.

"Yeah, to see how they are over here," Yoongi explains.

"I heard sometimes couples invite you to be part of their wedding, or…" Namjoon doesn't finish his sentence, instead he laughs.

"What were you going to say?" the older man looks at him with curiosity.

"I was going to say something stupid." Namjoon shakes his head but Yoongi squints at him. "That we can hold our own wedding."

"Like, go find a stranger to marry?" Yoongi raises his eyebrow.

"I was thinking maybe you and Hoseok could do it," Namjoon says.

"What’s gotten into you?" He snorts.

"Think about it," Namjoon insists when he remembers Seokjin’s words. "On many levels except legally you and Hoseok are basically married. Why don’t you make it official now that you have the chance?"

Namjoon doesn’t expect the older man to buy it. He’s about to tell him he was joking when he hears Yoongi say "I wouldn’t mind, actually."

"Wait, really?" Namjoon almost chokes on nothing.

"Yeah, I’ve thought about it before and honestly it doesn’t sound so bad," the ginger-haired man says.

"And have you told Hoseok that?" Namjoon inquires.

"It’s complicated," is all Yoongi says, he doesn’t go into details because soon their two friends arrive.

"Do you wanna hang out here a little longer, or we can continue?" Taehyung asks.

They decide it’s time to go to the next stop, the Bellagio. The intended plan is to go to the Conservatory but on their way there they find themselves in front of the fountains of the hotel, reveling in the water show, jets of water shooting several feet up into the air and dancing along to 'O Holy Night'. It’s not the first time they’ve stopped to watch the show since they arrived in the city — either during the day or at night — but it sure is a spectacle worth watching whenever they have the opportunity.

After the show ends they walk towards the hotel until they get to the botanical garden, currently featuring a Christmas display.

"Let's go this way," Taehyung whispers.

"To wher-woah." Namjoon almost falls when Taehyung pulls him to the side.

"Sorry, are you okay?" Taehyung gives him an apologetic look. "I just want to leave those two alone."

"Yeah, I'm fine." Namjoon adjusts his coat. "Do you think it'll work?"

"Hopefully this whole mood does its magic." Taehyung signals around him with his hands.

"But what if it doesn't?" Namjoon worries at his lower lip unconsciously.

"Then we take them somewhere else." Taehyung frees Namjoon's lip with his hand. "Don't do that, you'll hurt yourself."

Meanwhile, a few meters from them Yoongi and Hoseok are strolling through the garden. Different fragrances and colors of the season take over the entire place, and more people are starting to arrive, ready to experience the beautiful decor.

"Don't you think this place might be for couples?" Yoongi comments while looking around.

"What makes you say that?" Hoseok mindlessly asks, busy taking pictures of a polar bear made out of white roses.

"Just watch," Yoongi says.

"Oh my god, they're all definitely on a date." Hoseok scans the garden.

"Right?"

"Do we look out of place?" Hoseok asks, feeling awkward at the sudden realization. "We should look for Tae and Nam-wait, what are you doing?"

"Trying to blend in," Yoongi replies, putting his arm around Hoseok's shoulder. "You want me to stop?"

Hoseok stays still for a few seconds, contemplating, Yoongi can feel the younger man relax. "No, it's okay."

They walk around like that, and Hoseok eventually slides his arm around Yoongi's waist. "It's warmer like this," he says, as an excuse that seems to be directed towards himself rather than the man beside him.

They don't separate, not even when they find themselves walking down the street to get to a different location. But at one point Yoongi disappears from sight and returns minutes later with a bag in his hand.

"What do you have there?" Hoseok tries to take a peek inside the bag Yoonig’s carrying.

"Nuh-uh, you can't see it yet." Yoongi hides the bag behind his back.

"Oh, so it's for me?" Hoseok asks expectantly. "What is it?"

"Yes, it’s for you," Yoongi admits. "Now, don't look, or I'll give it to someone else."

"Okaaaay," Hoseok replies, pouting.

The cold wind hits their faces as they walk down the street, sending shivers down their spine.

"I’ll add 'windshield' to my resume once we get back home," Yoongi jokes when Hoseok grabs him by the shoulders and stands behind him.

"Shh, windshield don't complain," Hoseok scolds.

"I guess you're not the only windshield here." Namjoon laughs and looks behind him where Taehyung's taking shelter from the cold wind.

"Well, you have to put that height into use." Taehyung pats Namjoons arm. "Oh, it's here on the right."

When they turn to look, the first thing they see is the huge high roller at the end of the Linq Promenade. The place shines prettily as the sun goes down.

"Oh sugar~" Hoseok starts singing The Archies song to Yoongi.

"Are you serenading me?" Yoongi raises his eyebrows.

"Oh, honey honey~" Hoseok continues while pointing at the 'I Love ♡ Sugar' sign in front of them.

"Wanna go in?" The older man asks, making Hoseok's eyes shine.

"I bet the candies are different here," Hoseok nods, beaming as he walks into the store.

This store is a sugar rush, with two floors filled with every possible confection to satisfy the most finicky of sweet tooths, no matter where you look, it feels as if you're walking inside Willy Wonka's factory.

"Hyung, over there!" Hoseok smacks Yoongi's arm. "It's a wall made of candy."

"You're really enjoying this, aren't you?" Yoongi looks at him endearingly. Hoseok nods, not even trying to hide his smile.

Hoseok feels overjoyed at the sight of all the candies on display, you could even compare him to the kids that are also at the store pulling their parents' sleeves as they run sound the aisles. And it's cute, innocent even, seeing him like that.

They share the gummies they bought at the store over a holiday show they stop to watch. It truly feels like Christmas, with all the lights decorating the pedestrian mall, the tall pine covered with ornaments and the performers singing carols as they give kids some candies. The quartet captures this moment, huddling together trying to fit everyone in the picture.

Wanting to get the best of the night, the men hop in their car and drive north, towards Fremont Street.

"And here is where downtown Vegas begins," Taehyung exclaims, raising his hands.

Ahead of them is a tall sign that reads 'Fremont Street District'.

"Oh, the show is starting," Taehyung says when he hears Pink Floyd playing ahead of them. "C'mon you gotta see this."

As they get near the container park, they see lots of people circling a giant metallic praying mantis.

Hoseok feels Yoongi's arms wrap around his waist.

"Cover your ears," Yoongi whispers behind his ear.

"Why?"

Soon after the beat of the music drops and the mantis starts shooting flames from its antennas, making the crowd cheer, startling Hoseok.

He covers his own ears and leans his back on Yoongi's chest, they watch the rest of the show in that position, Yoongi peeking over Hoseok's shoulder and laughing whenever the younger man jolts due to the sudden burst of flames.

"I think it's done," Yoongi says, smiling. His hand is now resting on Hoseok's shoulder.

"But how did you know it was going to do that?" Hoseok asks.

"I looked it up on the internet and knew it would probably scare you," he replies.

"Thank you," Hoseok smiles.

They keep moving, and soon they’re greeted by the Slotzilla and people screaming with joy as they go all the way down the zip lines.

"It's so lively here," Hoseok says, taking in the sight.

It's still relatively early for all the craziness to start but still there are many people walking in all directions and the pedestrian mall is flooded with all types of colors thanks to the Viva Vision canopy above their heads. Different types of music come from everywhere, whether it's from a bar nearby or from the street performers that are very characteristic of the Fremont scene.

The four men wander through the street, stopping by one of the adjacent bars to get beers and cocktails. Quickly, the bartender starts to put on a show, sending the bottles of alcohol and assorted bar glasses flying through the air, receiving cheers from the people at the counter.

"Why didn't you get anything to drink?" Taehyung asks Hoseok. They're watching some performers dressed as Christmas elves doing acrobatics on the stage.

"I'm a lightweight, so I don't want to get drunk before we even go bar hopping," Hoseok replies. "I can always steal some of Yoongi hyung's drink, right?" The man beside him just nods and hands him his plastic cup.

