Chapter Text
It's unnerving.
That's what Taehyung can definitively attest to.
In fact, if anyone looked close enough, they'd believe with certitude that he was mere seconds away from breaking down.
His hands shake with relative excitement, paired so wonderfully with all the clumsy grace of adoration and fear alike. One would venture a guess that he's about to take a huge step in his life to be so anxious, and he is...only that performance planned in his head is a day away and at the moment he's fixated on trying to get the grape out of his tupperware.
Made more embarrassing by his current state, is the idea that he may not even go through with said daydream going on in his head.
So, he chews quietly sat at his desk, the backdrop of his office melodic with the laughter of Jimin and Wheein chatting around him. He knows his brain is actively trying to pay attention, to listen like any good coworker or friend would, but he falls short in that regard. Sure, he throws in that courteous laugh now and then but the more they press on and the more he falls away in his daydream, the harder it becomes to be that dutiful companion.
Taehyung, however, doesn’t blame himself for that too much. He can’t help that his mind is elsewhere, that his heart feels like it’s elsewhere; entire countries away at this point.
Somewhere in Italy, too far from his reach but in that string of negative thoughts he takes solace in the fact that tomorrow, Jeongguk would be back. Right in the early morning of their timezone, and Taehyung beams inwardly at the relief of it. It had felt like ages since his boyfriend left, and what had meant to be a full month of travel had turned into something a tad longer than that with the weather taking a bad turn. Just a week more, nothing too terrible but to them it felt like another year had been added on. And Taehyung knows it all sounds woefully dramatic coming from him, but there’s only so much silence one can take in a shared apartment before they begin to feel the weight of loneliness. Yeontan helped, of course, but a lover was something else entirely. Suffice it to say, Taehyung was losing his mind.
Even the small, mundane things became lackluster without Jeongguk around. Simple actions such as washing the dishes (with no one to drape around his back like usual), making the bed (with no one to purposely tug the blankets from him just to see him topple across the sheets), or taking Yeontan out for a walk (with no hand to warm his own). All of it became so dull against the life he lived here, and thinking about it now makes him feel like crying in a pit of his own misery and longing.
Yet, if he was to be humorous towards his own suffering he would say there is a single thing this distance brought in ways of positivity. It all came down to the simple fact he wasn’t even going to let Jeongguk out of his sight again. Well, of course he would, but not without preparing himself first for the next step of commitment.
After all, it is the reason he planned, albeit impulsively, to run out of their apartment the other day, booking it down the street and towards that jewelry shop nearby. The amount of time he spent browsing the glass cases was immeasurable, but by the end of the third hour he decided on the perfect ring for Jeongguk. Something that carried that unique Jeongguk style, nothing extravagant but detailed enough to catch his love’s eye. The ring was a tungsten band, no jewels, but along the darkened sides were intricate carvings that waved across. If they held significance, Taehyung didn’t know but deep down he just knew Jeongguk would adore it. Besides, more than that, he knew it was the one when he could so clearly envision it wrapped around that sunflower tattooed on Jeongguk’s ring finger.
So, damn the price, he thought. Because this would be worth it. In the end Jeongguk would be his in the face of adversity considering the laws surrounding their genders and love, but as always those hardships fell against them. As Jeongguk was so prone to assert, fuck the laws .
They’d be each other’s no matter what.
“Tae?”
The sudden intrusion of his thoughts makes him bite harshly through a grape, the juice nearly squirting into his eye as his friends laugh around him. He still manages a small, sheepish smile, taking the napkin offered and wiping down his cheek before grunting out a, “Yeah?”
“You alright there?” Jimin asks gently, palm sweeping down his back to ease his discomfort.
The poor soul, Taehyung muses, because he knows Jimin has had to put up with his whining this entire month. He must’ve raved on about Jeongguk this or Jeongguk that, but not once had his friend faulted him. In fact, there were many times Jimin had humored his misery and spent the night over at his place, Hoseok joining in on occasion. They both allowed him to sulk, vent or just offered themselves as tribute for a cuddle or two. There were times he did feel awful, especially towards Hoseok considering he was enduring the same situation. Though, one could easily argue he handled it far better than Taehyung did.
“Yeah, peachy.” He responds, stuffing another grape into his mouth while avoiding their sudden prying eyes.
Peachy. Of course, he’s not peachy. Nowhere near peachy, in fact. He’s sad, lonely, excited and stressed all at once because how the hell is he supposed to plan getting a ring on his boyfriend’s finger.
Of course, this is all some grand experience and filled with emotions but you want that moment to hold meaning. To create something memorable between your love; even though he knows deep down Jeongguk would be content with anything he planned. The man wasn’t exactly hard to please but that somehow brought on more pressure.
“Just peachy…” Taehyung heaves the biggest sigh, dropping his forehead to the desk and proving the extent of how startlingly peachy he is.
“Hey,” It’s Wheein who pokes at his side, making him flinch away with a small laugh, palm coming to cover the area from further attack. She’s always been a pretty easygoing person, helpful, kind and unsurprisingly funny in her own way. And though she started on less than two months ago with their production company, she had quickly become someone he considered a friend. And right now he needs all the ones he can get, with their endless supply of moral support. “What’s going on with you? You’ve been so spacey the last week.” Her perfectly shaped brow raises with her question, cookie half-chewed in her mouth. “Come on, speak up.”
“She’s right.” Jimin adds, the amusement in his tone not lost between them. “Jeongguk is coming back tomorrow, I figured you’d be screaming by now.”
Taehyung snorts at that, rolling his eyes as he slides back up in his seat, chin resting warmly in his hand. “Believe me, I am incredibly happy about that. It’s just…” He can feel the blush spread across his cheeks, the two of them blinking in surprise at the sudden change. “Maybe I should just show you.” They’re expectant, of course they are, but that doesn’t stop him from taking his time to explain. It’s not that he believes they’ll think this is a bad idea, it’s just he didn’t really want to tell anyone before he got the chance to actually do it . However, he could use the expenditure of emotions whirling in him, and so with a shaky hand he pulls the velvet box from his bag, swallowing thickly before turning back to them, box in hand. He can hear Jimin promptly choke on his noodles, the action making him giggle a little.
“Is that--??” Jimin is hitting his chest to ease the food down, grumbling through his shock while the inquiry hangs in the air. Wheein seems equally amazed but no less enthused by the prospect.
“Yes.” Is all Taehyung can answer, fondly twisting the box in his palm. “Yes, it is. I bought it last week. Right after our video call. I know it sounds impulsive but when have we ever been conventional.” With more composure he lifts the top open, providing them a perfect view of the ring, snug between dark blue satin.
To say they fawn over it would be an understatement.
“Tae, that’s beautiful.” Wheein claps her hands together, holding back an obvious squeal. “When are you going to propose?”
“ How are you going to propose?” Jimin continues, the shock now replaced by calm excitement.
