Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kim Taehyung was going to be late. It was inevitable. That was a Kim trait through and through. Kim Sungho, his own father, had been late to his wedding, making his mother wait in the car as he arrived and she went away for another half an hour. Upon getting the cursed last name, Kim Hyejin soon became acquainted to the art of being late. She started her lifetime of missing buses and being fashionably late to all the dinner parties they had to attend. His oldest brother, Kim Seokjin, was almost four weeks late to the world. Once upon a time, his father used to tell that his lovely Hyejinnie was impossibly annoyed at everything that being a Kim entailed, raging at him to free herself from that nightmare. Jin was born right before Sungho was about to go insane. Kim Namjoon missed the beginning of his own graduation (both high school and undergrad). Finally, there was Kim Hoseok, that was just extremely late to their family. The surprise child, born when Taehyung was thirteen. No one really expected the boy to come, really. Seokjin was already in college, Namjoon, the genius, just finished high school and Taehyung was a very independent self-sufficient child.  

But one thing was missing for him, because Kim Taehyung was never late. By the grace of a God he didn’t really believe in, he was never late to anything. He was early. He was born over a month earlier, arriving to this family in time for the new year. He started walking a lot earlier, skipping the crawling stage and soon running around with his brothers. His first word, a stuttered mess between not ando no, was very early as well and thanks to Namjoon, he started reading ages before anyone in his class. He found his reason in life very early, the gift for all kinds of art blooming from the young boy at an early stage. Be it in caressing the keys of their home piano or painting the colors of their amazing garden. And now, there was also this. Kim Taehyung had found someone to live his life with very early, at the first day of high school, he met Choi Yoona and she became the most important person in his life.  

She was one of those eager to learn, to arrive, to be there. Yoona was the only one with patience and will to be his friend (outside his childhood friend Jimin), to go through every single one of his walls. They met early, got together early. Kim Taehyung was never eager to find love, but he guesses that love found him. He believes in her mantra that they don’t need to be late, but just on the right time. So even though they met and got together at fifteen, they waited for the right time, to kiss, to meet each other’s families, to take everything to the next step. They finished high school, went to college, graduated, moved in together, he proposed, they bought a beautiful house near his parents and now they were getting married after two years of engagement.  

It was all about the right time for him and he was never late. He denied the Kim destiny. He wouldn’t be like his father doing an anniversary surprise two days behind, or his mother discovering that her favorite musician had died months after, or when Jin took so long to finish his special family lunch that they had to eat it for dinner, or when Namjoon took too long to realize he loved Jimin and almost lost him. Or when Hoseok was so tired of always losing the time for the school bus that he put alarm clocks all over the house, hidden away, only for it to be a saturday with the whole family getting awaken to hunt for clocks at seven in the morning.  

“Can you all stop bickering?” Taehyung asked his family. His parents were throwing their usual insults at each other, and Namjoon was trying to distract everyone from the broken statuette on the table. Hoseok was hopping around in his little suit. “Seokjin, my hair is fine like this. You like to say you are the only handsome one in the family, but I know my worth. We have to go.” 

“We are not at all close of being ready. Look at Hoseok’s hair, it’s a mess. Namjoon, dear, we all saw that you broke the statuette. Seokjin, your brother wants to get married with his rebellious hair like that, let him. We can always fix it for the photos.” His mother instructed them. “Taehyung, darling, please tell your father that he can’t wear that suit.” 

“He looks nice, mother.” Taehyung said, sighing. It’s been years like this, their parents bickering. His father looking tired and using sarcasm as their mother nagged all of them. “You look nice, father.” 

“Thank you, baby bear.” His father said, already smiling. 

“I have a question.” Hoseok said while he messed his hair yet again and got rid of his tie. All of them looked at him for a moment, Jimin already holding his laugh.  

“Oh, good God, can someone put a gag on this child?” Was the exasperated sigh that came from Hyejin. Hoseok had been driving them crazy with his impossible questions for ages now. Taehyung was putting his cufflinks, almost done as he listened to his family rambling. 

“Why is the alphabet in that order?” 

“Nobody knows, nobody cares. It’s your brother’s wedding today, can you behave for once and just be quiet and where did your tie go, Kim Hoseok?”  

Taehyung finally entered the room, everybody looking at him. He could feel Seokjin’s hand ghosting his hair and his mother trying not to cry, the same being applied to Jimin. His father smiled at him, albeit a little faint. He had been a little quiet during wedding preparations. But all of them gave their approval, even little Hobi as he laughed. “You look like a penguin.” 

In the end, they divided themselves in two cars. Taehyung went along with his father and Jimin is one, the two calmer souls that could relax him a bit. While the crazy car was carrying Namjoon, Seokjin, Hoseok and their mother. 

“There’s still time, we can ask the driver to turn around.” Jimin said as he looked out the window. Taehyung sighed. “I think you are jumping too fast into this.” 

“Fast? We’ve known each other for ten years, been together for almost as much, engaged for two. Do you know how many times I had to have this conversation with her mother? With my mother? I’m not rushing into anything, not all of us can have a great love like...” He looked at his father. Their parents still didn’t know about Namjoon and Jimin. “Our parents.” 

Jimin snorted. His own parents’ marriage was a joke only held together by the law of God. But he knew what Taehyung had meant. About how he had always been in love with Namjoon since he was a kid and how when he had come back from attending college in England to meet a grown Jimin, both of them had known it wasn’t a stupid childhood crush. “How long have you been married, Mr. K?” 

His father sighed. “Thirty years.” There was this exhausted tone in his voice. “If I'd ended it all when I first thought about it, I'd be out by now. A free man.” The pauses for dramatic effect made Taehyung laugh. This was their newest trend, curse the day of their wedding. Taehyung thought some of it was for him, for show, he knew his father wasn’t the most keen on his decision. “I remember all the way to the church I just wanted to shout... Stop the car! This is a horrible mistake. But you can't, can you? So, you just sit there, say nothing... as the wheels keep turning, leading you on to the longest sentence...” 

“Stop the car!” Taehyung yelled. He was feeling like he was on his way to jail or something. The air on the car suddenly scarce as he felt as he couldn’t breathe, the knot of his silver tie closing off around his throat tighter and tighter. “I forgot to pee. You can stop at this Panda Express, please.” 

Taehyung got out of the car, running inside the fast-food restaurant. People were looking at him, amazed by a guy in a suit walking in at this hour. He went to the bathroom and spent a few moments looking at his reflection in the mirror, taking deep breaths. Getting out, he went to the cashier and asked for a fortune cookie. He was craving orange chicken, but he knew if he were to eat something, he would throw up. He was nervous, it was an important day. 

The most important one.  

Getting back to the car, he threw the fortune cookies to his father and Jimin and gave the driver the instructions to continue to the church. Both men looked at him like he had gone crazy, but something was calling him for it. “Open the cookies and read me your fortunes, please.” 

“People are naturally attracted to you... In bed.” Jimin said, already munching on the cookie as he read the fortune. Both Kims looked at him with curiosity. “I thought you were supposed to add in bed at the end of every fortune or something. It’s true though, you’ve been a faithful man, a boring married couple since forever, but everyone wanted you. The numbers are shit, there’s no thirteen.” 

Taehyung scoffed, his best friend’s obsession with the number was back again. His father was happily eating the cookie, the fortune lost in his lap. Taehyung bit his lip and grabbed it. It could be better, but it’s good enough.  That’s just nonsense. It could be better, but it’s good enough in bed. Fucking Jimin. Now was not the time to get out of focus. He didn’t even bother to read those most of times. His own brother ate the fortune once at a party.  Why was he even doing this? 

His fingers were trembling when he parted his own cookie, crumbs on his lap (his mother would kill him if she could see the microparticles of fortune cookies touching the soft fabric of his suit). He grabbed the fortune and read it. A pleasant surprise is awaiting you.   

