Archive of Our Own

As much as Taehyung understands, love isn’t a job. It should come naturally, not forcefully. Love is senseless and it must be enjoyed that way. Without thinking much, without doing much. Love should be enjoyed lying together side by side or suddenly going on a rendezvous. It should be crazy and should make you crazy happy. It shouldn’t just mend your broken pieces but help you put new ones, so the old ones vanish. Love should be enjoyed as love itself.

Although, for Taehyung, he doesn’t remember when things started to go downhill. He doesn’t remember when the last time was, he enjoyed love. He doesn’t remember when he became tired. He doesn’t remember exactly when he started walking on a thin thread hanging between them trying not to break it. He doesn’t remember any of it.

Love should make you happy, but why does Taehyung only feel empty? He hasn’t stopped loving because stopping means losing and he isn’t ready for it yet. He tries harder every time. But it gets difficult as time passes. Slowly and slowly, Taehyung feels the love seeping out of his hands. He sees the thread breaking bit by bit every time he takes a step. It makes him scared, makes him want to run away, but he doesn’t. He can’t, he won’t, not yet. Not just yet. He tries to take a step slowly and steadily. He keeps on trying because that’s all he can do.

They say love should be enjoyed as love itself, but when Taehyung does that, he feels that love isn’t something that is simple. It can never be. It’s as complicated as he himself is. It makes him stay awake at night, thinking and thinking about it. Love makes him cry and sometimes makes him a bit happy. But Taehyung doesn’t know if he’s doing it right. He isn’t sure what he’s doing and yet He still decides to walk that thread, because at the end of it, there’s his boyfriend standing right there. Hopefully, waiting for him.

‘Because love conquers it all, it makes you weak yet at the same time you feel strong enough to love. Because love conquers it all.’

♪♪♪

It’s their anniversary today and Taehyung isn’t keen on what he’ll face once he gets back home. He thinks about two possibilities, one he’ll enjoy the night, and two, he’ll deeply regret it. He hopes it’s not the second one as he gets up from his desk. It’s already too late, he has been working overtime today. Busy drafting designs with the help of visual aids for his clients. It’s another sad fact that his client hasn’t liked any. It’s hectic for him and the thought of him having to work tomorrow; on a Sunday too, is frustrating to him.

The elevator dings as he reaches the parking lot. It’s closer to the end of November, but it’s still cold. He shivers a bit and tightens the scarf around his neck, puts his hand in his pockets and speed-walks towards his car. He heaves a sigh as soon as he gets in his car, feeling a bit warm in the enclosed space. He rubs his palms together to warm them and rubs them on his face. Soon, he drives out of the building towards his house.

Taehyung’s thoughts aren’t definite. He ponders if he should buy a cake or not. The cake shop is getting closer and closer, and he’s got less time to think. His mind stops working, it always does so when he requires it the most. He has no idea what he should do. Ultimately, he stops by the cake shop and enters it.  There isn’t much of a crowd today, and Taehyung is thankful. He looks at all the beautiful cakes displayed and wonders if they’ll taste as good as they look. However, he ends up buying his boyfriend’s favorite flavor even if he doesn’t like it much, but he can’t take chances when he’s unsure if any other flavor will taste good and plus, he just wants to make his boyfriend happy, even if he has to eat this godforsaken cake for that.

He drives slowly, the cake box sitting prettily in the passenger seat. This shouldn’t really be that difficult, it shouldn’t really feel this hard. But he can’t help it, every time he tries to do something, something for the sake of their relationship, it ends up in misery. And Taehyung isn’t really tired, but he doesn’t know when he’ll be. He doesn’t understand if he’ll be able to continue this if the other doesn’t put in any effort soon enough

He reaches his house and puts up a smile. But something seems odd today, he sees the neighboring house’s lights on. That’s unusual; there’s no one living there at the moment. He did hear that there was someone who bought the house, although he didn’t think they’d move in this quick. He opens his own door with his keys and walks inside with his bag hanging by his shoulder and the cake box clutched tightly in both his hands. “Minjun.” He calls out loudly but doesn’t get a reply. He keeps his bag down on the couch and takes the cake out of the box as he lights a small candle and places it in the center of the cake.

“Junie.” He knocks on his own bedroom door before opening it. He sees his boyfriend walking rapidly from one corner to the other. Clothes scatter on their bed, while a suitcase stays in the middle. It’s neatly packed with clothes on one side, while the other side has clothes roughly tossed in it. “What is this?” He asks his boyfriend.

“You’re finally back!” Minjun exclaims loudly. “I’ve been trying to find this shirt, babe. The one with blue stripes. Have you seen it?” His boyfriend looks at him, “a cake?”

“It’s our anniversary.” Taehyung gets inside the room and keeps the cake on their bedside table. “Why do you need it?”

“Oh. I completely forgot, Taehyung. I’m so sorry babe. Happy anniversary.” Minjun still doesn’t look at the cake and that hurts Taehyung a bit. “I have a midnight flight to Busan today. They called me last minute for their wedding shoot, said they liked my work.” He groans as he still doesn’t find the said shirt.

“And you agreed?”

“Well, do you want me to lose such an opportunity?” Minjun speaks out rudely.  “Just help me find my shirt, Tae. I don’t want to do this now.”

“Then when?” Taehyung yells. “You’re always busy. It’s our anniversary Minjun, at least, have the decency to look at the cake.” Taehyung, unfortunately, does end up regretting buying the cake.

“Taehyung, you know this is important. You also came late today, didn’t you? Why did you work overtime when it’s our anniversary? Why didn’t you come early to celebrate?” Minjoon questions back. He walks closer to Taehyung standing face to face with the other.

“Because you wouldn’t be home. Did you know the new neighbor moved in? No, because you were at the office editing videos and when you got the call you immediately came back here, booked the first flight to Busan and started packing.” Taehyung blows the candle and removes it out of the cake. “Tell me if I’m wrong.”

“Taehyung. Try to understand, baby. It’s my work. I can’t help it.”

“But you could’ve told them no, could’ve said you had something else up your sleeve. Heck, you could’ve denied them just because you don’t take jobs this late.” Taehyung cuts the cake on his own. “Happy anniversary to us, I guess.” He eats the piece, and his eyes almost tear at the taste. He had cut right in between the heart shaped cake breaking it, just like he feels his own heart breaking.

“Look. Talk to me only if you’re willing to find the shirt, Tae.”  

“Jun, I’m trying.” Taehyung says. Because he really is. He really is trying to save this.

“I’m trying too, Taehyung. But it’s difficult when you act like this.” Minjun points at his teary eyes. “I need to go; I’ll be back in two days. We can celebrate then. Enjoy your cake.” He shuts his suitcase the way It is. “I can definitely manage without a damned blue shirt.” He looks at Taehyung and the other hopes he will stop. Tell him he is joking, that it’s a prank and he’s not going anywhere and that they’re celebrating their fourth anniversary right here, together. But Minjun quietly walks out of the door and Taehyung breaks down when he hears their main door being shut with a bang, finally letting out his inner hurt openly

♪♪♪

Tae wakes up early the next morning. Honestly, he hardly slept. He didn’t have dinner, save for a few bites of the cake. He feels tired enough to not even get up from his bed. But he has no other option than to get ready and work today too. His eyes refuse to open, and they instantly shut when he opens his curtains. The bright sunlight hurts his eyes and yet It’s cold. Even inside his house, he feels cold. He hugs himself as he forces his eyes to look outside. There isn’t much rush, it’s all quiet and Taehyung hates it. He detests quiet because his mind overthinks in silence. While in noise, his mind busies itself by deciphering the sounds. He likes that, he hates the quiet.

He quickly showers and heads towards his kitchen to eat something. But Taehyung and luck, don’t go together, because there’s nothing sweet in the fridge to eat. He has cereal, has some leftover noodles, probably left by Minjun. But he doesn’t have anything sweet. Of course, he has the cake, but it’s butterscotch flavored and he has never liked it. He hates the caramel coated almonds in them, they taste like cereal. And yes, he also hates flavored cereal.

Why does Taehyung need something sweet? Because eating something sweet makes him happy and currently he feels miserable. He has heard in the neighborhood that there’s a new café that’s been newly opened and he decides to try it out. It’s a Sunday and he can go to work at whatever time he wants, so it’s not like he’s getting late. And he hopes it’ll be noisy in the café.

He drives with jazz music playing through his radio. The café isn’t too far from where he lives. Only a fifteen-minute drive but he can’t drive without music. It’s a necessity for him. He shakes his shoulders a bit whenever he stops on the signals. It’s when his favorite song is played that he sees the café in his vision. It’s beautiful, that’s what he thinks. He can see the interiors through the glass, and they’re fancy. He sees the white and the golden shine in the sun and thankfully it’s not blinding his eyes instead it gives him a moneyed feeling.

He parks his car and walks towards the café. The bell chimes a melodic sound as he opens the door. The café is pretty inside too. It’s a small one with bright light and fancy seating. Thankfully there are only a few people there. He immediately walks towards the counters, admiring the shelves filled with pretty pastries and other food items. Though, his eyes get stuck on the small cupcakes that are displayed, and each one of them is so cute but one in particular catch his attention- the one with the small biscuit topping.

“Good morning, sir. What would you like to order?” His thoughts are disrupted by a honeyed voice and as he turns towards the person, The boy standing behind the counter gives him a tight-lipped smile. And this is the first time in a while Taehyung has seen someone smiling at him pleasantly. The boy’s smile is immensely beautiful, and it seizes Taehyung’s mind.

“This. What’s this flavor?” Taehyung composes himself and points towards the cupcake he’s been eyeing at.

“That’s cookies and cream. It’s perfect for customers who love chocolate ice cream and cookies. Would you like to take that, sir?” The guy asks. His smile hasn’t dimmed even a bit. Taehyung likes that. The smile seems authentic.

“I’ll take two of them. Thank you.” Taehyung returns the smile.

“Perfect choice. Thank you, sir. That’ll be-“

The boy’s voice is faded as Taehyung focuses on the smile. The café is bright and so is the boy’s smile. He wants to smile like that too, but it feels heavy. It feels like a task to him. He just forwards his credit card to the boy and once he has the order in his hand he walks to sit at the faraway corner.

Taehyung has always had an obsession with clicking photos of food. His gallery is filled with those, except when his boyfriend doesn’t like it when he does that. That’s one of the reasons why yesterday’s cake’s photo wasn’t clicked by him, it looked absolutely amazing excluding the fact it was his least favorite flavor.

Taehyung keeps his phone aside and takes a bite of the topping; the cookie. And the crunch makes him feel like he’s in heaven. He quickly digs his mouth into the cake, removing its cover, “ah.” He moans at the deliciousness of all the flavors exploding on his tongue.  He swears he has never had something so mouth-watering in his entire life. Maybe when he was young, he had those muffins that his mom would make and they were the most delicious, up until now. These cupcakes are a competition for his mother’s muffins.

He finished the two cupcakes as quickly as he had bought them. They were delicious and Taehyung hopes when things are okay, he might be able bring Minjun with him too. He’s sure they would also have the butterscotch flavor. He looks at the empty plate and then at the boy. He’s at the counter taking an order, he’s smiling, but it’s not the same smile he gave Taehyung. He sighs, maybe he’s just overthinking, he thinks as he gets up shaking his head. He still has to work, draft designs, he walks back to the counter. “They were delicious.” The couple giving the order have already left.

“Thank you, sir.” The boy smiles. Taehyung sees that smile again. The same one. Taehyung feels like that smile is a spell, putting him in a trance although he pushes the thought at the back of his mind. He nods his head, smiles a bit at the boy and walks out of the door. The bell still chimes melodiously.

