A dead air.

“Tae?” Jeongguk tries again, voice cracking a bit, as he continues to cradle the younger male’s face between his hands. “Why… are you suddenly talking about—I mean—why does it seem like you want to leave? You were just so sure awhile ago about not wanting to let me deal with this alone.”

Taehyung takes a deep breath, looking at anything or anywhere but Jeongguk’s eyes. His insides were already hammering, and his brain was working itself into a state bordering on hysteria and he doesn’t really know what to do to make it stop. His hands just continue to stay limp beside him, wanting to touch Jeongguk yet forcing himself not to.

“I just—” he pauses before going over his words he said a while ago, and laughing with no humor in it. “God, I sounded like a real ass, didn’t I?”

Jeongguk only frowns, still trying to catch the younger’s gaze.

“My mind went… haywire for a second. And when it did, I started doubting everything. I literally thought of how we were doing something wrong that only felt right for the both of us and no one else. I thought that maybe we’re being too selfish, only caring about our happiness and ignoring that someone else was hurting because of us.”

“Baby, we’ve been over this—”

“I know and now I just realized how pathetic I sounded.” Taehyung blinks a few times before continuing. “But it’s just—like that every time. Every single fucking time I get scared, the first thing my mind tells me to do is run away to escape because I hate dealing with the consequences—trust me, Guk. I tried to be brave for you a while ago. And it worked for a short time but when I saw how your mom looked at us, the confidence I had in me vanished quickly—”

He stops when he feels Jeongguk stroking his cheeks gently, tipping his chin up slightly so Taehyung could look at him but the latter only pulls his head down because he doesn’t think he deserves to look at Jeongguk right now.

“I grew up being wary of my decisions all the time. I didn’t want to do anything wrong so questioning myself every time I’m doing something, if it’s wrong or if it’s alright, is a habit of mine and I don’t think I would be able to get rid of that anytime soon—but still, it’s not an excuse for what I said and how I acted a while ago. It will never be,” the younger continues and exhales, voice quivering while shaking his head, “And I had no right to comment about how you treated your mother because I didn’t know how your relationship with her went before, but I still did comment about it and acted like I knew shit. I say words so carelessly when I’m not thinking straight, and I don’t even mean them most of the time—”

And Taehyung doesn’t even know if he’s still making sense. He just wants Jeongguk to understand what’s currently going on inside his mind, but he can’t even understand it himself, so what’s there to expect?

“Tae, baby, look at me—”

“Jeongguk, Just, please… I’m sorry. I didn’t want it to seem like I was leaving you because, God, I don’t think I ever could. I was so panicked. Coming back to Seoul just felt like a whiplash for me. That I didn’t actually solve any of my problems. That I just ran away and I still have to deal with them. Everything else piled up because I left everything behind. I broke up with Eunhee with only a half-assed explanation. I still haven’t fixed things with my best friend yet I left the country so easily because I—I wanted to get away.

“Always wanting to run away from things once they get too complicated for my liking and you just… You don’t deserve any of this at all. You don’t deserve someone who’s always running away, someone complex, someone complicated and someone who’s always apprehensive but… this is—me. I’m complicated. Indecisive and just hard to deal with in general—”

“Taehyung,” Jeongguk utters out, tone too soft and tender and it’s fucking music to Taehyung’s ears so he stops rambling, biting his lip so he wouldn’t speak anymore.

The older male forces him to look up at him and Taehyung’s lungs contract when he sees Jeongguk looking at him as if he understands and that’s literally all Taehyung needs. The tears in the elder’s eyes were still visible yet the small smile on his lips did not falter and it makes Taehyung’s heart soften.

The whole apartment was cold. But Jeongguk wasn’t.

He emanates the right amount of warmth that could thaw Taehyung’s insides and so Taehyung decides to press himself closer, taking the older male’s scent and temperature in, that their noses are almost touching because of how close they are.