“In bed. A pleasant surprise is awaiting you in bed. It’s the honeymoon, it’s supposed to happen. Probably some lingerie, I don’t want to know your kinks.” Jimin said, reading over his shoulder. A pleasant surprise probably means that he will feel relieved after, right? This is the wedding jitters, the normal cold feet that surges the groom and the bride on their big day. It’s normal, he loves Yoona. “09, 01, 17, 12, 30. Aside from the 17, your birthday is December 30th and Yoona’s is January 9th, I'm a bit scared. Wait. Isn’t your anniversary on the 17th?” 

“Today is the 17th, Jimin.” His father said, looking at the window. “Eat your cookie, boy. And you better sweep every single crumb away from your trousers, I swear that woman is like a shark with blood when it comes to crumbs. I can’t even eat on my own living room.” 

The rest of the way was uneventful. Taehyung watched the streets and the gray sky. It wasn’t raining only by a spell his mother must have casted. The church, of course, was beautiful. Gothic architecture, the decoration up to the nines, it was the most awaited wedding after all. One of the heirs of the Kim family was marrying the heiress to the Choi family. Sure, the Chois weren’t as economically influential as they had once been, but they still had the status and the name.  

His father opened the door, already groaning when he saw his wife and youngest child bothering a poor man. The man, was definitely out of place as well. He was wearing worn out jeans and a black shirt, sleeves up showing the intricate designs on his forearms and hands. When she saw the car, Hyejin grabbed something from the men and hurried to them. “She’s coming, check for crumbs. Last to the altar is a sissy.” 

Taehyung chuckled. Jimin was the next to move to the car door, stopping to look back at his best friend, a smile on his lips. “This is it then. Wish me luck.” 

“Wish you luck?” Taehyung asked, raising his brow. Jimin just huffed, ignoring the amusement on his best friend’s face.  

“Of course. I’m the maid of honor-”  

“Best man.” 

“Same thing. I waisted weeks of my time organizing this shit. I went to taste cake and food samples, I chose the champagne, helped with the venues. Seokjin is a diva, someone had to control him. Your mother would transform this in a show, Yoona is always confused and Lee Soomin is the worst. She would’ve let you marry in a ditch. I’m the best man and best men always blow at weddings. All the bridesmaids will want me and will want Joonie. I’ll have to swap them away with class.” 

“Good luck then. I don’t need luck. I feel ready.” He said and surprisingly he meant it. Even when he exited the car and his mother latched herself on him, putting the flower on his lapel. A pink carnation, Yoona’s birthday flower. He researched it, sent in a photo to Jin. He saw that a pink one meant ‘I will never forget you’. He thought it was fitting and they were beautiful.  

“You guys took forever, but I called that weird friend of your fiancée and she said they are circling the neighborhood a bit before setting their way here. In the end, we are on time, isn’t that wonderful, my little tiger?” His mother said, already fixing his messy locks and aligning his tie. “We need to get in.” 

“Where’s Hobi?” He asked her, noting that his little brother was nowhere to be found. They had agreed that the boy wouldn’t do much in the wedding because of his inability to stay quiet. So, he was supposed to stay with their mother at all times. “Mother?” 

“Oh, he made a little friend. The florist, quite the odd guy, but he kept answering his nonsensical questions, so I made sure to allow them to sit together while I walk you to the altar. Are you ready, my baby?” 

Taehyung nodded and soon he found himself going down the long hall of the church, the altar ready with Jimin already there, alongside Namjoon and Seokjin. He looked around, let his mother on the first aisle, before going up the altar. He noticed that someone was up beside Hobi, his back to Taehyung. Jimin poked him, a smile on his face that he gave back.  

Upon looking forward he saw his face. The man that was sitting beside his little brother. He had sharp features, but still so soft, auburn hair falling in curls over his doe eyes. Eyes that had a spark that went straight to Taehyung, shivers down his spine as time stood still. It was a second that lasted an eternity, but it was over in a blink and suddenly the man wasn’t there.  

Time must have resumed, because he heard the wedding march and everybody stood as the flower girl came, followed by the bridesmaids and Yoona was there, alongside Mr. Choi, looking so beautiful is her pristine white dress, long lace sleeves hugging her arms, her shoulders bare and her collarbones glowing. The corset displaying her tiny waist and the dress falling in an intricacy of soft fabric. Her ebony hair framing her face perfectly, the tiara holding the veil over her face, but he could still see her. Perfectly. Choi Yoona, the girl that brought him out to the world, the most amazing woman, his best friend, his fiancée, his soon-to-be wife.   

But for a second, his eyes wandered, went beyond her astounding frame, to the church doors, seeing a figure walking away, hands on pockets. Taehyung felt his heart beating at the rhythm of the march, clenching on his chest as his eyes fixated on that image and he felt the axis of the world tilting, the rotation of the earth moving just an inch.  

It was like he couldn’t breathe properly before, but now it was changed.  

Kim Taehyung was a victim of the Kim curse after all. A lifetime of being early, of being on time, of never missing a thing. He was never late. He was always early. Everything was fine with him, he was immune. Or so he thought.  

Because, apparently, he was too late falling in love. 

Chapter Text

It was a misty gray morning. Humid enough, but not a drop of rain. That was good, as Jeongguk had a wedding to cater for. He had to thank Seokjin, the last-minute reference was lifesaving. Administering a business was hard. He had his student loans for so long and he also had medical bills, medications and people that depended on him. Selling flowers had its high and low points. Some days were good, all the special occasions around the year, especially Valentine’s Day. Jeongguk was good at it, he didn’t just sell flowers, he sold love letters, candid stories and art pieces. He sold smiles, promises, wishes and requests.

But spring was a wild ride. People liked seeing flowers on the street, some liked to have them at home, but in general, business was unpredictable. Their greenhouse was working perfectly, but people weren’t prioritizing having a little colorful beauty these days. That’s why he loved Seokjin and his tendency to bring him along on almost every event his restaurant catered for. This time, it was for his own brother’s wedding.

He was finishing the bride’s bouquet, a beautiful cascading one with red and white poinsettias and some greenery added for flourish. It was an odd choice for a spring wedding, but the Aztecs believed it was a symbol for purity, which was what most brides chose to portray on a wedding day. Nowadays, it meant success, which was fitting.

The décor was all dark colored and elegant. White, purple and violet roses, white and lilac hydrangeas, irises, ranunculus, some succulent branches with greenery and eucalyptus. He had made the centerpieces and would arrange them during the morning. Seokjin would be there with the wedding planner to instruct before he went back to get ready. It would be quite the big wedding, so he had a lot of work to do. They were getting married in the Myeongdong Cathedral and the reception was to be on a rooftop. Jeongguk was supposed to go and do the entire reception first and then head to the church.

Jeongguk was busy with his final touches, tattooed hand arranging the flowers to form the bouquet as he heard the telling sound of his bell. It was a woman, looking around the shop with a somber, but annoyed expression. “Can I help you?”

“Hello. I want something that says. ‘I’m sorry that he’s dead... but not that sorry.” She said, eyes a little bored as Jeongguk had started looking around for white lilies.

The end of the sentence caught him off guard. Oh, so she was one of those clients then. Those insensitive ‘I think a bouquet can solve it’ ones that usually sought out Jeongguk to justify cheating or to distract someone from the horrible thing they would be doing. The classic ‘sorry I’m an insensitive asshole who keeps fucking up’ flowers. “Pardon?”

“Yes, you heard me. I’m sorry he died, but not much, he was just a dog, and you shouldn’t have loved him more than me. Can you do me a bunch that says that?” The woman insisted and Jeongguk scoffed. He should have never opened the shop today; the wedding would be paying him enough. Triple of what he usually charges for an event this big (in truth he never had an event this big before and they tripled his asking price for the inconvenience of the tight schedule).

But he gave the woman a bouquet with expensive flowers. He would put this money away as a donation for a that rescue charity his ex used to volunteer at. After that, he finished everything and went to load his van up.

