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Taehyung hates seeing Dojin cry. 

He has never despised anything more than seeing his sweet child cry.

Dojin lost his mother when he was 6 and since then, Taehyung swore to himself to make his son happy. He doesn’t deserve to shed a single tear.

And now, when he kneels in front of the principal’s office, his weeping son in his arms, he’s a little overwhelmed because he doesn’t know what happened.

“Kim Taehyung-ssi”, Principal Kang steps out of her office, “Can you come in for a moment please?”

Taehyung nods and gently unclasps his son’s arms from his shoulders, as he instinctively lifts the 8-year old up into his arms. 

Dojin always tells him that he’s a big boy but right now, he acts clingy and a tad desperate.

“Principal Kang, what happened? Why is my son crying?” Taehyung asks after he’s taken a seat in front of the principal’s desk and the middle-aged woman gently rubs her temple. 

“Well, we both know Dojin is a very sweet child, he’s not a troublemaker but after today, we are a little bit worried.” 

“Dojin-ah… what did you do?” Taehyung mumbles. 

He doesn’t expect the boy to reply. Instead, Principal Kang explains: “We’re offering ballet classes for our students here and honestly, we planned for the little girls to apply for those classes,” she sighs. 

“Dojin loves ballet.” Taehyung interrupts the principal “His late mother was  a ballerina before…”

Principal Kang nods. “Yes, Kim Taehyung-ssi, we know this here and we’re still very sorry. But we can’t allow Dojin to take part in the ballet class” she says. 

Taehyung frowns. “Why’s this?” he asks, pulling Dojin closer to himself to protect him. 

“It’s a class for girls. We already ordered pink tutus and gymnastic suits and tights and...” 

"I honestly thought these stereotypes had been surpassed by now" Taehyung interrupts her once again, “I decided to send Dojin to this school because I believed it has a good reputation. I sent him to this institution because I thought it wouldn’t project old-fashioned prejudice…”

He sighs. Dojin had always been interested in ballet. He used to dance around with his mom in her living room when Haeun was still alive. She used to teach him a few moves before her death.

After her severe, terminal illness, Taehyung decided that, if Dojin had ever wanted to, he'd send his son to ballet classes.

But after everything that happened, Dojin didn’t mention anything.

Now, with him wanting to join his school’s class, he assumes that the child has only but repressed his desires during these years.

“Well, Kim Taehyung-ssi this school isn’t full of prejudices…”, Principal Kang says with a sigh, “But we still don’t allow boys to wear dresses…”

Taehyung gently sets Dojin down to the floor and stands up. 

“Principal-nim, with all due respect, you don’t need to wear a tutu if you want to dance ballet. And I'd like to inform you that if my son wants to wear a dress and dance in it, he can and he will. You do not get to decide what he wears. Dojin-ah, won't you come dear" Taehyung says, stroking his son's head and picking him up in his arms, "Let's go home."

Principal Kang is speechless and he lets him walk away without a further word.

Taehyung’s decision as to whether his son is going to dance ballet or wear a dress is final, but she still gets to decide if boys are allowed to learn ballet in her school or not.

Taehyung leads his son through the school's hallway, past closed doors, in which classes are held. Other children are still in their classes and soon, they're going to be out of the school building.

“Dojin-ah…?” Taehyung starts and his son looks up. 

“Yes, Appa?” he asks as a small smile paints the father’s lips. 

“We have a bit of spare time now, wanna go and check out ballet schools?” Dojin beams, "What does my favorite boy say?"

Dojin blinks at the question, lets it sink in and then he nods. “Yes, Appa, please!” he borderline-yells, tugging at his dad's sleeve excitedly.

Taehyung nods. “Off we go then!” he says, picks up the boy into his arms again and rushes towards his car.

He buys Dojin food on the way to their first stop, a tiny ballet school that people might easily overlook. It’s called ‘ Curtain Call ’ but Taehyung almost immediately knows that the elderly woman behind the counter will share Principal Kang’s opinion of boys dancing ballet when he and Dojin enter.

Her gray hair’s tied back into a neat bun on top of her head, she wears glasses atop of her nose and neatly keeps her wrinkled hands folded on top of her desk.

“Good afternoon,” the woman greets and smiles when the father-son duo enters. 

“Hi,” Taehyung greets back and steps closer to the desk, “I’d like to schedule a test lesson for my child.”

He points at Dojin and the woman stands up a little from her chair. She looks at the boy and frowns. 

“Where’s the child?” she asks and now, and now it’s Taehyung’s turn to frown. 

“Well, he’s right here,” he says and the woman sits back down. 

“I’m very sorry, I regret to inform you that we only allow girls in this school.” She says as if natural,  and Taehyung sighs. 

“I’m sure your son is an incredible dancer but we’re quite conventional here,” she adds and Taehyung nods. 

“Well, I see this now. Do beware," she says pointing a finger at the elder "It's your loss,” he says, gently squeezing Dojin’s hand.

“Come, dumpling, we’ll find another school for you.”

He leaves the tiny school and tries to comfort his aggravated son during the ride to the next dance academy on their compiled list.

But the disappointment only goes on, and ends up with Dojin crying over a few little girls in pink tutus laughing at him. He almost refuses to go to the last dance school on his dad’s list.

“It sounds nice, dumpling. It’s called Serendipity. That word has a pretty meaning to it.” Taehyung says and Dojin looks at him through the rearview mirror. 

“What does it mean?" he asks curiously, mood picking up, as Taehyung smiles.

“It means finding something beautiful without looking for it,” he says and now, his son smiles too. “That’s pretty Appa,” he agrees.

“Okay, let’s go there!” little Dojin sounding enthusiastic.

He wipes his red eyes when Taehyung starts the car, the way to the dance school isn’t that far.

Taehyung puts on Dojin’s favorite music and hears him humming from the back seat. At some point they arrive at the school’s parking lot.

The building itself is painted in a soft pastel blue and in frilly letters, in the frontal wall of the building, one will find written ‘Serendipity Dance Academy’, right above the door. 

“It also looks pretty, Appa”, Dojin says and Taehyung nods. 

“Absolutely” he replies, as they walk, headed for the entrance.

As soon as they enter Taehyung recognizes that soft, soothing music playing from the speakers. The interior looks delicate and tasteful.

Pictures of people dancing are on the wall, photographs in black and white.

When Taehyung looks at the counter, a man with cotton candy pink hair smiles at hooks

“Hi, welcome to ‘Serendipity’! It’s a pleasure to see you here!” he beams and waves at Dojin. 

“Hi” Taehyung greets back and steps towards the counter with Dojin in tow. “My name’s Jimin. How can I help you?” Taehyung smiles at the man. “My son, Dojin, is looking for someone willing to teach him ballet” he says and Dojin waves back at Jimin. 

“Hi, Dojin!” Jimin says, coming around the counter and squatting down in front of the boy.

“So you want to learn how to do ballet?” he asks.

Dojin nods shyly and Taehyung squeezes his small hand. 

“Yes… but I’m a boy…” he mumbles and Jimin tilts his head. 

“And?” he inquires “Who said that boys can’t do ballet? I bet you’ll do great! I already have the perfect teacher for you! Would you want to stay for a test lesson now?”

“I… I didn’t bring any clothes…”, the boy mumbles and Jimin grins. “Doesn’t matter, Dojin-ah”, he replies and straightens

“Wait, let me talk to your Appa for a second.”

“Is this okay? I offered it to him but I didn’t ask you beforehand.”

“Yes, it’s quite alright. I’m glad you accepted him here” Taehyung replies and runs a hand through his hair. 

Jimin frowns. “Why wouldn’t I?” he asks and Taehyung sighs. 

“Long story short, we already visited 5 other schools and they all rejected him because he’s a boy,” he explains, Jimin rolls his eyes. 

“It’s so cruel…” he mumbles before he returns to his counter and gets a sheet of paper

“Test lessons are on the house but you have to sign here.” He holds out a pen for Taehyung and he takes it. 

“We can give Dojin clothes for today and I’ll give you a list for all the things he needs if you decide to send him here.”

“Okay” Taehyung nods vigorously, seeing the happiness that laces his son's face. He signs the paper without thinking twice.

“Can I stay and watch too?” 

Jimin smiles. “Yes.”

After a few moments, he leads Taehyung and Dojin towards the changing rooms. “My brother, JK, is teaching the kids. We have mixed classes here because we don’t like those toxic gender roles whereby children are told that only girls can dance." He explains. "What’s his size?”

Jimin stops in front of a shelf with a lot of clothes inside and Taehyung tells him what size of clothes Dojin wears. He pulls out a dark blue gymnastic suit and dark gray tights, handing them both to Dojin.

“Appa!” he winks and Taehyung and this makes him realize that he forgot to introduce himself. 

“Uhh… I’m Taehyung'', he says and Jimin laughs. “You’re not content with me calling you Appa huh?” he asks and Taehyung scratches the back of his head, blushing slightly. 

“No…”, he admits and Jimin just smiles more. “It’s okay, it’s a pleasure to meet you” he says and shakes Taehyung’s hand, “Would you mind taking off your shoes?”

He holds out white gymnastic shoes to Taehyung and also hands one pair to his son who’s already done changing.

“JK’s class already started, 5 minutes ago to be precise, but I think the kids are still doing their warm-up. Follow me.”

Dojin slips his hand in Taehyung’s and pulls his father after him. “Thank you Appa,” he mumbles and Taehyung smiles at him.

They follow Jimin into a dance studio, mirrors and bars on the wall and a bunch of little kids around Dojin’s age are sitting on the ground, stretching their small legs. A man, dressed in the same clothes as Dojin, just much bigger in size, walks around them and watches their moves. He looks towards the door when Jimin enters with Taehyung and Dojin. 

“JK!” Jimin calls and the man comes over. Taehyung thinks he looks familiar… but he can’t quite recall where he knows him from.

“Yeah?” the man asks and Jimin smiles. “This is my brother, Jungkook. Jungkookie, these are Dojin and his father. Dojin’s interested in ballet classes and he’ll be taking the test lesson today.”

JK kneels down in front of the boy, his longer blond locks sway from the movement and he smiles at the young boy.

“Hey, Dojin, I’m Jungkook.” JK smiles toothily sweet, like a bunny.

“Hi” Dojin greets back and rubs his neck. 

“I’m happy to have you here today. Do you have any ballet experience?” Jungkook asks and Taehyung’s still trying to figure out where he’s seen him before now.

“Just… a little bit…” Dojin admits and Jungkook grins. 

“That’s no problem. Minhyuk and Seoyun also joined just a few days ago. Do you want to come over and say hi?” 

“Yeah, please!” the boy nods and Jungkook straightens again. 

“Okay. Your Appa can sit down on the bench over there” he sends Taehyung a short but friendly smile and reaches out his hand for Dojin.

Taehyung watches how his son takes it and walks away with Jungkook.

“Enjoy, I’ll be at the counter again” Jimin informs Taehyung and leaves the dance room.

Jungkook explains a few things to Dojin in a hushed voice, tells him how to stretch and when Taehyung sees how happy and excited his son is, he sits down on the bench and watches.

The test lesson is over faster than he expects but soon, he has a beaming boy sitting in his lap. “Appa, Appa, this was so much fun!! Do you think Eomma would be proud of me?” he asks happily and Taehyung hugs him.

“Yes, dumpling, she would be. And so am I” he says and stands up with his son in his arms. 

“So, shall we sign you up for regular classes?” he asks and Dojin nods quickly. 

“Yes, please!” he exclaims and wiggles a bit in Taehyung’s hold. His father sets him down and the boy mumbles a “I’ll be right back!” before he runs towards Jungkook who’s currently talking to another parent and hugs his legs. 

Taehyung hears him saying: “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” all over again and Jungkook and the mother of one of the other kids smile at him fondly. 

“You’re welcome, Dojin-ah. I hope to see you here more often from now on? You did well!”

“Jungkook, I’ll see you next week”, the mother says and takes her child’s hand. 

“Yeah, see you next week, Hyejin!”, Jungkook replies before he reaches out for Dojin’s hand again. 

“Who taught you ballet, hm?” he asks while they walk back to Taehyung. “My Eomma,” Dojin replies.

“She’s the best!”

“She did well. Do you think I can meet her someday too?” Jungkook asks when they reach Taehyung. 

“I'm afraid that’s not possible…” Taehyung replies in Dojin’s stead and the boy nods softly. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t want to overstep some boundaries…” Jungkook replies and tongues the inside of his cheek. Suddenly, Taehyung remembers where he knows him from. 

“Are you… by any chance… Jeon Jungkook?”, he asks and the man frowns slightly. 

“Yeah”, he replies and it takes him a moment before his eyes widen in realization. 

“Kim Taehyung!”, he exclaims. 

“In the flesh,” the other replies, straight away, he’s pulled against a firm chest by strong arms, into an all-enveloping hug. 

Dojin stands next to them and looks absolutely confused.

“Ahh.. I’m sorry, I got overwhelmed” Jungkook pulls away and scratches the back of his head.

“You have a son… and he’s already a big boy, huh?” He sends Dojin a smile. 

“Dojin-ah, Jungkook and I went to the same school” Taehyung explains and the boy’s eyes widen. 

“Really?” he asks and Jungkook nods.

“I never knew you had a brother!” Taehyung nudges his biceps and Jungkook shrugs. 

“You knew, he simply was always overseas because of dancing, in one way or another” he replies. 

“Are you two up for a drink? Damn, we have to catch up, Taehyungie-Hyung!”

“Don’t you have more classes today?” Taehyung asks because he’s not averse, not at all, in fact. 

“Nah, Jimin and I are done for the day. So, if you want to…?”

“Okay!” Taehyung agrees. 

“Let me just fill out Dojin’s registration papers. Oh and I think you need to change.”

Taehyung laughs a little.

He and Jungkook used to be very close back in school until the younger…

“Let’s meet at the front desk, okay?” The instructor says and winks at Dojin. 

“Okay.”

Taehyung takes his son’s hand and walks out of the dance studio to fill out the needed papers.

Ten minutes later Jungkook appears. He’s dressed in an oversized sweater and jeans now.

“Jiminie!” he exclaims and his brother looks up. 

“It’s Jimin-Hyung to you, you brat…”, he grumbles and Jungkook waves it off. 

“You won’t believe it, this is Taehyungie-Hyung from high school!” Jimin frowns and looks at Jungkook. 

“Like your best friend…?” he says and Jungkook nods. 

“Isn’t this a funny coincidence?”

“All this time I thought he was still in Paris, busy enchanting everyone with his amazing dancing skills but no, all along, he’s been here…” Taehyung puts the pen to the side and throws his arms into the air dramatically.

“Well, that’s how life plays out, huh?” Jimin replies.

“Nice to meet you. I hope that brat didn’t give you too much trouble back in school.” Jungkook punches his shoulder for the somewhat unpleasant comment.

“We want to go out for a drink to catch up. You wanna join?” he suggests and Jimin nods along.

“Sure, why not? Getting to know my little brother’s best friend from once upon a while, yay!” he grins, earning another punch against his shoulder and as he grumbles.

“I just need a moment to lock up everything. I’ll be done in 10 minutes max” he adds and shuts down the computer, hands Taehyung a few more papers and gives a few instructions. 

Ten minutes later they’re in front of the building. 

“There’s a cute, little coffee shop a few streets away”, Jimin says while they walk past the car park, “Let’s go there.” 

Jungkook and Taehyung agree, and just a few minutes later, they’re seated at a table, Jimin already busy telling Dojin the story of how he built up their dance academy.

“How have you been…?” Jungkook asks, “I mean… after I went overseas.

“Miserable”, the elder admits.

“Both Haeun and I missed you terribly. But hey, she made a name of herself.”

“How is she?” Jungkook asks. Haeun used to be his dance partner in their high school dance unit. 

They were close as well and Taehyung always expected both of them to leave for Paris after high school. 

But things turned out completely different…

“Jungkook-ah… Haeun died,” he whispers and stops when a waitress brings their drinks. However, he doesn’t miss the wide, shocked expression Jungkook wears on his handsome face.

“She was diagnosed with Leukemia 7 years ago” he explains quietly after the waitress' leaves them again. 

His eyes flicker over to Dojin. Jungkook notices. 

“So… you and her…?” he asks, Taehyung frowns. 

“Huh?” 

“I always thought you were in love with her,” the younger explains and shrugs.

 “I mean, I’m not surprised at all. She probably was the most beautiful girl in school. Everyone was head over heels for her.” He laughs softly, when Dojin tugs on Taehyung’s sleeve. 

“Appa, Jimin said they have a playground outside. Can I go with him?”, the boy asks and Taehyung nods. 

“Sure, dumpling” he smiles his son's way before pressing a kiss to Dojin’s temple. 

“Have fun.”

The boy hops away and Taehyung watches him disappear outside alongside Jimin. 

It’s not typical for him, letting his son go with a guy he barely knows, but Jimin’s Jungkook’s older brother and he used to know Jungkook very well.

“Jungkook… Haeun and I weren’t dating…” he sighs.

“She… was diagnosed with Leukemia just a short while after you left and she always wanted to have a child. You knew this, you were her friend too. I just helped her to fulfill her last wish, that's all."

Jungkook nods slowly. 

“So, Dojin’s her child?” he asks. This time, Taehyung nods. 

“And mine…” he sighs, “I loved her as my friend but never in a romantic way. I’m not interested in women, never was… and you know this as well.”

Jungkook remains awfully silent and still for a while until Taehyung sighs again.

“Jungkookie…” he starts, a common nicknames he used to call Jungkook back in high school days “Why are you back in Korea?”

The younger takes a sip from his drink. “Because Paris wasn’t my cup of tea. My home’s here.”

“But… you dreamt of dancing for the Ballet de l'Opéra de Páris. I knew that you had the best chances to do so as well…” Taehyung replies. Jungkook sends him a sad smile. 

“I did, Hyungie, I did. And I was fucking amazing. It didn’t end well, but that's a story for another day” he says, Taehyung reaching out to gently squeeze his hand. 

“Better tell me more about Dojin.”

Taehyung smiles softly. Dojin’s actually his favorite topic to talk about. “Did Haeun teach him ballet?” Jungkook asks and looks through the window from where he can see the playground. 

Jimin’s running after the little boy and Dojin’s laughing happily. 

“He seems to be a bright child”, he says and Taehyung hums. 

“He’s the light of my life and yes, Haeun taught him everything he knows about ballet” he replies. When Jungkook looks back at the beautiful man in front of him, he sees reminiscing sadness in his chocolate brown eyes, always ever-so comforting. 

“Hyung?” he mumbles and Taehyung scratches his cheek gently. 

“I never want to see him as desperate again as today…” he whispers and Jungkook frowns. 

“What happened?”

Taehyung tells him about the conversation with Principal Kang, about their almost hopeless attempts in finding a dance school for Dojin. He tells him about his crying son.

“Jungkookie… promise me… promise me he’ll be safe at Serendipity?”, he asks feebly and stares at the younger man, who can only nod. 

“Yes, hyung, we don’t allow bullying in any form. We teach boys and girls the same way. When a boy wants to wear a tutu he can! I promise you, I’ll take care of him when he’s in my class.”

Taehyung smiles. “Thank you” he whispers.

"You're welcome" Jungkook whispers back cheekily.

~♦~

It's a day like any another when Taehyung doesn't make it in time to the dance academy after work. An emergency patient came into his practice, he receives a message from Jimin.

"I got your message about being late. It's okay. I took Dojinie out for food. The poor baby was so hungry! JK's still in the studio if you want to talk to him. 😋 I'll drop your dumpling off there again when we're done" he writes and Taehyung snorts. He's okay with Jimin taking Dojin out for food.

Dojin's been taking dance classes for a month now and things are going unbelievably smooth.

He loves Jungkook. He and Taehyung get along well with Jimin. The older's babysat Dojin once or twice already, when Taehyung found himself in dire need.

Sometimes, he attends his son's dance classes, subtly ogling Jungkook at any given chance - because, in the few moments he's honest with himself, he'll admit that already back in high school, he harbored the biggest crush on his best friend back…but now. Now it's different.

Now that Jungkook's no longer only a boy, but a full grown man, he'll openly acknowledge he's had a very hard time taking his eyes away from the younger.

He tries, oh, he tries, but it's so difficult…

He sighs and gets out of his car.

It's slowly getting colder outside and Taehyung doesn't want to wait in the car for Jimin and Dojin to come back. There's nothing wrong with talking to Jungkook, right?

He enters the dance academy and walks through the narrow hallway that leads to Jungkook's studio, arranged to practice room.

Soon, he can hear the sound of classical music coming from the room. The door stands a creak open.

Taehyung halts in his steps when he sees the younger: shirtless, dressed only in his usual dark gray ballet tights.

He moves through the studio in graceful motion, dances to the music; Taehyung holds his breath.

It's so beautiful, so breathtaking. Once again, Taehyung finds himself not able to tear his eyes away from Jungkook. He has tattoos, inked pictures dancing down his entire arm, across his pecs and he even has small ones on his knuckles. And Taehyung… Taehyung can’t do anything else than stare. He always had a strong weakness for tattoos and now that he sees them on the man he likes so much, he has a hard, hard time to not just jump at the younger in the middle of his performance.

But this… would probably ruin a lot, not only Jungkook’s beautiful dance.

It's innocent and sinful at the same time. Taehyung swallows a yelp when Jungkook notices him, the younger's heated gaze hitting him hard, but not stopping his choreography. 

He also doesn't tear his eyes away from Taehyung, though, and it's as if he tells him to keep watching . Taehyung, obviously, does.

And when, the second the song ends, Jungkook comes to a halt, Taehyung keeps his gaze fixed on him, watching how his eyes slowly fall shut, how a few drops of perspiration roll down his temples and neck, how his sturdy chest heaves and falls rapidly as he tries to steady himself.

For a moment it's quiet in the room, only Jungkook's heavy breathing heard throughout the studio.

When the younger one opens his eyes again, Taehyung releases a breath he didn't notice he was holding in, perhaps out of agitation.

He notices that the fire's still burning in Jungkook's eyes, likes how his blonde hair glues to his forehead. He feels as close as he's ever gotten to a cardiac arrest when the dancer sweeps his bangs back with a swift motion of the hand, natural.

"Hey" he greets, voice a little rough, casual, nonetheless. Nothing even hinting at the tension filling the room to the brim merely two seconds ago.

"H-hey" Taehyung's not yet as relaxed as Jungkook is, so his greeting comes off his lips a little shaky, stammered, resulting in the younger grinning smugly.

He walks over to the bench close to Taehyung. Only then does he register the water bottle and towel left atop the wooden surface.

Jungkook takes the water bottle, opens the lid with strength whilst telling Taehyung that: "Jimin took Dojinie out for food." Taehyung slowly nods and watches, almost caught in a trance with how the younger lifts the bottle up to his lips, takes a few deep gulps of water, some droplets missing his mouth, rolling past his lips, down his jaw and neck. Taehyung wishes for the ground to open up and swallow him whole.

Because Jungkook's pure sin like this…

"I know… he texted me" he manages to reply when Jungkook sets the bottle down again and takes the towel instead.

"Have you eaten anything, hyung?" he asks and rubs the fabric over the back of his neck, messing up his blonde hair a little. Taehyung shakes his head no and Jungkook smiles whilst throwing the towel over his shoulders, beckoning over the elder.

"Come, I have some leftover Japchae in the kitchen" he speaks softly. Like a moth drawn in by the light, Taehyung follows the half nude, tattooed Adonis into the academy's small kitchen.

"This is our break room. In the morning, given that we have more employees here, identifiable because of their different specializations, we decorated this room to be a wellness one. In the afternoon, when it's just Jimin and I in the academy, we come here to unwind and let go a bit" he explains as he pulls a bowl out of the fridge and warms the food up for Taehyung. He hands it over as soon as it's hot enough and tells the elder to sit down and eat.

Taehyung does, would probably do anything Jungkook tells him in his current state. When he looks like unadulterated lust, Taehyung's weak.

"I'll go to the bathroom quickly" Jungkook mumbles, breaking the silence and grabbing sweatpants from a bag on a chair. Taehyung nods, almost begging him to stay.

He tears his eyes away from the steaming bowl and looks at Jungkook once more.

Only then does he notice the younger's limping, fatigue painted all across his flushed face...

He wonders why and what really happened to him in Paris but he doesn't ask, decides to give Jungkook time and reach out himself when he's ready to tell him and starts eating instead.

~♦~

Jungkook sighs when he enters the bathroom. The tiled up room's furnished by two showers, equal amount of sinks and facilities, as well as a small rack with deep blue shower towels and tiny bottles containing shampoos, conditioners and shower gels.

Jungkook heads towards the rack, grabs a towel and two half empty bottles, hissing instinctively when a sharp and now all too familiar nip of pain courses throughout his ankle, halting him in his steps for a moment.

Everything comes back to him right now, vivid in color, as if it were earlier that same day.

He knows he's not supposed to dance anymore but… he cannot even live with that thought.

He's a dancer through and through: dancing has always been his cure, his safe space, even his first love… he simply can't stop… and Jungkook gladly bears the suffering, welcomes it, endures it, rather than dying a first and undeniably emotionally agonizing death. 

He's not ready to give up. Not after everything he's had to face, not after Eloise and Marguerite attempted ruining his career....

—•—

It smacks him, right across the face, like a wave of putrid-smelling, all-consuming fear.

And he's right there, on his tips, in one among the many practice rooms of the Òpera de Paris.

He feels so small, so much a part of something bigger. Something that molds him into a man on wings, a fairy.

He's right there, and he can fly.

Quickly, promptly, enveloped by grace that ever so gently simmers in his tummy and pours right out his fingertips.

It's hard.

A life like this. Straining, somewhat consuming, really.

But he wouldn't trade it for the world.

He sees Jimin, as he flowers all over the world, beautiful wandering soul, fluttering all over his skin in delicate motion.

He sees his friends, back home, and the love he's missing out on from his parents.

And then, ever tenderly, he sees Taehyung.

A constant feeling, never-ending, his kind eyes unfading, boxy grin that does not waver, it renders him immortal as he swirls and dances.

It all conveys into him, in and out again, feet high off the ground, spinning and sputtering out.

Beautiful.

Jungkook's beautiful.

He belongs.

He sees Mádame Courtvagnis, in the corner of his eye, watching her pupils practice, following their every move, forever wrapped in her elegant blue shawl, polished tap dance shoes on at all times, attentive glare catching onto every miniscule imprecision.

He remembers his days over there so fondly.

But then he remembers the incident.

And everything's a blur.

Red.

And he's hit.

The hurt from that sunny and otherwise pleasant afternoon spreading like a wildfire throughout his chest.

All over his skin, and under his fingernails.

Painted regret and sorrow so bitter-tasting on his lips, that somehow, always go dry and chapped when his memory recollects evil.

Shards of glass, pointy, and mean, stick up his feet from the soles of his beloved ballet shoes.

Everything's crimson, all of a sudden.

The pain's blinding and not coincidental.

With nothing left to be done anymore, no battle to fight, no win and no light, Jungkook falls, helpless to the ground.

Pain.

And it's black, everything's black.

—•—

Jungkook rinses his face and looks up into the mirror, thoughts contemplating self deprecation, face pale.

It's mellow, now.

Phonetic, but distant.

And further he goes, another day, he lives.

He sighs and grabs the towel, looking away, face still wet, nonchalantly drying his hands on the tights that hug his legs, whilst walking up to one of the showers and throwing the towel over the curtain rod.

Jungkook begins taking off his clothes and slides beneath the shower to avoid having Taehyung wait any longer.

With a mumbled curse, uttered through grit teeth, he notices that he didn't bring any underwear or a shirt but well, he comes to the conclusion he doesn't mind at all.

A few added on minutes go by before he slips into the shower, and the boiling hot water washing away his sorrows for a bit.

