Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Okay everyone, please remember that Taehyung is back in class tomorrow morning. I’d like to ask that we are all welcoming and friendly, but that we don’t overwhelm him. I understand that a few of you have been back in touch with him - that’s great, please keep an eye out. Let’s all work together to make his transition back to school as normal and as smooth as possible. Thank you.”

A hum of chatter buzzes about the classroom as the students discuss the return of Taehyung. Jeongguk’s fingers idly drum an unknown rhythm on his desk. He doesn't know how to feel about the fact that Taehyung, Kim Taehyung, his worst nightmare, was coming back to school.

He registers his teacher approaching his desk. She leans in, voice dropping to a whisper, “Especially you Jeon Jeongguk, please remember that Taehyung will not remember your little tiff.” She taps his desk lightly, eyebrows raised in warning.

Jeongguk holds back a snort at this, tiff, really? The two have been at each other's throats for as long as he could remember. In fact, no one even really knew why their rivalry had started, but it was infamous and long-standing. Jeongguk could distinctly remember their last interaction, his fists swinging, strings of insulting expletives escaping his lips. Jeongguk couldn’t remember exactly what they had been fighting about, but they both just seemed to rile one another up so easily. Taehyung infuriated him to no end, and he couldn’t quite pinpoint it, he just despised him.

When news had spread throughout the school about Taehyung’s motorbike accident, he’d felt the slightest sliver of guilt. It had been a little over a year ago now, and Jeongguk had been in the park with a friend, when the news reached him.

("Shit, did you hear?” Sehun whispers. "Taehyung’s been in an accident!"

Jeongguk shrugs, unaffected by the news, it’s not like he gave a shit about the kid. “And?” he drawls, uninterestedly. “It’s fucking serious Guk, he might not make it.” Sehun’s voice doesn't hold a trace of humour. 

He doesn't like Taehyung, he hates him in fact, but the thought that he might be dead? Wow. That's a lot to take in. Jeongguk  had felt (for the first time), really sorry for him. Because Kim Taehyung might be an arrogant pain in his ass, but he didn’t want him dead.)

The motorbike accident was tragic, incredibly damaging, but thankfully it didn’t end fatally. Taehyung lost some of his cognitive functioning, having to re-learn a lot of vocabulary, his movements were slower, more unsure and he suffered severe memory loss. His memory loss was so serious, that he’d forgotten his family, his friends, his entire life, himself. Jeongguk couldn’t imagine what it would be like to wake up one day and not be you, not be anything. The doctors weren’t sure if his memory would come back, perhaps fragements, but it was doubtful it would in its entirety.

Subsequently, Taehyung forgot Jeongguk, and their long-suffering dispute. Jeongguk wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or not.

  --- 

“Jeonggukkie! Wake up,” Jeongguk’s mother’s voice drifts into his consciousness, snapping him out of a strange dream.

He is fighting Taehyung, rather viciously, both their faces are bloodied and dirty, school shirts ripped. Taehyung’s face suddenly blanks out and a tear rolls out, his lower lip wobbling dangerously. At this Jeongguk jumps back, confused. “Who am I? Why are you fighting me?” Taehyung asks, his tone so lost, so desperate and so afraid that it sears straight through Jeongguk.

Jeongguk wakes up, in a cold sweat, nausea swirling in the pit of his stomach.

He’s had the dream for the last two weeks, ever since he’d heard the news of Taehyung’s return.

Jeongguk’s movements feel unnatural and jerky as he gets ready, willing himself not to think about the day ahead, or rather Taehyung. He didn’t know why he felt guilty, it wasn’t as if he’d been the one to beat Taehyung into getting memory loss. That had been his motorbike. If he was being honest he was terrified, nervous of coming face-to-face with a Taehyung that didn’t hate him anymore. Maybe they would be friends? Jeongguk chokes at the thought. Likely one of Taehyung's dear best mates (probably the infuriating Park Jimin) had already filled him in on their history.

---

Jeongguk is uncharacteristically early to class, not wanting to arrive and be confronted with Taehyung immediately. He felt to get their in advance, be prepared, not walk in late (as usual) and have all eyes on him, watching his first moment with Taehyung. He takes his usual seat in the empty classroom, begins sketching random patterns on the cover of his Maths book. It feels strange, he's never been first to class before.

“Hey,”

Jeongguk startles. A deep, husky voice breaking the room’s hushed silence. He knows that voice. Jeongguk coughs and looks up warily. For the first time in a year, he stares into the eyes of Kim Taehyung.

Taehyung looks pretty much the same, except that he doesn't. His hair a more natural brunette colour, rather than the previously blinding shade of orange. That shade had pissed Jeongguk off to no end, who fucking dyes their hair orange, how obnoxious. Taehyung’s skin was a little paler than it’s usual golden tan. Hospitals probably do that, Jeongguk figures. His eyes are wide and doe-eyed, a lot more innocent looking. The arrogant twinkle seemingly vanished. Deep circles trace the bottom of his eyes, and his cheeks look a little sunken in. Jeongguk can't help but notice he's lost a lot of weight. Looks smaller, more vulnerable.

Jeongguk notices the way his breathing is faster than normal, chest rising and falling erratically. There is a thin sheen of sweat dotted along his forehead, and Jeongguk doesn't miss the clench of his fists tightening and unfurling. Posture stiff and uncertain.

“I-I’m Ta-” Taehyung stammeres, flushing pink, trying to get his words out.

Jeongguk gets up abruptly, walks over to him. “Taehyung,” he finishes, holding out a hand tentatively. Taehyung flashes him a shy, grateful smile. “Jeongguk,” he offers, attempting to force the corners of his lips to twist up in a smile he hopes isn’t awkward.

Taehyung grasps his hand tightly, and it's the first time Jeongguk has ever felt the others touch without any violent intentions. His smile grows wider, illuminating his features. This smile Jeongguk recognises, but it's not a smile that's ever been thrown in his direction. The other Jeongguk had only received scowls, daggers and smirks from this face.

It's odd to see Taehyung like this, innocent and unsure. A complete contrast to the confident and cocky kid Jeongguk had despised. 

“C-can I sit?” Taehyung gestures at the seat next to him. Jeongguk swallows hard, were they going to be friends? His finger brushes the small scar on his left cheekbone out of habit, and he wonders what Taehyung would think if he let him know that it was in fact he who gave it to him.

“Yeah,” Jeongguk tries out another smile, this time coming off a little more natural.

“You okay?” Jeongguk queries, the first time in his life speaking to Taehyung in a tone that is soft and laced with ... concern?

Taehyung bites his lip nodding quickly. He sends another dazzling smile in his direction. It sends a funny sensation to the pit of Jeongguk's stomach. He gulps audibly. He had been so busy despising Taehyung, he hadn’t noticed just how nice his smile was. And his teeth. Shit, his teeth were perfect, were they fake? He blinks twice, furiously shutting down the strange direction in which his thoughts are travelling.

Taehyung settles in the seat next to him. Fiddles awkwardly, with the hem of his sweater, and looks up shyly at Jeongguk. “You didn’t. You didn’t come s-see me? So we’re not, not good friends?” he stutters slightly, before pausing to wait for a response.

Jeongguk suppresses a laugh. “We don’t really know each other,” he says, cautiously. That much is true. Other than knowing Taehyung pissed him the hell off, he really didn’t know a whole lot about him.

“Oh,” Taehyung smiles again, genuine, “That’s really cool then.” Jeongguk cocks his head up curiously at that. Taehyung sighs. “I have all these f-friends with memories y’know? I feel bad coz’, I don’t know them. At all. It’s a bit. A bit awkward.” He flushes, ducking his head down. Jeongguk resists the sudden overwhelming urge to lean over and rub his back in comforting circles. What the hell?

“W-we can start from new? Like you don’t already know me. Which is good. Because me, well,” Taehyung chuckles at himself. “I know nothing.” Jeongguk nods knowingly, the fact they’d shared this many sentences and civilly, more than civilly, clearly indicates that Taehyung knows absolutely nothing.

“Sure,” Jeongguk smiles, in slight disbelief at the next word that spills out of his mouth, “Friends?”

Taehyung grins. They sit in relative silence after that, but it is comfortable, punctuated by occasional questions. Taehyung asks what music Jeongguk likes, and scribbled down his responses in a small leather notebook. “I’ve got a lot to catch up on," he explains to Jeongguk's curious look. “Wow, I really wish I could listen to some of this music with fresh ears, that must be fucking cool. And movies? Holy shit, you can watch some that have had the worst spoilers, or cliffhangers, and you won’t know shit! You can watch entire TV Series again,” Jeongguk spits out in a rush, before stopping suddenly. Because shit. He is voicing envy for Taehyung's memory loss. How insensitive - oh god, "Oh. Oh Shiiiiit I’m so-”

“Don’t,” Taehyung cuts in, staring at him in amusement. “Everyone is always saying sorry. Feeling sorry. Feeling b-ad. Bad for me. No one has ever been jealous of me.” He gazes at Jeongguk with interest, lets out a high-pitched giggle, that contrasts strangely with his deep voice. Jeongguk finds himself quite enjoying the sound of Taehyung’s laugh. Particularly because he is the cause of it. And his voice. It isn’t bad, melodious even. Shit.

“You’ll show me sometime?” Taehyung is asking, shy smile playing at the corner of his lips. Jeongguk's eyes follow subconsciously. “The movies a-and the TV shows and stuff?” Taehyung is looking at him, expectantly. Jeongguk is nodding in response, before later realising what exactly is going on. He’s just agreed to watch - movies? With Taehyung? Would there be other people there? Would they watch them in Jeongguk's room? Would he sleepover?

He'd imagined their 'reunion' a thousand times, and nothing is turning out as he had expected or feared. 

The rest of their classmates come in a bit of a rush, most at the same time, a minute shy of the class' start time. They all make their way over to Taehyung one-by-one, greeting him with smiles, and words of welcome. Jeongguk doesn't miss the strange curious glances and pointed stares many of them send in his direction. He watches Taehyung, who beams at them all, but he also catches the hands under his desk, edge of his sweater gripped in a fist. He observes the anxious flashes between the smiles, too quick to notice if one hadn't been looking. And him, well he's been staring unabashed for the past five minutes.

Jimin’s mouth drops open wide when he arrives. He blinks in complete confusion when he enters the class with his jaw on the floor, spotting the two huddled close, chatting animatedly, friendly.

“Taehyung, hey”.

“Hi Jimin,” Taehyung smiles up at him.

Jeongguk avoids Jimin’s piercing gaze. 

"You're sitting with Jeongguk?" Jimin chokes out his name, coughing in an thinly-veiled attempt to hide his surprise.

Jeongguk hears a chair scrape on the ground, feels an arm drape around his shoulders. "Yeah," Taehyung grins, "We're friends".

Jeongguk ignores the rush of heat that immediately spreads to his cheeks.

Chapter Text

Despite the teacher's well-intentioned little speech the previous day, everyone and everything overwhelms Taehyung.

He’d spent the better part of the last twelve months holed up in the hospital, painstakingly re-learning everything he possibly could. Thankfully, he hadn’t lost his entire vocabulary, but sometimes words just escaped him, it is frustrating, knowing exactly just what one needs to say, but being unable to express it. It's also difficult for him to move with co-ordination, fluidly, almost as if his joints no longer send direct signals to his brain, sometimes getting lost along the way.

When he'd woken at the hospital, he'd been thrown an excessive amount of information. It was weird to wake up and know nothing, your entire life condensed down into a series of summaries from parents, friends, doctors.

He wondered about what they didn't tell him, what they didn't know, he silently wished he could meet his old self, have a chat over some tea perhaps. He began thinking that way, of himself in two parts, old self and new. He'd picked up a habit of wordlessly asking the other Taehyung questions. "Do we like him?" he'd think, or, "Did you like this movie too?"

 He knew his name was Kim Taehyung, beloved only son and owner of the best dog in the universe, Soonshim. According to the entire photo album dedicated to his dog, he deduced (without anyone's help!) that Soonshim was important, and he fervently agreed with old Taehyung on this. Soonshim didn't ask him a million questions, or check up on him every two minutes, he was happy to run with him at the park, or snuggle up to him on the bed simple things. Dogs were good like that. Taehyung concluded that every possible version of himself would love Soonshim.

He knew he was seventeen years old, and this was his final year of High School, (although he’d missed the first few months). The last month could be summarised as 'resounding headache' as he'd struggled to catch up on his entire schooling. Some things had come back easily, but not maths, ugh, his brain couldn't figure that one out.

He was told that he loved music, and that he readily accepted. It was strange hearing songs that people claimed to be his favourite, they resonated with him somehow, despite the sounds and lyrics being unfamiliar.

His closest friend was Park Jimin, a short, bubbly and sometimes bossy individual, who’d apparently been his friend since Kindergarten. Luckily the Taehyung without memories instantly liked Jimin, falling back into some of their former patterns with relative ease.

It was weird to scroll through his various social media pages, glancing at statuses and tweets he'd penned and selca's he'd snapped. All moments of his life that he'd forgotten. He'd taken to stalking himself, trying to re-learn the memories.

His bedroom declared that he loved anime and manga, the shelves stacked to the brim. Taehyung spent a lot of his free time (at hospital there was a lot), reading and watching the latter.

Beyond basic facts of life and supposed personality traits, Taehyung struggled to flesh out his personality, himself. It was funny being haunted by himself, the memories, the likes and dislikes plaguing him. Sometimes it felt like he was being forced to enjoy something because “Taehyung, you like this,” or “You don’t like to do that.” Perhaps that's why Taehyung found himself so drawn to the mysterious Jeon Jeongguk, the only person on the planet that had expressed envy at his plight.

Sometimes Taehyung wanted to erase all the former parts of himself, start from scratch, blank canvas. That was what made Jeon Jeongguk so appealing, he didn’t appear to expect anything of Taehyung, it was the fresh start he craved, needed.

--- 

The bell resounds loudly cutting into their History lesson, signaling the lunch hour. Chairs screech across the linoleum floor in haste as eager footsteps make their way to the door, banging it open, freedom, for a beautiful fifty minutes.

Taehyung glances over at Jeongguk, he’s practically clung to the boy since their first period, despite Jimin’s clearly strange behaviour over the matter. Taehyung had tried to ask him about it but Jimin had just shrugged. Taehyung noting that he couldn’t look him in the eye.

He got that look often, mainly pity or sympathy, occasionally when he asked a question about his past that people didn’t want to answer. It angered him knowing that people could rewrite his history, tell him about the things they wanted him to know, try and shield him from the bad memories. He felt a little guilty sometimes, knowing that many people would love to be able to wipe a lot of shit from their memory, but he wanted the bad and the good, the pain and the happiness. He needed to know everything, so he could feel whole again. The only other alternative he saw was to forget it all, blank canvas.

“Eat lunch with m-me?” Taehyung asks dipping his head shyly as he stands at the corner of Jeongguk’s desk, suddenly taking a great interest in his fingers. He looks up, catching the look of mild surprise which is quickly covered up by a slow (but genuine) smile. His smile is lovely, I'd like too see it more often.

“Sure Taehyung,” Jeongguk smiles and gets up, walking close behind him to the door.

Jeongguk asks him what food he likes as they walked to the cafeteria. 

Jeongguk likes coffee whilst Taehyung swears by tea. Jeongguk eats healthily (ugh) (Taehyung nodded knowingly, because well, his muscles, didn't need a memory to know that). Taehyung lives for junk food - particularly burgers. Apparently this is something his former self had as well.