“I,” And there it is. The problem he was desperately trying to solve but not a single idea came to his aid. The only thing he was sure of, was that he wanted to do this. “Didn’t really think about it…”
There’s a beat of silence before the two of them break into a laugh, making Taehyung scoff at how amused they seem.
“Tae,” Jimin chuckles. “That’s kind of the important part, isn’t it?” He can tell his friend is teasing him, even when Jimin pulls him halfway into a hug, lips pressed harshly into his temple in support. “But congrats on taking that next step. I always knew you guys would.”
“T-Thank you.” He answers back, butterflies going off because this makes it more real.
“You’re both cute.” Wheein interrupts their hug-fest. “I can only imagine what you and Jeongguk are like. How long have you two been together, anyway?”
“Three years.” Three blissful years, if he’s biased.
“Perfect time, then.” She nods. “You know, you never did tell me how you met.” If she notices the prompt silence that follows her question, she doesn’t show it, merely continues to eat while Taehyung exchanges a wary glance with Jimin. But his friend just shrugs, smiling at him in a way that says to answer as he pleases.
“It’s honestly a really long story…” It wasn’t a lie, and frankly, Taehyung was proud of saying the truth. While he didn’t think any of the details needed to be said, he didn’t want to make anything up either. As far as he’s concerned, their love was theirs and theirs alone.
Fortunately, she doesn’t seem offended by the lack of particulars.
“Well, those usually make for the best kind.” She says instead. “But like,” Her expression becomes curious, cookie waving in her hand as she gestures towards him. “I vaguely remember you telling me you weren’t into men before him, right? In a way, I think that makes this all the more adorable.”
Taehyung laughs at that, because he supposes it does. It’s not like he’d believe he’d be itching to propose to a man if this was ages ago. Back then it was the endless trope of man and woman, diamond ring, wedding dress and what flavor cake to get. Now...now he thinks of Jeongguk and those cliches make him want to laugh. Knowing his boyfriend, he’d be happy to wear whatever and then eat their fair share of takeout to celebrate.
But then that familiar nagging pulses at him. The one that says think of something better because he’s worth it . And the stress starts all over again. “Yeah, yeah I suppose it does.”
“You should’ve seen him.” Perhaps sensing his distress, Jimin interjects with a teasing remark. “All heart eyes when they met.”
“Stop exaggerating! I wasn’t that bad.” He was that bad.
“Sure.”
“Okay,” Taehyung concedes. “Maybe a little.” And it’s difficult to hide the little smile the memories bring. “Maybe a lot…”
“Either way, adorable.” Wheein comes back to the topic, eyes lighting up like she’s just learned of the hottest romance. “Unexpected sexual revelation, I’m sure you’re not the first it’s happened to. But,” She leans closer, wiggling her eyebrows for effect. “What did it for you? Was it the muscles? From the pictures you’ve shown me, I’d be all over that if he wasn’t gay---”
“You’ve no shame.” Taehyung groans through his hands, feeling his face warm. But he doesn’t mind it. Knows she likes to play around sometimes just to watch him squirm. Most days her and Jimin loved to tease him, and it’s gotten more common since Jeongguk had left halfway across the globe. He suspects it’s their own way of comforting him, letting him vent adoringly over Jeongguk. Though he also suspects there’s more than friendly banter between the two, and teasing him is an excuse to also get closer themselves. Something he doesn’t ask about, but notices whenever they share small grins here and there. Much like now. Which is why he tries to unsuccessfully save himself from this conversation by pointing out Jimin’s own built, lean body. “Speaking of muscles…”
“No. No way.” Jimin takes him into a gentle chokehold, making him squirm in his grasp as he snickers, knowing fully well the distraction wouldn’t work. “Don’t change the subject.”
For a moment, Taehyung thinks Wheein might actually be more interested in his choice of topic, but she takes mercy on Jimin, smiling at the faint blush the man holds. It all only serves to prove Taehyung’s little theory about them right. “Yeah, Tae. Don’t dodge my question. Now answer, how did you know?”
It’s all too clear he’s lost this one, and while he doesn’t mind indulging them in the endless details of why he loves Jeongguk, he also never really explained to anyone before. Frankly, no one’s ever asked. “I,” He pulls free of Jimin’s hold, mind immediately drifting back to the first time he saw Jeongguk. There isn’t some rapture-like sort of moment, but what Taehyung does remember is how strong that initial meeting felt. A single tug of his heart, this indescribable pull, and the warmth that engulfed him when their hands met in greeting. “I just felt it--suddenly, I guess. It sounds so strange, I know but when I first saw him I just...I just knew.” He feels the giddiness come back to him, that feeling never quite going away throughout the years together. “I kind of froze, and probably stared a little too long at him.” He chuckles. “But there was something in him. I mean, I can safely say I had no issue admitting when a man was attractive but there was never that personal attraction, you know? But with him,” With him it was always different. “He took my breath away.”
Taehyung knows he can stop there, but the words just keep spilling out now, each one followed by the fond glaze of his eyes when he thinks of him. “There was something about him, one look and I felt this tug inside me. Something like butterflies but far more intense. I couldn’t explain it then, probably not even now but I know I was likely confused. I mean, I know I was but..for a split second,” He sighs. “I wasn’t. Not completely, if that makes sense. The days following were some of the most confusing of my life, but that one moment--that one initial moment when we met..it wasn’t confusing.” Taehyung peers back at them, blushing profusely when he realizes how long he rambled on. To their credit as friends, they don’t make fun of him, only smile back warmly with a proud gleam in their gazes. “That’s...that’s it. I mean, when I knew.”
“Well,” Wheein starts, pinching his cheek just to ease the shy tension. “Seems like you know what you’re doing then. It’s too bad it isn’t completely legal here, but don’t let that stop you.”
Jimin seems pleasantly amused by that, shrugging off her statement with a laugh. “Like that’s going to stop them. Hell, bet Guk’s thinking of asking himself.”
“You think so?” Taehyung beams at that, the idea of Jeongguk going through much the same pleasant stress he is making him smile down at the ring.
“Please.” Jimin replies, making it sound like the concept of that happening should be obvious. “He practically sent you a garden for your birthday and Christmas,” He waves around Taehyung’s office, the endless supply of flowers surrounding them all; some wilting and some still beautifully fresh. “And I read the card. He somehow made even the risque parts sound romantic.”
“Stop reading my mail!”
“Never thought the phrase dick you down could be so sweet.”
Taehyung swears he hears Wheein snort loudly at that, but he steers his embarrassment towards Jimin, guffawing at the blatant lie. “He did not write that!” Not explicitly, anyway…
“Close enough, Tae.” But Jimin ruffles his hair goodnaturedly, seemingly amused by how flustered he became. “Seriously, though. Planned or not, it’ll work out for you both. He loves you, if you don’t figure out a way to propose I am more than sure he’ll do it for you both.”
*
I'm gonna propose. I'm gonna propose.