He'll think it over afterwards, he'll have enough time to when he's alone at home. Now, the most gorgeous man he's ever known waits for him in the break room, probably all done with eating, is not the time at all.

Jungkook enjoys the pleasant, warm, although somewhat burning, feeling of the water splashing onto his soft skin. He stays under for a while before turning the shower head off and reaching outwards for the towel, wrapping it around his waist.

He dries himself up, throws a smaller towel over his hair, still dripping wet, sliding his pants on.

Jungkook rubs his hair a little, not too much.

A little smirk makes its way on his mouth, and onto his lips it plasters smugly.

It's time to distract himself a bit.

With the towel still hanging around his shoulders, he steps out of the bathroom and heads back into the break room, where he finds Taehyung washing the bowl in the sink.

"You didn't have to do this,'' he says. The older simply hums without turning his head, not paying attention to a semi-nude Jungkook nearing him more and more with every passing second.

"It's the least I can do. You gave me your food" he says through a smile, reaching for the dish towel to dry the bowl.

Jungkook sighs, inaudible. The amount of things he'd do for this man without so much as hesitating is astonishing.… he'd do so much more than merely give him his food….

Taehyung sets the bowl on the countertop with a delicate "clink" and turns to look at Jungkook.

The younger bites back a grin when he sees how Taehyung's cheeks flash a deep red instantly and he mumbles shyly: "You, u-um, you look like a hip-hop dancer, like someone very far from dancing ballet."

He fumbles with the hem of his dress shirt adorably and swallows when Jungkook thrusts out his chest a little, posture proud as he puffily says: "Well, yeah, I dance to more than classical music Tae. And I'm really good at it."

Oh God, the nickname.

Taehyung feels physically weak .

He has to cover it up. "Yea, alright, sure you can."

The elder watches attentively the way a droplet of water falls from a blonde strand on his head down onto Jungkook's collarbone, casually rolling down his chest, Taehyung's eyes going as wide as saucers when they stall onto one of Jungkook's prominent, budgingly hard and ever so sensitive nipples, only for a brief moment before sliding some more and proceeding its way down, disappearing below the fabric of Jungkook's dark sweatpants. They hang terrifyingly low on his pelvis.

Taehyung can make out hints of the younger's delicious hip bones. He notices just how tiny Jungkook's waist is, embraces and welcomes how sexy he finds it and decides to look away.

It's definitely not his first time seeing Jungkook shirtless, but the Jungkook he remembers, from way back, used to be slimmer, less built, less muscular, less cocky. Handsome, he always was, that's for sure, but never has Jungkook been that hot, that sure of himself.

Dangerously intriguing and somewhat blatantly enticing as Taehyung feels his cheeks heat up even more with every passing second.

He wants to scream into the younger's chest, or eat him up.

Which one, he can't decide, but he doesn't have to, because he knows that in that moment, he won't get to do either.

"Fine, let me show you. Come on." Jungkook holds his hand out for him temptatively,  a suggestive glimmer to his eyes.

"Come on." He repeats with a jut of the head, lip pouting out, and wow.

Jungkook looks…..endearing. Ever so endearing, and also, 15 again.

Jungkook suddenly pulls him into the dance room and pulls him in as Taehyung reluctantly takes his hand, still out for him to grab.

"Intermission: Flower" by Zayn starts playing, the younger pressing a button on the remote connected to the speakers that just minutes prior played Prokofiev's "Suite no.1 Op.64". Taehyung rests his free hand on Jungkook's bare shoulder.

It feels homey, intimate, familiar .

And somehow, although terrified, he loves the sensation it carries with it, because it's almost as if it's implicitly laced with unspoken tenderness between the two.

The clou of the song comes up, and God.

Taehyung is burgundy in the cheeks.

Jungkook not only pulls him in even closer, so, so much closer, and slides his leg between Taehyung.

And this feels…...well, honestly? It feels like the closest thing to sex in six years to Taehyung. It's exhilarating, really, and it feels surreal. Because this is Jungkook.

Jungkook is pulling him in closer, Jungkook is making it so that their chests are pressed up together this flush.

Jungkook is doing all of this.

He's coming off incredibly strong, and Taehyung's utterly and mesmerizingly speechless, mouth dropping a little agape in the shape of an adorable 'o'.

Jungkook's so seductive, so alluring, so tempting .

All Taehyung wants to do is give into it completely, but his whole body, including his very much traffic light red colored cheeks, won't let him.

He feels as though he molds naturally into Jungkook's every curve so perfectly.

He can't deny anymore the way he feels about the younger. Not to himself, at least.

Jungkook's arm grips onto him, and more specifically, his waist, as if his future well-being depended on it.

And Taehyung is just about to rest his head onto the younger's naked shoulder, he's just about to let go of everything else and simply hold onto Jungkook, just like the other is with him, his fist full of Taehyung's dress shirt as he tugs so tightly, he's just about to.

He swears his head even moves forwards.

But then the music comes to a halt.

Taehyung wants to look everywhere but at Jungkook, truth be told, 'cause he's embarrassed.

He's embarrassed he might've gotten carried away with his son's dance teacher. He's afraid this will impact Dojin's classes. He's terrified Jungkook regrets it now, thoughts in the back processing in the back of his mind, chirping away ever so quietly. He's petrified at the thought that he let himself do this. He's ashamed he gave in so easily after so long apart from the younger.

He wants solutions, answers, wants to know the consequences of what just happened between them and its implications with regards to the future.

And whilst he knows he'll find all of that in Jungkook's eyes, he can't bring himself to look into them.

Because he'll find too much truth, too many emotions, a pot of distant memories from long ago.

Because something tells him that he's looking at him the way Jungkook did the night he left.

And so, he looks everywhere but, still a flushed mess. But literally everywhere, and that means absolutely everywhere , there's mirrors, even on the ceiling. Damn these studio rooms and the need for the dancers to look at himself while practicing to improve his skill.

He fumbles a bit, kind of desperate.

Give him a way out of this, please .

Jungkook simply pulls his face up with a flick of the chin, something they used to do way back when, as goofy teenagers.

Taehyung's forced to look into his eyes, he's being kept there by the index pressing on his chin, but he finds out soon, he loves the sight immensely.

He sees nothing but comfort and care in the younger's eyes, and it's as if nothing has changed between them, although everything has around them.

"We should do this again sometime, in a more proper setting, you know….I could bring you to a low-key club, any genre you want of music playing, and um, we could eat something together afterwards if you want?"

Jungkook's eyes are three times their normal size as he waits for an answer from the elder.

Taehyung is shocked.

Is Jeon Jungkook asking him out on a date?????? 

He could faint any minute now.

"Say something, say something" he keeps telling himself.

"U-um, yea. That sounds, um, g-great." Fuck Taehyung for stuttering, he feels like a moron of preposterous dimensions.

But the big, toothy, bunny-like smile Jungkook gifts him with let's the elder know Jungkook thinks otherwise.

"Great!!!" Jungkook says through a grin.

He looks so happy….Taehyung loves seeing him like this, wants him like this all the time.

He sends the younger a small, yet genuine smile because, yes, that's definitely the definition of great. Even now, although they haven't set a date, Taehyung's beyond excited, he's thrilled, in fact, at the mere idea of a date with Jungkook.

Because being with Jungkook is so easy and extremely comfortable, and it never felt awkward or weird to begin with.

Not even after 10 whole years of the younger's absence.

Taehyung only realizes, though, just how much he's missed him.

He never did, in the first place, because he didn't want to think about him , it would've brought back too many happy memories that were only that, precisely. Taehyung couldn't quite bear that thought, so he didn't think about the younger all together.

They both have probably changed, matured during these years but deep inside, they're still Kookie and TaeTae .

Taehyung simply cannot express just how grateful he is for this, of all things, to Jungkook for still being his Kookie , after all this time.

He can still see the mischief in those gorgeous eyes that hold as many stars and galaxies as they did all that time ago, his favorite night sky to look into, even when he's feeling as embarrassed as he is now given what just happened between them.

He's grateful Jungkook, his Jungkook, still makes his heart flutter.

Taehyung swallows hard.

It's been quiet between them for a few moments now and he can feel Jungkook's eyes still on him, observing him, taking in his appearance.

He lifts his gaze and meets those gorgeous brown orbs that have always felt like home. Jungkook looks a little shy, reluctant almost. Nevertheless, he smiles Taehyung's way fondly, gingerly.

"I'm really looking forward to it" he states, as if to convince himself more than the elder, and Taehyung's about to answer him when-

"Appa!" Dojin's happy, cheer-filled voice distracts him and in an instant, he's spun around, seeing his son running towards him happily. Taehyung, being the attentive and caring father he is, immediately notices the ketchup smudge on his mouth.

Jungkook does too.

"Jimin…" he groans, rolls his eyes but the older just shrugs.

"He's a child!" he replies casually and Taehyung laughs.

"And a messy eater" he grins then, catching Dojin in his arms, swirling him around as the boy giggles, wrapping his arms around his father's neck, as he always does, with a never-ending grin. "I missed you, Appa!" he states.

Taehyung nuzzles his nose against his son's cheek, endeared by Dojin's innate sweetness.

"I've missed you too, dumpling!" he mumbles, equally as happy to see his son. Jungkook watches them with a fond smile that only grows, infinite amounts of adoration in his eyes. 

"Thank you for taking care of him, Jimin" Taehyung says, Dojin still in his arms as he beams at Jimin.

"No problem, Tae'' the (slightly) older one replies. He smiles big and adds: "I can take care of him again, whenever you need me to, I'd love to help out with this little rascal." He winks whilst messing up Dojin's hair in an affectionate manner.

Taehyung might take advantage of this offer very soon, he thinks.

~♦~

The days go by and the tension rises between them. It’s almost palpable when Taehyung comes to pick Dojin up and Jungkook’s around, almost clockwise in the way he holds his hand and goes "young boys shouldn't wait for their Appa alone".

It’s not subtle at all, what Jungkook hints at when he looks at the elder, whilst helping Dojin tie his shoelaces. With the way his eyes roam up and down Taehyung’s body, and how igniting it feels to be stared at with deserving eyes.

It becomes even more blatant, painfully obvious as Jimin shoves his elbow into his brother’s side forcefully and tells him to not stare in a hushed voice, beautiful almond side-eyeing him. 

Taehyung isn't any better, he stares too, revels in the sight of Jungkook in tights.

Bulging eyes gauging into the younger's deliciously prominent thigh muscles, enjoying the sight of a Jungkook, that once again, exits the dance room semi-nude and strained, chest glistening with sweat, forehead a little damp.

Jungkook's a sight for sore eyes.

And then, the day comes. Something shifts between them that day. It feels ecstatic. Electrifying. New . Seeing the guy you've had a crush on for more than 10 years, and with whom you're going out on an impromptu date that same night, as you once again go pick your son up from his ballet class is a little weird a feeling, but they both don't mind. Because then again, tonight they're going to get to see each other in a different light. Everything after that is going to change. Taehyung's heartbeat increases by the minute, jumping in his ears frantically, all of his being thriving under his skin in excitement. He's nervous, sure, but he genuinely cannot wait. This is all he's ever wanted, all he's ever dreamed of. Even as a lanky fifteen year old, he wanted to be held, he wanted to belong in Jungkook's arms. And after today, if everything goes well, which, God , he hopes so, well....Taehyung gets to.

After all this time spent pining hopelessly over the younger, tonight, he gets to live in complete awe of him.

Because Jeon Jungkook is taking him out on a date.

Finally.

He doesn't really know what to expect, truth be told, except for being taken out to some kind of dancing club, and sharing a meal with Jungkook afterwards.

And Taehyung cannot physically let that sink in, otherwise he'll go into panic mode.

So he simply gets ready, as if he were to head out to a business dinner.

He wears a suit, and frankly, he thinks he looks dashing, if he may say so himself.

Black, ruffled, victorian looking shirt, not that buttoned up, tucked into his loose fitting dress pants, also black. A shiny, mother of pearl buckled belt wraps itself around his waist snugly and accentuates his petite waist so flatteringly, and an oversized blazer with shoulder pads, once again, black, hangs off his frame beautifully, left open. To finish off the look, a pair of black leather loafers and an inviting looking, important and heavy pearl necklace adorns his bare chest, covered in glimmering sheen, to attract attention and let the eye naturally focus on his collarbones.

Earrings to match and colorful, gemmed rings and he's ready to go

He looks good, yes.

Him and Jungkook have decided to meet over at the younger's and Jimin's shared flat, where Taehyung will drop off Dojin for the night.

One last glance in the mirror and he's convinced with his appearance.

He simply hopes Jungkook is as well.

Taehyung takes a deep, contemplating breath, pockets his phone, wallet and keys and slowly, somewhat mischievously makes his way over towards his son's room, catching yet another glimpse of himself in the thin mirror that runs along the hallway.

"Hey, dumpling, are you done packing?" he asks, finding his son standing in front of the drawer dedicated and overly stuffed with his toys. He stuffs a board game into his backpack and looks over at his father, standing by the door.

"Woah Appa!" his eyes widen as if bedazzling gems.

Taehyung blinks, puzzled.

"Yes?" he inquires, a tiny smile spreading across his lips.

"You look so, so, so good!" the boy tells him, Taehyung's smile only but growing bigger, rather sheepishly.

"Thank you, sweetheart," he replies as Dojin reaches for his hoodie, swiftly slipping his arms into the sleeves and pulling up its zipper.

"Do you have Woofla with you?"

Dojin clears his throat. "I… I'm a big boy, Appa…", he mumbles but Taehyung notices the small nod he gives him and grins.

Woofla is Dojin's favorite stuffed animal, which he loves dearly. He's had him from the day he was born, and, once able to mumble fairly coherently, he named it Woofla, as in "Woo, Appa, Fla". Woo's a mere term to express excitement and Fla had been the boy's first attempt at the word 'fly'.

It's a tiny, blue bat that usually goes everywhere the boy does, doesn't leave the boy's side.

"Alright, baby, let's go then." Taehyung reaches out his hand, Dojin shouldering his backpack before taking a grasp of the fingers stretching out to him gleefully.

They walk out of the house, locking the door behind them, heading towards Taehyung's car. He makes sure that his son's seatbelt is securely fastened and they're on their way.

"Do you have plans with Jimin tonight?" he asks when he sits behind the steering wheel and starts the engine, driving off.

"He said we're going to watch a movie and promised me lots of cuddles, Appa!!!" Dojin smiles, bouncing around in his seat energetically. Taehyung meets his eyes through the rearview mirror. He's glad that his son found new friends through the "Serendipity" studio and he gets along so well with Jimin and Jungkook.

"Cuddles are the best." Taehyung says, borderline squeamishly, to reciprocate his son's enthusiasm. Dojin nods behind him, clearly excited.

"Will you and Hyung cuddle too, Appa?" he asks and Taehyung blinks. Hyung?

"Hyung?" He lifts a brow perplexed, because it sounds weird and Dojin looks a tad confused.

"Jungkook-hyung!" he explains. To be frank, it sounds a little weird to Taehyung. Jungkook's always been the youngest in their group of friends, he's not used to someone calling him 'Hyung'.

"So, will you?" Dojin asks again.

"What?" 

"Cuddle, Appa!"

"Oh!", Taehyung feels heat rising furiously in swirling motions to his cheeks and he shrugs, as if to act nonchalant, to convince himself he'd be indifferent to the mere thought of Jungkook and him cuddling, as a couple .

"I… don't know." Dojin opens his mouth, wants to protest and maybe even pout about being so blatantly brushed off, but Taehyung pulls over and parks the car in front of a tall, gray, and, honestly, lame-looking building Jimin and Jungkook live in, the one in which they share a flat.

"We're here!" he announces, as if nothing happened, and as a result, Dojin forgets about his initial plan, which involved way too much complaining for Taehyung's liking. Instead he unfastens his seatbelt and grabs his backpack rapidly, bolting out of the car faster than Taehyung can pull the car key out of the engine.

He laughs, endeared. His son is adorable.

"Appa!!" he hears him calling, muffled through the closed door of the car, taking notice of the fact that his son is already standing in front of the house.

He gets out of the vehicle as well, catching up with his son rather hurriedly, as Dojin reaches for the intercom, missing it by a few centimeters. Taehyung lifts him up, and with a tiny "Yay!" Dojin rings the bell.

Jimin answers, informing them through the speaker that Jungkook's busy powdering his nose . He says that a bit snarkily, in order to transpire he is not amused nor happy about his brother hogging the bathroom because of entirely selfish, and vain, might he point out, reasons. Nonetheless, the both of them make their way upwards, Dojin taking the stairs two by two, looking chirpy.

They ring the internal gate's doorbell, and it isn't long before the door opens and Taehyung enters, his son still in his arms.

He’s been at Jungkook and Jimin’s apartment a few times now, and he likes being here. Dojin enjoys his time at their house as well.

The apartment is furnished tastefully (probably Jimin's doing?) and it's cozy. Very cozy, in fact. Everytime he goes there, he feels this inexplicable sense of belonging, acceptance, as the French would say. 

Taehyung hums softly as he carries his son up the stairs and towards the apartment, situated on the third floor.

Jimin’s already waiting for them by the door, leaning on its frame. His smile grows wide and his eyes go glimmering when he spots Taehyung and Dojin.

“Hee~y!”, he greets them, pulling in Taehyung for a hug, when they reach him, and pressing a kiss atop Dojin’s hair.

“Tae, you look amazing!!” he speaks. Leave greetings and formalities to others, apparently.

Taehyung smiles back at the compliment.

“Thank you” he mumbles, a faint blush making an appearance on his cheeks. Jimin giggles.

“Come on, come on in." He gestures, then kneeling down. "Dojin-ah, did you eat?” Jimin steps aside and Dojin glances over at Taehyung.

“Appa made a rolled omelet for me a few hours ago” he says as Jimin winks at him.

“Sounds yummy!!”, he says, and Dojin hums softly.

“Appa makes the best rolled omelets,” he confesses.

“But… I’m still a little hungry, Jiminie.”

“That’s good” Jimin grins his way whilst patting his head lovingly,

“Kookie and I made some chicken dumplings earlier today and we have some left. Would you want to try some?”

Dojin’s eyes start gleaming as he squirms in Taehyung’s hold a little.

“Yes!” he speaks happily, arms flying up in the air as Jimin laughs.

“Appa, put me down please!” He whines a little.

"Yes, Appa, please put him down." Jimin whines along, just to tease.

Taehyung giggles and does as he's asked. Dojin jumps around a tad when he’s on the floor, emphasizing his genuine excitement at the mere thought of food.

“Chicken dumplings!” he cheers repeatedly in a sing-song tone, amusing both men, as they laugh.

“They’re in the kitchen. I’ll warm them up for you, okay? What do you say? You and your Appa go sit on the sofa in the living room and I’ll bring your mandus soon, hm?”

“Sounds good to me!” Dojin nods firmly and reaches for Taehyung’s hand to pull him into him and over to the living area.

“Oh, Kookie’s still in the bathroom.” Jimin says, pointedly annoyed, before disappearing in the kitchen.

“He wants to look perfect for you, Tae.” He grins and Taehyung blinks. He’s grateful that Dojin’s already busy, focusing on the TV screen, on which a random cartoon is playing.

Jungkook wants to look perfect for him…

Taehyung clears his throat and looks at the TV, eyes overridden looking as they blink and widen perplexedly, as he waits patiently for the younger to join them, pleading for that moment to come quickly.

After a few minutes, filled with Dojin's laughter caused by the cartoon, and Taehyung gently stroking his son’s hair, he hears quiet voices chattering animatedly from the hallway.

“He’s in the living room” Jimin whispers, “Kookie, he looks gorgeous!”

A small, abashed smile appears on Taehyung’s lips and he turns his head towards the living room door, disappointed at the fact that he can’t see anything yet.

“Go!” Jimin encourages him.

“He’s waiting for you!” A brief, but surely embellished ‘Ouch!’ follows, and Jungkook stumbles into the living room in a not so graceful manner. Taehyung’s eyes widen when he sees him, at last being able to stand in front of the younger, who looks at him seemingly desperate, in search of some kind of approval from Taehyung.

Jungkook looks like he came out of a movie, in which he played the part of an undercover agent in a mob-like, gang-oriented, criminal organization. 

He looks like lust personified.

He's wearing a jacket adorned by studs, its black leather’s glistening under the artificial living room lights. His black leather pants cinch at the waist, held together by a thick belt. They're tight and daring in the way they wrap themselves around his strong thighs, hugging his figure and delightfully squeezing all the way down to his calves.

Beneath the jacket, a see-through, animalier printed, black button-up, in zebra patterned in alternating velvet and transparent motions.

It’s stuffed into the hem of his pants, buttoned low, provocative, eye-catching and unbelievably attractive, leaving absolutely nothing of his tiny waist to Taehyung’s imagination. Jungkook himself is looking utterly jaw dropping, Taehyung so raptured by Jungkook's looks he'd go as far as to say that word fails to express his raw beauty. Taehyung’s left wordless in a room full of people awaiting his mumble, entirely stunned by the vision of a man, standing in front of him as if he wasn't made aware of his looks. Taehyung cannot quite literally take his eyes off him. 

“Hyung…?” Jungkook fiddles with his fingers, seemingly somewhat self-aware of his appearance, nervous even.

“Is everything okay? Do I look bad? Should… I change?” Taehyung’s pulled out of his thoughts by Jungkook’s words, his eyes gaping at the mere thought of losing such a sight.

“Wh-what? No, God, no , Jungkook. You look… great!” he stammers, feet twirling in their step, moving of their own accord.

He can’t simply tell the younger that he looks like his dream come alive, nor that irresistible magnetism jumps off him in waves, can he?

“Oh” Jungkook smiles shyly, looking at the elder, Taehyung's knees suddenly feeling like jello, figuratively collapsing on him.

“Thank you. You look amazing too.”

It’s not awkward, they’re just not used to complimenting each other like this.

“Thank you, Jungkookie'' Taehyung smiles, looking at the floor.

The younger reaches out his hand tentatively.

“Shall… we go then?” he asks. Taehyung nods.

He gently nudges Dojin’s side, the boy squeaking before he looks up.

“Appa’s leaving now, Dojin-ah” Taehyung tells him.

“Be a good boy and listen to Jimin, alright son?” He presses a kiss against his son’s temple. Dojin nods as he sees Jimin entering the living room.

“I’m always a good boy Appa” the child grumps lightly, his sweet voice laced with no malice whatsoever. Taehyung nods once more.

“I know, dumpling. Have fun, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He gets up from the couch and takes Jungkook’s hand.

The younger’s fingers close around his own. It feels warm, pleasantly pressured tenderness laying gently between their palms. Taehyung likes this feeling a lot.

It brings back childhood memories he holds dear, a smile making its way to his lips.

"Have fun!" Jimin chirps happily, the wink he sends Taehyung implying anything but innocence. Taehyung audibly clears his throat.

"We will" Jungkook comments, briefly glaring at his brother before gently tugging on Taehyung, effectively pulling him out of the flat.

"Would you mind it if we took my car? I want to take you to this amazing place I know of, but I'm afraid it's a little further away from walking distance starting here." He says as they walk down the stairs, fingers still intertwined. Taehyung shakes his head no.

"No, not at all" he replies bashfully, head low, gaze still firmly set as if intent to win a staring contest with the ground.

The night air's cold and it's probably not good to walk a long distance, so Taehyung follows Jungkook to his car.

The younger's fingers are still wound around his and Taehyung grins a little. Jungkook slightly nudges his side.

"Are you excited, Hyung?" he asks as the elder blinks a little, but shortly thereafter regaining his composure, he nods.

"Yes, very," he openly admits. Why should he keep his excitement a secret from the younger?

"That's good. I am too." Jungkook says, bunny smile wide and genuine, as Taehyung's heart starts beating fast in his chest, almost pushing against his ribcage, screaming to get out.

"I haven't seen you all week" Jungkook mumbles, pensive and pouty. Taehyung hums. He looks so cute like this.

"I know. Dojin caught a cold and I didn't want to bring him to the studio with a stuffy nose…kids somehow have magical powers when it comes to passing each other germs" he explains, throwing in a bit of sarcasm, making Jungkook chuckle, recognizing the truthfulness to the other's statement.

"He was so sad he didn't get to go to practice, so I dug through my old belongings and found some videos of Haeun's and you, from high school."

Jungkook groans, Taehyung giggles.

"We watched them, Dojin said that you're even more handsome now, Jungkookie."

"Oh did he?" Jungkook grins at Taehyung, stopping in his steps when they reach his car.

He opens the passenger's door for the elder as Taehyung flashes him a smile.

Before closing the door behind him, Jungkook speaks again.

"I believe his Appa begged to differ, he always found me the most handsome I could be." He says as a smirk plasters itself across his currently smug-looking face. Taehyung blushes madly before looking down at his lap. 

"Thank you, for u-um, the door thingy Kookie. I, ah, y-yes, thank you." he mumbles, tongue stumbling into his own words as he fastens his seatbelt with slightly quivering hands.

Jungkook closes the door for him. In the blink of an eye, he's next to him, sitting in the driver's seat and fastening his own belt, then starting the engine.

"Where's this pretty place you want to take me to, Jungkookie?" Taehyung asks inquisitively as the younger winks his way.

"Itaewon'' he replies. "You… actually know it but… it had another name, and it was a little different…..back when we used to go there."

Taehyung frowns.

"We used to go to a lot of places in Itaewon," he says as Jungkook nods, eyes on the road.

"It's a surprise, Hyung" he states, making the other huff.

"Meanie" he grumps, crossing his arms in a child-like manner. The younger looks his way, then straight at him, if even only with the corner of his eye before he starts laughing.

"Have you ever been told that you're adorable?" he asks, resting one of his hands on Taehyung's thigh. The elder visibly blushes a shade resembling burgundy.

No one has ever told him, but he doesn't have to tell Jungkook, right?

"Adorable?" he replies, but only after he can tell with certainty that his voice won't shake or crack on him anymore, because he's flustered.

"I… I've been told a few times that I'm hot as hell."

He wants to bite off his tongue the following seconds because… that was bold of him…

But Jungkook's looking at him with a fond grin.

"That's not a lie. Not in the slightest, Hyung" he says.

Taehyung clears his throat and glances over at Jungkook, whose eyes are on the road, the grin still spread across his pretty lips. And fuck… why's he so handsome when he's focused on something as simple as driving?

Taehyung sighs, looking down at the hand resting on his thigh, the one that's made a home for itself right there, on his body . It feels wonderfully right as its weight settles onto him, and he doesn't want to miss the feeling, not even a bit of it. It's so nice. If someone were to ask Taehyung, he'd tell them Jungkook could rest his hand on his thigh forever. All the time.

Because his touch feels sickeningly fit, wrapped up around his flesh.

As Jungkook's driving, faint music's playing in the background, they're talking about this and that, enjoying their time together, until the younger of the two parks the car and turns off the engine.

"Okay Tae, now we have to walk for a bit." he says as he unfastens his seatbelt in a swift motion.

Taehyung almost wants to protest when the warmth spreading across him, deriving from the other's  palm, disappears, ever too fastly draining, hand off his thigh. Taehyung attempts reminding himself they'll spend the entire evening together, but still, is rather discontent at the lost touch. Perhaps… he'll get to feel the younger's hand again…

That thought perks him up a great deal.

Jungkook leads him through the busy streets of Itaewon, past crowded clubs, and towards a rather hidden bar.

"Do you remember?" he asks, smiling at the elder. Taehyung frowns as he takes in the bar, trying to figure out if and why he remembers this place. Staring at the entrance he's hit with a sudden gush of memories, overflooding his mind in pictures.

And then, Taehyung remembers they used to come here, sometimes alone, others alongside Haeun and a few other high school friends, during the weekend, to escape reality and relax a little.

