Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jungkook likes sex, he really really does. And with his wardrobe of Armani suits and Prada shoes, he doesn’t have a problem getting it from anyone. The boy he fucked last night was okay, 5 on a scale of 10, hot but too whiny, Jungkook’s had better. He wonders how high his ass count is and it’s probably broken a thousand, he thinks.

Jungkook taps the face of his Rolex watch impatiently. His new secretary is late. No one keeps Jungkook waiting and gets away with it. Kim Taehyung, he reads from the resume on his desk. Jungkook scoffs because he looks like a total nerd. Goggles for glasses and a box smile.

Well, Kim Taehyung won’t know what hit him.

“I’m so sorry, Jungkook-sshi! This cat got run over by a car and I took a detour to bring it to the vet. I’m sorry for being tardy!” A man is yelling frantically, the doors wide open from his earlier intrusion.

Jungkook winces at the volume. This must be Kim Taehyung.

He’s so…dramatic. Jungkook’s never heard this excuse before. And who even uses the word tardy? He’s also never seen anyone wear bright red pants and an equally red bowtie to work.

Jungkook cringes. There are polka dots on that bowtie.

It seems his new secretary is quite interesting. Jungkook forgets about wanting to unleash hell on him. “Kim Taehyung, 26, Seoul National. Late on your first day. Not bad.” Jungkook shrugs, sarcasm obvious.

Taehyung is normally dense, but he’s not that dense. Jungkook’s voice is obviously shooting daggers at him and it makes him nervous. No matter, in time Taehyung will prove that he’s a great secretary. “That’s me! I promise I won’t be late again.” He smiles brightly. He knows it unnerves people when he smiles in the most unfavourable situations.

It takes a lot to rouse Jungkook’s attention, an extraordinarily tight ass, or an amazing body, or anything else along those lines. But his interest is strangely piqued by this unattractive man. So Jungkook decides not to fire him like he did his last secretary. That one was boring, a stick up his ass all the time. And it wasn’t Jungkook’s stick, so.

Jungkook points to the massive stack of files in front of him.

“Sort these out, make the calls, and send me tomorrow’s schedule in two hours.” Taehyung’s eyes widen, is that even humanly possible? But he’s late on his first day and he isn’t exactly in a position to negotiate. This is the best paying job he’s ever had, and this company is one of the big three. Ask anyone on the street, they’d probably own a rice cooker or a television from J-Electronics.

“Yes, Jungkook-sshi!” With much difficulty, Taehyung gathers the files in his arms (it’s a really tight fit) and scrambles to the door. He hesitates for a moment, then kicks it open and walks out.

This might be the most interesting secretary Jungkook’s ever had.

For all his eccentricities, Taehyung is a good secretary. The best Jungkook’s ever had, in fact. He meets the ridiculous deadlines Jungkook sets, doesn’t spend extra time around Jungkook to either baby him, or seduce him. Those types turn him off, which is why he hasn’t had a secretary that lasted more than two weeks.

It’s been a month, and true to his word Taehyung has never been late again, and is proving himself to be an invaluable employee. Jungkook has learnt to ignore his questionable fashion choices; as long as he gets shit done it isn’t that big of deal. Although today’s outfit is more outrageous than usual, a spongebob-patterned tie and striped pants.

Fashion aside, Taehyung doesn’t give a ratshit about anyone and it’s really fucking sexy.

“Taehyung-sshi, are you free for dinner tonight?”Jungkook’s always been straightforward. And if this goes well he’ll have Taehyung moaning in bed by eight in the evening. Screw romantic dinners, Jungkook is all for quick fucks. Plus, he hasn’t gotten laid the past month because work’s been piling up. Taehyung ignores the question until he’s done reciting the day’s schedule. Then he looks up.

“What time and where?” Taehyung is completely unfazed; he figures this is just his boss rewarding him for a job well done. He is a good secretary, after all. He gives himself a mental pat on the back.

He looks so composed Jungkook is almost offended. Does Taehyung not know how these things work? Does he not know of Jungkook’s reputation?

“Seven, at the Italian restaurant opposite.” Taehyung nods and makes to leave. “Oh, and Taehyung-sshi? Please dress properly.” Taehyung turns to stare at him blankly. “In monochromatic colours.” Oh, okay. Taehyung always brings a black-and-white spare suit for when people are too narrow-minded to appreciate his fashion. He hasn’t had a chance to use it yet, until now.

“Yessir!”

Jungkook walks into the restaurant fifteen minutes late. He calls it fashionably late, but really it just means “less-time-talking-straight-to-fucking”. Jungkook’s never been one for emotions. They’re unnecessary and troublesome. It takes him five seconds to recognise Taehyung and wow, does he look good. His clothes are fitting for once and Jungkook can see the curve of his ass when he stands up to greet him. It’s…surprising.

Ten out of ten would fuck. Will fuck, in about an hour.

They order some fancy food that Taehyung scarfs down in three seconds flat. The portions are small and unsatisfying, as is always the case with expensive food, but Jungkook’s not complaining. It just means Taehyung’s as excited as he is. Jungkook finishes his last bite and places his hand on Taehyung’s.

“Back to my place?”

Taehyung stares at his hand, then looks up cautiously.

“Jungkook-sshi, is this a proposition for sex?” Jungkook is floored. Was it not obvious? Who spends 500,000 won on a meal if they’re not trying to get into your pants? Taehyung is looking at him searchingly, expectantly.

“If you want to put it that way, yes.”

Taehyung’s answer is almost immediate. He smiles politely and retracts his hand. “Then I’m going to have to say no. Thank you for the offer, but I don’t find you attractive, Jungkook-sshi.”

Taehyung leaves the restaurant after that, but not before paying for his half of the meal. Jungkook watches him go, disappointed and a little frustrated. How can Jungkook not be attractive, he’s a walking designer label with multiple gold cards and a rocking body. Hours of hitting the gym have given him chiselled abs and amazing arms, if he might say so himself.

Well, whatever. It’s Taehyung’s loss. Jungkook will just find someone else to fuck.

Jungkook does not, in fact, find someone else to fuck. Instead he mopes around his apartment the entire weekend talking to himself. And Jimin, when he comes over.

“Hyung, I’m hot right? I’m hot. Why am I not hot,” he asks Jimin for the umpteenth time.

“Is this about your secretary?”

“Yes, I mean how could anyone refuse me? And I’m his boss, hyung. He’s not supposed to even think about rejecting me.”

Jungkook must be really frustrated; it’s been ages since he called Jimin ‘hyung’. Jimin’s missed his cute dongsaeng.

“What are you so worked up about, you can get any other ass you want. It doesn’t have to be his.”

But see, that’s exactly what Jungkook has been telling himself the past few days. Taehyung’s ass is spectacular, but there are also other spectacular asses practically laying themselves out at his feet. He can pick and choose any of them. He doesn’t need Taehyung.

Maybe Jungkook’s bitter because he’s not used to being refused when he’s this hot and is filthy rich to boot. No one he’s wanted has ever rejected him. Taehyung is the exception, a challenge Jungkook must overcome. That must be it.

“Hey hyung. What if this is a challenge from god, like, if I can get into his pants it means I’m, like, the most charming man known to mankind, the most irresistible.”

“Kook, listen to yourself. You don’t even believe in god. You left church because quote unquote they don’t let me fuck boys,” Jimin deadpans.