"I'm gonna propose..." Jeongguk isn't sure how long he's repeated that newborn mantra to himself--must be on the thousandth turn by now. At this point, it's difficult to say but he knows it's the constant thought that's followed him for months on end. Hell--probably longer if he's honest. It's not like he hasn't entertained the idea of being married to Taehyung before, knows it was something he even joked about with his boyfriend from time to time. Those jokes, however, always ended with them both blushing softly to themselves, trying not to steal those weak and fond glances they have for each other. Even thinking about it now makes Jeongguk giddy with a sense of passion, that endless desire to just figure this crap out so he can move on and have Taehyung be completely his ever present.
And when he glances out the airplane window, forehead pressed into the cold pane, it does little to dull that restlessness in him. His knee still bobs up and down, fingers tapping incessantly above the armrest, and heart still beating in the same aggravated rhythm of impatience. Jeongguk can tell his behavior is disturbing Yoongi next to him, but much to his friend’s credit, he lets the vexation slide in favor of simply scowling ahead. Granted, Jeongguk believes Yoongi feels the same way. Even if the man is usually quiet about his feelings, Jeongguk knows him well enough to see how much he misses his own lover back home.
They both feel it, as it stands, that desire bursting inside. The very one that makes it hard sometimes to exist without your other half just a reach away. It’s pathetic at its core, but to them it’s the only reason to keep going.
Jeongguk, in fact, has become so accustomed to living like that. To not go a single day without having Taehyung occupy the majority of his thoughts, and the truth is, he loves it. There’s always those types who damn emotions, or get off on making fun of commitment like it’s some perpetual prison to be wary of (he would know…) but for him, that isn’t the case. And for a person who never saw himself a future like this, with someone who actually loved him for him, he’s grateful--honored, in fact, to be able to find himself wrapped around Taehyung’s little finger.
But therein lies the current fixation for the both of them squished into their seats, the reality that their significant others were still minutes away from them. So to Jeongguk, though ten minutes to landing sounds quick, it isn’t quite quick enough.
He ends up gripping the armrest in his palm, hard and unforgiving, eyes landing on the seatbelt sign still glowing for his cooperation. Honestly, he’s probably burned a hole through the damn thing by now, even with the shade of his baseball cap providing cover he guesses the flight attendant passing by collecting trash can feel the heaviness of his stare.
Jeongguk doesn’t mean to be excessively rude in demeanor, not now anyway, but he just has to get back to him already. To remind his longing brain that he didn’t fever dream some heavenly being called Taehyung as his boyfriend. That he would get off this fucking plane and run down the escalators and into Taehyung’s awaiting arms and definitely figure out his shitty ass life before was a thing of the past.
But Jeongguk can’t fucking do that from here.
“Fucking chill.”
There’s a hand on his leg, and it takes him a second to realize it’s Yoongi before he swats it away with a small smile. “I can’t. He’s probably down there in the lobby and I’m up here.” He shifts in his seat. “And it’s driving me crazy.”
Yoongi looks like he’s pained, eager in a way to snap back with something snarky just to tease him, but there’s kindness in his gaze. Instead, his friend just laughs at him, rolling his eyes like he’s heard all about this restlessness he’s plagued with--and he has. “Still planning on asking then, huh?”
“Yeah.” Jeongguk doesn’t even need to reach into his pocket to feel the weight of the ring; sitting there against black silk and inside a cliche velvet box. “Yeah, I do.” The purchase wasn’t exactly a thrill of the moment sort of deal. Never was, but he did feel that fresh form of anticipation rush him when he went out that night in Japan on the first week of their work tour. He had dragged Yoongi right along for the ride, his friend content so long as he had his weight’s worth of Dango paid for by Jeongguk. They had found themselves inside a jewelry store, some fancy ass place he wasn’t even keen on remembering the name of so long as he found the right ring.
Fortunately, he did.
A simple white gold band, one single diamond embedded in the middle of it, so tiny you’d honestly miss it unless you took a moment to admire the ring. But it was still gorgeous enough, perfect for Taehyung and suiting his tastes just like Jeongguk knew it would.
Part of him wants to pull the ring free of his pocket and give it a quick once over, make sure all was well and nothing could go wrong. Which is probably why he panicked earlier in the flight, nearly stumbled from his seat and into the aisle to retrieve it from his bag overhead. He just wanted to be sure , just confident enough that Taehyung would not only say yes but do so with pride in wearing that particular ring. Because for all Jeongguk’s confidence in both being a big yes, that didn’t make this next step any easier. All he knew was that he wanted to be engaged to the love of his life already.
But quick...wasn’t damn quick enough. And that’s when the real panic sets in again.
How the fuck am I supposed to propose…?
It had dawned on him to just wing it. To run out of this plane the minute he could and rush the entrance until he saw his baby and dropped to one knee right there in the airport lobby. Except...he knew Taehyung deserved better than that, better than he could ever really give if he was blatantly honest with himself. The least he can do is to not be that idiot who wastes such a question in an airport filled with strangers.
Jeongguk could do better, something grand and over the top but then he shakes his head at that too. Taehyung wouldn’t mind low key, not in the least and that left a public proposal out of the question. So if he has to suck it up and figure something better out, Jeongguk would. Even at the expense of his own patience.
“When and how are you plannin’ on doing it?”
“I…” Jeongguk begrudgingly gives Yoongi the side-eye, because he knows his friend can pick up on the delicate nature of his predicament. Yet, all Yoongi does is chuckle, shrugging his shoulders like he hasn’t the faintest clue on how to actually help him, but he’ll take the amusement of his suffering all the same.
“I wish I could say I was surprised you didn’t plan that far ahead,” Yoongi says gruffly, giving another passenger a steady look as they rise in the aisle to retrieve their belongings, the plane having landed while Jeongguk was waist deep in his self pity. “But...well...it’s you we’re talking about.”
“Hyung.” Maybe the honorific is what captures Yoongi’s full attention, or maybe it’s the weak way he mumbles it. Regardless, Yoongi heaves a gentle sigh, knowing well enough that Jeongguk doesn’t use such terms lightly but only ever in desperation of life advice. And as they shuffle to the plane exit, whispering between themselves, he knows he is. “I want to do it. I do, but...what if--”
“I swear to whatever gods may be, kid, if you say you’re scared he’ll say no I might actually punch you in the balls.”
Jeongguk won’t deny he needed that laugh. “No. Fuck no, not that. He’ll say yes, I know he will.”
“Then what’s the actual problem?”
They’re exiting now, back into the airport and through the crowd as Yoongi leads them towards the bathroom, both of them jetlagged and stumbling around. Jeongguk probably pesters him a little too much now, the flood gates open when he’s given the verbal go ahead to express his emotions. He knows some other travelers even give him a dirty look as he leans against the stall Yoongi is in, but right now it’s the least of his worries. “I want to do it right. I want it to be perfect. I just…” He bangs his head on the wall, the bill of his cap pushing up as he tries not to grimace when he hears Yoongi unzip his jeans. “I don’t know…”
“You’re overthinking it, Guk.” Yoongi calls over the stall door, the sound of the toilet flushing cutting off whatever else he grumbles about before he’s exiting and washing his hands. He takes a moment to smile back at him through the mirror, but it holds that familiar teasing appeal to it. “Doesn’t matter if you propose right now, tonight, tomorrow or whenever else.” He rips the paper towel from the dispenser, drying off his hands. “Taehyung will say yes, because at the end of the day you’re both annoyingly in love and it’s just meant to be. So screw trying to make it perfect. Just do it already.” Yoongi tosses the towel away, taking his suitcase from Jeongguk as they trail back into the terminal.