“Listen to me, baby,” Jeongguk whispers, so quiet and delicate and sincere, as if he was telling a secret. “I love and accept you for who you are, and I don’t care if you think you’re too complex. Too complicated. Too apprehensive and indecisive. I don’t care, Taehyung. Because those traits make you who you are. I don’t expect you to be perfect. I just want you to know that I’ll always be here. As I’ve told you before. Even if the whole world is against you, I wouldn’t be. I’d be standing beside you, by your side. So, you don’t have to be afraid anymore.”

Taehyung nods, forcing himself to understand, although he can’t see Jeongguk clearly because of the tears flooding his vision. He could still feel the warm fingers soothing his skin and he could feel the weight on his shoulders rising slowly as he continues to hear Jeongguk’s mellow voice so close to him.

“I want you to always remember that, okay? Of course, you can’t change overnight but we’ll do it slowly. And I’ll be with you every step of the way and you can always vent out to me if things get too tough.”

“Of course,” Taehyung breathes out as he closes his eyes to stop the tears from falling but it only does the opposite. “Of course.”

“I won’t ever leave you. And I hope you don’t let go of me too. Especially when things get rough,” Jeongguk responds, kissing the tip of his nose gently and pulling the younger close so he could wrap his arms around him.

“I won’t let go.” Taehyung says, and his words are muffled because his face is buried on the heat and softness of Jeongguk’s neck. “I promise.”

“What do you want?” Jeongguk’s voice slices through the comfortable silence established in the car, eyes focused on the road as he slowly turns left towards the drive-thru for McDonald’s.

It was snowing outside. Small bits of snow falling from the sky and just adding to the thick sleet on the ground. As dangerous as it is, Taehyung could still see cars and people outside like it was a regular day. Taehyung couldn’t blame them for wearing so many layers of clothing because it was really fucking cold outside. The cold was not pleasant at all, the frigid breeze only feels as though they sting and bite. As beautiful as the snowflakes look, the weather that comes with it is almost virulent.

“I’m good with one Egg McMuffin and a hash brown,” Taehyung answers as he runs a hand through his damp hair. They had just showered together earlier before leaving the apartment and now they’re on their way to Taehyung’s apartment since the younger male said he wanted to check if Jimin was there.

Unlike Hoseok who goes back home to Gwangju every holiday break, his best friend always spent and celebrated New Years with him and his family so he wants to at least check if he chose to stay in their apartment or if he stayed with his own family back in Busan. Hopefully, he’s in their apartment because Taehyung also wanted to talk things out with him.

He could hear Jeongguk ordering in the background as he looked outside of the moist window, seeing the trees covered in snow while the Christmas lights fixated on the branches continued to flicker happily. Taehyung sighs, running a finger on the window, before he feels the car moving forward and he sees Jeongguk paying for their food in his peripheral vision.

They receive their food in three minutes and Jeongguk’s back on the main road in four. The younger male had grabbed the paper bag, separating the foods so it would be easier for Jeongguk to eat since he was driving.

“You might wanna feed me? It’s hard to drive and eat at the same time,” the older male says, glancing at Taehyung’s direction for a second. The latter misses the teasing approach Jeongguk had given, however, and he opens the packaging of the burger with ease to raise it to the older male’s mouth.

Jeongguk’s eyes go wide when he realizes that Taehyung had taken his joke seriously. The burger stays up in the air awkwardly for a while as the brunet waits for Jeongguk to take a bite.

The older male eyes him, stunned, before he takes a bite on the burger slowly.

“Was that meant to seduce me?” Taehyung purses his lips as though he’s trying his best not to laugh.

“What?” Jeongguk asks with a mouthful of burger, eyebrows shooting up as he quickly transfers his gaze to the road.

The younger takes a bite of his hash brown in his right hand and Jeongguk’s burger on the other. “You bit onto the burger slowly while looking at me.”

“I—No! That wasn’t—I was just… surprised,” Jeongguk mutters the last word, blood rushing up to his ears and cheeks while imagining how foolish he had looked like earlier.

“Surprised because of what?” Taehyung asks, too nonchalant and calm compared to how Jeongguk’s feeling right now.

“Because,” the black-haired male swallows down the food in his mouth before continuing, “I meant it as a joke.”