Jungkook doesn’t listen, already consumed by his ridiculous theory. He has decided. Taehyung is a challenge, Jungkook’s new conquest. He must get into his pants no matter what.

Things are always much easier said than done, of course. When Monday rolls in and Jungkook sees Taehyung, things are awkward. Taehyung still greets him politely and recites his schedule, but it’s without his usual smile and energy. He doesn’t even look at Jungkook, just stares stubbornly at his clipboard. Jungkook knows he doesn’t need it; Taehyung always has his schedule memorised.

Jungkook still doesn’t know what he did wrong. “Did I do something wrong?”

Taehyung stops talking almost instantly, eyes pensive.

“No, Jungkook-sshi, nothing at all.” But his voice is strained and Jungkook is no idiot. He’s been in the business long enough to know when people don’t mean what they say. He just needs to show a little patience for them to speak what’s on their minds.

“You can be honest, Taehyung-sshi.” Jungkook doesn’t smile at his employees because he needs to maintain their respect, and this time is no different. But he does nod encouragingly and tilts his head up to look at Taehyung. Taehyung fumbles with his hands, almost dropping the clipboard.

“The thing is, Jungkook-sshi, I’m your secretary. I’m not a prostitute you can spend a night with by buying me a meal, and I’m not an easy lay. I barely even know you, why would I want to have sex with you?”

Whatever hesitation Taehyung was feeling disappears once he begins speaking. From the first day he’d thought that Jungkook was a good boss, demanding but reasonable, always challenging Taehyung’s limits. Jungkook’s his boss, yes, but if he chooses to fire Taehyung over something like this, then Taehyung will get another job. And Jungkook will be douchebag of the century in Taehyung’s books.

“So yes, I was offended, but yes, I’m over it and I apologise for any inconvenience I might have caused.”

Jungkook feels a little guilty when Taehyung is done speaking. He never intended to demean anyone, just wanted a harmless round of fun sex. Also, he’s a little irritated because this means that Taehyung isn’t one for no-strings-attached sex, but romantic sex and vanilla aftercare and an actual relationship. Jungkook almost shivers.

He still wants to get into Taehyung’s pants though, so he plays it cool. “Don’t apologise, it was my fault. I started off on the wrong foot, so could we do this again?” Jungkook smiles and hopes Taehyung’s at least a little affected.

“…Dinner?”

“Tonight. Same place, same time.”

Jungkook doesn’t show up late this time. Instead he walks Taehyung across the street, chatting and showing as much interest in him as possible. It’s tiresome at first. Jungkook’s never been good at socialising outside of the business circle. There’s a lot of second-guessing and negative implications that don’t work when you’re trying to make a friend.

Taehyung tells him things he’s never heard before though, so at least his interest becomes genuine. “Small penises used to be desirable in Ancient Greece, you know.”

Jungkook splutters wine at Taehyung, who wipes it off calmly. His eyes are bright with mischief and Jungkook decides to humour him. He leans forward in his seat.

“They thought big penises were for old men and barbarians.”

It’s been a long time since Jungkook’s laughed like this. It’s the absurdity of the situation that gets to him. It’s Monday night and he’s out on what’s supposed to be a romantic dinner, instead of burying his nose in proposals, and his date is enthusiastically telling him penis facts.

“It’s nice to see you loosen up, boss,” Taehyung says teasingly.

Jungkook feels nice too, the tension seeping out of his limbs easily as dinner progresses. He learns a lot about Taehyung, like the fact that he has a dog called Soonshim whom he loves just as much as he does Big Bang. He also finds out that Taehyung’s one of those people who worked all their lives to get a well-paying job. The kind that doesn’t exist anywhere close to Jungkook, Jimin excluded. Or maybe that’s because Jungkook never bothered.

When Jungkook next looks at his watch, he’s surprised to see that it’s almost ten. He should get going, he has to get to the office at eight tomorrow, but Taehyung’s talking about god-knows-what and maybe Jungkook could spend another five minutes here. Just until Taehyung’s done.

Taehyung seems to notice his dilemma, stopping midway through his adventures in Timbuktu to look at Jungkook in concern. “Should we go? We have to be in early tomorrow.”

This time, Jungkook pays for both their meals, but not without protest. Taehyung is initially adamant, until Jungkook tells him it’s a date. It effectively shuts him up, and Jungkook find himself staring at Taehyung while the card processes. Taehyung is flushed red down to his collarbones, and Jungkook would really like to know how far down it can go.

He sends Taehyung home without finding out, but Taehyung’s shy, grateful smile is definitely worth it.

They go on a second, then a third, then a fourth date. Taehyung’s honesty is always refreshing; he’s never afraid to tell Jungkook what he’s thinking, even at the risk of going against his boss. Soon enough Jungkook’s asking for his opinion at work too.

“Jung, or Kim?”

Taehyung immediately knows what he’s talking about, the choice for a joint venture between two of the biggest companies in the country. Jungkook’s been mulling over both proposals for more than two weeks, when he usually takes less than a week to go through stacks of proposals. That’s how Taehyung knows this is serious.

“Jung, if you’re thinking of expanding into China. Kim, if you don’t want to get fucked over by Kim Namjoon.”

Taehyung is absolutely right, and that’s precisely the problem. Jungkook actually knows Namjoon, would consider him a friend even, but he’s ruthless in his business dealings and one wrong move could send Jungkook working nine to five shifts at Kimbap Heaven and making peanuts for a living.

Okay, maybe he exaggerates, but it’s not that far from the truth. Kim Enterprises shares many of Jungkook’s business partners; it’d be easy for Namjoon to put some pressure on them to cease relations with J-Electronics. And he knows how badly Namjoon wants this contract too, because J-Electronics caters to families, a market which Namjoon’s had a hard time trying to break into.

Maybe he could convince Namjoon that now’s not the time, that it’d be better for J-Electronics to gain a foothold in China, then consider another joint venture with Kim Enterprises. Seems perfectly plausible. If Namjoon were drunk, maybe.

“I’m going out to clear my head.” He grabs Taehyung by the wrist and pulls him out the door. No words are exchanged until they step into the elevator. “Um, Jungkook-sshi? Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

This is their fifth date, Jungkook thinks vaguely, as he takes a turn out of Seoul. Taehyung hasn’t spoken since Jungkook’s cryptic reply, and knowing him it’s likely out of consideration rather than fear. Taehyung preoccupies himself with the scenery instead, as skyscrapers fade into green hills. He guesses that Jungkook’s destination is probably the countryside.

It’s the ocean.

Taehyung only realises how much he’s missed this when he steps onto the sand, grains seeping into the crooks between toes. Jungkook trails behind him wordlessly, shoes in one hand. It’s been a long time since Jungkook’s seen the sea, even if he did grow up building sandcastles along it and watching the waves wash them away. He misses the life he had before moving to Seoul.

“Sit with me.” Taehyung’s voice jerks him out of his thoughts, and a violent tug sends him collapsing onto the sand. Laughter bubbles and soon enough Jungkook is infected, clutching his stomach and cracking up like the time he was eight and a crab attached itself to Jimin’s hand.

“I grew up in Daegu,” Taehyung says, once they’ve settled down and stopped laughing. “It was more famous for its cow intestines than its beaches, but I still loved it.”