♪♪♪

Work is tiring and there’s no end to it. It’s a constant reminder of slavery except you do it by choice and get paid for it. Taehyung closes his laptop, instantly getting up from the desk, almost hitting his knee. But he just wants to get out of here, it’s dark outside and his stomach has been grumbling. He thought he could survive on the cupcakes but during lunch his head had started to hurt so he had a little food. He decides it’s best to run and put food inside him or he’ll die, excuse him he likes exaggerating things. When he leaves the building and sits in his car, he calls Minjun, but the other doesn’t pick up. Nor has Taehyung received any messages from him.

Taehyung drives with a heavy heart feeling his mood dampen with every meter he covers with his car. Although he doesn’t play any music, he lets his mind wonder. Think about what Minjun might be doing and what he is doing thinking about his boyfriend. His mind drives him crazier than him driving the car. The journey to his house isn’t that long, but somehow, he ends up in the café. It must be his mind; the mind must’ve wanted the sweets. His absolutely good for nothing mind.

However, he wishes they still have the cupcake left, it’s late and he sees only a few people inside. The café still looks dazzling. The melodious chime is heard as he enters the door, and the sound gives him a bit of comfort. He walks towards the counter hoping to see the beautiful smile he had seen when he started the day. Unfortunately, there’s someone else working here. “Good evening, sir. Are you ready to order?” The boy is cute. And Taehyung’s mind wonders if only cute, hot boys are allowed to work here.

“Good evening, I’ll like to take six of these.” Taehyung points his finger to the cookies and cream. “For takeaway.” No. He isn’t going to eat all six. He just remembered that their new neighbor moved in, and it’ll be rude if he doesn’t introduce himself. And what’s a better way than to start a friendship with sweets? Taehyung hopes it isn’t too late to greet his neighbor. He will give three to them and eat three as his dinner as He is too tired to make anything. The boy quickly packs his order, he pays the boy and walks out of the café slowly. Suddenly, too nervous to meet the neighbor.

Once he reaches his house, he quickly opens the box and puts the three cupcakes in the refrigerator and doesn’t touch the other three. He packs the box as it was and washes his face. He checks his appearance, ruffling his hair a bit, wonders if he looks too workaholic, but fuck it who cares? He takes the box and walks to his neighbor's house. Taehyung is a bit nervous when he reaches, he hears a faint sound of pop songs being played. In all his life, he has only adored jazz music, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t like pop, he thinks it just doesn’t suit his taste. He rings the doorbell and waits.

♪♪♪

The door is opened by a tall guy. He is taller than Taehyung, even though he thinks he’s quite tall himself. The guy has a questioning look on his face, “yes?”

Taehyung’s mind shuts for a few seconds before he answers. “Hello.” He chuckles a bit awkwardly. The questioning gaze is still present on the guy’s face. “I’m Kim Taehyung, I’m your neighbor,” he points to his own house right beside the guys. “I came here to welcome you to the neighborhood.” He shows the guy the box of cupcakes.

The boy’s face goes from confusion to a sweet smile. A dimpled smile and it’s funny to look at. “Hi, Taehyung. I’m Kim Namjoon. It’s not me who’s moved here. It’s my cousin, please come in. I’ll introduce you guys.” Namjoon says in a soft tone. Taehyung hesitates at first but enters the house and stands by the door waiting for the said cousin. “Kook.” He hears Namjoon call out. “Your neighbor is here.”

The house is a mess. Well, understandable as the guy just moved here. Taehyung remembers when he first moved here with Minjun. They were so excited about finally having their own home. His parents supported him in every step and so did his boyfriend’s. He remembers how every night would be their time, when they both would be back from work, tired, they’ll spend the time in each other’s arms watching TV, making food, or just cuddling. Those were the good times.

“Hello.” Taehyung’s thoughts are interrupted by a voice he feels he has heard somewhere. He looks up from where he has been staring at the boxes and sees the familiar face. He feels the person also recognizes him, because he smiles the smile that Taehyung felt was like a warm embrace.

“Oh, hi.” Taehyung chuckles softly. “I’m Kim Taehyung, I’m your neighbor.”

“I’m Jeon Jungkook.” The guy-Jungkook smiles softly. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Same. I thought I would welcome you. So, I bought these cupcakes from the new shop, but I bet you’ve eaten them many times.” Taehyung laughs.

“I do. I have to, I’m the one making them.” Jungkook grins. “Can’t go wrong with the taste. Thank you for welcoming me though.”

“The taste is amazing, Jungkook-shi.”

“Just Jungkook is fine.” Jungkook still takes the cupcakes from Taehyung’s hands. “I will eat them well.” He laughs. Something about his laugh makes a stir inside Taehyung’s chest but he’s unable to tell what it exactly is. “Would you like us to join for dinner?” Jungkook asks.

“Oh no, it’s fine.”

“Are you sure? We won’t mind company.”

“I’m sure Jungkook. I’ll have to go now, it’s late already, see you soon.” Taehyung motions at his watch. Jungkook nods in understanding.

“I’ll see you soon, Taehyung-shi.” Jungkook walks the other out till his main door.

“Just Taehyung is fine.”

♪♪♪

Mornings are the worst, but mornings after working on a Sunday are awful. Taehyung is tired when his alarm rings. He almost wants to call in sick, but his pending works give him a whiplash of how lacking he is. It’s quite cold today, and he’s sure it’ll snow sooner rather than later. Except this year the snow seems a little late. It’s already close to December, the streets are starting to light up with Christmas decorations, but the much-awaited snow hasn’t shown its face yet. It’s a bright morning though, except Taehyung doesn’t feel even a bit of brightness inside him.

It's early, so he drives to the café, to eat his new favorite cookies and cream cupcake. And before you start, he’s aware of the fact that too much sugar is harmful, but he promises to exercise later, burn those calories, so it’s okay. And indulging in sugary treats is never too much (Taehyung believes so). He enters the café, the chime is still melodic, and he thinks he can get used to it easily.

“Welcome- Taehyung, good morning.” Jungkook greets him with a smile. He is here. Smiling charmingly.

“Good morning, Jungkook. How are you today?” Taehyung asks. He notices how the other looks good in a grey apron. His hair is neatly styled and tied into a small bun, while he wears a blue tee. His tattoos are clearly visible.

“I’m fine. How about you?” Jungkook’s voice is soft. Taehyung likes how he talks.

“I’m good.” Taehyung points his finger towards the cupcake, “I’d like to take one of these.”

“You love the cookies and cream?” Jungkook asks and the other nods. “We’ve a buy one get one free offer on them, something about, it’s good to attract customers.” He chuckles. “Would you like to try something else for the offer?”

“That’s great, Jungkook, but I’m really craving cookies and cream. And thank you for your offer, but I don’t think I can eat more than one cupcake right now.” Taehyung sees how Jungkook’s expressions dim a bit. So, he makes an impulsive decision. “Would you like to sit and eat the vanilla one with me? There’s no rush at this hour and I can definitely use some company.” The smile is back, and Taehyung almost does a little victory dance.

“That’s really sweet of you, Taehyung.” Taehyung sees Jungkook take a vanilla cupcake and walks over to a corner table. He pulls out a chair for the other, “first you, please.”

“Thank you.” Taehyung is impressed by Jungkook’s behavior, his boyfriend used to pull out chairs for him in the start of the relationship, now, they hardly ever go out. Although he ignores the thought and focuses on eating his cupcake when he hears the bell chime and sees a new customer entering.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I need to go.” Jungkook smiles apologetically. “I hope we can catch up some other time, yeah?”

“Please don’t let me hold you back. We’ll see each other later.” Taehyung says and sees how Jungkook’s eyes twinkle.

“Of course.”

♪♪♪

The work, as always, is tiring. However, the clients approved one of his designs and he’s thankful for that. It’s close to evening and he’s a bit happy today. He’ll be going home early, maybe he’ll watch a TV show or just play some jazz songs while he works out to burn those calories. Or he can just go home and hit the bed, drop dead till the next morning. So many things he can do this evening, although a message interrupts his future thoughts. It’s Minjun, he’s scared to open it. He hopes it’s nothing bad, he was happy, he doesn’t want his mood to get ruined. So, he does what he’s best at, ignores the message.

He Is walking towards his car when he hears his phone ringing, it’s the rhythmic melody he set for his boyfriend’s call and now he realizes that he can’t escape this. He needs to pick the call, needs to talk to him, hoping his mood will stay the same. “Hello.” He picks it up.

“Hey, Tae. Were you busy?” There’s a heavy sound of his boots. “I messaged you.”

“I was, yeah. I’m going home now.”

“That’s good, I’ll be home too in an hour or so.” Taehyung’s heart starts beating fast. His boyfriend is going to be home soon. “We can celebrate our belated anniversary; we can have a date at home. I’m sorry about that day. Will you be okay with cooking the food or should I get takeout?”

That makes Taehyung’s smile wider. “Really?” He’s excited. He shouldn’t be after what happened that day before his boyfriend left, but it’s the first time in a while that Minjun has taken the initiative and proposed any idea of a date. Even if it’s indoors, he doesn’t mind. He loves the time he gets to spend with his boyfriend. “I’ll cook the food. I don’t mind, Junie.”

“That’s perfect, baby. I’ll see you.”

And Minjun doesn’t wait for Taehyung to say anything, he hangs up the call. However, Taehyung is so happy to notice this and holds the phone closer to his heart feeling like he’s floating on cloud nine.

♪♪♪

Taehyung is waiting. He’s showered nicely and is wearing a pink silk shirt, with trousers. He’s sitting on one of the chairs by his dining table. The food is neatly served on the table, a bottle of wine adorns it. Taehyung had very little time, but he made whatever his boyfriend likes. Minjun’s favorites range from Kimchi fried rice to chicken stew. It was easy to make, that was the first thing Taehyung did. His boyfriend said he’ll be here in an hour; except it’s been three and it’s close to nine, but he isn’t here yet.

Taehyung has been calling him since forever, but all his calls are going to voicemails. It’s irritating him now, he’s on the verge of breaking down. He has no idea where his boyfriend is and if he should wait for the other. The food is getting cold, it sits there still, and Taehyung feels something akin to pity for his own self. He shouldn’t have gotten this excited, he shouldn’t have done everything in a hurry, he shouldn’t have gotten ready, he shouldn’t have-. There’s no use in regretting it now, it’s done.

He can't eat all the dishes and he doesn’t want to throw them away and he doubts his boyfriend is going to come tonight. He quickly stands up and starts packing the dinner in containers. He can definitely give the food to the neighbors. Tell them it’s to welcome them, something like that. Anything for the food to not go to waste. It’s hard as he tries to close one of the container’s lids, his eyes water and his vision has started blurring. He needs to do this though, he’ll just give the dinner and come back. He walks out of the house with hundreds of thoughts running in his mind.

He hears the doorbell ring and waits. That’s all he has been doing- waiting. That’s what his boyfriend likes Taehyung to do. To wait, to waste his time, to-. There’s so much his boyfriend likes, but he doubts he is anywhere on that list. In Minjun’s list of things that he likes. He wonders what has happened between them, why is he in this position instead of being in the other’s arms. What happened to them?

“Hey, Taehyung.” Jungkook greets him as he opens the door. He looks freshly out of the shower, his hair still wet and a small towel hangs around his neck. He’s wearing an oversized T-shirt with some shorts.

“Hii, Jungkook. I hope your evening is good, I just made some extra food, thought I’ll share some with my neighbors.” Taehyung masks his sad expressions by smiling as he shows the other the containers.

“Oh, that’s really thoughtful.” Jungkook takes the containers, “smells really delicious. Did you have your dinner yet?”