“Oh,” Taehyung says foolishly as he stops chewing. “I’m sorry—”

Jeongguk only cuts him off. “Don’t say sorry. I was just kind of… flustered, is all. Come on, I want another bite.”

This time, Taehyung’s hesitant as he moves the food onto Jeongguk’s mouth, almost as if he’s shy but Jeongguk chooses not to dwell on it or to tease the younger more. He just takes a bite and he keeps his eyes on the road.

“Uh,” he hears Taehyung ponder. “You have—”

“Mhm?” Jeongguk questions, completely oblivious to the ketchup on the corner of his bottom lip.

The older male sees Taehyung’s hand reaching out reluctantly from the corner of his eye and he feels the latter’s thumb wiping the side of his mouth clean. “Uhm, you had… ketchup.”

“Did I now?” Jeongguk teases before he licks his lips clean to make sure there isn’t any excess ketchup anymore.

“Yes, I—why would I want to—”

“Maybe you just wanted to touch the corner of my mouth like that.”

Taehyung frowns at him with his mouth wide open. “No. Why would I do that? That’s… unsexy. Touch the corner of your mouth like that?”

Jeongguk can’t help himself but let out a loud laugh. “Well, if you put it like that, it does sound awkward.”

The younger male joins him soon enough before he lets out a sigh as he smiles widely. “I don’t know why I put up with you.”

Jeongguk snickers, eyes crinkling out of happiness, “We both know why.”

The elevator in their apartment complex going up was always a relief to Taehyung every time. It only means he’s close to home. But now it feels as if he’s about to suffocate because his heart is beating too fast to be normal and he can’t stay still for a god damn second.

He told Jeongguk that it’s probably better if he were to meet Jimin alone, so he could fix things with him comfortably. Taehyung wasn’t even sure if his best friend was here in the first place. But he hopes he is. He had never fought with Jimin before so he doesn’t know what to do in order to fix things but he’s determined to make things right—

The elevator pings and the doors open.

Taehyung swallows his spit to moisten his dry throat.

He can do this. No more running away.

Their floor was quiet, not a sound can be heard except for his footsteps thudding against the carpet silently. He’s carrying his luggage with his clammy hands and he’s quite surprised that it isn’t hitting the floor yet because of how sweaty his hands had become.

He takes a deep breath before fishing his pockets for the keys of his apartment. It takes him quite a while to put the key in and open the door, but still, he ends up doing it despite his heart banging so loud and fast in his chest that it feels like it’s about to come out anytime soon.

The door makes a creak and a sense of relief floods his system once the familiarity of their shared apartment comes into his sight. There was a thick dark blue blanket scattered on top of their cream-colored couch and Taehyung automatically knows that the blanket is owned by Jimin because they’ve used that countless of times together, mostly during their movie marathons together.

The television screen was turned on with some drama was playing in the background, but Taehyung wasn’t focused on whatever drama was being played on the screen. He was focused on the fact that Jimin was here.

And as if on cue, Taehyung registers the sound of rushed footsteps coming from the kitchen before he sees Jimin’s head peaking out with his eyes and mouth wide open as his chubby fingers clutch onto the bowl of cereal he’s holding as though his life depended on it.

And that was enough for Taehyung to forget about his wild as fuck heartbeat and jittery nerves.

Although, he was speechless and every word he prepared in his mind goes down the drain.

“I… You’re here,” Jimin breathes out. Taehyung doesn’t know if he was relieved or not but he sounded like it. “I—I assumed it was you because Hoseok’s currently in Gwangju—”

“How have you been?” The taller male asks in a whisper.

Jimin blinks, and for a second Taehyung thinks he was about to cry, but a smile quickly settles on his face. “I’ve been… doing fine. You?”

Taehyung takes a deep breath before shooting the other male a smile. “I just got home.”

Jimin nods, with the smile still on his face, before he gestures to the couch. “Uhm, you want to sit down for a bit? You look really tired, and I mean no offense about that, alright.”