After a few minutes they start moving again. On their way down the street they stop every now and then to take some pictures of the casinos and watch the street performers. When they reach the next stage they decide to step inside and look at the people that are dancing to the latin music that's being played.

"What are you doing?" Yoongi chuckles when Hoseok starts dancing as well.

"Dancing," Hoseok says between laughs, grabbing Yoongi's hands and moving them as well. "Come on hyung, dance with me."

"Wait, Hoseok." Yoongi struggles to free his hands. "I don't even know how to dance to this music."

"Neither do I." Hoseok spins Yoongi. "Just do what everyone else is doing."

In no time they're dancing along with the rest of the people, clearly not knowing what they're doing, but they can't stop laughing.

The song is a little bit too fast, and it's a genre they aren't used to dancing to. They’re offbeat, Hoseok tries to count the beats for the two of them, slowly getting the hang of it. At one point, two young ladies that are dancing beside them offer to teach them some moves.

Hoseok and Yoongi are so focused on learning the steps, that they don't notice they've been separated from their friends until the concert ends. The Viva Vision light show starts, Chainsmokers music blasting through the entire pedestrian mall, as they try to find Namjoon and Taehyung in the crowd.

"Can you see them?" Yoongi asks from where he's squatting down to rest.

"What?" Hoseok can't hear what the older man says due to the loud music.

"I asked if you could see them." Yoongi is suddenly standing and whispering in his ear.

"No, I don't," Hoseok replies, while looking at his phone. "They're by the Christmas tree."

Yoongi gives him a quizzical look.

"There." Hoseok points at the huge tree on the other side of the road. "Come on."

Both men make their way through the crowd, and Yoongi grabs Hoseok by the shoulders so they don't get separated.

"How did you get all the way here?" Hoseok asks once he meets Taehyung again. It's not as noisy here.

"We got pushed by the crowd, " he replies.

"Hyung, I didn't know you could move like that!" Namjoon exclaims.

"I managed to record a bit," Taehyung says, laughing.

"It was so hard to keep up with them." Yoongi joins in the laughter.

After they finish walking up and down the Fremont Street Experience, they decide to start their bar hopping at Gold Spike. They have to wait for a while in line, but as soon as they step inside they're hit by warmth.

"I thought I would freeze to death." Hoseok rubs his hands together to warm them up.

The lounge is decked out for the holidays, with a gigantic inflatable grinch at the entrance and Christmast lights hanging from the ceiling.

"A friend of mine is a bartender here," Taehyung tells them. "I'll go say hi and get something to drink, what do you guys want?"

"A beer for me," Namjoon replies, head banging to the beat.

"I'll go with you," Yoongi announces, and then turns to Hoseok. "Do you want me to bring you something?"

"What's that coffee drink you made the other day?" Hoseok asks loudly so he can be heard.

"The mudslide?"

"Yeah, that one." Hoseok nods.

Taehyung is chatting with his friend while they wait for their drinks when someone sits on the empty stool beside Yoongi.

"Can I get a cosmopolitan please?" He hears a woman tell the other bartender. "Oh, I've seen you before."

Yoongi turns his head, and to his surprise he sees the young ladies that taught him and Hoseok how to dance salsa earlier that night.

"Hey there!" Yoongi smiles when he recognizes them. "What a coincidence to see you here."

"Where's your partner?" One of the girls — the blonde one — asks.

"Over there." Yoongi points in the general direction of where his friends are. "We just got here, and you?"

"Same," The other girl says. "I thought they wouldn't let us in, the line was so long."

The bartender gives them their drinks, and when Yoongi is about to say goodbye the brunette stops them.

"We were thinking," she begins to speak while looking at her companion. "Maybe, would you like to hang out with us?"

Yoongi and Taehyung look at each other for a brief second before they both reply with a "Sure."

The girls immediately click with the group, they introduce themselves as Nayeli and Treasure. It turns out they're from California and are dating.

One, two, three drinks in and they find themselves in the middle of the dance floor. At first they form a small circle, just for the six of them, but they get separated when the circle expands as more people join them, ready to step in the middle and show off their moves. And that's what Hoseok does, he loses himself in the music and starts dancing as if his life depends on it, his heartbeat soars as the hype from the people around him increases, he scans everyone's faces until he sees Yoongi, cheering the loudest.

Another guy gets pushed in the middle and Hoseok gives him the spotlight, he can hear people calling for him but he pays them no mind, he keeps weaving through until he's standing right in front of Yoongi, their bodies pushed together by the people jumping and dancing around them.

"You looked amazing," Yoongi tells him in a low voice, but they’re so close that Hoseok is able to hear him despite the loud music.

"My heart's beating so fast." Hoseok grabs his friend's hand and places it on his chest. "I think it might come out of my chest any moment."

"Then I'll catch it for you," Yoongi says gently, eyes never living Hoseok's.

They get pulled back to reality when they hear loud cheers around them, turning to look at the center of the circle and to their surprise they see Taehyung, swaying his hips to the rhythm of the music under the strobe light, a drink in one hand while the other holds Namjoon tightly by the waist, pulling him closer.

"So that's where they are." Yoongi snorts, pulling out his phone to record the show.

"What's going on?" Hoseok asks, shocked to see his usually calm friend grinding against Taehyung.

At that moment, a mob of people passes by, blocking their view and pushing them further from the circle, but by the time the mob is gone their friends are also gone. They shrug it off and continue dancing. After a while they reunite with the girls but Namjoon and Taehyung are still nowhere to be found.

Some time later, Yoongi thinks he spots them when he's on his way back from the bar, it's pretty dark so he tries to get closer but then realizes that it might not be a good idea when he sees them sucking each other's faces.

Yoongi snorts and then turns around, walking away so he can give them some space. Not so long after they come back, with swollen lips and their hair a mess.

Once they’re all reunited again they go for another round of drinks and find an empty corner to chat.

"... And after that, Treasure picked me up in the middle of the night," Nayeli says as she puts the red checker inside the giant Connect 4 board.

"Then we drove all the way here," Treasure adds as she grabs another red checker.

"And you didn't tell anyone?" Hoseok asks, bewildered, a blue checker still in his hand.

"The only one that knows is my younger sister," Nayeli replies before sipping on her drink.

"My family thinks I'm spending the holidays at a friend's house," Treasure says.

"That's so wild," Hoseok amazes.

"We plan on getting married," Nayeli says with a shy smile.

"That's amazing!" Taehyung exclaims.

"When will the wedding be?" Hoseok asks, the game long forgotten.

"Tonight if possible," Treasure replies.

"We have to be sober, or they won't let us get married," the woman adds.

"Then you should hurry up before you get too drunk," Yoongi points out.

"Actually…" Treasure hesitates, but then her girlfriend gives her a hand squeeze in reassurance.

"Would you like to be our witnesses?" the brunette speaks, looking at Hoseok and Yoongi.

Despite the loud music in the background they all fall into silence.

"It's okay if you don't want to," Nayeli blurts out nervously. "After all, we just met."

"No, no, that would be amazing, we're just…" Hoseok tries to answer, but he's still speechless.

"Surprised." Yoongi finishes the sentence.

Namjoon and Yoongi exchange looks, not believing what they talked about earlier became true. Lucky for them, there's a small chapel across the street, inside a mall, it's small but it got what it needed.

A faint piano song can be heard as soon as the doors open, Namjoon and Taehyung go in first and sit on each side of the aisle.

"The first bride can come in," the wedding officiant announces.

The door opens and Treasure appears, her arm locked with Yoongi's, who's walking the bride down the aisle.

"Now the second bride."

Nayeli walks into the room, escorted by Hoseok. The faces of the two girls break into the biggest smile as soon as they see each other.

Hoseok and Yoongi are on either side of the room, standing up next to either bride.