“Not yet, I’ll, when I go back.”

“Why don’t you join us then? My cousin is still here, we’d love some company, also we didn’t get to talk much in the café.”

“No, no. I feel like intruding-“

“You aren’t, I’m the one inviting you. After all, we’re neighbors.” Jungkook smiles his lovely smile again and Taehyung feels the thick air of trance surrounding him. It becomes difficult to deny those pretty eyes and so Taehyung enters the house, following Jungkook as he leads the way to their dining hall.

♪♪♪

Jungkook’s house is still a mess. It feels like he hasn’t settled in yet. Understandable, as the house is big, there’s a lot of boxes, mostly his belongings, that need to be properly arranged and only two people to do all the work. Taehyung also had this problem when he first moved here, he and Minjun took almost two weeks before they could call the house a home. The interior of the house is the same as that of Taehyung’s except the color looks a bit dull and the lights are too bright, they must be new. Please excuse him, he’s an interior designer, he has the habit of judging the interiors.

“Hey, Taehyung.” Jungkook’s cousin takes a seat on the table, “I don’t think I introduced myself properly before. As you know I’m Kim Namjoon.” The guy smiles through his eyes. “I’m just here to help him.”

“It’s nice to officially meet you, Namjoon, as you know I’m Kim Taehyung, the neighbor.”

“It sounds like a comedy horror movie name, Kim Taehyung the neighbor.” Jungkook speaks as he walks with the tableware in his hands. “No offence.”

“None taken.” Taehyung laughs. “It does sound like that yeah.”

“So, Taehyung what do you do?” Namjoon serves them fried rice. “It really smells delicious.”

“Thank you, Namjoon. I’m an interior designer.” Taehyung takes a bite of his rice and hopes he could tell Minjun what he missed, because it tastes so so fucking good. “What about you?”

“I’m a lawyer-“

“I object, the food is so good.” Jungkook interrupts his brother.

Taehyung laughs at how Namjoon chides him off. “Thank you, Jungkook.”

“I’m a lawyer. And I am on leave for now. This kid wanted me to help him move in.”

“I’m not a kid.” Jungkook doesn’t look up from his plate to busy eating. He looks adorable like this. “I’m twenty-five.”

“A kid.” Namjoon points at him. “When did you move here?” He focuses his attention on Taehyung again.

“It’s been two years, I guess. Me and my boyfriend wanted to move someplace quiet.”

“Boyfriend?” Jungkook is looking up, a shocked expression sporting his face.

“Yeah. I never got the chance to mention that my boyfriend, his name is Minjun, works as a wedding videographer. He’s away in Busan right now and that’s why you haven’t seen him around.” Talking about his boyfriend makes him remember what happened tonight and why he is here. He feels tears at the back of his eyes, but he blinks them away. He doesn’t want to cry, not in front of his neighbors, that’ll be very inappropriate.

“That’s cool.” Jungkook starts eating again. “I own a café.”

“Shut up. Of course, he knows that he bought you cupcakes from there to welcome you.” Namjoon hits his cousin on the head.

“Actually, I thought you just worked there. I didn’t know it’s your café.” Taehyung says once he’s done laughing at the brother duo. They’re unintentionally funny.

“See, he didn’t know.” Jungkook teases his brother, “it is, I came here from Busan. I was looking for a place for the café and found one here. In the start I stayed at hyung’s place but then started looking for an apartment.” He takes a bite of the chicken. Facial expressions looking a bit angry. “I think you can work as a chef in my café.”

“Did you liked my cooking that much that you, chef slash baker is offering me a job?” Taehyung talks in awe.

“Yes.”

“I’m happy as an interior designer.” Taehyung’s grins at Jungkook when he looks at the other with disbelief on his face.

“The offer still stands.” Jungkook chuckles.

♪♪♪

The dinner was exceptionally good. It was fun hanging out with Jungkook and Namjoon. Taehyung had forgotten what it feels like to go out and have food with someone else who isn’t his boyfriend. He feels exhausted as he enters his house and tries to switch on the lights. He blindly reaches for his couch, dragging his body, keeps the containers on the center table and lets his body fall on the couch. Hardly getting any sleep, working in the office, rushing back home, making food hurriedly, getting ready and the crying took a toll on him. Except he felt really glad that he got to at least enjoy dinner with his neighbor.

His eyelids are closing as he contemplates if he should call his boyfriend again or not. He feels his phone slip through his hand and land on the carpet with a thud. Just when he thinks all the exhaustion in his body has taken over and he is sliding in his dreamland he hears the doorbell. At first, he ignores it, it’s late, maybe almost midnight and who would visit him at this hour? He thinks it’s just his imagination, his mind playing tricks. Although, there’s another ding and he opens his eyes a bit, looks around and slowly sits up. He hears someone continuously knocking on the door, and then he hears the constant ringing of the doorbell. It pisses him off as he speed walks and opens the door, but all his sleep is flown out of the window when he sees who’s at the door.

“What took you so much time?” Minjun slurs, he reeks of alcohol.

“What are you doing here?” Taehyung asks as he tries to hold the other by his shoulders. His boyfriend stands imbalanced, he doesn’t look like he can walk alone.

“This house is mine too, did you forget?” Minjun somehow removes his shoes and slides his coat off.

“Yes, just like you forgot to come home for our dinner date.” Taehyung bites back. He shouldn’t, his boyfriend is drunk, but he can’t help it. His hurt was negligible when he was trying to sleep, but now it has intensified on seeing Minjun.

“I was at a party, told you I wouldn’t come home.”

“When?” Taehyung sits his boyfriend down on the couch. He tries unbuttoning his shirt, but the other stops him.

“I messaged y-you.” He hiccups.

“You didn’t.”

Minjun takes his phone out and clicks on the side button only to laugh out loud. “It’s off.” He lightly throws the phone at the center table. “It was off this whole time.”

“Jun, you’re too drunk, go to sleep.” Taehyung’s mood dims when he realizes he doesn’t even hold that much importance for his boyfriend to at least iform him. He doesn’t bother to change Minjun’s clothes and lets him lie like that on the couch. He walks inside his bedroom and brings back a blanket, puts it on his boyfriend neatly and walks back again to his bed.

Sleep is difficult as he stares at the ceiling, mind empty. Actually, no, his mind has been racing with so many thoughts that he decides its best to ignore them. Thoughts are useless anyways, so is overthinking. So is he, and so is his life. See he’s thinking again, thinking and thinking about himself, his boyfriend and why they are in this situation. He wishes he could go back to the time he was actually happy with Minjun, right now he only tries, but happiness is rare, it’s a fleeting moment for him, one he’s unable to catch even in his boyfriend’s presence.

The time when he and Minjun would enjoy each and every moment together, the time when they’d hold hands and walk the gardens, the time when he’d get good morning good night kisses from the other, those were the time Taehyung cherished, right now however he doesn’t know why they’re here, in this place, where none of them are happy, none of them feel like they’re right for each other, although a part of him still thinks that the thread is strong enough to hold them. To hold them together until Taehyung crosses it and goes back to the good old time.

“That’s so beautiful.” Taehyung exclaims. The cake Minjun bought for him is his favorite, it’s strawberry cheesecake with chocolate toppings, he loves those a lot.

“Not as beautiful as you,” Minjun whispers in his ears and Taehyung’s cheeks redden.

“Shut up, Junie.” He lightly hits his boyfriend on the chest. “Can we cut the cake now?”

“Of course, we can.” They cut the cake together as Taehyung’s laughter echoes the hall.

Once it’s done Minjun takes him on a dinner date. A place which looks expensive but is extremely marvelous.  Taehyung fears for their pockets, funny enough his boyfriend shushes him every time.

“Junie, this looks expensive-“

“Baby it’s not, for you I’d buy the whole world.”

But Minjun lied, he told him pretty lies that were believable. Told him things that were impossible and like a fool, Taehyung was trapped in a beautiful lie. Because, when Minjun said he’d buy him the world, he never mentioned that he would never be a part of it.

♪♪♪

Taehyung wakes up with a jolt. He dreamt about his first-year anniversary with Minjun, it was good, a good nightmare. Because the time is gone, and they’re never going to go back there. He sighs and rubs his eyes; he needs to go to work. It’s early, he’s glad he woke up before his alarm, now he has time to shower properly and erase all the traces of his tears.

Once he’s done, he walks to the living room to wake his boyfriend up, although Minjun isn’t here. “Jun?” He calls for him but there’s no sound. Minjun doesn’t travel on the day of a hangover, but maybe something important might have come up. His shoes aren’t there, either, or that’s when Taehyung realizes something. His car keys are gone. Simply, Minjun took his car.

He almost screams in frustration as he sees through his window, just to be sure and there’s no sign of his car. “Fuck.” He already feels defeated with whatever happened yesterday and Minjun just had to do this. Taehyung has half a mind to call the other, but he doesn’t, he doesn’t want to listen to his voice for now. It’s going to irritate him in the early morning, and he isn’t up for that.

He eats whatever he finds in the kitchen and decides to take a cab. It’s unfortunate that even after waking up early he’s late. He’s late because his cab isn’t on time, the driver is telling him something about the traffic. He doesn’t snap at the driver, nor does he say anything to the guy who pushes him aside and gets into the office elevator. It doesn’t bother him taking the stairs to the fourth floor, it doesn’t bother him that his legs hurt and he’s almost breathless, it doesn’t bother him that he’s reprimanded for being late, it doesn’t bother him at all. It’s Minjun’s behavior that bothers him.

♪♪♪

The end of the day isn’t as hectic. He’s got a new client, the parents of a five-year-old. They want to design a room for their daughter, but they don’t want it to be typical. They want it to be something different and exciting to look at, and Taehyung’s mind is quick to formulate some ideas. He also showed them a few drafts he had already made, but they didn’t like any of them. They want something unique, told him they want it within two days and it’s difficult to work that fast. But working makes his mind stop thinking and therefore he agrees.

Because he doesn’t have a car, he decides it’ll be best to walk back home. It might be a half hour journey, but he doesn’t want to take a cab. Cabs suffocate him, they don’t play songs and even if they do, they’re not the songs Taehyung wants to listen to. He also didn’t carry his headphones with him, so he just started walking without further ado.

Taehyung has been mindlessly walking for fifteen minutes, he has passed by Jungkook’s café but didn’t enter there. He doesn’t feel like eating anything and Jungkook won’t be there at this time anyway. There’s a small lane which leads to the area where he stays, similar to a short cut, cars can’t pass by here. He always sees it when he drives but has never given it much thought. Although today, he feels like going through that lane and he has no idea why.

The lane Is actually a pretty small street with various shops and classes like tuition and music. Though one in particular catch his eye, and that’s the dance class. He hears the sound of footsteps loud and clear, they must be practicing hard. And something about this makes him want to go inside. He contemplates whether he should go or not, although when he checks his phone to see the time, there’s no new notification indicating Minjun has even messaged him, so he decides it’ll be best to go in there.

“Welcome.” He is instantly greeted by the staff, there’s only one lady. She’s pretty, she wears heavy make-up with hooded eyes and a pretty pink dress.

“Hello.” Taehyung greets back, he has no idea what to say further.

“Hi, are you here for an admission? You’re in great time, we’ve a discount going on and-“

“No, no. I’m not actually-“ and Taehyung thinks he should just tell her that he lost his way, he is here just to ask for directions and nothing else, but the lady doesn’t let his speak.

“Oh, don’t worry. You can take a demo class, just sit and watch or join if you’d like. Today is a lucky day our dance instructor who is also the owner of this studio is personally taking the practice.” She speaks in a hurried voice. Maybe trying to get his attention.