“You’re late.” Was what he said as Yoongi got closer. His friend only shrugged, offering a curse and a sorry as a way of explanation before asking about the job and saying that Jeongguk always managed to come out on top anyways. “It’s a wedding and I come out on top because one of us have to.”

“I know very well that I’m a switch, Jeongguk.” Yoongi said, laughing, as Jeongguk rolled his eyes and kept putting the flowers in the van. The son of a bitch had the audacity to wink at him. Why he was Jeongguk’s best friend remained a mystery to this day. “Nice couple?”

“Haven’t met them. But judging by the amount they’re paying me for flowers, both venues and all the circumstance, I’m afraid it’s about to be a very proper heteronormative wedding. It’s in a church, catholic ceremony. I’ve only talked with the planner and- the mothers. It’s all about the mother.”

“Isn’t it always? A church, really? People our age still do this in churches?” He asked, finally helping Jeongguk with the van. “Come out with me afterwards, will you? Drinks and dancing? There’s this new club in Itaewon, a friend told me about it. He likes to dance, and you like to dance. Sounds like a plan, huh? You and me, like the old times.”

“Sure.” Jeongguk answered.

“You will?” Yoongi asked, his voice dripping with doubt. He usually had to bother Jeongguk a lot more to go out these days. Both of them were introverts, but lately Jeongguk only lived to arrange flowers and that didn’t sit right with him. Jeongguk answered him with an ‘absolutely’ that had him a bit more assured, but he was waiting for the catch. “Cool then, Guk. How about we go together then, we can grab a bite to eat before.”

“I’ll meet you there, hyung.”

Yoongi scoffed. There it was. “You’re not coming. And don’t come with ‘oh, I have to watch my animes’ or some other shitty excuse. Netflix won’t go away because of one night. You need a love life, Jeongguk. It's been almost a year, I'm afraid.”

“I have a like life, hyung. It suits me fine.” Was Jeongguk’s final answer as he entered the van and began driving towards the venue. Sure, he was a healthy and attractive male on his mid-to-late twenties, he knew he had to live his life and let loose sometimes, but right now he had no patience for romance. It wasn’t like he became celibate after his break-up, but he preferred the impersonality of quick hook-ups.

His glare during the drive was enough to shut Yoongi up and the two went to the rooftop, meeting with the planner and all the organizers for the party. The place was very beautiful, there was a fountain and this twinkly-lights hanging all over the place and then over the main table there was incandescent lamps, dozens of them, floating. They arranged the centerpieces and put the flowers around. He decorated the kind of gazebo that was arranged there with the nuances of purple and white flowers and it painted a pretty picture, as it was already full of lamps and lights.

They finished at the beginning of the afternoon, Jeongguk and Yoongi both going for lunch before they had to go to the church. Decorating it was a lot simpler, as the cathedral already had a lot to offer where décor was concerned. He grabbed the flowers for the wedding party and went to wait for them at the entrance. Yoongi was somewhere around smoking, and it was all Jeongguk wanted, but only after he was done.

He saw Seokjin making a fuss around a woman that looked a lot like him and another tall man with the nicest thighs Jeongguk had ever seen. That served as a remember to go back to the gym as well, it had been a while. He saw a woman dressed in a white dress, the bride obviously (if it wasn’t there would be a big problem). She was early. Jeongguk decided to approach and already give her the bouquet.

“Yoona, honey, you are very early. Taehyung is not here yet. He was right behind us but knowing my husband they probably chose a rubbish route.” The woman, Mrs. Kim, he presumed, was talking. “You should go for a drive around the block, until the planner gives you the okay. Taehyung can arrive at any moment now and he must not see you.”

“I’m just a little nervous, is all. I still have to put on my veil and, oh God, my bouquet, I have to get it, it’s too much, I’m lost.” That was the moment where Jeongguk decided to say hi, asking if she was the bride, for confirmation. “Oh, hi. Yes, I’m Choi Yoona, soon to be Kim.”

“Pleasure. Well, I did your flowers.” He offered, giving her the bouquet. The bride squealed, grabbing it and looking around.

“Oh, did you? They are fabulous, just like I imagined it. I made Taehyung sketch it for me, but with other flowers, the poinsettias are a surprise. It’s perfect, isn’t it, Soo?” She asked the girl beside her, presumably a bridesmaid, that was too busy checking Jeongguk out.

“Sure, Yoons, fabulous indeed.” The girl said, her eyes still glued on Jeongguk as she smirked a little. “Although I wouldn’t know a lot to compare, not a big flower enthusiast... yet.”

Yoona seemed to be a little annoyed, but all of that stopped when this little boy stood in front of her, a big sunshine smile on his cute face. “Hi, Yoon.”

“Hi, bug.”

Not wanting to impose on the adorable interaction, Jeongguk greeted Seokjin and the other guy, already giving them the flowers for their lapels and helping to put it on. He felt a delicate hand on his bicep, perfectly manicured nails pressuring his muscle. “You want some help with this thing?”

Right, the Soo woman. Bride’s friend, possibly maid of honor. He smiled at her and grabbed the smaller bouquet. “This is yours. No help needed, I’m afraid.”

“If you excuse me, honey, you don’t look like a florist, you know. You’re too... rugged and- strong. Thought you were a boxer or maybe a tattoo artist. Do you work out?”

“I am a florist, yes, and I also do two of the things you just mentioned.” He answered.

“You know, under this pretty lilac dress, I also have a little bit of muscle. I’ve been wanting to be a little more defined, you know. Maybe you could help. Would you like?”

“I’m not a big fan of muscles. I prefer soft curves.” Like a nice ass. And dick, he wanted to add. But it was too much effort. He was used to it, wedding tended to let people a little more forward when it came to hitting on strangers and he knew that he was attractive. Women and men usually hit on him during his wedding gigs and on a few special occasions he ended up getting blown in the bathroom. But today, with her, wasn’t going to be one of those.

“The bonus is, though, I’m very sensitive, too. I’m soft, but on the inside.” She continued. He was helping Seokjin now with his lapel and his friend, the traitor, was trying very hard not to laugh.

“Yoon, can I ask a question?” They all heard the kid’s voice cutting through the silence, all eyes suddenly on the little boy. The mother sighed, mumbling a ‘not now’. Seokjin chuckled.

“What’s the question, Hobi?”

“What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?” The child asked and all the adults around him looked around, frowns on their faces.

The bride laughed. “I’m afraid I can’t help you with that, I haven’t got a clue, bug.”

“C’mon, baby.” Mrs. Kim said, already grabbing the kid’s hand. “You see, no one knows. Now we have to let Yoona go so she can marry your brother in peace.”

Oh. He was Seokjin’s little brother. Jeongguk remembered his friend telling him about the surprise child in their family and how he was an unusual, but bright kid. “It never happens.” He begins, everyone suddenly looking at him. “If there’s a thing that can’t be stopped... it’s not possible for there to be something that can’t be moved, and vice-versa. They can’t both exist, it’s a paradox. I mean, you see? It’s a trick question... is the answer.”

“Can he sit with me?”

That’s how Jeon Jeongguk found himself sitting in the front aisle inside a church, waiting for the straightest thing ever, a catholic wedding, to take place. He had been instructed to give the remaining flowers to the mother and to accompany the child, keep him distracted until it was time. He was adorable and very smart, but Jeongguk didn’t want to be there. He wanted a smoke and maybe some scotch on the rocks. He definitely wanted to get out. “What am I doing here?”

“When do fish sleep?” Was what the kid asked instead of answering Jeongguk. Seemed like he was the only one allowed to ask questions. Jeongguk laughed.

“Whenever they feel tired, I guess. Some have their own houses, have you watched Finding nemo? They lived on the anemone. What’s your name, anyway?” He asked. “I’m Jeongguk.”