The ceremony begins, it's small and not fancy at all, but it's meaningful nonetheless, after their relationship was denied by their families, now they finally have something that validates their love.

"Let your love be an inspiration to others to reach for what is good within us all." Hoseok hears the officiant say.

Unconsciously, Hoseok looks for Yoongi, and he feels his heart stop when their eyes meet. His gaze feels gentle and so does the smile that slowly forms on his face.

They keep eye contact the whole ceremony, only stopping when they sign the papers.

✳

"Look at Hoseok hyung's face." Taehyung zooms into the picture.

"Oh my, he was about to cry." Treasure peeks in the picture.

"It was when you were reading your vows," Hoseok says from the other side of the table.

After the ceremony finished they decided to go somewhere else to celebrate, and as they walked out of the chapel they came across this karaoke bar, the place where they're currently sitting around a table and sharing the pictures they took of the wedding.

"This picture is my favorite." Nayeli places her phone in the middle of the table so everyone can see.

The two brides are in the middle while the four men stand around them. And it's very obvious no one is dressed for the occasion.

"The highlight is Namjoon's sweater." Nayeli zooms into the man's garment: a classic Christmas sweater with the ugliest reindeer you could possibly imagine.

"It's got the tacky Vegas wedding vibe," Treasure says, laughing. "I love it."

They spend some time at the table drinking some cocktails and beer, hyping the people that were brave enough to get on stage and sing their hearts out to the songs.

"Now let's welcome Nayeli and Treasure to the stage," The hostess speaks into the microphone.

The young couple hop up onto the stage, both with mics in their hands and a loud cheer from their table.

"A little bird told me you two just tied the knot." The MC wiggles her eyebrows. "Everyone, make some noise for the newlyweds!!"

The crowd burst into cheering.

"You know what? You guys deserve a shot," the hostess says, pulling out two syringes with blue and red colored liquor. The girls drink them down.

"Mi Tesoro, this one's for you," Nayeli says right before Treasure by Bruno Mars starts playing. The couple sing their hearts out, and the crowd loves it.

Right after they leave the stage, Hoseok takes over with 'If It Isn't Love' by New Edition, immersing himself in the lyrics and the dance.

"How come he has so much stage presence?" Namjoon looks surprised at the amount of people gathering in front of the stage to cheer Hoseok on.

"He used to be a dancer," Yoongi says without looking away from the stage. "Guess it's still in him."

"So that's why he went crazy at the club," Taehyung says while clapping to the beat.

Hoseok walks across the stage and stops in front of the table where his friends are seated, he points at Yoongi and the man immediately stands up, both start doing the choreography together, just like they do it at home.

After a whole lot of singing and dancing, they decide to go somewhere calmer, choosing a bar not too far from the main street.

✳

"Oh, so you've been living together for 4 years?" Treasure's eyes widen.

"6 if we count university." Hoseok corrects. "We figured out it would be cheaper like that."

"They even got a cat together," Namjoon adds. "She's very cute."

"Really? Can I see her?" Nayeli asks, excited.

"Her name is Ddalgi." Yoongi unlocks his phone and shows them his wallpaper: A picture of Hoseok napping with the cat on the couch. "It means strawberry in Korean."

"They look so cute!" Treasure squeals.

"Hyung rescued her when we were still living in the dorms," Hoseok says, smiling.

"We went above and beyond to try to hide her because we weren't allowed to have pets," Yoongi recalls.

"Were you ever found out?" Taehyung asks.

"Someone snitched on us one time," Hoseok says, frowning. "But my older sister helped us hide Ddalgi while the hall council came to inspect the room."

"She's saved our asses many times," Yoongi admits.

"For sure." Hoseok takes a sip of his cocktail.

"So how does it feel to finally get married?" Taehyung asks the girls.

The two women's faces illuminate.

"I don't think I can even put into words how I feel," Nayeli reaches for her wife's hand.

"I think it's the happiest I've ever felt," Treasure says, unable to hold her smile.

"That's great to hear." Namjoon gives them a genuine smile.

"Sounds like a dream, right?" Yoongi looks at Hoseok, resting his chin on his palm.

Hoseok nods enthusiastically.

"Do you want to do it too?" Yoongi smirks, he hears loud gasps coming from around him.

Hoseok, who's sucking on a lime, starts coughing. "Come again?"

"Let's get married, Hoseok-ah." Yoongi tries to sound playful, but the expectation in his eyes tell another story.

Hoseok looks at him fixedly, almost as if he's trying to find something, while wearing an unreadable face himself.

"Hyung, I'm too drunk for your jokes," Hoseok finally says before standing up. "I'm going to the bathroom."

Hoseok wobbles his way to the bathroom.

"I'll check on him," Namjoon says, patting Yoongi's back before hurrying to the bathroom.

"Sorry for ruining the mood," Yoongi apologizes.

"No, you didn't," Nayeli assures him.

"I shouldn't have said that to him." Yoongi puts his face in between his hands.

"I mean," Treasure begins to speak. "Proposing to your boyfriend like that wasn't romantic at all."

Yoongi pauses and then quickly raises his face to look at her. "Oh no, we're not dating," he says.

Silence freezes the table for a moment.

"But we thought you were…. You looked like… And that's why we asked you to…. What?" Nayeli tries to speak, the new piece of information slowly sinking in.

"Hold on, let me see if I understand this right," Treasure chimes in. "You asked him to marry you even though you're not even in a relationship?"

"That's… Not the smartest thing I've done," Yoongi says, mortified.

"Then why would you do it?" Treasure asks incredulously.

"I was trying to flirt but it backfired," Yoongi tries to defend himself.

"Wait guys, people are looking at us," Taehyung interrupts. When they notice the curious looks they are getting they lean in closer.

"I hope I'm not being nosy, but-" Nayeli says in a lower voice. "-you've been living together for so long and it's obvious that you like each other so why haven't you started a relationship yet?"

Yoongi sighs. "Because when we were in college, I rejected him."

"Why would you do that?" Taehyung asks, maybe a little bit too eager.

"Because I'm dumb," Yoongi says, defeated. "And because I was scared to fuck up our friendship."

"You can still try," Nayeli says, placing a hand over Yoongi's.

"Hyung, to tell you the truth," Taehyung adds on. "You completely act like a couple, you've got a chance."

"Yeah!" The girls say in unison.

The water feels too cold in his hands, but he splashes it on his face a couple of times anyway, before staring at himself in the mirror.

"Fuck," he grunts.

"Are you okay?" Hoseok hears Namjoon's voice say behind him.

"Hey." Hoseok looks at him through the mirror. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" Namjoon leans on the wall. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

"I don't know what's happening to me," Hoseok says, frowning.

"What do you mean?"

"It's just that, since my ex girlfriend and I broke up, Yoongi hyung has been acting strange." Hoseok turns to look at him. "He buys me things, takes me out for dinner, and stuff."

"Yeah, I remember you told us about that," Namjoon says, referring to the conversation they had six months ago, where they went out for drinks with their coworkers.

That time Hoseok got too drunk and vented about his break up, the reasons behind it, and his feelings for Yoongi. Namjoon would never admit it to him, but this is when his coworkers decided they had to get them together.

"And at first I thought I was imagining things, that he was just trying to comfort me." Hoseok continues talking, his friend nodding along. "But ever since he landed in Vegas he’s been bolder."

"And how does that make you feel?" Namjoon asks.

"That this unrequited love I have for Yoongi hyung doesn't feel all that unrequited after all." Hoseok sighs.

Namjoon is about to speak when the door opens and a drunk man walks into one of the stalls.

"We should get out of here," Hoseok says.

"I don't know if this could be of any help but," Namjoon says once they're standing outside of the bathroom. "From an outsider point of view, it's obvious that you two have a very special bond, one that can easily be mistaken as the one between lovers."

Hoseok doesn't respond, his gaze is fixed on the floor.

"So I think…" Namjoon pauses. "No, I'm certain that whatever you feel for him is not one-sided, especially with the way he treats you."