“Yeah, I will. I really hate flights,” Taehyung ends up saying as he takes off his outerwear since the heater was up really high and it wasn’t cold inside. He makes his way to the couch and sits down, Jimin following just moments after—with no more bowl of cereal in hand and no more smile in his face.

“I really…” The older male scratches his nose a bit and looks at Taehyung intently. “I don’t know what to say but I’m sorry. I know we left things in bad terms but—”

“No, Jiminnie. It’s fine. I should be the one saying sorry,” Taehyung says, shaking his head at his friend. “I—I ran away from you instead of trying to talk things out with you to avoid misunderstandings.”

“You had the right to, though. You needed to cool off before talking things out with me because—let’s be honest I said real shitty things. I was waiting for you to come back, and you did. I knew you’d come,” Jimin gives him a sad smile. “However, I still feel shitty. I’m really sorry, Taehyung. I really didn’t mean to say those things to you. Wasn’t thinking straight, at all. I was just really worried for you. But still, I should’ve trusted you. That you wouldn’t just decide recklessly.”

The younger male gives out a knowing smile, yet it doesn’t hold any happiness in it. “I know how that feels. Talking out of your ass and saying things you don’t mean so who am I to loathe you for doing the same thing I once did?”

Jimin frowns a bit at this, suddenly confused. “Do you… do you want to talk about it?”

“I’m not really sure I want to, Jiminnie,” he answers with a sigh. “Just… I just came here to check if you were here. Because I wanted to fix things with you.”

His best friend only nods, a satisfied smile on his face. “Belated happy birthday, by the way. This is the first time we didn’t spend it together.”

Taehyung closes his eyes and lets out a soft laugh. “Right, I almost forgot about that.”

“You’re really ridiculous. Who forgets about their birthday?” Jimin scratches the back of his neck exasperatedly. “I got you a gift though. Told myself I’ll give it to you once you come back.”

The younger sighs, leaning back on the couch. “You didn’t have to.”

“I never missed your birthday and I never spent one birthday of yours without giving you a gift. Might as well, keep the latter’s streak on-going because I’ve already broke the streak of the first one,” Jimin crinkles his nose. “You definitely have to tell me about this flight of yours. You went out of the country?”

Taehyung smiles at him, genuine and true. And he could feel himself breathe a bit properly because he and Jimin are alright again. No amount of words can describe how relieved he feels right now. He just knows that it’s as though things are slowly getting back on track.

“Yeah, went to Japan,” he answers while wearing a smug smile.

Jimin’s eyebrows shoot up at this and Taehyung almost laughs at the reaction. “What the…? And here I thought the birthday gift I got for you was the best one but it seems like something’s beat me. Were you alone?”

Taehyung’s smile kind of fades at this. “No, I was—I was with someone.”

He expects his friend’s mood to drop at this but that doesn’t happen. Jimin only moves his head to the side as a teasing smirk settles on his lips and his eyes glint with curiosity in it.

“Really? Did they beat me as your best company in the whole wide world?” He questions as he raises an eyebrow.

Taehyung only laughs quietly at this. “Unfortunately… yes?”

Jimin’s smirk drops and he feigns an offended look while shaking his head. “Wow. No. No way that I’ll accept that. I’ll have to meet them first in order to confirm.”

The younger male looks away, smile still plastered on his face. And he might look stupid but he really doesn’t care.

He stays silent for a few seconds before uttering, “He’s really great, Chim. Treats me well. I—I’ve never really felt like this before.”

This time, Jimin really drops the act as he grins happily at the other. “I know, Tae. I can see it. I know I told you that you looked really tired earlier but still… you had this—this glow in you. And I’ve never seen you this content and satisfied before.”

“That’s because I’m truly happy this time,” Taehyung admits, looking back at his friend.

“I really really have to meet him then. You have to promise me I will.”

“Okay, okay. I promise.”

Jimin gets up from the couch with his eyes crinkling because of his smile. “Now, are we going to your family’s house or am I officially banned?”

“Shut up, you dumbfuck. You’re coming with me.”

“I do not tolerate you calling me a dumbfuck, Taehyung-ah. I’m older than you.”