Jimin raises an eyebrow without a trace of subtlety as the pair make their way over to him. 

“Hey Tae,” Jimin smiles sweetly, “Jeongguk,” he nods. Taehyung doesn't know if he's imagining it or not, but he is sure Jimin’s tone is a little strained as he strings out the two syllables of Jeongguk’s name. He will find out why later, or maybe not, who knows if anyone will tell him the truth. Something just feels off.

Jeongguk seems to become speechless at the lunch table. Taehyung wonders if it has something to do with Jimin’s odd greeting. There is clearly something strange going on between the two, something he is sure his old self would undersand. Taehyung sighs inwardly. He wishes people would stop treating him like fragile glass, like someone broken, not whole. He just wants to feel normal, to feel himself again, whatever that is.

Taehyung curses as his hand wavers and the chopsticks send noodles to the side of his face rather than into his mouth. He blushes as he watches them fall in slow motion, staining his shirt.

Jimin is quick to scoot over “Hey, you okay Tae?”

“Y-yeah, shit, feel like a baby,” Taehyung scowls, frustrated at himself. It was incredibly irritating when he failed to do the most simplest of tasks.

“Kinda look like one with noodles down your shirt,”

Taehyung swings his head up to see Jeongguk smirking. First entire sentence he’s heard in the last thirty minutes. “Baby Tae,” Jeongguk laughs, leaning over to ruffle Taehyung’s hair. “Hey Jeong-” Jimin is frowning and in the middle of starting to tell him off, until Taehyung breaks into a low chuckle, flinging a noodle in Jeongguk’s direction. To his delight it lands square on Jeongguk’s face. Jimin makes a little squeak of surprise.

Jeongguk’s bewildered face with a noodle hanging off it is enough to set Taehyung off into a fit of giggles. Jimin joining him reluctantly.

Jeongguk was a rather serious looking person mysterious Taehyung decides, and the way his face had turned from cool, collected smirk to baffled is almost endearing.

Taehyung is not prepared however, for Jeongguk to retaliate and dump his entire plate of noodles directly on Taehyung's head. He shrieks loudly, as the warm mushy tentacles slide down his cheeks, the sauce dripping onto his shirt. Jimin quickly snaps a picture, tears streaming down his face. Jeongguk laughs quietly, but his eyes glint dangerously, dancing with mischief. They share a look akin to something Taehyung feels must be something like friendship. It passes quickly, Jeongguk's lips tugging back into a smirk - and well, can't have that.

Taehyung leans forward, buries his head in Jeongguk’s chest. His lips curve up into a smile as he feels and hears them squelch into the other.

“Look at you two fighting,” Jimin smirks, “That’s a little more familiar.” Taehyung cocks a head up at this, noodles spraying out as he tries to catch the meaning behind Jimin’s phrase. Familiar. A word that holds no meaning for Taehyung.

A loud cough and the sound of a throat clearing interrupts them, “Now I’m glad you’re settling in well Taehyung, but I don’t know if a food fight is the way to go about it.”

All three boys looks up at their teacher. Jeongguk grimaces, Jimin plasters on a serene smile and Taehyung stifles a giggle. 

“I’ve got no food on me,” Jimin declares in a sickeningly sweet tone. He turns to look over at them pointedly. "They however," he gestures widely, flashing an angelic smile. "Choke, Park," Taehyung catches Jeongguk whisper under his breath. Jimin's still all smiles.

Their teacher sighs, “Clean yourselves up you two,” she reprimands, but there isn’t any anger in her tone. Taehyung isn't entirely sure but he thinks she might be holding back a laugh.

---

Taehyung and Jeongguk stand glumly in the uniform office, accepting their spare shirts.

“Ugh. Mine reeks,” Jeongguk sulks, screwing up his nose in disgust. He holds the shirt out at arms length, face crinkling in discomfort.

Taehyung’s isn’t that much better. After he's changed he's practically swimming in it. It nearly dips lower than the bottom of his shorts, resembling more of a dress than a shirt. Jeongguk laughs as he emerged from the bathroom.

Taehyung pouts, “Screw you Jeonggukie." Jeongguk blinking in obvious surprise at the nickname, eyes wide. It had just rolled off his tongue naturally. Taehyung liked it. It felt a whole lot nicer than people telling him “Well this is what you used to call me.”

"Screw you Tae," Jeongguk responds, dragging on his name as if to test it out. Taehyung decides that he liked hearing Jeongguk call him Tae, it made him feel like he'd made progress or something. Making a friend. My first friend. What do you think old Taehyung? Is he gonna be a good choice?

 "What you thinking about?" Jeongguk's voice dips into his daydream, startling him suddenly. The words spill out before Taehyung realises how they may sound, "I was asking old Taehyung something." He flushes and stammers for recovery "Uh. Shit. I me-"

"Allgood," Jeongguk cuts him off, "I talk to myself to" he reassures. Taehyung is about 98% sure he is lying through his teeth. His bunny teeth at that, cute.

"So Jimin," Taehyung starts, wanting to get his head around the pair's funny interactions. "Lunch was weird? and earlier?" He gazes at Jeongguk, trying to catch and read each reaction. His face is deadpan. Excellent. Taehyung swallows a little, deciding anxiously that he needs to cut to the chase of what has been plaguing him all afternoon, well all day.

“What were we?” His voice is a little strangled, uncertain.

Taehyung can see the inner battle in Jeongguk's eyes, searching to find the words. The right ones Taehyung surmises with disappointment, probably not the true ones.

“W-were we together?” Taehyung tries again, awkwardly shuffling from side-to-side.

Jeongguk’s face crumples into the picture of confusion,

I've got to be on the right track don't I? The funny looks from Jimin, his initial coldness towards Jeongguk. The fighting comment, the weird air between those two. I mean I can understand why the old me would have liked him as well, he's hot as hell, don't need a memory to know that. Not to mention he's kinda sweet, in a way.

“Like boyfriends,” Jeongguk’s face twitches violently, Taehyung hopes to god he's at least on the right track.

“Jeongguk, are you my ex-boyfriend?”

Chapter Text

“Are you my ex-boyfriend?”

Jeongguk splutters, red-faced, as he chokes out an incoherent string of sounds. Boyfriends, what the fuck?

If he hadn’t been so taken aback by Taehyung’s question he may have even laughed at it.

Taehyung is looking at him expectantly, he frowns a little as Jeongguk's coughing fit gives way to an unintelligible mumble.

“N-no, no I’m not,” Jeongguk finally manages to let out, attempting to recompose himself (and failing drastically). It is a little difficult to know what to say, it wasn’t everyday your sworn enemy lost his memory, became your friend and then asked if you used to be boyfriends.

“Oh,” Taehyung’s cheeks dust pink and he dips his head to glance firmly at the floor. “Shit sorry,” he mutters, biting his lip in embarrassment, long dark eyelashes fluttering. 

Jeongguk tries to not think about the fact that a shy Taehyung is a decidedly adorable Taehyung. He fails miserably.

“I just thought. Koz y’know. Maybe we had a bad break up. That’s t-that’s why Jimin dislikes you. Not that he said he does. Shit. I jus-”

Jeongguk hushes him, still clambering for what the fuck he could say.

“Don’t worry about it Tae, um, it’s kind of a long story,” Jeongguk trails off. Because how do you explain to someone that you hate each other, and without even having a legit reason.

Taehyung blinks, innocent puppy eyes beneath his long lashes. “Y-you’ll tell me though?”

“Yeah. Yeah right, yup. I’ll tell you,” Jeongguk agrees hesitantly.

Taehyung smiles, slow and easy, “Cool. When we watch movies?”

“Yup. Movies.” Jeongguk swallows a lump he didn’t realise is residing uninvited at the back of his throat.

They walk back to class side-by-side. “Ugh Jeonggukie?”

“Yeah?”

Taehyung’s nose scrunches up, rather cutely. “You really do stink” he snickers, jumping out of the way of a slap aimed in his direction.

---

The last two periods go rather smoothly, Jeongguk doesn't really have a lot of time to speak to Taehyung, and he isn’t in his final class. Not that he is disappointed by that at all.

He hastily shoves books in his locker, getting ready to leave when he spies a mop of red hair, chubby cheeks and an angelic smile shuffling towards him. Shit. Jimin.

Jimin crosses his arms, puffing out his chest and Jeongguk stifles a chuckle, really Jimin? Are you trying to look intimidating?  He looks more so like a child on the verge of a tantrum, foot tapping impatiently.

“Jeongguk. So. What exactly  was today?” Jimin’s tone is accusatory and he continues tapping his foot waiting impatiently for a reply.

“Well,” Jeongguk smiles sheepishly. “I guess.”

“You guess what Jeon Jeongguk," and this time Jimin has the nerve to jab a small finger directly in his chest.

Jeongguk chokes on another laugh.

“I guess he’s okay, or whatever. He’s cool.”

Jimin’s eyebrow lifts so high that Jeongguk wonders for a brief moment, if it would detach from his forehead, hover in the air.

“Kim Taehyung? Are we speaking about the same person right now? The person you have literally had it out for, for like what - your entire miserable existence?” Jimin glares at him, eyebrows still sky high.

“Yeah yeah, I know. And hey, he made my  life hell as well, it was a two way mutual hatred. I guess, I like the new  him, I dunno. I don’t want to upset him.”

Jimin makes a noise of disbelief at this, “Taetae never did anything wrong, you (again with the blasted finger jab) were the instigator! Did you know what we were talking about, the day before his accident?”

Jeongguk shrugs, he senses (with dread) a lecture coming on.

“He wanted to apologise. He said he didn’t know why you hated him, didn’t want to fight anymore. He even freaking wrote an apology down, he was so nervous! I was pissed obviously (eye roll), you (finger jab x 2) do not deserve any apology whatsoever from my precious Taehyungie." Jimin pauses to take a dramatic breath, eyes narrowing. "The next day, he came in all ready, despite my protests - which were large, LARGE (voice escalating), all ready to say sorry. He went looking for you at lunch, asked you to talk am I right? And then -”

Jimin’s voice fades out as Jeongguk recalls the very day he was mentioning.

(“Hey, uh, Jeongguk? Can we talk?” Jeongguk scowls, he really doesn't have the energy to fight today. “Fuck off Kim, I’m trying to eat in peace,” he growls, not looking at the other. “It’s i-important”, Taehyung’s voice wavers a little, and at this Jeongguk does look up. He’s never heard Taehyung speak to him in such a way, and realises with astonishment he sounded - afraid?

Taehyung leans in catching a hold of his sleeve that hangs a little too loose on one arm, “Please,” he pleads, tugging the fabric. Jeongguk pulls away, roughly “Fine, so speak.”

“So, I’ve been trying to figure out how to say this. Uh. I don’t really know how to-”

“Spit it out Taehyung.”

“mMsorry,” the word spills out too fast, blurring together. Jeongguk spits out his juice, frowning with irritation when it splashes back on his polo.

“What?” he barks out.

“I’m sorry for -”

“Fuck off Taehyung. If this is some kind of weird joke shit you’re pulling-”

“No! God it isn’t, will you just listen for fuck’s sake. For once. Didn’t your father teach you any manners?”

Taehyung hadn’t meant to slip in a little insult but Jeongguk always riled him up, and he was trying to freaking apologise.

Jeongguk gets up instantly, anger clouding his features. Without another thought he lets a punch fly, smacking Taehyung straight in the face. He stalks out of the cafeteria without a backward glance.

Of course Taehyung couldn’t know about his father, but at the mention of him all he could do was see red. He couldn’t control it, it had been five full years since he'd gone but he still couldn’t.)

Jimin’s voice drifts back into consciousness, “He was knocked out cold, for FIFTEEN minutes Jeongguk! And he was so mad, he was so mad that he went for a motorbike ride that night. Late, without proper safety gear. He was frustrated and he was mad - because of you!” Jimin’s voiceias rising to a hysterical pitch at this point. “He probably crashed because of YOU!”

The words hit hard. Jeongguk feels as though he’s just been slammed against a wall, he knows  rationally that it isn’t actually his fault. But he didn’t know the whole back story, didn’t know Taehyung actually was intending on apologising. Didn’t know that his frustrations with Jeongguk may or may not have pushed him on a rather maniacal bike ride.

Fuck.

He blinks back the odd sensation of something hot pricking him in the eyelids.

“I’m sorry Jimin, I honestly didn’t know. I don’t, I d-don’t hate him. I really like him, actually. Our fighting was stupid, juvenile. I don’t want to hurt him anymore. I promise. I really won’t Jimin.”

Jimin stares incredulously, rendered speechless at Jeongguk’s undeniably honest show of regret.

“You kinda sound like you like him,” he finally says, stressing the second like with obvious intent. His scowl slowly makes way to something a little more scandalised.

Jeongguk blanches at the reddening of his cheeks. “No” he whispers quietly, “I just want to be friends. Start new.”

Jimin is back to the foot tapping the noise incredibly close to driving Jeongguk insane. “Okay,” Jimin responds, in a voice that did not at all sound okay. “But I’m watching you. You make one wrong move Jeon Jeongguk and I will destroy you,” he threatens. Jeongguk opts at this point not to tell Jimin that he looks comical and not threatening whatsoever.

“Deal,” Jeongguk readily agrees, “I’m gonna try tell him though, about before? Like say we used to hurt each other, fight? I don’t wanna lie.”

Jimin glances at him curiously, “Really? Well, that’s surprising. But yeah, go ahead, he’ll appreciate the truth.” Jimin forces a small smile, gives him a nod and turns abruptly on his heel to leave.

Jeongguk relaxes instantly, unaware that he has been standing ramrod stiff for the entire interaction. Huh, maybe he is a little scary.

“Jeongguk!” Jimin calls out over his shoulder, “Don’t you dare even think for one second about liking him! He is my innocent precious angel and you will never get your dirty dirty hands on. 400% out of your league mister,” and with that he is gone.

Jeongguk breathes out a sigh of relief.

---

Unknown Number: Hey, Taehyung? It’s me, Jeongguk.

Taehyung: Jeonggukie! Hi :)))

Taehyung: What you doing?

Jeongguk: Just finished class, heading home, wbu?

Taehyung: Class??? It’s 9pm?

Jeongguk: Dance class…

Taehyung: omg fun! I didn’t know u dance!!!

Taehyung: take me to a dance class! Promise!

Jeongguk: lol, ok i will

They text lazily, nothing significant, ramblings of what they are doing and a question here and there. Jeongguk smiles as Taehyung gives him a run down on his roommate’s location (a spider). He quickly discovers that Taehyung has the ability to see the fun in the mundane. Something Jeongguk doesn't think he is so good at himself.

Taehyung: spideys settling in on the doorframe

Taehyung: alert panic mode: spidey is approaching the bed! Call the police!

Jeongguk wills himself not to jump up whenever his phone vibrates, cursing his impatience as he struggles to not respond instantly. He doesn't really enjoy texting that much, but finds himself entranced by the little sentences that shoot through from the other.

Jeongguk: so movie day soon?

Taehyung: sat night?

Taehyung: also u can tell me, about us

Taehyung: since u know, we aren’t exes hahahahaha

Taehyung: i want the full story, gory details.

Jeongguk chuckles, gory details, Taehyung probably doesn't realise just how accurate that description was.

Jeongguk: yeah i think i’m free sat

Jeongguk knows he is free on Saturday, or even if he wasn’t, he knows he’d make it free. He firmly ignores the little leap of excitement that dances around somewhere in his belly.

Jeongguk: … yeah not exes lol

Taehyung: omfg that was so embarassing

Taehyung: god u might not even be gay!