"Namjoon, I'm scared," Hoseok whispers, and the emotion was evident in his face.

"Do what your heart feels is right." the taller man pats his back, his voice so gentle that you would forget he's drunk. "You deserve happiness, Hoseok-ah."

Both men return to their table, Yoongi offers him a smile when Hoseok sits back besides him.

"Sorry for saying that out of the blue," Yoongi whispers to him.

"So, what is Korea like?" Nayeli asks once they’re all back. "Is it that different from here?"

"A lot!" Namjoon answers. "I miss how fast the internet connection is there."

The group orders more drinks — except for Taehyung and Treasure, who are the designed drivers — and quickly picks up the conversation, but Hoseok can't bring himself to participate, instead, he nurses his drink while staring at the wall, in an attempt to distract his mind from thinking of what Yoongi and Namjoon said earlier.

"-seok…" Hoseok faintly hears someone say, but the buzz in his head is louder.

"Hoseok." Someone shakes his arm, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"You okay?" Yoongi asks him, his hand still holding his arm. "You were zoning out."

Hoseok tries to speak but a stabbing headache stops him. He raises a hand and presses it against his temple.

"Don't talk, that'll make it worse," Taehyung says from across the table.

"I think we should go." Yoongi sounds apologetic. "He can't handle alcohol very well."

"I think so too, Nayeli's about to fall asleep," Treasure says while looking at her wife.

"One of us should walk you to your car," Taehyung tells the girls once they step out of the bar. "It's dangerous at this hour."

"I can do it," Namjoon offers.

"Really?" Treasure looks at him relieved. "That would mean a lot."

"And you can wait here with Hoseok hyung while I go get our car," Taehyung tells Yoongi.

"Yeah, I don't think he'll make it that far in this condition," Yoongi says, struggling to keep Hoseok standing.

They walk in opposite directions, while the two men wait in the bar's parking lot.

"Hold on, you're slipping." Yoongi adjusts Hoseok's arm over his shoulder.

"You're warm," Hoseok says, right before nuzzling Yoongi's neck.

"Stay still or you'll fall," Yoongi replies, and Hoseok obeys.

"You look pretty from here," Hoseok whispers, head resting on Yoongi's shoulder.

Yoongi doesn't reply, he just tightens his grin on Hoseok's waist.

"Y'know..." Hoseok keeps talking, his drunkenness evident in his speech. "You shouldn't... You shouldn't joke about that or... I'll believe it."

"You mean the proposal?" Yoongi asks, his gaze fixed on the road.

"Yeah."

"I wasn't joking," he replies, his voice almost inaudible.

"Hm?" Hoseok asks but doesn't get a response. "I didn't hear you well."

Hoseok uses his empty hand to force Yoongi to look at him. "What'd you say?"

But Yoongi doesn't reply, he just gazes into Hoseok's eyes. It's so cold they can see their own breath mixing.

"You're shivering," Yoongi remarks instead.

"Well, it’s cold," Hoseok says in a childish voice.

✳

operation eternal sunshine

vegas hyung
look at this
[picture attached]

jin sunbae
well
good evening everyone

jungkook
are they about to kiss?!?

jimin-ssi
it looks like it!!

namjoon sunbae
they are disgusting
i want what they have :(

vegas hyung
;)

✳

"Can't we leave them here?" Namjoon asks, locking his phone. "I think they're having a moment."

"Only if you want them to freeze to death," Taehyung says before honking the horn.

Taehyung parks right in front of the duo and jumps out to open the back door.

"It's biting cold out there," Yoongi complains once they're in the car.

"But you looked like you were keeping each other warm," Namjoon comments teasingly.

The drive back is silent, their bodies starting to feel drained now that they’ve left the bustling lights and noise of Fremont Street behind.

"That's gonna hurt tomorrow." Namjoon winces when Taehyung drives over a speed bump, making Hoseok's head bang against the window.

"Sorry," Taehyung says. "That speed bump wasn't there before."

Through the rearview Taehyung sees Yoongi pull Hoseok closer to him, carefully putting his head on his shoulder and keeping it in place with his hand. He signals Namjoon to look at the backseat.

"Hyung, look this way," Namjoon says, phone in hand and ready to take a picture.

"Taehyung-ah, could you come up to the apartment with us when we get there?" Yoongi asks, while resting his head on top of Hoseoks.

"Sure, why?" The youngest of them all asks, eyes fixed on the road.

"I want to talk with you two about something," Yoongi closes his eyes and rests his head on top of Hoseok’s.

The two men at the front turn to look at each other, Taehyung arches his eyebrow and Namjoon shrugs, not knowing what the other man wants to talk about either.

When they arrive Taehyung helps Yoongi move Hoseok's slumbering body, while Namjoon hurries to unlock the door.

"I'll get him to bed, wait here," the ginger says, holding Hoseok tightly, and then disappears into the room.

Yoongi carefully lays Hoseok on his side of the bed and removes his extra layers of clothing so he can sleep more comfortably, then he goes into the bathroom and comes back with some baby wipes to clean the dry sweat from his face and neck.

"You think he's giving him a goodnight kiss?" Yoongi hears Namjoon say as he walks into the living room.

"I did not," Yoongi says, startling both men.

"What do you want to talk about, hyung?" Taehyung stretches his legs over Namjoon's lap.

"I’ll get straight to the point," Yoongi says, sitting on the opposite side of the L-shaped sofa. "I know what you've been doing."

"Doing what?" Taehyung asks, turning his head to face Namjoon, both their eyes open in surprise.

"Purposely leaving Hoseok and I alone, secretly taking pictures of us, talking behind our backs." Yoongi starts to list with his fingers.

"I don't know what you mean," Namjoon avoids his gaze.

"C'mon, you weren't that discreet." Yoongi deadpans. "But your shamelessness today confirmed my suspicions."

"Then why didn't you say anything until now?" Taehyung asks.

"Because I wanted to ask you why would you go to this extent?" The older man leans into the backrest.

The men across from him don't utter a word, they just look at each other like little children that were caught by their mother after breaking a vase.

"I can't say much about Taehyung because I haven't known him for that long, but you Namjoon," Yoongi says, making the latter look at him. "I never thought you'd do such a thing."

"I guess it got tiring seeing you two circle around each other without actually making a move," Namjoon mutters.

"Actually, years ago I kind of asked him to marry me," Yoongi begins to speak, unsure of why he's even sharing this memory, maybe it's the alcohol, or the guilt that lies heavy in his heart.

"Wait, for real?" Namjoon's eyes round in surprise.

"How did it happen?" Taehyung asks, just as shocked as the man beside him.

"It was my last year at uni so I was working on my thesis, the deadline was so close that I started to skip sleep and meals to finish it, so Hoseok would–" Yoongi smiles as he recalls. "He would always make sure me and Ddalgi had something to eat, and he would sit on my bed and try to keep me company, and then wake up pouting the next morning because he’d fallen asleep."

"The night I finished my thesis he insisted on pulling an all-nighter as well so he sat quietly next to me," Yoongi continues. "When I finally finished we hugged and started to jump around the room, I couldn't stop thanking him for helping me and on the spur of the moment I told him I'd marry him if I could."

"How did he react?" Taehyung asks, his body bending forward, eager to know more.

"He didn't say anything, I just felt him hug me tighter, and then, you already know this part Tae," Yoongi says, looking at him. "Days later he confessed, and it made me panic so I ended up rejecting him."

"You didn't like him or why did you reject him?" Namjoon asks.

"I liked him, but at the time I didn't know it," Yoongi says, his mouth tightens into a thin line. "But by the time I made up my mind he told me it was a joke and not long after that he got a girlfriend."

"Man, that's more complicated than I thought," Taehyung sighs.

Yoongi groans. "I don't know how I'll face him in the morning."

"Maybe he won't remember what happened." Taehyung shrugs.