“What? For two months?”

“That still counts. I will not tolerate this slander.”

“God, shut up. You don’t even give a shit about that.”

(“Things… went well. He’s looking at me while I tell you this.”

He hears Jeongguk chuckle. “I told you so. You feel accomplished?”

“Mhm, I do. I really really do. I’m happy.”

“And that’s all I ever want you to be.”

“Same goes for you—wait, by the way. Jimin wants to meet you.”

“When?”

“Once we come back? January third?”

“Done, baby.”)

[january 4th.]

(“What? You expect that when you bring your boyfriend here, I wouldn’t bring a company of mine? I wouldn’t want to third-wheel, Taehyung, thank you very much.”

When Taehyung brings Jeongguk into their shared apartment, he doesn’t expect Yoongi to be seated between Hoseok and Jimin looking nothing but amused.

Plus, he didn’t expect that Jimin had already explained the situation to the two boys to avoid unwanted reactions.

“You’re all fucking assholes. I’m getting out of this apartment because I’m always the fucking one who’s left out.”

“No one asked you to stay, Hoseok.”

“I swear to God, Park Jimin. Shut your fucking mouth or I’ll do it for you.”

“Yoongi-hyung.”

“Hoseok, stop fucking talking or I’ll kick you out of this apartment myself.”

“Excuse me, fuckface. I pay for the rent here. You don’t. So, why don’t you get out.”

“Guys, stop, please.”

Of course, it had surprised Jeongguk at first. He thought that everyone was fighting for real but Taehyung cleared it out that it was just playful bantering and Hoseok never backs down whenever someone tries to get savage with him.

It had been quite a day, the boys buying drinks from the convenience store nearby. And Jimin giving Jeongguk the “permission” to stay over, as if he needed that because he’d be staying anyway.

Once they’re all in their beds—Jeongguk and Taehyung inside one room, Yoongi and Jimin in theirs and Hoseok… alone—with alcohol drowning their body, Taehyung felt serene.

Jimin and Hoseok liked Jeongguk, that was obvious since they’ve all met each other before, and Yoongi who never really criticizes someone liked him too. He was told that he’s a great company and Jimin kept telling Taehyung that he indeed picked a good one.

“Tae?”

“Mhm?”

“Someone texted you.”

Taehyung only buries his head underneath Jeongguk’s chin. “Can you check who? I can barely move.”

“It’s… Eunhee.”

His eyes shoot open, looking up at the male above him. “What? What’d she say?”

“She’s asking to meet tomorrow. Same coffee shop you went to when you… broke things up with her. Six in the evening.” Jeongguk says, scratching the younger male’s scalp gently.

“Oh.”

Taehyung didn’t know if he should feel glad. Or if he should feel terrified because he was too tipsy and sleepy to even function but still—

“You should go. I think you both need this.”

“I should, shouldn’t I?”

“Yes, Tae. I think you’ll feel really good once things end nicely.”

“Would you try and fix things with her too…? Just her.”

“Yeah, I guess. She didn’t really do anything bad to me. At all. I just poured my anger and jealousy out on her. And I do feel bad about that.”)

And so, maybe that explains why he’s waiting inside the coffee shop Eunhee told her fifteen minutes before six in the evening. Maybe he’s nervous. Or maybe he’s been waiting for this exact moment since God knows when.

He had texted Eunhee saying he might arrive early and she said that it might be the same thing for her so Taehyung did his very best to come by early.

The snowstorm outside continues to grow strong every passing second and it’s about to be six in the evening so that explains why the sky’s already dark. Not much people are out, and he barely sees cars being driven on the road. The lights inside the café are flickering lightly every now and then but other than that, it stays safe inside.

He’s afraid for a second that Eunhee might cancel because of how strong and dangerous the weather is but he figures it’s better that way since he wouldn’t want either of them to be in danger. They can just postpone it some other time—

The bell by the door rings when someone comes in.

“Good afternoon, ma’am! Welcome to Latte Bistro!”