“But--”
“Fuck off with your buts, Guk.”
It’s not exactly life changing, but the advice makes him snort all the same because it does boost that earlier confidence. After all, proposing is the endgame. Though the panic persists, it’s quieter and Jeongguk hopes he can cling onto that and give himself a little more time to prepare something worthy of his love. So, he follows Yoongi eagerly again, cutting through people as they make their way down and he’s more than aware of how quickly his steps are bypassing Yoongi’s, his friend trailing behind with a gruff sort of look that would be frightening if not for the soft grumbling he hears. There’s something oddly amusing about it, from the pitch of Yoongi’s curses to the enraged whining he does whenever he manages to catch up and kick at Jeongguk’s calves—gently, of course, scolding him about suddenly needing that kick in the balls again.
Not that any of those actions are enough to still the newfound urgency in him. Jeongguk was already restless, long plane rides will do that to you, and his mind has been locked onto a long-winded mantra of ‘ Taehyung will be in my arms again’ in conjunction with his favored ‘I’m gonna propose ’ since he’s gotten on that plane back in Italy. He’s already been pushed back a week from seeing the other, fucking postponing events and all that jazz that made no sense beyond ruining his life. Something Yoongi and him agreed fervently on.
Dramatic, he knows but when your boyfriend and hopefully future fiancé is Kim Taehyung, you begin to grow impatient from the idea of being away from him. So, yes, part of him forgoes the earlier idea of being completely tolerant of waiting.
“Will you fucking slow down, my legs aren’t as long as yours.”
Yoongi can blame himself for that peptalk not so long ago.
“I’ll carry you if I have to.” Jeongguk snaps back, glaring defiantly over his shoulder at the elder.
“Try that and I fire you, kid.”
He can only laugh back at him, rolling his eyes but being kind enough to take Yoongi’s bag from him, letting him take a momentary break from the weight of it. They’re just beyond the security area now, where new passengers wait in line to be checked, and right by the doors of the airport stands two people, both with equal elation on their faces but let’s be honest...only one really captures all of Jeongguk’s attention.
Taehyung stands there, right by the doors, in his black fitted slacks and white fuzzy sweater...and really that view is enough to garner all of Jeongguk’s staring but there’s one last minor detail that truly sets the picture of perfection. A little touch of beauty that he wasn’t expecting to see and it really fucks him up when his mind was already a mess. “Holy fuck...”
He drops the bags to the ground, maybe just feet away from his love and Hoseok, and surely enough Yoongi scoffs behind him, but Jeongguk pays neither of the others any mind. Maybe he waved to Hoseok, actually but that was more autopilot than actual recognition. But he deserves the slip of his manners, because Taehyung is smiling, large and wide and effectively running over in one big rush of affection until he’s jumping into his arms and Jeongguk habitually grips his thighs around him, cradling the elder so tightly.
And he wonders how on earth he managed to let him go in the first place.
“Gukkie.” Taehyung whispers softly, tenderly and so fucking saccharine it makes Jeongguk gasp when lips descend onto his. They kiss and kiss and kiss until their lips run numb and even then he’s reluctant to pull away but he’s reminded of his lack of response earlier. The reason behind his shock, the reason Kim Taehyung stole his breath away once more.
“Your hair,” he supplies dumbly, blinking at his boyfriend in his arms, Taehyung’s nails dragging down his nape in a delightfully soothing manner. “It’s silver.”
Thinking back on it now, even if he wished to go through with proposing right here...he wouldn’t be able to. Taehyung was too much, too pretty and stunning that all other thoughts flew out the window.
“Mmm.” Taehyung merely giggles in return, as if he hadn’t surprised Jeongguk a week ago with dying it back to blond. Only to show up now with this fucking pretty number of a color. “Yes, it is, baby. Thought the blond got boring...figured I could try something really new.” He kisses him again, humming when Jeongguk chases after his lips when he pulls away. “Do you like it?” He cups his cheeks, fingers playing with the hair just below his hat.
Thousands of affirmations run through Jeongguk’s mind but nothing really manages to come out. Jeongguk’s just too infatuated, truthfully. Weakly so, at that. Taehyung was already a gorgeous being, stealing all attention from anyone and Jeongguk wouldn’t necessarily say he plays favorites with his hair colors but this silvery blond hybrid was just...
“Fuck.”
Really, that’s all that sums it up.
Taehyung, though, he continues to laugh, a short and merry sort of sound. The breathy kind that holds an endeared affection and makes Jeongguk go weak in the knees. Really, all he can reply with is a smile back, wide and happy as Taehyung lifts the crown of his cap up to capture his sparkling eyes a little more. “You know,” his boyfriend says, hooking his arms back around his neck. “Coming from you, I suppose that’s the most eloquent compliment.”
“Sorry, gorgeous. You just---fuck. You’ve no idea how hot you look.”
“I think your eyes speak enough to that sentiment.” Taehyung closes the gap between them again, Jeongguk more than eager to return the kiss and maybe they spend a little too long making out in public but he thinks they deserve it. It’s been ages, or feels that way and he’s about ready to toss his boyfriend to the ground and make good on all the heated promises they shared during phone calls or video chats.
“Guk--mpph, baby...wait…”
He can feel the breath of the bubbly laughter on his lips, begging him in a light fashion to let him go before they’re kicked out. Part of him knows he should listen, but having Taehyung in his arms again is just too good to give up just yet. “Fuck--I love you.” Jeongguk whispers against him, eating up the muffled sounds of gasps and words Taehyung tries to reply back with. “So goddamn much.”
“That’s,” Another harsh kiss to his already swollen lips. “Not news, babe.” Then another to the tip of his cute nose and on every birthmark dotting his tanned skin.
At this point, Jeongguk just feels insatiable. “Don’t care, Tae. Just need you to hear it.” And maybe understand how bad he’s been craving this.
“My big softie.” Taehyung snorts, nuzzling him in affection to ease their little love fest down. “I knew you’d love this color.” Though they both know it’s more than the physical change that gets Jeongguk going.
“You’ve no idea. You look like a damn god or something.”
“A god, huh? I kind of like that.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. Makes me feel like I have power over you.” He wiggles his eyebrows, making them both laugh, even as Jeongguk rolls his eyes.
“And that isn’t news either, gorgeous.”
“Are you guys done being gross, or do you intend to bone each other here in the entrance of an airport?” It’s Yoongi who cuts into their moment, both looking over to see him holding hands with Hoseok who appears equally giddy to be reunited. Granted, the red-head doesn’t appear disgusted by them, but rather amused. “Because I’m pretty fucking tired and I’d love nothing more than to go home and sleep for the next three days.”