"I hope not," Yoongi let's his hands land on his thighs. "Anyways, I think it is best to stop what you've been doing, I don't want to make Hoseok feel awkward."

"We will," Namjoon says. "And sorry if it made you feel uncomfortable."

Yoongi nods and walks past them, towards his room.

"You think things will go back to normal between those two?" Taehyung asks once they’re alone.

"When I talked with Hoseok at the bar he sounded puzzled," Namjoon says. "I think if they talk things might work out."

"I don't know them that well but I also think there’s hope," Taehyung concludes, his fingers drawing patterns on Namjoon's chest.

"Yeah," Namjoon takes out his phone. "I’ll tell the others about what happened."

✳

operation eternal sunshine

namjoon sunbae
yoongi hyung caught us

jungkook
then now what?

namjoon sunbae
he asked us to stop
and that's what we'll do

✳

"You should stay for the night," Namjoon says, now that it's just the two of them in the living room. "What I'm trying to say is that it's already this late, and it's not safe for you to–"

He stops his rambling when he feels Taehyung kiss his neck. "Sure."

Taehyung lets out a muffled laugh against Namjoon's skin when he feels him gulp — while trying to get their friends together they naturally grew closer, and soon they'd find themselves making out whenever they had the chance.

It's not the first time they've done something like this but Namjoon can't help himself from feeling on the edge whenever he's this close to Taehyung.

However his nervousness doesn't last long, his hands quickly finding their place on Taehyung's slim waist. "They must be already sleeping."

"Then we should be quiet," Taehyung says between kisses.

✳

The sunlight leaks through the window blinds, warming up the room and hitting Hoseok in the face. He takes a deep breath, immediately a familiar citrus scent fills in his nose — It's Yoongi's cologne.

Hoseok finally opens his eyes, squinting at the brightness of the room. He's not sure what time it is, but it might be past noon.

His mouth is dry, and his whole body feels like he was hit by a bus. His eyes land on the bedside table, where he finds a bottle of water and painkillers.

"Why did I drink so much last night?" Hoseok complains as he empties the glass. He needs more.

He stands up but regrets it immediately when the whole room starts to spin. He wants to get back in bed but the dryness of his mouth makes him walk out the room, hands slipping along the wall to prevent him from falling.

He gets to the kitchen sink and starts chugging down a glass of water, ignoring the cold and bad taste of it — after all, Taehyung said it was safe to drink.

He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand while he leans on the counter, from there he scans the living room, and his eyes land on Taehyung's cardigan on the floor.

He walks over and tries to pick it up but the movement causes his head to throb, making him curse under his breath, the painkillers still not kicking in.

"Are you okay?" Yoongi's groggy voice fills the quiet room.

"My head is killing me." Hoseok
tugging his hair to try to relieve the pain.

"No, don't pull your hair, it'll only make it worse," Yoongi removes his hands, instead massaging the younger one's scalp, making him melt in his hands.

"Hyung, can I ask you something?" Hoseok closes his eyes at the touch.

Yoongi hums in affirmation, busy detangling Hoseok's hair with his fingers.

"Did you really mean it?" Hoseok asks, his eyes still shut, too scared to face the man standing before him. "The thing you said last night?"

Yoongi's hands stop moving, the only thing that fills the silent room is the sound of their breathing.

"So you remember," the older man whispers, his hands traveling down to the back of his head.

"Were you hoping I wouldn't?" He frowns.

Yoongi shakes his head, and Hoseok sucks in his breath when he feels cold fingertips against his cheek.

"Before I respond I want to apologize to you," Yoongi says.

Hoseok opens his eyes and frowns, not expecting the conversation to take this turn.

"For what?"

"For proposing like that without taking your feelings into consideration...Both times." Yoongi gives him a sad smile. "I care so much about you so the least thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you, yet here I am, acting so selfishly."

Hoseok's eyes become watery.

"Wait no, no, don't cry!" Yoongi wipes his eyes, and Hoseok wraps him in a tight hug.

"I didn't realize how much I wanted to hear you say that until now." Hoseok buries his face on the crock of Yoongi's neck. "Thank you."

The embrace is warm. The older one slides his hands up and down Hoseok's back in a soothing manner.

"There is something else that’s been on my mind for years," Yoongi says against Hoseok's skin.

Hoseok hums to let him know he’s listening.

"The day you confessed," Yoongi says tentatively, feeling the other man's body stiffen at the memory but the older man hugs him tighter. "I regret how harshly I rejected you."

Hoseok shakes his head. "It's okay, just because someone says they like you doesn't mean you have to return those feelings."

"But that was not the case," Yoongi leans back a little so he can face the man again. "I was taken aback, and it took me some time to realize that I felt the same way, but when I tried to tell you..."

"I said it was a joke " Hoseok gasps, connecting the dots and Yoongi nods.

"Then some time later Chaebin came and..." Yoongi holds him tighter. "I thought I would never have a chance again."

"Things never worked with Chaebin because I liked you more than I liked her," Hoseok confesses.

"I know." Yoongi looks down. "She knew it too."

"How do you know that?" hoseok frowns.

"You've never been good at lying, Hoseok-ah," Yoongi says. "Chaebin came to me after you broke up."

"When was that?" his frown grows deeper.

"She came to apologize that same day, while you were out drinking with Namjoon and the others." Yoongi starts to explain. "She told me that she resented me because you never looked at her the way you looked at me."

"I really hurt her, didn't I?" Hoseok rests his head on Yoongi's shoulder. "God, I was so stupid."

"I wouldn't use past tense." Yoongi jokes.

"Hey!" Hoseok slaps him in the arm and fakes a pout.

"Hoseok-ah, can we start all over again?" Yoongi leans closer, making their foreheads touch. "It doesn't have to be right now, I just want to love you properly."

"I would love that," Hoseok says, unable to suppress a smile. "But hey, you haven't answered my question."

"I did mean it," Yoongi admits. "And I still do."

Hoseok pulls back just enough to look into Yoongi's eyes and says, "Yes."

Yoongi looks at him confused.

"Let's get married," Hoseok replies. "In sickness and health, and all that jazz."

"Are you serious?" the other man asks, not quite processing what he was hearing.

"I mean, of course we can take things slow but–" Hoseok tries to explain flusterly. "We're in Vegas and we can, like– who knows when we'll have another chance to, like, y'know."

"I don't mind doing it right now." Yoongis gives him a warm, amused smile. "Only if you're 100% sure this is what you want."

Hoseok grabs Yoongi's hand. "I am."

"Then, let's do it."

"Ah, we should go get some haejang-guk to cure the hangover," Namjoon says to himself as he walks into the living room but then halts when he sees the two men hugging in the middle of the living room. "Oh shit, did I interrupt something?"

Hoseok shakes his head, the smile on his face growing wider. "Namjoon-ah, wanna go to a wedding?"

"We just went to one last night." He looks confused for a second but then his jaw drops almost comically when he realizes what his friend meant.

"Are you for real?" Namjoon asks, receiving a nod in response. "Right now?" Another nod.

He almost stumbles on the carpet when he rushes back into his room.

"Tae, wake up," Namjoon speaks hurriedly as he shakes the sleeping man. "C'mon you wont believe this."

"You didn't let me sleep last night," Taehyung complains as he pulls the blanket over his head.

"I'm sorry about that," the tall man says in an apologetic voice, still trying to pull away the blanket. "But you really need to get up."

"And why is that?" Taehyung surrenders.

"Yoongi and Hoseok are getting married," Namjoon blurts out, making Taehyung sit up fast.

"Ah fuck," Taehyung curses when the sudden shift of posture lefts him lightheaded.

"Whoa, easy there, buddy." Namjoon sits next to him and holds his shoulder.

"Hyung, we fucked last night, and you're calling me buddy?" Taehyung looks offended.

"I'm sorry?" Namjoon shrugs. "Hurry they said they’re doing it right now, we have to get ready to go."