The place had a different name back then, and was popular among high schoolers because they used to sell BubbleTea.

Now, it's a bar for adults.

"Come," Jungkook tells him, holding the door open for him, like the gentleman he is, having Taehyung blush again.

He's glad it's dark outside, and the light inside the establishment is dim, to set the ambience, as well.

If he's in luck, Jungkook won't be able to see his rosy cheeks…

"I've been here a few times with Jimin and Hoseok-hyung. Do you remember him?" Jungkook tilts his head slightly at his question, Taehyung nodding along, feeling the way in which the younger's fingers fumble outwards for his hand again.

He probably doesn't want to lose him, wants to make sure he's right behind him, although the bar isn't too crowded.

"Yes. He… went to Tokyo after high school," he says. Jungkook hums as if to answer him, whilst holding onto Taehyung's hand, leading him across the small dance floor, on which a few people are busy grinding their bodies against each other to a sultry sounding song.

Jungkook effectively ignores them, zoning them all out, eyes focused on something at the end of the bar, which after a few moments, comes into focus, resulting in him stopping in his steps, at the very legs of a small, round table, set for two.

Then he helps Taehyung out of his coat, making the elder smile.

“Such a gentleman” he comments quietly, hearing a soft chuckle from the man behind him, a puff of air hitting his neck.

One of the two chairs is pulled back a little bit to make room for Taehyung to take a seat. As the chair is pushed back in, Jungkook lowers to his level, still facing Taehyung's back, murmuring close to his ear in a hushed whisper, voice silky and smoothly deep, all of a sudden:

“Anything for you, Hyung.”

Damn, will he ever stop blushing?

“T-thank you” he mumbles, sitting down, gulp stuck in his throat, swallowing a little to get rid of its itch when Jungkook rounds the table, gently running his fingers across the silhouette of Taehyung’s shoulders whilst walking past him. 

It scatters goosebumps across Taehyung’s entire body, and it forces him to regain his composure for a moment, before he dares to look back at the mesmerizing piece of eye candy, sitting right in front of him.

“So” Jungkook smiles almost cockily, looking extremely confident, leaning against the chair and glancing Taehyung's way, in the process of initiating small-talk, making it near impossible for the elder to think straight.

“S-so?” he asks, wishing the music boomed a tad louder, making it easier to drown out it his numbingly flushed stammering.

On the other hand, however, he’s glad that it’s not deafening, so that he can hear Jungkook’s voice over it.

“So, you can also do Noraebang here” the younger says, winking when he notices Taehyung's ajarly attentive eyes on him, waitress coming over to take their orders.

It’s a glass of mere water for Jungkook, because he’s going to drive them back afterwards, and a bottle of flavored soju for Taehyung.

“Noraebang?” Taehyung blinks and tilts his head to the side a little, resulting in the other nodding.

“Yeah. Tonight, driving you here, I thought to myself: hm, perhaps you’d be ready to bless the world with your voice this fine evening, now that you’re a few years older, and braver. I wonder if my ponderings shall be answered, hm?” he says whilst acting out, hand on his chin as to mimic ongoing thought process.

Taehyung’s eyes widen.

“What?” he stares at Jungkook. The younger simply shrugs, a smug grin plastered across his lips.

“Well, whenever we went out for Noraebang, you refused to sing. Will you please my ears today with your heavenly voice, Taehyung?” he suddenly drops the honorifics, daring, somewhat teasing, and Taehyung snorts.

“I had my reasons as to why I didn’t sing back then” he grumbles.

There’s no real malice to the tint of his voice.

Jungkook’s grin annoyingly persists.

“Well, I don’t know why you used to do that, nonetheless, I know you have a great voice. It's intriguing, deep. Sexy” he adds.

Taehyung crosses his arms in front of his chest, pouts and watches how the waitress places their drinks on the table.

She leaves quickly and Taehyung reaches for his soju bottle with a loud huff.

He downs half of its content and gets up from the chair without sparing Jungkook another glance.

He walks towards the DJ's mixing console with confident steps. Jungkook watches him with a small smirk playing on his lips.

"Works like a charm." He says to himself, proud he got the elder up there to sing at last.

He watches the way in which Taehyung talks to the man behind the console, sees them nodding at each other and sharing smiles.

Taehyung looks pleased and enthralling when he walks towards the small stage. Jungkook raises a brow, crosses his legs whilst watching how Taehyung takes the mic.

He’s still not looking at him but once the song prior to his ends and the one he picked for himself starts, he locks eyes with Jungkook, inamovible, and sings.

He sings like he’s never sung before, making Jungkook’s eyes widen a little.

Taehyung’s chosen a rock song, one unfamiliar to him.

It sounds spunky, rebellious, anarchic and enticing, but he likes it, noticing just how well it fits Taehyung’s voice.

The song is sultry, blatantly filthy, and the way Taehyung performs is very unique. He feels the song, breathes it, lives it and leaves Jungkook speechless.

Jungkook watches how the older moves to the song, completely raptured by it.

He gasps a little when Taehyung sways his hips, fluid, alluring in the way he never takes his eyes off Jungkook.

His voice is like dripping honey, sends electric shocks down Jungkook’s spine, making him feel heaved as a droplet of sweat runs down his temple.

It’s probably just him, but with his eyes on Taehyung, and Taehyung only, it's suddenly very hot in the room.

Taehyung looks like someone who’s never done anything else other than performing on stage, like someone who’s been singing his entire life and Jungkook is proud. Fucking proud.

But right next to this, watching Taehyung like this turns him on.

There’s a tiny ember that starts burning in his stomach, igniting a fire and Jungkook knows he can’t let this night pass without getting at least a taste of Taehyung, whether small or big.

He thinks a bite would serve the purpose as well.

Jungkook can’t recall a word of the lyrics when Taehyung finishes, only that it revolves around being someone's sexual slave.

The idea of Taehyung in those conditions haunts him as the other stands on stage, mic still in hand and chest rising and falling.

It’s quiet in the bar for a moment - until everyone starts cheering, applauding, praising the man on stage.

They even stopped dancing....

Jungkook sees him smiling and it’s so beautiful, he looks so fucking pretty…

And yet, all Jungkook can picture is Taehyung on his knees, begging to have his throat fucked.

And then, the elder returns to him, smiling gorgeously wide, eyes filled with confidence and a fire they didn’t hold before.

“Wow” he comments when he sits down in front of Jungkook again, elegantly adjusting his ruffled shirt and grinning from eye to eye.

“That was something. Now, I’m hungry.”

Jungkook watches the way in which the elder sinks his teeth into his lower lip, and all he wants to do is pounce him, right here and there, but instead of doing something he might regret later, he simply digs his nails into his thighs and hums.

“Yeah, they offer food here” he states, voice a little shaky. He knows that Taehyung notices.

The elder’s grin turns just a bit wider.

“Let’s order something” he says and Jungkook hums.

“Any recommendations?” Taehyung asks, pouting a little, playful when Jungkook shakes his head.

“I usually don’t eat when I’m here” he mumbles, flinching a little when he feels something against his ankle, a foot which slides its way up his leg slowly, tentatively.

Jungkook swallows.

The foot disappears after a few moments and Taehyung waves over the waitress and asks for a menu card. She nods and leaves again with a smile only to come back a few moments later to hand the plastified piece of paper over to Taehyung.

The man takes it, thanks her kindly. Jungkook adjusts his position in his chair.

Taehyung looks up at him with a teasing glint in his eyes.

“Come over, Kook-ah, so we can choose something together” he says and Jungkook watches the way in which his tongue peeks out from between his lips, the pink, fleshy muscle sliding across his lower lip, then disappearing again.

Taehyung sips on his water, previously left untouched on the table and poured into glasses, staring intently, maliciously glimmering eyes fixed across the table on the other, as he too, picks up his own glass to drink.

"You know," Jungkook says, putting his glass down "the way you moved up there, how your hips swayed to the bass."

"You liked that, hm?" Taehyung says, enticed and intrigued by the idea that he had such an effect on the younger.

"Let me finish." There's something in Jungkook he's never seen before, something entirely irresistible and primitively dominant about him.

"As I was saying, the way in which you danced, surely, it was attractive Taehyung. Nonetheless," he says, lowering his voice and inching closer, two tattooed fingers up in the air that hint for Taehyung to scoot in his seat, to near himself to the younger.

"Nonetheless?"

"Nonetheless, you'd never dare move like that on my lap, darling." He says nonchalantly, looking around after breaking eye-contact and reaching for his glass once more, body electrified by a frivolous buzz, coursing through him in rapid motions.

Taehyung, who’s just lifted his glass to his lips again, chokes on cool water, some of it dribbling out of his mouth. He manages to swallow the rest and frantically fumbles for one of the paper tissues on the table.

He presses it against his mouth and coughs into the fabric while Jungkook’s gaze rests heavily on him.

“Messy baby….” he comments quietly and Taehyung feels heat rising to his cheeks.

He slowly sets the tissue aside and drops it to the table, glances at Jungkook through his lashes.

The younger man wears an unreadable expression on his face, his eyes are dark, darker than usual and still, he's so sexy, so attractive and beguiling, Taehyung isn't able to reply to Jungkook’s words. 

The younger does something to him, something more than he already feels; and yet Taehyung likes it. He lets out a shaky breath when Jungkook stands up from his chair, slowly walking over to him and leaning down a little to look through the menu card that’s still on the table top, in front of Taehyung.

“Okay, let’s see…” Jungkook mumbles, voice low and dark as he rests a hand on the elder's thigh, crouching down. Taehyung’s heart starts beating rapidly in his chest.

It’s hot…

A tiny whimper leaves his throat when he feels Jungkook's grip tighten in order to regain balance and lift himself up. Jungkook's long fingers slide into his hair, commanding him to hold in his breath when they slightly entangle with the strands and tug on them.

What is Jungkook doing right now…?

"I'm really hungry right now" Jungkook says, not even looking at the menu, eyes fixed on him, fingers still entangled with Taehyung's dark locks, grip as tight as before, not hurting him.

He enjoys the sting too much, and the fact that the younger is tantalizing with the idea of eating him up, instead of food, drives him utterly mad.

Excitement and arousal course through his veins as he lifts his head once more, when Jungkook gently pulls it back, looks at the younger through hazy, half-hooded eyes.

"It's a good idea to order some food" the younger one says, "You did well."

Taehyung hardly manages to suppress a moan when Jungkook's grip around his hair strands tightens a bit more and fingers unite in a fist, tugging overbearing and unreasonably seductive.

Jungkook smirks at him but then, slowly, carefully detaches his fingers.

He leans down to Taehyung's ear and mumbles: "Good boy, Taehyungie." before he focuses on the menu card, leaving Taehyung to his own devices, with a messy mind, rapidly beating heart and uneven breath because - Fuck!

Jungkook just unleashed his praise kink…

The younger's hand now rests loosely against the back of his neck. Taehyung enjoys the slight pressure, the warmth Jungkook's palm emits against his skin as he subtly holds him in place, underhanded showing him his place both at the table, and within the relationship.

Taehyung knows Jungkook's eyes scan the variety of food displayed tidily on the menu card, nonetheless he's still paying anyone to him and each of his actions with the corner of his eye, to make sure his puppy behaves.

His thumb presses faintly against the side of his neck when the menu card starts shaking in his hands.

"I think I'll take this" he says whilst leaning in, Jungkook's arm appearing in front of Taehyung's eyes as a tattooed finger points at the italic font that says " Tteokbokki ".

Pressing himself further into the elder's back, he hums.

"And you? Japchae?"

Taehyung nods. But he regrets not answering properly very soon when the pressure against his neck increases a little and Jungkook rasps a low: "I didn't hear you…pet" into his ear.

Taehyung swallows.

"Y-yes… I'd take Japchae" he replies shakily, wondering what's happening here. Wanting to know exactly what kind of switch turned on inside of Jungkook that made him suddenly this dominant and bossy.

“Okay, good,” Jungkook nods.

Taehyung almost pouts at the loss of contact, as the younger’s hand disappears from his neck.

Jungkook makes his way back to his chair strutting and sits down again, eyes focused on Taehyung.

His expression, however, is softer now, kind, gentle, laced with endearment almost, and Taehyung thinks he’s hallucinating.

Just a few seconds ago, the younger’s eyes were dark, full of want and now, he looks at him and his eyes hold so much adoration.

Taehyung’s confused to say the least.

Extremely confused.

The waitress approaches their table again, asking for their orders.

Taehyung doesn’t even go so far as to register that she's there.

He only does once Jungkook nudges his leg beneath the table and looks up.

He clears his throat, slightly embarrassed and the waitress smiles at him.

“I already ordered” Jungkook informs him politely as Taehyung nods a little bit.

He sends the woman standing next to him a smile as well, thanks her for her patience and orders his choice of food.

She nods, asks if they'd enjoy further drinks with their meal and Taehyung knows, it'd be best if he rigorously keep at his glass of water on the one hand, and finish his half-empty bottle of soju on the other.

Hence why he kindly requests another bottle of water.

After that, the woman leaves them alone once again.

"Dojin's been taunting me with the daunting question as to whether or not we're going to cuddle." Taehyung speaks up after a few moments of comfortable silence, looking at Jungkook, watching the way in which his bunny smile makes its way on the younger's lips.

"Like we used to during high school?" he asks. Taehyung nods.

They were so damn close back then, people already assumed they were dating.

Taehyung distinctly remembers the lack of space between them and the persistent physical touch, ever-present as they walk down the school hallways or layed on the couch, binge-watching a movie of whichever sorts.

Taehyung regrets it a little, for not speaking his mind about his feelings for the younger back then, but on the other hand, it wouldn't have changed much.

Jungkook would've gone to Paris nonetheless, Taehyung wouldn't have been able to stop him, and he wouldn't have wanted to.

Things. simplistic, blatant, obvious things he takes for granted now wouldn't be part of his life and  Jungkook's.

He wouldn't have Dojin in his life now.

That thought alone scares him shitless, because he loves that boy to bits, his son's his entire lifeline and world.

All those decisions, now sitting in the past glancing over, molded them both into what and who they are right now.

They have the chance to make up for lost time, at last, and perhaps even utter endless words left unspoken for so many years.

Speak of emotions disregarded, but never forgotten.

"I told him I didn't know and he looked at me as if I were crazy" he says and Jungkook laughs softly at the grin teasing Taehyung's mouth ever so softly.

"You know, I'm a great cuddler," he winks.

Taehyung smiles, amused and fascinated by the younger as he rests his chin on his palm.

"The best" he adds as Jungkook reaches out and slides his hand across the table.

Taehyung rests his free hand on top of Jungkook's

"Hyung, you've always been my favorite person to snuggle into," he smiles fondly, gently squeezing Taehyung's fingers.

God, what he feels for Taehyung's strayed so far away from a simple high school crush.

He's been in love with him for so long already, his younger self too shy, too convinced that he wasn't the perfect match for his Hyung to even attempt dating him, although Haeun had always told him differently.

But he didn't listen to her, not when it came to these topics.

In hindsight, Jungkook regrets it so much today.

So much…

"I remember your cuddles when we sneaked out in the middle of the night, because we couldn't, or wouldn't sleep" Taehyung mumbles, hand still held by Jungkook as he glances over at the younger, smiling.

"I remember how proud you were when you started to ride that motorbike. And how you took me to the places I wanted to."

He sighs and somehow his eyes start burning a little at the memories.

"One night, after a day full of rain, it finally cleared up and I remember so well how you coaxed me out at 1am, brought us to the flower fields at night… and I was so happy. Koo, I felt so free that night, freed of all pressure and unburdened of my parents' stupid words… and I'll be forever grateful for this experience."

Taehyung's smile is the most beautiful thing Jungkook's seen in his entire life. He sighs softly and slowly, careful not to scare the older, he brings their entwined hands to his lips, presses a tender kiss to Taehyung's knuckles and sees how the older blushes.

"Every night we were out and the clock hit 3am, staring at you in the moonlight, all I ever wanted to do was kiss you, Tae," he confesses, speaking into Taehyung's skin and avoiding to look at the gorgeous man in front of him.

"Why… why didn't you…?" Taehyung whispers, almost inaudible over the sound of the music but Jungkook hears it finally and looks up.

"I never did, to avoid hurting you."

He keeps his eyes on Taehyung, doesn't look away once. "I didn't want to hurt you because most of the time, I already knew about Paris" he mumbles, barely audible, and Taehyung nods slowly

"I'm sorry."

A smile makes its way to the elder's lips and he shakes his head.

"No, Jungkookie, never apologize for chasing your dreams" he replies, "Never, okay?" he says, watching the younger nod.

"I… wished for you to kiss me, more than you ever did probably, but… never again apologize for wanting to protect me from getting hurt. You're a good man, Jungkook, always were, always will be, and I'm not mad at you for leaving. I'm not upset I stayed behind. I… I won't lie, I've thought about it a few times since we've met anew, and in the beginning I… I have to admit I was a bit offended because I would've wished for you to reach out to me once you were back… but… I'll be bold today and simply assume you had your demons to fight once back home."

He smiles because he understands. Taehyung had his own struggles a few years ago, when Dojin was still nothing but a small, nevertheless troublesome handful of a boy.

"Demons, hm?" Jungkook sends Taehyung a small smile, "Yeah a few of those."

He nods and Taehyung tilts his head to the side a bit, a tad doubtful as to what's about to leave his mouth next.

"Do you… want to talk about them?" he offers, almost expecting the other to turn him down. He isn't surprised when the younger shakes his head vigorously in uneven motions.

"I will someday, Hyungie, but today.… Tonight, of all nights, is supposed to be one in which we have fun and are given the chance to enjoy ourselves. Tonight I want to treat you, want to make you feel good."

Taehyung sighs, smiling back at Jungkook.

"Okay" he nods "But… Koo, know you already succeeded."

Jungkook squeezes his hand.

"Then I'm glad, angel," he whispers, making it so for a moment, they only have eyes for each other, forget everything around them.

All that matters this instant is the fact that they're together tonight.

There aren't any more words needed, not now, not ever, frankly.

Taehyung feels the strong, reprimandable urge to stand up quickly, sit down on Jungkook's lap and kiss the hell out of him at once.

There are so many feelings, so many things left unspoken for so many years, and he just wants the younger to be in his life - preferably evermore, starting now.

And Jungkook doesn't seem averse to that thought in the slightest, not when he looks at him like that, with such a twinkle in his eyes and butter soft and mellow in his voice.

On the contrary, the other holds his hand, even when their food sets itself on the table, all keen on being eaten. He playfully feeds him some of his Tteokbokki and occasionally presses soft, meaningful kisses against the back of Taehyung's hand. The elder loves it and enjoys every moment of their time together.

He feels special, wanted, and precious utmost as the palm of his hand molds in with Jungkook's softly parted mouth, it scattering secret kisses laced with meaning onto his tender skin.

It’s late already when Jungkook pays for both of them, Taehyung’s sure Dojin and Jimin must be asleep by now.

And yet, he’s not tired in the slightest, not a bit.

He’s thrilled, curious to know whether or not the rest of the night has something leading in mind. Perhaps something as daringly reckless as Taehyung's feeling right now, his flesh undeniably tied evermore to Jungkook's own…. He wants, needs, craves more, so much more, and it the other only but increases his wandering mind's insatiable desires when he helps him into his coat and takes him by the hand to lead him out of the establishment.

His thumb gently strokes across the back of his hand when they step out of the door and Taehyung inhales the cold, justling winter air.

His ears are buzzing slightly because it’s different now. He’s been in a bar filled with music for hours and now, the streets are quiet, even here in Itaewon in the early morning hours.

It’s almost 2am and Taehyung’s not able to remember when he’s been out that late for the last time. 

“Did you have fun?” Jungkook asks while they walk through the increasingly empty streets, it being that only a few people are out this late at night.

“Yes, tons of it Jungkookie” Taehyung nods as Jungkook sends him a smile.

“That’s great, I'm glad” he says and Taehyung’s a little bit stunned by the duality he’s gotten to see today. For a brief moment, Jungkook’s demeanor radiates confidence and savoir-faire, hot as fuck in his dom ways, literal daddy material. This Jungkook, he’d gladly and willingly drool all over.

Nothing short of three seconds thereafter, he’s this sweet, soft boy, you'd expect to find next door, the kind that helps the elderly with their grocery bags and looks both ways before crossing his street, bangs neatly set to not cover his doe eyes.

It’s incredibly fascinating, and, in all honesty, its unpredictability is driving Taehyung rather mad. He'd be pleased to know when and how said mood switches go off in the younger, what makes him tick from one to the other and vice-versa. He's gotten to a point where he's not able to discern which version of Jungkook he’ll meet next.

“Do you… have to work tomorrow?”, Jungkook asks next as the elder shakes his head.

“No, I don’t work on Saturdays” he tells him. Usually, Saturdays and Sundays are ‘Dojin’-days but his son already told him that Jimin will take him to the cinema to watch a movie. (Taehyung knew about this before the boy did, but he dignifiedly vowed secrecy to Jimin about it once made aware.)

So this Saturday is probably just a Taehyung-day until Dojin's brought back home.

“Ah, good then I don’t have to feel bad because I dragged it out, taking forever to take you back home. I recognize my willingness and role in having you stay. Truth be told, I was merely keen on the idea of spending time with you like this ” he giggles. "However, if it ever came up in the many years to come, I shall never admit to borderline kidnapping you for the night."

There's so much kindness and lightheaded spirit, so many laughs. It's instinctive, natural, familiar , and it's as good as it gets.

This is the time when, amidst charisma and gallantry, he shows Taehyung his boyish charm, proving it never went lost throughout the years.

Taehyung loves it!

“You don’t have to feel bad at all, Jungkookie” the older replies and gently squeezes the hand he’s holding, before teasing him.

"Being deranged is perfectly fine." He mumbles amidst a grin, lips sealed tight to contain his infinite glee, before petting his head, mockingly, in reassurance.

The smile on Jungkook’s lips is nothing if not a reward to him, informing him that he’s not feeling bad anymore, appreciating his attempt at a joke.

Sooner than he'd like, they reach the parking lot and once again, Jungkook opens the passenger’s door for Taehyung. “Please take a seat” he whispers. WhenTaehyung looks at him, he sees a dark glint in his eyes and a shiver runs over his body but he complies and slides into the car.

Jungkook playfully drags the pad of his finger across his cheek before he pulls back and closes the door.

Jungkook’s fingers felt soft against his skin and still, they left a burning, tickling trail behind. Taehyung shivers when the door on the driver’s side opens again and Jungkook enters.

They both quickly fasten their seat belts and Jungkook starts driving.

At some point, his hand finds a home on Taehyung’s thigh again, resting there almost mockingly innocent to Taehyung who can’t stop thinking about the things that happened tonight.

“What are you thinking so hard about?” Jungkook asks, voice soft, quiet and just barely above a mumble as it pulls Taehyung out of his thoughts.

The elder smiles and replies: “I was thinking about tonight. It really was a lot of fun for me, Kookie. Thank you.”

Jungkook winks at him, squeezes his thigh softly and for a moment, Taehyung thinks the palm moves up a little.

But… it’s probably just what he wishes for, what he desires.

The way back home is almost over much too soon for Taehyung’s liking and he pouts a little when he notices that they’re almost in his neighborhood.

But he gets distracted quickly when Jungkook squeezes his thigh again and this time, Taehyung’s sure he didn’t just imagine the movement of his palm against the fabric of his pants, sliding up higher, inching towards his inner thighs when the other looks at Jungkook. The younger has his eyes focused on the road, looking unbothered, gaze fixed. But his hand tells another story.

It slides down again, only to slip up, even higher this time.

Taehyung shivers because… he’s definitely sensitive there. It’s so close to where he wants, craves to be touched and Jungkook knows is perfectly aware of it.

But he says nothing, just teases him until he parks, stopping the car in front of the white fence that surrounds Taehyung’s estate.

“We’re here” he tells him and Taehyung hums. He doesn’t want to leave, doesn’t want to give up on the warmth Jungkook’s palm spreads onto his thighs.

“I guess so”, he says with a smile and leans in a little, “Thank you, Koo, tonight was amazing.”

“I’m glad” the younger replies as Taehyung gets even closer to press a kiss to his cheek.

He doesn’t know how this happens but he misses Jungkook’s cheeks and his lips land directly on the soft, pale skin of Jungkook’s neck. Taehyung blushes but doesn’t pull back, timidly snuggling closer into the other's neck. Something keeps him there and he presses kiss after kiss to Jungkook’s skin.

The scent surrounding him is inebriating, enchanted as a moan escapes his plush mouth.

“Tae…”, Jungkook swallows, Taehyung can feel it, his Adam's apple bobbing and then, he’s pushed away gently, the younger’s bringing a bit of distance between them. Taehyung gasps for air when he sees the raw want in his eyes and Jungkook slowly lifts his chin with two fingers before he kisses him. He simply slots their lips together in a panted out, unspoken "I need you."’

It's beyond full of suppressed emotions.

Taehyung's hands hover in the air for a moment, not sure where to put them, until one of them instinctively reaches for Jungkook's biceps when he deepens the kiss.

For a while, it's just lips moving against lips, soft pillows pressing against each other to end the desire that's burning between them but… it's not enough and Taehyung gasps quietly when a wet, protruding tongue swipes across his bottom lip, asking for entrance.

He grants it and a muffled moan ripples from his throat when Jungkook's skilled tissue invades his mouth, his tongue exploring foreign terrain, caressing gently the roof of his mouth, gliding over the rows of his teeth and finally - fucking finally - nudging his tongue.

Taehyung feels so much right now, his heart's beating in his chest rapidly as the small simmering in his tummy grows into a loud, clear bubbling. 

He wants more…!

A small whimper escapes him when Jungkook's arm slides around his lithe waist, pulling him in, just a little more, but the console is between them and Taehyung curses out the molded, button-filled piece of plastic sitting and separating the two of them nonchalantly, without a care in the world.

Jungkook breaks away, slowly retreating, for a brief instant, Taehyung thinks that everything's shifting back to normality, that Jungkook might back off, but the expression tainting his eyes hasn't changed one bit.

He feels the same as Taehyung does, the same raw desire, uncontainable lust. Taehyung gulps hard, swallowing loudly. He swears he can hear his thudding heartbeat echo throughout the tinny car walls that confine them to their designated seats.

He watches how Jungkook slides back a tad, lowering his chair in order to make room between himself and the steering wheel. His arms come back around him.

"Come here, baby" his voice is raspy, he sounds worked up, free hand patting his thigh, eyes raw as Taehyung shivers in his place.

Baby …

He's heard it once already, tonight, but it's different now. It's not meant for teasing, it's genuine, it's honest, and he loves it.

It does things to him and he wants more of it…

The chance to have more of the younger presents itself, which is why Taehyung climbs over the console, straddling Jungkook's lap and making himself at home there.

And no doubt, there are still layers of clothing between them, but he can feel the younger's body heat, his strong thighs beneath himself, making his head swim.

Jungkook brings a warm palm to Taehyung's neck, pulls him closer a little until his breath hits his lips and whispers: "You want this, huh, darling?"

Taehyung nods briefly, knowing that Jungkook's not expecting a proper reply when he lets his free hand rest against Taehyung's side.

The one finds its way to the very back of his neck, right at the base, nails slightly digging into soft flesh as he pulls him in until their lips meet once more. This time, Jungkook doesn't wait to conquer Taehyung's lips and motion.

They've been waiting long enough.

Taehyung moans into Jungkook's mouth, muffled by lips, but still awfully loud when the other's hands roam over his body, playing with the soft material of his flimsy shirt, wishing that, somehow, he'd just drag it away from his skin.

He feels hot, and tingly all over, but so good as another wanton moan fills the car as Jungkook's hands find a home, resting on his ass and staying there.