Taehyung: Sorry! I’ve been told i can be a little forgetful ;)

Jeongguk snorts.

Jeongguk: yes, forgetful..

Jeongguk: oh i am gay btw lol

Taehyung: Oh! That’s good

G-o-o-d. The four letters seem to bore through Jeongguk. Good? What does that mean? Like good the joke’s not so awkward, or good because I like you like the way you like me and maybe one day we’ll ride off into the sunset?

Jeongguk stares at his phone for awhile longer (being ten minutes), as he tries to formulate a thrilling response.

Jeongguk: :)

A smiley. Yup. That’s what ten hard minutes of constructing came up with. The finished product - :)

Should I have made it a winky one? God this texting business is complicated no wonder I hate it.

They continue on with the spider chronicles, Jeongguk gives Taehyung a run down on some of their classmates and teachers. Taehyung requests a sleeping playlist. Jeongguk sends him one, saying it is his own. Not admitting that he didn’t have one and may or may not have spent thirty minutes painstakingly preparing the ultimate ‘I used to hate you but now I kinda like you and I also think you’re beautiful i hope you have sweet dreams playlist’, (he hoped Taehyung got the hidden message).

Jeongguk blinks blearily at the led screen, eyes drifting open and shut frequently.

2.13AM

He knows he’ll be tired in the morning, but he isn’t about to go to bed with his new enemy-turned cute friend texting him incessantly.

Unfortunately for Jeongguk, sleep has other plans, whisking him away for the night.

It is a familiar scene, Taehyung and Jeongguk mid-tussle, the dream that has plagued him the last two weeks. Jeongguk sighs in his sleep, he hates the dream, hates reliving it. “You like that?” Taehyung whispers with a low growl, Jeongguk flinches, waiting for the pain to sear through his dream-like state. But something is wrong, he is falling, falling, his eyes widen in panic, he’s never fallen before.

Taehyung is on all fours, pinning him down, a position they both know well. But Jeongguk quickly notices they aren’t in uniform, rolling in a field. The grass feels suspiciously soft, bed-like and if he wasn’t in such a deep sleep he would’ve definitely found it odd that Taehyung seemingly has shed most of his clothes, clad in short yellow boxers.

Suddenly he is flipping him over, switching the position, staring into Taehyung’s eyes. They are wide, shining, but the venom gone. They are still dark but tainted with something else. Something a little more like desire. Taehyung doesn't break eye contact, bringing out his pink tongue to trace across his dry lips, wetting them. Jeongguk follows the action with his eyes, unable to look away.

Then Jeongguk leans in kissing him hungrily, pressing his body down flush on the warm soft one beneath him. Taehyung arches up towards him, kissing back hard. It's noisy and  hot and his body is responding -

Jeongguk sits up with a jerk, panting heavily. Fuck.

He curses the tell-tale hardening beneath his shorts. Shit.

Chapter Text

“Tae!”

Jeongguk yells out at the other, practically tripping over his own shoelaces in his eagerness. Arms flailing wildly in greeting, he pauses momentarily to consider how desperate he looks, dialing it down to a casual (or what he thinks is a casual) wave.

“Jeonggukie,” Taehyung sings, turning around to send a blinding smile in Jeongguk’s direction. “Uh, hey Jimin” Jeongguk forcibly smiles at the other, who has his arms linked with Taehyung, only to receive an arched eyebrow and smirk in response.

“I b-brought you this,” Jeongguk stammers, shoving something at Taehyung. “Usb?” Taehyung queries, looking slightly confused. “O-of some more music I thought you might like. Uh I mentioned it the other night,” Jeongguk trails off awkwardly, belatedly wondering if it was a lame idea.

Oh my god. It’s fucking lame.

Taehyung’s face lights up instantly however, quelling the slight unease in the other’s stomach. “Wow! Thanks, that’s really cool of you” his grin sends a strange sensation directly to Jeongguk’s gut.

“Oh my fucking god.” Jeongguk turns hesitantly to catch the whites of Jimin’s eyes as they roll back in his head. “You made him a mixtape?” Jimin’s tone's incredulous and Jeongguk does-fucking-not appreciate the smug smirk that doesn't look like it’s ever due leave. “That’s cute bro,”  Jimin chuckles and pats him on the shoulder in a rather infuriating manner. “That is such a boyfriendy thing to do. Taetae, he so has the hots for you. Later lovebirds,” Jimin whirls away, poking his tongue out at Jeongguk when he os out of Taehyung’s sight.

Fuck.

Jeongguk laughs nervously, inwardly grimacing at the sound. “Don’t mind Jiminie, it’s great honestly,” Taehyung grins up at him, smile dazzling. Jeongguk is quite sure if he continues to smile at him like that he will completely lose all self-control, and dignity. He prides himself on being cool and collected, a little standoffish perhaps. But with Taehyung around, his self-proclaimed rock-hard exterior is thawing at an alarming rate.

---

“Okay class, for this next project you’re going to need to pair off.”

Taehyung’s eyes widen as Jeongguk practically shoots out of his chair, scooting over to firmly grasp his forearm.

“Um. Partners?” Jeongguk whispers, a little sheepishly, carding a hand through his hair nervously.

God. Why did I do that.

“Of course,” Taehyung beams, glancing down pointedly at Jeongguk’s hand which is still tightly grasping his arm.

Oh.

“Oh,” Jeongguk coughs uncomfortably, removing his hand at lightning speed.

Shit.

A one Park Jimin chokes before displaying an exaggerated gagging gesture that Jeongguk pretends to miss.

---

“Gukkie!” Taehyung springs up out of nowhere, flinging his arms around the other's waist, enveloping him in a back hug.

A week ago, Jeon Jeongguk did not stand for back hugs.

A week ago, Jeon Jeongguk hated the guts of said back hugger.

A week on, Jeon Jeongguk is a melting softie, who may have discovered a newfound appreciation for back hugs. Back hugs from one person specifically.

“I can’t wait for tomorrow,” Taehyung chatters on excitably, dragging Jeongguk by an arm to their lunch table. Jimin is waiting there, arms crossed, aggravating smirk adorning his features. Jeongguk could swear that smirk hasn’t lifted all week, not for a second.

“Heya lovebirds,” Jimin coos, smiling innocently at Jeongguk’s daggers. “Y’know, why didn’t you invite me tomorrow Jeonggukie? I thought we were all friends now.” Jimin pouts exaggeratedly, but (of course), the glint doesn't leave his eyes for a second.

“Of course you’re welcome, isn’t he Gukkie?” Taehyung smiles obliviously.

Fuck. no.

“Of course,” Jeongguk affirms with what he hopes is a smile (it's a grimace). Jimin is clearly stifling laughter, thoroughly enjoying making Jeongguk suffer.

“It’s a shame I have other plans,” Jimin eventually says sadly, pulling another ridiculous pout at Taehyung.

Jeongguk inwardly sighs with relief.

Thank fuck.

Not that he wanted to be with Taehyung alone - or anything, he just feels uncomfortable with Jimin? Yeah that was it.

Liar, fucking liar.

Shut up.

DENIAL BITCH.

“What time Jeongguk?” Taehyung’s voice cuts into his argument with himself.

Shit I’m talking to myself now. Arguing about Taehyung. Fuck I’m fucked.

“Uh, Mmpf” Jeongguk mutters unintelligibly.

“What time should I come?” Taehyung questions.

“I can pick you up, on my bike if you want?”

Jeongguk freezes instantly as the words come out, noting Taehyung’s face dropping ever so slightly.

“Shit. I. Sorry. I for-”

“-It’s okay really. I can’t remember what it’s like riding, but I can feel it y’know? Or imagine the feeling. Like flying? But I’m not really supposed to, yet I guess. My parents would have a heart attack too.”

Jeongguk curses inwardly, avoiding Jimin’s arched eyebrow (God does he ever let up? ).

“Anytime is good,” Jeongguk mumbles, suddenly taking a great interest in a crack in the table.

---

Jeongguk paces his bedroom nervously, leaning out to smooth a rumple in his duvet as if it is the most important thing in the world.

He glances over at his ‘set up’, bemoaning the state of his slightly tatty couch.

Is it too late to get a couch cover?

Perhaps I can steal some of mum's cushions?

He works himself into quite a state, I mean he isn’t exactly the type to suffer from couch embarrassment on a regular basis. This is new. This is difficult.

“Mum,” he shrieks, rather frantically.

“Did you make sure we have strawberry ice-cream? It’s Taehyun-”

“Yes Jeongguk. We have strawberry ice-cream and chocolate, in case Taehyung got bored of strawberry remember?” His mother breaks into a laugh, clearly amused at seeing him in such a state.

“You’d think Taehyung was the King or something,” she mutters under her breath, but just loud enough for Jeongguk to catch.

“I heard that! Please mum, it’s gotta be perfect okay?”

“It is perfect love,” she winks.

“Hey um, can I borrow some of the throw pillows on your bed? The fluffy black ones?”

His mother’s mouth drops open at that in disbelief “Excuse me, what?”

“N-never mind,” Jeongguk sprints back to his room, giving it another anxious look over (another meaning for the fiftieth time).

---

“Taehyung’s here,” his mother calls out,  the revelation sending a panicked jolt to Jeongguk’s already shot nerves.

He takes a deep breath attempting to recollect himself, before strolling (as casually as possible) to the door.

His attempt at casualness is thrown out the door when he catches a glimpse of Taehyung.

Taehyung standing in the doorway, boxy grin on full display, cheeks tinted red from the cold wind outside, hair slightly ruffled. He has on a ridiculously oversized white jersey that engulfs his thin frame and he had a pillow a pillow? That he is hugging tight to his chest. Jeongguk decides that being that adorable should definitely become a criminal offence. He also decides that if his thoughts are ever vocalised aloud, they should become a criminal offence, being so unbelievably cheesy. Jimin’s cackling face springs uninvited to mind.

“You brought a pillow?” Jeongguk stammers, by way of a greeting.

“Yeah. S-sorry it’s weird, I just can’t sleep without another? I know it’s pretty childish” Taehyung dips a head, slight rosy flush hitting his tanned cheeks.

Oh my god. He’s sleeping over? I am so fucking unprepared.

Why didn’t I get the fucking cushions out.

Knew I should’ve got the cushions.

“Na totally cool. I have a favourite pillow too,” Jeongguk nods, much to his mother’s amusement at the entire exchange.

Taehyung makes himself quite at home rather instantly, hitting it off with Jeongguk’s mother, the two cackling in the kitchen like old friends. Jeongguk almost feels a little jealous before realising that is completely insane.

Taehyung oohs and aahs over the other’s bedroom, taking his time to look at everything on the walls, everything in the wardrobe and even opening up a couple of drawers. “Ooh! I have these boxers too!” Jeongguk thought he would potentially die at that point, Taehyung pulling out his Iron Man boxers and swinging them over his head. “Tony Stark is the shit,” he proclaims, not seeming to notice Jeongguk’s reddening cheeks.

The sight of Taehyung whirling his god-embarrassing Iron Man boxers around his head is enough for Jeongguk to call it quits on life.

I’m done man.

Take me now.

“So,” Taehyung has thankfully thankfully discarded of the boxers, Jeongguk silently thanka the Lord for not taking him up on his plea for early death. “What we gonna watch Gukkie?”

Taehyung sprawla out on the couch tucking a hand under his chin expectantly.

Now Jeongguk is prepared. This is something he is okay with. Movie watching that didn’t involve too much speaking and chances to say something to humiliate himself.

He excitedly shows Taehyung the extensive contents of his hard drive, all neatly in alphabetical order in folders of their genre. Jeongguk is a little bit of an organisational freak when it comes to his movies. His movies and his music.

“Oh my god the icecream,” Jeongguk squeals a little high-pitched, as he darts off to the kitchen.

“Having fun?” his mother laughs, eyes twinkling mischievously. Jeongguk shoots daggers before collecting the precious icecream and racing back to his room.

“You like strawberry right?” Taehyung’s eyes widen as he reaches out with a greedy ‘gimme’ gesture. Jeongguk does have two bowls in hand but Taehyung swipes his spoon and proceeds to eat it out of the container directly.

“Mmmm,” Taehyung leans back into the couch with a slow moan. Jeongguk stiffens at the sound, willing his eyes not to linger unnecessarily long on his mouth, his tongue.

“Gooooood,” Taehyung continues obliviously, “S'good Gukkie”.

Jeongguk settles himself firmly (safely) on the other end of the couch, presses play on the movie of Taehyung’s choice. He hasn’t watched it himself yet, but Taehyung had said “Oh! Random title, let’s do it,” so there they were, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas starting.

Doesn't take too long for them both to discover it isn’t exactly a comedy.

---

“Oh my god,” Taehyung is nestled close, clinging to one arm, sobbing into Jeongguk’s shirt. “Why did we watch this? Oh my god,” he sniffles, almost using the sleeve as a tissue. Not that Jeongguk would mind really. 

Jeongguk does find it sad, of course , but he has a tiny smile threatening to show because of the physical contact. The little devil on one shoulder comes out suggesting Jeongguk should definitely choose a horror next. Jeongguk decides he agrees with him.

--- 

“Holy fuck!” Taehyung has his head buried in a most satisfied Jeon Jeongguk. “I c-can’t watch,” Taehyung nuzzles his head right in his chest, blocking out the view. “Why are you enjoying this?” Taehyung moans, bewildered at the blatant grin on the other. Jeongguk is enjoying himself far too much, but obviously not from the movie. He is staring straight at the screen intently, but it could’ve been playing anything for all he knew. Taehyung is cuddling him, soft and warm and god Jeongguk knows that this is the day he is a definite converter to the snuggle club.

The snuggle club. Fuck. Who am I?

And so they sit, snuggled, Taehyung in pained fear and Jeongguk reevaluating his entire personality.

The movie eventually draws to a close and Jeongguk whines a little, when the other moves off him. “I hate you,” Taehyung flings a pillow at his face, burying his head in his hands. “God, how will I sleep tonight Jeon Jeongguk! You know now you’ll have to put up with me sleeping in your bed? I refuse to sleep alone!” Taehyung demands, completely unaware of the effect of his words.

Oh. Holy shit.

Jeongguk silently thanks the devil on his shoulder for the stellar suggestion. He could already picture it, a sleepy Taehyung curled up on his chest. He smiles, lazily flinging a pillow back.

“Hungry?” Jeongguk asks, his stomach feeling a bit strange after consuming half a tub of icecream.

Taehyung nods in delight, forgetting his ‘anger’.

They agree after light debate that pizza is the best option. Pizza always is after all.

 ---

Two and a half pizza’s later, they both lie sprawled out on Jeongguk’s bed, Taehyung clutching his belly groaning.

“I feel like I’m gonna vom.”

“Yeah. I’ve definitely put on 7 kilos,” Jeongguk responds, feeling mildly unwell.

“Pfft,” Taehyung throws a punch at his stomach “Rubbish, you have rock hard abs." He then flicks a hand under Jeongguk’s shirt and gives it a nonchalant pat. "Yup” he remarks observantly, “rock hard.”

For the second time, or maybe the sixth (hey he was losing count), Jeongguk considers an early death.

 Seconds later and Taehyung is up bouncing around, “Let’s go running!” Full of pizza, slightly nauseous, Jeongguk can not for the life of him imagine why that would be a fun (or good) idea. But an hour or so into the evening he’d already given in to the fact that he could not say no to that face.