“My family calls me ‘H’. They tell me it’s short for Hoseok, but it’s not. It’s short for Jesus H Christ, that’s what hyung said mom yelled when she found out she was pregnant with me. People call me Hobi, Joon-hyung calls me Hope and Tae-hyung calls me sunshine. Yoon calls me bug. Isn’t she pretty? Everybody says Yoon and Taetae will have beautiful children. Jin-hyung said he would have the most beautiful ones though.”

Jeongguk laughed. The groom entered, accompanied by his mother and suddenly she was sitting beside him and Hobi. Jeongguk stopped looking at his hands and looked to where the boy pointed, meeting the face of the most handsome man he had ever seen.

The man met his look with confusion. All written beautifully on his angelic features as he blinked. It was just a second, but enough for Jeongguk to get out of there. “See you later, sunny boy.” He said to Hoseok as he retreated by the sides, as the mother of the bride and father of the groom entered and then the wedding march started. The doors opened and a little girl arrived, followed by the bridesmaids. Jeongguk looked back for a second, at the gorgeous man, he was smiling, although there was some unidentified emotion on his face.

He was ethereal. Beautiful. Everything, from his messy hair to his dark eyes, heart lips and sharp jaw. His smile was a little boxy, but also so genuine. His skin was golden and sparkling under the lighting. He looked thrown back by his fiancée walking down the aisle. Jeongguk smiled, looking up and exited the church.

It was a miracle that he found Yoongi quickly, snatching a cigarette. “Fuck, shit.”

“What happened? You look like you saw the apocalypse coming or something.” Yoongi asked when he saw Jeongguk come to him, eyes wide. “Did she hate the bouquet? Because that was a masterpiece, as it would be expected of us. That can’t be it. Oh, no, did the bride run away or something?”

I wish, was the first thing that crossed Jeongguk’s mind, and he clenched his jaw. Fuck his life, why was he feeling like this? It was just a pretty man. The perfect one, really, but just a nice-looking man. No reason for his heart to be racing and clenching on his chest. Or for a small voice inside his brain to be screaming at him to stop that wedding, maybe. “Nothing, really. Just tired of this shit. Groom’s hot, though.”

“Oh? Is he now? That’s interesting. You know what this is, right? This is the lack of sex getting to you. Now you even noticing straight men on their wedding. You should come to the club with me, blow off some steam. I would even lend a hand, but I’ve been seeing this guy and maybe things will work out.”

Jeongguk rolled his eyes. “You say that every time. For your information, I had sex like two weeks ago, I’m more than fine. It’s just- it was weird, I could swear that- I don’t know, it’s a catholic wedding, maybe he is closeted or something, that’s just sad.”

“Your sense for these things is usually right, but maybe he is bisexual or something.”

“Maybe. Either way, he’s just a pretty boy, nothing much, it was just that whiplash attraction. He is getting married to a woman. Even if it was to a man, he’s getting married, I don’t even know him.” Jeongguk argued, more with himself than with Yoongi.

“Weren’t you the one the firm believer of ‘when you know, you know’? Wasn’t that the exact reason why you broke up with your ex? Besides all that peskiness of him fucking some other guy, of course. Was the groom just hot or it was more of a connection? I know you, Jeon.” Yoongi said, raising his brow. “You are not that affected by a pretty face only.”

“I don’t even know the guy. Stop this nonsense. He was hot, nice ass, pretty lips, my imagination ran a little wild, is all. He is Seokjin’s brother. You know that guy is pretty much perfect. Stop bringing your delusion into this.”

“Whatever you say, Guk.”

“We should be going to the reception venue while it’s still bright out. I have to take pictures to update our portfolio, that was one of our finest arrangements. Also, I don’t know how long it’s gonna take here and I wouldn’t want to miss the sunset on that rooftop. I might want to take some more pictures.”

“You know, we could always hire someone to tend the shop, teach them how to arrange, some starving art student or something. You clearly don’t want to be doing this. Sure, you’re good with flowers, knows a lot about them, but your passion is something else. Photography, film. Just, you don’t need to sacrifice yourself. We have universal health care and that are so many people that care and are invested, we can get by.”

“Not yet. I have a five-year plan. I can’t leave the shop without having someone that will do things my way and make it thrive. I have my usual clients, the ones that like their specific arrangements, we have that deal with the art group and that theater company. It’s not the time. We should be going, hyung.”

Yoongi shrugged, but both walked towards the parking lot, Jeongguk going for the van and driving away. Getting to the rooftop, he almost gasped. Now the venue was completely ready, there was a champagne tower and a chocolate fountain and huge posters of the bride and groom on the beach. There was some of the bride alone and she looked very beautiful, with her long dark hair falling in waves, a pink flower arrangement in it, and her pretty black blouse, shoulders bare as she smiled at the camera, the sea so blue behind her. In the other, she was wearing a white dress, her hair done in a bun as she smiled.

Going along the line, there was another collection of photos, now the both of them playing around in the beach, splashing each other with water, smiles on their faces. The groom was just as beautiful as he was there waiting for her on the church, but much more carefree now. He was wearing am oversized white shirt and his hair was lighter and had no curls, but he was still beautiful. Smiling and jumping around, hugging her. Something on his chest clenched, but he ignored it.

Last, it was two shots of him alone. He had glasses, a beret and a kerchief on. In one of the photos, he looked like he was staring right at Jeongguk, daring him to... look away or not be seduced. His lips were so pink, and his eyes were piercing his very soul. On the other, he has the temple tip of his glasses lodged on his lower lip, that looked plump and delicious, as he winked with one eye.

“That the groom? Damn, he is hot. Model hot, look at his easiness in front of the camera. Damn, we should ask his to pose for us with a bunch of flowers. It’d be good for business.” Yoongi said, suddenly waking Jeongguk from his trance.

“Well, he is Jin’s brother.” Jeongguk noted. Again, because apparently Yoongi never paid attention to the things he said.

“Jin as in Seokjin? Kim Seokjin? Your hot caterer friend that does recs for us to do these events? Damn, those genes must be blessed, because I actually knew the other one, you know. What was his name again? Namjoon? He used to perform at the same bar I did back in the day. He was hot too. A lot of gay potential. Isn’t Seokjin gay as well?”

“Nah, he has a girlfriend. I never met her, she’s a doctor, works for the Doctors Without Borders. They met when Jin went to do volunteer work, if I’m not mistaken.” Jeongguk said. “She might be here tonight.”

“That’s a shame. Do you know if Namjoon has a girlfriend?” Yoongi asked. Jeongguk sighed, Yoongi always did this. Alright, he knew that weddings were a hot hook-up spots and they weren’t working anymore. Usually, he only stayed a bit, to appease the planners and do some networking, but this time Seokjin called him to the reception, said it was a gift, for them to enjoy his food and the open bar.

With a gin and tonic on his hand, he was feeling a little loose. “Please, don’t hit on the groom’s family. I don’t know Namjoon a lot, I know he is the prodigal son. He is the CEO at their company and all. Jin never mentioned a girlfriend, though. But whatever you knew about him during your rap days is no longer true.”

Yoongi smiled. “Your timing is impeccable. Uh, who’s the blondie? A fourth Kim brother? Is he off limits as well?”

Raising his brow, Jeongguk heard a voice calling him, only to turn and see Seokjin walking to him with open arms, followed by Namjoon and an unknown blond man. They hugged briefly and Jin did introductions between all of them.

“You did the flowers then?” Jimin, the best man, as Seokjin had said with a level of distaste, asked Jeongguk. “They were very beautiful. I like this one from my lapel, but I thought it was nice of Tae to use a carnation.”

Jeongguk was unable to hold back his snort, and everybody looked at him. “Oh, sorry. Carnations are a good choice, generally. I didn’t understand when Jin-hyung showed be the picture why he chose that one. The meaning is quite... well, it’s an unusual choice. Of course, not all people research for this kind of thing.”