An hour passes, and they’re ready to go. Hoseok puts on his green duffle coat while Yoongi grabs his leather jacket. Namjoon dresses in a gray hoodie while Taehyung tries to find a way to adjust the sweater Namjoon lent him to his own frame.

"Wait, we should invite the girls," Hoseok says as they call for the elevator.

"Definitely," Yoongi agrees. "You think they’re still in the city?

"They told me they'd be here for another day, so maybe we can still reach them,” Taehyung informs them, while fastening his belt.

"I'll try to contact Nayeli, you try with Treasure," Hoseok tells Yoongi, taking out his phone.

"Already doing it," the man replies, typing on his screen.

Nayeli answers first, Hoseok quickly puts her on speaker and updates her on their situation, squeals come from the other side of the phone.

"Of course we’re coming!" Treasure says excitedly.

"Where are you getting married?" Nayeli asks and the elevator sinks into silence. "Hello? Are you still there?"

"We didn't think about it." Hoseok gasps.

"You already got your marriage license, right?" Treasure inquires, but she doesn't get a reply. "Guys you cannot get married without a license."

"Remember the paper Treasure went to fetch from the car before we walked into the chapel?" Nayeli asks them. "You just need an ID to get it," she says.

The elevator's door opens on the second floor, and Yoongi springs out of it — almost colliding with the neighbor that called for it — to take the stairs to their apartment on the fourth floor.

"I’ll go get the passports, you guys go to the car," he yells before the door closes back.

Yoongi opens the safe in their room and takes out their passports, when he sees the burgundy bag he hid in the back of the closet last night — it's the bracelets he bought yesterday — he takes out the boxes and tucks them inside his jacket before running back outside.

"I shouldn't have run like that," he complains when he arrives breathless to the car.

The marriage bureau is a little bit far from the apartment, and Hoseok can't take his eyes away from the GPS, the closer they get the faster the adrenaline grows inside his body. He can't believe this is happening.

When the car finally stops, he realizes that he has been holding Yoongi's hand the whole time.

There’s a short line inside the bureau, but it doesn't take them too long to get the license. They go find their friends once they’re finished with the transaction, just to find out that the girls are already there, chatting animatedly with Namjoon and Taehyung.

Nayeli wraps Hoseok and Yoongi in a tight hug as soon as she sees them. "I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you," Hoseok says, returning the hug.

"So where do we go now?" Treasure leans against her car.

"There are two chapels over there." Taehyung points down the street.

They walk into one of the chapels and are greeted by a very enthusiastic woman. The more they discuss the packages the more real it becomes. At the end they go for one of the cheapest packages, with just the six of them there is no need for anything big.

The lady informs them that the two chapels are currently occupied, and she offers them their tux rental services in the meantime. At the end they both choose all white suits and then get pulled to different fitting rooms.

"How do you feel?" Nayeli asks Hoseok as she styles his hair.

"I never imagined this would happen," Hoseok looks at her through the mirror.

"I don't know much about you two, but I do know that you guys are meant to be." She places her hand on Hoseok's shoulder.

"I think so, too," Taehyung says from the seat beside him.

"Thank you." Hoseok smiles at them. "For all you've done for us."

There is a knock on the door — it's Namjoon — he tells them one of the weddings just ended and that they’re next. Hoseok and Nayeli let out a high-pitch noise.

"Okay Hoseok, you can do it," she tells him.

"Yes, I can do it," Hoseok repeats, taking deep breaths as he reaches for the knob.

When the door opens the first thing he sees is Yoongi, who opened his door at the same time. Both freeze at the sight of each other, this is the first time in years since Yoongi has worn a tuxedo.

As for Yoongi, he's looking at Hoseok in awe. He’s seen him in suits almost every day but this time, this time is different.

"If you guys are ready we can start the ceremony right now," one of the employees says.

She guides them to the chapel, it's small and all white, with a few floral arrangements decorating the background. The minister is already there, getting things ready to start.

Their friends find their seats at the front, taking each side of the aisle, while Hoseok and Yoongi wait outside.

The older man clears his throat. "You look beautiful." he says, leaning towards his husband-to-be.

"You too." Hoseok smiles at him.

The staff member from earlier indicates to them it's their time to step into the chapel. Hoseok feels his knees shake so he reaches to grab the older man's hand for balance.

"Let's go Hoseok-ah," Yoongi tells him in a tender tone.

They walk down the aisle hand in hand, traditional wedding music playing in the background, their friends and the photographer snapping pictures of them.

"You can stop right there, face each other and join both hands," the wedding officiant says once they have reached the front. "And the guests may be seated."

"Loving someone is a reason to stretch beyond our limits and to become more for the sake of the other. It is to look into the soul of your beloved and accept what you see," the wedding officiant begins her speech. "Loving is the ultimate commitment which challenges us to become all that we are meant to be."

"Hoseok and Yoongi, are you ready to begin your journey together?" she asks them.

"Yes," both men say in unison.

"By coming here today you've taken the initial step in your journey to what will be a wonderful and lasting life together," she continues, her voice is solemn but sweet. "Understand that a union between two people takes work, a good relationship needs constant nurturing, and a good marriage thrives with mutual respect and most importantly, mutual love."

The minister takes a deep breath before smiling.

"Do you, Yoongi Min, take Hoseok Jung to be your husband, to love, comfort, and cherish from this day forth?

"I do," he affirms.

"And do you, Hoseok Jung, take Yoongi Min to be your husband, to love, comfort, and cherish from this day forth?

Hoseok dabs his eyes with the back of his hand. "I do."

"You mentioned that you had an alternative for a ring, right? the officiant asks.

Hoseok turns to look at her in confusion. "But we don't?"

"I thought we could use these," Yoongi turns to look at Treasure, and she hands him two red boxes.

"What’s that?" Hoseok gapes at Yoongi.

"It was supposed to be a Christmas present." Yoongi ducks his head, his pale skin slowly turning red. "But I guess it's a good thing that we didn’t exchange gifts yesterday, because now I can give it to you like this."

Yoongi places one of the boxes on the small table in front of them, and then opens the one in his hand, revealing a black cord Trinity bracelet.

It's the one they saw when they were window shopping. Hoseok went on and beyond about what the three intertwined bands meant.

Hoseok looks at him speechless, bringing one of his hands to his mouth. "Hyung," is all he can say before his voice breaks.

"It's time for you to exchange a visible symbol of your love," the minister says as she signals towards the two boxes with her hand. "May these bracelets symbolize the unity between one another, may they give you the strength to honor your commitment with each other, and may they remind you that marriage is not a destination but a journey."

"Hoseok, please repeat after me while you put the bracelets around his left wrist."

With shaky hands Hoseok takes the ornamental band and carefully pulls on the loops of the cord to widen it, he looks at Yoongi in the eyes and the elder extends his arm.

"I give you this band as my gift to you, as a sign of my love and faithfulness for all the years to come," the minister pronounces and Hoseok repeats right after her, while sliding the bracelet over his hand and onto his wrist. "Wear it and think of me and know that I love you."

"And Yoongi, your turn." She signals him.

The man proceeds to do the same. He holds Hoseok's wrist very gently, and it's so slender and delicate that he can easily wrap his fingers around it.

"It is my pleasure, by virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws of the State of Nevada, I now pronounce you wed," she declares in a cheery voice, and the room wills with anticipation. "You may now both kiss."

Everything happens so fast, Yoongi's cold hand grabs him by the nape and pulls him towards himself, making their lips meet. It's just a peck but it makes Hoseok feel giddy, he doesn't know if it's because of all the alcohol he consumed last night or the fact that he has been holding his breath, regardless, he leans for another kiss, this one a little bit deeper.

Both men walk down the aisle once again, holding each other tightly, to the rhythm of their friends' claps and the camera shutters.