“Tsk.” Jeongguk scoffs, reluctantly letting Taehyung back down who still holds onto his waist so as to not trail off further. “As if you’re not planning on doing the same thing once you do get home. Sleep, my ass…”
“Jesus…” Yoongi grimaces at him, but it’s entirely clear by the reddening of his ears that he did intend to do just that. “Just get your shit and follow us to the car.”
“Yes, Dad.” Jeongguk makes a face at him, making Taehyung fight back his giggles as they link fingers and begin trailing behind the other couple. It’s quiet for a few minutes, both of them content to just bask in each other’s company after so long.
That is until Taehyung leans into him, resting his chin on his shoulder as he whispers, “Hey.”
“What’s up, beautiful?”
“Cheesy.” Taehyung smiles. “But I just wanted to say I really missed you.”
“Did you now?”
“Oh, so much.”
“I don’t believe you.” Gods--he’s missed the flirty banter.
“Trust me, my bad boy.” Taehyung playfully pokes his side, making Jeongguk chuckle as he tilts away from the touch. “Missed you so much.”
“Well, I’m delighted to say the feeling is very mutual.”
“How mutual.”
“Like,” Jeongguk thinks about it for a moment, smirking when he looks over to find Taehyung’s curious eyes. “If my plane got cancelled again, I’d have swam back here in a heartbeat.”
“You really are a huge softie.” But he laughs, cheeks flushed from the compliment and Jeongguk is pretty much a goner. It hasn’t even been ten minutes, but that familiar desire bubbles right back up inside him. The same one that he felt buying that ring currently in his pocket, the same one he gets when he just hears Taehyung’s voice or sees his smile.
That pep talk he gave himself back in the plane, the one Yoongi had given him in the restroom...they all begin to fall short. He knows he talked himself out of proposing right now and he thinks he can ignore that compulsion long enough, but looking at Taehyung now makes it harder and maybe he should’ve spent more time preparing himself for that rather than the how. Trying to fight that urge was growing more difficult, and now he’s stuck looking into those precious brown eyes.
That pocket is beginning to feel heavier by the second...and then he feels his lips part. “Taehyung, I--”
“You can put your bag in the trunk, Jeongguk.” Hoseok interrupts his impulsive proposal, and he’s never been more grateful for anything.
“O-Oh...yeah.” He clears his throat, not missing the way Taehyung raises his eyebrow at him. At least he looks amused, shrugging it off and helping him with his belongings before they’re dropping into the back seats.
“You okay?” Taehyung asks, for once letting Jeongguk forgo the safety belt in favor of stretching out across the back, head resting in his lap.
“Perfect, baby. Don’t worry about it...just tired.”
“Get some rest, we’ll be home soon. But I hope,” Jeongguk feels his cap being removed, the weight of it replaced by fingers threading through his flattened out locks. “You realize I don’t intend to let you go away for that long again.”
It’s teasing, but there’s some truth in that statement and Jeongguk doesn’t mind that one bit. “Anything you want, baby. I’ll stick around forever.”
“Forever?”
He wonders if Taehyung caught onto his sentiment, and for the briefest of moments he panics, parting his lips in an attempt to answer but then Taehyung is just blushing deeply himself as he looks away. The smarter part of him would ask about that odd behavior, but he decides now probably isn’t the time...not to mention it lets him change the subject to something else. Something that doesn’t make him feel like springing back up and proposing right here in the backseat of Hoseok’s car. “I think Yoongi is snoring.”
“He is.” Taehyung is quick to answer, now gnawing on his lip while still keeping his gaze outside the window. “At least it isn’t loud.”
“Not like your snoring.”
“Hey!”
Jeongguk chuckles at the feeble punch to his chest, grabbing the offending hand and lacing his fingers through. “No offense intended, gorgeous. I missed your loud snoring.”
“That is the rudest way anyone’s ever told me they’ve missed my presence.” He doesn’t sound affronted, just fond, maybe a tad shy but that’s how Jeongguk loves him. “But I’m still flattered.”
“You should be.”
“Jerk.”
Jeongguk smiles at that, tilting his head to snuggle into Taehyung’s stomach, comforted by the way his sweater feels soft against his cheek. He knows that nagging question still pops up in his mind, the words just hanging on his tongue but he fights to bury it down, closing his eyes and letting himself melt into the pampering he receives. Fingers still work through his hair, gentle and inviting but it does little to ease the eagerness no matter how hard he ignores it. That is the purpose, though, isn’t it? To grow a pair and ask, but the how still eludes him.
Later , Jeongguk manages to convince himself. I’ll ask later . Because there has to be a perfect time.
There just has to.
Later presents itself quicker than Jeongguk anticipated. In fact, he’s come to realize once again that no matter how much time goes by the ache to ask exists in him. Funny thing is, it isn’t a question of when the right time is when he thinks about it, because with Taehyung every time feels like the right time but he contradicts that knowledge with the how and he ends up right back at square one.
In the last twenty minutes he’s gone through sleeping soundly in his boyfriend’s lap, to waking up and thinking now is a good time to propose. Even when they finally did get to their apartment, said their goodbyes to a half asleep Yoongi and cheery Hoseok, he felt it beating inside him. He nearly asked in the elevator, then again in the hallway while Taehyung squished his cheeks together and cooed in endearment of his sleepy features. All because his boyfriend had the audacity to look that good and smile that cutely at him.
Truth is, he’s just missed this. All of this and it reminds him of how badly he wants this to be his forever. But he has to put a ring on that damn finger first. Legal or not, it’s about the symbolism and his emotions...and what Taehyung is deserving of.
So, it turns out, later presents itself in a number of ways and not a single one seems to help him out of his situation.
Now is no different. Taehyung is opening their apartment door, tossing the keys into the decorative bowl on the entry table and helping him out of his jacket and reaching for his duffel bag. The entire moment feels so domestic, more so when Yeontan begins yipping from his playpen, tail wagging excitedly and whines so loud Jeongguk has no other option but to humor him with some pets and baby talk.
“He’s missed you like crazy, too.”
“I can see that.”
“I’ll go put your stuff away while you play with him.”
“You don’t have to do that, babe.”
“Shush, I got it.” Taehyung winks at him, toeing his shoes off before heading down the hall and leaving him with their furry child. Jeongguk watches him go, smiling to himself and taking the chance to pick Yeontan up and rush to the office area. He fishes the ring from his pocket, showing it off to his pup as if he was bound to get Yeontan’s approval.