Jeongguk tries not to notice his heart skipping a beat when Taehyung chucks on one of his own hoodie’s claiming casually that it “Smells good."

Ten minutes into the run and Taehyung is already doubled over in pain, flopping unceremoniously down on the concrete path. “C-changed mind” he splutters, lying out spread eagle. “Let’s stargaze”.

Jeongguk is a little (or a lot) more athletic, but the pizza churning around in his stomach tends to agree with Taehyung. He pops down next to the other, trying to exile the butterflies in his stomach. It’s just the pizza-nausea he thinks, trying to stay in denial. Not that the night’s events can give him any credibility in that regard.

They fall silent for a while, puffed pants slowly dying out. It is nice, comfortable silence. It isn’t exactly a routine activity for Jeongguk, and he is possibly getting frostbite, but Taehyung’s smile is strangely warming. And when he shuffles closer bumping shoulders, Jeongguk could’ve sworn he’d gotten the seasons wrong, a warmth tingling up his side.

“Hey. You haven’t told me about us?” Taehyung turns to face him suddenly, face to close for comfort.

Okay. Here goes.

“You hated me,” Jeongguk confesses, deciding he better get straight to it.

Taehyung’s eyes widen and his mouth drops open, expression comical and incredulous.

“Get outta here. You serious?”

“I-I hated you too,” Jeongguk pauses, Taehyung’s face contorting again.

“For years, since we were young, I dunno how old even. We were kinda famous," Jeongguk chuckles, "For being enemies.”

Taehyung makes a noise of disbelief, looking thoroughly unconvinced. He raises an eyebrow.

“But why?”

Jeongguk flushes, unable to answer this one. “I don’t know,” his voice drops slightly, eyes tearing away from the other. “It was so stupid.”

Taehyung's voice is soft, “How could I hate you?”

Jeongguk smiles, the words having a ridiculously mushy effect on him.

“You gave me this,” Jeongguk breaks into a laugh, leaning closer to show Taehyung his scar.

“Oh my god,” Taehyung clutches his chest, pained expression. Jeongguk nearly has a heart attack when he leaned in to give his scar a light kiss. “Sorry,” Taehyung whispers, finger tracing over the scar.

Jeongguk hopes Taehyung couldn’t hear his heart racing, because it is loud as fuck in his own ears.

“We fought always. Physically, verbally. Always trying to one up each other. I thought you were a cocky asshole, you thought I was a heartless dickhead."

“Sounds like we were pretty stupid. Do you have proof?" Taehyung arches an eyebrow.

"Actually, I think there's a clip of us fighting last year on Youtube," Jeongguk snorts, realising just how fucking stupid it really was.

Taehyung actually looks excited, "Oh my god. you have to show me," he sputters, laughter interrupting his sentence.

But I gotta tell you something though,” Jeongguk trails off slightly, turning to look at Taehyung face a little more serious.

“The day before. The day before your accident? Y-you. Jimin said you were going to apologise. To stop it. I didn’t let you. I p-punched you, knocked you out” Jeongguk grimaced as he tried to get the words out. He can't imagine laying a hand on the boy lying beside him now. Fuck! I'm an asshole.

“Jimin said when you went out riding that night y-you were angry. You were mad at me. M-mad at yourself. Maybe that’s why you weren’t so careful” his voice dropped to a whisper, “m-maybe that’s why you crashed.”

Jeongguk looks away, releases an unknown breath he is holding, waiting for what feels like centuries for Taehyung to respond.

“Wow,” Taehyung mutters softly, still coming to grips with the back story.

“You don’t think it’s your fault though do you?” Taehyung cocks a head enquiringly, humorous gaze turning to something - sympathetic?

He feels sorry for me?

“Please don’t.” Taehyung continues, tone serious. “It no one’s fault. Just a shitty thing that happened. But then again, not so shitty?”

Jeongguk looks at him, not wanting to put any weight on the possible hint in his words. Taehyung soon clears it up.

“I wouldn't've met you.” Taehyung confirms his hopeful gesticulation sending another unwanted round of butterflies to his chest.

“Now that would be a super shitty thing,” he smiles softly.

Jeongguk nods in agreement, because how the fuck could he have hated this boy.

He belatedly blasts his past self for wasting so much time hating him, when he could've bee-

Kissing.

kissing!3%!?

Taehyung is kissing him.

Jeongguk blacks out slightly for a second before pressing in eagerly, one arm cupping the side of his face. 

Taehyung's lips are unbelievably soft, warm despite the cold, and Jeongguk can't believe it. Can't believe this is happening.

When Taehyung parts his lips, making way for Jeongguk's tongue he tastes incredible. Something so sweet and so good Jeongguk knows it will become an addiction. 

Their kiss deepens, both becoming a little more desperate, a little more heated. Taehyung slides a hand under Jeongguk's jersey, grabbing the material in a fist to pull him closer, closer. Their bodies are pressed against each other now, volts of electricity shooting down Jeongguk's spine.

Jeongguk feels as though he is going to burst he is kissing Taehyung. Making out with Taehyung. 

Suddenly Taehyung is pulling him, pulling him over, and at first Jeongguk is confused with what is happening, fumbling a little.

Oh shit.

Taehyung is pulling him to lie on top. 

Shit.

Jeongguk scrambles over in haste, heart thudding in his ears when Taehyung makes a soft breathy moan before pulling him down, mouths fitting together perfectly.

Their kiss grows feverish, Taehyung reaching up a hand to pull experimently at Jeongguk's locks. At that Jeongguk loses any semblance of caring letting out a deep low moan that the other swallows up.

Jeongguk can feel all blood rushing south, Taehyung's warm body pressed tightly against his own. He trails down to press a wet open-mouthed kiss to his earlobe, to his cheek, to his neck. Taehyung moans audibly at that, encouraging him further. Jeongguk is spurred on kiss turning into suck-

"OH MY GOD!"

Jeongguk bolts upright at the sound of voices, rolling off Taehyung to take in the wide-eyed stares of two young boys, openly gaping at the two.

Taehyung scrambles up after him laughing in amusement.

Jeongguk turnes to look at the other, eyes wide, hair mussed, lips swollen with his spit, god he was perfect.

"We should probably go home," Taehyung whispers, "As much as I'd love to continue that, my butt's getting numb."

Jeongguk grins, reaches out to give it a cheeky pinch (the kiss has done wonders for his confidence).

"Your hair's messy," Taehyung states, leaning over to ruffle it.

"You pulled it!"

"You liked it!"

Jeongguk doesn't have much to say to that. "Lets go home," he eventually says, smiling like an idiot when Taehyung reaches down to interlace their fingers.

Chapter Text

Taehyung and Jeongguk stumble into the house, a little out of breath due to the impromptu running race Taehyung had just pulled. Jeongguk collapses on his bedroom floor, groaning exaggeratedly, “Why’d you do that” he whines, sprawling out on the mattress.

Taehyung grins, raises his eyebrows in an unfairly sexy manner. “I know you’re the competitive type, you hate to lose don’t you Jeon?” he giggles, plops himself on the bed beside Jeongguk.

Jeongguk grunts in response, strips off his hoodie, revealing a sliver of stomach in the process. Taehyung stares at the exposed skin with little (or no) attempt to conceal his gaze. Jeongguk notices. “Staring,” he smirks at the other; face flushed from the run, hair a little damp on his forehead with sweat.

Taehyung shrugs, “Well, you’re hot” he states nonchalantly, an amused grin pulling at the corners of his lips at Jeongguk’s obvious discomfort with the compliment.

“You too,” Jeongguk blurts out clumsily. Shit, smooth.

“Uh, Bathroom,” Jeongguk mumbles, scoots off abruptly with a pained smile. He stumbles around the bathroom, memory of their earlier kiss burning in his mind, coupled with Taehyung’s obvious ogling moments earlier.

Shit.

Is something more gonna happen?

Jeongguk isn’t a virgin, and Taehyung isn't either, - but does he even remember? Shit.

Jeongguk stares at himself in the mirror, runs a hand hastily through his hair, tries to quell some of the apprehension brewing deep in his belly. Something about Taehyung just makes his brain turn fuzzy, his movements come out fumbled, and his speech lack a filter.

He brushes his teeth with extra vigor, kinda hoping more making out was on the cards, splashes at his forehead to erase the slight sheen of sweat.

Jeongguk freezes at the doorway of his bedroom at the sight of Taehyung sprawled out across his bed wearing his t-shirt and some yellow boxers that are far too short and flimsy. Taehyung rolls over to face him, the short-shorts inching up even further stirring an uncomfortable but not altogether unpleasant sensation in Jeongguk's stomach. A lazy smile adorns Taehyung’s face, “Come to bed honey,” he drawls jokingly with a laugh, sending a bout of nerves to Jeongguk’s already flustered insides. It's a stupid nickname, one Jeongguk silently thinks is better reserved for married couples over forty or so, but hearing Taehyung call him that in his deep, husky voice, is enough to push the nickname to his top five endearments.

“Shut up,” Jeongguk grumbles, pushing him over slightly on the bed, fingers burning as they brush against Taehyung's bare thigh. “Taking up all the room,” he moans with little-to-no enthusiasm.

“Okay,” Taehyung shoots to the edge of the bed, lying as far away as possible. Jeongguk tries not to pout at the small gap that now lies between them.

He looks up to spot a gleeful grin spreading across Taehyung's features. “What,” he mutters grumpily. “Admit it,” Taehyung teases, “You wanna cuddle.” Jeongguk gulps at that, stubbornly not wanting to 'admit defeat'. It's silent for a beat until Jeongguk looks up again, mournfully at Taehyung.

“Okay grouchy,” Taehyung shuffles back over, close. Real close/

“Mmm warm," Taehyung muses, as he nuzzles into Jeongguk’s neck making little noises of content. The action jumpstarts Jeongguk's heart to an embarassing pace, and he tries his hardest to still his heartbeat as a warm arm flings itself casually around his waist.

Certain his entire face is now bright red, Jeongguk reaches up quickly to turn off the light in an attempt to hide it. Taehyung moves even closer, nosing at Jeongguk’s arm until he reluctantly (or not so reluctantly), uncurls it to lie under his neck. With a contented hum of approval, Taehyung reaches up to plant a feather-light kiss to his chin. Jeongguk shivers. The kiss leaves behind an odd stinging sensation, and Jeongguk isn’t entirely sure why he is suddenly so awkward, given that they were making out and half dry humping outside only thirty minutes prior.

“Whatcha thinking about Guk-ah?” Taehyung whispers, the slight vibration of his plush lips on Jeongguk’s neck sending pleasant shivers down his spine.

“Nothing,” he mumbles, pressing in a little closer to the other. “This is nice,” he confesses, comforted by the fact that his blush is hidden by the darkness.

“Of course it is,” Taehyung scoffs, “Cuddling is always the best!”

Jeongguk tries not to think of Taehyung happily cuddling up to various people. He probably does.

Jeongguk isn’t a cuddler, well, until today. But the thought of Taehyung sharing his cuddles too willingly with half the planet doesn’t sit well with him, despite the fact that he couldn’t exactly be jealous. It's not like I have any right to be, I mean he's not my boyf-

“Cuddling with you is the best,” Taehyung clarifies, as if reading Jeongguk’s thoughts. Jeongguk is again thankful for the darkness when a cheesy grin spreads across his features. He really couldn’t be held accountable for anything he said or did with Taehyung around.

They lie pressed close together, Taehyung rattling on about this that and the other. Jeongguk is more than content, a finger tracing circles and patterns on the other’s back. He’d paused momentarily only for Taehyung to demand that he continue, so of course he had complied.

Jeongguk startles suddenly, apologizing profusely for falling asleep mid-conversation.

“S’okay,” Taehyung mumbles drowsily, his deep sleepy voice impossible endearing. “I’m falling asleep too. Kiss me goodnight?”

Jeongguk’s heart flutters in his chest at the innocent question, heat spreading across his face as Taehyung flicks his head up from where it's buried in his chest, lips pursed. Jeongguk leans in to kiss him, soft and chaste. Taehyung hums in satisfaction, pulls away to lick a cheeky stripe up the side of Jeongguk's unsuspecting face. Chuckling to himself Taehyung snuggles back down into Jeongguk's chest, little hushed snores escaping his lips seconds later.

Jeongguk watches entranced, the rise and fall of his chest, the slight puffs of breath through his parted lips. He impulsively leans down to drop a kiss to Taehyung’s forehead, smiling when he murmurs slightly in his sleep.

Beautiful.

His mind tries to force him to recognize the fact that he is rapidly descending into a pile of soppy mush, but he shoves it away to consider at a later date.

He drifts off to sleep not too long after, a happy hum settled deep in his chest, and a warm clingy figure strewn out across it.

---

“Jeonggukie, wake up”, a husky voice breaks through into Jeongguk’s dream and he blinks blearily, the world – or rather Taehyung’s face, coming into view.

What a nice way to wake up.

“W-what’s. What time?” Jeongguk mumbles sleepily, instinctively shutting his eyes again and pressing in close to the warmth next to him. “Eleven,” Taehyung laughs at the other, clinging tightly to him. “You’re cute in the morning Gukkie.” Jeongguk mutters incoherently in reply, letting out a whine when Taehyung attempts to disentangle himself from his tight embrace. “Okay, okay,” Taehyung giggles conceding, settling back down much to a sleepy Jeongguk’s pleasure. “Stay,” Jeongguk gruffly demands; sleep clouding any embarrassment a more wide awake Jeon would’ve felt.

When they finally both got up, Jeongguk blushes a little when Taehyung teases him about his earlier actions, claiming he “Doesn't have any responsibility over his sleepy state.” He smiles however, when Taehyung declares that he would “Have to sleep over more often,” to witness it.

Please.

Breakfast is a quiet affair, both concentrated on shoveling down as much food as possible. It is interrupted by the occasional pleasant glances and smiles, Jeongguk noting that the amount of smiles he’d racked up could possibly rival his entire year’s worth.

When Taehyung made to get changed, complaining a little that his jersey had tomato sauce on it, Jeongguk was a little too speedy to offer him something of his own to wear. Because he can’t go out with sauce on his top he thought, and a little part of him decided he liked seeing him in his clothes. Or maybe it was the larger part.

They hover a little unsure by the doorway as Taehyung is leaving.

Shit.

Do I kiss him?

Jeongguk is at a loss of what to do, never having found himself in the situation. They are friends yes. But then they’d made out, but it wasn’t a hook up? They hadn’t had sex, but they’d cuddled? It is unfamiliar territory indeed, something he surmised Jimin would most likely describe (with glee) as ‘boyfriendy’.

Taehyung senses Jeongguk’s hesitation, and leans in to give him a quick peck on the lips before blushing furiously and turning hurriedly away as if second guessing himself.

“Wait,” Jeongguk calls out, rushing down the stairs with as much grace as a pack of stampeding animals. Which is to say, none.

Taehyung turns around a question in his expression, “W-wh-"
 

Jeongguk interrupts the question with his lips; smashing them against the other’s who stumbles back in surprise. It's no masterful kiss by any means, lacking anything in the form of finesse, but somehow it's just perfect.

Regaining his composure Taehyung curls his arms around Jeongguk’s neck, pulls him closer to return the kiss with equal enthusiasm. (But less teeth).

They pull back moments later, slightly out of breath and panting, but both smiling, ridiculous grins on their faces.

“Bye Jeonggukie,” Taehyung waves, face splitting smile adorning his features.

“Bye Tae," Jeongguk waves back, a fond feeling creeping within his chest, and settling there. It feels stuck somehow, like it's a feeling that's destined to stay. 