The way Taehyung says it, like a memory fragile as glass and exquisite as crystal, makes Jungkook’s chest constrict. He’s never been on the receiving end of anything personal, has never put himself in a position to hear such things from people other than Jimin. It’s almost suffocating and Jungkook can feel the urge to change the subject. The words are at the tip of his tongue, but something stops him.

Taehyung’s looking at him questioningly, and Jungkook remembers hearing something about why he came here. Maybe it’s the fact that someone is entrusting him with something so precious, that makes Jungkook’s heart pound in anticipation despite his fear.

“I…I grew up in Busan, until I was nine.”

It doesn’t match up with what Taehyung knows about the heir of J-Electronics, the one born with a silver spoon in his mouth, servants at his feet, a city boy through and through. But he restrains his curiosity at Jungkook’s hesitant expression, as if he wants so badly to talk but isn’t sure if anyone will listen. Taehyung places a hand over Jungkook’s, encouraging.

“…I wasn’t supposed to ever meet my father, but my half-brother died and he was suddenly interested in grooming me to be his heir. They made fun of the country boy with the Busan accent when I first went to Seoul, so I got rid of everything that made me country. You can’t tell now, right?”

Jungkook’s laugh is bitter and Taehyung is momentarily at a loss. He knows the suave, nonchalant CEO who gets anything he wants with a snap of his fingers, the shrewd businessman who depends on figures and statistics, but he doesn’t know Jungkook from Busan.

No one forgets their hometown, even if tens of thousands come down to Seoul for bigger, better things. You start to miss the air you breathe and the water you drink growing up – it’s like this for Taehyung even now. He can only imagine how Jungkook must have felt.

“It’s not wrong to miss the place you came from, Jungkook-sshi. It’s what makes you, you.”

And maybe Jungkook exaggerates again, but Taehyung’s words open a broken dam Jungkook’s tried blocking up for years. Guilt hits him at full force, guilt at pushing away his mother and his memories of Busan, at the hours spent desperately reciting passages in a Seoul accent. All for his existence as the golden heir of J-Electronics and not simply Jeon Jungkook of Busan.

Jungkook doesn’t cry, because even if he’s let slip his emotions he can’t be vulnerable – one of the things his father taught him. He gathers himself, smiles at Taehyung like nothing’s wrong, and drives them back to Seoul in a blur.

Later, when the sky is dark and they’re in front of Taehyung’s apartment, it feels like the most natural thing for Jungkook to lean forward to kiss Taehyung. Taehyung stops him though, telling him solemnly that he doesn’t put out on the fifth date.

There’s an odd feeling in Jungkook’s gut as he drives back home. It’s different from the kind of disappointment he gets from a failed sexual endeavour, but Jungkook doesn’t dwell on it too much.

Jimin has always been one for grand entrances.

“Jeon Jungkook!”

When Jimin bursts through the door, Jungkook doesn’t even bother getting up from his bed. He’s so used to this by now, he just continues flipping through his manhwa. He does feel a tinge of regret at giving Jimin the passcode though. He needs to learn how to resist that goddamn pout.

“Why didn’t I see you at dinner?!”

Oh crap. The joint venture had taken up too much of his attention, he’d completely forgotten about Jimin’s dinner plans for Jungkook to meet his new boyfriend. Jimin had been talking about it for months, and after all the trouble Jimin went through to match schedules, Jungkook feels like a shitty best friend.

“Sorry hyung, I’ve been so busy with the joint venture I completely forgot. I’ll make it up to you?” Jungkook hopes hyung is enough to appease Jimin, and he really does mean what he’s saying. It works, of course, and Jungkook knows it when Jimin sighs in exasperation like he always does when he gives in.

“Where were you yesterday night, anyway.”

“At the beach, with Taehyung.” Jungkook manages to sound nonchalant, but Jimin hasn’t been his best friend for eighteen years for nothing. The air around them stills, Jungkook stubbornly staring at his manhwa. He’s been stuck on the same page since Jimin came in.

“You haven’t been to the beach in fifteen years.” It’s a loaded statement, Jungkook knows. He’s always rejected Jimin’s driving trips to the beach, too afraid that he’d hear the crashing waves and never want to come back. Jimin’s the only memory of Busan he hasn’t pushed to the back of his mind, the only thing he held onto in the city. Jimin never pushed it, but he probably knew.

The tension tastes bitter in his mouth and Jungkook hates it, dread filling him at the thought of Jimin taking this further.

He doesn’t.

“How’s your sex conquest going?” The change of subject is supposed to take the tension away, but Jimin’s looking at him weirdly. Jungkook feels a new kind of tension in his neck and he can’t bring himself to speak.

Five dates in and he hasn’t even gotten as far as a kiss. He’d forgotten the point of those dates was to get Taehyung in bed, kept getting sidetracked by Taehyung’s grateful smiles when he sent him home. This isn’t like Jungkook, he’s all for the sex and nothing else, and no one’s ever tried to push his boundaries for a second hook-up. What the hell is he doing with Taehyung?

“I’ve got a plan in motion.” He comments as offhandedly as he can. Jimin doesn’t seem convinced, still boring holes into his back like he can see through him, but he lets it go, leaving with Jungkook’s promise of dinner next week.

“You have a meeting with Jung Hoseok today.” It’s the first thing Taehyung says when Jungkook comes in, worse for wear, at seven in the morning. The rest of the office is empty, at least until Jungkook decides which proposal to accept. Preparations for the joint venture will probably begin as soon as he can figure out a way to deal with Namjoon.

“What time,” he asks, stuffing the bagel Taehyung hands to him into his mouth. Cranberry, his favourite. He moans in satisfaction, missing Taehyung’s blush to flip through the file on his desk.

Taehyung clears his throat. “Nine. We have to leave at eight thirty though, it’s fifteen minutes away.” Jungkook grunts and Taehyung knows he’s not listening, too absorbed in the proposal and formulating questions in his head to ask later. It’s one of the things Taehyung admires about his boss, his strict work ethic translating into greater successes for the company. He’s a far cry from the self-entitled brat Taehyung had imagined.

“Do I have to change?” Taehyung hates to interrupt Jungkook, but Jungkook has recently taken to bringing him into meeting rooms, and he needs to know if his apparel is too outrageous. One of their business partners had criticised him, once, and since then Taehyung asks Jungkook every time, just in case. Jungkook looks up then, eyes refocusing.

“I think it’d be better if you did. It’s Jung Hoseok after all.”

Jung Hoseok, director of Jung Group at the young age of twenty-nine, since taking over the reins from his father five years ago. Taehyung’s heard nice things about him from some of his university friends who work in his company. They say he’s friendly and has a heart of gold, if his annual eight-figure donations to children’s societies and orphanages are anything to go by.

He does cut an intimidating figure in his branded suit though, a natural poise and confidence in his posture. He’s not any taller than Taehyung, but his presence fills the room and it takes a lot of control for Taehyung not to tremble when he shakes the hand of one of the leading businessmen in the country.

“Call me Hoseok,” he says kindly, when Taehyung stumbles over a barely audible hoseok-sshi. Embarrassed at his slip, Taehyung blushes (he’s definitely been trained better than this!) and Hoseok lets out a hearty chuckle.

“Taehyung,” Hoseok says slowly, when Taehyung responds with his name.

Jungkook looks on from the side, slightly displeased at the drop of formalities.