Unsurprisingly, he doesn’t get much of an answer besides a head tilt. “Yeah, I do have good taste, don’t I?” He still muses, looking over his shoulder to make sure Taehyung still wasn’t around before he stuffs the box into one of his drawers filled with markers and pens. “But I’ll ask another time, yeah?” It’s meant to ease his own confliction, nodding to himself as he works his way down the hall to greet his love once again. “When your father least expects it...I hope.” He sets his dog down, Yeontan running off to entertain himself while he leans against the doorway to their bedroom, grinning when he finds Taehyung already sorting through his packed clothes and toiletries. It’s not like it’s the most grand gesture you could afford someone, but to Jeongguk the sight alone means so much to him. He wonders then, how he managed to get so lucky and more than that...he really does need to make that proposal count.
Sorry, Yoongi..doesn’t seem like I can just do it already…
“Hey,” Jeongguk swallows down the self-deprecating sigh, coming to stand behind Taehyung who just hums happily when he wraps his arms around his waist. “I can do that, Tae.”
“I know.” Taehyung laughs when he’s squished against him, Jeongguk refusing to let go even as they walk around the room, putting his clothes back into the proper drawers or closet. “But you’re tired, Gukkie. I can tell.”
“Oh, you can, can you?” He clasps his hands tighter around Taehyung’s stomach, pulling him back until he can feel the way his body warms up to him. It’s soft, comforting and Jeongguk tries not to get too lost in it just yet, though he does allow himself the pleasure of kissing down his neck, just shy of the collar of his sweater. Besides, it’s worth the way his boyfriend leans into him, Taehyung tilting his head back just to kiss his cheek.
“Alright, alright.” Taehyung sets the rest of his things to the side of the bed. “You’re clearly still energetic enough to be clingy.”
“Can you blame me?” Truth is, he is tired--jetlagged, actually. However, it’s been ages since he’s had this and the way he’s feeling, completely smitten, he’d much rather cater to his unwavering need for Taehyung than deal with the pressing matter of sleep.
Taehyung, though, isn’t completely convinced. Instead, he flicks at Jeongguk’s chin adoringly, tugging his cap back off again and tossing it to the side. “You need sleep, Jeongguk. You’ve been up for hours, did you even sleep on the plane?” He finishes by ruffling at his hair, making Jeongguk groan as he swats him away.
No, he didn’t sleep. He had other things on his mind that kept him wide awake in a panic and he’d rather let that stew off to the side for now. I’m gonna propose...later.
“Yes…”
“You’re a terrible liar.” That fond statement is topped off by Taehyung shoving him back onto the bed, Jeongguk grunting at the sudden force but not willing to fight back. “Take a nap, at least. Then we can hang out all you want, because I intend to not let you go for the next month.”
“Is that a promise?”
“Mmhm. Gonna wrap my arms around you and not let go no matter how much you complain.”
Jeongguk would never complain about that. Especially when he can finally reach over and grab his boyfriend’s hand, thumb brushing the knuckles. It just feels right to be able to have him physically near, unlike the last month and some days of loneliness. “That’s literally all I want right now, babe. So,” Jeongguk tugs gently, smirking as Taehyung fights back feebly. It only makes him pull his hand harder, easily causing the elder to topple over onto the comforter with a huffed ‘oof’ .
“Geez, miss me that much?”
Laughter flows between them, Jeongguk rolling to his side until he’s able to look down upon his boyfriend; Taehyung’s silver hair thrown in wisps over the blanket. “Take a guess, gorgeous.”
“Ah,” He sighs in return, raising his hand to trail his fingers along Jeongguk’s jaw. “I missed you that much, too.”
Jeongguk stares back at him, and he knows it’s a silly thing...to be so taken by a simple statement that is more than obvious. They missed each other, of course, they did. But hearing it still lights that fire in him, makes him smile like an idiot when he leans down to kiss him. Truth be told, right now he’s feeling that urgency again. The little voice in his head popping off about asking the big question because of course, Taehyung finds a way to constantly make him feel like this. “Oh,” He decides to distract himself, though he does have some good reason. “I just remembered.”
“Hm?” Taehyung mutters between a kiss, hands still cupped around Jeongguk’s cheeks and it’s difficult to keep his own distraction going when Taehyung touches him like this.
“I have some souvenirs for you. One from each country we visited.” His lips descend to Taehyung’s jaw as he says this, barely brushing the smooth skin but the sensation is enough to have Taehyung squirming happily beneath him.
“That’s so sweet, baby...Can I see them now?”
“Well,” Jeongguk smirks into his neck, teeth tenderly nipping the area he was just sucking on. “Most of them are in my bag...but there is one I can show you now.”
“I swear if you say anything along the lines of this dick , I will actually send you halfway across the country myself.”
Jeongguk snickers loudly at that, burying his face into Taehyung’s shoulder as peels of laughter spill forth. That wasn’t his entire intention, at least not so obscene anyway. “No, no...I mean, that was kind of my lead up into--ow!” He flinches back when Taehyung’s fingers pinch at his nipple, his own hand coming up to block the next bout of attacks and shield himself from further pain. “Hey! I’m trying to be fucking romantic here, babe.”
“You are so bad at this.” But it’s obvious how amused Taehyung is.
“Maybe. But there’s no backing out of this relationship now.” He sits back up against the headboard, letting Taehyung crawl over to him and straddle his hips. “You’re stuck with me.”
“I like being stuck with you.”
“Yeah?” If Taehyung keeps smiling like that, Jeongguk is going to find a way to teleport that damn ring back into his hand right now. But, deep down he knows...knows this isn’t the most exciting time to be proposing but fuck--that feeling just keeps growing and he’s so tempted to ask.
Distraction. Distraction , he pleads with himself, swallowing down hard as he mumbles out, “S-Souvenirs…” Because it’s all he can go back to using as an excuse.
“Oh.” Taehyung nods at him, small smile evident but he glances over his shoulder to the bag abandoned by the foot of the bed. “Much as I’d love to see what you brought me...I kind of love what’s happening here.” He motions between them, earning another laugh from Jeongguk who can’t say he doesn’t agree.
“Lucky for you, one of them is attached to me.”
“Jeongguk--” It’s a short warning, one that makes Jeongguk giggle because he realizes his words are coming a little too sexualized.
“Unintentional. I promise. Although...it does involve me taking off my shirt.”
“Hm...I’ll allow it.” Taehyung removes his arms from around his neck, palms sweeping down his chest and stopping just shy of the hem of his shirt. “Did you...pierce your nipples?” He asks casually, tilting his head as he begins to slowly inch up his clothing.
“No.”
“Belly button?”
“No...but that would be kind of hot.”
“It would. Umm...oh, a new tattoo?” Taehyung wiggles his eyebrows, smile growing wider when Jeongguk simply grins in answer. “Oh my god, you did.”
“I did.”
“What is it?”
“Why don’t you finish undressing me to find out?”
“God, I love this...best gift I’ve ever unwrapped.”
They both laugh at their over the top flirting, Taehyung now biting down on his lip as he pulls the garment up, revealing toned and slightly golden skin. Jeongguk just watches amusedly, trying not to smirk when he sees Taehyung’s eyes widen when they land on the patch of skin above his navel. Briefly, he wonders why he didn’t just take the chance and have ‘Will you marry me?’ inked there instead, but that would’ve probably been in poor taste...even if it did solve his problem. Yet, he can’t say his chosen idea for a new tattoo wasn’t worth it in the end. Because the way Taehyung’s eyes light up and the way they grow misty makes him want to embrace his boyfriend so tightly until the end of his days.