---

Jeongguk spends the better half of Sunday trying to decide if he should text Taehyung or not, not wanting to come off too desperate. He yelps when his phone finally vibrates at about 8.00pm, Taehyung’s name flashing up on the screen. Thank god it's him or Jeongguk would've been supremely disappointed.

Taehyung: you didn’t text :(

Jeongguk: sorry!

Jeongguk: hey u didn’t either??

Taehyung: lol sorry

Taehyung: I was waiting 4 u but I couldn’t help myself

Jeongguk grins down at his phone, feeling slightly appeased at the realization that Taehyung has been in the same predicament as himself. They message back and forth for the rest of the evening, playful banter and the occasional strange argument.

Taehyung never runs out of interesting questions or odd theories that he shoots through with rapid speed.

Jeongguk tries not to jump every time his phone goes off, but is completely unsuccessful. At one point his aunt had messaged, much to his disappointment. This led to him changing Taehyung’s message tone – just so there was no false hope in the future. I'm not crazy -- am I?

With the message tone change, Jeongguk briefly ponders whether he is hitting rock-bottom obsession levels, but this is to be challenged, when he later puts his phone in a plastic ziploc bag so he can respond whilst having a shower.

People do this. He reasons, despite having no real living person he could bring up as a witness to this fact.

Midnight rolls around and is slightly distressing when his phone runs out of credit, and he jogs (read: sprints) to buy a top up when his mother rudely declines the use of her credit card.

(“Get out Jeongguk I’m asleep? What the f-? Top it up tomorrow what’s the time?”).

As 3am hits and Taehyung apologizes to go to bed, Jeongguk doesn't let him know he is in fact already sleeping, and had set the message tone at top volume like an alarm so he woke up at each text.

He doesn’t stop for too long to contemplate that he is becoming mildly crazy, because he can always deal with that at a later more convenient time. Like a time when Taehyung isn’t messaging him.

---

At lunch Jimin sits across from Taehyung and Jeongguk staring at their close proximity and the gooey eyed stares they keep exchanging. “Oh my god. You fucked didn’t you” he shrieks, a little too loudly for comfort.

“No,” they respond in unison with panicked stares, flushed cheeks. “No honestly we didn’t” Taehyung repeats, Jeongguk nodding furiously in affirmation.

Jimin’s face settles down before contorting into a sly grin, Jeongguk recognizing it as the look he’s been suffering under for the last two weeks.

“But you WANT to,” Jimin finally declares, amused smile forming at their scandalized expressions.

“NO! I mean yes! I mean I-“ Taehyung trails off.

Jeongguk chokes on his soda, turning to look at Taehyung who smiles up at him sheepishly.

“Well,” Jimin snickers. “That’s cleared up isn’t it? Thank me later. And I don’t think we have to ask Jeongguk what he wants,” he snorts in disgust. Jeongguk throws him a look.

Jimin (as usual) is undeterred, “You look at him like he’s the goddamn sun in the sky. And the moon. And the stars. Like no one else is here,” he quips. “Hello I’m here by the way! And I’m nauseous!”

Taehyung and Jeongguk sit rather silently as Jimin rambles on oblivious to their embarrassment (or pretending to be).

“Hello earth to Jeongguk? You’re staring at his mouth again.”

Jeongguk grimaces, averting his gaze. He thinks he may literally throw up when Taehyung catches him by the wrist as lunch comes to a close. “Jimin’s right y’know,” he whispers, before tacking on a barely audible, “I want you to fuck me," and throwing a flabbergasted Jeongguk an exaggerated wink, disappearing.

Well, fuck.

---

Taehyung: hey, you free this weekend?

Jeongguk: yeah :) think so

YES YES WHY? ARE WE DOING SOMETHING?? PLEASE SAY WE’RE DOING SOMETHING

Taehyung: It’s my birthday

Taehyung: My parents are away

Taehyung: Jimin’s coercing me to have a party, what u think??

Taehyung: it'll b like, my first party, well first birthday ill remember (or not)

Jeongguk: Hell yeah

Taehyung: sweet ;)

---

“Come in” Taehyung sings out cheerily, when Jeongguk arrives at his house. “Hey Jeongguk,” Jimin chirps, using his actual name and not some variation of ‘love-bird’ or ‘lover-boy’ for the first time all week. Jeongguk's grateful.

The three quickly go about setting up the house, bickering over the music playlist, and eating the majority of the snacks whilst preparing them.

Jeongguk laments the outfit he’d brought to wear, upon seeing Jimin and Taehyung’s laid out on the latter’s bed.

For once Jimin had taken pity on him, fetching a variety of clothes from Taehyung’s wardrobe and demanding he wear them. Jimin even forced on a small amount of make-up, clucking his tongue in approval at his work. Jeongguk felt a little self-conscious as Taehyung was smaller than him, but Jimin had simply ruffled his hair stating that “tighter is better,” with a wink.

Jimin chuckles at Jeongguk’s star struck expression when Taehyung finally emerges from the bathroom.

Because wow.

Taehyung has mussed up his hair with a little product, in what Jimin had aptly described “sex hair”. He’s even gone to the lengths of using a wash out lilac hair dye, which should not have looked good on anyone. Being Taehyung however, he looks fucking good. Unfairly so.

Jeongguk sucks in a breath as he takes in the slightly smudged kohl eyeliner that enhances his almond shaped eyes suddenly transforming him completely from adorable to sex-on-a-stick. His loose white t-shirt is unfairly translucent, with a deep V neck showcasing his collar-bones nicely. Not to mention his tight leather jacket, undone, that gives his usually innocent-looking self a distinctly bad boy aura. His tight black jeans, ripped at the knees are unfairly teasing, hugging his lean legs tightly, the curve of his ass clearly discernible.

Jeongguk silently worries about the sheer number of people that will get to see him like this. Will enjoy seeing him like this. Might try steal him away.

“Doesn’t he look great Gukkie?” Jimin smirks, as Jeongguk gulps like a fish with an awkward nod of his head. Great being the understatement of the year.

---

The house fills up fairly fast, drinks flowing and music pumping loudly. Jeongguk is a little disconcerted with the sheer amount of bodies packed in, not really being the most sociable person. 

Taehyung and Jimin are the perfect hosts, flitting around the house chattering with ease to everyone. Jeongguk self-consciously slinks into a corner, settling on pining for Taehyung from afar. He grumbles at the fact that Taehyung is so comfortable despite the fact he probably can't remember half the people.

Taehyung spots him wallowing in despondency. "What are you doing, come play,” Taehyung pounces, fingers wrapping around his wrist dragging him into a rowdy-looking drinking game.

Jimin is bright red, dancing around in the centre having the time of his life. Jeongguk groans inwardly when his eyes zero in on him with delight. “Gukkie,” he slurs, “Your turn," motioning for the him to come to the centre. Jeongguk walks in reluctantly, Taehyung giving him an allmighty push from behind.

“Truth or dare?” someone yells that Jeongguk doesn’t recognize. “Truth,” Jeongguk mumbles, swigging back a cup of something – anything to hopefully dispel his awkward demeanour.

“DARE,” Jimin is shrieking, “He said dare.”

“W-what?” Jeongguk stutters, with little effect because Jimin isn’t leaving room for any argument. “Dare – dare,” resound the consequential chant around the circle.

“Body shot off Taehyung!” Jimin whoops, pulling the other into the middle. Taehyung is flushed red tipsy, giggling with the occasional hiccup in-between.

Fuck.

Taehyung is obviously more drunk, as he readily peels off his jacket and strips his t-shirt with a flourish, lying down obediently on the floor. Jeongguk gulps audibly as Jimin pushes him roughly to his knees, leaving him hovering over Taehyung’s naked  chest. Jeongguk gulps.

“Here you go,” Jimin reaches down with a shot glass, “Woops” Jimin snickers, spilling the entire shot down Taehyung’s entire upper body who squeals as the liquid hits his chest. His chest. That Jeongguk's eyes may or may not be glued too, the alcohol running down the middle.

“Lick it up!” Jimin demands, a chorus of approval resounding behind him. Jeongguk prays everyone will attribute the blush to alcohol, heart stammering in his chest. Thudding louder and louder in his ears, the loud bass of the music silent in comparison. He curses at the flash of a number of cellphones coming out to film the moment.

He is hit with a sudden flashback, similar situation, hovering over Taehyung – except that time it was a fight, which amassed a surprising amount of views on Youtube. He chuckles despite his apprehension,

Fuck a lot has changed.

Taehyung’s eyes are wide and he shivers when Jeongguk leans down with an experimental lick at the middle of his chest. “T-tickles,” Taehyung laughs, the sound sending extra unnecessary heat to Jeongguk’s cheeks. Taehyung's voice is even lower when he's tipsy, if that was possible. and it's fucking hot.

Jeongguk dives in then, because fuck it, licking up the shot as speedily as possible, much to the delight of an uproarious crowd (and Jimin). He tries his hardest not to think too much about the fact that he is licking Taehyung’s golden chest, a chest that twitches almost violently when his tongue unintentionally grazes a nipple. Leaning down to get the last of it by Taehyung’s neck, Jeongguk freezes as he catches the slight breathy moan that escapes Taehyung’s red lips. He makes eye contact with him, Taehyung seems to be in a mild state of delirium. Before he can even react or formulate a thought, Taehyung's leaning up to press a sloppy wet kiss to his lips (setting off the crowd – and of course, Park Jimin).

They both scramble up shortly after, Jeongguk red in the face as Taehyung entwines their arms, leaning into his side. He flushes with pride when Taehyung stays that way, stuck too him, for the rest of the night, much to Jeongguk’s pleasure. He can’t help feeling proud at the stares and comments from the others, the two clearly looking like a couple. Taehyung is constantly giggling in his ear, their fingers tightly interlaced and he continually peppers little kisses on Jeongguk’s neck as if sharing a little secret between the two.

When asked about whether they are dating or not, Jeongguk simply shrugs, not really dispelling the speculations.

---

Eventually the majority of the party leave, save a few stragglers scattered in the lounge, passed out on couches.

“Bed babe,” Taehyung whispers, the pet name sending a pleasant hum to Jeongguk’s already buzzed out brain. All this couple-acting and alcohol has made him rather warm and fuzzy inside. But mainly the alcohol he surmises, (lying to himself of course).

“What about me,” Jimin pouts in mock horror, before face-planting on a free couch, knocking out instantly.

Jeongguk averts eye contact when Taehyung strips down to his boxers, a blush reaching the tip of his ears when the other pulls him into bed. If Taehyung is a cuddler, drunk Taehyung is next level. Instantly he leaps onto Jeongguk’s chest, making himself quite comfortable. “Take your shirt off, please,” Taehyung whines, “It feels nice.”

Jeongguk complieS, faintly recognizing that he Is so weak for this kid, shivering slightly when Taehyung strokes his abs unabashedly. “Mmmm,” he murmurs appreciatively, sending a rush of pleasure directly to Jeongguk’s brain. Jeongguk attempts to force himself to think about anything except Taehyung’s hand, Taehyung’s proximity, their skin-on-skin contact, Taehyung’s dick, knowing (unfortunately) that they are both probably too drunk. Also, would it feel like Taehyung's first time again? So confusing.

He stills when Taehyung reachs down casually with a light pat on his crotch, “I’ll see you later,” Taehyung mutters tone serious, as if speaking directly to his dick. “W-what?” Jeongguk stammers. “Later,” Taehyung repeats nonchalantly, flicking him lightly on the nose as if that is an explanation.

Taehyung then nestles down on his chest, rubbing his nose in it approvingly. “Gukkie,” Taehyung slurs slightly, voice thick with sleep and traces of alcohol. “D’ya like me?” he asks, tone suddenly laced with a trace of vulnerability. It's near pitch black, but Jeongguk can still make out his wide round eyes, long eyelashes framing them. Lips pursed down in a slight pout.

“Koz I like you,” Taehyung then mumbles sleepily, “I really really  like you.”

The confession sweeps a pleasant warmth over Jeongguk, a wide smile pulling at the corner of his lips. Relief.

“I really like you too Tae,” he eventually whispers, nudging his chin for a kiss. Taehyung kisses him back, earnestly, before promptly turning over, dragging Jeongguk’s arm over so he is spooning Taehyung.

“Happy Birthday Tae,” Jeongguk whispers into his hair.

“Best birthday,” Taehyung murmurs, stretching a hand back around to cup Jeongguk’s cheek. Thumb brushing over the cheekbone affectionately. 

"You don't remember the others," Jeongguk chuckles. Taehyung swats him on the face.

 “G’night Gukkie."

---

Jeongguk awakes to a fluffy purple head of hair on his chest, and a sleepy Taehyung staring up intently at him. He wonders briefly if Taehyung had been sober enough to recall their confession.

“So you like me.”

Oh. Yup.

Definitely remembers.

A slow blush takes over Jeongguk’s sleepy features and he ducks his head shyly, “Yeah” he mumbles, half into the blanket. Somehow in the day light it's all a lot more terrifying.

Taehyung grins in delight “So are you gonna ask me?”

Jeongguk frowns, a little confused at the question “Ask what?”

Taehyung rolls his eyes "Ask me out?” he sighs, prodding the other’s cheek lightly.

Oh. OH.

“Would you say yes?” Jeongguk queries, hesitantly, teeth worrying his lower lip. Taehyung laughs in response, his stomach twists in knots. 

“Yes obviously.” Taehyung giggles, “You’re silly Gukkie-ah.”

Jeongguk visibly relaxes, pulling Taehyung close to his chest.

“Hey,” Taehyung pokes at his chin, “You still have to ask me. It feels like I've never had a boyfriend y'know, y-you'll be the first so you gotta ask."

“Why,” Jeongguk grumbles sleepily, “You already said yes.” Taehyung frowns. It's adorable. Although every goddamn thing he does is adorable. “Well I want you to ask me,” Taehyung shoots back cheekily. “I want to hear it Jeon Jeongguk.”

“Willyougooutwithme,” Jeongguk mumbles, words garbled together.

“YES!! I WILL GO OUT WITH YOU JEON JEONGGUK!” Taehyung yells loudly, sitting up in delight with a ring of laughter.

“WHAT!” comes a shout from outside the room, Jimin barging in with a rush.

“You guys are so gross,” Jimin gags, but the ridiculously large smile on his face said otherwise.

“Get out, I wanna have birthday sex,” Taehyung declares much to Jeongguk’s horror.

Oh my god.

“Ugh!” Jimin scrambles out with a “be safe kids”, leaving a red-faced Jeongguk in his wake.

“So,” Taehyung curls up to look at him, voice husky with sleep and now laden with, well, something else. Shivers race and chase up Jeongguk's spine, butterflies make a home in his belly.

“So,” Jeongguk repeats, in a small voice.

“Do you know what I want for my birthday?”

Jeongguk blinks, “N-no.”

“Yeah you do,” Taehyung grins, winking obnoxiously at him.

Oh.

Although there is absolutely no confusion to dispel, Taehyung runs his fingers lightly over Jeongguk’s groin area just in case. Jeongguk freezes. Because fuck.

“I’m kidding,” Taehyung then says, to Jeongguk’s simultaneous relief and utter disappointment.

“Well I’m not kidding, but not right now,” Taehyung laughs. "My throat is like sandpaper and I smell like a brewery. I need a shower. Also, I’d prefer an empty house, I’m a screamer.” Jeongguk chokes at that, Taehyung smiling up at him, faux innocent expression plastered across his face. Eyes glinting mischievously.