Taehyung averts his gaze to the door to see whoever came in and he’s greeted by the sight of Eunhee wearing a black hoodie and black jeans underneath a thick dark grey outerwear. Her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, leaving her bangs out, and specs sitting on top of her nose.

Taehyung can clearly see how some of the boys on the far corner of the coffee shop turn their heads when Eunhee walks past them but he just chooses to ignore it.

“Hey, I’m sorry I’m late—”

“Please, Eunhee, you’re not. It’s not even five yet,” Taehyung laughs quietly, trying to lighten up the mood. And when Eunhee laughs with him as she settles herself down, he feels like a thorn was being removed from his throat as though it had been stuck there for a long time now.

“I guess, you could say that.”

“I ordered… already. If you don’t mind.”

“No, it’s fine. I don’t mind.”

And maybe it should be weird. Because talking to your ex should feel weird but for Taehyung, it doesn’t feel like that at all. They’re talking like they’re comfortable with each other as ever and Taehyung thinks he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Okay, so,” Taehyung starts, grabbing his drink from the table so he could sip on it. “You wanted to talk.”

Eunhee does the same, “Yes, actually. Uhm, it’s been long overdue.”

“It’s okay. You needed space. And time to think about things.”

“Sure did,” she smiles sympathetically before setting her drink down and pursing her lips, “Although, I just… I don’t know how to start this. But, how have you been?”

And it’s so gentle that it kind of reminds Taehyung of Jeongguk. He could see the similarities between the two.

I’ve been… great, actually. Ecstatic. Just got home from celebrating the New Year with my family. And Jimin.”

“And Jeongguk-oppa?” Eunhee asks, and there’s no bite to it. Just genuine curiosity but it’s enough for Taehyung to feel nervous all of a sudden.

“No,” he shakes his head. “He spent it with his dad.”

Eunhee nods. “But, you two… you two are a thing, right?”

Taehyung doesn’t look at her and eyes his drink instead. He shrugs, “Yeah, I guess. I’m… I—yeah. We. We’re a thing. I mean you… caught us a few days ago.”

“That scene. With his mom. I didn’t know what to feel about that but I was so scared because I never really saw him that livid—I mean, not that I see him all the time but, yeah.”

Taehyung bites his tongue. Knowing he doesn’t have any right to meddle with Jeongguk and his mother’s business.

“I don’t know about that either. And I don’t want to force him into telling me about it because I don’t want him uncomfortable.”

It’s silent and Taehyung decides that this is the time.

“Eunhee, I never had the opportunity to say sorry, really. But I am. I know I hurt you. For cheating on you, God, no matter what I say it could never justify what I did and I accept that it’s my fault, no matter how I explained. What I did was still wrong. I’m really sorry. I just thought that it was the best thing to do at that time. Because I didn’t want to lose you as a friend and some part in me knew that if I broke up with you, I would lose you.”

“It’s not great to assume things, Tae,” Eunhee says, smile long gone from her face but voice still gentle. “And cheating is never an option. It would have hurt less knowing you didn’t choose to do things behind my back.”

“I know,” Taehyung says, head reeling with memories of what he and Jeongguk did back then. He admits that at first, he did it because of the excitement but as time grew he felt guilty, tense, disgusted and… He just fell. “And I really… can’t explain it with words. How sorry I am. I thought I was doing the right thing but I thought wrong.”

“I salute you, Taehyung, honestly,” Eunhee sips from her drink, “It’s hard to accept that you’re at fault. Even harder to accept defeat and say sorry. But you just did that. And I know you’re not someone who puts down their pride a lot. So, it must have taken you so much effort to do that.”

He looks up, sees how Eunhee’s looking at him with admiration.

“A lot of mental breakdowns, to be specific.”

She smiles sadly, “I’m really proud of you. How much you’ve changed. To everyone, you seemed like an open book, but I knew you weren’t.”

“And I want to say the same to you but deep inside, I’ve always known that you’re someone who’s open-minded and objective.”