“Carnations are her birth flowers.” Jin offered. “Taehyung chose the pink ones because he read somewhere that it meant ‘I will never forget you’.”

“Oh, yeah. It can, it also means undying motherly love, coming to earth from the tears of the Virgin Mary.” Jeongguk told them and it was Jimin’s time to snort. “The one you showed me wasn’t a pink carnation though, it was a two-toned one. It means ‘I cannot be with you’, not exactly what you want it to represent on your wedding day.” He shrugged as the others looked surprised. “But flowers don’t hold power over our lives, I don’t believe so.”

“What’s your favorite flower?” Namjoon asked, as he stared at Yoongi, a confused expression on his face. “I don’t dabble in this sort of thing, I very much like flowers, but I’m not one for taking care of plants or- anything, really.”

Jimin laughed, his head against his arm for a bit and then he gulped and gave a step backwards. “Joon-ah is really busy. You do like trees though. And you are doing well with the bonsai I bought you.”

Namjoon smiled at him. The sort of blinding love smile that completely lit up his face, wrinkling his eyes and showing off his cute dimples. “I do like trees, you’re absolutely right, Minie.” And then he went back to Yoongi, frown on his face. “Sorry, what was your name again, I think I missed it?”

“Min Yoongi, but you knew me back then as Agust D, right, Rapmon?” Yoongi said and Namjoon’s eyes went wide. “To be fair, it’s been like ten years, I like to think I no longer look the same.”

“Shit, yeah. I’m sorry. Uh, he used to perform on those bars I went before going to college, you know. The underground rap stuff?” He clarified to the others.

“You completely vanished.” Yoongi said.

“Yes, uh, I went abroad for college, actually. England. Pretty much didn’t put my foot in Korea for a good four years, came back and started at the company.”

“You were all people talked about for a while, you know? You were good. Should drop by sometime, do a revival for a night.” Yoongi offered and both him and Jeongguk noticed how Jimin pulled his arm, smiling brightly.

“You should, I love when you show me your music.” He said, as Namjoon blushed. “We are roommates. He is busy all the time, but sometimes he likes to dabble in this stuff along with Taehyung.”

Yoongi and Jeongguk exchanged looks. The two men looked awfully close. Seokjin didn’t bat an eyelash, but also didn’t introduce them as a couple. He had said Jimin was a friend of the family and Taehyung’s best man, instead of him. Still, there was something there, glowing in their eyes when they looked at each other, besides the fact that these two grown rich men shared a home. Jeongguk would never share his space if he didn’t need to, only if he was in love. The two looked like they were in love.

Still, they didn’t say anything, so they continued with more small talk, Jeongguk even finally explaining that he didn’t have a favorite flower per se, as he tended to dig deeper in their meanings and his preference change, almost like it was a mood or an emotion to choose from.

“Where are the newlyweds?” Yoongi asked, a pointed look thrown at Jeongguk. Great.

“They are probably fucking as they had this celibacy thing going. Also, this last week she stayed with her parents to ‘at least resemble that she didn’t live a life of sin up until now’ as her parents had said.” Jin said, laughing. “Also, they planned a big entrance.”

“I doubt they’re fucking. If I know Taehyung well, and I fucking do, they are probably downing a tequila shot for now and stuffing their faces in the kitchen, because they know they won’t be able to eat probably until dinner is served and even then, just for a while until it’s time for speeches and everything.”

“That makes sense, the bride and the groom rarely eat at weddings. Which is a pity, because my food is superb and today the menu is just perfect, my sous-chef can almost do it like me.”

“Also, they will have almost two whole months to fuck.” Namjoon said. “Taehyung said that Yoona used all her accumulated vacation time and other leaves for them to do the whole trip.”

Jimin looked at the slight confusion in Yoongi and Jeongguk’s eyes. “When Tae and I graduated high school, we used all our graduation money to make a trip around Asia, just us. Yoona only met us in Taiwan, but her dream was always to travel and write about these different places. They would go after college, but she has that horrible job.”

“Her slimey boss makes my skin crawl. We have their account for marketing and the meetings are just a mess. We can’t bring Taehyung, because he hates the woman already.”

“She sells insurance, if I’m not mistaken. But now Taehyung planned this big trip to Europe and the Mediterranean. They will mostly backpack after a luxury week in Monaco, courtesy of your parents, isn’t it?” Jimin asked Namjoon, who nodded.

Jeongguk and Yoongi exchanged looks. For a few minutes, while talking to Seokjin, their co-worker and Jeongguk’s friend since college, and Namjoon, former underground rapper, they had forgotten that they were talking to Seoul elite, that they were on a roof-top with the most beautiful view and that they had paid an exorbitant amount on Jeongguk’s flowers.

Their conversation was soon cut-short when they heard an upbeat song start playing and then the newlywed couple appeared on the dance floor as everybody clapped. What surprised Jeongguk and Yoongi, as they weren’t regal and stuffy about it, opting for a fun entrance.

The groom was hearing a white hat and purple shades and a feather boa and the bride had a fake blue bowtie loosely around her neck, a sparkly red jacket and star-shaped glasses. They were dancing around, the guy twirling her as they laughed and hugged and bowed at the sound of the applause.

Jimin clapped and screamed as he ran in the direction of the dance floor with an equally squealing Seokjin and Namjoon threw them an “excuse us” before following them. “Damn, what do you think their mother ate when she was pregnant, because- he looks like a model. I almost feel sorry for the bride, because the attention must be all on him.” Yoongi said.

“Not everyone is a thirsty gay hoe like you, Min. Relax a bit, yeah?” Jeongguk told him, chuckling, but inside he couldn’t help but agree. His eyes were glued to the boy, with his black hair falling in front of his purple shades and his boxy smile lighting up his face with happiness.

“Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time on this very beautiful summer evening, about to dance the sunset away, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Kim.” They heard Jimin say, after the boy grabbed the mic from the planner that had been waiting for him. “Please, let us all be seated while they sway for the first time as husband and wife.”

There was a girl on the piano, and she started to play, beautifully, as Taehyung gave most of his gadgets to a waiting Hoseok, keeping the white hat, as his wife did the same to one of her bridesmaids. Jeongguk recognized the song, Iris, as he twirled her again, then rested his hand on her waist as they both started dancing to the song. They moved beautifully as the girl started singing. Jeongguk saw both Jimin and Seokjin smiling through their tears and Namjoon observing his brother with loving eyes. The little Hobi was jumping on his feet, eager to show everyone his dance moves that his Min-hyung had taught him.

Their eyes were locked as they danced, both at ease near each other, happy features on their faces. Taehyung grabbed her by the waist and lifted her as he twirled, her dress flowing and then he put his hat on her head as they smiled, getting closer, forgetting the audience.

Jeongguk’s heart as betting slowly, each contraction tighter than the other as he felt his body reject that scene. He went back to the church, imagining if it was just them when their eyes met, maybe when he was out one day to admire the artistry of the architecture of those religious temples or maybe even try an attempt of prayer to an entity that he no longer really believed in.

When he saw Taehyung, he felt like they had stopped, and the world kept going. Even if it was for a second, their souls were connecting while everything around just went on normally, as if Jeongguk hadn’t just met a man that he didn’t know, but for whom his heart called for in screams. Whose smile was so familiar, whose aura burned bright on his retina, burning the perfect image for the first time, even though his spirit soared as if he was a long-lost lover.

Forgive me, father, for I have sinned.

It’s what he should have said to the awaiting priest. There were two people ready to be bound in holy matrimony and Jeongguk was coveting the man as if he was his, was portraying most of the deadly sins. Greed, envy. Lust.

Except he knew it wasn’t. He knew. Something inside of him yearned for more. It wasn’t just because of a pretty face, there was something familiar, something special, something that made him feel like he spent his whole life looking for that man.