"How do you even remember that?" Jeongguk arches an eyebrow.

Taehyung winks, "I dunno, but I just know."

Jeongguk's face flushes an angry red. Taehyung observes him intently, amused expression.

“But soon?”

Jeongguk nods, a little too enthusiastically.

Soon.

Chapter Text

'Soon'  hung heavily over them, every subsequent interaction slightly more heated, slightly more suggestive. The day absolutely dragged, and unspoken somehow they’d entered a contest of sorts, each trying to rile the other up.

Jeongguk’s breath caught in his throat when Taehyung emerged from the shower, skin glowing, towel hanging unnecessarily low revealing his V-lines. Taehyung smirked up at him, as Jeongguk struggled to forcibly remove his gaze, heart pounding in his chest.

Fuck.

Not to be outdone however, it was Taehyung’s turn to choke on a stuttered gasp when Jeongguk sauntered out, audaciously dropping his towel altogether, before calmly proceeding to get dressed.

He wasn’t entirely sure where the newfound arrogance had sprung from, but it could most likely be attributed to his ridiculously large competitive streak.

Jeongguk sniggered as Taehyung trembled, flexing his toned physique, dressing purposefully slow, delighting in the small whimper that left Taehyung's lips.

Perhaps having slightly less self-control than Jeongguk, Taehyung didn’t avert his eyes, former teasing replaced with darkened intent. Jeongguk shivered slightly at the flash of pink, Taehyung wetting his lips with his tongue, as his eyes trailed over the other’s figure appreciatively.

Whilst cleaning the kitchen Taehyung was quick to gulp down some leftovers with an over-the-top gratuitous moan, licking his fingers one by one. Jeongguk stiffened at the sight, Taehyung pulling off each finger with a lewd pop, prompting Jimin to cover his face in pure horror at the display.

Unashamed, Taehyung stared at Jeongguk intently, corners of his lips turning up in satisfaction at the heated stare and slight breathy gasp he received back.

“W-what the fuck?” Jimin stammered confused, eyeing Taehyung who flashed him an angelic smile, as if he hadn’t been practically sucking his fingers off in a manner that too-resembled fellatio.

Jeongguk next decided cleaning made him rather warm, disposing of his t-shirt casually, slowly, smirking at a gulping Taehyung.

You’re on, Tae.

Jimin’s face screwed up in disgust “okay my cue to leave ” he said pointedly, scurrying to the front door with haste at the increasingly lewd performances on display.

“Have fun perverts!”

Silence fell over the house as Taehyung slowly shut the door, turning expectantly to face Jeongguk, expression darkening. “Well, are y-“

Jeongguk didn’t hesitate, striding the short distance between them and pressing Taehyung firmly against the door, capturing him in a heated kiss muffling whatever he’d planned to say. Taehyung sighed into the kiss with a low half-moan, parting his lips instantly to grant the other entrance.

“Oh god”

Jeongguk responded instantly, greedily darting his tongue inside Taehyung’s open mouth, exploring every inch, sucking lightly on his tongue. Their little ‘competition’ had been agonizing (to say the least), and he shivered in anticipation of what was to come.

Taehyung ran his hands down the bare expanse of Jeongguk’s back, fingers tracing down his well-defined muscles. He stopped at his hips to curl his fingers around, tugging him closer. Taehyung whimpered into Jeongguk’s mouth, eyes dark with want, hands shaking on the other’s skin. His fingers sent electric currents through Jeongguk, his spine racked with shivers at the contact.

Mid make-out Jeongguk roughly pulled up at the hem of Taehyung’s sweater, disposing it on the floor, their bodies flush on one another. Taehyung let out a soft giggle at his impatience, but swiftly stopped when Jeongguk leaned down to attack the side of his neck. “Mmmmfff” Taehyung groaned in pleasure as Jeongguk lavished his tongue on his skin.

“R-room” Taehyung stammered, voice hoarse and thick with lust, and he moaned in arousal when Jeongguk pulled him up, wrapping his legs around his waist.

“F-fuck” Taehyung stuttered, leaning in to suck a rough string of hickies on Jeongguk’s neck as he carried him into the bedroom. Jeongguk let out a low moan at the tingling sensation, bringing down his hands to squeeze hard on the curve of Taehyung’s ass.

“God, Tae”

Jeongguk flung Taehyung on the bed, reaching down to pull off his pants immediately, the other moaning appreciatively at his eagerness. Taehyung reached out to link his hands behind the nape of Jeongguk’s neck, causing the other to fall down messily on top of him.

Jeongguk let out a low groan when Taehyung arched up into him, rolling his hips, the friction between his thin boxers so delightful, sinful.

Jeongguk peppered kisses slowly down Taehyung’s body, pausing at every sensitive spot to lavish it with his tongue. He delighted in the way Taehyung shivered when his tongue flicked a nipple, the way his lips parted in a breathy moan when he sucked a hickey on his hip bone.

He eventually settled himself between Taehyung’s legs, pulling his boxers off swiftly, and he glanced up in appreciation at the beautiful sight laying before him.

Taehyung’s eyes were wide-blown with lust, hair ruffled. The tanned skin of his chest glowed with a slight sheen of sweat and Jeongguk smiled admiringly at the pattern of purple and pink bruising marks he’d left behind.

Taehyung’s eyes fluttered shut when he leaned down to press an open-mouthed kiss to the side of his crotch, tongue darting out to graze the side of his cock teasingly. “So beautiful Tae” Jeongguk praised, earning himself another lewd cry in approval.

Taehyung reached down with a slightly impatient tug of his locks, to which Jeongguk chuckled before reaching down to kiss gently at the head.

Taehyung’s cock twitched as his lips grazed the slit, already slick with pre-come. “You’re so hard for me baby” Jeongguk encouraged, Taehyung arched up instinctively at the words.

“Tease” Taehyung grumbled, annoyance melting into a breathless “Oh” when Jeongguk finally took his length in his mouth, not stopping once but taking it in its entirety until it was settled comfortably, hitting the back of his throat.

Taehyung’s moans grew louder and more fervent as Jeongguk sucked deeper and harder, his body quivering and arching into the other’s mouth. Jeongguk hummed in satisfaction, sending vibrations along the other’s cock, and he let out a low growl when Taehyung entwined his fingers in his hair with a rough pull.

“F-fuck Jeongguk” Taehyung sobbed, reaching out his other free hand to cup the side of Jeongguk’s face in a manner oddly affectionate (given the situation).

“So good baby” Jeongguk affirmed, reaching his hands for Taehyung’s hips, bucking them into his mouth. He choked slightly as he took it in faster. Taehyung’s eyes turned wild when Jeongguk politely asked “baby, fuck my mouth?”

“S-stop” Taehyung suddenly stuttered, breath heaving in an erratic manner, rivulets of sweat glistening down his chest. Knowing the other was reaching his peak Jeongguk complied, pulling off with a smack of his lips.

“I love your cock, baby ” he whispered into the other’s thigh, taking note that Taehyung seemed to like the name. “You like it when I call you baby Tae?”

“Mmm” came the garbled reply, Taehyung reaching out blindly to grasp Jeongguk’s face. “C’mere” he mumbled, voice hoarse, gesturing for Jeongguk to move up further on the bed.

“K-kiss me?” Taehyung asked, Jeongguk responding with a “sure baby” and a surprisingly gentle kiss, taking his time to enjoy the other’s mouth, his lips, his tongue.

Taehyung eventually scrambled to straddle the other, flipping their positions.

“Your turn” he breathed, Jeongguk about to make a witty retort, until all thoughts fled from his mind when Taehyung wrapped his pretty pink lips around his cock, practically diving on it with eagerness.

“Shit. Oh, Tae.”

Jeongguk saw stars as his vision blurred, struggling to make out the image of Taehyung eagerly taking in his cock. Then, the heat was gone, warmth evaporating immediately around his hardened length. Jeongguk leaned up in surprise, before he collapsed, head falling back onto the mattress, because oh fuck, Taehyung’s warm, soft mouth was back on his cock, Taehyung was deepthroating him, slick and fast.

Fuck.

Just when it got close to the point of no return , Taehyung was back up, straddling Jeongguk, voice husky and low,

“you wanna?”

Jeongguk responded with a fervent nod of his head, heartbeat thumping in his chest, eyes darting quickly to search the room for some condoms, lube.

Taehyung gripped his wrist with a slight shake of his head, “are you clean?”

Jeongguk stammered out a weak “yes”, because yes he was clean. He couldn’t even recall the last time he had sex, hadn’t ever had sex without protection. He figured Taehyung probably hadn’t been doing a lot of fucking in the last twelve months either.

His breathing nearly stopped altogether, when Taehyung took one of his hands tenderly almost, and then he placed each finger in his mouth, sucking, not breaking eye contact. Reaching over into a drawer Taehyung pulled out a tube of lube, lathering up Jeongguk's fingers he'd just sucked.

Scooting off to the side, Taehyung spread his legs wide for Jeongguk, red blush adorning his cheeks as Jeongguk stared at him appreciatively.

So beautiful.

Jeongguk was careful, slow, one finger entering Taehyung slowly, eyes never leaving his, is this okay.

Taehyung was biting down hard on his lower lip, but Jeongguk didn't see any pain in his expression, gradually adding a finger.

"Fuck" Taehyung moaned, when the other hit his prostate and Jeongguk added a third finger, pressing down insistently on the bundle of nerves. Jeongguk gasped as Taehyung rolled his hips forwards, fucking himself on his fingers with ease, hand grasping his arm tightly.

"F-fuck me" Taehyung finally breathed pushing his hand away. Jeongguk pulled Taehyung on top, wanting to watch him, see him.

His breath hitched, coming out in sharp gasps when Taehyung lined himself up, sinking down slowly onto Jeongguk’s cock. And it was so good, Taehyung was so tight and Jeongguk reached out to grasp him by the hips as if to pause, not wanting it to hurt, wanting him to feel good too.

“You okay?” Jeongguk asked, query interrupted with stuttered gasps.

Taehyung swatted a hand at his arms, pushing down further, face contorting as he let out a low curse, undecipherable. He leaned down to hug Jeongguk close, burying a shock of lilac hair in the crook of his neck, panting hot little breaths into his skin.

“Baby” Jeongguk gasped, arms circling around the other. Taehyung rocked his hips, lifting himself off Jeongguk’s cock, sinking down painfully slow.

“More” Jeongguk whined, breathing unsteadily, as Taehyung set the pace faster, harder, movements becoming unpaced, frenzied. Jeongguk held a breath as Taehyung let out delicious little cries every time he came back down, the slap of his ass against Jeongguk’s sweaty thighs making an obscene noise.

“ Jeon-gguk”

Jeongguk keened at the sound of his own broken name passing through Taehyung’s lips, the sound so raw, so beautiful. Taehyung’s cheeks were flushed a pretty pink, hair matted to his forehead, little curls from sweat.

“Gukkie I’m g-”

Jeongguk grasped him by the shoulders, pulling him up slightly. “Open your eyes baby” he commanded, tone soft, “look at me Tae” he coaxed.

Taehyung looked absolutely wrecked, blinking in quick succession as he attempted to look the other in the eye.

And then he was coming with a flash of white, lips parting with a mumble of Jeongguk’s name, eyes blinking back shut, head tilting back.

Not too long after Jeongguk hit orgasm too, head spinning wildly, vision blurring. He rocked slowly, gently bringing them both down from the high. Taehyung leaned in, burying his head into his chest, a low sigh escaping his lungs as they came to a stop.

Eventually Taehyung peeled himself off, collapsing on the bed next to Jeongguk.

“Fuck” he exhaled, lying there spent, to which Jeongguk cheekily replied “again? already?” earning himself a light slap to the abdomen.

Jeongguk’s face crinkled into a grimace, when Taehyung swiped a t-shirt his t-shirt, messily cleaning them both up. “Yuck Tae” he groaned, pouting at the streaks of cum now staining his top.

Taehyung shushed him with a giggle, discarded it over the bed and snuggled into him. Jeongguk protested weakly for a second, before succumbing to the other, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

“That was my favourite birthday present” Taehyung chuckled, twirling a finger playfully in Jeongguk’s hair.

“I’ve got another small present” Jeongguk then confessed, hand scrambling to find his phone on the dresser.

Taehyung’s face lit up with the excitement of a child, and Jeongguk stifled a gasp at the innocent expression, so far removed from the obscene ones only moments earlier.

Cute.

“Watch” Jeongguk instructed, pulling up the youtube app, fingers swiftly keying in something Taehyung didn't quite register until.

“Oh. Oh my god.”

Taehyung squealed in partial delight partial horror, the clip of the two boys fighting in the school yard coming into full screen.

“Holy shit” he giggled, eyes widening as the scene unfolded.

Jeongguk chuckled, the video seeming fake, play-acting almost. Two different people. Smiling at Taehyung’s excited response, he hummed, bringing up an arm under his waist, curling him in closer, content.

Mmmm

“This will be something to show the kids” Taehyung laughed, before throwing a hand over his mouth in horror at the implication of his words, side-eyeing Jeongguk nervously.

What. Fuck?

Jeongguk choked on somewhere between a gasp and a laugh.

“What if I don’t want kids?” he smirked, Taehyung stammering and blushing an angry red in response.

“Fuck. I didn’t me-”

“Lucky I do” Jeongguk winked cheekily, taking great pleasure in the other’s pain. “Two” he continued, “or maybe four?” with a scratch of his head he flashed an angelic smile at the other.

“And a dog” Taehyung added seriously, embarrassment amazingly gone. Jeongguk was still not entirely used to how brazen he was.

Where was the shy kid from a couple weeks ago gone?

Jeongguk choked a little, trying to regain his composure, “sure baby, a dog, okay.”

Taehyung cackled in amusement, nuzzling his hair in Jeongguk’s nose, limbs splayed out messily over the others.

Later when Jeongguk drifted off, he could vaguely make out Taehyung chattering in his ear about fighting and birthdays and dog-breeds.

Chapter Text

“Fuck you Kim Taehyung,”

Jeongguk spits out the words as if the name was pure garbage, a venom in his voice Taehyung had never heard before.

Jeongguk grabs him by the cuff of his school shirt, dragging him up against the wall roughly.

“Fuck yourself, Jeon,” comes out of his own mouth, Taehyung attempts to clasp a hand over his lips, smother the sentence, but his hand is frozen, unwilling to comply with his brain’s instructions.

Taehyung blinks, his vision swirling to black as Jeongguk raises his fist, intentions clear.

Shit.

He awakes with a start, sweating, his hands shaking. His fingers instinctively tighten into fists around the sheets, clutching at them as if to ground himself, bring himself back to this world.

Just a dream.

A dream.

Or maybe it wasn't.

It had been a week since the memories had started flooding back, not all at once, a drabble, a drip, like a leaky tap. Flashes of moments, his fifth birthday, his first bike ride, that school speech he’d lost his stomach in the middle of, Jeongguk.

They came uninvited, in dreams, in the middle of the day, once when he was at the supermarket with his dad, another time in the middle of a maths test.

He remembered Jeongguk, little excerpts of what seemed like a movie, a movie starring unknown characters that just happened to resemble them both a little too well. He hadn’t told the other yet, uncertain of how he’d respond. Taehyung didn’t know why he was afraid to share, he was just too happy with how everything was right at this very moment.

I don't want anything to change.

It was disconcerting remembering Jeongguk in this way, eyes blazing, hands rough, words piercing through Taehyung. It was so unconnected to the boy he now knew, the boy he liked. His brain dared to go a step further, suggesting to Taehyung that he was rapidly becoming the boy he loved.