And Jungkook's still kissing him.

The elder's hands are on his shoulders while Taehyung sits in his lap, acting like a little obedient doll, gladly taking what the other gives him.

It's a sight for sore eyes, really…

Jungkook breaks away slightly, having Taehyung react to him with a needy whimper, chuckling in response.

"Shh, angel," he replies, index brushing over Taehyung's lips before Taehyung takes his digit in his mouth, tongue sliding over it, eyes glassy.

Jungkook teasingly thrusts his hips upwards the smallest amount, earning the loudest moan out of Taehyung.

"Come closer.…"

And he does, slides into the younger's touch until their chests press against each other. Taehyung can feel the bulge in Jungkook's pants against his ass and presses his own hardened crotch against the younger's toned abdomen.

And fuck, what's happening here.…?

He gasps for air when Jungkook gently nuzzles his neck and tilts his chin up to make room for him.

"O-ohh…" Taehyung's eyes fall shut again when Jungkook attaches his mouth to the sensitive skin on his neck, nibbling on it not so gently, biting and sucking until he's sore and bruised.

But it's a good kind of sore. It throbs in a way Taehyung loves, he's missed feeling like this.

He's missed feeling loved, wanted and cared for. All he wishes for right now is to be able to drag Jungkook out of the car, and into his bed.…

But they're both not ready for this yet, he knows it. And Jungkook knows it too.

The kisses against Taehyung's neck aren't as passionate as before, they're sweet and slow now and when Taehyung lowers his head again, a soft, tender one is pressed against his lips.

Then, Jungkook smiles at him.

"I'll walk you home," he mumbles softly, breath still a little hitched as their chests heave in unison.

Although his door is but a mere few steps away, the gesture makes Taehyung’s heart flutter. "Okay" he breathes as Jungkook heads out, opening the driver's door in a swift motion before helping Taehyung to get out of the car. Soon enough, he's following and they're standing next to each other on the patio outsideTaehyung's building complex. They both look a little disheveled, hair messy and lips swollen.

Taehyung truly isn't able to react properly when Jungkook pulls him in yet again.

"Tae…" he whispers against the elder's lips, delicately pressing him against the side of the car as he kisses him again.

It's so hard to resist him and Taehyung obviously finds it equally hard. His hands melt and play with Jungkook's hair, soft strands being tugged at as they glide through the digits. Taehyung moans into the kiss.

No, he can't take the younger home - not yet…

Taehyung's about to bring a bit of distance between them but Jungkook's faster, kisses him one last time and takes his hand. "Let's get you inside quickly," he mumbles and gently pulls Taehyung away from the car, towards the white fence, the elder hums in agreement.

It's for the best but he detests it.

While Jungkook leads him towards his estate, he fumbles for his keys.

He realizes that they're at the front door already, having made it past the small pebbled path that leads through the front yard. Before Taehyung's able to push the key into the lock, Jungkook's abruptly spinning him around and caging him against the white-painted wood.

"Jungkook…." Taehyung breathes, voice weak as the younger smiles mischievously.

"Just one last time…." he mumbles and for a second Taehyung thinks he sounds a little pleading, "One more kiss, baby…."

And it's the elder of the two, who surges forward, crashing their lips together passionately, hard as Jungkook chuckles into the kiss. He knows that Taehyung wants it as much as he does, so he gives, pours as much emotion into the kiss as he can and Taehyung melts against him.

He’s quick to wrap his arms around his neck, hold onto him tight and just enjoys what they’re sharing right now. Because too soon, he’ll be all alone…

“Okay…”, Jungkook mumbles, lips still against Taehyung’s, “Just one more…”

This time, it’s Taehyung's turn to laugh. He giggles into the younger’s mouth and Jungkook pulls away.

Taehyung takes a deep breath before he gently runs his fingers through Jungkook’s hair.

“How can you be dangerously hot in one minute and absolutely adorable in the next…?”, he asks and Jungkook shrugs a little.

“I’m just me.” He winks and Taehyung rolls his eyes at him fondly.

“Okay, you,” he replies and leans in to kiss his cheek, succeeding this time, “I’ll go inside now. Don’t try to hold me back once again.” Another kiss ends up atop Jungkook's nose and the younger grins, intertwining his fingers with Taehyung’s.

“Sleep well, baby,” he says, when Taehyung pulls away and until Taehyung manages to open the door, their fingers stay connected. “Jungkookie… I’ll go inside now,” Taehyung mumbles and takes a few steps back, fingers still connected and arms stretched out a little now.

“Yea, you do that,” the younger replies, eyes dazed, grin still on his lips as Taehyung snorts. He steps back further until Jungkook can’t keep their fingers connected anymore and lets go of his hand.

“You better go to sleep as well, Kookie”, Taehyung mumbles and steps backwards into the hallway of his house.

“I need to get home first but I promise, I’ll doze off as soon as I spot my bed,” the younger nods, amusing Taehyung.

“I’ll text you when I’m home. Sleep well, Hyung.”

But instead of leaving, he stays stuck at the front door and Taehyung frowns.

“What now…?” he asks, faking annoyance, but a small smile plays on his lips.

“Do I have to close the door first?” Jungkook nods and Taehyung snorts.

“Okay, good night, Jungkook.” Taehyung grins shyly, then laughing and slowly pushing the door shut. He can still see Jungkook through the glass and he sighs when he sees him walking away after he locked the door.

Taehyung watches until he sees the blurry image of Jungkook’s car driving away and he leans against the cool glass in the door, slides down to the floor and presses his fingers against his lips.

That was… intense …

Taehyung barely manages to stand up from the floor. His legs feel shaky, his tummy tingles and if he's honest with himself, he'll admit he hasn't felt like this for a long time.

He's horny ….because he made out with Jungkook in his car. Horny because Jungkook grinded his cock against his ass and it felt…. amazing .

He feels heat rushing to his cheeks while he takes off his coat.

Horny ….like….really, really horny ….

He sighs and pulls his phone out of his pants pocket, slowly makes his way towards the stairs after toeing his shoes off.

He needs a splash of cold water on his face, perhaps even a cold shower.

While Taehyung walks up the stairs towards his bedroom he receives a message from Jungkook who tells him that he's almost home.

He doesn’t exactly know how to feel about this, about the still existent urge to tell Jungkook to come back, to take the younger into his bed and… Taehyung bites his lower lip hard, the thoughts flooding his mind bordering on inappropriate.…

He sighs because he still wants it, wants Jungkook so badly.…

And with that, Taehyung simply decides to pay the bathroom a short visit to wash his face and he then disappears into the adjacent bedroom.

He changes into his favorite pajama, a short, thin one, seamed with fine lace. Taehyung can’t exactly remember when he started liking lace fabric so much but he does. It's nice on his skin and he feels pretty wearing it.

And suddenly, he wonders if Jungkook would like seeing him in those clothes too…

He falls into his sheets with a deep sigh, phone right next to him and one hand resting on his tummy.

He’s not able to take his mind off the younger man who looked so dangerously hot tonight… who acted so, so sexy and Taehyung still can’t wrap his head around the change in demeanor.

It did things to him, still does, drives him insane and he’s not able to stop his hands from roaming over his body, always thinking about the younger.

His fingers quickly slip beneath the flimsy, pink fabric and Taehyung hisses when his cold fingertips meet warm skin, but he quickly gets used to it. It feels exciting, thrilling and he wonders when he touched himself last.

He’s working hard usually and most of the nights simply falls into his bed to sleep but Jungkook… now that he’s back in his life, he turns it upside down.

He came in like a hurricane but Taehyung appreciates it, welcomes him with open arms and embraces him because he’s so in love with the other…

His breath hitches when his fingers find his nipple and graze over it, still a little cool in contrast to the rest of his skin but it feels so good…

Taehyung gently tweaks his nipple and whimpers slightly, feeling his cock slowly twitching to life, straining against the fabric of his baby pink pajama shorts as he leads his other hand down, down, down until his fingers reach his crotch.

And… damn… has he always been this sensitive…?

His hips buck up against his fingers and Taehyung presses the tips a bit more against the sensitive head, teasing it above the fabric while his mind drifts off to Jungkook, wondering how he would treat him.

Taehyung didn’t know how to react but he clearly heard how the word ‘ pet ’ slipped out of Jungkook’s mouth ever so quietly, for his ears only, and it sent his heart into a frenzy.

He moans at the thought of being called ‘ pet’ again, feels a feeble wetness, forming a stain against the fabric of his shorts, sliding his fingers beneath the hem only to press his palm against his bare length.

In front of his imaginary eye, there’s Jungkook, hot, sexy, dominant, seductive smirk visible on his pink lips.

And - dear lord - what would he give for Jungkook to be right next to him, to whisper praises and profanities into his ear, to just hear his voice…?

Taehyung sighs when he wraps his long fingers around his hard cock, teases the slit with his thumb and smears the precum around with the digit.

But suddenly, next to him, his phone starts vibrating and his heart almost stops beating.

With hazy eyes, he turns his head, fingers still wrapped around his dick and swallows. 

Jungkook’s calling him. Right now, while Taehyung’s dressed in a frilly pajama, fingers beneath his shorts and mind thinking of the younger. The hand which is playing with his nipples slips out from beneath the shirt and reaches for his phone, fingers shaking slightly. He accepts the call and puts Jungkook on speaker.

“H-hey…”, he greets, voice breathy, a little shaky and he swallows when Jungkook greets back.

“ Hey, I wanted to tell you that I’m at home and in bed now ”, he says. His voice is an octave deeper than usual, grunted out, still sexy. Taehyung swallows.

“Th-that’s good”, he replies, closes his eyes and bites his lower lip when his fingers still squeeze his cock a little tighter.

Jungkook’s voice alone does things to him, he can hardly suppress the soft whimper that threatens to leave his lips.

“ What are you doing… ?”, Jungkook asks. Taehyung takes a deep breath. “I’m… in bed too”, he mumbles, carefully.

Jungkook laughs. It sounds like heaven to Taehyung’s ears.

Then, he clears his throat. His voice sounds hoarse, roughed.

“ You’re probably wondering why I called ”, he says, “ I… I already missed you, baby boy .”

Taehyung’s eyes fly open in pure shock. His hand flies up and covers his mouth at the pet name.

Did Jungkook really call him baby boy?

He thrusts his hips up slightly, into his palm, palm still warm over his mouth, making it so the sounds that leave his parted, plump lips don't reach the other end of the call, revealing too much.

“ Tae…? ”, Jungkook’s voice sounds even deeper now.

Taehyung shivers, dragging his long digits, that mold into a tight fist, over his shaft. He doesn’t even dare to speak, not trusting his own voice not to give him away.

But… he has to, right? Jungkook’s waiting for a reply.

It’s so hard to not reveal anything… perhaps Jungkook'd hate him if he knew he’s touching himself while he’s on the phone with him…

“I…”, he clears his throat and releases his shuddery breath, swallowing loudly.

“Y-you, um, you left… just 30 minutes ago…”

Jungkook laughs. It sounds dark, forcing  Taehyung’s breath into hitching just a little.

He rushes to push his pajama pants down, frees his cock from its’ fabric restraints.

“ Well, I had to abstain from you for 10 years. Can’t I miss you after 30 minutes now? ” he asks, tone gently, almost bubbly.

There's something devilish to his lower timbre. Taehyung feels how his eyes start burning slightly.

“Yes… yes… you can…” he mumbles, a little frantic, hand still pumping his cock.

“ Good ”, Jungkook murmurs. Taehyung wants to lose his composure, yet he knows he has to control himself.

His length is wet by now, smeared precome staining his fingertips as he sighs in delight. He shivers in the sheets.

Jungkook’s entire being awakens something primordial and animalistic in him.

He wants the younger one to be right next to him, wants to show him just how badly he's needed him all these years.

His hand slips beneath his silky shirt, pushing it upwards, revealing his hard buds, ever so sensitive as bites down on his lip again.

“ Did you enjoy tonight? ” Jungkook asks.

“Y-yes, I did,” Taehyung nods vigorously, smiling softly at the memories and blushing a little when he remembers what he’s actually doing here.

His hand slows down a little, a sharp, rounded nail gently digging into the slit of his cock, hardly being able to suppress the moan again.

God, that feels so good.

“ I did too, ” Jungkook lets him, Taehyung thinks he’s smiling too.

“ I had so much fun, Hyung, we definitely need to repeat this. ”

“Uh-huh, yes, I agree,” Taehyung's hardly coherent at this point.

Mumbles, whines, shakes in his place.

Grumbles, pants, takes a deep breath.

If only Jungkook knew the things he’s imagining.

Being caged under the other forcefully, being punished for being bad, spanked, maybe even tied up.

His breath hitches, he wraps a hand around his neck to stop himself from whimpering, but that only makes it worse.

He imagines Jungkook’s rugged hand around his delicate neck, tattooed knuckles pressing down and nails lightly digging into his skin.

“Everything,” he emphasizes. Jungkook hums.

“ Absolutely, ” he agrees.

And ‘everything’ implies ‘ Absolutely everything ’ to Taehyung, especially the part in the car.

Shit…!

He bucks up his hips slightly, remembering well how it felt to sit in Jungkook’s lap, feeling his bulge form against the back of his thighs and his ass and…

“ The food was good too, right, Hyung? ”Jungkook inquires. Taehyung manages to calm down just a tad at the question but he knows that he won’t last much longer.

“ Hyung …?”

“Yes, it was great!” Taehyung replies quickly, tremor running over his body,

"S-sorry I was reading something on my phone."

Such a great excuse for not replying properly.…

“ Ah, easily distracted, huh? ”Jungkook's voice sounds teasing and Taehyung giggles a little.

“Yes, sorry,” he replies.

“It’s okay,” the younger grunts a little as Taehyung sighs, biting his lip when Jungkook speaks up again: “ Tae.… ”

It’s not ‘Hyung’ anymore but that’s more than okay. Taehyung lets out a shaky breath, tightens the fingers that run up and down his cock again, thrusting his hips upwards at the sound of Jungkook’s voice.

It’s driving him mad, but he’s still trying to hold back.

It’s pathetic, doesn’t want to release yet, doesn’t want to let go.

“Yeah…?”, he asks.

“ I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed kissing you, ” the younger indulges him, and Taehyung hums in agreement.

“Yes….,” he sounds feverish, “I did too.”

“ We should kiss again, baby, ” Jungkook mumbles.

Taehyung slips his fingers into his mouth to not accidentally moan into Jungkook’s ear.

And he starts bucking his hips like a poor frantic doll fucked into oversensitivity. He simply can't keep his body from squirming, moans hardly muffled anymore, he's desperate and so, so needy.

But he needs to answer, wants to answer and so, he pulls his fingers out of his mouth again, drool running down the corner of his mouth as he inhales deeply.

“Yes, we should,” he replies and Jungkook hums. It’s dark and sexy and the sound reverberates in Taehyung’s ears, in his head and runs through his entire body and when he cums, he cums hard, shooting strings of white all over his tummy and his shirt.

He can barely hide his moans anymore.

He’s just resting in the sheets, tainted with his own cum and trying to hold himself back from whining and whimpering into Jungkook’s ear.

“ I really, really want to kiss you again, baby, ” Jungkook mumbles, Taehyung thinks he sounds as breathless as he feels but he’s sure that his mind’s playing games with him.

“You can,” he replies and Jungkook chuckles.

“ That’s good, ” he whispers.

Taehyung’s head falls back into the pillow. He whimpers weakly when Jungkook adds a raspy: “I had fun, princess.” and his cock spurts out a pathetic amount of cum against his already soiled tummy. And he blushes, hard. 

He tries to regain his breath but quickly, he realizes that he’s in his bed, half-naked, cum-stained and trembling.

“Koo…?” he asks, soft, careful and Jungkook hums.

He sounds tired. “I….” Taehyung starts, “I… th-think I should… sleep now. I’m…”

He clears his throat. He’s dirty and feels so bad for doing a thing like this, but at the same time, doesn’t regret it in the slightest.

Still, he can’t tell Jungkook.

“I’m really tired” he whispers and when Jungkook replies, Taehyung’s sure that he’s smiling.

“ It’s fucking late. You should sleep, angel, ” he agrees.

“Okay. Goodnight.” Taehyung whispers, coy and shy.

“ Goodnight, sweet dreams, ” Jungkook wishes him. They end the call.

For a few moments, Taehyung simply rests in his bed, stares at the ceiling and recalls what just happened.

He reaches out a shaky hand towards the tissues on his night stand and with trembling fingers, wipes away the mess on his skin.

He’s so sleepy now but he definitely needs to wash up a little and change his clothes. With a soft groan, he scrambles out of bed and into the bedroom.

His tainted clothes end up in the laundry basket and when Taehyung’s standing in front of the mirror, he sees how flushed his cheeks are, now tainted bright crimson, and how much deeper in shade his nipples are.

“Oh God…” he sighs, but a shy smile makes its way to his lips - because this felt really, really great!

~♦~

“Appa?”

Taehyung naturally looks up from the book he's reading when Dojin comes out of his room, calling his name. He’s been in there the last thirty minutes doing his homework.

It’s been about a week since Taehyung’s date with Jungkook, after the steamy make-out session in the younger’s car. Until today, Taehyung's successfully managed to disguise the hickey that tints his neck purple from his son.

Again, until today.

The boy rounds the couch and stops in front of the coffee table with a thin folder pressed against his chest. He looks at his father questioningly, opening his mouth wide, then quickly closing it shut once more, a frown making its way on his features.

“Appa, did a bug bite you?” he asks, blinking repeatedly.

“Huh?” Taehyung puts the book aside as Dojin climbs onto the couch next to him, poking his finger against his father's neck. Out of the blue, Taehyung has the pressing urge to whimper, just a little, remembering what happened just a week prior, being forced into suppressing a low moan.

“Ah… uh… yes…”, he nods slowly, trying to will down the blush that threatens to paint his cheeks pink, swallowing the spit forming in his mouth.

He can’t just tell his son that he wildly made out with his ballet teacher, whom he's known and harbored an all-consuming crush for, just a while back.

“Does it hurt?” the boy sits next to him, plopped up on his knees,  on the soft couch, looking at Taehyung, a worried expression on his face.

Taehyung shakes his head.

“No, not at all, dumpling. It’s better already” he says. Dojin smiles, before he sits down properly, still facing Taehyung.

“You came here with another question to ask me, hm?” Taehyung tilts his head to the side, watching as the boy nods.

“Yes, Appa,” he holds out the folder for him and Taehyung glances at the first sheet of printed paper.

“Bring your… what? Your…” he takes the folder from Dojin’s hand because he can’t make out properly what’s written there when the boy says: “Idol, Appa, idol!”

“Oh, didn’t we do this last year already?” he asks and Dojin nods.

“Yes, but not every kid in my class was able to bring their idol so they’re doing it again.… I was wondering… since you came with me last year, would it be okay to ask Jungkook-Hyung?”

“Oh,” Taehyung mumbles while he reads through the text on the paper and then, he looks at his son. “I mean… the girls all know what a dance teacher does, right?” Dojin tries to explain why he wants to ask Jungkook and Taehyung nods.

“Yeah, probably,” he agrees.

“You should ask him.” He smiles big, because that’s indeed a very good idea.

“Appa… you know Jungkook-Hyung a lot better than I do,” Dojin bites his lip and plays with one of the many stray threads that’s peeking out from the fabric of his sweatpants. "Yes, Jinie, I'm way older than you" he winks.

Dojin pouts a little.

"Do you think he'll say yes?"

"I think so, yes." Taehyung nods and pulls his son against his side gently.

"Why are you so insecure?"

"Dancing… is something I really, really enjoy," the boy starts. "But….the boys in my class keep telling me that I shouldn't wear a skirt and they think it's just a girl thing to do. I….was hoping that Jungkook-Hyung could show them it's not."

"I'm sure he can, baby." Taehyung presses a kiss against Dojin's temple.

"Why don't we call him so you can ask him now?"

Dojin shakes his head, smiles at his father. "He's out with Jimin-hyung and a friend. From school they said. I'll ask him tomorrow, after ballet classes, Appa."

"Okay." Taehyung nods and watches as Dojin bites his lip again.

"Dumpling, don't do that." He says, gently pulling his lower lip out from between his son's teeth.

"What's on your mind?"

"I….are you mad at me for wanting to ask Jungkook-Hyung?" Dojin looks up and Taehyung's eyes widen a little.

"What? No! Hey, listen, I was there last year so they already know what an orthodontist does. Plus, I'm sure there are other doctor parents, so having a dance teacher there should be very interesting, hm?" Taehyung smiles at Dojin. He knows, and is fully aware of the fact that showing others that the art of ballet isn't just a girls' sport is very important to Dojin.

Perhaps he felt the teensiest bit hurt when Dojin first asked him, but not for long.

"Just ask Jungkookie. I don't think he'll reject you," he adds as Dojin sends him a soft smile in response.

"Okay, thank you, Appa." He snuggles closer against his father's side and closes his eyes. "Are you done with your homework, dumpling?" Taehyung asks. Hearing his son hum back at him prompts him into proposing something fun.

"Okay, let's watch a cartoon and cuddle, how does that sound?" he suggests and reaches for the remote control on top of the coffee table.

"Oh, Appa?" Dojin looks up again, watches how Taehyung turns on the TV and switches to a channel that plays cartoons.

"Yes?"

"During your date," he starts and Taehyung freezes. He swallows and thinks he knows what the boy's going to ask. "Yes.…?"

"Did you and Hyung cuddle?"

Okay, can he please guess wrong for once…?

"Uhh…."

"Jimin-Hyung said that you two can't keep your hands off each other. He said he's sure that you cuddled and kissed a lot."

Dojin smiles and Taehyung wants to slam his forehead against the wall, as well as strangling Jimin for going so in detail with Dojin about their date.

"Well, Jungkookie hugged me before he left,"' he says quietly and hopes that said information suffices Dojin.

The boy doesn't need to know that Jungkook's hands groping his ass felt phenomenal and that he's constantly craving for more of it….

"Hm, okay." Dojin smiles, snuggles closer again and looks at the TV.

This lasts for around 5 minutes until he looks up again.

“Appa….?” he starts and Taehyung hums. “Minhyukkie from the dance class invited me to his birthday tomorrow after class. Can I go….? It’s a sleepover and I forgot to ask,” he pouts a little but Taehyung only smiles.

He knows about the birthday party already because Minhyuk’s mother reached out to him and he agreed.

“Yes, dumpling, you can go,” he speaks,  eyes still on the tv. “But, sweetheart, you need to have your sleepover bag ready before bed, okay?”

“Okay, Appa, thank you!” Dojin’s smile is wide as he looks back at the TV, its light reflected onto his son's white teeth. He points at it and says: “I’ll pack my things after this episode!” Taehyung chuckles and nods.

He’s really glad that Dojin’s making new friends, friends he’s not going to school with and who share his interests.

~♦~

Taehyung notices how nervous Dojin is when he picks him up from school. He’s fumbling with his fingers, biting down on his lower lip.

Once they arrive at ‘Serendipity’, Taehyung finds his lip bitten red and a little bit bruised. “Appa.…” Dojin looks up at his father once he’s out of the car. Taehyung hums.

“Can you ask Hyung for me?”

Taehyung kneels down in front of his son and gently grasps his shoulders, effectively twisting him his way.

“Dojin-ah.…” he says, a small smile playing with his pink lips.

“I know that you can do it. I’m with you and I’ll help you but I can’t ask him. You can do it, I know you can. Okay?”

Dojin sighs a little but he nods nevertheless.

He’s a big boy now and his Appa’s right. “Okay,” he nods. “Let’s go in then, so I can ask him.” Taehyung agrees, straightening up again.

They head towards the door and almost reach it when Jungkook steps out, huffs, not looking too happy.

“Hey, Koo,” Taehyung greets, threading carefully because he knows this expression. “Oh. Hi, Hyung. Hi, Dojinie!” the younger’s expression softens and he comes closer, wraps his arms around Taehyung and hides his face in the crook of his neck. The older stiffens for a second but then, he hugs Jungkook back.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, runs his palm across his back and Jungkook gently nuzzles his neck.

“Ahh.…” he mumbles against the elder's soft skin, the reverberating hum sending a shiver down Taehyung’s spine.

“Those….annoying girls I teach….”

He grumbles and Taehyung thinks he knows what he’s referring to.

Jungkook recently took over a coworker’s place at ‘Serendipity’ because she’s on vacation and right before he teaches the children, he’s now teaching a group of young women. And he already told Taehyung about those ‘horny monsters’ via text.

“It’ll be over soon, Kook-ah,” Taehyung promises, truly having a hard time suppressing a grin.

“Yeah, Jiae will be back in a week….I swear, if one of those girls gropes my ass….Eh….Butt again, I’ll explode….” the younger mumbles as Taehyung chuckles lovingly in his hair, pressing a kiss into it.

“It'll be okay,” he promises, even when the idea of some random woman groping his Jungkookie’s ass doesn’t sit right with him.

Jungkook straightens up a little, gingerly pressing a kiss to Taehyung’s cheek, an adorable ritual that was initiated by Jungkook in order to set their skinship in motion. Taehyung always gets his cheek kissed when he drops off Dojin for his class and when he picks him up, and to be frank, he loves it.

Dojin goes to his ballet classes twice a week, so Taehyung usually receives 4 kisses.…

“Hyung….?” The boy gently starts tugging on Jungkook’s shirt and blinks a few times when both adults look at him.

“Yes?” Jungkook lets go of Taehyung's lithe waist, squatting down in front of the boy with a fond smile.

“Look….Uhm….We have this.…‘Bring your idol to class’ thing at school in a few weeks and Appa was there with me last year. I’ve been wondering if you’d come with me this year?” he stumbles over his words a little, fumbling back and forth on his feet, eyes on the suddenly fascinating pavement. He looks up, watching the way in which Jungkook’s eyes widen.

“You….want me there?” he asks and Dojin presses his backpack closer against his chest, nodding shyly.

“B-but….only if you have the time.…” he slowly opens his backpack and pulls a neatly folded paper sheet out, handing it over to Jungkook. “Appa said to show you the details. It’s… it’s still a few weeks until then and it’s okay if you’re busy.”

“Dojin-ah, you’re rambling,” Jungkook smiles at the boy, gently nudging his shoulder.

“I promise, I’ll be there when it’s time.”

Dojin’s smile turns bright and he’s quick to jump into Jungkook’s arms.

“Really? Do you want to show them a performance maybe? I can ask if they allow you to use the school gym, Hyung!”

“Whatever’s most convenient for them, dumpling,” Jungkook replies, giggling when Dojin kisses his cheek and jumps back to the ground.

“I’ll go inside now, class starts soon!” he announces whilst bouncing. Jungkook nods once, then twice, smiling big.

“Go, champ!” he replies and straightens up again. He and Taehyung watch as Dojin hurries to enter the dance academy.

“He was so nervous,” Taehyung softly speaks, grin painted on, before he turns to look at Jungkook properly.

The younger’s not wearing a tight shirt today. It’s a black, and oversized, but Jungkook still looks incredibly hot.

The elder sighs with a soft smile and steps a little closer, resting his arms on Jungkook’s shoulders.

“You’re amazing,” he whispers.

“Thank you.”

Jungkook lifts a brow, smirking a little.

“What are you thanking me for?” he asks and rests his hands on Taehyung’s waist.

“I’m already looking forward to this.”

“As I said, you’re amazing,” Taehyung repeats.

“Hey, Dojin’s with Minhyuk tonight. What do you think about you and me, my house, dinner for two?”

“Ohh, that sounds promising,” Jungkook replies.

“I’ll come over once Jimin and I close the academy. I’ll also bring the ingredients, okay?”

"What do you want me to buy then?" Taehyung inquires.

"Your pretty plump lips and equally as round ass."