“You…” Taehyung grows speechless at the sight, Jeongguk can tell and his boyfriend just sits on his lap, one hand still holding his shirt up and the other splayed over his abdomen with his fingertip tracing the letters. “This...this is from Les Mis…”
“It is.”
“It’s one of my favorite musicals…”
“I know.”
“And that’s my birth flower…” His voice grows more choked as he speaks, Adam’s apple bobbing tightly.
Jeongguk understands, though. He was no better when he actually got this tattoo done over in Paris. He had known by then that he’d be missing Taehyung’s birthday. Something he wouldn’t really forgive himself for, even if it was out of his control with delayed trips to Italy and then to South Korea. The last stretch of their tattoo tour was supposed to end in Italy, but weather had delayed them in France and then again in Italy when they were meant to be home the following week.The disappointment they all shared was evident, and Jeongguk hated the pain he heard in Taehyung’s voice when he had to relay the news.
Which is precisely why he thought of this design. A long quote...in delicate cursive and tapered off into the sketched version of Taehyung’s birth flower; Calycanthus Floridus.
“I-uh…” Jeongguk can feel the tips of his ears go red, suddenly feeling on the spot. It’s been years, but he still gets that awkward sense of romanticism. “I had a lot of nights over there...in all the countries, I mean. You know, you were so far away.” Taehyung must feel the same agonized memory, because he looks back up at him, smiling so softly to placate whatever apprehension he feels. “It sounds so dependent, but I guess that’s exactly what it is.” He can’t help but laugh at his own clinginess. “The time difference was excruciating, and while I loved our texts and video chats...instead of helping, I always felt worse after.”
“I know exactly what you mean.” Taehyung admits, leaning forward to bunt their foreheads together, both of them probably pathetically close to tears. It’s just another reason for Jeongguk, though, to feel so hopelessly in love and ready to take that next step. To merely know he doesn’t have to elaborate too much for Taehyung to completely understand him. That those calls were heaven but they did little to ease the longing, only ever intensifying it.
“Yeah,” He continues. “I didn’t know what to do with myself most days. I kept thinking that I should just quit all that and fuck off back to South Korea. To you…”
“Jeongguk.”
“I know. I know. I’d be ditching Yoongi and you’d probably kick my ass for giving up.”
“I would.”
“Didn’t make it any less tempting.” He laughs, taking the chance to steal a quick kiss to those plush lips. “Point is, there were moments I couldn’t talk to you because you were asleep or at work and we were just all over the place. It was hard, so one night I...I ended up rolling out of bed in the evening, missing you like crazy and decided to watch one of those shows you always go nuts about.”
“Wait,” Taehyung blinks at him, a giggle evident in his tone. “What?”
“Don’t laugh, you little shit.”
“You went to a play? Without me having to drag you to one?”
“I’ve never felt so out of place. It was a ballet, actually...and you should’ve seen the looks they gave me.”
“Oh my god.” The laughter grows louder, Taehyung’s entire body shaking with amusement. “And they didn’t kick you out?”
“No, they kicked me out.” Jeongguk chuckles right back. “Some bullshit about me not adhering to the dress code. Not like I packed a damn tux to teach inked realism.” That only serves to make Taehyung laugh more. “I said don’t laugh.”
“I’m sorry! It’s just...never mind, go on, my little theatre-goer.” He’s teasing and Jeongguk knows it but he’s missed that instigating just as much as all the rest of his wonderful traits.
Still, he scoffs as he continues, rolling his eyes for good measure with a pinch to those endearing cheeks. “So, I ended up finding another theatre, a small one and not exactly known to the general public I guess. But it was a production of Les Mis.”
“The rookie ones are always better, if you ask me.”
“Yeah, well...it was all in French. So I didn’t understand the majority of it. But, there was one line that I kind of got, stuck out a little and the guy next to me was kind enough to translate it back in English, which made it easier to translate into Korean---anyway, that’s not important. So…”
“So?”
“So, this.” Jeongguk nods down at his navel, smiling when Taehyung returns his gaze to the tattoo, fingers back to tracing over the cursive, completely entranced.
Yet why did I allow that man to touch my soul and teach me love?
“I know it’s probably dorky...and considering the context of the musical it doesn’t come close to suiting what my feelings are.” He laughs. “But hey, in our context...it fits.”
“It fits.” Taehyung solidifies, eyes drawing back to him and Jeongguk can see the fresh set of tears he holds. “And...the flower?”
“I was going to miss your birthday. I just...needed you closer to me and this,” He touches over his own ink, clasping Taehyung’s hand in his that still lingers there. “Somehow made it bearable. Is that cheesy…?”
“Yeah,” Taehyung sniffles, biting back his grin. “It is, and I love you so much for it. I take back what I said earlier. You’re not bad at this whole romance thing.”
“Well, I don’t know about that.” He’ll just have to see how the whole proposal issue goes…
“Shut up, you are. This is perfect, precious…” Taehyung kisses him, lips pressed roughly into his own and Jeongguk can feel how overwhelmed he is--they are. In fact, the kiss is sticky with tears, making it wet but he wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world and he’s grateful for it right now. Because if Taehyung wasn’t kissing him like this, swallowing down his mumbles and admissions of love, he’d be crying out a proposal.
“Jeongguk, I…” He can see the way Taehyung drops his hands over his own thighs, fingers digging and gripping at the fabric of his slacks. It makes him raise his eyebrows questioningly, but he doesn’t press his boyfriend for anything further, letting him ease into whatever he needs to say himself. “I just...I have--I mean...Jeongguk, will--”
But he doesn’t seem to get the chance. His phone begins to ring, Jeongguk watching with a smile as Taehyung sputters and reaches into one pocket only to squeal in shock and move to the other, fishing his phone out. “H-Hello?” He chokes, wiping away tears and sighing when his mother’s voice comes across the line. “Hi, Mother...y-yes, he’s back. Um--one second.” Taehyung holds a finger up to Jeongguk, eyes apologetic before he shifts off his lap and escapes out of their bedroom.
*
“Did you ask?”
Taehyung stops in his tracks, right in the middle of their hallway, lip bitten red from his nerves. Even his mom’s voice on the other end of the line doesn’t ease his worry like it normally does. “I...almost did.”
“Aren’t you at home, honey?”
“Yes.”
“So,” She says, sounding amused. “You nearly proposed to him in your apartment?”
Yeah, yeah...he almost did. “Almost. He did something really sweet, Mother.” Taehyung sighs, scowling when he hears her laugh on the other end. “Wait, is that Papa laughing in the background?”
“Yes.” She laughs. “He says you should just let Jeongguk do the proposing.”
“What, why?”
“Make him work for it.”