Taehyung shoves the thought away, mumbling a half-promise to himself,

Today I'll tell him.

---

“Hi.”

Taehyung shakes off the slight apprehension brought on from the previous assault of memories the night before, he can figure that all out later.

He smiles up at Jeongguk, a warm, fuzzy and (what Jimin would call) sickly romantic feeling bubbling up in his chest. It had been three weeks now, only three weeks of official dating, but it was difficult for Taehyung to remember before, or pre-Jeongguk as he secretly liked to call it.

“Hello you,” Taehyung responds, leaping up eagerly to wrap his arms around his boyfriend’s neck, pressing against his lips in a manner rather inappropriate for the current place. Jeongguk responds quickly, leaning in to the kiss, brushing a thumb against the curve of Taehyung's cheekbone, "Morning" he mumbles, straight into Taehyung's lips.

“My eyes,” Jimin bleats, hand spread across his face dramatically as he scuttled past them into the classroom.

Smiling, Taehyung walks into class, tensing as Jeongguk cheekily leans in to pinch his ass, much to Jimin’s utter disgust.

“Seriously, can’t you keep your hands to yourselves for like, I dunno, five minutes?” Jimin grumbles, scrunching up his nose in distaste at the loved up pair.

Taehyung giggles, flashing a grin at him most unapologetically.

"No," Jeongguk sticks his tongue out rudely.

Okay so they were maybe a little too sappy, a little too handsy, but Taehyung was not about to stop for anyone. He was ridiculously happy, and Jimin - and the rest of the world could deal with it.

Taehyung sighs as they are temporarily ‘separated’, being placed in different groups for a project. He grins however, catching Jeongguk’s puppy eyes and pouted lips, following the back of his head as he makes his way to the opposite side of the classroom.

“Honestly, this is almost worse than you two being enemies,” Jimin groans, giving Taehyung a slight slap on the cheek every time he cranes his neck around in the direction of Jeongguk.

“I wonder what it’s going to be like when you remember?”

Taehyung swallows audibly, taking a moment too long to formulate the right response.

“Shit Tae?” Jimin gasps, eyes widening.

Taehyung's further silence confirms his unspoken question.

"You remember?"

“Y-yeah, some.” Taehyung mutters quietly, not meeting the other’s eyes. He reaches down absentmindedly to pull at a loose thread of the carpet. Jimin waits, eyes fixed on the other pointedly, for him to continue.

Coughing slightly Taehyung looks up at Jimin, biting his lower lip. “Some things, not everything.”

“You haven’t told him.” He can tel it isn’t a question, but Taehyung nods regardless.

“I’m scared Chim, what if it? What if it changes things? What if he doesn’t like me?”

Jimin stifles a laugh, “You’re kidding Tae? You don’t feel different do you? Actually not like you have to answer that,” he rolls his eyes, in mock exasperation. “I have never, never seen Jeongguk like this ever. It’s not going to change anything really. You know that he’s in love with you right?”

Taehyung worries his bottom lip through his front teeth, not wanting to fully believe Jimin’s words in case he was wrong.

Does Jeongguk love me?

“Do you love him?” Jimin’s voice is hushed now, conversation only for their ears.

“I-I,” Taehyung trails off.

Do I?

Shit.

“I-maybe,” Taehyung lowers his head, voice barely audible.

“I think I do Jimz.”

Jimin smiles, reaching out to crook a finger under Taehyung’s chin, “Aw Taetae’s in love,” he sing-songs, sending him a ridiculously exaggerated wink.

“But no, seriously Tae, Jeongguk loves you. He loves you. I might of never been in love yet myself, but trust me, that’s love. He’s,” Jimin scratches the back of his head, tilting back slightly as if to find the right words. “Different. So different. So,” Jimin screws up his face the word coming out strangled, “Smitten. ”

Taehyung smiles at that, pulling his head down as if it could hide the pink blush dusting his cheeks. Jimin moans as he watches him peeking out at Jeongguk across the corner of the room.

“Young love,” he whines, rolling away from the slap Taehyung sends in his direction. Taehyung feigns disgust, but can't fully hold back the grin attempting to burst through.

“You’re so. You’re both so,” Jimin trails off, throwing his hands up in the air.

"But you gotta tell him Tae?"

"Yeah," Taehyung hurriedly nods, as if to cut off the conversation.

Later.

---

But later turns into tomorrow, and tomorrow turns into Friday and now Friday is here and there is something more important happening.

“You okay?” Jeongguk whispers, tone endearing, face crinkled in slight worry lines.

Taehyung smiles excitably “Yeah babe, I’m ready.”

The truth is Taehyung is maybe, potentially terrified as shit, but he isn’t going to tell his boyfriend that. He’d been wheedling and coaxing him for the past week, trying to force him to take him out for a ride. Now that the moment was here however, all the blood had rushed to his head, and something that felt akin to nausea swirls in the pit of his stomach.

Jeongguk jumps on his motorbike, taking Taehyung’s hand to swing him on behind. Taehyung wraps his hands around his waist, clutching it tight (for dear life), forehead pressed into the other’s back.

Oh god.

“We’re not moving yet,” Jeongguk chuckles, leaning around to give his boyfriend a kiss.

“Right,” Taehyung mutters, loosening his grip slightly. But not by a lot.

How the fuck did I do this.

Without so much as a word of warning (you asshole Jeon), Jeongguk gears the bike into life, whizzing forward into the night.

Taehyung lets out a gasp as the cold wind hits his face, rendering him breathless. The world is whirring by at an impossible speed, houses blurring together, stars suddenly streaks in the sky. He clings even tighter to Jeongguk, effectively crushing his ribcage causing the other to erupt into a brief coughing fit.

“Sorry,” Taehyung pulls back (but not very much), much to his boyfriend’s amusement.

“Yeaaaaaaaah,” Jeongguk let out a loud scream into the silent night, sending a rush of adrenaline through Taehyung’s body.

Taehyung winces as he momentarily takes one hand off to pump a fist in the air.

"G-guk, h-hold on."

Jeongguk catches his tone, slowing the bike to a standstill. "Tae, hey? You okay? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get carried away." He makes to swing a leg over, concern overtaking his features.

"No," Taehyung reaches out, stopping the movement. "S-sorry. Can we try again?"

"If you're su-"

"I'm sure," Taehyung cuts in, nodding his head fiercely, Jeongguk breaks into a smile at the other's determination over the matter.

"You're cute," he chuckles, Taehyung scowling in his direction.

"Just go already," he whines.

So Jeongguk does. Slowly at first, but picking up the speed as he feels Taehyung relaxing behind him, body loosening up (but grip on Jeongguk not).

Taehyung eventually throws his head back removing it from Jeongguk’s jacket (for the first time), and lets out a yell of his own, the sound quickly dissipating into thin air due to the speed they were going.

Holy shit.

Laughing, carefree, Taehyung finally allows himself to thrill in the sights and sounds pervading his senses.

He feels so free, so content, it really is like flying. The stuttered memories he’d had of riding were nothing, nothing compared to this.

He silently contemplated that they also were nothing, because of the absence of a certain second rider.

I love him.

---

So Friday turned to Saturday and Saturday turned into Sunday, and Sunday was movie day - so Taehyung wasn't exactly going to just go ahead and potentially ruin movie day.

“God Tae,” Jeongguk’s head slams back into his headboard, a series of muttered curses escaping his swollen lips.

Taehyung smirks, kittenishly licking the head of his cock, swirling his tongue around teasingly. He loved watching the other come undone at his touch, getting him riled up.

“Baby,” Jeongguk’s voice held a slight hint of warning, a stop teasing me tone.

Taehyung shivers at the pet name, it never ceasing to turn him on. God my boyfriend’s fucking hot.

This time, Taehyung takes him in entirely, delighting in the lewd moans the other makes in response.

I could do this all day.

"So?" Taehyung winks, lazily running his fingers up and down the other's very naked torso, tapping a particular damp spot above his belly button.

"Mmmffh," Jeongguk murmured in response, laying out spread eagle, completely spent.

"That thing with your tongue, Tae."

Taehyung giggled, "Sounds like you're getting hard all over again."

"Shut up or I will," Jeongguk warns, rolling over to press a series of lazy indulgent kisses to Taehyung's cheek.

Yeah, I could definitely do this all day.

---

 “Oi.”

Taehyung blinks, looking up to greet a pillow flying at his face.

“Earth to TaeTae,” Jimin whispers, tapping him on the forehead.

Shit. Taehyung may or may not have been zoned out, thinking about a certain boyfriend of his.

“You’re so whipped,” Jimin snickers, winking as a blush creeps up the other’s usually tanned features.

Taehyung grumbles, sends the pillow back in the other’s direction, curls up on the couch.

The two were finally having a sleepover without Jeongguk - much to Jimin’s delight. Taehyung felt bad at drifting off, noting that he’d been a very neglectful best friend these days.

“Sorry,” he mutters, flashing an angelic smile at the other.

“S’okay Tae, I’m glad you’re happy. Even though you’re both mushy as fuck and make me want to hurl. It’s kinda cute,” Jimin smiles, flopping down on the couch next to Taehyung.

“Thanks chim,” Taehyung smiles, snuggling in to the other, “You’re the best y’know?”

“Of course I know,” Jimin rolls his eyes, flicking the television on. “What ya wanna watch? Anything but a romcom okay, I’m practically living in one.”

“Shut up,” Taehyung grumbles, pulling the popcorn bowl out of Jimin’s hands.

“And I’m not even the protagonist! I’m the side character, the best friend! The one who doesn’t even get laid until your wedding.” Jimin sighed exaggeratedly, yanking the popcorn back - "Thank you very much."

"You've told him right?"

"Mmm?" Taehyung murmurs in reply, feigning ignorance.

"Tae."

"I will tomorrow, I promise."

"You said tomorrow like a whole week and a half ago."

"I promise Jiminie, tomorrow, the real tomorrow."

"Do it or I'll tell Mr. Lee you sucked Jeongguk off in the English room."

"Jimin!" Taehyung shrieks, launching himself at the other.

"You guys are honestly disgusting," Jimin shakes his head in disapproval, gently shoving Taehyung's small frame to the floor.

---

Tomorrow comes about soon enough, but Taehyung had one too many shots before he got the chance (or so he told himself). Jimin had given him one - "liquid courage", but Taehyung went a little overboard, as he did when at a party.

Tomorrow could wait another day (because it had in fact, two weeks or so to be exact).

“Gukkie,” Taehyung drawls, alcohol slurring his voice. He stumbles over to the other, collapsing into his embrace, allowing him to carry all his weight.

Taehyung was a natural hugger, drunk was another story.

“Heavy baby,” Jeongguk chuckles, attempting to walk to the kitchen with Taehyung wrapped around him like a koala.

“M’not heavy,” Taehyung grumbles into his shirt.

“True that,” Jeongguk hoists him over his shoulder, unceremoniously dumping him onto the kitchen bench. Taehyung pouts as he is put down, crossing his arms with an indignant expression.

“Water,” Jeongguk instructs, not waiting for an answer as he tilts his boyfriend’s head back, pressing a glass to his lips.

Jeonggukie’s my favourite.

“Jeonggukie’s my favourite,” Taehyung voices his thoughts in a theatrical whisper, water dripping down his chin, hitting his chest.

“Yeah I am,” Jeongguk winks, before pulling him onto his back (much to Taehyung’s delight “Piggybaaaack”) and taking him into Jimin’s bedroom.

Taehyung giggles “Thanks Gukkie,” as the other unlaces his shoes, strips him down and redresses him in some of Jimin’s clothes. “C’mere,” Taehyung whines, attempting to pull the other down on the bed.

“No Tae,” Jeongguk kisses his forehead, wiping away the stray strands of hair that lay in his eyes.

“Yes, no Tae,” Jimin hisses at the doorway. “You are not both sleeping in MY bed.”

“Meanie Jiminie,” Taehyung garbles, arms clutching out at Jeongguk like a petulant child.

“Night baby,” Jeongguk grinned, pulling the covers over his drunk and now very sleepy boyfriend.

Taehyung makes an incoherent noise in reply, arms flailing out again in a weak attempt to capture his boyfriend. So mean Guk.

---

Shit.

Taehyung blinks up, feigning innocence at his blatant slip of the tongue. He’d accidentally recalled something he wasn’t meant to know, something Jeongguk definitely had not told him. He eyes the other intently, searching for some sort of recognition on his face.

God damn hangover brain.

Jeongguk's face scrunches up slightly in confusion, “Tae?”

I guess I was meant to tell him like a week or three ago....

“Yeah,” Taehyung whispers, attempting to smooth out the slight wobble in his tone.

“I didn’t tell you that did I?”

Biting his lip nervously Taehyung shakes his head, eyes dropping to the floor. Twirling a loose thread at the bottom of his shirt he waits for Jeongguk to say something.

It feels like it takes him forever to answer, all of the doubts that had been sitting at the surface instantly clouding Taehyung's mind.

Please.

“Do you remember? Are your memories coming back?” Jeongguk breathes, words barely audible, at least not against the loud thudding of Taehyung’s heartbeat.

Please.

Please don't change.

“Y-yeah,” Taehyung eventually manages, pulling rather frantically at the loose thread now, yanking it clean off the hem.

Jeongguk shuffles over closer, an arm wrapping protectively around Taehyung’s back, “Well?” he asks, fingers curling around Taehyung’s waist. Taehyung can clearly detect a little waver of uncertainty in his voice.

“I don’t feel different. Not about you.” Taehyung first confirms, feeling the other’s chest relax visibly at his words.

“It feels like a movie, disconnected, a past life? I dunno. It doesn’t change how I feel now about you.”

Jeongguk wraps his other arm around, pulling the other close to his chest, letting out a sigh of relief into his hair.

“Well fuck, thank god for that,” he chuckles, pressing a soft kiss to Taehyung’s forehead.

Taehyung releases a breath he'd unconsciously been holding for weeks now. If only he'd known it would be that easy. Jimin's "I told you so," face sprung to mind, uninvited as usual.

Jeongguk moves his fingers to trace over Taehyung's face, down the slope of his nose, across his cheek, pulling the bottom lip down slightly.

“I’d be a little fucked if you felt differently wouldn’t I?” he whispers.

Taehyung laughs, leaning back in to the other, further waves of relief washing over him. 

“I’m sure you’d have been fine,” he murmurs, turning to cheekily bite Jeongguk's chin, playfully.

“I wouldn’t have been fine because I love you.”

Taehyung’s mouth drops open, releasing the other’s jaw, he tilts his head back slightly to appraise the other’s face did I just hear that right.

Jeongguk’s face is flushed, bunny teeth peeking out to bite on his lower lip.

“Shit, I” he stumbles over his words, mumbling incoherently.

“I love you too,” Taehyung smiles, words coming out in a slight rush, but tone confident nonetheless.

Jeongguk's lips turns to face him, eyes smiling, expression warm, “Well that’s good.”

“Yeah” Taehyung laughs, nuzzling his face against the other’s neck affectionately.

“That’s good.”

Chapter Text

The last few months of the school year go by quickly, as the final days of High School tend to do. A whirlwind of cramming for exams, last minute assignments, College applications and preparations, a busy social calendar (thanks to Taehyung and Jimin), and a part-time job Jeongguk manages (somehow) to fit on the side. Towards the end of the year, all three of them had been accepted into their first College choice, a prestigious arts college.