“Doable. Perfect, I love it.” Taehyung replies, pressing a gentle kiss against Jungkook’s lips. “I’d love to stay here with you,” the younger mumbles while he pulls him closer and kisses him again.

“But I have a group of 15, overly energized, spunky, and just all-round adorable little brats to teach, so I’ll see you later, gorgeous, okay?”

“Okay, handsome,” Taehyung replies, laughing softly when Jungkook reluctantly lets go of him, “See you later!”

The younger waves, disappearing inside as Taehyung takes a long, deep breath.

He really, really wants more of Jungkook in his life, he doesn’t want this tip-toeing around each other anymore and he knows that he really needs to do something about it.

He and Jungkook together in his house is definitely a step in the right direction.

Taehyung sighs and heads back to his car.

He surely needs to go back home and take a shower.

He wants to look good for Jungkook.

It doesn’t take long for Taehyung to reach his house. He enters with a soft smile on his lips. He’s in a good mood.

Jungkook’s coming over. It's the first time he's visiting, and Taehyung’s proud of what he owns.

It wasn't easy, it's been a long and hard way coming.

Taehyung's worked hard to provide for himself and Dojin.

Taehyung drops his house keys onto the small table  in the hallway and heads straight to the bathroom, in order to take a shower.

He knows, Jungkook usually stays at the dance academy for a while with Jimin after the last students left, so he probably has around two hours left to doll himself up a little bit.

Not too much of course….just a little to give the younger a taste of what can be his….

Taehyung hums a little when he turns on the shower’s faucet to warm up the water and pulls out a small towel from a wardrobe. He didn’t choose clothes to wear yet but he’s sure, he’ll find something elegant yet cozy to wear.

His bathrobe hangs on the door rack, close to the shower. He doesn’t need another towel when he steps beneath the warm water.

He isn't planning on hogging the shower for long periods of time, but he takes a little more time than expected for shaving, hydrating his skin with lotion and moisturizer, going that extra mile when applying some make-up.

When he heads for his bedroom and checks the time, his eyes widen.

Jungkook’s gotten off work 10 minutes ago already.

It won't take him more than 20 minutes to drive from ‘Serendipity’ to his house, so he’ll be there soon.

Taehyung hurries to look through his wardrobe and picks a cream-colored, long-sleeved shirt and black jeans.

He gets dressed quickly, dries his hair but leaves it wavy and a little messy.

Coincidentally enough, he’s completely ready right the second the doorbell rings.

Taehyung rushes down the stairs and stops in front of the door, running his fingers through his hair one last time and inhaling deeply before opening up for the younger.

When he spots Jungkook, he’s glad he’d taken a moment prior to when he opened his front door to mentally prepare himself.

He's wearing studded leather jacket he chose to leave open, despite it being sub-zero temperatures outside, a white shirt beneath it, which he tucked into ripped blue jeans that accentuate his godly thighs (on which Taehyung really wants to sit again.…) and his tattoed fingers are decorated with rings, simple and silver, but it's perfect for this fit.

Jungkook's left the top buttons of his shirt open and Taehyung can't help but stare at him.

Because the glimpse of skin is so enticing, so alluring, he can't tear his eyes away.

"Hey, baby." Jungkook speaks up in a sultry voice and Taehyung lifts his head because the tone is daring, commanding almost and his eyes widen when he spots the thin, black velvet choker around Jungkook's neck.

A fucking choker!!!

The younger lifts his brows, a teasing grin on his lips when he steps inside and puts the brown paper bags to the floor.

"Aren't you freezing?" he asks and his fingers now wrap around the neckline of Taehyung's shirt.

It's deeply scooped, and Jungkook partly hides the honey-toned skin by wrinkling the fabric a little.

"Opening the door, only being clad in this," he mumbles and clicks his tongue, Taehyung shivers, "I could've been anyone…."

He pulls him closer, lets go of the fabric and instead, slides his hand up Taehyung's chest, stalling just below his throat, applying some light pressure there.

Taehyung swallows, feels Jungkook's fingertips against his Adam's apple.

His eyelids flutter just a little, but then, the younger gently rests his warm, wide palm against the back of Taehyung's neck.

"I… wasn't expecting anyone else…" the elder whispers, seeing how Jungkook's teasing grin morphs into a genuine one before he leans in to press a kiss against Taehyung's lips.

"I know," he mumbles and Taehyung sighs when he wraps his arms around Jungkook's shoulders and the younger pulls him in even more, his digits digging into his waist.

Jungkook’s leading him further into the house and carefully pressing him against the next wall.

"I missed this….missed you...." he murmurs against Taehyung's plush mouth, kissing down the other's jaw and towards his neck, huffing a little when he sees the faint hickey.

"You don't mind, huh?" he says against his skin.

Taehyung's no longer able to suppress a moan when Jungkook sinks his teeth into the sensitive flesh of his neck and starts sucking on it.

"D-dojin noticed it.…" he stammers out, trembling when Jungkook chuckles against him, somehow managing to pin Taehyung's hands against the wall, his wrists being held together by one of the younger's palms.

"Oh….Jungkook…." Taehyung's eyes fall close while the dancer sucks on his neck and only pulls away when he's satisfied with the dark purple love bite.

"I want everyone to notice," he whispers when he's back to Taehyung's lips and kisses him again, passionate, rampant.

Taehyung loves it.

He adores how impatient Jungkook gets when it comes to him.

Oh God, he wants to spend all their time together kissing Jungkook or being kissed by him.

The younger's dominating the kiss, leading it and Taehyung feels like he's melting into the wall.

After a while, Jungkook pulls back slowly, eyes slightly dazed as he grins.

"Okay," he says and Taehyung blinks, surprised when he lets go of his wrists and adds: "I haven't been in here before. Wanna give me a tour?"

Taehyung swallows down the comment that's forming on his tongue and just nods while he watches how the younger sheds his jacket and wordlessly points at the hanging noobs in the wall, where his own coat rests as well.

"Okay, I'll show you the house." he says, voice a little hoarse. He notices the satisfied smirk on Jungkook's lips, but doesn't comment on it.

And Taehyung doesn’t say anything either, takes the younger’s hand and pulls him through the hallway. He points into a room, door ajar, and Jungkook can see the interior of a kitchen. It looks nice, high-end, but within Taehyung's price range.

“This is the kitchen. You’ll see enough of it later,” he says and Jungkook laughs, albeit it being true.

“Okay, show me more than that, pup,” he says and grins when he notices how a tremor runs over Taehyung’s body.

He should probably do this more often to get this kind of a pleasant reaction out of him.

“There’s a small guest bathroom,” he points at a closed door and pulls Jungkook further into the living room. “I usually spend most of the time I’m at home here in the living room,” he tells the younger, refusing to let go of his hand, simply squeezing it tighter.

“Understandable.” Jungkook replies.

“It’s nice.”

The room is big, even has a fireplace, a big sofa right in front of it and a TV on the wall above the mantelpiece.

"I sure like it." Taehyung answers back cheerfully.

There are pictures too, of Dojin, of Taehyung and Dojin, of the two of them and Haeun. Jungkook halts in front of one special picture.

It's Taehyung, Haeun and… himself, a few days before he left for Paris, when everything was fine and before his own personal misery started to unfold.

"Can I…?" he asks and points at the picture. Taehyung nods and steps closer, resting a big palm against the small of Jungkook's back.

The younger takes the picture frame down from the mantelpiece and looks at it.

"I miss her terribly," Taehyung admits and Jungkook hums.

He hasn't had much time to think about Haeun's passing, didn't clock in enough to genuinely process it, but he knows he should.

"You didn't even have time to say goodbye, Kookie.…" Taehyung mumbles, leaning his head against the other's shoulder while his arm encircles the younger's tiny waist.

He receives another hum as reply.

"Perhaps… you'd like to come alongside Dojin and I to see her one day? Whenever you feel ready, of course. In time."

This time, the younger looks at Taehyung and sends him a small smile.

"I’d love nothing more." He agrees and Taehyung presses a kiss against his cheek.

"She loved you until the very last day, Jungkook. You've always been her best friend, the one she believed in the most, and I had to promise her to not reach out to bring you back….I'm sorry."

"No, Hyung." Jungkook shakes his head.

"Don't apologize, it's okay….somehow. It was her decision and….all you did and could do was accept it, embrace it and move on. I resent neither you nor her for it."

Taehyung nods and watches how Jungkook places the frame back in its spot on the mantelpiece.

He then feels how his hand slides up his back and into his neck.

For a moment, they both look at the frame depicting shared, unburdened times, when their biggest troubles still were how to graduate high school. And maybe, being a little nostalgic in this very moment is absolutely normal.

Because they spent a lot of time with Haeun, she was and still is a big part of their lives, lives on in their hearts.

"Thank you, Haeun," Jungkook whispers and Taehyung wraps both his arms around him, hugs him tight. He knows how much the younger's suffering and tries to alleviate his pain through warmth.

And for a long moment, they simply remain in this position, relishing in each other's comfort and support, until Jungkook brings a bit of distance between them and smiles at Taehyung.

It's soft, gentle, and absolutely and utterly Jungkook-like.

His doe eyes are filled with stars and his smile still reminds Taehyung of the cute bunny he reminded the elder of what feels like ages ago, even when there isn't much left of the scrawny teenager he sent off to France years ago.

"Thank you, Hyung." He whispers and the kiss that's pressed to the elder's lips is sweet, incredibly soft and genuine despite it being short.

"I love you." Jungkook adds, voice merely above a whisper.

Taehyung's eyes widen when he hears the words Jungkook speaks.

And for a moment, he's not sure what to do with this information.

"Jungkook…." he mumbles as the younger sends him a smile, "Do you-"

"I always thought I didn't deserve you, Tae. But….Fuck…I've loved you for so long and still do, so much."

And Taehyung's not sure what to think, what to process first. His heart's thrumming heavily in his chest, Jungkook's fingers leave a burning print where they touch his hips, the material of his shirt suddenly all-too-heavy as he stares at the younger, a smidgen of shock tinting his eyes fire.

"You….You thought you didn't deserve me?" He stammers and Jungkook shrugs.

It looks boyish, almost a little shy and Taehyung brings his palms to the other's cheeks, cups them carefully and smiles bashfully.

"God, we're idiots." He whispers, then leaning up to kiss the younger.

"I love you, too."

And then, he kisses the other feverishly, passionate, full of adoration, wrapping his arms around the younger and pulling him closer, at last. 

And for a while, they just stand there in a tight embrace whilst kissing, one moment, soft and gentle, the next wild and enthralling, until Taehyung breaks away with flushed cheeks, red lips and a shy smile plastered on them.

"As much as I'd love to deepen this," he states and Jungkook can't stop himself from chuckling.

"You haven't seen the second floor and I'm actually hungry."

The elder winks and Jungkook kisses the tip of his nose.

"Also, we have all night," he adds and Taehyung tilts his head.

"Are you perhaps implying you'd like to stay the night?" He asks and the shy smile morphs into a cheeky one, "I only allow my boyfriend to stay the night."

Jungkook throws his head back in laughter while his hands still squeeze Taehyung's hips and when he's calmed down a little, he says with a fond look in his eyes: "Well, angel, can I be your boyfriend then?"

Taehyung grins but he nods. "Yeah, I think that'd be really, really nice. I'd love that." He winks as Jungkook leans in to kiss him again, whispers an ‘Okay, boyfriend’ against his lips before he seals them with his own, "Then show me the second floor. Your bedroom's upstairs I s'pose?"

He pulls away and grins as Taehyung rolls his eyes whilst smacking the younger's sturdy chest. "Jeon Jungkook, you horny little shit…." He grumbles, wriggling his way out of his boyfriend's hold.

“Watch your tone, unless you’re willing and ready to pay the consequences of it later.” Jungkook laughs and follows Taehyung back into the hallway and towards the stairs.

They walk upwards, being led into the second floor. Jungkook's not able to stop himself when Taehyung mumbles a sweet "Bet you're quite content right now, huh?" referring to his ass being right within his sights.

"You know, baby, I'm far from complaining," he replies and Taehyung glances over his shoulder with a smug smile on his lips.

"Like what you see?" he asks as Jungkook winks in response.

"Absolutely. I feel like I'm in heaven." He answers as Taehyung snorts as if to reply, reaching the second floor and turning around abruptly.

"Easy to please, huh?" He asks and Jungkook's quick to pin him to the next wall with a smile. "Would you like to see for yourself?" He threatens playfully and Taehyung wiggles his eyebrows.

"Sounds promising but I'm still hungry," the other says, leans in as far as he can with Jungkook holding his wrists captive above his head, then kissing the younger's cheek. "Come on."

He winks mischievously, to which with an overly dramatic sigh, Taehyung is let go of yet again.

The elder giggles, spontaneously reaching for the younger's hand.

"You said it yourself, we have all night." He says, pulling the dancer along the hallway.

"This is Dojin’s room. I'm not letting you in tonight because I know my son. I'm sure he wants to show it to you himself," he explains when they pass a closed door with a big Pokémon poster plastered on it.

"Oh really?" Jungkook cocks his head a little, squeezing Taehyung's hand.

"I thought this was your room."

He's joking and Taehyung snorts again but says nothing.

He just pulls Jungkook with him, towards another door.

"See…? No poster" he says and Jungkook smiles.

"No poster, such a shame," the elder chuckles and Taehyung sighs, shaking his head with a grin.

"I'll gift you a Doraemon Poster for your door, you just wait, darling." He threatens as Jungkook laughs in amusement, coming up closer behind him.

"Please do, baby, please do. I wouldn’t mind in the slightest." He says and watches as Taehyung opens the door to his bedroom.

"Your bed is huge." Jungkook points out and hisses when he earns a punch against his arm.

"And of course that'd be the first thing you notice." Taehyung rolls his eyes and Jungkook can't stop himself from giggling.

Taehyung loves that sound, already did, back when they were but merely scruffy-looking teenagers. He turns around, wrapping his arms around Jungkook and snuggling in closer.

"Ahh….I love you so much." He whispers.

Jungkook, surprised but absolutely endeared, places a kiss on the crown of Taehyung's hair. "I can only but tell you the same, angel," he mumbles.

Taehyung holds onto him, still stunned that he can finally call Jungkook his boyfriend, that they confessed to one another, ever so naturally, and that the feelings he’s harbored for years are actually mutual.

He slowly points at the sliding door that separates the room from another.

"This is the master bathroom," he proceeds, muffled because one of his cheeks is still pressed against Jungkook's chest, "Dojin has his own bathroom as well."

"Oh really?" Jungkook sounds surprised.

"And here I am, having to share one tiny bathroom with Jimin.…"

He grunts a little and Taehyung chuckles against his dress shirt.

Then, he pulls away a little. "Should we head downstairs again?"

Jungkook nods, kissing Taehyung's temple before they make their way towards the stairs.

Jungkook collects the paper bag with the cooking ingredients from the hallway while Taehyung promptly heads back towards the kitchen to open a bottle of wine for them.

Only a few minutes later, they start cooking, sharing kisses all along, some chaste, others not so much, and thirty minutes later, they're sitting opposite one another at Taehyung's dining table in the living room.

"Tell me, Hyung," Jungkook starts, fixing his gaze on the elder.

"Did you buy this house?"

Taehyung nods. "Yeah, actually. Haeun and I bought it together, to give Dojin a good, healthy and safe environment, to provide for him. She even went as far as to pay a little more than I did, and thanks to her and her parents, she and I were able to pay off the mortgage on this house rather quickly."

"I always thought Haeun's parents never were happy about us by her side," Jungkook sighs as Taehyung smiles.

"Look, they never liked me the way they liked you. They're quite fond of you, Jungkookie. I know that they've always seen you as their perfect son in law. They adore Dojin but I think they would prefer it if you were his father." He tells the younger, watching Jungkook frown.

"That's absolute nonsense, Tae….You're the perfect dad for Dojin and nothing will change that. Not even their stupid opinion."

"I know," he nods, "Before we bought this house, Haeun and Dojin lived in a small apartment and I lived on campus, in the college dormitories, but we saved up to buy this home.

And we managed to live here for two years as a family. Thanks to her parents, this worked out much better than we could’ve ever foreseen. Once the mortgage was extinguished and  the house was paid off, Haeun told me to focus on my student loans. I struggled a lot with them, especially after her death, but I managed, somehow. I'm free of them and I can offer my son a decent life now."

"Do they expect you to pay them back?" Jungkook asks and Taehyung knows he's referring to Haeun's parents.

"No," the elder shakes his head and chews on his food, swallowing swiftly. “Thankfully not.”

"Haeun told them, whatever they did, whatever amount of money they spent, Her and I both made the most of it. You know how much her parents loved her, still do. They would've done anything she asked of them. And so, out of the kindness of her heart, she had them promise to never ask me to pay them back."

He scratches the back of his head. "I tried, once, after I was done with paying off my student loans, after I quit my part time job and went to see them, to offer them a good amount of money to pay them back. I didn't want there to be any harshness between us, but they turned me down. They told me it was their daughter's last wish and that I should go and buy Dojin something nice, instead."

Jungkook nods. "I knew they wouldn't take it. Because they promised. And they keep their promises. Especially the ones they made to Haeun," Taehyung adds, then he looks up. "They'd be happy to see you again, Koo." He adds, telling the younger with a smile in between mouthfuls of food, "They'd be so happy to hear that you're a big part of their grandson's life now."

He looks a little sad and Jungkook gets up, rounds the table and kneels down in front of Taehyung.

"Baby, listen to me." He says, resting his hand on the elder's thigh, gently caressing the fabric-covered flesh and sending him a smile.

"I'm happy to be a part of Dojin's life now, and I'm here because of you and him. Not because of them. I love you, you're my angel and their opinion won't change anything, okay? You're Dojin's dad and that's all that matters."

"I know," Taehyung nods once, then a second time.

It's hard for him to ignore that his and Haeun's parents had scolded him, reproved him and let him know just how much of a failure they thought he was whilst still paying off his student loans, struggling to raise a toddler on his own, on multiple occasions.

But Dojin grew into a great, sweet and kind boy and Taehyung's going to fight everyone who'll try and tell him otherwise.

"Okay," Taehyung lifts his head and looks at Jungkook, who's still kneeling in front of him, smiling big.

"Let's talk about happy things only from now on."

Jungkook grins and leans up a little, kisses his boyfriend and nods.

"Yeah that sounds very good to me," he mumbles and Taehyung laughs against his lips.

Soon, the younger returns to his chair and they finish eating their main dish.

"That was so tasty, Kookie!" Taehyung smiles widely when he leans back against his chair, "I'm really looking forward to learning more about your cooking skills!"

Jungkook grins.

"Just wait until you get to taste the dessert," he winks, reaching for the elder's soft hand, squeezing it.

"I saw you hiding strawberries in the fridge, I'm intrigued." Taehyung wiggles his eyebrows with a smirk and Jungkook nods.

"Yeah but those are just decorations. There's more," he promises. Taehyung's not exactly sure why this sounds borderline naughty to him…

He knows that Jungkook's probably talking about a real dessert and right in this moment doesn't share his horny thoughts.

"When….?" he asks and the younger shrugs. "In between classes," he mumbles around his fork, chews and swallows.

"At work?"

Jungkook nods.

"Jimin covered for me at the academy," he winks and Taehyung laughs.

"Okay, I'm even more curious now!" He replies as Jungkook grins back.

"Let me go and get it," he suggests as Taehyung agrees.

Jungkook collects their dishes and silverware, carries it over into the spacious kitchen.

"Put them in the sink, I'll clean it up later!" Taehyung calls as the younger hums back.

"Sure, baby," he replies.

Then, he prepares their dessert, finishes it with decorations and when Jungkook returns to the living room, Taehyung's no longer sitting at the dining table but on the couch and smiles at the younger.

He pats the spot beside him and beckons him over.

"We can eat dessert here, right?" He asks and Jungkook nods.

"Sure we can," he replies and sits down on the couch next to Taehyung. Then he holds out the plate for him and Taehyung inspects the cake.

"It's a Strawberry Yogurt Cake'' Jungkook explains and grins fondly when his boyfriend sniffs on the slice.

"It smells delicious!" he says. Jungkook cuts out a tiny, mouthful's worth piece from the cake slice with the dessert fork, holding it out for Taehyung.

"Try it," he says and he's not entirely sure why he finds it so endearing when Taehyung widely opens his mouth, expecting to be fed. The other's equally as adorable when he chews on the piece of cake that swirls in his mouth, expression judging and inspection-ready, soon enough turning into a very pleased one.

"It's good right?" Jungkook asks and Taehyung nods.

"Very. It's so creamy! I want to take a bath in this cake's strawberry filling." he replies.

"That can, and will, I assure you, be arranged." Jungkook answers mischievously.

"Where did you learn to cook like this?"

"Oh", Jungkook's eyes light up.

"I took cooking classes in France. To have some kind of… balance, you know? To have something I could focus on when school got too hard."

Taehyung nods.

"I get it. I paint when overwhelmed," he admits and Jungkook smiles.

"You already did in junior high and high-school. Well, you doodled but I always expected you to be an artist."

"I always wanted to be an artist," Taehyung admits wistfully. He doesn't need to explain more for Jungkook to know that his parents probably didn't allow him to choose art as his college major.

"Dojin came around and I wanted to ensure I got some financial stability for him."

He places the plate on top of the coffee table, steals Taehyung's plate from his boyfriend and pulls him closer.

"Your art is gorgeous," he tells him, lips gently resting against his temple before pulling away again, slowly starting to unbutton his shirt as Taehyung's eyes widen.

"Koo… what are you-?" He stops because he's not able to tear his eyes away from the pale, flawless skin that comes into view as Taehyung gulps.

"Shh, it's all good, angel, I just want to show you something," Jungkook explains with a tender smile, pulling the white fabric of his shirt to the side.

There, right above his heart, is a small paper plane with an even smaller purple heart inked on one of its wings.

"It's the one you drew on the back of my hand while we waited for my plane, remember?" He whispers. For a moment, Taehyung just stares at the small tattoo.

Yes, he remembers. He cried so much while drawing the paper plane. They used to be one of his favorite things to draw but he stopped after Jungkook left for France, because they reminded him of his best friend, his first love, and the loss thereof.

And now, that tiny little thing, the last drawing he gave Jungkook, the paper plane he drew to his skin because he had no actual paper, is permanently inked into the younger's skin.

Taehyung can feel his eyes burning when Jungkook takes his hand in his own, leading it to his chest, placing it against the skin, letting him touch .

"Koo…." he exhales breathlessly, looking up at the younger.

"The heart is purple."

Jungkook nods slowly.

"Purple reminds me of you. You're my home, always have been, always will be." He says it like it's a secret only the two of them share.

"This was my first tattoo, Tae. I missed you so much and I just had to do this."

Without another word, Taehyung climbs into his lap, eyes wet with unshed tears as he kisses him. He pours out all the emotion known all-too-well by his heart, into this kiss, and wraps his arms around Jungkook's shoulders in a tight embrace, caring but firm.

"Thank you," He mumbles into Jungkook's mouth, choked up and a little weak, even.

But the younger's there, Taehyung knows so, he's heard him.

He holds him, gently pressing his body against the other and softly caressing his back.

"Best decision of my life back then, no matter how painful," He mumbles against the soft, pink pillow lips, all plump and bitten into.

Taehyung giggles quietly before sealing Jungkook's lips with his again, ever so gently.

They don't know how or why, time just slips by when they're together like this, just with each other.

Lips still sinking into one another's Jungkook takes a glance at the clock, Taehyung sprawled on his lap still.

"Shit….it's late already, Tae." Taehyung pouts, plopping onto him so that he's unavoidable, because he knows where this is going.

"I need to take out the trash, angel." Jungkook says before patting onto his thighs reassuringly and effectively lifting him up without so much as breaking a sweat.

The elder, now standing up, to his dismay, crosses his arms over his chest, frowning rather endearingly.

"The bins are far, far away…..40 minutes at least by car,'' he says, stomping his foot to the floor like a child throwing a fit.

"I'll be back soon, yea? We can pick up where we left off, if you'd like," he says before pecking his lips.

Taehyung pulls him in, he needs more of Jungkook on his lips and in his mouth.

"You aren't gonna persuade me into staying, you know?" The younger teasingly speaks, a playfulness so delightful to his glinting eyes, an amusing edge to his otherwise soft tone of voice.

"Come on, we'll have both the trash and the dishes out the way when I get back, and all the time in the world just for us...doesn't that sound lovely?"

"I s'pose…" Taehyung giggles as he slips into the younger's arms carelessly.

"Good, I'll be back sooner than you know it sweetheart."

And as soon as words have been spoken, Jungkook's gone, and so are the dishes in the sink.

Taehyung's got this itch crawling up his skin, he's had it since he started kissing Jungkook tonight, and he doesn't know what to do about it, although an idea keeps hitting him in the face, coming from the back of his head.

Truth is, Taehyung's always so busy.

Between a child that needs constant taking care of, a job so constricting in its time frame, a beautiful boyfriend and friends, all he craves is time to himself.

Time alone, in which he can feel loved and taken care of. Time in which he can be selfish and take, time in which he needs to be looked after and provided for.

Time in which he can feel beautiful through someone else's eyes.

Because Taehyung knows he's a handsome man, he knows, but every once in a while, he wants to be told.

Dojin's sleeping over at a friend's house, that much he knows. And he's alone when he opens up a bottle of Chablis from 1986, one he's had for a while, and pours himself a big glass.

Taehyung thinks he should draw himself a bath, relax, unwind the hectic day off his burdened shoulders, drown his sorrows in a wine glass.

And so, he changes into a nightgown and robe, baby pink, lacey, and as he does, he takes a moment to acknowledge the way he looks. He takes in his appearance as he undresses in front of the mirror.

Pretty and long, slender fingers adorned by colorful gemmed rings. Fingers that trace patterns on his naked flesh, slide from his neck down to his chest in a motion, almost antsy, quick.

Because Taehyung hasn't seen himself this way in so long, and he wants to feel beautiful.

His legs grab his attention next. Meaty but lean thighs, desperate to be touched, held, loved. Weak ankles, wandering eyes that take in skin, skin, skin.

Taehyung wants to feel beautiful.

His breath rises and falls in his breast. He's getting impatient, needy .

Just when he's about to touch what he most wants to, he hears the front door unlock.

Only Jungkook has the keys to his house, and he must be back from taking the trash out, by now. Taehyung stays still.

He wants to feel beautiful.

Footsteps near him more and more. Taehyung wants, craves, needs.

Jungkook stills in his step, his usual smile leaving his lips ever so quickly. Taehyung doesn't look, simply hears.

He hears Jungkook unbuckle his belt and pull off his jeans. Listens in to buttons being undone from his shirt, socks and underwear being taken off.

And suddenly, Taehyung's looking into another reflection too, one that isn't his own and stands behind him. Close.

Taehyung looks at Jungkook through the mirror.

In his eyes, he sees nothing but adoration and care. Fondness.

Gentle hands trace his collarbones slowly, lips press to his temple.

"You're beautiful."

Taehyung smiles. It's small, curt, brief, but it tells Jungkook everything he needs to know.

Taehyung's eyes speak volumes as he stares at Jungkook.

He's beautiful too.

"Can I love you?" Taehyung merely nods.

This feels too real, too good, too serious to talk.

Jungkook's hand travels up to his neck, below his jaw, as he tilts his head towards him and kisses him.

And it's passionate, of course it is. It's pure fervor, but it's kind.

Jungkook's touch is always kind.

Lips sweetly molding into each other, Jungkook's palm travels up to his hair and ruffles it, gently tugs it, as he pulls Taehyung in against a strong and firm chest, heaving irregularly.

The blond's tongue explores Taehyung's mouth, curious, dominant, but never insistent.

Curls around his own and teases, making it impossible for Taehyung not to moan into the kiss.