Hoseok doesn’t extend the same to him, but he’s equally hospitable. Nevertheless Jungkook remains guarded and cautious, because it’s not often that the director of a world-class conglomerate is this open, and he’s seen his fair share of those the antitheses of Hoseok.

Hoseok takes his time to go over the proposal with Jungkook, something that Taehyung has only ever seen weaker companies do. The lines along Jungkook’s jaw gradually disappear, and the discussion becomes more relaxed but equally thorough. By the end of it Jungkook is a hundred percent on board. Jungkook is ready to leave when Taehyung speaks.

“Hoseok, is there anything you think you could do about Kim Namjoon?” Taehyung knows he’s being bold, judging by the shock on Jungkook’s face, but it’s been bothering Jungkook for nearly a month and they might lose this venture if the issue with Namjoon isn’t resolved.

Hoseok looks surprised for a moment, but smiles. “I’ll see what I can do, Taehyung.” He turns to Jungkook.

“That’s a very capable secretary you have there, Jungkook-sshi.”

Jungkook knows this very well, feels a little proud even, but there’s a smear of red across Taehyung’s cheeks, and it doesn’t sit well with him.

“You didn’t have to do that, Taehyung-sshi,” Jungkook says, as soon as they get into the car.

“But it’s the only thing stopping us, and Hoseok said he’d help. He’s so nice, don’t you think? I thought he’d be a dick. We’ve met a lot of those.” Jungkook doesn’t want to admit it, with the way Taehyung is gushing, but he’s right, Hoseok really is nice.

Jungkook’s about to speak again when Taehyung’s phone rings.

“Hello…Hoseok?”

Jungkook is usually rational, and he knows it’s probably something about the joint venture, but he doesn’t like being interrupted. The conversation continues but all he hears is a series of yes yes yes from Taehyung and he doesn’t really know what’s going on. Oh well, Taehyung will relay it to him eventually.

When Taehyung finally hangs up, there’s disbelief on his face and something that looks suspiciously like a blush. He turns to Jungkook slowly, his mouth half open. It’s oddly cute.

“What did he say,” Jungkook prompts. Taehyung remains frozen for a few seconds before managing to gather himself.

“Uh. He asked me out to dinner? Saturday, I think?” He looks absolutely confused and Jungkook feels equally confused.

Taehyung isn’t attractive. Granted, he looks much better in this suit than in his other ridiculous outfits, but his hair is a bird’s nest that falls into his eyes and he has oversized goggles for glasses. Taehyung isn’t attractive, right???

“I should go, right? He’ll probably want to discuss some business thingums.” Taehyung laughs nervously, looking at Jungkook. He sounds a little hesitant, a little hopeful.

Jungkook shrugs.

“Yeah, probably.” It might just be Jungkook’s imagination, but Taehyung seems to deflate a little.

Jungkook drives them back to the office in silence, doesn’t tell Taehyung that directors of companies do not discuss business with secretaries of other directors, doesn’t tell Taehyung that they rarely make time for meals with secretaries they’ve barely even met.

What he does do though, is fervently hope that Jung Hoseok isn’t gay.

It’s extremely unfortunate that Jungkook’s dinner with Jimin is on the exact same day as Taehyung’s with Hoseok. Otherwise Jungkook might just decide to stalk – okay, scrap that, maybe it’s a good thing. He’s already spent the whole day thinking about how Taehyung’s dinner with Hoseok will go, distinctly hoping for the worst. Ideally, Hoseok will not be making gay moves on Taehyung, but purely admires his mighty secretarial skills.

Jungkook’s the one who’s supposed to making gay moves. His plan is supposed to be in motion,what’s he going to tell Jimin if he asks?

His phone vibrates against his desk.

Jeon Jungkook! Don’t forget dinner at 7! At Namu!

Jimin texts just like he nags.

Yes hyung I know bye.

Jimin’s probably thinking the exact same thing.

Jungkook sighs. It’s a Saturday and he’s not going clubbing to pick up guys, and he thinks in horror that he might be getting old. He’s only twenty-five, he should be getting fucked and booze-fucked out of his mind. In five years he’ll be old and no one will enjoy a wrinkly ass.

It doesn’t bother him as much as it should, and strangely he doesn’t miss his previous lifestyle. Was it before he met Taehyung that he was engaging in nefarious things every night? Whatever. Jungkook reminds himself that courting Taehyung is a nefarious thing itself.

He pushes himself off the bed, pulling on his casual suit and trying not to think about Taehyung and Hoseok. He’d made it clear to Taehyung that he was courting him, it shouldn’t be a problem. But Taehyung supposedly doesn’t find Jungkook attractive. Jungkook grabs his phone and starts typing hastily.

Do you think Hoseok is hot?

His mind catches up eventually, and Jungkook’s finger hovers over the send button. He sounds like an insecure jealous boyfriend, which he is most definitely not. Groaning, he backspaces and exits messenger.

He needs to do something, anything to stop Taehyung, and he knows just what to do.

Hyung I can’t go something came up, sorry!

Jungkook is expecting it when Jimin goes on a rampage.

JEON JUNGKOOK WHAT THE FUCK WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO TELL HIM YOU FUCKER

HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME YOU PROMISED

JUNGKOOK

I MADE RESERVATIONS

JEON JUNGKOOK

ANSWER ME

OH MY GOD I SWEAR I WILL END YOU

I FUCKING GIVE UP

DON’T YOU EVER TALK TO ME AGAIN

YOU’RE A DICK

ARE YOU SERIOUS

Jungkook winces, but he knows Jimin can’t stay mad at him for long. He’ll find time to appease him.

He opens his chat with Taehyung.

I’m down with a fever save me

Once he’s done Jungkook tosses his phone onto the bed and glances at the clock. Six. He’s got this. He yanks off his suit and slips into the sloppiest pair of sweatpants and shirt he owns. Frantically chucking a wet towel into the microwave, he does about thirty full-body suicides until the microwave beeps. He’s sweating profusely by now, his shirt starting to soak through, but it’s still not hot enough. Bringing the burning towel with him, Jungkook jumps into bed and pulls the covers up to his chin, placing the wet cloth on his forehead.

It’s half-past six when the doorbell rings, and Jungkook throws the cloth into the sink as he heads to open the door.

He tries to look as weak as possible when he opens the door to a frazzled Taehyung.

“Oh my god you look like shit go back to bed.” Taehyung winds an arm around his waist and pulls him to the bed, pushing him down (oh Jungkook would love for Taehyung to do the same in slightly sexier circumstances) and tucking him under the blanket.

“YOU’RE BURNING,” is what Taehyung says when he brings a hand to Jungkook’s forehead. It’s cute, the way he panics and goes off to look for medicine, and Jungkook feels a little smug that Taehyung is here.

“What about Hoseok,” he croaks out. He’s actually pretty good at this.

“I cancelled, told him there was an emergency,” Taehyung says distractedly.

Ha, take that, Hoseok.

Taehyung comes back with a pail of iced water and a cloth, the same one Jungkook had flung into the sink. He wrings it dry and places it gently on Jungkook’s forehead. The way he looks down at Jungkook in concern makes Jungkook’s mouth dry. It’s just anticipation, Jungkook tells himself. Maybe he can get Taehyung in bed to cuddle.

“You need to take care of yourself,” Taehyung chides, lips pressed into a thin line. And it’s probably true, Jungkook’s been busy with preparations for the venture and alternative proposals to pacify Namjoon. If Taehyung wasn’t around he would have forgone eating this past week. He could easily delegate the tasks, but this is important and he isn’t about to thrust the company’s future into the hands of inadequate employees.