Jeongguk was following his love of dance, as was Jimin, majoring in Hip Hop and Contemporary respectively. Taehyung was pursuing a degree majoring in theatre, and they all were taking a minor in singing, something Taehyung had urged Jeongguk to do, after catching him singing in the shower. (“Holy shit Jeongguk, your voice. ”) Jeongguk had then found himself dragged along to Taehyung’s singing teacher, who had thrown up quite the fuss about him.

Jeongguk was so relieved when he’d finally received his acceptance letter. He’d watched Jimin sprinting into School one day, waving his furiously overhead, days later Taehyung had phoned him, screaming with the same news. A knot had grown in his stomach, doubts creeping into his mind, what if I don’t make it? A second question, that arguably hit him as hard as the first, what would happen to us?

He wasn’t an idiot, neither of them were. It was well-known that many High School romances didn’t last into College, particularly if the couple weren’t attending the same one. Jeongguk knew what he and Taehyung had was more than a High School fling, more than a sweet but fleeting first love, but he still found great comfort in receiving his letter. Taehyung had shrieked (of course), but adamantly proclaimed he wasn’t surprised a bit, insisting Jeongguk was the most talented of them all (much to Jimin’s outrage).

Taehyung had fit so perfectly into his life, filling all the empty spaces Jeongguk wasn’t even previously aware that were there. Taehyung, who made him smile, contorting his face into a cheesy grin whenever he made an appearance. Taehyung who made him laugh raucously uninhibited, as if they were children again, no cares in the world. Taehyung who accepted him, who cared for him, who took all the bad with the good and loved every single part. Taehyung, who loved his mother dearly, who held his hand at night and wiped his tears when he spoke of his father. Taehyung who always saw beauty in the mundane, who held a childlike wonder that made Jeongguk question and rethink everything he’d ever known. Taehyung who would always apologise first in a fight, who would be patient when Jeongguk was stubborn. Taehyung who was - to put it simply, the embodiment of home.

---

“Gukkie!” Taehyung’s voice filters cheerily through the phone, much too joyful for the obscenely early hour.

Jeongguk manages to croak out a semblance of a greeting, eventually peeling himself out of his bed at Taehyung insistence.

“I knew you wouldn’t get up if I didn’t call! Today’s the daaaay,” he sings, clearly more alive and awake than Jeongguk. As per usual.

It is High School graduation day, finally. Jeongguk rubs at his eyes as he hangs up with a “Love you, see you soon,” stumbles into the shower. Finally.

Jeongguk stands under the hot stream of water, allowing it to awaken his sleep-ridden body, coax him into coherency. Standing there, thoughts running through his mind over the past year, the past five years, typical ‘last day’ sort of thoughts.

So much has changed.

If he is being honest with himself Jeongguk is nervous, nervous about everything ahead of him. He envied Jimin’s easy smile to the future, Taehyung’s giggles of delight as he chattered away about what was to come.

It would be new, different, but at least he would have Taehyung there. Taehyung beside him, helping him find the way.

I’m so lucky.

Reluctantly shutting off the water, Jeongguk makes to get ready, scoffing slightly at the ridiculous graduation gown, mentally picturing Taehyung swirling around in the mirror in sheer delight with it.

“Jeonggukie, wow,” his mother beams at him, nodding her head appreciatively, “I’m so proud.”

“Thanks mum,” Jeongguk mumbles, pulling her now much smaller frame in for a hug.

“You’re so big,” she chuckles, swatting at his biceps, pulling back to take another look. “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

---

“Guk! Gukkie!!”

Jeongguk is half out of the car when he catches sight of a certain Kim Taehyung hurtling full speed towards him, cape flying out behind him.

Laughing as Taehyung crashes into him, he returns the embrace.

Unlike Jeongguk, Taehyung is much more openly affectionate, and greets him with excitement every single time. Jimin always would say that onlookers must always think they were witnessing some sort of long lost reunion.

Not that Jeongguk minded one bit, on the contrary he rather enjoyed displaying to the world that Taehyung belonged to him, and he to Taehyung.

“Hello!” Taehyung turns his affections to Jeongguk’s mother, sweeping her in for a hug.

Jeongguk watches the interaction with a slow smile, he loved how well they got along. Not that it would be difficult to with Taehyung.

“Taetae! Guk!” Jimin’s voice pipes up, emerging from the masses with a wide-spread grin.

“Jiminie!” Taehyung races over, bowling the latter over in a similar fashion.

The three boys all sit together as the ceremony begins, the speeches droning on in the background. Jeongguk drowns it out with his own thoughts.

Taehyung is clasping his hand tightly, muttering on about their graduation party and how his father better take a good photo when they threw their caps.

“Graduation sex, that’s a thing right?”

Jeongguk coughs, eyes widening as his boyfriend’s sentence filters rather loudly into the silence around them. A few heads turn their way.

“Huh?”

Taehyung is grinning cheekily, squeezing his hand, “Graduation sex ” he whispers, in what Jeongguk silently thinks is above a whisper. More heads turn and yup, that was a little above whisper territory.

“Yeah yeah,” he hushes, eyes reprimanding his boyfriend.

“Jeon Jeongguk,”

Suddenly Taehyung is nudging him to stand up, his name blaring out across the speakers. Jeongguk walks across the stage, in a half-daze almost, left, right, left right.

He’d had a rather terrifying dream of falling flat on his face (despite having excellent body coordination), and he couldn’t quite shake it.

He takes in the face of one of his favourite teacher’s, beaming at him as she reached out to shake his hand.

“YEAH! GET IT JEONGGUK!”

Jeongguk bites down hard on his lip, sheepishly smiling at his teacher. He doesn't turn to face the audience, knowing well his boyfriend is probably currently on two feet, waving obnoxiously. (He is).

“THAT’S MY BOYFRIEND!”

Jeongguk chokes on his spit, hands quickly grasping his diploma as he turns for a quick awkward bow to the crowd. Unwillingly his eyes search directly for Taehyung, the latter definitely in the very position he’d imagined. He curses him inwardly, but fond. His mouth upturning into a grin, a now-ingrained reflex of eye contact with Taehyung.

--- 

“Damn you Tae” Jeongguk groans, over-exaggeratedly, as he makes his way over to him as the ceremony comes to a close.

His mouth (as usual), betrays him, smiling.

“We did it!” Taehyung shouts out, ignoring Jeongguk’s grumbling, linking an arm to steer him away from the masses.

“You embarrassed me,” Jeongguk whines, puppy eyes out on full display.

“You love me,” Taehyung corrects, reaching out to remove a strand of stray hair from Jeongguk’s eyelashes.

“Yeah, I love you,” Jeongguk responds in a whisper, still pouting at his boyfriend.

“I’ll make it up to you,” Taehyung waggles his eyebrows in an infuriating manner, leaning in to whisper the words in a most suggestive tone.

Laughing Jeongguk pushes him away, only half-heartedly.

---

Jeongguk’s heart stops, literally for a good five seconds when he finally finds his boyfriend, sprawled out on his bed.

Taehyung had been annoyingly elusive at the graduation party, he seemed to disappear into thin air whenever Jeongguk approached him.

Finally Jimin had thrown him a bone, muttering about “God-damn peverts” and “I’m gonna get you back in College”, and somewhere in his garble, Jeongguk had deduced that Taehyung was hiding in his bedroom.

Waiting in the bedroom Taehyung was, and the sight is definitely not what Jeongguk had been expecting.

“Took you long enough,” Taehyung exhales sharply, voice wavering.

Jeongguk is still frozen solid at the door, mouth dropped open wide at the sight in front of him.

Fuck.

Taehyung, fucking Kim Taehyung is one-hundred-percent naked, legs spread wide, two fingers deep inside himself, the other hand flung casually behind his head. As if what he was doing was casual.

Suddenly Jeongguk's tongue feels like sandpaper, sticking uncomfortably to the roof of his mouth as he takes in the flushed, tanned skin, slightly matted sweaty hair, blinking eyes that had the damn audacity to appear large and innocent. Innocent.

Taehyung is beautiful, ridiculously so, and despite the many (many many many) times Jeongguk has seen him naked, he was always taken aback. Every single time.

And he’d never seen this.

“Tae,” Jeongguk he startled slightly, the sound of his voice strangled and hoarse, lust filtering through despite only seeing the other.

“Shut the door will you?” Taehyung chokes out, flashing a smug smile up at the other.

“And get over here will you? As much as I love do-”

“Shut up,” Jeongguk growls, slamming the door shut with a newfound energy, rediscovering the use of his legs and making his way over quickly.

“Fuck Tae,”

“Yes. Fuck Tae,” Taehyung shoots back, pulling his fingers out with a lewd pop, throwing another arm back lazily behind his head.

“What do you want baby?” Jeongguk whispers, still in disbelief at his boyfriend.

“I’m gonna suck you off,” Taehyung announces, getting up abruptly and pushing Jeongguk down firmly onto the mattress.

Jeongguk doesn't reply, nodding wordlessly as Taehyung makes quick work of his clothes, tossing them aside with fervour.

Suck him off Taehyung did. His tongue positively sinful, lips plumped prettily around Jeongguk’s cock, eyes staring at him intently.

God.

Jeongguk is quick to get impossibly hard, Taehyung mouth is magic after all, and he swiftly switches their positions, straddling over Taehyung.

“Fuck, Guk,” Taehyung breathes, before breaking into a laugh.

“It rhymes,” he explains, to Jeongguk’s incredulous are-you-laughing stare, eyebrow raised high.

Jokes are swept aside quickly as Jeongguk moves inside Taehyung, filling him up to the brim.

Taehyung splutters unintelligibly, soft moans picking up volume as Jeongguk thrusts into him deep, until his even pace becomes erratic, unable to control it any longer.

Taehyung comes with a cry of his name, before burying his head into Jeongguk’s shoulder, sinking his teeth into the flesh.

Jeongguk comes not so long after, their bodies both wracked with shudders, moving out slowly, Taehyung curling into him.

“Happy Graduation Gukkie,”

“Happy Graduation you little shit,” Jeongguk responds, wiping his damp hair out of the way, pressing a slow lazy kiss to his forehead.

“Can’t wait to graduate College with you next.”

Jeongguk’s heart skips a beat at Taehyung’s casually flung words, the promise running strong beneath them. “Me too,” he whispers into Taehyung’s skin, reaffirming the promise unspoken between them.

---

Four years later

They did graduate College, and Taehyung again embarrasses Jeongguk with a wild display of arms and shouts as he makes his way across the stage.

This time, instead of a steamy present, Jeongguk presents Taehyung with something (arguably) better.

“Gukkie!”

Tears run down Taehyung’s cheeks as he clings excitedly to a small bundle of fur.

“You big softie Jeongguk,” Jimin chuckles under his breath, smiling across at his boyfriend Yoongi. The two sharing a knowing look.

Jeongguk grins in delight with his boyfriend’s reaction, although he’d already known exactly what to expect.

“I can’t believe you got me a puppy,” Taehyung squeals in delight, and Jeongguk worries momentarily that he might crush the poor thing to death.

“Happy Graduation Baby.”

---

Fifteen years later

“Hey!” Jeongguk and Taehyung’s heads both whip up from their comfortable snuggling position on the couch as their eldest Taekwon, hurtles into the room.

“What is this!” he demands, pulling out his smartphone with a flourish.

Jeongguk’s eyes widen as he glanced over at his husband who has completely lost it, overcome with laughter, tears rolling down his cheeks.

What is it?

God it’s not porn is it.

“Oh my god,” Taehyung sobs, clutching the phone out of their eldest’s grasp.

Peering closer, Jeongguk claps a hand over his mouth as he makes out the video, their video. Taken years ago, pre Taehyung’s memory loss, the one of them fighting like animals in the schoolyard.

He stifles back laughter as he takes in the less-than-amused appearance of Taekwon, arms crossed, staring at his fathers with disbelief.

“So it is you,” he spits out, tone accusing, eyebrow arching.

Taehyung cackles excitedly, pumping the volume to the top level, pressing the play button for a second time.

Jeongguk chuckles this time, an arm wrapping protectively around the other, pulling him close. They sit there in hysterics, watching their younger selves fighting, so obstinately hating each other.

Taehyung wipes the tears out of his eyes, “I wish someone could’ve told us,” he muses, shoulders still shaking. Jeongguk hums in agreement, “Could’ve swapped that out for more of this," leans in to press a sloppy wet kiss to the other. Their eldest son squeals in horror, racing out of the living room, hands over eyes.

“I love you Gukkie,” Taehyung smiles, the laughter subsiding out of his voice.

“Love you too Tae,” Jeongguk responds fondly, reaching a hand out to interlace their fingers into the ever-familiar position.

---

Many years later

“Where did I put that?” Jeongguk mumbles cursing, his damn memory not being quite at its peak. Taehyung seemed to take quite a lot of amusement about his forgetfulness, cackling about how it was his turn to have memory loss, or something similarly childish.

“Check the fridge love?” Taehyung cheekily suggests, smiling adoringly at him. Jeongguk grumbles, because of course it was where Taehyung had suggested.

“One day you’re going to forget me,”   Taehyung giggled, swatting him on the nose.

Jeongguk bites back, “it’s only fair. You forgot me once.”

Taehyung wakes up the next morning to Jeongguk looking blankly at him, and he panics immediately.

“B-babe. Oh my god. It’s me. Taehyung?” his voice escalates in volume, eyes widening.

Jeongguk simply gives him another blank stare that melds into slight fear? And confusion? the latter prompting Taehyung to squeal in disbelieving horror.

Deciding at their age he may prompt Taehyung to have a heart attack, Jeongguk concedes, a lazy grin eventually spreading across his features. “Got you baby,” he laughs, receiving a slap to the face.

“I’ll never forget you silly,” he continues, tone sincere.

“Because you love me?” Taehyung presses, despite obviously knowing the answer. It’s not like you spend nearly everyday with someone for sixty odd years if you don’t love them.

Taehyung still made him smile and laugh, blush like a seventeen year old. Jeongguk didn't regret a single second of their time together (except that time Taehyung secretly sold some of his favourite Timberlands, declaring he had too many pairs).

“Because I love you,” Jeongguk confirms, receiving a contented sigh from the other, who scrambles back down in the bed, pressing against his chest. Taehyung’s face had practically carved its own dent in the other’s chest, years of laying there.

“Don’t forget me,” Taehyung again states, voice fading away sleepily.

“Never,” Jeongguk promises, falling asleep seconds later.

As always his dreams were punctuated by the same face.

Kim Taehyung aged fifteen, a tumble of fiery orange hair fighting with him in the playground.

Kim Taehyung at seventeen, kissing him breathless on the pavement.

Kim Taehyung on his eighteenth birthday, shyly confessing his feelings.

Kim Taehyung at school, looking across at him with a secret smile only they shared.

Kim Taehyung at graduation, at High School and at College, hand clasped tightly within his own.

Kim Taehyung running, always running, eyes wicked, daring him to follow.

Kim Taehyung in the morning, snuggled close, voice husky with sleep.

Kim Taehyung crying, holding their first son in his arms, eyes shining.

Kim Taehyung laughing, unrestrained, age twenty, thirty, fifty, sixty, seventy, today.

Kim Taehyung bursting through the doorway, his mother’s house, their dorm, first apartment, second apartment, first, second, third, fourth house and current home.

Kim Taehyung throwing food at him, giggling in delight like a child.

Kim Taehyung cackling, chasing their grandchildren around outside.

Kim Taehyung’s smile, never changing throughout the many years.

Kim Taehyung, his world, his home .

Be pretty hard to forget that.