Wet mouth detaches itself from Taehyung's, causing him to whine. But then, just after a brief glance at his swollen lips and flushed cheeks-

"You're a dream." Jungkook says, before leaning down and kissing his neck damply.

"Look at yourself for me." He raises his head.

"I want you to see what I see, Taehyung." Jungkook mumbles as he bores into Taehyung's eyes, as if he could dissolve any minute now.

He sets his now-disheveled hair behind his ear and kisses his nose. Runs his hands all over Taehyung's chest and sets them on his hips, grip tight, but never forceful.

He spins him around and stands between his legs, hands reaching lower, grazing over his plump ass and positioning themselves on his upper thighs.

Jungkook wants to feel, grab, make Taehyung feel loved.

He leans down and kisses him, so much emotion coursing through their lips. Too much, it lets Taehyung know just how much Jungkook cares about him, wants to make him feel appreciated.

Jungkook pulls him closer, closer. Hands roam all over him. 

It's raw instance, sentiment, unadulterated care.

It's beautiful.

Taehyung's beautiful.

With the way in which his nails scratch into Jungkook's back and how he goes so pliant under him, in his arms, when Jungkook's hands beg for his waist.

"C-can we" Taehyung can barely talk. He's so wound up.

Jungkook simply kisses him. Over and over.

And Taehyung can only but mold into his skin.

He feels so safe and warm as Jungkook murmurs softness into his hair, touches his skin, melts into him just as much as the elder is with him.

Jungkook leads them both to the bed and lays Taehyung down, so delicately, as if he might break.

"My beautiful, beautiful angel. A gift, my grace. All mine to cherish and care for. I'm so lucky to have such a pretty pet ." Jungkook speaks in between peppered kisses down his tummy, as Taehyung's breath hitches at the use of the term of endearment.

The pecks feel ticklish, with the way in which Jungkook smiles when he looks up at him, teeth resting directly on his bare stomach before he bites, soft, teasing, sexy.

Taehyung arches his back slightly and whimpers just a little, pretty mouth forming into a delightful 'O'.

"Baby likes being bitten?" Jungkook says before biting again, this time, dangerously close to his hardened member. Taehyung only moans and arches his back more, that's all he can do.

He can't bear to speak, all of his senses are so overwhelmed. Especially when Jungkook comes back up to him, wrapping a hand around his dick and running it up and down, teasing the head by running his thumb back and forth over it, as he chuckles into his cheek, before pressing a kiss to it, all blushed already, and biting into it.

Taehyung moans, begs. Needs to be touched, wants to feel beautiful. Arches his back more, chasing Jungkook's touch, craving for more contact.

"P-please Jungkook, please." Taehyung says, now slightly annoyed as he grabs Jungkook by the hair and brings him down, mouth right by his entrance.

Jungkook suddenly looks up, eyes wanton.

"Yea?"

Taehyung whimpers, nods, head a mess, full of lust. He doesn't even have control over his mouth anymore.

"Fuck, please." It's drawn out, desperate. He's almost crying, needs so much.

"Alright." Is all Jungkook says before spreading him open, knees on the mattress.

"You'll stay like this, yes?" Taehyung nods again.

All it takes is for Jungkook to lick a strip off Taehyung. Just one strip for Taehyung to lose his mind.

Jungkook grabs him a little more forcefully, brings him closer, because Taehyung's so squeamish, squirmy under him.

They lock eyes as Jungkook starts bobbing his tongue in and out of him.

It feels so good. Taehyung feels like he's being sent to Heaven.

Jungkook too, looks like he's enjoying this, very much so, in fact.

Taehyung can tell by the way he's so dedicated to pleasuring him, and by the way he lets him know just how tight he is, even only for his tongue, as he whispers profanities into his bitten and abused thighs, now full of hickeys and nibbled grips.

Taehyung's back is higher and higher off the mattress, and he can't hold on much longer. Jungkook finds his prostate with ease, jackhammers his tongue there repeatedly. A man on a mission.

Taehyung's gonna cave. Has to, wants to give in.

Hands firmly woven into Jungkook's hair as they pull and tug. He's desperate. Pleads and begs.

"J-jungkook, please, PLEASE!"

Jungkook stops.

Taehyung feels like he's going to crumble under the unsustainable lack of touch.

Whines and pants, goes as far as to threaten to take care of himself and "only let Jungkook watch".

That's when Jungkook inserts a finger in him. Taehyung's body shuts down on him as he ruts back against his index, needy and overly edged.

Jungkook kisses him again, and again, and again. It's so sloppy.

Taehyung, too, can  feel just how desperate Jungkook is getting, but he knows the ballet instructor wants to treat him.

So even when Jungkook presses up against the back of his thigh, flushed and hard as a rock, Taehyung lets him do as he pleases.

That is, until he decides he too wants to have his fun.

So he starts moving his leg back and forward, causing friction.

Jungkook moans so pretty, guttural. Taehyung wants to hear more of him.

And so, with all the strength left in him, he pulls Jungkook on top of him in one swift motion, sets him so that he sits on his stomach, back facing him.

He raises his torso off the bed, legs still down, and moves backwards, til his own back rests on the headboard, presses a couple kisses onto his back and bites, hard . Jungkook moans again, loudly.

Jungkook goes back to fingering him, three digits way past knuckles deep, as Taehyung tries to regain composure, head resting on the headboard.

Ever so suddenly, Taehyung grabs their cocks with his elongated hand and begins running fingers up and down their lengths frantically.

Kissing his neck, biting into it, panting on his skin murmurs of possession.

All Taehyung wants is to make Jungkook feel good.

He thinks he's right there, as the ballet instructor leans back into him and bares his neck some more.

Jungkook's voice is nothing but hiccuped, impatient and uncontrolled rasps by now, and fuck, Taehyung wants to hear him like this forever.

"Fuck Tae." Jungkook whisper-yells as he stands up off him and turns his way.

"Are you clean?" Taehyung nods, he can only nod by now.

"Alright." Jungkook says right before running his hands up Taehyung's thighs and raising one of his legs, now set awfully close to his entrance, dick pressed to his thigh once again.

"Spit, baby." Jungkook says, bringing his palm up to Taehyung's lips. The elder does, he'd comply with anything, if the younger were to ask him, right now.

Jungkook's filthy in the way he runs Taehyung's spit over his length, then spits himself and runs said spit covered hand over his hole.

Jungkook lightly smacks his ass cheek before aligning himself with Taehyung's entrance, looking into his eyes one last time for confirmation.

Finding only reassurance, he pushes in. And Jungkook's big, the stretch is painful, but he welcomes it gladly.

Jungkook pushes more and more, til he's bottomed out. Taehyung feels blissfully full as his back rests high above the mattress, delighted.

"Y-you can Kook." Taehyung speaks barely above a whisper, sounding so broken yet at peace.

Jungkook thrusts slowly, moving his hips in circles, deep, gentle, but firm and hard, passionate.

Taehyung feels so beautiful, so wanted, so loved.

Jungkook picks up his pace a little, hitting his prostate everytime, uneven in the way his hips buck forward when Taehyung starts grinding back down on him.

He holds him so tight, so close, fills his hair with unspoken truths, whispered as if they were secrets, compliments him, lets him know how much he cares about him, kisses him, kisses him so much.

Taehyung feels loved in Jungkook's strong arms.

"Taehyung, Taehyung." His name has never sounded as beautiful as it does when Jungkook speaks it, Taehyung thinks.

"C-close."

"Me too, Tae, fuck, me too."

Jungkook becomes needier, thrusts still slow but rougher as he touches Taehyung all over, like he's desperate to feel his skin on his own.

Nails dig into Jungkook's back as Taehyung comes in between them, spurts of white stringing as if fleeing brokenly as he spasms under Jungkook.

Taehyung feels so good, so good as Jungkook comes undone inside him, moans in his ear, kisses him tenderly, falls on top of him, head resting on his chest gingerly.

Taehyung doesn't know exactly when he gets changed into his nightgown, nor when they fall asleep, somewhere along the lines of running his fingers through Jungkook's soft hair and tickling his scratched up back.

But he knows it feels right.

And he knows waking up to Jungkook taking in his sunlit features is as close as he's ever getting to true and wonderful.

~♦~

Their relationship proceeds over the span of the next few weeks and Taehyung feels like he's been dating Jungkook for more than such a short span of time. And this feeling is all he ever wanted. It's always been Jungkook for him.

He enjoys setting up Christmas decorations with his two boys at home, Jungkook's already turning into a constant at their house and in their life.

He didn't move in yet, it's much too early in their relationship,  but Taehyung gave him his spare key long ago, and sometimes, when he comes back from work, he's welcomed by a cooked, warm meal waiting for him, plus loving cuddles and kisses from his wonderful boyfriend and his sweet son.

Taehyung cherishes these moments, when a cartoon is running on TV, Jungkook's arm securely wrapped around his shoulders and Dojin sound asleep, sandwiched between the two of them, tiny hand dipped into the half empty bowl in his lap because he insisted on making caramel popcorn for their movie night.

He's been a little scared, terrified even to tell Dojin that his Jungkook-Hyung is now his Appa's boyfriend, but the boy took it like a champ, cocked a brow at Taehyung and mumbled something along the lines of "About time…." into his orange juice.

Taehyung noticed at that moment that his sweet child's probably been spending too much time with Jimin, as well as being way more observant than his father actually expected.

They're all happy.

Now, Christmas is coming closer and Dojin's already counting the days because when Christmas gets closer, so does his Appa’s birthday. He's always excited for Taehyung's birthday and even more so now, knowing that Jungkook will help him to find the perfect gift.

Two days before Dojin's winter holidays start, it's "Idol Day" at school. Dojin’s so nervous.  He's been agitated and preoccupied since the night before.

It had been their weekly movie night. Jungkook had stayed over. It had took him and Taehyung a few tries to coax the child to sleep. Dojin'd been tired, incredibly so, but he refused to sleep, worried that 'The school's gym might be too small for Hyung to perform ' and that 'They might not see how amazing Hyung really is….'

Jungkook, tired himself after a long day of work, had asked him: "Is the practice room at ‘Serendipity’ smaller than the gym?" Dojin nods in reply. First problem solved.

Later on he tells him, whilst pulling Taehyung to his side and wrapping his arm around the elder's waist: "Honestly, Dojin-ah, the only opinions that count for me are your own and your Appa’s. You two are the most important people to me - and maybe Jiminie-Hyung."

This makes the boy laugh and solves the second problem.

"You love Jiminie," he retorts and Jungkook nods.

"Yea," he agrees, before he runs his fingers through the boy's soft hair.

"Now, champ, try to sleep. Tomorrow’s the big day." Jungkook tickles his sides and tucks him into bed, then winks as if there were an underlying understanding between the two of them.

Dojin nods enthusiastically. "Okay!"

Jungkook smiles, pressing a kiss against Taehyung's temple and leaving father and son alone for a moment. 

He walks back into the living room and sits down on the couch, ready to cuddle the hell out of Taehyung when his boyfriend comes back.

It takes Taehyung a while. Around 15 minutes. In the meantime Jungkook scrolls through social media on his phone, reading a few random pages of the book Taehyung had left on the coffee table and putting it aside when he notices that he doesn’t understand anything about the plot.

But soon after he puts the book back on the table, Taehyung enters the living room and carries two glasses of wine with him.

“Did I already mention how incredibly wonderful you are?” He asks whilst setting the glasses down on the table and making himself at home on Jungkook’s lap, his favorite place to be by now.

Jungkook grins. “I’m afraid you didn’t today.” Jungkook teases, faking a pout. Taehyung gently hits his chest but then  kisses his cheek.

“You’re amazing, Jeon Jungkook.” He mumbles as he rests his head on Jungkook’s shoulder.

"So are you, Kim Taehyung.” he replies and the older snuggles against him while Jungkook wraps his arms around his lithe waist. 

The TV’s running in the background but they don’t really pay attention to the show that’s currently playing, just cherish each other’s presence.

“I know it’s a while off, but my parents called today and told me that we need to spend Dojin’s birthday at their place.” Taehyung mumbles. Jungkook moves a little as soon as he notices that the upcoming talk’s going to be about the elder’s parents, he wants to take him into focus, read his expressions better.

He reaches out for one of the two wine glasses and hands it to Taehyung. “You need to spend Dojin’s birthday at their place? Isn’t it yours and Dojin’s decision?” he asks whilst fishing for the second glass and leaning back against the headrest.

“I actually thought so too and I told them but they only said that we will see. It’s not even December. I find it much too early to decide on where Dojin will spend his birthday. He’s turning 9 years old, I’m sure he wants to do more than sitting at a table with his grandparents and eat cake….” Taehyung grumps about.

His parents had spent his entire infancy and adolescence trying to get him to take over Kim Enterprises, the fashion company his father founded at a young age.

His mother is the head designer in the company. She has tried on multiple occasions to get him to follow suit, but that’s out of the question for him.

He’d be responsible for finances and management, just like his father had been all these years. Solely from a brief internship during high school, he'd loathed it.

And so, after a lot of encouraging words from Haeun, Taehyung had finally decided to take a turn for the better and choose a completely different path, one that’d make him genuinely happy.

“Listen, babe,” Jungkook’s voice pulls him out of his reverie, “We….Eh….You can still do whatever Dojin wants for his birthday, right? You two get to decide what to do and if he doesn’t want to spend his special day eating cake with his grandparents, then they have to accept it.”

He kisses Taehyung’s cheek and the elder hums.

“Yeah, you’re right,” he smiles a little. They then go back to drinking their wine quietly, simply enjoying each other’s company, basking in one another's comforting presence and the pleasant stillness of the room.

"Let's go to bed," Jungkook suggests once the glasses are empty. Taehyung nods, but he doesn't move at all. The younger gently caresses his back.

"Babe, you need to get up for us to do that." He mumbles, knowing that Taehyung needs a lot of affection and cuddles right now.

"Nah, don't want to." Taehyung whispers, pressing his cheek against Jungkook's shoulder as the younger only but smiles softly.

"Want me to carry you upstairs?" He asks, tone teasing but still gentle. Taehyung nods, making grabby hands at the younger's shoulders.

"Yes, please." He replies and sits up a little, straddling Jungkook's thighs. Everything is tender right now, even Jungkook's sweet teasing. Taehyung knows that his boyfriend won't ever refuse him.

Not now, not ever.

~♦~

"Is your Appa going to teach us how to brush our teeth again this year?" Cheolmin asks, whilst folding his hands behind his back, rocking back and forth in his chair a tad as he stares Dojin in the face.

The boy shrugs and continues doodling absentmindedly on his sheet of paper.

His classmates have been asking him about his section of the idol day for a while now but Dojin decided to keep his mouth shut until it’s time for demonstration.

“Dojin… we all know how to brush our teeth by now!” Hajun tells him. Dojin ignores him.

Cheolmin and Hajun have always teased him about his dance classes so he refuses to tell them who he’d actually invited to come over today.

“It’s good, you know.” Mirae retorts instead, gently nudging Dojin’s side and smiles at him. “At least you know something.” She whispers to him. They’re friends, they’re loyal to one another. Dojin would even take a stretch and go as far as to call the girl his best friend, by now.

Junhae's not with them at the moment, because his dad's the first one to tell them about his job. Dojin's friend is with her father right now.

"What do you mean, it's good for us?" Hajun asks, frowning whilst looking at Mirae. The girl crosses her arms in front of her chest, raising a brow, unimpressed. "Good for you, so Dojin's Appa won't have to see you two so often." She quips sassily.

Man, does this little girl have her head screwed on straight at the mere age of eight.

She huffs. Dojin grins a little when the door opens and their teacher, Choi-Seonsangnim, enters, Junhae and his father standing up too.

"Everyone be quiet, please. Junhae asked his father to join us today, so please be quiet and listen to the things he will tell us now."

And with that, she sits down.

Junhae's father starts telling the pupils about his job as a construction worker.

Another father works as a college professor and Dojin almost falls asleep on top of his desk when the man tells them all about lectures and campus libraries. 

They're in primary school and Dojin's not sure why he has to hear about higher leveled classes just yet.

He lazily drags his pencil across his sheet of paper, flinching a little when something soft hits the back of his head.

He looks over his shoulder, only to notice Cheolmin and Hajun giggling through covered mouths. He rolls his eyes and lets their stupidity do its thing.

Mirae hands him a crumpled paper ball and Dojin sees the two boys in the row behind him laugh even more.

Not only are they extremely disrespectful and rude, they are also disrupting the class and the presentation, which is why the teacher glares at them.

Dojin turns back to the front and unfolds the paper, tears it a little in the process and groans when he finds the badly drawn stick figure with something that resembles his hair on the head, portrayed disproportionately, and a weird thing around the makeshift waist in the drawing which could resemble a tutu, if one squinted at it.

Mirae grabs the paper and forms it back into a ball, turning around and throwing it towards Cheolmin and Hajun. It hits Hajun's shoulder and falls to the ground, right when Choi-Seonsaengnim states: "For the next presentation, we have to head to the gym."

Dojin jumps up excitedly from his chair, a bright, beaming plastering itself across his lips.

He's so excited, he can’t believe the moment has finally come.

Everyone else is confused but they follow the teacher out of the room without any questions, through the school's hallways and towards the gym.

Dojin and his teacher are the first ones to enter.

The gym is dark, as murky as can be.

There are no shadows of people, no sounds except the footsteps of the students entering the gym and sitting on the sidelines, no movement, just quiet.

The four walls are filled with the solace Jimin has told Dojin about, the one he feels when he puts on his ballet shoes and lets the music guide him as if they were one.

The kind of feeling that is both transcendent and immortal, the type that grounds you to the floor and centers you till you are one with the beat and your body moves of its own accord, both inspired and at ease with the one thing that has brought you closure and has awakened you from a life-long slumber you weren’t aware you were in.

In those moments, you are meant to feel and move according to sentiment only.

That is the first time Dojin experiences that feeling, the first time he understands what Jimin had been talking about when he sat him down after a lesson to talk about the artistry and innate beauty of movement.

That is when he feels connected to dance, as a soul, and not merely as a boy, for the very first time.

However, when he snaps out of his focus, Dojin can now make out the figure standing in the center of the room, his presence demanding attention in motion.

The grin on his lips is wide, he’s happy because his Hyung is there, as promised.

Ever so suddenly, the dimness of the spacious room dissolves into nothingness, eyes all falling on Jungkook.

The gorgeous man stands, elegantly wrapped in black clothing from head to toe.

A beat, loud, ferocious, thumping like a gazillion healthy hearts, thrums and echoes all the way throughout the room, drilling piercing holes into small, unformed chests, leaving everyone utterly breathless, till the point that it feels as though the ceiling and pavement both shake and tremble in anticipation.

A leg in the air as he twirls, his feet arch in curling poise.

His movements are precise, studied, polished and refined to the very 'T', exquisitely panache in the way his unique flair oozes out his pores with every single step, having goosebumps rise on the tender, infantly bodies surrounding him.

Pas de bourrée after pirouette en dedans and arabesque, Jungkook's agile on his feet, flying as high as his legs' strength will allow him to, arms delicately showing kindness and pointing towards dimensions transcending as Litvinovsky's ‘Le Grand Cahier X. L'incendie’ plays flamboyant, demure, brutally tugging at the children's heartstrings with so much fervor, before, equally as suddenly, coming to a rasping halt.

Jungkook lands on his toes, grace transpiring on his face, his body conveying sophistication and finessed grandeur.

He was born for this fine art, touching in its many, charming manners.

It's silent in the entire gym and Dojin knows, everyone's staring at Jungkook. Choi-Seonsaengnim, all the parents and his classmates aren't able to take their eyes off his gorgeous Hyung until a mumbled, drawn out "Wow!" fills the huge hall and Dojin's genuinely surprised to recognize the voice as Cheolmin's own.

Although it breaks the mirage-like spell cast over them, Mirae giggles into Junhae's shoulder and Dojin allows himself to dash forward with a loud "Hyung!"

He runs and safely ends up in Jungkook's awaiting arms.

The dancer's kneeling on the floor, breath still a little ragged. That doesn't stop him from wrapping his arms around Dojin.

"Was I good?" He whispers into the boy's ear as the other scoffs a bit, pulling away and glaring playfully at Jungkook.

"Hyung!" He complains. "Good would be an understatement. You were perfect! Thank you so much!"

He smiles and Jungkook's eyes widen when he sees how the child's eyes water and a tear runs down his cheek.

"You know, that means so much to me." He whispers, voice a little shaky. Soon enough, he's pulled into the elder's arms again.

"It's okay, dumpling." Jungkook mumbles, "Anything for you."

They're given a few more minutes until Choi-Seonsaengnim clears her throat and requests of the astonished crowd that they go back to the classroom. Jungkook-ssi still has tons of questions to answer and a lot of interesting things to share.

Jungkook chuckles and lets go of Dojin, straightening up and walking to the edge of the gym to put on his ballet slippers and pick up his bag.

Then, he and Dojin follow the boy's classmates out of the hall and quickly, Mirae and Junhae are by their side.

"Hyung, those are my best friends. Mirae and Junhae." Dojin's quick to introduce him to his friends and Jungkook smiles.

"Hi, I'm Jungkook. Nice to meet you." The eldest speaks.

Mirae's face flushes a little and she mumbles a shy "Hello!" while Junhae immediately starts submerging Jungkook with an unbelievable amount of questions.

The adult laughs when an embarrassed Dojin quickly clasps his tiny hand across his friend's blabbering mouth and Jungkook soothes the sweet boy coyly: "I'll reply to all your questions when we reach the classroom." It’s been so long since he’s gotten this much attention.

Soon they reach the classroom and Choi-Seonsaengnim is overwhelmed by the exorbitant amount of raised hands and at how fast her pupils take their seats, the room immediately falling quiet.

They're waiting for Jungkook to tell them what exactly he does and to reply to their innumerous questions.

"Hello everybody," the blonde dancer steps in front of the class, bowing a little to pay respect to the parents in the back, Taehyung included, before smiling at the kids.

They're looking at him, wide-eyed and attentive, but he can’t seem to take his eyes off his boyfriend, who just winked and smiled widely at him, lightly tinting the dancer’s cheeks a love-drunk shade of coral.

He regains his composure and clears his throat.

"My name is Jeon Jungkook, it's an honor to be here in front of you all. I'm not Dojin's dad but you already got to know him last year, right?"

The students nod. Jungkook smiles at the thought of his gorgeous boyfriend, before stealing another glance at him.

"That's why I'm here now. Because you already know about Taehyung-ssi's profession."

Dojin swallows because Hajun mumbles a spiteful "Yeah and because Dojin has no mom anymore…" but it's soon followed by a loud "Ouch!"

When he looks over his shoulder, Cheolmin's elbow is buried deep in his friend's side. "Shh, I wanna hear that!"

Dojin smirks a little and looks back at the front. It still hurts but he's trying to focus on his Hyung.

A girl in front of him, Aeri, raises her hand and Jungkook smiles at her.

"Do you have a question, sweetheart?" he asks, watching the girl nod in reply.

"Yes. Are you a Prima Ballerina?" Her eyes are wide, full of attention and Jungkook shakes his head.

"No, not exactly. I wanted to be one when I was younger but I had to stop dancing as a professional. Now, I'm a dance teacher."

"He's my dance teacher!" Dojin mumbles it, but everyone hears. Jungkook smiles.

"Yes, I actually teach Dojin ballet and that's also why I am here today. Many associate ballet with girls, right? With pink tutus and girls dancing to Swan Lake."

The students nod and even the parents and Mrs. Choi are attentively listening to Jungkook.

"Back in the elite academy in Paris, I was one of the few boys attending ballet classes. But that has changed over time. People have started to notice that ballet is so much more than just tutus and finding your balance on your tippy-toes. It's a raw form of art. And art in itself, at least to me, isn't subject to limitations of any kind. First and foremost gender." Jungkook breathes deep.

"So, I can come to your dance school, and dance away, without having to wear a tutu?" Hajun asks.  His mother, who's standing in the back, hisses in a scolding manner: "Lee Hajun, watch your mouth!" But Jungkook simply smiles.

"You don't have to wear one. You can wear one during showcases, of course, if you want to but you can also dance in thighs. That's up to you."

He winks at Dojin who has to suppress his laughter because in his imagination he's seeing a stumbling Hajun in ballet shoes and a tutu.

"But isn't it gay if a boy wears a skirt….?" Hajun asks and pushes his chair back, standing up.

Dojin looks over his shoulder with his brows furrowed, although he expected this, to some extent.

He sees Hajun's poor mom hiding her face in her hands from embarrassment but Jungkook only keeps smiling.

"Well, that's only of you take 'gay' as an insult, which it isn't. It actually means ‘full of joy’, just for your information."

It sounds a little more sharp than Dojin's used to hearing from Jungkook but the boy thinks it's okay in this situation.

He's still smiling at Hajun and watches how the boy's mother quickly makes her way past the other students, to her son's chair and pushes him down. "Sit!" She hisses and Hajun looks at her, surprised, as if he forgot that his mom's around.

The woman turns to look at Jungkook.

"My deepest apologies…." she mumbles and the dancer just smiles. "It's okay."

He clears his throat.

"So, what I actually wanted to say is, everyone can dance, you don't have to be a girl to be a dancer. Also, you don't have to wear a tutu when you are a girl, but of course you can. We also won't stop you from wearing one as a boy."

A father in the back raises his hand. "Yes?" Jungkook nods and the man asks: "So, you said you used to study in Paris. Where do you teach now?"

The smile on Jungkook's lips turns wider.

"Oh, my brother and I lead the 'Serendipity Dance Academy' in Gangnam-Gu," he explains. That’s when the father smiles too.

"Thank you," he replies kindly. 

Jungkook tells the kids more about ballet, about the classes. Amidst interventions from students, parents, and occasionally the teacher, Jungkook answers a couple more questions along the lines of"Do you only dance ballet?" or "How expensive are real ballet shoes?"

Whether the questions are relevant or not, he's patient with the kids, and takes the time to properly reply to each of them in detail. It's probably the most interesting lesson Dojin's classmates follow throughout 'Idol Day'.

It's also been the last one of the day, which is why, at some point, Choi-Seonsaengnim has to cut her students short, given that the time is over.

"Okay, that's it, kids. The time is over!" She claps her hands and the reply she gets is a simultaneous grumble. Jungkook laughs and watches how the kids gather their belongings and head over to their respective parents.

His eyes flicker over to Dojin. The boy has been weirdly quiet for a while now and that concerns him.

"Dojin-ah," He steps over to him and the child looks up. His eyes are red and Jungkook frowns. This should've been a happy day for Dojin and it never was Jungkook's plan to bring a crying boy back home to his father, who had to leave early.

"Hey, hey, dumpling, what's wrong?" He squats down in front of him and rests his palm on his small thighs, "Dojin, sweetheart…."

A voice startles him. "That's probably my son's fault." It's Hajun's mother, grip tight around her son's arm and Jungkook frowns. "Apologize!" She orders and Hajun mumbles a dull "I'm sorry," with his head held low.

He looks to the floor and it's not obvious whom he apologizes to. He receives a soft smack against the back of his head.

"Louder, Lee Hajun… and don't forget to tell Dojin what you're apologizing for!" She insists.

"I'm sorry, Dojin-ah. I shouldn't have made fun of you because of your mom."

Dojin only nods and now, Jungkook understands why he's been so quiet and sad.

"I accept your apology." The boy mumbles back after a short while and looks at Hajun,.

"But I also expect you to never say such a thing again. It's very unfair because it's nobody's fault that my Eomma can't be here anymore."

"I won't." Hajun replies and Dojin only nods, then turns away and stands up, hugging Jungkook.

"Can you bring me home, Hyung?" He asks, the elder nods.