“Will do,” he whispers. Taehyung’s gaze is reproachful and Jungkook would be defensive if it were anyone else, but for some reason his chest is warm. Must be the earlier exercise.

Jungkook falls asleep and when he wakes up in the middle of the night, Taehyung’s head is on his stomach. He tugs Taehyung into the space beside him and goes back to sleep.

Come morning, Jungkook wakes up before Taehyung, whose glasses have fallen off somewhere. He gets to admire the deep lines of Taehyung’s eyes and the prominent slope of his nose, and Taehyung yelps when he opens his eyes to Jungkook’s face in close proximity. Jungkook kisses him then, and Taehyung doesn’t resist, leaning into the kiss until their bodies are pressed flush against each other.

OMG HOSEOK SPOKE TO NAMJOON

It’s fucking one in the middle of the night when Jungkook reads the text, the light from his phone blinding him momentarily. Taehyung is obviously excited, sending a string of texts that Jungkook struggles to keep up with.

WE’RE CLEAR

OMG

BOSS

JUNGKOOK

HOSEOK IS GOD

HALLELUJAH ALMIGHTY KING

HE ASKED ME TO DINNER DO I SAY YES

Jungkook’s laughter stops at the last text. There’s no reason for Hoseok to be this persistent unless he’s interested in Taehyung. But Taehyung is Jungkook’s, they’ve established that with the kiss right? In a We Cuddle and Have Sexy Times way? They’re not together though. Jungkook doesn’t do boyfriends, and he’s never promised Taehyung anything.

He really should have thought this through.

Jungkook? I need an answer hey hey hey

Jungkook’s definitely not okay with letting Taehyung have dinner with Hoseok. But he has no reason to stop him – they’re not boyfriends or lovers or partners – and Taehyung is technically free to do as he pleases. Sure, they kissed, but he still doesn’t belong to Jungkook. The realisation makes Jungkook’s heart plummet.

What does Jungkook want from Taehyung? He’s sure it’s sex, but sex doesn’t have to be from Taehyung. He’s been perfectly fine getting it from other people. And if he does get into Taehyung’s pants, what then? He should have considered the aftermath – Taehyung is a great secretary, that’s why Jungkook keeps him around. He’s never been this close to any secretary either, and it’s safe to say he considers Taehyung a friend. A very likeable friend.

Jungkook’s never spent this much time and effort on anyone, not even for sex.

This time is different, and he finally knows what it is.

Fuck.

Problems go away by themselves sometimes, it’s happened for Jungkook before. Like how Hoseok solved his Namjoon problem. It takes a lot of willpower and self-control, but Jungkook manages to ignore Taehyung’s endless streams of texts over the weekend. Taehyung has a habit of poking his nose into Jungkook’s business, asking if he’s eating well and what he’s doing this weekend and does Taehyung need to change anything in his schedule.

Not really typical secretary things, but more like a friend’s concern. Jungkook has always tried to reply with equal enthusiasm, even if Taehyung’s random outbursts of hey, isn’t this interesting and photos of anything he sees are a bit much.

With his phone buzzing nonstop on his work desk, Jungkook wishes he’d never replied to any of Taehyung’s texts. His hand is twitching, itching to grab the offending device. He’d purposely placed it on the desk and not brought it to bed like he usually would. Out of sight, out of mind, right. He still hears it though, and is about to get up and put it on silent mode when it suddenly stops buzzing.

He should probably be glad that Taehyung’s given up, but he’s a little frustrated too.

Will Taehyung go out with Hoseok without Jungkook’s permission? Will he think silence means consent? Will they go on a romantic candlelight dinner date? Will Taehyung be won over, will he blush prettily like he always does when he’s embarrassed or flattered?

Jungkook pulls his covers over his head and shuts his eyes, willing himself to sleep before he goes nuts.

“Jungkook, you haven’t replied me since last week,” Taehyung whines. It shouldn’t sound this pleasant to Jungkook. He’s hopeless.

“Been busy,” he says curtly.

“Oh, okay.” Taehyung has always been sensitive, and he seems to notice that Jungkook’s in a bad mood. He always seems to be in a bad mood these days, in boss mode almost 24/7. Polite but distant. Taehyung hasn’t seen his bunny teeth recently. He looks around awkwardly for a moment, twiddling with his hands, before heading to the door.

Jungkook only realises the file he’s been reading is upside down when the door shuts behind Taehyung. He sighs, flipping it the right way round. It’s about a new project in Sinseoldong, wiring to be done in an office building. There’s nothing much to it, and Jungkook simply signs on the dotted line.

Work has lightened considerably since they entered the joint venture, nothing much for Jungkook to do since approving plans. To be perfectly honest, Jungkook is extremely lucky that Hoseok has been accommodating and helpful, ready to provide the necessary resources. Given Jung Group’s standing and reputation, J-Electronics isn’t exactly indispensable.

Given Jung Group’s standing and reputation, there’s no reason for Taehyung to choose Hoseok over Jungkook. Jungkook doesn’t want him to, anyway.

Jungkook hears a knock on his door before Taehyung peeks in.

“Can I talk to you for a second?”

Scram and leave me in my mess of useless feelings, Jungkook thinks quite dramatically.But Taehyung looks uncertain and a little scared and Jungkook relents, nodding silently. He’s not very good at rejecting Taehyung.

“Did I do something wrong?”

Jungkook feels a sense of déjà vu, except this time Taehyung’s doing the asking, and Jungkook will probably tide it over with a lie where Taehyung had been honest. So burdensome, the way Taehyung wears his heart on his sleeve. They’re polar opposites.

“No, of course not. I’m just stressed about the venture.” He tries to smile, but it probably looks more like a grimace.

“Okay, I’ll try not to disturb you.” Taehyung’s voice is small and Jungkook is screaming in his head because guilt is gnawing at him.

He thinks it can’t get any worse, but the screaming magnifies tenfold when Taehyung brings him constant refills of tea and snacks for the next few hours, shuffling in and out of Jungkook’s office as quietly as possible.

Jungkook figures Taehyung’s gone home when the tea stops coming, and he surfs the net mindlessly because there’s nothing else to do and he doesn’t want to return to an empty house today. He leaves his office at ten, only to find Taehyung sleeping on his desk, out like a light. He’s been waiting for Jungkook to get off work, Jungkook realises, and warmth spreads through his chest.

He knows what it means now, but he doesn’t like it one bit.

(Ignoring the urge to wake him up and send him home, Jungkook leaves Taehyung to sleep in the dark office and goes to a club instead. He spends no time basking in the dizzying lights of the dance floor, no time indulging in body shots with strangers. Instead he brings home the first guy he sees and fucks him ruthlessly, pounding him into the mattress with gritted teeth. The only thing he sees when he climaxes is Taehyung’s face when they kissed on the same mattress, and Jungkook’s grip tightens until the man cries out in pain.)

The bed is empty when Jungkook wakes up, and he vaguely remembers shouting at last night’s fuck to get out of his house. He groans when he shifts his body slightly and feels the familiar ache of overexertion from sex. Any other day and he would have revelled in the feeling, but Jungkook feels nothing but dirty.