“That was incredibly heterosexual.” Yoongi said, before him, offering him another glass of booze that he promptly drank. “Oh, there, buddy. Hold on for a bit, there are still a lot of hours of booze ahead of us.”

There was a commotion when the groom announced he had a surprise for his bride and went to the piano, sitting down in front of it at the small stage. The bride smiled while the others all cooed and clapped as Taehyung started playing.

Jeongguk had his head down, trying to listen closely, but looked up when he heard the first note falling from his lips. His voice was beautiful, deep, but soft. His eyes went straight to the man and then a shiver went up his spine when he realized that there were dark eyes locked with his.

I've been alone with you inside my mind
And in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times
I sometimes see you pass outside my door
Hello, is it me you're looking for?

He was singing, some moments losing himself on the song, but his eyes when opened were glued to Jeongguk’s and he was feeling his heart speeding up like crazy. The connection between their eyes were vibrating like soundwaves and it was almost burning, it was almost like staring straight at the sun without shades on. Taehyung looked surprised and confused as he sang, but every time he opened his eyes, Jeongguk was looking back.

That was until a voice came together with Taehyung and he looked to his side, as he harmonized with his wife. Jeongguk swallowed. Of course, she had a beautiful voice.

I can see it in your eyes
I can see it in your smile
You're all I've ever wanted, and my arms are open wide
'Cause you know just what to say
And you know just what to do
And I want to tell you so much, I love you

They continued singing, as she belted some of the lines and they went back to singing together. It sounded beautiful and Jeongguk smiled as he grabbed his camera and went to shoot the rest of the sunset. He was there, at the edge, when he felt someone beside him. He knew, of course, who it was, and he knew what he was going to say.

“What happened with the groom?” Yoongi asked, finally. They were applauding them now and there was some other song playing, probably now it was the time for the bride to dance with her father and the groom with his mother or some shit like that. “You look defeated.”

“I really don’t know.” Jeongguk said after a deep breath, because he really didn’t. It was something he never felt before, it was weird, this... this connection.

“You didn’t just think he was pretty, right? Did you know him or something? Did you guys hook up in the past or something? One-night stand, because you wouldn’t have accepted to do the wedding of an ex. Did you know him, Guk?”

“No. But I felt like I did. I looked up and he was there and everything just- we stood still, we stopped for what it felt like centuries. I looked at him and it felt like I knew him, like I was finally seeing for the first time, like I didn’t really had vision before. You know, like when you put glasses for the first time and suddenly everything is so much more... distinct.”

“Please, tell me you didn’t just fall in love with a straight guy that just got married. To a woman, as he is straight. And married. Jeongguk, you know better than that. I know I was teasing you before, but- that can’t end well, it can’t be good. You’ll get hurt.” Yoongi warned him, already putting his arm around Jeongguk, pulling him closer.

“I won’t get hurt, because whatever this is... it ends here. I won’t ever see him again. We won’t interact or talk or even know each other. It will be a barely-there memory in no time. That’s just- a silly crush. It's no biggie. You’re right, I have been isolating myself too much.”

“Don’t be silly. You never agree with me, so I’m a little worried. We can go home, don’t need to stay here hogging the open bar like that. Maybe finishing watching and photographing the sunset before.” His friend offered, as Jeongguk realized he was missing it and grabbed his camera. “Do you think we can smoke here?”

“I don’t know, I guess. We are outside and down-wind. And we don’t need to go because of this, you deserve to enjoy this open bar and a fancy Seokjin dinner before going clubbing. At least we won’t need to pay for many drinks once we are there.” Yoongi offered and Jeongguk rolled his eyes. He had no plans of going clubbing.

The sunset was breathtaking there, and he couldn’t stop taking pictures, remembering the semester he did abroad for college and the summer he spent traveling and taking pictures of people all over the place, like he had dreamed since he had gotten his first camera.

Yoongi soon finished his cigarette and went back to the party. Jeongguk kept walking around with his camera, taking pictures of the decoration. No one batted an eyelash, thinking he was just another photographer on that huge party.

He kind of lost track of time, putting his camera away and going to grab a drink. There was this table full of cocktails, besides the huge bar. It was in the corner, not as full as the bar, so he went there, grabbing the ladle only to feel a hand on his shoulder.

“Hi.” He heard a deep voice behind him, and he turned to be faced with him. The beautiful groom that was dominating his thoughts. He was even prettier up close, his face full of sharp angles and soft skin, cute moles that made his lips tingle. His lips were pink, and he smelled so good, it made Jeongguk feel a bit intoxicated.

“Hi.” He probably looked startled, and he was. Amazed too. He didn’t think they would get to talk. Not that he was trying. “I’m Jeongguk, I did your flowers.”

“You did? My flowers are very nice, thank you. Well, I’m Taehyung, the groom.” He awkwardly pointed to his own lapel and Jeongguk chuckled. They were just staring at each other, not talking.

“Anyways, uh, I just wanted to grab a-” he said, going in for a bowl of what he figured was some kind of sangria or something. Taehyung jumped, grabbing his hand as he shouted. “Drink?”

“I wouldn’t.”

“Did something happen? I- I'm here to help, I might be done with my part, but I’m still an employee at this wedding. You look worried for someone who just got married.” Taehyung sighed as he bit his lips, that looked pinker by the second.

“My ring... I was going to grab some of this, I needed fast alcohol if I was going to deal with some of our guests and it just- fell off.” He explained, looking down the bowl of full of fruit and red wine. Well, shit.

“The wedding ring?” He asked, just to be sure. That would be bad, he could just see it one of these older guests choking on the ring.

“Yes. Right. In. There.” Taehyung pointed to the huge bowl filled with the rich dark purple liquid and filled with fruits. Lovely. “I don’t know what to do. I tried fishing for it, but this ladle sucks and I can’t be missing for long, you know? Shit. My wedding ring is in there.”

“You tried the ladle?” Taehyung nodded, already biting his lips again, running his tongue over them and Jeongguk looked at the huge bowl. “And we can’t empty it, it’s too big.”

“No, I don’t think so. Mother would flip.”

“There’s only one thing to do. I’ll need to you to cover me.” He announced, as Taehyung looked confused. His eyes went wide when he saw Jeongguk pushing his sleeves, exposing his tattooed forearms. “Just cover me, darling, I’m going in.”

He didn’t wait to see Taehyung blush because of the endearment, not even realizing what he said, already swiping the bottom of the bowl with his fingers. He heard Taehyung groan as someone approached them. He could hear the sound of heels hitting the floor.

“Mr. Kim, I still haven’t congratulated you in making my girl an honest woman. Maybe now, after this honeymoon nonsense, she will be fully committed with her work.” The woman said. “You know, I’m not one for all this wedding spectacle, but you are serving good booze.”

“I’m glad my wedding is up to your standards, Ms. Lee.”

Jeongguk laughed silently as the woman continued talking to Taehyung, making a lot of sexual innuendos. Taehyung was smart in avoiding most of her prying questions, but still, feeling something hard on the tip of his finger left him relieved. He grabbed the ring, tapping his shoulder, before facing a woman in her late thirties.

“Oh, and who is this... rugged young man? I’m Eunjin, Yoona works for me. My young protégée, so to speak, still a lot to learn, the youth these days. Is he a waiter?”

Jeongguk smiled at her. “No, this is Jeongguk, he’s a florist. All of this is his handiwork, isn’t he amazing?” Taehyung said to her, who looked around, a fake smile on her lips.

“Cute. Nice to meet you.” She said, nodding at his direction, clearly in distaste as she noticed his clothes and tattoos, being dismissive despite the inappropriate looks she sent him before. He smiled at her, grabbing her hand to shake with his wet one and she frowned, before retreating, probably to look for a napkin.

“Wish I could say the same.” He mumbled, as Taehyung laughed beside him, and he almost stopped breathing when he saw his beautiful smile.

“God, I hate that woman.”