Taehyung scoffs, but he can’t say he isn’t surprised at his father’s teasing. “Of course, he’d say that. Jimin actually thinks he’ll propose too...eventually.” But that’s the thing, Taehyung is being impatient. It’s not necessarily about wanting to be the one to do it, he just wants to be engaged to that man. And after that little tattoo stunt back in the bedroom, Taehyung’s heart is nearly leaping out of his throat to do it.
“Well, has he mentioned anything?”
“No, not really. I mean he did just get back.”
“Then what was this sweet gesture you mentioned?”
“Oh.” He smiles. “He got a tattoo for me. Something sentimental.”
“Goodness. That boy isn’t going to have any room left on his body one day.”
Taehyung looks back towards the bedroom door, fighting down the giggles because she isn’t wrong. “It was perfect.” He defends, that same flattered feeling bubbling back up. It wasn’t the first time Jeongguk had dedicated a portion of his body to him, but each one would always provoke the same emotions. How can he not be moved by something so intimate and personal? “He’s perfect.” He leans back into the wall, holding his phone between his shoulder and ear as he reaches down to pull the ring from his pocket. He almost messed up back in the room, nervously searching for his phone only to register at the last second that wasn’t the right pocket. At least he saved himself that awkward and impulsive conversation. “To be honest, I almost proposed at the airport, too…”
“What stopped you, honey?”
“Dignity.” He jokes, smiling when he hears her laugh. “No, I just...want to do something better. More personal, I guess.”
“I don’t think Jeongguk cares about how big the gesture is, Taehyung. He seems a simple man when it comes to that. I think,” He can hear her sigh, this happy sort of sound that makes him equally giddy because she’s clearly approving of this next step in their lives. A far cry from the beginning of that parental fiasco. “You should just go for it, sweetie. Jeongguk, when he spoke to me, he just seemed so happy that you loved him. He doesn’t ask for anything more than that, Taehyung. So, just go for it.”
That’s the thing, though, isn’t it? Taehyung knows Jeongguk would sacrifice anything for him, refusing to ask anything in return because of it. So long as he loved him, and he truly does, Jeongguk is content...but Taehyung knows for a fact his boyfriend deserves more than that. He deserves everything good this world has to offer and if he could just show him that, even with a proposal, he would do his best to make that happen. Still, he’s grateful for the advice and it’s not like he won’t consider it, but for now he brushes the option aside. “Thank you, Mother...I’ll do my best.”
“Don’t worry, my little bear.”
“Jesus…” But the nickname still makes him smile.
“You’ll figure it out. And then the next step, grandchildren.”
“Okay, I’m hanging up now.”
“Good luck! I love you, and say hello to my future son-in-law.”
“Love you, too.” Taehyung grins, hanging up the phone and moving to the couch as he places it on the coffee table. Yeontan is sleeping on the other end, barely peeking over at him as he stares at the box in his hand. “Yeah, I’ll figure it out…”
“Figure what out?”
Taehyung gasps at the sudden weight against his back, Jeongguk having snuck up on him, arms now wrapping around his waist as they sit. He takes that moment to quickly squish the box between the couch cushions, blushing deeply at how he was so close to being caught. “Um, nothing important. Was just talking to my mother.”
“Ah, I get it now.” Jeongguk rests his chin on his shoulder, smirking back at him like he’s just unearthed his deepest, darkest secret and for a second Taehyung actually feels the panic bubble up. “More talk about grandchildren?”
“Oh!” He’s never breathed so deeply in relief. “Heh, yeah…” Taehyung chuckles awkwardly, tucking his hair behind his ear as he leans back to look at him. “You got it, always about the grandchildren...you know how she is.”
“You’re being weird, gorgeous.”
“No, I’m not.”
“You’re not actually trying to figure out a way to get one of us pregnant, are you?” Jeongguk jokes, but it does little to ease his nerves. “Because I’m afraid that’s not possible. Though,” His lips move to Taehyung’s ear, making him shiver when warm breath hits the sensitive lobe. “I’m not opposed to going at it like crazy just to prove you wr--ow! Stop pinching my nipples, you know they’re sensitive.”
“Then stop being a pervert, and didn’t I tell you to sleep? You should be jet lagged, not horny.”
“You say that like you haven’t been deprived for over a month, too.”
Point taken, Taehyung thinks. “What?” He decides to tease instead, making sure Jeongguk forgets all about his awkward fumbling and running out of the room earlier. “Were those late night video calls not enough?”
“Fuck. Don’t remind me of those...they were hot.”
“Mmm,” Taehyung flicks at his chin once more, giving him a quick kiss to the cheek. “They were.”
“I’m glad you agree, gorgeous but can you please come back to bed with me already? We can make those video calls a reality now.”
“Sure.” He concedes, all smiles because he’s not opposed to that, but he has a small...matter to attend to first. Like say, moving that ring from the cushions to his office drawer at least. “Just give me two seconds, I’ll be right there.”
“Why, just come now.”
“Two seconds, Gukkie. I promise.”
“But--”
“I just need to go into the office real quick--”
“No!” Jeongguk pulls him back down onto the couch just as he was moving to stand and shoo him away, hoping he’d have the time to sneak his hand between the sofa. “I mean...whatever it is, it can wait.”
“Jeongguk, just two seconds.”
“Why do you need to go into the office, anyway?” He’s holding onto Taehyung’s wrist now, tight but soft enough to be gentle. Not that Taehyung isn’t convinced he shouldn’t be getting up, especially since he knows he can’t just keep the ring in such a place. However, he also can’t exactly answer that question, because he doesn’t have any other reason to go in there…
“Well, I--how come you don’t want me to go into the office?” It’s the lamest counter, but for whatever reason, it’s enough to get Jeongguk to shrug.
“No reason…I just prefer you come to the bedroom.”
“Wow.” Taehyung can’t deny they’re both being weird, though he can’t quite figure out why Jeongguk is being so adamant about it either. Still, he’ll take the distraction, practically welcomes it when Jeongguk lifts them both off the couch, cradling him in his arms to not give him the option of running away. “A-plus seducing technique.” Yet, it does work and Taehyung won’t say he’s disappointed at leaving the ring nestled in their couch. Kind of difficult to care when you’re a little more preoccupied by your boyfriend kissing you, stripping you bare and making up for all the lost time.
However, making love doesn’t exactly cause the question of how to fade away. If anything, Taehyung finds it makes that feeling grow stronger. Gives him every reason to think about a shiny new ring snug around that slender finger, right over that small sunflower tattoo, and connected to a warm palm that is currently busy gripping his thigh, so roughly it leaves fading marks beneath his own tattoo on his thigh.
Later , he reminds himself, trying his best to batter down the want to blurt out a proposal in the middle of sex. To be fair, he’d also laugh at himself for ever considering that. Jeongguk would probably suffer an inflated ego, knowing he could give it to him so good he reacts by asking him for his hand in marriage. But for now, later , he thinks again, now gasping when lips pepper down his neck, content to leave a wet trail along his already glistening skin.
Later....I’ll figure out how, later...