“Weird to hear that ‘cause I never do,” Eunhee chuckles, looking down at her drink. “But, yes, I’ve done so much thinking these past few days. About people, we fall out of love. I think that's normal. I know it hurts to be treated as a second option or some shit since I’ve experienced it firsthand but... That’s part of life, I guess? If that person isn't for you, then they aren't meant for you. It sucks but it's something that needs to be accepted. Although, I know that there’s someone out there meant for me. We didn’t work out and I think it’s better if we stay as friends. Cliché shit, isn’t it? But it’s the truth.”

She looks up at him, a genuine smile on her face. “In this world, people are meant to be hurt because that's also a part of life. Pain is a part of life. And we have to learn how to deal with it and accept it.”

“I guess I agree,” Taehyung murmurs under his breath, shooting the girl across from him a small smile.

“It’s heartwarming to see you this happy and glowing,” Eunhee admits, grabbing a piece of tissue paper from the rack so she could wipe her mouth.

“I—I… really don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything.”

Silence again. But it’s comfortable this time.

“We’re… good now, right?” Taehyung questions.

Eunhee laughs again, “I mean, not totally. I can’t move on that fast but I’m dealing with it slowly. Coming to terms. And I’ve accepted it for a long time now. That you’re happier with my brother and he’s the happiest when he’s with you. I guess I’d have to give this to the both of you. But I do forgive you. We can start anew. We’ll still be friends and you won’t lose me.”

Taehyung leans back on his chair, wondering what he did in his past life to deserve what’s currently happening in front of him right now.

“I’m more than good with that. But if you don’t mind me asking, why aren’t you... I don't know, angry? Not that I want you angry or mad. I’m just wondering how you’re so calm about this because if this was somebody else they might have already slapped and smacked the shit out of me once they've figured it out.”

Eunhee chuckles, “Although, the thought sounded enticing at first, I'm not that type of person, you know that. You probably already hate yourself because of what you did, and I don’t intend on making everything worse because that won’t solve anything at all. Everything will just become messier.”

Taehyung nods thoughtfully.

“So, tell me. As a friend. How was Japan with him?”

“Eunhee, are you seriously doing this?” Taehyung can’t help but chuckle at how eager the young girl had seemed.

“I’m just… curious. You two really seemed radiant that day.” She shrugs. “Plus, you’ve always told me that if there’s one place for you to go to in this world, it would be Japan.”

Taehyung does end up telling her about their trip in Japan. The young girl seemed fairly enthusiastic and curious and Taehyung can’t help but adapt the same energy Eunhee was sharing. An hour passed, Taehyung had texted Jeongguk ten minutes ago saying he can pick him up.

“Are you taking the cab?” Taehyung asks, out of concern.

“No, I drove on my own on the way here.”

“Shit, that’s dangerous. Just leave your car here and we’ll take you home.”

“It’s fine, Tae. I can handle myself,” Eunhee says, clearly amused.

“No one should be driving out alone. Call a friend, at least.”

“Sadly, they all have plans—”

“Hey.”

“Shit, what the fuck?” Taehyung curses, jumping on his seat when someone disturbs them. He thinks this scene is familiar and it’s happened before, but he pushes it on the back of his mind when he sees Jeongguk with an unfamiliar companion right beside him.

“Holy shit, I almost dropped my drink,” it surprises Taehyung that Eunhee laughs. And he’s the only one who’s pissed.

“I’m really going to kill you later, Jeon Jeongguk.”

“Yeah, sure, whatever you say,” Jeongguk rolls his eyes jokingly.

“It’s dangerous out. I suggest we all leave now because the storm might get worse.” The guy beside Jeongguk states. He was tall. Taller than Jeongguk.

“Shut up, Namjoon—”

“Oh, right. I should be home by now. We were just waiting for you guys to come pick Taehyung up,” Eunhee stands up, a gentle smile on her face as she looks at the both of them.

“You’re taking a cab?” Jeongguk asks, and if Taehyung were to drink a shot every time he’s been surprised tonight then he’ll most probably be drunk considering how Jeongguk’s tone sounded sincere.