“I got your ring.” He warned him and Taehyung looked at his hand, the white gold band there on his palm. Without thinking, he held his hand, appreciative of his soft long fingers and slipped his ring on. They both stopped, looking at each other, hands still touching. “You should get it resized or something.”

He didn’t answer, both a little shocked by the electricity that ran between their hands. There was something in the air, it was charged and Jeongguk had to clear his throat to wake him from his thoughts. “Yeah, I will.”

“Good.”

“Yeah.” More silence. It was weird, how charged it was between them. “I think I need to get going, right? I should be talking to everyone and being absolutely miserable on my wedding day. I think dinner will be soon, though. Seokjin was very proud of the menu he selected. Will you be staying?”

“Can’t pass on the opportunity.” He smiled at the man.

“No, you absolutely- oh shit. Change of plans, you need to get me away from here.” He said, looking over his shoulder quickly and Jeongguk saw a woman coming on their way. “That’s my evil grandmother-in-law, she’s the worst. She will probably complain to me about everything, how I’m not the serious CEO she wanted her granddaughter to marry.”

Jeongguk snorted and pulled Taehyung by the hand and behind the little tent, guiding him through the little patch decorated by strings of twinkling lights and going to the bench swing they had put on there for pictures. He had decorated with vines and wildflowers. “This place is kind of hidden in the corner. I guess it’s for those who want some romantic pictures.”

They both sat on the bench. “It’s pretty. I think I’ll wait up a little bit.”

Waiting up a little bit turned out to be praising each other, with Jeongguk awkwardly telling him about his performance and voice, to them discussing music and Taehyung talking about his love for art and how he tried to conciliate working for their ad company and doing the art that he wanted, going to his passion. Jeongguk could spend his whole life hearing Taehyung talking about art, as he eagerly moved, his hands flowing around as he got lost in his zone and blabbed about brush strokes and chord progressions and everything in between.

His heart was going crazy.

He was going crazy, he needed to leave.

“God, I’m sorry- I just go sometimes and never stop. Keep talking about art and boring everyone around me. You didn’t even talk much.” He apologized, a little embarrassed, hand on his hair. “So... Jeongguk, tell me about yourself? Did you always like flowers?” 

“Not really. Uh, my mother used to love them and so did my father, as it was the family business. It was only obvious that she would fall for the pretty flower boy that would give her flowers when she walked to college. I went to college for uh- journalism, but always focused more on the photographic side of things than the writing. I like doing these little documentaries and taking pictures that could tell stories, you know, it’s worth more than a thousand words. My plan was to grab the money I got working with my dad and travel, search for the stories I wanted to tell. But my father got sick and... someone needed to take care of him and the store. And then when he died, my mom almost did with him, she still- shit, I'm here talking and bothering you this sad story on your wedding day.” Jeongguk felt nervous, trying to run away from Taehyung’s clear eyes, focused on his, showing raw emotion, but not pity... it was something more intense and caring.

“You are not bothering me. I asked and I liked knowing more, I feel like- like I’ve known you for a long time, still I know nothing about you. I saw you with a camera around, thought for a minute you were an assistant for our photographer or something. I'm sorry about your family. And about your dreams. But things happen for a reason, and you all smitten smiling beautifully at the sunset with a camera sure shows us that you still have the passion.”

Jeongguk again averted his eyes. Taehyung had noticed him, apparently. Enough to see him taking pictures at sunset. “It’s a beautiful venue.”

“It sure is. A beautiful day, was it not?” They were both nodding, agreeing with each other, but they were still lost in their eyes, so close, sitting at the little bench. Getting closer.

A wildflower petal fell against Taehyung’s cheek, Jeongguk catching it, his thumb barely touching his skin. He had a pretty mole on his waterline, under his lashes, and when he closed his eyes, his upper lashes brushed his cheek, looking so utterly long it hypnotized him, his hand still close Taehyung’s beautiful face, the wind blowing around them. “Yeah, beautiful.”  

“Uh-hmm.” Taehyung nodded, a little smile on his lips, eyes still closed and Jeongguk really wanted to kiss him.

What?

He jumped out of the bench. “Jesus, we been here a while. I think dinner is being served and everything- the speeches. I’m so sorry.”

“No, don’t- I liked talking with you and getting a bit of- me time, I guess. Away from everyone congratulating me and already pressuring me about how to be the perfect family man. Thank you, Jeongguk. I hope I see you again.”

Huh. Not likely, buddy. Jeongguk wanted to throw himself off this rooftop, because he just tried to fucking seduce a married man. That got married today. In a church. Catholic church. Filled with flowers Jeongguk spent days arranging. Lord forgive him for lusting or whatever. Gay Gods, please, also forgive him for fancying a straight man on his wedding.

And help him to stop thinking about him, please.

It was safe to say that he went straight away to a whole bottle of champagne, trying to drown the image of those beautiful eyes from his mind. It was crazy, to be this affected by a man he barely knew, still, there was this weird feeling of familiarity ever since Jeongguk saw him in that church. And the more they talked, the more it made sense. It was like grabbing a book you thought you never read, but then realizing you knew the story. Maybe you had heard it somewhere, or maybe you had lived it. Taehyung was like someone that Jeongguk had known him life, yearned for since he had known what it was to want someone else.

All he ever wanted was there, in front of him, currently laughing and feeding a piece of strawberry to his beautiful bride.

And it didn’t matter what he did, if it was drink or eat the delicious food Seokjin always put out at these events or just dance with the little kids, answering all the questions the adorable little ring bearer tossed his way, his eyes were stuck on the happy couple, smiling at each other trying to spend some quality time together, fishing for food, dancing and trying to escape the incessantly wave of congratulations.

“Disgustingly romantic, right? Try having to put up with them since they got together.” He heard a woman say, suddenly beside him. She was familiar, and soon he remembered her as the maid of honor, the bride’s friend that had eaten him with her eyes at the church when he delivered the bouquet. Great. “I’m Soomin.”

“I’m-” Not interested. Not even a little bit. In fact, I was just checking out the groom for the hundredth time since I’ve first seen him. But he couldn’t say that. “Jeongguk, we met earlier.”

“I remember, hot stuff. The flower guy. All brooding and sexy, but secretly a sensitive guy. I saw you dancing with the little ones earlier, super cute. And Taehyung’s weird brother seemed to like you too...”

“He is a bright kid and all the kids really want when dancing at these things is someone who can spin them like an amusement park ride. I've done my fair share of weddings; I know the drill by now.”

“And you’ve got the muscles for it.” She said, again running her hand on his biceps. Great, just what he needed. “Think you can take me for a spin?”

“If you want a dance, I think I can provide that, anything more I’m afraid will not happen tonight, but it was nice of you to consider me. But I'm sure there’s a lot of eligible bachelors here just waiting for you to grab the bouquet.”

“Rich and proper boys don’t interest me. I was done with them as soon as I finished high school, all they want is a boring wife to sit there and look pretty and while i can do that, there’s no fun in that. You look like fun. And I've got a room here tonight.”

Oh, no.

“Soomin, I’m not here to-”

“C’mon, stud. You are far hotter than any of young bachelors here tonight or Taehyung’s artsy friends. I’m not one for these boring types and I’m not looking for romance. We fit well together, we are both hot and just the right amount of tipsy and there’s this really big hot tub on my room.”

Jeongguk sighed, trying to disguise it with a chuckle and he could see Yoongi chatting with Seokjin’s other brother and his “roommate”, but his eyes were on Jeongguk and he was trying not to laugh. Jerk. “That is a fine offer, but-”

“Hello, everybody! Is- uh... is this thing on?” They all heard someone say into the microphone, before a loud noise resonated. They all turned just to see the father of the groom curved into the mic, that was arranged way too low for him, tapping it awkwardly only for it to descend a few inches as soon as he tried speaking again. “Damn thing, Namjoon...”

“Oh, God. Soomin, why don’t you go give your speech and get that mess away from the microphone, please.” They saw the groom’s mother, already embarrassed by her husband.