The clock reads nine and he stumbles to the bathroom with half an hour to get ready for work. Eyes still groggy with sleep, Jungkook takes a shower, scrubbing his skin red and raw in frustration.

He’s buttoning the second button of his dress shirt when he sees marks along the column of his throat, usually a trophy of a sexcapade. It’s heavy on Jungkook’s skin, and his mouth feels like lead.

He considers covering it up with a scarf, but decides against it.

It doesn’t matter, Taehyung isn’t anything to me. He repeats this all the way to the office, barely looking at Taehyung when the latter greets him cheerfully, still dressed in yesterday’s clothes.

Jungkook is sure he doesn’t deserve Taehyung.

“Jungkook?”

He starts at that, chiding himself for being unprofessional and missing the schedule Taehyung’s just recited. Taehyung is staring somewhere below Jungkook’s chin, surprise and confusion plain on his face. There’s a sinking feeling in Jungkook’s chest, like something’s about to drop, and he wants to explain himself and at the same time run away, anywhere away from Taehyung.

The ticking of his watch resounds in the room as Taehyung’s eyes meet his. They’re wide and expressive as they always have been, but Jungkook’s never seen them like this. It’s almost as if he can feel the pain.

“What is that,” Taehyung whispers, but it’s so, so loud.

“I went clubbing last night,” Jungkook says, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Of course it is, Jungkook fucks and leaves, it’s his pattern. Taehyung is staring at his feet in silence and Jungkook can’t see his face. Maybe it’s better this way.

“But why?” There’s a tremor to his words that Jungkook doesn’t miss. He’s still staring at his feet.

“Because we’re not boyfriends.” It comes out harsher than Jungkook intended, and Taehyung finally looks up. His eyes are glistening and Jungkook sees the sunlight reflecting off unshed tears.

“Yeah, I guess we’re not.” It’s Taehyung’s ready admission that gets to Jungkook, reaching into his body and twisting his insides into ugly disarray. Taehyung makes to leave.

“We’re not anything, Taehyung,” he nearly shouts, bordering anger.

It feels like forever before Taehyung turns and looks at him sadly.

“Is that what you thought? Because I thought we were on our way to becoming something.”

Jungkook’s heart really does drop this time.

“Haha, joke’s on me, I thought wrong.”

Chapter Text

Park Jimin hates being interrupted. He especially hates it when he’s in his boyfriend’s lap, dressed only in a tank top and briefs and ready for some sexy time. But someone’s banging on his door and hollering and Jimin would much rather make out with his boyfriend than answer the door, except the cockblocker’s been going at it for a good twenty minutes. He leaves his boyfriend’s lap with a growl, ready to murder whoever’s at the door.

“What.” Jimin glares into a very familiar pair of eyes.

It’s Jungkook, but it’s not Jungkook. Jungkook doesn’t meet anyone with a loosened tie and a shirt halfway exposed, and a soju bottle in one hand. He also doesn’t yell and cry on someone’s doorstep at eleven at night, swaying on his feet and obviously drunk.

“Jimin! My friend Jimin,” Jungkook wails, throwing himself at Jimin, the soju bottle swinging precariously.

Jimin is too horny for this. Plus he’s still mad at Jungkook.

“Namjoon, come help,” Jimin shouts into the apartment as he struggles to support Jungkook. Namjoon traipses to the door with the grace of an elephant, but he’s good help and they manage to carry Jungkook in, dumping him unceremoniously onto the couch.

“Jeon Jungkook is your friend?”

“Yeah he – “

“Kim Namjoon?” Jungkook sobers up immediately when he sees Namjoon, director of Kim Enterprises, in nothing but sweatpants, an arm slung across Jimin’s waist.

“Oh, you know each other. That’s good then.” Jimin shrugs, tiptoeing to peck Namjoon’s cheek. He turns back to Jungkook.

“And what are you doing here, best friend Jungkook who stood me up twice?” Jimin rarely gets angry, even with the shit Jungkook’s done to him. He has a scar from the time Jungkook pushed him down the stairs for fun, but even then he didn’t get mad, telling a bawling Jungkook (hyung I didn’t mean it I’m sorry) he was fine.

“I wanted to talk to you about Taehyung,” he mumbles, feeling worse than before.

“Oh so now you want to talk. After standing me and my boyfriend up twice, when I told you how important this is to me. You didn’t call me to apologise, or to arrange another dinner, and you suddenly appear at my doorstep drunk and asking for help with your little boyfriend problem.”

Jimin’s only sarcastic when he’s fuming mad.

“You know what your fucking problem is, Jeon Jungkook? We’re best friends, but you sure don’t act like one.“  

“Hyung, I – “

“I’m like your booty call but without the booty, your friend when it’s convenient for you, because life is all about you and your problems, huh. I’m just about fucking done with your shit, Jungkook.”

Jimin knows he’s probably being too harsh when Jungkook’s already troubled enough to get drunk out of his mind, but what needs to be said needs to be said.

“When was the last time you were sincere to anyone?”

It hits Jungkook right where it hurts, as if Jimin’s holding a flame over a raw wound. But he’s right, Jungkook is a selfish dick who wants but doesn’t give. He’s the kind of person who gladly takes Christmas presents from people but gives nothing back, not even a piece of wrapping paper. The kind of person you won’t give Christmas presents to next year.

“I’m sorry hyung,” Jungkook musters.

He keeps himself together as he leaves, crumbling as soon as he feels the car seat against his back. A single tear is all it takes for the floodgates to open, and Jungkook cries and cries until his eyes are dry and he can no longer open them.

Things go back to the way they were before. It’s startling, as if Jungkook never brought Taehyung to dinner, never brought Taehyung to the beach and spilled his life story. As if Taehyung never told Jungkook penis facts, never kissed him. There’s an invisible barrier between them, an unsaid rule to leave emotions untouched. They’re complete strangers, exactly what Jungkook wanted.

Taehyung remains his ever-capable secretary, following Jungkook’s instructions to a T and giving insightful inputs where necessary. His professionalism is laudable and maybe, Jungkook thinks, he never meant that much to Taehyung after all.

Jungkook’s schedule is free most of the day, aside from one important on-site inspection. He has a meeting with a senator over dinner too, but that’s after work hours.

“Are you free to come with me tonight?” It’s perfectly logical to have his secretary come with him for a business meeting. Or at least that’s what Jungkook tells himself. It’s not that he enjoys Taehyung’s company and wants to keep him around as much as possible. Not at all.

Taehyung tenses, but when he responds it’s cheerful, happy even.

“I can’t, Jungkook-sshi,” he says carefully, and Jungkook sadly notes the formality. They’d been so good once, and Jungkook just had to go ruin it by being a jerk.

“I have dinner with Hoseok tonight.”

Jungkook stills.

It’s better this way, he tells himself, repeats it like a mantra until he believes it. Hoseok is good for Taehyung, better than Jungkook could ever be. Taehyung doesn’t need to deal with a coward afraid of his own feelings, a liar who manipulates people for entertainment. Hoseok is rich, handsome, and is actually nice to people despite all of that, not an ounce of arrogance in his bones. Yes, Hoseok is infinitely better.

But Jungkook’s heart can’t agree, as much as he rationalises over and over again. Because feelings are feelings and they come from the heart, and nothing but the source can destroy them.

He watches Taehyung’s back as he leaves, gaze lingering and filled with so much longing.

Jungkook needs to fix this.