“That’s really-“ She cuts him off again.

“I insist, it’s fine if you don’t like it afterwards, but please do take the demo.”

And Taehyung sighs. He agrees and gets a cheerful smile from the lady. He’s told to follow her to the last door which he assumes is the classroom from where he had been hearing the practice sounds. They introduce themselves while walking and he learns that her name is Hana, and she is the twin sister of the owner of the class. Also, she handles all the paperwork of their small business. She’s a person with a sunny personality and Taehyung likes it. It takes his mind off the clouds of his own life.

“This one is the biggest room; we have the other two rooms as well; they are small though. The dance class is pretty new, and we don’t have many students, but we’re like a family.” She chatters.

She knocks on the door before entering. “Hey, Hobi. This is Taehyung, he wants to take a demo class.”

Taehyung looks at the guy-Hobi, supposedly the owner, the dance instructor and the twin brother of Hana. Both of them are splitting images of each other. Hobi smiles the same as Hana, “hi, Taehyung, I’m Jung Hoseok.”

“Hey-“ Taehyung feels like no one is going to let him speak today. Although the voice that interrupted him is a pretty one and the one, he’d easily recognize.

“Taehyung?”

“Jungkook, hey.” Taehyung waves at him.

“Do you both know each other?” Hoseok asks. He steps aside when Jungkook walks towards them. He’s sweaty, his tee clings on to him and somehow, he still manages to look good.

“Yes, we’re neighbors.” Jungkook tells the instructor. “Are you here for the classes?” His attention is back on Taehyung.

“He’s here for a demo.” Hana answers before Taehyung could.

“Oh, would like to start right away then? Or do you want to sit and watch first? You can sit right here.” Hoseok points towards the small bench, it faces directly towards the dancers.

“I think, I’d like to watch first.”

“I’ll leave you to it then, I can hear the phone ringing.” Hana announces and leaves the room.

Taehyung takes a seat and Hoseok starts instructing them again. Jungkook is just behind Hoseok, towards his right. They are practicing for an upcoming competition. Everyone has a different routine, except now they’re practicing a group dance. There are almost ten of them and everyone excels in each step.

Although, once the music starts, Taehyung’s eyes focus on Jungkook. He is great at what he does, and he knows it and takes pride in showing it off. His steps are enthralling, just like his smile was when Taehyung saw him for the first time. And Taehyung is lost. He thinks if he blinks, he might miss the way Jungkook dances, the way he moves his body, the way his hand perfectly coordinates with his legs, the way the music fades when he dances, it’s the way his dance overpowers the electric beats. Taehyung is gone. He doesn’t look anywhere else; not like he wants to.

♪♪♪

“Your dance is beautiful.” Taehyung compliments as they’re both walking back home. Jungkook’s session had finished an hour ago or so, and they had few plans of going out and they insisted Taehyung to join. Unfortunately, Taehyung had to run home as he wasn’t really comfortable around new people. And Jungkook accompanied him.

“Thank you, Taehyung.” Jungkook smiles. “Are you planning on joining?”

“I’m not sure yet.” Taehyung speaks as he smiles sheepishly.

“It’s alright, if you like watching, you can come and sit. It’ll be great to have an opinion about dancing from you.” Jungkook suggests. “And don’t worry about Hobi, he wouldn’t mind.”

“If I get time after the office, I’ll surely come.”

They’re closer to the house when he sees his car parked in the parking lot and the lights to his house turned on. It’s Minjun, he’s back. Taehyung doubted he’d be back this early, usually if Minjun goes out, he returns only after two days or more, but never in a day. Jungkook’s house on the other hand is dark.

“Isn’t Namjoon home?” He asks out of curiosity.

“He’s staying over with his boyfriend; he’ll go once I settle down.”

“If you need help, do not hesitate to tell me, okay?”

Jungkook stops in his tracks, and his eyes crinkle as he smiles, and the moon should be ashamed because Jungkook’s beauty beats it. “Okay.”

♪♪♪

Out of all the things he thought his boyfriend would say, this was the least of what he had expected.

“Who was that guy?” Minjun asks as soon as Taehyung steps into the house.

“Why did you take my car?” Taehyung asks back.

“You were sleeping, so I couldn’t ask you, it was important. I got a client.” Minjun explains. “Now tell me who was that guy?”

“He’s our neighbor, Jungkook.”

Minjun raises his eyebrows at this. “Does he accompany you every day?”

“He doesn’t, I was walking back home when we met.”

“Don’t lie to me. I know you hate walking alone.”

“Whose fault is that? You were the one who took my car-“

“I don’t want to see you again with him.” Minjun announces as he starts walking towards the bedroom.

“What do you mean?” Taehyung shouts.

“I mean what I said, Tae. I don’t want to see you with him again, he doesn’t look like a nice guy, nor do I like it when you get close to other boys, you know it.”

“He’s our neighbor, Jun.”

“Then keep it till hi, hello. I don’t want you to be nice and befriend someone who just moved here freaking two days ago. I think you know better.”

“I know better and that’s why I know Jungkook is a nice guy.”

“You don’t know that. Every boy is like that because they want to get into your pants, once they’re done, they leave you. And you’re my boyfriend, it’s my job to look after you, and as my boyfriend you have to listen to me.” Minjun is on the bed. “I’m going for another shoot the day after tomorrow, I’ll be home tomorrow, do not wake me up early.”

“Minjun, you can’t do-“

“I’m done with the conversation, Taehyung.”

♪♪♪

It’s been two days since Jungkook last saw Taehyung. He has no idea where the other is, he hasn’t visited the café, nor has he come to the dance classes. Namjoon reprimands him, saying that he’s been moping around because he hasn’t seen the beautiful neighbor. Jungkook disagrees, but in the back of his mind he agrees with Namjoon’s words.

He has been enchanted by Taehyung’s demeanor since the first time he saw him in the café. Taehyung is shy, but he doesn’t let this affect the way he speaks with confidence or carries himself. He loves cookies and cream cupcakes, the one Jungkook makes extra, hoping if they run out of it, he’ll have at least two of them saved for Taehyung. Except Taehyung never came. The thought saddens him, but he thinks the other might be busy because of work. Interior designing is hard, and once you start to design something, it’s the way you forget the concept of time.

But Jungkook had decided it’s still early in the morning and he had tried a new flavor of cupcakes, and he wants Taehyung to try it. So, he is here, outside Taehyung’s house ready to ring the bell with a rose coconut flavored cupcake.

♪♪♪

Minjun left the previous night for his shoot, and he isn’t coming back for another 3-4 days. Taehyung has the house to himself, and he decides to skip breakfast as he wakes up late. It’s cold outside and he loves the winter, but waking up early is a horrible experience. He hasn’t talked to his boyfriend again about Jungkook or whenever he tried to his boyfriend would dismiss him. So, Taehyung just talked about how he wants to see the first snow with Minjun, but the other said that he’s too busy for that.

He's about to leave for work when he hears the doorbell ring. It’s unusual for someone to come at this time. Although he speedwalks and opens the door, to be greeted by a smiling Jungkook. He’s wearing a sweater with tight jeans and has a muffler on.

“Good morning, Taehyung.” Jungkook bows lightly.

“Good morning.” Taehyung is still confused as to why the other is here early in the morning. He had been avoiding the other after his fight with Minjun, he doesn’t want to break the thread because of someone who has just come into his life a few days ago. He has worked hard for this relationship to not end and he worries that Minjun might go away if he even one wrong step.

“I didn’t see you the previous days, so I thought I’d visit. I made this new recipe, see. It’s a rose coconut flavored.” Jungkook explains.

Minjun isn’t home and he still feels that his boyfriend is wrong somewhere, by saying that Jungkook isn’t a nice guy. Because Jungkook is standing right in front of him, with big innocent eyes as he shows him the box of cupcakes, so excited about it. “Please come in.”

♪♪♪

The cupcakes in all honesty are mind blowing, the flavors burst in your mouth the minute you put them in. It’s amazingly made, and the coconut that’s shredded on the icing is the cherry on top of the cake. He is left wanting more, unfortunately Jungkook bought him only two but with a promise of feeding him new recipes whenever he makes one. Jungkook had been thinking of adding this to the menu, and Taehyung encouraged him. Because it’s illegal to not have something this delicious on the menu. Taehyung also exaggerated it by saying Jungkook should sell them in millions, but after hearing the other’s melodious laughter he pats himself on the back, feeling proud of exaggerating something so small.

“Why didn’t you come to the dance classes?” Jungkook asks once Taehyung is done eating.

“Work is difficult.” Taehyung partially lies. “I’ve this new client and I’ve to design a room for their daughter, but they don’t want the typical room designs, they want something new.” Taehyung sighs. “I’ve tried everything, but they don’t like any. I feel like I’m going to lose them as my clients.”

“I understand, sometimes baking gets difficult too.” Jungkook nods his head. “I had this customer a year ago, they wanted a cake for their daughter’s birthday, not anything typical, they wanted new designs.” He continues when he sees Taehyung listening to him patiently. “I tried showing them the catalogues, tried making something like barbies and all but they still didn’t like it. So, I requested them to bring their daughter next time and it was magic. She liked fish, so I had done designs based on it and both the parents and the daughter loved it.” He laughs, “parents can be difficult sometimes so ask your client if you can talk to their child, maybe it’ll help.”

“That’s actually a brilliant idea, Jungkook.” Taehyung speaks in awe. “I’ll try to talk to them today.”

“Yes. Also,” Jungkook pauses until Taehyung looks at him curious, “what are the odds these are the same parents.”

Taehyung gives Jungkook a look and bursts out laughing at the odds. “Could be.” He is a bit breathless when he asks, “are you going to the café?”

“I’m, I’ll leave soon.”

“Do you want me to drop you?”

“That’ll be a hassle-“ Jungkook starts shaking his head.

“Nonsense, your café is in the way. And I’ve no idea why you do not have a car and choose to walk for twenty minutes.”

“That’s because I’m still settling down, and walking is better for your health.”

“Not in this cold, come on, I’ll wait for you by the car.”

♪♪♪

Taehyung’s day went by quickly, with his clients being happy with what he had designed. He did talk to their daughter, and surprisingly the daughter liked the ocean, so he designed the interiors based on it. It was hilarious how he thought that maybe they’re the same family and laughed at the coincidence. It’s almost his time to leave and he decides to visit the dance class today. Taehyung drives through the way and parks his car at the entrance of the lane and walks towards the class.

Hana smiles at him as soon as she sees him entering, “Taehyung, hi.” She waves her hand cheerfully, “do you feel like dancing today. Jungkook said you’d like to watch, please go ahead, they’re all here. Hobi would love to have you, he says you praise them a lot.” She chatters.

“They’re all amazing, I’ll just like to watch today, too.” Taehyung smiles.

“You know the way, right? Do you want me to accompany you?” Hana points towards the rooms.

“It’s fine, I’ll go. Thank you, Hana.”

♪♪♪

“It’s surprising you came.” Jungkook walks with Taehyung towards his car.

“I left work early, your idea worked. The daughter surprisingly likes the ocean.” Taehyung opens the car door and sits inside.

“See, I told you.” Jungkook pauses before speaking again, “you don’t really have to drop me, I can jog.”

“After a heavy workout, absolutely no. Also, it’s freezing.” Taehyung reprimands him and the other shuts his mouth and sits inside the car. “How was your day?” He asks after a while.

“It was busy at the café today; I’m going to start selling the rose coconut cupcakes next week.”

“That’s something to look forward to.”