Namjoon had ran to help his father, settling the mic to an appropriate height as the man looked to the crowd at the dance floor. “Unaccustomed as I am, to public speaking, despite had been born into advertisement, you all know I couldn’t wait to give the speeches and socializing part to one of my sons. Thank you, Namjoon. Uh, actually, maybe you have better things to say, son. Happiness to the new couple.”

Jeongguk never saw a man run as swiftly as that one did as soon as his wife’s eyes landed on him. Namjoon was left there, surprised. “Uh, gee, thanks, father. And I was thinking that throwing a whole company at my lap as soon as I graduated had been enough.” He said, making the whole room laugh. “Apparently I was put on this earth to rid my father of social interactions. Which has been fine when it comes to selling products or dreams or whatever else I want you all to buy, as we can see by our last quarter, but- when it came to passion and love, my brothers had me beat. There’s nothing more passionate than all the feeling you got during this dinner planed by my amazing brother Jin and you should see the way our little hope loves life. As for Taehyung, you all saw him today, be it smiling to his beautiful bride or singing it to her earlier. When it comes to love, he got us all by storm. To all of you that know me, you know that I’m not known for romance.” There was a pause right there, almost melancholic, and Jeongguk noticed that Namjoon’s eyes were on the pretty blond and that almost looked like a general rule. Kim Namjoon was always looking at Park Jimin. “But- I know for sure that the love Taehyung has for everyone and now for his incredible wife is something worthy of being noticed. You have so much to teach me, little bro. I love you. And Yoona, welcome to the family. It’s a mess, as you can see, but we do okay for ourselves. To the love birds!”

That seemed to open the round of speeches, because soon the bride and groom were sat while their relatives spoke briefly. After Namjoon, the father of the bride gave a stoic, brief and quite generic speech, and after him Seokjin also praised his little brother and new sister-in-law. Taehyung’s mom just wished them a happy married life and said something in French, which surprised Jeongguk, until he remembered that Seokjin had said that his mother had been born and raised in Europe, which promptly resulted in them also living there for a great period of their lives. He had even spent two years studying gastronomy in France.

Yoongi soon joined him, as his conversation partners were all seated in their respective places while the speeches were conducted. After Jin, the blond, Taehyung’s best friend, made a heartfelt speech that made half of the room cry, about how he was happy to see his forever companion and soulmate find love. After that, Soomin was up and her approach of completely different.

She started with a small series of embarrassing stories about the bride, who she had grown up with, and then told the tale of how her friend had come to crush on Taehyung in high school. “Years later and these guys are still in love. I think that’s completely... boring. They’ve been in love for years, it’s hardly something new. Years that have seen endless amount of booze drank and meaningless sex thoroughly enjoyed by me, while they stayed at home doing their knitting or learning how to make soufflé or whatever other boring couple stuff they were trying that night. That’s what they do, always did. The couple that everyone always knew would make it... all the way to the altar. But as we all know; they have been acting married for so many years it’s a relief they finally are husband and wife... in the eyes of God and by the eyes of the law and all that. So before I do my duty as the maid of honor and get even more drunk and get into bed with one of the groomsmen, you know who you are, I would like to raise a glass to Yoona and Taehyung. May they grow old together sharing the same pillow. Yoona and Taehyung!”

All of the guests cheered along, the older ones mildly put off by the bluntness of Soomin’s speech. Taehyung and Yoona laughed, sharing a kiss, and even more cheers echoed.

“Oh, my.” Soomin continued, a wicked smiled on her face. “Now to perhaps the biggest deal of the night. Some say the reason she took this long to get married was to put off this very moment. The absolute fear of making just this speech, but she is making it now, there’s no way out. She’s not sure she can do it; I know she can do it. Please, ladies and gentlemen, put it together repeatedly and don’t look straight into her eyes, because here it’s our own... Kim Yoona.” By Soomin’s side, there it was, the bride. She looked absolutely beautiful. The perfect image that reflected a wedding bride. Except, now, she looked a little grim. And green. “I know something that helps, Yoon. Imagine everybody naked.” Soomin winked at her, before giving her the mic and sitting down.

The room was silent. For what it seemed like it was hours. She cleared her throat and tapped the mic, before looking down, a little unsure. And it was then that Taehyung rose beside her, taking her hand, the one holding the mic, in his, and said: “Hi, everyone. I’m Yoona... and welcome to my wedding. I’ve been dreaming about this day since I was a little girl, down to the little fairy lights and the very same church my late grandmother was married in. I’m sure she is watching us now, grandpa. And thinking it was beautiful. I’m glad you are all here, because I have something to say, about how much I love Taehyung.” People laughed, clearly endeared. “Everything about him, down to the amazing, handsome, weirdly and uniquely fantastic person he is. Well, thank you, love.” He winked at a chuckling Yoona, who was rolling her eyes fondly. “Do you want to give it a try?” He asked, voice lower.

“No, no, you are doing amazing for both of us.” She whispered at him, before sitting down. Taehyung nodded, smiling down at her, before looking up again.

“Okay, uh, so this is me now. I- I, too, have been looking forward to this day all my life. And I’m glad to share it with the most important people of my life. The ones I love the most. And some people I’ve never met before, but I’m sure you all are great too and I hope you guys are having a wonderful day seeing something good happen. To me, the best thing. Because I just married my best friend. I feel like I knew her all my life, or at least, I was waiting for her, until she finally showed up on my very first day of high school. I was a little nervous, but she made it worth it. And then proceeded to make every single day worth it until now. So, I’m glad that she will be with me for the rest of it. She’s my best friend. My something good, the reason I wanted to go home at the end of the day, so I can tell her that I saw the cutest dog running in the park or had the most horrible day at work. They say fairytales have happy endings, even though the passage can be rough. But with us... Yoon and I were mates and then we were lovers, it’s been a very smooth sailing. Maybe... that’s the best kind of fairytale, the real ones, with loyalty and friendship and where you know someone has your back and trust you to have theirs. All the lovey-dovey quotes for us won’t do all that much difference, but if you all here could wish us luck, Yoona and I would very much appreciate it. Is that okay to ask? On three?”

Jeongguk nodded, already wishing them luck, even if his heart felt tight. “Do you still want to go to that club?” He asked Yoongi, who frowned, but nodded. “I texted Jay to come and take the van earlier, because we both drank, so will you call for a car?”

The two of them left, just as the whole room wished the couple good luck with loud cheers and Jeongguk looked back one last time. Weird, how you have experiences you don’t expect in the most unusual places. Because he felt like he was happy as he was, with a like life, but now he felt lonely.

Like there was something missing. And his idiotic heart was yelling that he left his something missing there on that roof. Like an annoying voice trying to convince him that it wasn’t the – astonishingly bittersweet – end for this quite yet.

He drowned that voice in an incredible amount of booze and the loud thumping sound of pop music blaring at the highest volume, hot bodies around him. Yoongi was at their table with his new boy, a dancer or something like that. He looked nice, but Jeongguk wasn’t there to chat. He wanted to just forget.

So he found what he wanted on the pretty boy with blue highlights and a nice smile, lithe body writing glued to his in the rhythm of the song that was playing, and he soon had him against the wall, lips devouring his moans as he pressed their bodies together on the dark corner. And soon it wasn’t enough, as he needed more, to feel more so he could shut up his mind. There he was, pushing the boy against the stall as they kissed hungrily, only for the pretty thing to fall to his knees with a cheeky smile, dark eyes sparkling with mischief as he fumbled with his dress pants, before licking his rosy lips and swallowing Jeongguk whole.

And he just threw his head against the wall, eyes closed, his hands threaded on the soft strands of blue hair as he guided him on his shaft, drowning on the delicious heat of the guys’ mouth around him and guiding his thoughts far away from the pretty eyes and enchanting smile that seemed to be engraved in mind since the moment their eyes met.