“Ah, no, Jeongguk-oppa,” Eunhee shakes her head, putting the strap of her bag on top of her shoulder. “I’m driving—”

“There’s no way you’re driving out there alone.” His tone was strict and almost too protective and Taehyung could feel how the grin was slowly slipping from his face.

He remembers what Eunhee had said one night when they were still together. That Jeongguk would make a good brother.

The shock on Eunhee’s face is evident but it’s a positive kind of shock if Taehyung must say.

“It’s too dangerous. Namjoon, go drive her home.”

“Wait, what?”

“You’re taking my car. I’m taking yours, Eunhee. Let’s just exchange keys once it’s safe. And Namjoon, close your mouth. Her house is near yours. You guys live in the same village.”

“Wait, wait, wait. Hold on. You take me out of the party we’re in and drag me into this saying you’ll just have to pick up your boyfriend but I’m doing what—”

“You’re bringing my sister home and that’s final.”

(Taehyung pretends his stomach doesn’t flutter and his heart doesn’t warm when Jeongguk calls Eunhee his sister and it’s obvious that Eunhee felt the same way too.)

The guy, Namjoon, stays quiet for a second before he’s rolling his eyes. “Fine. You owe me.”

“I owe you nothing.”

“God, someday you’ll repay me because of all the things I’ve done for you.”

(“Eunhee, text me when you’re home.”

“Sure, captain.”)

That same night, with the snowstorm still happening outside of Taehyung’s window, the brunet only snuggles up closer to Jeongguk. The covers above them were thick and the heater was turned up just right and Jeongguk’s arms around him and his bare skin touching Taehyung’s own felt so fucking warm that Taehyung never wanted to get out of this situation anymore.

“Baby, you happy?”

Taehyung opens his eyes slightly, “Mhm. So happy.”

He hears Jeongguk laughs right beside his ear and that makes him feel things he should be used to by now, but it only seems to get better every time.

“Eunhee seemed happy.”

“She told me so many things. I kind of hoped you were there because… I don’t know. She has a bright mind, you know? She’s just reserved and doesn’t share to people that much.”

“Don’t I have a bright mind?”

Taehyung chuckles at the joking tone of the other before smacking his back lightly. “Stop being petty.”

“I’m just kidding, kitten,” Jeongguk laughs along with him, kissing the top of his head gently.

“Do you remember the first time we hooked up? You gave me your number.”

“Fuck, I almost forgot about that.”

“Yeah. You were so cocky back then.”

“Shut up. I’m still wondering why you hadn’t texted me that day.”

“Maybe ‘cause your dick was so overrated.”

“That’s not what you were saying awhile ago.”

Taehyung thinks that that’s all, that they’re going to be sleeping right now but the older male only starts speaking again.

“Baby?” He murmurs quietly, stroking the back of Taehyung’s neck soothingly.

“Yes?” Taehyung responds even quieter. He was already sleepy, the state of unconsciousness slowly taking over him.

“This summer,” Jeongguk starts. “Would you… maybe, want to travel the world… with me?”

(Taehyung’s eyes shoot open, the top of his head almost knocking Jeongguk’s chin because of the shock, but the words stayed clear inside his head.

“You’re serious?”

“I am.”

Taehyung continues staring at him. His heart aching, his stomach tied into complicated knots and his brain going frenzy. This boy, in front of him was someone he’s grown to know. Someone he’s grown to love. Someone who taught him to take risks. Someone who taught him that there’s so much more to life. Someone who showed him how to fall in love so recklessly yet so easy. Someone who promised him that even if the whole world was against him, he would still be by his side.

It’s 1:19 in the morning when Taehyung realizes that he’s just about ready to do anything to make Jeon Jeongguk happy, adored, loved and just… let him know that he matters. They might have found each other in the wrong time, in the wrong place.

But, really. Like Eunhee said, if a person is meant for you then they are meant for you. Nothing can ever hinder that.

Taehyung knows that they both still have a long road to take. And he’s ready to give his all to this boy. Take all the risks. Prove that he’ll be by his side until the end of times as well.

“Of course. Let’s do that.”

Let’s chase our dreams in life together. We have a long way to go.)

— end. —