It’s quiet in the car except for Jungkook humming a tone. Maybe the same one he was dancing on; Taehyung has no idea. But for whatever reason it is, he likes it, he feels warm being here with Jungkook like this and it makes him forget about Minjun’s dismissive attitude, about their problems. It’s like an escape, a wild one, from reality. He sees the park in his vision and sees a snowflake falling, he instantly stops the car. Jungkook looks at him, his gaze questioning.

“It’s the first snow.” Taehyung exclaims.

Jungkook looks out of the window and sees it’s starting to snow. “Beautiful.” He looks at Taehyung, “would you like to go to the park? Enjoy the first snow?”

Taehyung looks up at him his eyes widening, “really?”

“Yes, do you wanna go?”

“I’d love to.”

They get down and walk to sit on the small bench in the park. The first snow has always fascinated Taehyung, he has no idea why. He had asked Minjun to stay, and enjoy this with him, but the latter had refused, however right now, sitting beside Jungkook, enjoying the snow he thinks this isn’t bad. It’s great to have Jungkook by his side. He puts out his hand and a snowflake drops on his palm, and he smiles widely at this.

“Would you like hot choco?” Jungkook suddenly asks.

“Huh?”

“Hot chocolate, it’s cold. Would you like some? I’ll quickly bring it from the store over there.” Jungkook points at the small shop.

“I’ll come too.” Taehyung insists.

“No, you enjoy, I’ll be back.”

Taehyung sees as Jungkook runs towards the shop and orders. He sees that the night is beautiful today, it’s snowing, and the moon is shining brightly. There are only a few people around and it’s silent except for the occasional sounds of chattering. His day was good, he visited the dance classes and he really enjoyed today. He feels so happy today, he wishes he feels like this every day. Feels happy and feels like he’ll get the best good night sleep.

“Here.” Jungkook extends the other a paper glass, it has hot chocolate. “It’s warm. You’ll love it.”

“I already do.”

♪♪♪

It becomes their routine; he wakes up early and drops Jungkook at the café. Sometimes if he’s early he sits until the other cleans up and opens the café. It’s fun to see Jungkook working hard for this. The cupcakes had started selling well, too. After work he also visits the dance class. He loves to sit there and watch the guy’s practice. He has also become good friends with Hoseok and Hana and other dancers.

Today isn’t different, he’s leaving the office to go to dance class, when his phone rings. He recognizes the tune instantly, it’s Minjun’s. The caller tune he had set for his boyfriend. “Hello.” He picks up quickly. He doesn’t want to ignore the other, it’s already been a week and they haven’t talked.

“Where are you, Taehyung?” Minjun asks.

“Leaving the office, why?” Taehyung nervously asks.

“You’ll go home, right?”

“Of course, I will, Minjun. What’s with the questioning.” Taehyung snaps.

“It’s nothing. I’ll be back tomorrow.” Minjun hangs up the call.

“Hello-“ Taehyung looks at the lock screen of his phone. It’s him and Minjun’s interlocked fingers and the urge to throw his phone right now, straight to the wall is high. But he tries to calm himself down and starts walking towards his destination.

♪♪♪

“You seem off.” Jungkook comes to sit beside him during the break.

“I’m okay.” Taehyung replies without looking at him.

“Are you sure? Do you want to go home?”

“Jungkook, I said I’m fine.” He instantly regrets it. Sees how Jungkook’s face saddens. “I mean it, Jungkook don’t worry about it. Okay?”

“Okay.”

It’s their second break when all of them leave the class including Jungkook. The music is still on, and Taehyung is still mad about the phone call with his boyfriend. And this is why he makes a stupid decision. He gets up from where he has been sitting and stands in the middle of the room. He sees his reflection in the mirror and instantly hates how helpless he looks. However, the music starts to grow loud, louder than his thoughts until it’s the only thing his ears are listening to.

He starts to move, initially trying to find out if he still remembers any steps he saw. He does, he remembers each of them as his rhythm starts to fasten. His body accelerates with the music, with its beats, as if that’s the only thing it can listen to. And his brain has been shut down. His thoughts were thrown out of the window. He dances just like he used to years ago, just like he would when he felt any of his emotions taking over his mind. Dancing would always keep him alive, awake.

He dances and he doesn't stop until he hears the loud click of the door. He’s so fucking grateful for the broken lock and to Hoseok who hasn’t had the time to fix it. Because whenever someone opens the door from outside it makes a loud noise and that’s why it alarms him instantly, stopping on his tracks. He turns to see the person, it’s Jungkook. He’s looking at him, eyes wide. And suddenly Taehyung fears that Jungkook has seen him dancing, and a rush of insecurity starts building up in his throat. The thoughts are back, telling him all the negative things.

“We should leave now.” That is what Jungkook says though. “What are you doing here standing?”

And again, immediately the thoughts vanish. He’s glad that Jungkook didn’t see him dance. He’s glad-.

“Taehyung?”

“Yes, yes let’s leave.” He huffs out.

♪♪♪

It’s Saturday and Minjun is back. He hates the thought that it affects him so much that Minjun is back. He hates it. He should be happy that his boyfriend is here and sitting right beside him, one of his hands holds the TV remote while the other is thrown over Taehyung’s shoulder. He hates it. He doesn’t know why, but he tries to enjoy it. Tries to enjoy the time with his boyfriend.

“I’m sorry.” Minjun says. “I’m sorry for saying things like that about our neighbor. I’m mostly not home and it’s great that you’re making new friends.”

Taehyung is unable to mask his shocked expressions. But his lips turn upwards at the thought that maybe even Minjun is trying, and he should try too. “If you really are sorry, let’s go to Jungkook’s housewarming party tomorrow evening.”

“Jungkook?”

“Our neighbor, he invited me yesterday.” Taehyung tells him, leaving out the part that Jungkook had given him the invitation in the car. It’ll be a hassle to explain to his boyfriend what the both of them were doing in his car, fearing he would take it the wrong way.

“Oh. Okay. We’ll go.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Do you want to buy him any gifts? We can go shopping today too.”

It’s suspicious how his boyfriend is acting nicely, but Taehyung just brushes it off as he’s trying.

“Yes, I’d love to buy him some baking stuff. He owns a bakery around the corner, you know? His cookies and cream cupcakes are my favorite. Although he launched a new flavor recently, the rose coconut one. You’ll love it so much, Junie.” Taehyung jabbers. He doesn’t see his boyfriend having a questioning look on his face. Nor does he notice how his boyfriend isn’t really interested.

“Someday we will.”

♪♪♪

The housewarming party feels like entering a college party. There are people everywhere, with red cups in their hands. There are fairy lights everywhere in the house. The loud music seems to get obnoxiously noisy with every passing minute. But Taehyung smiles wide when he sees Jungkook standing there and talking with Namjoon.

“Jungkook.” He exclaims loudly. “Hey.”

“Taehyung, hi.” Jungkook stops talking to Namjoon, his attention is on Taehyung.

“I don’t think you’ve met my boyfriend; this is Minjun.” He points towards his boyfriend, “and this is Jungkook and Namjoon, his cousin.”

When his boyfriend is somewhere else, talking to some guests he meets Jimin, the shorter male from the cafe. Jimin is a sweet joyous boy, he talks a lot but not like Hana. He tells Taehyung that he and Jungkook are childhood friends and they used to live together in a smaller part of town in Seoul before Jungkook moved here. Jimin and Taehyung clicked instantly. He finds that he and Jimin share similar interests in various things, for example Jimin also did interior designing for fun and now he works part time in the cafe. He also moved with his boyfriend Yoongi, today though Yoongi couldn't come because he had some work. Same goes for Namjoon's boyfriend, Seokjin. He was unable to attend the party due to some health issues.

Once Minjun is back, he doesn’t leave his side. He appreciates the protective behavior of his boyfriend but at the same time he wants to run and tell Jungkook how beautifully he has organized his whole house. He wants to run to him and tell him that he can skip tomorrow as he’ll be too tired to run the café. There are so many things he wants to tell Jungkook, but he stops because Minjun wouldn’t let him. And they’ll just end up fighting.

Although he was lucky enough to give Jungkook his gift, a baking set. He was sure that the other would already have it, so therefore he bought the whole set in a purple color. Telling Jungkook that he should only bake in these utensils when he’s baking for Taehyung. And Jungkook laughed, told him that he’ll definitely keep this one only for him.

When they’re about to leave the place Jungkook comes to thank them. “Hey, thank you for being here. I really appreciated your presence.” He says it to Minjun.

“There’s no problem, Jungkook-shi, I’d like for you to join us for dinner tomorrow, what do you say baby?” Minjun’s hand is tightly wrapped around Taehyung’s waist as he talks.

“Minjun, we don’t-.” Taehyung tries to speak but is cut off by his boyfriend.

“It’ll be great to get to know our neighbor myself. I’d love to have you for dinner tomorrow.”

“Okay, if Taehyung has no problem I’ll definitely be there.” Jungkook looks at Taehyung unsure, maybe sensing the other’s uncomfortable feelings.

“Why would he mind? He wouldn’t, yes baby?” Minjun speaks.

“I wouldn’t. I’d love to have you over Jungkook.” Taehyung smiles, wanting to get out of the thickened air.

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

♪♪♪

Taehyung makes preparations for the dinner with Jungkook while his boyfriend showers. Jungkook will be coming for dinner soon. Taehyung still has no idea why Minjun invited him, didn’t he meet him enough yesterday to befriend him. Taehyung really doesn’t have a good feeling about this, but he doubts he has a say in it. Although, his thoughts are constantly being interrupted by his boyfriend’s ringing phone. He hates the tune. It feels like his ears will bleed if he doesn’t stop it. Fortunately, the ringing does stop, but now there are constant message notifications, and so Taehyung turns off the stove and walks to look at who’s messaging Minjun.

He shouldn't have, because it would have been better for his mental health. It’s Minjun’s ex, she’s texting him about some job offer, some wedding videographer of her friend for the upcoming week, and something about it doesn’t feel right. He sees Minjun exiting the shower and walking towards their closet. “Minjun.” He calls out.

The other looks at him through the mirror and hums.

“Why is your ex texting you?” Taehyung shows the phone to his boyfriend, who now turns around and looks at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Are you snooping through my phone?” Minjun snatches the phone from Taehyung’s hands.

“Why would I? Your notifications were disturbing me.” Taehyung sees red when the other acts nonchalant about it. “Why are you texting your ex?”

“She is giving me a job offer, a big opportunity, in Jeju. Do you want me to reject it? Reject the big offer?” Minjun isn’t looking at the other as he types something on his phone, and this pisses Taehyung off.

“Minjun, you’ll get bigger opportunities than this, why are you taking help from he-“ Taehyung is cut off mid-sentence as his boyfriend feels it’s unnecessary.

“Taehyung, I told you. This is for my work. I’ve no other intentions. This is for a great party, with great money. It’ll be for us.”

“If that’s why you’re taking this offer, I don’t want the money. I want you to understand that I don’t want you to work with her.” Taehyung confesses. He already wears his heart on his sleeve. But Minjun is forcing him to throw it away, it’s like every time he tries Minjun has to go and do something to piss Taehyung off even more.

“Taehyung, stop acting like a dumb jealous boyfriend. I’ll do what I want, and you won’t question it. That’s all.” Minjun says as he walks out of the room without a second glance.

♪♪♪

Jungkook wouldn’t say that he’s excited to go for dinner, but he has no choice. He is doomed. He couldn’t even refuse when Taehyung’s boyfriend asked him, and he especially couldn’t refuse Taehyung. Had it been the latter and him, he’d be so excited about this dinner, but it’s not just them, he has to face Minjun, the guy that doesn’t sit right with him for some reason. He knocks on Taehyung’s door but gets no answer. He rings the doorbell too and it’s only after five minutes that Minjun opens the door.