Hyung can I come over if you’re not busy?

Jungkook has two hours before his meeting with the senator. He hopes it’s enough time to apologise to Jimin, make up for the shit Jimin’s had to put up with the past eighteen years. Jungkook’s always been a dick, and he wonders why Jimin had even agreed to come down to Seoul, bringing his family along with him to work for Jungkook’s.

“I rode on your coattails and look where I am now,” Jimin used to joke, because he now has a high-paying job at Kim Enterprises (that’s probably how he met Namjoon), but Jungkook knows it isn’t true. Jimin’s family had been one of the wealthier ones in Busan, three meals easily put on the table. There’d been no reason other than Jungkook.

They’ve been together through middle school and high school and college, and Jungkook can’t count the number of times he’s ditched Jimin last minute, or rung him up in the middle of the night to copy his assignments, or forgotten his birthday. Jungkook’s obviously not a very good best friend.

I’m free you can come

Jimin doesn’t sound enthusiastic at all, but he still replied, and Jungkook will count his blessings he hasn’t been abandoned yet. He’s alone in the empty office, Taehyung long gone for his dinner with Hoseok and the other employees out celebrating the end of preparations for the venture. They hadn’t invited him and it seems as if it’ll be like this forever, Jungkook pushing people away with a perpetual sense of detachment and disinterest.

He drives over to Jimin’s as quickly as he can, stopping along the way to buy a bowl of the latter’s favourite Busan milmyeon, a peace offering of sorts. In less than twenty minutes he’s at Jimin’s doorstep, pulling his coat tighter around his body and watching smoke leave his mouth with each breath. Winter is here again, much too soon. So much has changed since the last one, but nothing has changed.

Jungkook rings the doorbell.

“Here, hyung,” he mutters as soon as Jimin opens the door, thrusting the milmyeon into his hands. Jimin’s reaction is muted; he takes the milmyeon without a word and brings it to the couch, where they’ve had countless movie nights since Jimin saved up enough to buy himself an apartment. Jungkook had been the first visitor.

The door is left open but Jungkook doesn’t know if it’s an invitation to go in. He rocks back and forth on his feet, freezing hands stuffed in his pockets.

“Come in, you idiot,” Jimin yells from inside, and Jungkook stumbles over the welcome mat as he plods in. He shakes the snow off his hair and takes off his coat, folding it neatly over the armrest of the couch. Jimin sits on the other end, already inhaling his noodles and treating Jungkook like air.

Jungkook lets out a long sigh. He lost his mom fifteen years ago, lost Taehyung last week, he can’t lose Jimin too. He really will be all alone then.

“Hyung,” he tries, but goes on anyway when Jimin continues chewing obnoxiously. Anything is better than this. Jungkook’s afraid, but he’ll bare himself just this once and tell Jimin how he feels, even if his best friend doesn’t want to listen.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been the best to you all these years. You were always just there and you did everything for me, and it was so easy to take you for granted. You probably won’t believe me because I’ve been a total asshole, but I really do love you, and I’m sorry, and I’ll never do it again. And I’m happy for you and Namjoon.”

Jimin’s still slurping loudly when Jungkook finishes.

“I’ll go now, hyung. Sorry,” Jungkook mumbles, tears pricking at the corner of his eyes. Not now, Jungkook, he tells himself, blinking profusely. Not here.He grabs his coat and gets up to leave. Of course forgiveness doesn’t come easy when you’ve trampled all over someone for eighteen years.

“Jungkook.” Jimin’s voice is clear and gentle and near, and Jungkook turns around only to be enveloped in familiar warmth. Jimin’s arms are too short to wrap around him completely; everything about Jimin has always been small and Jungkook loves teasing him about it. But he’s in no position to make fun of Jimin’s size when he’s sobbing and hiccupping into Jimin’s clean shirt, soaking Jimin’s shoulder with his ugly tears.

“Ew, gross,” Jimin laughs, ruffling Jungkook’s hair. And Jungkook still has a lot to make up for, but at least he knows they’re okay, and Jimin’s not abandoning him, and he has a lifetime to be the best friend Jimin’s never had.

The emptiness of his large apartment is too stifling for Jungkook these days, so he’s taken to lounging around Jimin’s house and annoying the hell out of Jimin and Namjoon. Namjoon’s walking around in nothing but sweatpants, giving Jimin a show of tanned skin and chiselled abs and making Jungkook want to hurl his lunch into the toilet bowl.

“Why are you here again,” Jimin whines, climbing over Namjoon before settling himself in the tight space between his boyfriend and the couch.

They’re fucking gross but also fucking cute, and Jungkook’s definitely not jealous. Not even when Jimin sighs happily into the nook of Namjoon’s neck and Namjoon looks at him like he’s the most precious thing in the world. Jungkook really could have done without the image of Kim Namjoon, ruthless businessman, cuddling with Jungkook’s best friend. He’s not scared of Namjoon anymore, after seeing him trail after Jimin like a lovesick puppy. Namjoon’s a massive sappy shit.

Then again, Jungkook isn’t much better. He’d probably never go to work again and stay in bed all day if Taehyung was his boyfriend. He wants Taehyung to be his boyfriend, duh, but Taehyung doesn’t want to be his. Taehyung has Hoseok now.

“What’s got you so foul you stankface.” Namjoon uses words from popular rap songs in the nineties and Jungkook wonders how he ever thought he was intimidating.

“He’s upset over Taehyung not caring about his dick,” Jimin says solemnly, cracking up when Jungkook throws a pillow in his face.

“Taehyung? Hoseok’s Taehyung?” Namjoon sits up at this, surprise on his face.

Yeah, Namjoon’s right. Hoseok’s Taehyung. Jungkook sighs and nods.

“Man, Hoseok’s head over heels for that guy. Keeps saying something about him being in love with his boss and trying hard to win him over.”

But it can’t be true. Taehyung doesn’t text Jungkook anymore, no live updates of the trees or the birds or any other thing he finds interesting. He doesn’t ask how Jungkook’s doing, doesn’t bring him cranberry scones in the morning, doesn’t go to dinner with him. He’s just Jungkook’s employee now, the perfect secretary.

“Taehyung’s not in love with me,” Jungkook blurts out in disbelief. Jimin rolls his eyes.

“Maybe if you actually told him how you feel, he’d be in love with you. Like, instead of hiding your feelings, why don’t you show it like a normal person. Straight, to the point, no nonsense, and no I fucked someone else in denial because I like you but I don’t want to like you shit.” Jimin is wearing a smug grin and Jungkook is starting to regret ever telling him about Taehyung.

But he’s right, if Jungkook finally managed to tell Jimin how he felt, he should be able to do the same for Taehyung. Sweet, caring Taehyung who’d drop everything to look after Jungkook when he’s sick, who’d cuddle with him and give him kisses. Jungkook’s sure Taehyung liked him then, but he isn’t so sure now.

There’s only one way to find out, and Jungkook decides he’ll throw caution to the wind just one more time.

The road leading to Taehyung’s house is as clear to Jungkook as if he’d driven here yesterday, his hands going on autopilot as they navigate the turns. He stops when he reaches the grey building, the trees lining the sidewalk unrecognisably bare. Jungkook parks his car along the sidewalk and gets out, sliding his phone out of his pocket at the same time.

Taehyung-sshi can you come out for a while?