Hoseok doesn't realize how much he has been smiling until he's back in the fitting room when his cheek begins to hurt.

✳

operation eternal sunshine

namjoon sunbae
[23 pictures attached]

vegas hyung
[15 pictures attached]

jimin-ssi
next time you decide to spam
you should consider
the timezones

jungkook
MARRIAGE

jimin-ssi
jungkook-ssi not you too
what marriage?

jungkook
look at the pictures!

jimin-ssi
i thought the plan
was canceled

jin sunbae
they got married without me??
the mastermind of
this whole operation?

✳

Namjoon chuckles before locking his phone, he leans on the parapet as he sees Taehyung take some photos of Yoongi and Hoseok.

"Now Yoongi hyung lean your back into his chest," Taehyung indicates and the man awkwardly complies. "And you hold his waist, yeah like that." Another snap.

They’re currently outside of Caesars Palace, more specifically in the gazebo right on the corner of the boulevard.

After the wedding they went out to grab the very much needed haejang-guk, between spoonfuls of the soup Taehyung offered to give them an improvised wedding photoshoot with the semi-professional camera he's been carrying around.

Taehyung took them to different places on The Strip to have an improvised wedding photoshoot. They’ve visited the Bellagio and Eiffel tower so far.

And it's a bit comical how Taehyung makes them pose in the most dramatic way to capture the "newlyweds vibe" as he called it, now that they’re no longer wearing the fancy suits from the ceremony but instead their own outwear.

The pictures have come out pretty decent despite the fact that most of them were taken in a rush against the overflow of tourists coming to get some pics at the same spot.

"I don't know if this will be too much to ask, but can I get a shot of you two kissing?" Taehyung asks hesitantly.

"We googled some wedding photoshoots, and they all had at least one kissing photo so we thought we could do the same," Namjoon explains when he sees his friends tense up.

"Yeah, but you don't have to do it if you don't want to," the youngest assures them.

Yoongi and Hoseok turn to look at each. "I don't really have a problem with it," the older man says.

"Are you sure?" Hoseok whispers to him. They haven't really had the time to discuss any boundaries.

"Yeah, it's not like it's the first time we’ve done it." Yoongi tries to shrug it out.

"Then yeah, we can do it," Hoseok tells Taehyung.

Hoseok can't help but feel like he's back in university, reviving the bundle of nerves that he was when he first noticed he had feelings for his friend. And it's funny because he shouldn't be feeling this way, considering he's now married to the person who’s always made his heart flutter.

They stand face to face by the parapet, their bodies pressed against each other, with one hand Hoseok takes Yoongi's chin, tilting it up so their mouths are aligned, but he doesn't kiss him just yet.

The grip on Hoseok's shoulder tightens and that's when he leans down, pressing their lips together, just like they did at the chapel, but then Hoseok parts his lips just enough to take Yoongi's bottom one between his own.

"Perfect," Taehyung says, lowering the camera to let the sun behind them create a beautiful silhouette of the two, adding a small lens flare to the picture.

Hoseok and Yoongi break the kiss, remembering where they are. They quickly separate, their faces slowly turning a shade redder and avoiding eye contact, but they don't let go of each other's hands.

Cute, Namjoon thinks. At work Hoseok is always professional and put together, barely letting others see personal bits of himself apart from the times they've gone out for drinks, but now he’s seen more of his coworker in the past couple weeks he’s spent with him than in all the years they've worked together. It’s refreshing, honestly.

Time passes by quickly. They really tried to make the most of the day since it's their last one in the city, but they’re too tired to keep walking. They hang around inside the Venetian to people watch until Taehyung's father phones him.

"My dad said they’re already at the lounge," Taehyung says after he hangs up.

The place is near downtown, locals and tourists alike mingling together while enjoying the atmosphere.

A group of five older men greet Taehyung as soon as they see him, one of them gets up and comes to their booth. It must be his father because he looks just like him.

"Merry late Christmas, did you have fun last night?" the man says in Korean as he hugs Taehyung.

"I did, how about you?" he replies, giving him a pat on the back before letting him go.

"It was great. Dale invited us to have dinner at his house." The man shows a satisfied smile. "Are these your friends?"

"Ah, yes they are," Taehyung says, turning to look at them, "This is Namjoon hyung, Hoseok hyung and Yoongi hyung." he introduces them.

"I hope my boy is treating you well" The man smiles. "Kim Misook, my pleasure."

"The pleasure is ours," they say in unison, bowing.

"Will you sing with us?" he asks his son. "The second song will be 'It's been a long, long time' in June Christy style and then Sinatra's 'Let it snow', what do you say?"

"Sure, just tell me when to come up on stage," Taehyung replies.

The ambiance is very nice and the performers put on a great show, at some point one of the waiters takes the microphone and starts singing as well.

The next people to take over the stage are Taehyung's father and friends, after introducng themselves as The Fifth Sense, they begin to play a fast tempo jazz song, his father playing the saxophone.

Taehyung walks towards the stage before the song is over, waiting until it's finished to get on stage.

"Moanin' by Art Blakey, such a great song, and also very tiring, right?" Taehyung says into the mic, earning an eager nod from the band.

"While they prepare for the next song let's chat for a bit," he continues, sitting on the stool a waitress brought him. "For those who already know me, it's great to see you again tonight. And for those who don't, hi my name is Taehyung, and you could call me the Sixth Sense" he jokes, making the audience laugh.

He keeps up the chatter until his father whispers something to him. "They say they’re ready now." He takes a sip from a glass of water and then puts it down. The pianist begins the intro of the song, and soon Taehyung starts singing, the rest of the instruments joining him.

Taehyung looks in their direction and let's out a cocky smile when he sees the astonished expressions on their faces.

"Taehyung can sing?" Hoseok asks surprised when he hears the man's husky voice resonate through the lounge.

"So that's what he meant when he said he performs with them," Yoongi says. "I thought he meant, like, playing an instrument."

"He does," Namjoon adds, his gaze pinned to the stage. "The trumpet."

"He told you that?" Yoongi asks.

"Yeah, I didn't know he could sing, either." He lets out a smile.

"Last night was fun so please don't mind my hoarse voice," Taehyung laughs once the song is over. "The next piece is very ad-hoc for this time of the year. It’s by one of the greatest icons of the city: Sinatra." The song begins and soon gets the whole bar singing along to it.

Taehyung gets off the stage with a round of applause. He sits back in the booth with his friends, a smug expression all over his face.

"Why didn't you tell us you could sing?" Namjoon is the first to ask.

"Because I wanted to surprise you, did it work?" he asks, proudly.

"It sure did." Hoseok nods.

"You have a great voice Taehyung," Yoongi says, sipping on his coke, not wanting more alcohol in his system.

The Fight Sense plays a more relaxed and laid-back song, and it's great background music.

"What time does your flight take off?" Taehyung asks.

"At 2PM tomorrow," Namjoon replies, his hand holding the younger's waist.

"But with the amount of people at the airport we have to be there earlier," Hoseok says.

"Then we should go so you have time to get ready and rest." Taehyung checks the clock on his phone. It’s 10:35 PM. "A long flight awaits you."

They get up from the booth, pay for their drinks and then wave to Taehyung's father, who's still on stage, and the man returns the gesture.

"You should spend the night." Namjoon wraps his arm around Taehyung's shoulder once they’re walking in the parking lot.

"I don't have clean clothes," Taehyung says.

"Namjoon can lend you more clothes," Hoseok says in a teasing tone.

"Yeah, I don't mind."

"But then I won't be able to give it back to you." The younger man knits his eyebrows.

"You can keep it." Namjoon kisses the top of his head. "Or you can return it the next time we see each other."

"Mh, tempting." He leans closer to Namjoon, thinking. "Or I can just go to my house, pick up some clothes and come back."

"That also works." Yoongi nods.

"Then it's decided." Taehyung turns to look at Namjoon. "But I'm still keeping this sweater."