“Yes?” Minjun has a bottle of liquor in his hand. And He doesn’t look sober by any means.

“Uh, hi.” Jungkook feels nervous.

“Oh, hey Jungkook. The dinner is cancelled, Taehyung isn’t home.”

“What? Where is he?” Jungkook is confused as to what is happening. Taehyung would’ve informed him for sure if they were canceling the dinner

“Actually, I’ve no idea.” Minjun is about to say something when his phone rings. “It was nice to meet you Jungkook-shi, see you soon.”

And Minjun closes the door on Jungkook’s face.

Jungkook turns back and tries to call Taehyung, but to no avail. He is scared for the other. He feels the situation is heavy, he wonders why Minjun would not know the whereabouts of his own boyfriend. And why wouldn’t he at least try and contact the other. He’s bewildered by this behavior, but he can’t say anything. After all, he’s only a neighbor.

Jungkook has a feeling to go and look for TaeHyung, he walks until he reaches the park where they had seen the first snow together. How Jungkook wishes to go back to that time! The beautiful snow that had captured everyone’s attention but to him Taehyung was the main event, the prettiest being ever, with those beautiful eyes and that beguiling smile.

Taehyung smiled at Jungkook, thankful to him for showing him the snow. And Jungkook was thankful to Taehyung for showing him what beautiful means.

He reaches the dance class’s lane and remembers the time when he caught Taehyung dancing in the room, during their break. Up until now, Jungkook thought it’s impossible for someone to express what they’re feeling just by their body, but looking at Taehyung dancing that day he felt the other’s feelings through his dance. Taehyung’s dance had that enchanting aura to it and Jungkook was sucked in. And that’s when he realizes that there’s a high chance that Taehyung is here. In the dance class, he was probably trying to vent out his frustration, by dancing it away. So, he runs.

♪♪♪

He finds Taehyung in one of the private rooms. Hana told him about the other as soon as he entered the class. Told him how frantic Taehyung was when he came here, he requested for a private room for an hour, and they couldn’t say no to him.

Taehyung isn’t dancing when Jungkook enters, but the music is on and the other stands there in the middle of the room as he stares at himself in the mirror. “Taehyung.” Jungkook calls out for the other. But the other doesn’t see him, he’s too engrossed in thinking about something, “Taehyung.” Jungkook tries again and this time the other looks at him through the mirror. Their eyes meeting and Taehyung let out a small but sad smile slip.

“Hey.”

“Hey, what are you doing here? I thought we were going to have dinner.” Jungkook walks towards him and sees the smile dim from other’s lips as he talks about the dinner.

“I was tired, I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay, Taehyung. Do you wanna get out?”

Taehyung breaks eye contact and shakes his head. “I don’t want to go home, yet.”

“That’s okay, we can just go out.”

“Where?”

And that’s how they end up at the park again, but this time, they’re both laying on the grass and looking up to the sky. It’s a no moon night, stars are clearly visible and Jungkook sees how awed Taehyung is by the scenery.

“This is so pretty.” Taehyung exclaims.

Jungkook moves closer to the other and points in one particular direction, “can you see there?” He asks. He feels Taehyung nodding his head, “that’s ursa major.”

“What?” Taehyung is confused and Jungkook laughs.

“It’s a constellation, can you see that star? Follow my finger.” Jungkook traces his finger according to the constellation and the other tries focusing on it, “it’s one of the biggest constellations.” He finishes.

“That’s so dazzling. How do you know all these?”

“I loved stargazing growing up, my dad would always tell me about the stars.” Jungkook feels Taehyung smiling, “can you see that one? The one with an hourglass shape.” Jungkook traces his finger again in the told direction, “It’s Orion.”

“Like the God Orion?” Taehyung suddenly asks.

“Yes.” Jungkook laughs. “Orion was the God of hunting; this one is called Orion the hunter.”

“I never knew about stars being so beautiful, Jungkook, thank you so much for showing me.” Taehyung sits up and Jungkook feels like the stars in the other’s eyes are much more enthralling than the stars in the sky.

“Can I ask you something, Taehyung?”

“Yes?”

“Why didn’t your boyfriend know where you were? Didn’t you tell him before leaving?”

“I told him, it must’ve slipped his mind.” Taehyung looks unsure, but Jungkook doesn’t pressure him.

“Okay.”

“When did you start dancing, Jungkook?” Taehyung asks after a few minutes of silence. Jungkook notices how the other is still watching the stars. He has his hand rested on his knees as he tilts his head upwards.

“Jimin hyung loved dancing, I grew up watching him. That’s why I adore dancing, too. What about you?”

“You saw me that day, didn’t you?” Taehyung is looking at him right now. Looking at him in his eyes and Jungkook averts his own eyes, he fears he’ll do something inappropriate if Taehyung keeps looking at him like this.

“Yes. You are an amazing dancer. Why don’t you dance?”

“I was five when my mom enrolled for these classes. I hated it. I hated to go and dance with the other kids, but I had no option. Soon after I got accustomed to the schedule it was impossible to go a day without dancing. But after I got older, started this job, and met Minjun it was difficult to continue, so I had no other option other than to prioritize my life and job over dance.” Taehyung says this so quickly that Jungkook feels some of it was hard to catch. But he understands, it’s hard to open up about something you love the most. The more you love the thing, the more difficult it becomes to explain why. “Ah this reminds me,” Taehyung says, even before Jungkook has a chance to reply, “do you know about the construction of the new stadium?”

“Yeah.” He did hear it. It’s just a half hour drive from their town.

“There’s a musical happening for the inauguration there. It’s my favorite band.”

“Are you gonna go?”

“It’s next year, Jungkook. I think the tickets have already been sold out.”

“Maybe you’ll get to see them some next time, yeah?” Jungkook sits up beside him.

“Maybe, yes.”

♪♪♪

They form a routine, Taehyung wakes up early in the morning, drops Jungkook off to the café, or sometimes sits with him and watches him baking. Although one day Jungkook had insisted on trying to bake a red velvet flavored pastry and Taehyung had managed to make them at least edible. However, Jungkook’s smile was what had motivated him to keep learning baking from the other. He also started to dance a bit with the others in the classes. Jungkook had insisted on him, told him about an upcoming competition and how Taehyung’s participation would enhance their group performance. And he was tired of just sitting and watching, so he decided to give it a shot.

A few days before Christmas, Minjun goes for the videography project proposed by his ex. Taehyung doesn’t try to stop him this time. He has no expectations left from the other. The other doesn’t even tell him if he'll be back for Christmas, although Taehyung isn’t sure he’ll appreciate the other’s presence because now he has tons of things to do. Including decorating his own house alone for Christmas. Minjun knows how much Taehyung loves this time of the year, he knows how much the other adores the snow, yet his boyfriend doesn’t make an effort in these small things. Is work really more important than him? Does he not have any value in the other’s life?

However, these thoughts vanish when he sees Jungkook approaching him from where he is sitting in his garden. “It isn’t snowing today.”

“It’s nice, though. A bit cold, but nice.” Taehyung replies and motions Jungkook to sit beside him.

“Have you planned anything for Christmas?” Jungkook asks.

“No, not yet. What about you? Are you going out with Jimin and everyone?”

“Nope.” Jungkook pouts. “They’re all going out with their boyfriends, I feel like I’ll be third wheeling them, so I’ve decided to stay home and watch old Christmas movies.”

“That’s sad. But your idea is good, Jungkookie.” Taehyung had taken a liking for the name ‘jungkookie’ it just suited the other well. For all the days Taehyung has known Jungkook, he’s just a soft person with hard exteriors, funny how he pouts when the baking takes too long but will punch you in the face if you ever do him wrong.

“You can join me if you’ve nothing to do over Christmas?” Jungkook looks at him.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

♪♪♪

There are only two days left for Christmas and Taehyung is helping Jungkook decorate the café’s Christmas tree. “Which star goes well, the silver or the golden?” He asks the other who is busy trying to find a sock, to hang up on the tree.

“The golden.” Jungkook doesn’t look away from where he’s searching for the red sock.

“Jungkookie, the lights aren’t golden though.”

“Then the silver.”

“Jungkook, look here and tell me.”

“You’re an interior designer, Tae. You should know better.”

“Correct, I’m an interior designer not a Christmas décor-er.” Taehyung puts both the stars in the box.

“Is that even a word?” Jungkook chuckles. “Why did you put them back?”

“We will put this on top, not the star.” He shows Jungkook the glittering red bow. It’s the size of his own palm.

“Okay, if that’s what you want.”

“Yes, now hurry up, we need to decorate my house too.”

“Yes, sir.”

♪♪♪

Fuck life. Is what Taehyung feels when he sees his boyfriend standing right in front of him on Christmas morning. “What are you doing here?” Taehyung asks without thinking.

“What do you mean? This is my house too.” Minjun takes a seat on the sofa and looks around the living room.

Taehyung and Jungkook had put up blue colored fairy lights and decorated the living room with Christmas candles and a few other things. And for some reason Jungkook had put up a mistletoe at the entrance of the living room, the entrance which leads to both his bedroom and kitchen. Jungkook said that Christmas feels incomplete without it. The house was lit up just by this and it felt so good. “The house really looks pretty; you did a good job.” Minjun says after his observation is complete.

“Yeah.” Taehyung doesn’t say Jungkook helped him. Nor does he mention him helping Jungkook in decorating the café. He doesn’t want unnecessary drama on the day of Christmas, but what Minjun says next, he feels like he should’ve told him.

“I’ve invited my friends for a Christmas party today, here. I hope you wouldn’t mind, Taehyung. I’m sorry for such short notice, but they insisted, and I couldn’t say no.”

Taehyung feels like crying. The plan about watching Christmas movies is thrown out of the window. “What?”

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help.”

And Taehyung knows this is the end of the conversation. But then he realizes that Jungkook will be alone. Jungkook told him he has no one to spend Christmas with. He remembers how he promised the other that he’ll be there with him. So, he makes an impulsive decision. “Can I invite Jungkook too?”

“Oh, that’ll be great. We couldn’t have him over for dinner. This will be a compensation for that.”

♪♪♪

“Jungkook, hey. I’m sorry to cancel our plans.” Taehyung says as he opens the door for the other, an apologetic smile on his face.

“It’s okay, Tae. I understand, I’m happy with the dinner too.”

And soon Minjun’s friends started coming. There are like seven to eight people and Taehyung tends to each one of them. Welcoming them, serving them wine and food, talking with them with a smile. He plays the role of a perfect boyfriend. But Minjun? He doesn’t even spare Taehyung a glance. He didn’t even compliment Taehyung on the outfit he wore, though Minjun’s friends did say he looked good.

Now it was time for the presents, and fortunately while going to the market Taehyung had bought Minjun a gift. He was thinking about giving it to him whenever he comes, and he was sure his boyfriend would come after Christmas, and for once he was proven wrong

“I’m so sorry, baby. But you know how busy I was this whole week, so I just got you this.” Minjun hands him the gift, and Taehyung opens it. It’s a perfume, and to his unfortunate luck, it’s his least favorite smell. “This is all I could get, I’m sorry. I’ll buy you something nice, someday.” And Taehyung smiles at him, because what else can he even do?

It's time for Taehyung to hand over his gift to Minjun. “Here.” It’s a new camera. Since Taehyung can remember, his boyfriend’s first love has always been cameras, he has always loved clicking pictures and taking videos, hence explaining his job. Taehyung had bought it, keeping this in mind and he was elated when he saw how Minjun visibly looked happy with the gift.

“This is so beautiful, baby. Thank you so much.” Minjun kisses him on the cheek and an unsettling feeling settles in his stomach.