"Sure, let's go!" He adds cheerfully, agreeing after bidding Choi-Seonsaengnim goodbye.

Jungkook leaves the classroom with a more gleamy Dojin on his sturdy shoulders.

The dancer buys Dojin hot chocolate before he drops him off home.

Taehyung's not there yet but they knew that already.

Jungkook cooks lunch for them, helping Dojin with his homework after they ate. Afterwards, he listens to the boy reading out loud his favorite book. This is a book he’s heard many times before. One Taehyung’s read to him every night before bed, the one that used to be Haeun’s favorite as a little girl.

When the clock strikes seven pm, Taehyung returns home.

They’d already prepared dinner together in order to surprise Taehyung, as well as doing some of the chores.

 When Taehyung gets back, there's a fire crackling in the fireplace and Dojin's wrapped into his favorite blanket, leaning against Jungkook while they're watching a movie together.

His boyfriend pauses the movie so Dojin can say hi to his Appa and Taehyung watches with a fond smile as the boy unwraps himself.

Just a moment later, he has an armful of his child and his eyes widen a little once Dojin whispers a small "Appa, I missed you so much!" In such a gleeful manner.

"I missed you too, dumpling." He confesses, equally as shushed, as if it were their secret to share.

He presses a kiss to Dojin's forehead and says: "Let me get changed and I'll join you on the couch, okay?"

"Okay!" Dojin nods. He's clingy and Jungkook knows it’s because Hajun's words may have hurt him more than he’d like to admit.

He notices the concerned glance Taehyung throws at him before he leaves the living room.

But he's back soon and Dojin ends up in Taehyung's lap, telling him about their day after he left, and about Jungkook's performance, even though he was there. According to him, it was absolutely beautiful and legendary.

He manages to get Jungkook to blush profusely with his words.

He then builds up the courage to tell Taehyung about Hajun's hurtful words and his father hugs him close.

"Sweetheart…." he mumbles, voice breaking a little as Jungkook gently wraps his arm around his boyfriend for support, "Don't listen to the things the silly boys in your class are saying. You're not less worthy of love simply because your Eomma isn't physically here with us anymore."

Dojin nods against his neck, mumbling a muffled: "I know. She's always in my heart." Taehyung can feel his t-shirt moisten from his son's tears.

But Dojin's smiling when he pulls away.

"Eomma loved me and that's all I need to know." He assures himself.

"He loved you very much, son." Taehyung speaks back.

He wipes his eyes carefully and grins, sleepy already because it's late, before he asks: "Appa, can you and Jungkook-Hyung read me a bedtime story?"

And of course, Taehyung and Jungkook agree.

Jungkook carries the boy upstairs, giving him a piggyback ride and when they’re in his room, Dojin picks his favorite book to read from, yet again.

For the first five pages, Taehyung and Jungkook alternate in reading to him, emphasizing the clou points of  the plot to make the youngest giggle, but soon they notice that he’s fast asleep, cheeks still a little puffy from crying.

He looks calm after all, which is comforting.

Jungkook wraps his arms around Taehyung, pulling him closer and pressing a gentle kiss against his temple.

"I promise, things will be okay, sweetie."

~♦~

Taehyung's actually surprised when Dojin brings some of his friends home following a seemingly mundane school day. Cheolmin is with them by the school gate, and even more surprisingly, he’s pirouetting, imitating Dojin's dance steps with as much grace as he can muster for such a tender age.

He watches intently, hidden behind the door frame as the children dance their sorrows away, smiling because he knows his son well enough to notice he’s coming out of his shell, slowly but surely, becoming what he was always meant to be, a sweet, confident child who has no fear of showing others what he's capable of, with no regard for others’ irrelevant criticism.

And as Dojin grows up, time passes, Christmas going by, as well as Taehyung's birthday.

Winter leaves the land, and with it, so does the remorse Taehyung had felt for the bullying his son had gotten once he’d been brave enough to pursue his passion for ballet.

Within the blink of an eye, it's spring.

Taehyung notices just how much of an impact Jungkook has on little Dojin as the dancer chases his son across the green lawn on the playground, close to them as he sips on his tea, kept warm in a paper mug from a nearby stall that sells drinks, waffles and candy.

Jungkook's empty coffee mug and Dojin's hot chocolate, still cooling off, rest on the bench next to Taehyung.

The orthodontist wears a soft, fond smile on his tae-stained lips whilst watching the two people he loves the most get along and play together amidst luscious greenery.

It's a coincidence that he and Jungkook have been able to take a day off at the same time, and even more so that it happens to be on a day so, very close to Dojin's birthday.

The boy's turning nine years old soon, which is frightening to Taehyung, considering it seems like yesterday his mother birthed him after boring him in her womb for months that, at the time, seemed to never end.

When he’d handed him the phone, his grandparents waiting for him to answer on the other end, he'd been happy to talk to them, because Dojin has developed a really good relationship with them over time.

But when they proposed their plan for his birthday, his face fell a little.

Taehyung listened to him as his eight year old dumpling eagerly explained to his grandparents that he’d made a lot of new friends recently, and that he'd love to spend his special day with them but in the end, as has happened many times before, Taehyung's mother got what she wanted.

Taehyung had to care for a pouty Dojin after the call had been cut.

It'd been Jungkook, who’d somehow managed to save the day, by spending time with him and cheering the younger up. hHis beloved boyfriend had become Dojin's own, little hero over the last five months with so much ease. He always seemed to have a solution for everything, to know the right thing to do at all times to bring everybody up and comfort others.

They're headed to Taehyung's parents’ house for Dojin's birthday.

His birthday this year falls on a Friday, but on the Saturday following his birthday, Taehyung and Jungkook are going to surprise him by taking him to the Sea World with his friends.

Taehyung’d be lying if he were to say he isn't grateful for Jungkook in his life.

He's the most doting, sweet boyfriend and a great, inspiring and wholesome role model for Dojin to follow.

Taehyung's pulled out of his thoughts when he hears his son's hearty, heartfelt laughter and looks into their direction, seeing how Jungkook's tattooed arms wrap around his son and sweep him off the ground with ease.

"Gotcha!" Jungkook exclaims, triumphant grin evident on his lips and Dojin laughs even more when Jungkook spins with him in his arms, the soft wind messing up their hair. They’re both walking a little funny, evidently a tad dizzy when the elder stops.

Jungkook squats down in front of Dojin, rearranging his clothes. The both of them look up when a voice calls for the boy.

It’s Mirae, who’s coming over with her mother, Junhae’s with them too.

Dojin looks up at Jungkook who smiles and nods at him.

“Go!” The ballet instructor says. The kids will certainly stay close by, and an adult is with them.

Dojin dashes off, smiling wide and cheerful when he reaches his friends.

Jungkook greets Mirae’s mother with an indicated bow before he returns to Taehyung, because the woman’s on the phone and looks busy.

Taehyung welcomes him with open arms, pulling him close once he sits down on the bench and rests his head on his shoulder. “I love seeing how much fun you two have together and how carefree he is when you’re around.” Taehyung mumbles, even though it gave him a little trouble during the first months of having Jungkook back in his life.

He even felt a little bit jealous because Dojin insisted on staying over at Jungkook's innumerous times.

Taehyung’d been afraid his child would love the younger more than him someday, even though he’d known, at the time, that this was absolute nonsense.

Today, he’s sure Dojin loves him more than anything else, as well as that Jungkook also was a big part of the boy’s life.

“I love seeing him happy. After all he’s been through, simply because of his passion for ballet, happiness is what he deserves. You two are the most precious people in my life, Hyung. I need nothing more than for you and Dojin to reach the peak of joy.”

Jungkook presses a kiss against Taehyung’s temple and the elder turns his head, smiling gingerly, before saying: "Kiss me properly, you idiot."

And Jungkook laughs, loud, happy and raw, as he gently presses his lips against Taehyung's, per the elder request.

He's a little surprised because they're both not used to publicly displaying their affection because there are still a lot of people that believe their relationship to be wrong, disgusting and as a sin. However, in all frankness, Jungkook couldn’t care less about what others think of their relationship. And Taehyung actually never really cared.

They notice a few people passing them who send strange looks their way once they break apart, but Taehyung simply sends them a sassy smile Jungkook knows all too well, and snuggles impossibly close to his boyfriend.

He doesn't mind in the slightest, because he has everything he needs with him and a few hateful glances won't change that.

The early afternoon has turned to an evening, and after watching Dojin play with his friend and chit-chatting, Jungkook makes a suggestion: "Should I get us another drink?"

"Yeah," Taehyung gives him a quick nod, then a smile and Jungkook speaks before leaving: "Go on, check that email, baby."

Taehyung received an email a short while ago, and has since refused to check it, but Jungkook knows him well enough to know that he wants to read it.

"I'll be gone for a few minutes." He points at the coffee stall close to the playground, "It's quite crowded."

"Okay," Taehyung nods as Jungkook gets up from the bench. "Do you want another tea?"

"Yes, please." The elder answers, nose already feeling cold without a crook of a neck to tuck it into.

He hums and starts walking away but he's stopped by a scream that sounds a lot like Dojin and he's quick to turn around.

He can already see the boy sitting in the sand but he can't see what happened. He's crying and Jungkook quickly forgets about the fact that he wanted to get drinks for himself and Taehyung and rushes over to the sand box.

Taehyung's high on his heels but the younger is faster and reaches Dojin first.

"Hey, hey, what happened?" Jungkook rests his palm on Dojin's ankle and looks at the child. He holds his knee as the flood of hot tears are streaming down his face.

"He fell down the swing," Mirae replies quietly and Jungkook looks at her.

She looks worried.

"I don't know how this happened." She adds, Jungkook looks back at Dojin.

It’s heavy, the weight on his chest.

The responsibility of a child,it’s pungent. It pummels at his chest, and grief lunges about, dancing around the beginning of his stomach.

It hurts.

Something’s throwing punches at him and he slips, pulling at his intestine and coming for his spine next.

So this is what it’s like to be a parent.

When he has an armful of Dojin, sobbing on his sleeve, he feels a little better. The youngest hiccups and cries loudly, when Taehyung joins them.

"Appa… hurts," The boy mumbles against Jungkook's neck and he freezes.

He doesn't dare to look up at Taehyung, doesn't want to see the disappointment in his face. The elder rests his palm on his shoulder and says: "Can you carry him to the bench? I have a first aid kit in my bag."

Jungkook hums. He's a little anxious to witness Taehyung's reaction.

Dojin knows that he's not his Appa… Perhaps he just didn’t look at who was in front of him, taken up by pain?

For the moment the boy keeps hiding his face against his neck while Jungkook carries him over to the bench, drinks forgotten as he sits down with Dojin in his lap.

Taehyung wordlessly digs through his bag before he pulls out the aforementioned first aid kit and examines his son’s knee. The jeans fabric is ripped open and Taehyung sees a slightly bloody scratch on Dojin’s skin. It doesn’t seem to be that deep, however.

Then, he looks up at Dojin with a gentle smile. “It’s just a scratch, dumpling, but I have to sanitize it, okay?” He mumbles as Dojin nods, tiny fingers digging into the fabric of Jungkook’s jacket. He wears a cute pout on his lips and Taehyung gently rubs his leg. “It’s not too bad, Jinie. But it’s going to burn a little.” He explains while he opens the kit and pulls out sanitizer and pads. “That’s okay. I’m a big boy, Appa.” Dojin replies, as a lonesome tear runs over his cheek.

“I know, baby.” Taehyung smiles before he carefully pushes the leg of Dojin’s pants up his calf to gain better access to his injury.

“Can you hold it up?” He asks, Dojin doesn’t pay attention, but Jungkook reaches for the fabric and carefully holds it.

“Thank you.” Taehyung says quietly, focused, as Dojin hisses, cold sanitizer coming in contact with his skin. “Don’t worry Appa, it’s just cold,” He says when Taehyung looks up and he sends his father a smile, “I’m okay.”

Taehyung nods and gently wipes away the dirt and blood and then sanitizes the small scratches again. He patches it up right after and then sits on the bench next to Jungkook and Dojin.

Jungkook pushes down the boy’s pants again and Taehyung runs his knuckles across Dojin’s cheek. 

“Can we go home now?” The boy asks after some time, “It’s getting cold, Appa.”

“Yeah, sure.” Taehyung replies, nodding lightly, “Do you want to say goodbye to Mirae and Junhae?” Dojin nods and slowly slides down Jungkook’s lap.

He tries moving his leg and notices that he can walk easily so he goes back to his friends.

“Are you okay?” Jungkook asks and Taehyung nods as he watches Dojin talking to Mirae, laughing with her and Junhae, bidding goodbye to Mirae’s mom.

The way back home is quiet, they don’t really talk much. Jungkook really, really thinks that Taehyung’s mad. He only sporadically responds to their questions, and when they reach the house, he excuses himself into the bathroom quickly.

“Is Appa okay?” Dojin asks and Jungkook shrugs as he watches how the boy puts his jacket on the clothes rack. “I don’t know, Dojinie, but I’ll find out,” he promises. Dojin smiles back to him.

“I know you will,” he grins, “Can I go to my room and play video games until it’s time for dinner?”

“Yeah, sure, go.” Jungkook nods at him, “But don’t forget to wash your hands beforehand!”

“Yes, Appa!” Dojin calls while he’s already on his way upstairs and once again, Jungkook freezes.

“I’m not your Appa…” he mumbles and sighs.

He walks into the kitchen and almost reaches it at the same time as Taehyung. “Dinner preparations?” The elder asks. Jungkook nods back.

“Yea. Dojin’s in his room,” he says and Taehyung sends him a smile.

“Okay, let’s start then.” He suggests as he walks properly into the kitchen, towards the refrigerator, pulling out meat and vegetables.

He hands Jungkook the meat and when their eyes meet, Jungkook already notices the small pout on Taehyung’s lips. At times, the elder does it without noticing and usually, Taehyung is not one to keep quiet about things that bother him. Hence why he waits and watches as Taehyung cuts veggies. Jungkook flours and cooks the meat and while the vegetables sizzle in another pan the pout only grows.

Jungkook sighs, takes the meat out of his pan and places it on a plate before gently resting his hand on Taehyung’s hip.

“Baby,” he starts but doesn’t come further when his boyfriend spins around. Jungkook can clearly see that his eyes are rimmed red and Taehyung crosses his arms in front of his chest. “He… He called you Appa.” He pouts, “And… I’m not gonna lie, it’s kinda cute and I’m happy that he’s comfortable enough around you to call you Appa but…”

Quiet.

Not the tranquil, serene, livable kind of quiet.

It is, instead, the kind that’s full of meaning and emotionally charged.

“I’m his father. His biological father, and he-”

Jungkook blinks, a little confused.

He expected Taehyung to lash out on him or whatever but he didn’t expect him to be all pouty because he finds Dojin calling him Appa cute.

“I’m not… his father.” He mumbles, Taehyung nods.

“I know… I know… but you’re something like a father figure to him I guess… I don’t know if I should be sad or endeared, really. When we started dating, we only thought about our years’ long, romcom worth pining and the requited love we feel for one another. We didn’t think about the impact this would have on Dojin.”

Silence again.

“We should’ve.”

The pout is still visible on his lips and Jungkook’s no longer able to hold back. He leans in and presses a lot of small kisses against Taehyung’s beautiful, velvety, pink lips.

“Stop pouting, oh my God, you are so cute.” He grumbles as he takes Taehyung’s cheeks between his palms, “Listen, baby, you’re his father and you know as well as I do that nothing’s going to change that. No matter what he’s calling me. Okay?”

“Okay.” Taehyung breathes and Jungkook kisses him more, more, and more, until the elder starts giggling and tries to escape his boyfriend’s kisses. He ends up with his back on the countertop, legs wrapped around Jungkook’s waist while the younger hovers above him. “Are you trying to run away from me?” he asks as Taehyung nods. “My face is all wet already, Jungkookie!”

He simply can’t stop giggling because the younger makes him so happy, always finds a way to comfort and soothe him and Taehyung is so, so grateful for it.

“Yes, and what about it?” Jungkook presses a kiss beneath his left eye, one to the tip of his nose, another to his right cheek and a last one to the right corner of his mouth - to each of his birthmarks.

Taehyung’s heart soars.

“Koo,”he starts as he wraps his arms around the younger’s neck, “I love you so much.”

“Love you more, my precious angel.” Jungkook replies and seals Taehyung’s lips with his own.

And for a while, it’s just the two of them until Dojin’s voice pulls them out of their little bubble: “It smells weird in here!”

Jungkook slowly pulls away and looks to his left, where the vegetables in the pan are still sizzling but they don’t look like vegetables anymore.

“Ah shit.” He curses and Dojin frowns.

“Language!” Dojin scolds. Taehyung grins whilst Jungkook pulls the pan away from the oven, switches it off and sighs. “ Shoot ,” He corrects himself.

“Pizza?” Taehyung suggests as he sits up a little, tilting his head to the side.

“Pizza.” Jungkook agrees, fumbling for his phone as Dojin smiles widely and sing-songs: “Piii~zzaaa~!” dancing through the kitchen.

Taehyung and Jungkook watch him with fond eyes.

~♦~

“Oh-” The middle-aged woman in front of them, who goes by the name Kim Iseul, says once she’s opened her front door. She looks confused as she peers past her warmly lit house, located amidst blossoming, beaming, luscious nature.

“I didn’t expect the two of you to come alongside others.”

By others, Taehyung’s mother means Jungkook, of course. The elder isn’t going to let that affect him, either way.

He scrunches his nose in feigned disapproval at the slight displeasure he picks up in her tone.

“Eomma, I told you, '' Taehyung replies as he watches the way in which his mother ignores Jungkook’s presence, hugging Dojin tightly, instead.

“You did? Well, it must’ve slipped my mind.” She replies absentmindedly, nuzzling her nose against Dojin’s cheek and pulling back.

“Dojinie, darling, you’re too thin.” She frowns as Dojin blinks back. “Does your Appa not feed you enough? Come on in, I baked a cake for you. And we won’t give your Appa and his friend any of it, right?”

Taehyung sighs and rubs his forehead as his mother stands up again and takes Dojin’s hand.

“Eomma, the doctor said that he’s fine for his age!” He speaks back, but the woman just waves it off and disappears into the house.

“Did she just ignore me?” Jungkook rubs his chin, Taehyung sighs back at him, exhaling deeply, already emotionally drained.

"I’m afraid so." Taehyung grumbles, then reaching for Jungkook's hand,"Let's see how much sugar she's feeding my child."

Jungkook chuckles, lightheartedly taking the elder’s hand in his own and squeezing it tight.

"Okay," He nods, grabs the bags they brought to stay the night.

They find them in the living room, Dojin already sitting at the dining room table, a huge chocolate cake in front of him. 

"Hello Taehyung." His father, Kim Donggeun, is seated in his armchair.

"Hello Abeoji." Taehyung greets back, smiling softly even though he doesn't feel that welcome in what used to be his home.

His mom is busy cutting a big slice of the chocolate cake she made for Dojin,not bothering to greet Jungkook, still, as Donggeun's eyes fall on Jungkook.

"Wait, you brought a friend?" His father raises his brows.

"Apparently you two didn't listen to me on the phone." Taehyung sighs, "You know Jungkook, right?"

"Jungkook," his father mumbles, staring at the man next to his son and thinking. He nods when Jungkook bows and suddenly, he seems to remember.

"Jeon, right?" Donggeun says, "You're the kid with the world traveling brother and whose parents owned that bookstore in our neighborhood back in Seoul, right?"

"Yes,"Jungkook replies, teeth clenching at the mention of his parents.

Taehyung's father hums in reply.

"Welcome." He mumbles.

Taehyung’s father always mumbles and huffs, so it’s no big deal, Taehyung believes.

"It's been a while. Sit down, we'll serve coffee or tea pretty soon."

"Jimin-Hyung is a world renowned dancer!" Dojin chimes in and his grandpa looks over at him with a soft smile.

"I'm sure you're right, buddy," He replies fondly as Jungkook chuckles softly. Taehyung grins when he notices his son's chocolate smeared mouth. He's cute.

His father stands up from his armchair, walks past Taehyung and Jungkook but not without resting his palm on his son's shoulder for a moment.

"It's good to have you here, Son." He says before he calls for his wife, "Iseul, we have another guest."

“Yes!” She replies and turns around.

“Eomma you didn’t even greet me.” Taehyung says and Iseul sends him an apologetic smile. “I haven’t seen my grandson in a while,” she replies as Taehyung holds in the scoff that’s been hiding in his chest because of the lingering stiffness in the air.

He tries not to think about the fact that she hasn’t seen him for a while either.

“Come here!” She opens her arms. Taehyung gives her a hug while she kisses his temple, before letting go of him again. “And wait, Jeon Jungkook?”

Jungkook nods quickly before he bows and Iseul looks a little confused. "Last time we spoke was before you left for France. Now you're back in Korea?"

"Yes, I’ve been back for a while, actually." Jungkook replies politely.

Iseul's following words surprise both him and Taehyung.

"Your departure made Taehyungie cry," Her expression hardens, "What are you doing here now?"

"Eomma…" Taehyung speaks up, trailing off as a blush spreads on his cheeks but she waves it off.

"I mean… you left Taehyung devastated and now you're here…?"

"Eomma!" Taehyung tries again but his mother still ignores him. He knows she probably means well, knowing how hard Taehyung was crushing on Jungkook back in high school, but that's no reason for attacking him right now, enough is enough.

"You said you've been back for a while now… how long is a while?"

"Iseul, let them sit down at least." Donggeun bargains, calling from the table as Taehyung wishes that she would save this for a different time, one in which Dojin's not around to witness.

"Eomma… we talked about this already." He says and it's then, when he notices that he still doesn't know why exactly Jungkook came back to Korea.

It's okay for him, though, because it's his story and he should be able to tell it when he's ready.

Taehyung feels how fingers wrap around his own carefully and Jungkook squeezes his hand before he replies: "I came back 5 years ago."

"Eomma, please." He interrupts before his mom can say anything else, "Let's talk about this later."

Iseul huffs a little, not satisfied with the answer she got.

She turns around nevertheless and sits down next to Donggeun.

Dojin talks a lot while they eat cake but Jungkook's rather quiet. Taehyung notices it, he intends to inquire about it later, but for the time being, he’ll stand down, laying back whilst his father, Dojin and Jungkook go for a walk and his mother prepares dinner.

"Eomma," He approaches her in the kitchen, "You know I love you and I know you only meant well when you said those things but it was unfair."

Iseul looks up from crushing garlic with a knife and huffs.

"Tae bear," she tries but Taehyung shakes his head. "No, Eomma. He did nothing wrong. He told me that he'd leave and I never was in the position to ask anything of him. It's been his dream for as long as I’ve known him and he’s accomplished it." He says, "I’m proud of him for that. Now he's back, he's part of Dojin's life and my own. And yes, perhaps I don't know anything about the reason he’s here again but that's okay. It's his story and he’ll share it with me whenever he's ready to do so."

Iseul sighs. "I just want the best for you. You're my only child and I want you to be fulfilled in life and as joyous as you can be." She says after some time.

"I know you do, Eomma.” Taehyung inches a step closer, before he continues. “And I promise you, I have never been happier. Dojin's the light of my life and Jungkook's the best boyfriend I could ever ask for. I am truly elated at the prospect of spending the rest of my life with him."

He sends her a small, cheesy but coy smile.

Iseul sighs again before she hugs Taehyung tightly. "I better apologize to your boyfriend then, right?" She mumbles.

Taehyung hums before he squeaks because Iseul starts viciously tickling him, squeezing him in the tightest embrace she can muster, not allowing him a way out.

"How did you dare not tell me that you have a boyfriend, Kim Taehyung?!" She complains playfully as Taehyung laughs, loud and cackl-y, in her ear.

“I’m sorry! I made up for it by bringing him home, at least. And I have the best boyfriend, Eomma, I promise! He makes me very, very happy.” Taehyung puts emphasis on the words ‘the’ and ‘very’ amidst giggles.

And she believes him.

Taehyung notices the way in which Iseul asks Jungkook to help her with the dishes later that night, in order to include him in the family.

It’s an initiation of sorts, the Kim way of saying “Welcome, stay as long as you please, but do contribute to the household, Son.” 

After they’ve all had dinner, the rest of the family rests the meal away by watching TV.

Dojin scrolls through the comic book his grandpa bought him during their walk, his head resting in his father’s lap as Taehyung already notices that it’s almost time for his son to go to sleep.

“Taehyung,” Donggeun quips as he looks up from carding his fingers through Dojin’s soft hair. “Where will Jungkook sleep?” He asks. Taehyung gives him a soft smile in return.

“Beside me, Abeoji, in my bed.” He says, tone gentle as he looks towards the passage that leads to the kitchen. He hears muffled voices and sometimes sees a movement but everything is calm.

His father smiles. “Thought so.” He concludes.

Taehyung goes back to watching the TV show until the comic book falls right into Dojin’s face. The boy has fallen asleep in his lap and nothing will wake him up again until the next morning.

Donggeun laughs, a hearty sound coming from his ribcage.

“Better take him to bed,” he mumbles, shutting off the TV. Taehyung nods and gently lifts Dojin up in his arms.

His parents rebuilt Taehyung’s father’s old home office into a nursery when Dojin was born and it evolved as the boy grew up.

Now, his room is fitting to his age.

Taehyung carries him over into the room quickly.

“Sleep well, birthday boy.” Taehyung whispers cheerily as he tucks him in. Dojin’s already dressed in his pajamas and he simply hums in return, turning to his side as Taehyung adjusts the blanket on top of him.

He returns to the living room and finds Jungkook on the couch he earlier occupied with Dojin and his mom next to his dad.

Everything seems calm and homey.

Jungkook looks lost in thoughts, but when Taehyung plops down next to him, he reaches for his hand. Taehyung’s parents know about their relationship now and there’s no reason to hide it.

The TV’s running again but Taehyung’s not watching anymore. He relishes in Jungkook’s presence and not long after, he starts feeling drowsy. When he tells his boyfriend and his parents, they’re quick to end the evening.

“Was everything okay in the kitchen?” Taehyung inquires as he changes into his pajamas.

Jungkook nods.

“Yes. We talked, I apologized, she apologized and things are okay now. Well, I got threatened. If I were to hurt you I’d be granted death, slow and painful, as assured by your mother. I replied by gulping loudly, to send the message that I feared and respected both your parents, and I added that treating you and Dojin both well is my priority.”

He laughs and winks at Taehyung before he winds his arms around the elder’s waist and pulls him closer.

Once Taehyung’s dressed in his sleepwear (a.k.a. one of Jungkook’s wide, long shirts, and cute, purple silk shorts with lace hems), they get into bed.

“I’m glad she didn’t lash out at you,” Taehyung admits as he snuggles closer against his boyfriend’s chest. Jungkook shrugs a little.

“I understand her. You were sad when I left, and it almost made me cancel everything. There are times nowadays when I regret doing so. I wish I could’ve stayed here with you.”

He sighs and pulls the elder impossibly close.

“I’m glad I’m with you now, though, darling.” Jungkook confesses contentedly.“Really glad.”

Taehyung smiles against his neck. They cuddle and decide to sleep soon. They plan on leaving Taehyung’s childhood home in the early morning.

~♦~

The next day is filled with happy kids running through the passages of the city’s very own SeaWorld, stunned by the beauty of the sea.

This, before his eyes, is the birthday party Taehyung had imagined for Dojin.

Somehow, he's not able to forget Jungkook's expression, far-fetched and distant, joined by the words he uttered the night before seem to bring him down.

What happened in Paris? 

How could it possibly have him regret following his dreams all that time ago?

He's thought about it all day at work, it popped back into his head as he dropped off Dojin at his maternal grandparents’ house, when he put aside their differences and let them see his son.

He’s grateful they’re willing to take care of him from time to time.