When they get to the apartment Namjoon insists on accompanying him so it's just Hoseok and Yoongi now, silently riding the elevator.

Yoongi holds the door with his hand so Hoseok can exit safely before he gets out as well. It's something he’s always done, but Hoseok is so aware of his actions that it gives him goosebumps.

Hoseok steps on something as soon as he opens the front door. "What's this?" he turns on the light and crouches down to pick it up.

"Oh, it's the bag where I kept the bracelets," Yoongi replies, scratching his ear. "I was in such a hurry earlier that I must have thrown it there before leaving."

"Oh" is the only thing that leaves Hoseok's mouth, thoughtlessly he brings his hand to his wrist, where his bracelet rests against his skin.

"Hoseok, I’ll take a shower in here." Yoongi opens the shared bathroom. "You can take the one in the room," he says before he walks in.

Hoseok takes off his coat and throws it onto the bed before he steps into the bathroom. He lets the hot water run over his tense body.

Whoever said you shouldn't let your mind wander around alone was right because now that Hoseok is by himself, anxious thoughts start to creep in. Suddenly, he starts to question himself, question Yoongi, and the whole situation.

What if he's not good enough? What if Yoongi did it out of pity? Will it even last? What will happen when they get back home?

He knows he shouldn't be doing this, nothing good will come out of it, but he can't help wonder if this was the right thing to do.

Hoseok snaps out of his thoughts when he hears the door of the room open. Yoongi must be finished showering. He sighs, knowing he can't delay the inevitable, so he musters up the courage and steps out of the shower as well.

When he enters the room, he sees Yoongi standing in front of vanity, combing his hair.

"Do you prefer to start packing now or tomo–" Yoongi stops when he feels Hoseok's arms around his waist. "Are we entering the honeymoon phase?" he asks teasingly, but then drops it when the younger tightens his grip. "Hey, is everything okay?"

Yoongi tries to turn around, but Hoseok doesn’t let him so he places his own hands on top of the younger's instead. "It's okay, we can talk whenever you're ready."

He doesn't pry, knowing Hoseok will eventually talk about what's on his mind when he's calmed down. Yoongi combs his hair with one hand, the other still holding onto Hoseok, drawing circles with his thumb on his skin.

"Hyung."

"Yes?" Yoongi's voice is low.

"Are you sure you didn't make a mistake today?" he asks.

"What do you mean?" Yoongi frowns.

"Marrying me," Hoseok says, his voice trembling.

Yoongi doesn't reply immediately, still processing the words he just heard. "Do you think this was a mistake?" he replies with another question.

"No… yes... I don't know," Hoseok says, hiding his face against the crook of Yoongi's neck.

"Let me see your face."

The younger man slowly let's go of him, and Yoongi turns around.

"Tell me what's bothering you so we can work on it together," Yoongi says gently.

"I don't want to regret this later," Hoseok finally says. "I don't want you to regret it."

"Why do you think we’ll regret it?" the ginger asks.

"You asked if we could start all over, but then we skipped a lot of steps there, and it was my idea to do it today," he rambles. "So I started thinking, what if you felt pressured to do it?"

"I’ll admit that we did things in a very unconventional way." Yoongi smiles. "But that doesn't mean this won't work, on the contrary, we know each other so well that it will be easier for us."

Hoseok's eyes glisten at his words. "But what's the point if they won't recognize us back home?"

"That's… complicated, but hey." Yoongi cups Hoseok's cheek to make their eyes meet. "Whether they recognize us or not, I still want to spend my life with you."

He wipes away a tear that rolls down Hoseok's eye with his thumb before he pulls him into a hug. "No law will ever take away the feelings I have for you."

Yoongi leaves a kiss on his cheek, then another and another. "Can I kiss you?"

Hoseok nods.

There’s something different about the way their lips touch, it's sweet, and comforting, maybe it's because this is the first time they’ve kissed in privacy, just the two of them. But then the kiss deepens, turning into a desperate way to let each other know that this was worth the wait.

Hoseok pulls him closer, trying to convince himself that this moment is real. He doesn't realize they’ve moved until he falls on top of Yoongi on the bed, but that doesn't stop him, his lips mapping over his jaw and down his neck. He starts rolling his hips as he sucks on the white skin of the older's collarbone.

"Hoseok-ah, we can't." His husband's hands grip his waist, trying to stop him. "We have a long flight tomorrow and ah–" He gasps when the younger rolls his hips again. "It’ll be uncomfortable for one of us, please."

"Then let me suck you," Hoseok whispers against his lips before sliding his hand between their bodies to palm at Yoongi's crotch.

"Mkay." Yoongi shudders at the touch. He pulls Hoseok closer, sucking on his bottom lip.

Hoseok's fingers hook under the waistband of his sweatpants and boxers, pulling them down. He gives him a last kiss before he raises up on his knees.

"Where are you going?" Yoongi whines, suddenly feeling exposed.

"Sit up against the headboard," Hoseok tells him, and the man complies.

Yoongi lets out a hiss when Hoseok's cold fingers wrap around his cock. It's only half hard so he runs his hand along the length. "Seok, the friction's not good, wai–"

He stops when he feels the younger press a kiss to the head, before taking it into his mouth. Hoseok lowers his mouth little by little, taking the thick shaft as slowly as he can before moving back up until his lips are barely touching the tip. He pushes down again, repeating the motions again and again, enjoying the feel of his love’s heavy cock sliding over his tongue. Yoongi's chest heaves up and down along with the movements of Hoseok's head.

He suppresses a moan when the younger man starts to hum, sending vibrations to his whole shaft, his hip bucks up at the sensation making Hoseok gag. "Fuck, I'm sorry," he grits his teeth.

"It's okay," Hoseok whispers against the side of his cock. He flattens his tongue and licks it up all the way to the tip and then sticks the head into his mouth.

"Fuck," Yoongi curses when he looks down and finds Hoseok looking up at him while going up and down on his dick.

Hoseok freezes when he hears a faint knock on their door. "Hyung, we brought some Chinese food, do you want some?" Taehyung speaks from the other side.

"They must be asleep already," Namjoon says when they don’t answer. "C'mon I'm hungry."

Hoseok lets out a surprised sound when Yoongi grips his hair tight when he slides his tongue over the slit, testing the precum.

"Seok, I'm going to–" he tries to remove himself from Hoseok's mouth. "I'm close, I might– come."

"Do it, hyung" Hoseok says, opening his mouth. "Come for me."

And that's all Yoongi needs to hear before he comes. In his mouth and all over his face.

"Shit, Hoseok I'm sorry. I didn't want to– come here let's go to the bathroom," Yoongi whispers, his voice still affected after the orgasm.

He follows Yoongi into the bathroom, where the older grabs one of the towels and gets it wet before he starts dabbing Hoseok's face with it, cleaning him.

Hoseok brushes his teeth too, and when he's done he notices Yoongi leaning against the doorframe, smiling at him. "What?"

"Nothing, I was just thinking how lucky I am to have you by my side." Yoongi gets closer, planting a kiss on the younger's shoulder. "To call you my husband."

"So you're the type of guy that gets all sappy after he comes. Noted," Hoseok jokes, wiping the water from his chin with the back of his hand.

"Please, I'm trying to be romantic here." Yoongi sighs, but he's smiling, Hoseok can see it through the mirror.

Hoseok turns around and plants a kiss on the ginger's lips. It tastes like mint. "Let's go to sleep, I'm tired."

When they’re in the warmth of the bed, with their limbs tangled and whispering goodnight to each other, Hoseok gets what Yoongi meant earlier, about how lucky he is, to have the man he's been pining over for years sleeping in his arms, the rings of their bracelets cold against his skin, reminding him of the promises they made and the future ahead of them.

He knows they’ll face hardships, and many ups and downs – after all, they’re starting a new chapter in their lives – but he's willing to go through them, knowing he won't be alone on the journey.