“I’ve bought a gift for Jungkook, too.” Taehyung announces before the air can become awkward in between them. They haven’t been physical with each other for a long time and right now it feels wrong.

“For me?” Jungkook exclaims. He looks shocked and Taehyung laughs at the expression.

“Yes. When I went to buy the camera for Jun, I saw this,” he hands the gift to Jungkook, “this reminded me of you.”

“Oh, thank you.” Jungkook starts opening the gift. Taehyung bounces on his toes in nervousness, hoping the other likes his gift. It was a simple choice to make when he saw it. And it was a yes, it will be a yes for anything that reminds him of Jungkook.

“A telescope?” Jungkook’s whole face lit up. “This is so,” Taehyung sees how the other has no words, so he completes it for him.

“Amazing? Beautiful? Pretty?”

“Perfect. This is so perfect, Taehyung, perfect.” Jungkook’s eyes crinkle as he smiles, and Taehyung realizes just how much he likes that smile. “I’ve got a gift for you too.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” Jungkook takes out a brown packet from his pocket, and hands it to the other. “Here, I hope you like it and enjoy it with Minjun-shi.”

“Oh?” And when Taehyung opens it, he feels like crying. Because in that pocket are two tickets. Tickets to the musical for the inauguration, “this is what is perfect, Jungkook.” He says, he feels like his eyes damping, “you didn’t have to.”

“Of course, I had to.”

And Minjun sits there, watching this whole scene. Without saying a word and just smiling.

When all of them are done with the gifts, Taehyung walks back to the bedroom to keep the tickets safe in his closet. He takes a breath when he realizes he’s alone here in the bedroom. It was hard out there, smiling fake at the guests, serving them wine again and again, including food. It was really difficult, but he managed. And Jungkook’s presence, his smile, and his nose scrunch made it much easier.

When he is walking back, he unknowingly stands under the mistletoe, he’s about to take the next step but is stopped by Minjun’s friends, “oh you’re both under the mistletoe, you should kiss. It’s the rule.” And that’s when Taehyung realises that he’s under the mistletoe with Jungkook. He looks at the other, Jungkook is already looking at him with a questioning gaze and then he looks back at his boyfriend who’s just smiling.

“He has a boyfriend, idiot.” Someone says.

“It’s alright, a kiss on the hand then. I’m sure Minjun won’t mind. Will you Min?”

Minjun just smiles and shakes his head.

“That's perfect.” Taehyung hears someone say.

And soon he hears the chant, “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”

And just like that, Jungkook holds Taehyung’s hand, he can feel how soft the other’s hands are. Taehyung feels when Jungkook’s fingers hold his own finger as he raises their hands together. The other looks at Taehyung, the questioning gaze still present, “kiss.” He hears, and just to get it over with, he allows Jungkook to kiss the back of his hand.

He feels Jungkook's lips lightly kissing his hand and leaving them instantly. And just like that the unsettling feelings in Taehyung’s stomach are replaced by unknown butterflies.

♪♪♪

It’s the day after Christmas that Taehyung feels something is wrong. His boyfriend went out with his friends yesterday and hasn’t come home till now. He tried calling him, but the other didn’t pick up. Jungkook left yesterday, soon after the mistletoe incident. Taehyung doesn’t let his mind slip there. To think about the kiss on the hand incident. To think about those unwanted butterflies. Because he knows if he starts, he’ll end up in a maze of questions he’ll have no answers to.

He hears the door opening and sees Minjun walking in. At first, he thinks that the other might be drunk, it’s almost close to midnight, but he’s not. He looks sober, by his walk of course, but he looks mad.

“What was that yesterday?” Minjun sneers.

“What?” Taehyung is confused.

“I bought a gift for Jungkook, I did this for Jungkook, that for Jungkook.” Minjun mimics, “Jungkook! Jungkook! Jungkook!” He yells, “what was all this chatter about Jungkook? Is he your boyfriend?”

“Minjun what are you saying? It’s what I saw and bought him as a gift.” Taehyung doesn’t understand what his boyfriend is trying to say.

“Do you not get it, Taehyung?” Minjun yells. “I told you he just wants to get in your pants, and you let him kiss you on the hand!”

“What are you talking about. You said he’s a nice guy. You said you’re sorry for the things you said about him. Was that all a lie?” Taehyung yells back.

“Yes, it’s a lie. I don’t like you talking to him.”

“I don’t like you talking to your ex, did you listen to me?” Taehyung’s patience has run out, “you still went for the job.”

“It gives me money, it’s benefitting me, benefitting us.”

“It’s not!” Taehyung shouts, the tears start running down his eyes. “it’s not benefiting us in any way. You’re just going away from me. So far away that I can’t reach you, Minjun, can you not see it? Can you not feel it?”

“I don’t care what you think, Taehyung. You’ll stop talking to him. Do you have feelings for him or what?”

“What? Are you kidding me? You’re my boyfriend.” Taehyung tries, he really does. “And, no, I’m not listening to you anymore. You don’t get to tell me who I talk to and who I don’t when you don’t even listen to me in the first place” Taehyung is breathless.

“I’m your boyfriend.”

“So am I, but do you listen to me?”

“Tell me why he gave you tickets to the musical? Are you dancing again?”

“What? No.” Taehyung’s heart is skipping beats when his boyfriend mentions dance. Minjun can’t know he dances. That he started dancing again.

“That’s good, because I don’t want you to. I don’t want you to go out and dance, you dance in a sexual way-“

“Yes, I know.” Taehyung yells again. “I know how I dance, and I know how you think I’m a whore, but think about yourself before calling me names.”

And that’s the last sentence he says before rushing out of the house.

♪♪♪

Taehyung sits in the park staring at the sky. It’s been a long time since he came here running, it’s freezing and he’s only wearing one sweater. The tiny part in him tells him that his boyfriend shall be here soon, that the other will take him in his arms and apologize to him for all the things and that they’ll be happy. But the other bigger part is just tired. It doesn’t want to go anywhere near his boyfriend and nor does it want to go back home. Because for some reason, Taehyung feels like that isn’t his home.

He needs someone, is what he realizes when the tears don’t stop. He just wants to be hugged and told that it’ll be okay, and he doesn’t know who he should call. Although unknowingly he dials Jungkook’s number and hopes the other won’t pick up, because he doesn’t want Jungkook to show how much of a crybaby he is. Unfortunately, the other picks up on the second ring and as soon as Jungkook picks up he senses there’s something wrong. And without wasting time, Taehyung sees that Jungkook is already here, taking him in his arms, in a bone crushing hug.

“Taehyung.” Jungkook calls softly as he strokes his hair. The voice to Taehyung sounds so familiar yet so different. “Look at me please.”

Taehyung doesn’t, he doesn’t want to show himself like this to the other. He feels like the other would be repulsed by the ugly tears or will tell him to stop acting like a baby. But nothing like this happens when Jungkook lifts his face with his fingers, his eyes are soft. “Tell me what happened.”

Taehyung’s lips wobbles, “I fought with him. Jungkook, I lied, I’m sorry, I lied.” He cries again.

“Lied about what, Tae?”

“I lied about dancing, Jungkook. Minjun stopped me from dancing when we came into a relationship.” He sniffles, Jungkook pats his back to tell him he’s listening. “He told me I dance in an over sexual way and I’m just trying to seduce other men. He told me that-that.”

“Take your time.”

“That- I’m a w-whore.” He sobbed.

“What?” He feels Jungkook’s fist closing and sees the veins popping out. Jungkook is definitely angry. “I would’ve never done this if you were mine.” Jungkook says this without thinking. Let's it slip through his lips. He doesn’t notice how Taehyung’s eyes enlarge when he hears it.

“Please just stay here, with me.” Taehyung says, because right now he just needs the other here. He can think about whatever he heard later.

“I’m here, Taehyung,” Jungkook’s tone softens. “I’ll be here, always.”

“Do you promise?” Because he feels like the other will leave. He feels like people always leave him.

“Yes, I do.”

♪♪♪

Taehyung keeps on thinking about what happened that day with him and Jungkook. It hurts him to think that somewhere Minjun is right, that Jungkook may have feelings for him. He doesn’t want to think about what he feels. He is attracted to Jungkook, and he won’t deny that. But this is unacceptable, they both are very different. Taehyung has a boyfriend, he is an interior designer, he and his boyfriend are on a thin thread, there’s nothing more. Jungkook is a chef, a baker and he just moved next door. There’s nothing more to it. Their lives are different, they both go different ways.

Taehyung sees his boyfriend leaving for another videography job; they haven’t really talked much after the fight. Only a bit here and there, except that, nothing. Minjun hasn’t apologized yet, and Taehyung doesn’t think he’ll ever do so. The new year is just around the corner and Minjun won’t be here. Taehyung isn’t mad at him, this time. This time Taehyung doesn’t ask him why he has to leave on important days. He has made peace with the fact that his boyfriend will never understand what he feels and it’s good, because he wants to be alone for a while.

But he is invited to a party by Jimin. The shorter male told him how upset he was that they couldn’t be here for Christmas, so he wants Taehyung to be with them during the New year. Taehyung denied him, wanting to be alone but Jimin is very persistent. He wouldn’t take no for an answer, ultimately Taehyung gave in. So, now, he has a party in two days, and he is dreading to see Jungkook again.

♪♪♪

Jungkook regrets saying that sentence. Their routine is fucked up, he rarely sees Taehyung anymore. There’s no cheerful good morning message on his phone. There’s no, ‘I’m baking’ message anymore. There’s no car to drop him at the café, with the prettiest driver. There’s no one who would appreciate his cooking every chance they get. There’s no one who’ll call him ‘jungkookie.’ And Jungkook keeps on regretting it.

He shouldn't have let It slip so easily. He’s a mature person, he can handle his feelings well, and at that time he should’ve just consoled the other. The words his boyfriend said were horrible and he should’ve let him cry over his shoulder, instead he had to ruin it. He ruined everything. He wants to apologize to the other properly, tell him all about what is going on and why he said what he said. Tell him that it was really wrong of him. Tell him how the other trusted him during his weak time and he ruined it.

He hopes he’ll see Taehyung at Jimin’s, during the new year’s party. He hopes he’ll tell the other all of these things. He’ll tell the other about everything and get this off his chest as soon as he can. Because it hurts him physically to see the other and not hug him, kiss him, or just hold his hand. It hurts really, really bad.

♪♪♪

Taehyung quickly understands he’s a loner here in the party. Parties aren’t meant for him. He has no one to talk to, he already greeted Jimin and his boyfriend, Yoongi. He hugs Namjoon and has an opportunity to meet the infamous Kim Seokjin. Jin is a funny guy, and he instantly clicks with the other. Hana is here with her boyfriend, and she is the social butterfly, the life of the party and Taehyung envies that about her. He wishes even he could converse so easily like that. Hoseok is alone but he clings on to Yoongi, they both are a fun duo together. And really Taehyung is happy to be here, but the thought of seeing Jungkook again is eating him up. Also, the thought of not seeing Jungkook here, or at least getting his glimpse is eating him up too, and he is confused as to why his mind is playing games with him.

He's enjoying the fresh air on the balcony. Everyone’s inside with loud music playing or just chatting with each other. He feels calm here, the music isn’t as loud, nor is anyone here. However, he hears the window opening and someone entering his bubble, but he doesn’t turn to look at the person, because he guesses who it could be.

“Hey.” And Taehyung’s guess was right. It’s Jungkook.

“Hi.” Taehyung tilts his head and smiles a bit and looks back at the sky. Jungkook stands beside him, also looking at the sky.

“It’s nice here.”

“It is.”