It’s cold as hell and the snow is beginning to melt, soaking his clothes wet. But Jungkook’s afraid Taehyung won’t see him if he waits in the car, and he can’t afford to waste any more time skirting around his feelings. He’ll give himself an hour, just an hour out lest he freeze to death along the sidewalk with no one but Jimin to come to his funeral. Jungkook glances at his phone every few seconds, hoping desperately for a new notification.

His hands are stiff by the time he hits the ten-minute mark, and Jungkook frowns when his phone stays silent as ever. The roles are reversed now, Jungkook waiting anxiously for Taehyung’s texts instead of the other way round. It was Taehyung who used to be the enthusiastic one, texting him nonstop even as Jungkook only replied when he felt like it.

They could have been together a long time ago, if only Jungkook hadn’t been stupid.

Maybe Taehyung’s in the shower, or busy with other things. Maybe he isn’t even at home but out with Hoseok, having dinner or whatever else it is that they do, no time to spare for Jungkook. The thought makes Jungkook angry, not at Taehyung nor Hoseok but at himself. He should be the one having dinner with Taehyung.

Jungkook is about to give up when he hits the thirty-minute mark and his nose is numb, his hands solid cold. He slumps against the car dejectedly, and when he looks up, there’s a shadowed figure in the distance walking in his direction. Hope rises in his chest and Jungkook has to calm himself down. It might not be Taehyung, it could be anyone else out for a grocery run, but who goes out in the dead of winter at twelve midnight?

When the figure comes into view a heat tingles throughout Jungkook’s body, spreading to the tips of his frozen fingers. He’s wearing a long padded coat that makes him look like a penguin, and a bright red scarf wound around his neck, covering his nose and mouth. Taehyung’s ears are red from the short walk and he’s sniffling, but Jungkook thinks he’s never seen anything more beautiful.

“I didn’t think you’d be here,” Taehyung says quietly, eyes on the concrete below his feet. I hoped you would be. His shoulders are raised and tense, his hands clenched in his pockets. He looks so small like this and Jungkook’s heart wrenches.

“I didn’t think you’d come.” Jungkook’s voice comes out hoarse and dry, and Taehyung bites down harshly on his bottom lip.

“I wasn’t going to, you didn’t even tell me where to go, and it’s so late and cold. But then I thought you might be downstairs, and I got worried and came down to check.” Taehyung sounds almost angry, and Jungkook swears he hears him mumble you idiot, and he would be offended, but it means Taehyung cares enough not to leave him out in the freezing weather.

“So what do you want,” Taehyung says, and it probably comes out harsher than he intended when Jungkook’s mouth twitches. There is mucus dripping from his nose, his lips are almost a light purple, and Taehyung can see his body trembling even under the thick coat. He really shouldn’t be this soft when it comes to Jungkook.

“Come on,” Taehyung huffs, tugging Jungkook by the arm and leading him to his apartment building. Jungkook trudges along, limbs slowly warming up to the movement. Taehyung has always been kind, but this time Jungkook hopes it’s more than just kindness. He watches Taehyung fumble with the door, hands shaking as he tries to fit the key into the hole.

“Sit down,” Taehyung tells him as soon as they get in, and Jungkook heads to the couch while Taehyung bustles about in the kitchen. The walls are orange and most of the furniture is wooden. It’s warm and homely, and it feels just like Taehyung. Jungkook wouldn’t mind staying here forever.

Taehyung returns with two mugs of hot tea, one of which he hands to Jungkook. Wordlessly, they sip on the tea, an unexplainable anticipation filling the air. Jungkook glances up at Taehyung and their eyes meet, but Taehyung shies away from his gaze. Jungkook carefully places the mug on the table.

“Taehyung,” he begins carefully. Taehyung doesn’t look up, eyes fixed on his tea. “I’m going to come clean now...at first I just wanted to sex you up because you seemed so interesting, that’s why I took you out for dinner the first time. You rejected me and I thought, oh I have to change tactics. But then you were so warm and funny and I started taking you out because I wanted to and it scared the hell out of me. Remember what I told you at the beach? I’ve done just fine being emotionless for so long, and suddenly you came and made me remember all those things I thought I’d forgotten. So I pushed you away, and I’m so, so sorry. I was stupid and              I thought you’d be better with Hoseok.” Jungkook breathes.

“But I’m not running away this time, and I think I like – have liked you for some time. And I might – might even love you.” It’s definitely relief and a little bit of fear and hope in his chest when Jungkook finally spills the feelings he’s kept bottled up. He’s laid his heart out on the table for Taehyung, and it’s for Taehyung to make the choice between trampling all over it, and cradling it in his hands.

“You can’t tell me you love me after three months of ignoring me. It’s not fair.” Taehyung’s still looking at his tea, but to Jungkook he sounds more like he’s grumbling than rejecting him. Or at least, that’s what Jungkook hopes.

“I’ll make it up to you, I promise. I – I’ll never push you away again. I’ll take you out to dinner, I’ll buy you flowers, I’ll cook for you, I’ll even wash your socks, and – ”

“Okay.” It’s so soft and hesitant Jungkook thinks he might have imagined it. Confused and hopeful, he looks up only to see Taehyung smile. It’s shy and small, but it’s definitely a smile, one Jungkook wouldn’t mind looking at forever. It’s definitely not Jungkook’s imagination, he’s sure, when he feels Taehyung’s hand slip into his. It’s solid and real. It’s real. He lets out the breath he’d been holding.

“Okay.”

Things are more than okay, three months after The Confession, as Taehyung likes to put it, never missing an opportunity to tease Jungkook for his dramatic outburst. It wasn’t even an outburst, more like a heartfelt expression of his feelings, but Jungkook will let it slide. He always gives in to Taehyung.

It had taken this long for Taehyung to trust him again, asking him point-blank after the first month of Jungkook thinking they were boyfriends, only to be shot down: “You kissed me and fucked another guy afterwards, how do I know you won’t do it again?” It’s a valid point, although Taehyung’s honesty felt like a punch in Jungkook’s face.

They’re cuddling on the couch on a Saturday night, watching Taehyung’s favourite anime. Jungkook fell in love with a six-year-old in a twenty-seven-year-old body, he thinks amusedly, when Taehyung starts crying loudly about fucking stupid time travel and how can you break them up like this. Jungkook flips Taehyung to face him and wipes away his tears, pretending to know exactly what Taehyung’s upset about when he hasn’t really been watching.

“Don’t cry,” Jungkook says exasperatedly, pulling out at least a dozen tissues to dab at Taehyung’s eyes and nose. He’s always been weak to Taehyung’s tears. Taehyung wails a string of unintelligible alien words into Jungkook’s chest, and Jungkook can feel the wetness on his shirt. When Taehyung is done crying his heart out, he sits up, straddling Jungkook, eyes red and still sniffling. The word adorable passes through Jungkook’s mind.

“I love you,” Taehyung says suddenly. “You’re the only one who will watch anime with me and not laugh at me when I cry.”

“I love you Jeon Jungkook.”

Jungkook doesn’t realise how long he’s been waiting for this until the words are said, but the relief that floods through him is undeniable. He brings Taehyung’s face down to his and peppers it with kisses, laughter bubbling in his throat as he does this.

With Taehyung in his arms, things are definitely more than okay.

Jungkook finds out that Taehyung’s ass really is spectacular.

Taehyung finds out that Jungkook’s dick is the size of a barbarian’s.