A soft sigh leaves his lips when Taehyung opens the door to his home, knowing that his boyfriend’s there, probably lying on the sofa.

The younger’s had a day off. Taehyung knows he'd been planning to wait for him at home, as Jungkook’s almost living with the two of them already, but it hasn't been made official yet.

Taehyung finds Jungkook sprawled out on the couch, as expected, thighs spread slightly whilst watching TV, picking at his nails carelessly.

Taehyung can immediately tell his boyfriend’s mind is elsewhere again. He isn’t focusing on the TV show at all as his thumb brushes across the black, plastic digit of the remote control in absentminded fashion. 

The younger’s wearing shorts and Taehyung notices the bandage around Jungkook’s ankle. He’s seen it a few times before but has never brought it up.

He still wonders what happened, and what, specifically, led Jungkook to limping from time to time.

“Hey bun,” Taehyung greets the man, immediately pulling Jungkook out of his thoughts. The younger sits up slowly, blinking as if perplexed, eyebrows scrunching up on his forehead ever so briefly, then making room for one of his lovely, warm smiles, that paints its way to his lips.

“Hey, baby.” The younger greets back.

Somehow, Taehyung notices, the smile, usually lively and natural, doesn’t quite reach his eyes this once.

Taehyung frowns, but he says nothing as he makes his way to him and sits down on the couch, behind Jungkook.

The younger falls back again, resting his head in his boyfriend’s lap, then slowly looking up at him with round, doe eyes.

Taehyung drags his hand across Jungkook’s cheek, touching the scar lightly. It’s been distinctive of him since their school days, full of meaning because of the memories it brings back.

And then, in a delicate motion, the elder cards his fingers through the younger's blonde hair.

“Do you want to go back to your natural hair color, someday?” He asks, seemingly pointing out the hairline growing out to black slowly.

Jungkook shrugs slightly but decides to give the question a proper response, accompanied by a sheepish smile.

"I actually have been too lazy to dye it," he admits coyly, and Taehyung grins back.

"I'd love to do it for you." He offers as the blonde strands slip through his fingers. Jungkook hums.

"Not today." He tells him but he's not averse at all.

They fall silent again, relishing in the other's presence until Jungkook reaches for Taehyung's hand, intertwines their fingers and pulls the elder's bigger palm towards his lips to press gentle, delicate kisses against his knuckles.

"Ask, angel." Jungkook says after a while, offering to answer Taehyung's question, whichever it may be.

"Huh?" Taehyung looks down at his boyfriend, blinking perplexedly as the younger flashes him a quick smile.

"I noticed a while ago, you have a bunch of questions. And you've been so patient, you’ve given me so much room to feel and only talk when I’m ready." He speaks, "So ask, and I shall explain, darling."

Taehyung swallows.

"You… you really don't have to, Koo." Taehyung says, watching the dancer nod.

"I know, but I want to." He mumbles through yet another kiss to Taehyung's knuckles.

"It's fine. You deserve honesty." The younger smiles gingerly, conveying truthfulness.

Taehyung's question is simple. To him it makes no sense to tippy-toe around it any longer, especially given that Jungkook's offered to explain.

So he takes a deep breath, gently squeezing the younger's palm, then asking: "Kook-ah, my love- What happened in France?"

He's doubtful.

He's very doubtful as to whether or not he should've asked the question, and if so, whether he should’ve been this direct. And yet, he feels somewhat relieved as the pressure in his pounding chest softens, leaving room for kindness and open-mindedness.

The air in the room fleets, softens in color, Jungkook smiles at him and alleviates the tension.

The gentleness to his slight grin is ever so persistent in Jungkook's beautiful features, but Taehyung feels the grip around his hand tighten at the same time.

It isn’t a metaphorical pull that ties him to Jungkook, any longer, it’s the physical kind that disrupts his state of mind and tugs at his limbs.

And it is meant to be a tender reminder of neediness on the younger’s behalf, but it is not.

It is anything but kind.

Taehyung feels like he begins to share Jungkook’s emotional burden, so he lets him, and as a result the other mellows in his grip.

‘I’ve got you,’ Taehyung feels the need to say, but he doesn’t, there’s no need to, Jungkook knows.

"A lot." The younger begins, just slightly above a whisper, voice soft, a tad insecure, already flinching at the sore memory he’s fought so long to patch up, shove aside, and bury, alongside it mourning his dream.

Taehyung can't remember the last time he heard him talk like this, nor pinpoint it, for that matter, but somehow, it's a tone he's heard before, and it's drenched in sorrow, coated by a mystified feeling of bitterness, and it saddens him terribly to see his partner reduced to the shell of a man by something so traumatic it has scarred him for life.

It must've been during high school, drawn out throughout the extent of time before he left, which materialized itself in the few, awfully short, dreadful weeks prior to his departure.

"Why did you come back?" Taehyung inquires.

Jungkook grows so quiet, looking everywhere, anywhere but at Taehyung.

The elder’s noticed a while ago that his boyfriend's struggling, still, no matter how much time has gone by from the brief, and ill-lived Parisian peruse.

He's clearly fighting inner demons he shouldn't be facing alone, which is why Taehyung wants to help him, desoderoius of accompanying him and helping him face whatever it is that still needs facing.

Jungkook swallows a loud gulp.

"I've always been the weird kid, Tae." Jungkook starts, still holding onto Taehyung's hand, as it now rests against the younger's firm chest.

"The one who looked different, spoke differently and was too shy and reluctant to actually make real friends."

Taehyung frowns a little.

Yes, indeed, Jungkook used to be shy, when he was younger: reserved and introverted, he always struggled to open up to people, surely, but by no means was he ever weird, nor labeled as such, to Taehyung’s knowledge.

"I had a hard time adjusting to such a competitive bunch of fellow ballet dancers," Jungkook explains, delving a little more into the topic itself.

Taehyung understands it better now.

"But you were far away from home, in a foreign country so different from ours." He mumbles softly, gently rubbing his thumb across the back of his boyfriend's hand, "It's perfectly understandable for you to struggle in adapting."

Jungkook hums whilst shifting a little, stifling, suddenly not feeling suited to discuss this.

"I know." The younger replies, sending the elder a smile back.

"But I was good, amazing even, and I robbed other students of what they deemed their spotlight. They got jealous very quickly and it showed just as fast." Jungkook sighs.

"Koo…" Taehyung looks at the younger, eyes blown wide as he swallows.

"What'd they do?" Taehyung inquires slightly, not wanting to pry.

"At first, it was just small things. They were petty, really. Some might even say irrelevant. They were meaningless to me, I paid them no attention. They all had no repercussions on my well-being, both physical and mental." Jungkook starts slow, inhaling deeply.

"They did things everyone could easily think over and identify as a coincidence. For example… one day, my phone disappeared and I found it magically sitting on top of my locker, in the farthest corner. Someone could've just put it aside and it slipped into the corner. One day the lock broke. It happens." He shrugs while his eyes fall shut.

"Then they started escalating. They’d steal and hide all my clothes for practice, as well as the ones I used to change into after practice. Once, one of them broke a window, blamed me for it in front of everyone. They later said they'd 'seen me'. They then told the instructors it was me. Still to this day, I don't know which one of them did it. It was all done so sneakily and sketchily that it could've been anyone, truth be told. And the report brought to my superiors was made anonymously. If I didn't know better, I could go as far as to believe the one who told on me was someone who'd simply heard the rumor regarding 'Jung-whatever-his-name-is’, the Asian student with no clothes, being a vandalist, ‘cause perhaps that's how they did it in whichever weird place I came from. I know that wasn't the case, however. It'd been orchestrated and I'd been targeted. From that day onwards, it got increasingly worse." 

“Worse?” Taehyung asks, to which the younger nods. “How could it have possibly gotten worse?” Jungkook’s eyes brim with tears by now.

“They wanted me out.” His voice quivers. “And I don’t just mean out of the school. They didn’t want me as competition, ever.” A single tear drops down his cheek. “And they made sure I wasn’t.” Jungkook sighs, free hand coming up to scruff his own hair, looking down at the infamous ankle that to this day haunts him, as if to indicate that’s where they injured him, that’s where they struck gold.

Taehyung notices, but doesn’t say anything, he simply lets him get this off his chest, so he continues. "One day, they didn't inform me about an impromptu class before a show, which was mandatory, necessary, and of obligatory attendance. Turns out that one instructor had only briefly informed another student in the hallways whilst passing by. On top of this, they were told to inform others. The student who was supposed to inform me supposedly forgot, once again, as if done by mistake." Jungkook mimics imaginary quotation marks into the air with his fingers at the word 'forgot'.

"I know she didn't forget, but every little thing was nothing big, nothing so hurtful that I couldn’t deal, or relevant enough for me to report back to the instructors. Everytime I felt like utter shit, I'd just feel idiotic and childish for wanting to tell on them and felt like I had to absolutely swallow everything. I even spoke with one of them about the entire ordeal in the cafeteria once. I explained the way I was feeling, and what my perceptions of this situation were, and to my face, they seemed to be polite enough to not make a big deal about it. They then stated that they all thought I was being a big baby, I was ‘too sensitive to the topic', that even the instructors would think of it that way, and that in fact, they'd see it as a 'warm welcome' to the ‘étudiant d'autre pays’. Simply put, I was not used to the French way, and that I had to suit myself to it all. Then, as I left, I heard them calling over their friends and making fun of me in French. It was just… minor bullying between rival students, I s'pose. Slowly, that's the relevance I started attributing to it. But in retrospect, I see it affected my skill as well. I became sadder and sadder each passing day, and as I danced, it showed." He mumbles, not looking up once, falling silent and letting Taehyung process everything he's told him so far.

The elder's free hand cards through his hair again as he holds the other one, tighter, as if to let him know just how much he cares.

"Nothing too big, that's what I always told myself, nothing worthy of giving up and letting go of my dreams of making it to the top. I kept telling the ingenue, naȉve, and gentle little boy in me they would stop some day, that it'd get better. I was forgiving, too trusting of human nature and silly, Tae." Jungkook's eyes are still closed but he feels the way in which they start burning underneath his now-heavy eyelids.

He wants to hold back the tears, doesn't want to appear weak in front of his boyfriend, but it's too painful.

"Kook-ah," Taehyung's deep, velvety voice pulls on his heart strings, makes them flutter and it transpires a hint of warmth, comfort. It’s barely there, and only for a moment, before it slips away, bit it soothes him.

He feels the way in which another tear rolls down his cheek, too, making its way out from beneath his closed eyelids and leaving a wet trail on his cheekbone, past his chin, dripping down, and onto his neck.

And after that, many more follow. A river of the hot wetness runs down his soft skin and as a choked-out sob escapes his throat, leaving his lips in uneven motion.

Taehyung gently, carefully, and delicately pushes him up into an upright position, as Jungkook simply follows the lead. When he's sitting properly, Taehyung climbs onto his lap.

"Bun, hey…look at me," The elder mumbles.

Once his eyes are on him, he says: "You've never been naȉve or dumb. Your ingenuity is such an admirable quality. I've always loved it in you. I need you to remember that. Promise you won't forget, yes?" Jungkook nods slowly, after some time, as taehyung gives him an Eskimo kiss.

"You're full of splendid dreams and someone did everything in their power to destroy them. So tell me what, precisely, they did to you." Taehyung's afraid to ask as he holds the younger's face between his palms, but he does nevertheless.

Jungkook takes a deep breath.

Taehyung notices how he shudders, his lower lip quivering as he flinches once more. The younger, who in the meantime had closed his lids shut again to take a break, opens his eyes again.

They're wet with tears, rimmed red, but he still looks breathtaking.

Gorgeous and vulnerable.

Taehyung swears to himself he's going to ruin everyone who dares to break his heart again.

"They crushed my dreams with an imprudent and reckless action." Jungkook whispers, trembling hands rest on Taehyung's thighs, going back and forth in slow motions.

Jungkook inhales again, even deeper, if possible.

This is it.

"They filled my ballet shoes with glass shards."

His voice cracks and more tears spill. Taehyung's eyes widen before he hastily wraps his arms around his boyfriend, pulling him closer and pressing his face carefully against his chest.

Jungkook sobs into his dress shirt, arms sneaking around Taehyung's waist, holding onto him hard.

Taehyung's his lifeline, his safe haven.

The elder firmly believes he needs no further explanation, knows enough from Jungkook's brief, but horrid description of the events that took place in Paris. However Jungkook, his lovely Jungkook, once recovered from his flood of tears, and hiccup-rhythemed sob-dance, goes on more.

How can someone be out for this much blood?

"It’d been the last rehearsal before a very important show." Jungkook tells him, voice soft, a little wavering still, muffled because his head's leaning against Taehyung's chest, as it was before.

“I was supposed to be the lead in that show and nobody liked it, obviously. I got to the dance studio for the rehearsal and put my shoes on, as it had become my routine, throughout the time I’d spent there. When I started dancing everything went downhill. I saw black first, blinded by the pain. Then red, then blue. I had no reason any longer.”

He sighs and looks up into Taehyung’s beautiful, glimmering eyes. The elder’s glancing back at him, eyes full of concern and genuine sorrow. Jungkook knows he can tell him absolutely everything, he can trust him with his life.

“I felt this sharp pain in my foot. I’d never felt anything like it before then, and still, nothing compares to it. I lost my balance, fell to the ground and couldn’t focus on anything other than the agonizing pain shooting throughout my foot.” He mumbles, Taehyung’s fingers brushing through his hair in a soothing manner.

They’re still looking at each other as Jungkook speaks.

“Suddenly, I heard laughter, mean giggles and fingers directing my way, pointing at me mockingly. They were making fun of me again, because I fell. There was so much blood soaking the wooden parquet through, and they kept laughing because they didn’t realize what had actually happened. Due to the fall I fractured my ankle bone and a longer bone splint cut through a tendon, as well as a slit of glass, a particularly pointy shard, severing my ligament.”

Taehyung lets out a gasp and Jungkook pulls him closer, hiding his face in the crook of his neck because the memories still hurt so much. He can never conceal the pain, the regret. He can never let go, no matter how much time goes by.

“I had to undergo surgery, but it was a complicated fracture and the surgeon wasn’t able to fix everything. An incurably damaged nerve ended my dancing career.”

Taehyung’s impressed at the fact that the younger’s able to keep his voice flat and unbreakable, as tears keep streaming down his cheeks.

They do nothing but hug each other tightly.

"I got to a point whereby I was so weak and debilitated I couldn't even get out of my tiny hospital bed. My little one meter by one meter room made me miserable and had me constricted, confined all of my creative spirit right there, as I myself witnessed it slip through my fingertips. I felt hopeless. Then one day- Actually, more like one night, as I couldn't sleep, I thought to myself that I could finally use this chance to my advantage, and salvage my own. So I sent a letter to the academy's board, in which I pointed out, identified and gave concrete examples of the treatment I’d been receiving since shortly after my arrival. I had been a target of bullying, that was clear as day, and I provided proof alongside my accusations to further prove my point. I thought there'd at least be repercussions for them, but nothing. Instead, I got a letter myself, in which I was told bad-mouthing wasn't tolerated in this prestigious academia, and that I needed to recover within the month, otherwise my spot would be 'handed over' to 'more deserving students that were genuinely looking forward to and were interested in bettering themselves skill-wise."

Taehyung looks absolutely shocked, feels wrath begin to cover him scarlet, tainting his neck and face, bubbling and simmering under his skin, burning him raw and eating at him. Nonetheless, he lets him finish, not wanting to interrupt the younger's thought process.

How can a place supposedly of the most civilized be so dehumanizing towards people, how can it permit such behavior and reprove those courageous enough to stick their head out the sand?

Taehyung is appalled, to say the least.

"And so, although Paris was my dream, as soon as I was admitted out of the hospital, I left, without ever answering the letter or giving notice."

Jungkook then looks up at Taehyung from where he rests on the younger's lap, almost expectantly, and by this point, Taehyung can't keep it in anymore.

"Give me their number."

"But-"

"I said, give me their fucking number Jungkook."

Taehyung's not one to swear, not in the slightest.

To the point he said 'fluffing heck', instead of 'fucking hell', out of habit, during sex, once. Jungkook won't lie in saying that now, just like back then, although for entirely different reasons, he's surprised.

"Tae, no." He mumbles as he sits up, voice strained and croaky from all the long overdue crying.

"Why not? They deserve an earful. And I, the designated perfect boyfriend and lover I am, deserve to give them one." He sounds firm, dreadfully serious, and Jungkook kind of likes him like this.

He immediately stands and, as a cute child would, Taehyung adorably stomps his foot to the ground and crosses his arms as a frowned pout makes its way to his lips, clearly displeased with the outcome.

Pointing an accusatory finger towards Jungkook, he proceeds to say "No!" He stomps once more, "I want to do this, I hate them." His face stings, hurts by now, and he realizes he's yelling at the one person who deserves it the least in the whole world, the person that has meant so much to him for such a long time now, but  in that moment, he has to let it out.

He has to talk, he has to express how he feels about this, no matter how childish or irrevocably loud and silly he may feel, growing by the instant.

"They have to pay in some way for what they did to you!" He sounds frustrated now.

"They did, to some extent, baby. Over the next months, the rumor of what had happened to me and the way in which it'd been sneakily swept under the rug spread like wildfire. People talked, and soon, the academy lost its adult lead, as well as funding from important companies. It also lost a ton of credibility. I got my own little taste of satisfaction, don't you fret, angel." Jungkook speaks as he sits up too, pulling the elder closer and feeling Taehyung's body relax against his own in a warm embrace.

"Fine." He mumbles into Jungkook's chest, pout still decipherable in his honey-like voice. “But this isn’t over. I will sue.” Jungkook snorts in return. “What? I can hire a legal representative and sue for emotional damage and failure to protect their protegé ,” Taehyung says condescendingly.

“But I don’t want you to.” Jungkook insists.

"Get your coat, then. I'll get the car keys." He says rather abruptly as he untangles himself from the other's grip.

"You're not driving to France to kick some ballet-trained butt, Taehyung."

"No, I'm aware I am not, unfortunately," he answers, looking downwards at his own feet, pretending disappointment, "However, I am gonna treat my baby to a lovely dinner!" He squeals enthusiastically, mood suddenly uplifted as he grabs Jungkook's hand in his own and intertwines their fingers, looking down at them happily before squeezing lightly, looking up and showing him a sincere, warm, and kind smile. A quick peck to his lips and Taehyung’s gone to retrieve the keys.

And oh , how Jungkook loves him.

~♦~

Months pass by in tranquil solace.

Just a short while after their talk, Jungkook moves in with his boyfriend and step-son, hence allowing Jimin to move in with his years-long boyfriend.

Jungkook still teaches ballet to Dojin, among others.

In a few days, they’re hosting a show, performing in front of all the parents whose children attend classes.

It’s Dojin’s first time putting on a show, and he’s nothing short of a nervous wreck.

Taehyung knows something’s up, a father always knows, he believes, and yet he doesn’t pry.

That’s why, one night, while his boyfriend’s out to visit some old friends, he sets out to plan a pig-out night with the youngester’s favorite snacks displayed neatly on the living room table, for just the two of them, thinking that perhaps Dojin might want to spend time with him.

He walks up the stairs and knocks against the door, waiting for Dojin to call him in. After a few minutes with no reply, he enters his son’s room and finds him on his bed, playing Nintendo Switch with the device on his lap, eyes fixed on the screen and pout visible, tongue sticking out just slightly.

He looks a lot like Taehyung did when he was a child, like this, and the elder’s never noticed it before.

He always thought Dojin looked like Haeun most, but now he sees the resemblance with his younger self.

His son pauses the game and looks up at his father when he notices Taehyung’s presence in the room.

“Hi Appa!” He smiles enthusiastically as Taehyung sits down on the edge of his bed.

“Hey, dumpling.' Wanna come downstairs? I feel a little lonely and I have snacks. Would you like to play Mario Kart on the big screen, perhaps?” It’s merely a suggestion, but Dojin grins brightly. “Absolutely!"

He's quick to gather his things as Taehyung waits for him, before they head downstairs together.

“Oh you set up snacks! All of my favorites, Appa, thank you SO much!!” Dojin beams, looking around the room, “Hyung’s still out?”

“Yea, it’s just you and me tonight.” Taehyung nods and sits down, watching Dojin set up his console on the coffee table as Taehyung turns on the TV.

They play for a while, Taehyung feeding Dojin with the snacks as the boy giggles whenever a candy makes its way past his lips, mouth full of goods. At one point, however, he begins to turn glum, sighing as he pauses the game. He rests the controller on the couch, turning around abruptly. Taehyung does the same, facing his son and crossing his legs.

“What’s on your mind, dumpling? Something’s bothering you, I can tell.” He says, noticing Dojin’s emotionally charged hum.

“I’m a little concerned,” he says, choosing his words wisely. Taehyung tilts his head as an incentive for his son to proceed.

“Concerned?” Dojin nods in reply.

“I know he talked to all the parents and kids in the ballet class about this, but you weren’t there, so I don’t know how you feel about the fact that he and Jimin-Hyung are going to let each of us choose what to wear. Whether we’re boys or girls, we can wear tutus or tights for the recital.” Dojin swallows audibly, looking at Taehyung who smiles at him encouragingly in return.

“I already know about this, sweetie.” He tells him, his son almost swallowing his tongue with an audible gulp.

“And what did you choose?” When Taehyung asks, Dojin looks down at his fingers.

“I actually wanted to wear a tutu,” he replies, pouting a tad,“I borrowed Hyejin’s once after class and she said it looked cute.”

“Dojinie, baby, you can wear whatever you want. Honestly, I don’t care if you want to wear a pink shirt or anything else in any color, for that matter. You can wear a skirt. This is your show, emphasis on the word your . You’re free to choose whatever you feel best in, sweetheart. I want you to be happy.” Taehyung says. Dojin looks up, mildly teary eyed, before quickly diving into his father’s arms, hugging him tightly.

“Thank you, Appa! You’re the best, really!” He mumbles into Taehyung’s chest.

A few moments later, he’s leaning against Taehyung, picking up his controller again, giggling lightheartedly alongside Taehyung when he picks Princess Peach as his next character.

When Jungkook comes home later that night, it’s almost midnight.

He’s surprised to find his two favorite boys still sitting on the couch and enjoying their time together in a lively manner. The game console is still running and Jungkook plops down on the couch next to Taehyung.

“Hey,” he leans tiredly in to kiss his boyfriend’s cheek, smile on his lips when he sees how happy they both look.

“I love you!” Jungkook blurts as Taehyung smiles at him.

“I love you too.” Taehyung replies softly, kissing tenderly as Taehyung purposefully loses against Dojin, who successfully brings Princess Peach and her pink Kart across the finishing line, embellishing his victory with a grossed out and emphatic “Ewwwwwwww-” directed at Taehyung and Jungkook’s display of affection.

~♦~

It's dark.

A single spotlight crowds the stage with density and pathós as Dojin enters, poised and grounded.

The audience is quiet. 

At times he hears a faint breath, others nothing at all.

He is still, petrified, waiting for the music to carry him through the exhilaratingly electrifying, albeit slightly horrid feeling of being observed and scrutinized.

He feels eyes on him once he's reached the light fully, and he’s pleased to find it somewhat blinding, taking away some of his fright.

He takes a deep breath, looking over his shoulder curtly.

From the curtain that leads to backstage, he can see Jungkook, giving him a radiant smile, followed by an encouraging thumbs up.

He smooths down the tulle of his tutu, a vibrant baby blue.

Tchaikowsky’s “ Capriccio Italien Op.45 ” starts and all Dojin can feel is the music reverberating loudly in and out of his chest, his own movements following the upbeat melody in smooth accord.

His feet fly across the stage, light delicately following him throughout the solo performance, no matter where he moves across the stage, in seamless manner.

Dojin’s never felt as free as he does at this very moment. 

The music fills his limbs with anguish and nostalgia all at once, tears starting to burn in the rims of his eyes, lids closed and body one with the floor he dances on.

The song, the ballet in itself, the warmth the room transpires and the smell of the polished parquet remind him of his mom.

She used to love to dance through the living room, her eyes and heart bursting with unfulfilled dreams and emotions, the smile lighting the room, no matter what the room, no matter the time of day.

Dojin was but a small child back then, but he remembers.

He remembers the mumbled talks his parents had when they believed he was watching home videos of Haeun and Jungkook dancing amicably, he remembers the looks of concern on their faces and the tear streaked cheeks, he remembers the puffy eyes his parents had during the last months of his mom’s life, the strained, croaky voices and the lack of sleep. He remembers the sorrow of the funeral, the guilt, the morbid and perpetuated feeling of sadness.

He remembers the strain, the struggle, the dismay. And he conveys it all.

Today, he’s on this stage, the one his mom was on when she was around his age.

Dojin hopes that wherever she is, she’s proud of him.

He hopes that she sees him from above, is keeping an eye out for him and is smiling, rejoicing in her son’s victorious leap of faith.

The climax of the song arrives, and Dojin’s frame, alongside the tulle, moves freely to the studied steps of the choreography.

The room loses its dimness briefly thereafter.

Dojin knows his performance has almost come to an end.

However, he’s exhilarated, so much so, in fact, that tears of joy pour lightly out of his eyes and a smile coats his lips.

He pauses, striking his graceful pose elegantly, tears running down his face, albeit hopefully not noticeable.

The music comes to an end abruptly, the subtle flutes after the drums and trumpets settling the mood to an evenness that, altogether, is rather soothing.

Then the crescendo begins, and Dojin turns, vibrant colors highlighting his seamless, agile rises and falls as he alternates between points and flat heels during the ultimating pirouettes.

Violins, tubas, cellos and violas are carrying him off his feet and into the crowd.

Then a trombone echoes and he stills, dainty and poised.

The audience starts applauding loudly, cheers and whistles, people standing and clapping.

Everyone seems absolutely enthused.

When he finds Taehyung's eyes, he sees the pride in his father's gaze, and he’s moved, as his own father seems to be, clapping and cheering for him at the top of his lungs.

His Appa is proud of him, and nothing means more than that.

Dojin smiles through his tears and bows down a few times before returning backstage, rushing into Jungkook's arms, spread wide open and welcoming him into the elder’s embrace.

"You did unbelievably well!" Jungkook exclaims proudly, picking him up as Dojin snuggles against him.

Jungkook smiles in the crook of the child’s neck, squeezing him tight.

"Hey, Jinie." The elder gently pushes him away to bring a bit of space between them, as to properly look him in the eye when he talks to him.

"I brought your Appa here,” Jungkook tells him, “So you can watch the rest of the show together from behind the curtain, like celebrities." The dance instructor giggles, ruffling the child’s hair.

Dojin looks up and he quickly finds Taehyung standing directly behind Jungkook.

He rapidly lets go of Jungkook, rushing over to Taehyung, falling into his arms on instinct. Hiis father holds Dojin tight against him.

"Dumpling, I'm so proud of you.” Taehyung confesses. “And Eomma is too, believe me." He whispers into Dojin’s hair, the first audible sob leaving the boy's throat shortly thereafter.

It’s a happy sob, one that’s been stuck in his throat since rehearsals, earlier today.

It’s one followed by many joyous tears. 

For the first time in his life, Dojin comprehends the feeling of gratitude.

He is surrounded by so much love.

He cries into the crook of Taehyung's neck, hugging his Appa tightly.

Taehyung soothes him gently, rubbing his hand up and down his son’s back in a loving manner and kissing the crown of his head repeatedly.

Coincidentally, Dojin calms down once Jungkook has joined them.

"Thank you so much." He mumbles, voice a little hoarse from all the crying, humongous smile plastered across his face.

He dedicates the smile to his Eomma.

She played such a big role when it came to deciding what he wanted to do, how he wanted to exploit his passions, and where he’s at, in this very moment in life.