Taehyung can hear that it’s only five minutes left for the new year’s. He doesn’t get why people are excited about it, it’s only the calendar changing. There’s nothing that is changing in their lives.

“I think we should talk, Taehyung.” Jungkook says after a while. “I don’t like being avoided by you.”

“Jungkook, I don’t know.” Taehyung feels unsure about the whole situation.

“Just listen to me, please.” Jungkook sounds desperate. “Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Taehyung, I don’t know how and when, but it just happened. I was skeptical about moving here, but that day you came to the café with your dazzling personality, excited about eating a cupcake, something changed for me.” Jungkook is looking at him and Taehyung feels like breaking eye contact. “Suddenly, I wasn’t feeling so sad about moving to an unknown place, and then when I came to know that you were my neighbor, I was so happy that I moved here. Although when you said you had a boyfriend, I tried to stop. I really did.”

“But, Taehyung, your laugh is a magnet that pulled me in, I couldn’t get away even if I wanted to. You kept pulling me in with your smiles and silly little things and I was enchanted. You put a spell on me. That day when you gifted me the telescope, all hell broke loose because that’s when I realized it.” Jungkook stops for a moment. “I realized about my feelings”

“Jungk-”

“No let me speak please, because I don’t think so I’ll be able to if not today.” Jungkook takes a deep breath. “The day when you cried in my arms, I shouldn’t have said that, and just consoled you, but whatever your boyfriend said angered me. I’ve no rights, but it was really hurting to see you in a state like that, and that too because of someone you love. I’m so sorry about that day.”

Taehyung can hear the faint countdown now. It’s the number eight when Jungkook starts speaking again. “I just wanted to let you know that no matter what happens, I’ll love you. It’s fine, you don’t have to reciprocate my feelings, not even acknowledge them. But, Taehyung, I love you.” Taehyung hears the fireworks and sees the couples kissing and wishing each other a happy new year. Although Taehyung feels like crying, because what he just heard is beyond his thinking. He never knew Jungkook felt so deeply about him.

“I hope we can be friends. Happy New Year, Tae. I love you enough to be whatever place you want me to be in, just please let me stay.” After that Jungkook walks out and Taehyung is left there alone to look at the sky and cry.

♪♪♪

It’s been a few days since the start of the new year. Taehyung has busied himself with his work and practicing for his upcoming dance competition. He had taken part in a solo dance, and he couldn’t just back out because of what happened. His boyfriend came back a day after the New Years and even after Minjun apologized to him he still doesn’t feel like talking to the other. Taehyung isn’t someone to keep up fighting for a long time, but his boyfriend has crossed a line, and he is just tired now.

Taehyung feels like he’ll be the one breaking the thread or walking back because he can’t do this anymore. His boyfriend just stands there, not even trying to move, trying to walk further, closer to him. And he doesn’t know how long he can walk for someone who isn’t even waiting for him. He sighs. He and Jungkook are back on talking terms, but Taehyung is still shocked after the other’s confession. It wasn’t surprising, but it was a lot to take in. If only Taehyung had known what would happen when he first went to give cupcakes to their new neighbors, he would’ve- no, he doesn’t regret any of it. Even If he would’ve known he’d be here, in this position, he would’ve still done all of it again because in this process at least he found himself and his peace, he took measures into his own hands and started living again for himself rather than just for Minjun's sake.

He walks to the dance classes; he’s been spending a lot of time here. He loves dancing from the bottom of his heart, it’s the only thing that keeps him alive. Let's him feel that life isn’t as difficult as it seems now. It isn’t something Taehyung is doing because he has to, but because it’s what he loves. And therefore, even if he’ll see Jungkook there, he took the decision of continuing the dancing and performing in the competition as a solo, and in the group too.

“Hey.” He greets Jungkook who’s tying his shoelace.

“Hi, Taehyung, you’re early.” Jungkook smiles, though Taehyung feels it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Yeah, I didn’t go to work today.”

“Oh, any reason?”

“Nothing, just woke up late.” Taehyung offers him a smile and Jungkook does the same. It’s dim, and Taehyung misses the warmth

They’re halfway in through their dance routine, it’s a new one Hoseok has been teaching them. It’s for their last performance in the competition and it’s only two minutes, but the choreo feels difficult. He is already tired and heaving for breath by the time they all take a break. Hoseok is a cheerful person, but at the same time he’s a very strict teacher. He will judge your whole life if you even make a single mistake. As he sits down to take a rest and drink water, Taehyung feels something is wrong. He hears voices from outside. It isn’t surprising that it’s Hana’s because that girl is loud but she’s not chattering like always, she’s arguing.

“Sir, please, you can’t just go in here.” She says frantically.

“Get away.” And Taehyung’s world stops. Because he’d recognize that voice anywhere. It’s Minjun. He feels his hands shaking and he looks around in the room to look at Jungkook and sees that the other is already looking at him. Jungkook seems as puzzled as he himself is.

“Taehyung.” Minjun enters the room. “What the fuck are you doing here?” He yells.

Taehyung stands up from where he was sitting, his eyes holding an unknown fear. “Minjun, not here.”

“Not here you say.” Minjun walks towards the other and holds his wrist in a tight grip. “Not here, let’s go.”

“Hey.” Jungkook intervenes when he sees Minjun dragging Taehyung.

“You fucking stay out of this. This is happening all because of you.”

Taehyung gives Jungkook an apologetic look and lets the other drag him towards their car, and to their house.

♪♪♪

“You’re no one to tell me what to do and what to not!” Taehyung yells. He’s sure his neighbors can hear his voice, he’s that loud.

“I’m your fucking boyfriend. What part of this do you not understand Taehyung.”

“Everything. Just because you’re my boyfriend doesn’t mean you’ll get to tell me what to do with my life.” Taehyung roars. “I’m your boyfriend, not your toy.”

“I don’t care, you never listen to me as it is. How many times have I told you not to dance, huh? How many?” Minjun stands right in front of the other and Taehyung feels like punching the other in his face.

“I will dance.” Taehyung is suddenly calm. “I will do whatever I want, I’ll hang out with whoever I want, I’ll do what I like, and I’ll gift people whatever I want. You’re no one to tell me.”

“I’m your boyf-“

“No!” Taehyung screams before Minjun can complete his sentence. “You’re no one, you’re not my boyfriend. It’s over between us.” Taehyung throws the vase on his table, the sound of the breaking glass resonating with the sound of his breaking heart being cracked open. “I should’ve done this long ago, a long time ago.”

Minjun scoffs, “you really think you can do that.”

“Yes, I can, and I will. You’re no one to me. You’re welcome to leave my fucking house and never return back. I’ve had enough of you. Go back to whoever you want, but I’m done.”

This scares Minjun, he has nowhere to go if Taehyung kicks him out, “what? You can’t do that, Taehyung.”

“I will.” Taehyung is adamant about his decision.

“No, you won’t, how will you live without me? I’ll stay here by your side.” Minjun tries, funny how it’s Minjun who’s trying this time.

“I’ve made up my mind, Minjun. You’re taking your belongings and leaving the house; I don’t ever want to see you again.” Taehyung shouts.

This pisses Minjun off, as he walks into their bedroom, “as if I ever cared.” Minjun says as he packs his bag, takes whatever he can and walks out of the room. “You think so highly of yourself, Taehyung. Just know you’re nothing but a shitty designer who can’t do anything except cry over his clients. And this dance? It’s going to get you nowhere.”

“If you’re done, leave.” Taehyung says, he doesn’t feel like arguing, he doesn’t have enough energy to.

“Yes, after I leave, go and get into that boy’s pan-” Before Minjun can complete there’s a hand flying, but stopping midway, Taehyung stops himself from slapping someone like his ex-boyfriend. He hates the things he’s saying.

“Fucking, just leave.”

“You’re not going to get anyone with this fucked up attitude, Taehyung. Be glad that I ever loved you.” Minjun still has the audacity to say as he walks out of the door.

And this time Taehyung throws the perfume bottle Minjun had bought him as a Christmas gift. It sounds loud in his empty house.

♪♪♪

Jungkook gets to know about Taehyung’s breakup from Jimin. Jimin tells him that Taehyung had called him crying hysterically and he had rushed to the other as soon as he could. And had found Taehyung in a mess, the things in his house broken and the boy sitting there with his head on his lap as little sobs escaped his lips.

Jungkook is a very rational man, but here he blames himself. He thinks Taehyung’s and Minjun’s lives were perfect before he came. He shouldn’t have moved here, shouldn’t have fallen for the other’s smile, shouldn’t have thought that Taehyung can be the one, shouldn’t have insisted Taehyung on dancing, shouldn’t have let his feelings out through his mouth that night, shouldn’t have confessed to Taehyung, and most importantly he shouldn’t have fallen in love.

Jungkook blames himself for everything he ever did. He is a stupid person and now he can’t even hold Taehyung in his arms and tell him that he’ll be here. That it will be all okay. That Jungkook will stay by Taehyung’s side and never leave. He can’t. Because he thinks Taehyung will refuse to see him, because Taehyung is there crying due to the breakup and he phoned Jimin, not him. And honestly, what right does Jungkook even have to go and see Taehyung?

♪♪♪

It’s the day of the competition and Taehyung is nervous. After the break-up he cried, because he was stupid, and his four-year relationship was down in the drain. But after the break-up he feels free, he feels like he is his own person, and he feels really happy. He feels like he is alive. And that is something to look forward to.

However some days are hard, he tries to cope up with the fact that he lives alone now, and he doesn’t have to wait for anyone, doesn’t have to get disappointed by someone’s absence; in these little things, he realizes he’s better off without Minjun, who’d just make his mind a weak mess to keep him going in that toxic swirl of a relationship. Jimin also helps, so does dance. Jimin is there each second and he’s very thankful for the other. Although he hasn’t seen Jungkook much, but the other gives him a smile whenever they get a chance.

“You’ll be amazing on the stage, Tae.” It’s Jimin. He’s here to watch them perform.

“Thank you, chim.” Taehyung hugs the shorter male and feels a kiss pressed on his hair.

“I’ll be watching you.”

Taehyung smiles and starts walking towards the stage. Hoseok wishes him luck on the way and at the entrance he sees Jungkook standing. “Hey.”

“Hi, Taehyung, all the best.”

“Thank you.”

“You’ll do good there, I’m sure.”

Taehyung wants to laugh at that, laugh because no, he isn’t so sure. He isn’t sure that he won’t fuck this up, because whatever he does, he ends up fucking it. Instead, he settles for a small lopsided smile. And he is rewarded by Jungkook’s own smile. The one he saw the first day when he met him in the café. And funny enough, he feels that if he gets to see Jungkook smiling like that, he’ll definitely do great, and not just in dance.

♪♪♪

Life couldn’t get any more perfect is what Taehyung thinks when the first glass of tequila is down. He’s drinking after so many days, and he wants to savor the moment right now. It’s their after-party. Everyone is here in a good mood because their group won the third position. But the happiness is intensified because Taehyung won the first position in the solo dance competition. He was so shocked when he heard his name being announced, it was like a scene from a movie. Too unbelievable, but he was brought back to reality, by the cheers of his friends.

“To Taehyung.” They raise a toast and Taehyung laughs with his heart, after a very long time. He feels so happy after a very long time.

“Congratulations, Tae.” There’s the soft voice Taehyung has been dying to listen to. He turns around and Jungkook looks so beautiful in the dim lights that he feels like hugging the other and hoping his happiness is shared through that hug.

“Thank you, Jungkookie.” He is again rewarded with the same dazzling smile. “It’s all because of you.”

“Me?” Jungkook laughs, “what did I do?”

“You insisted I dance again. I feel like I found my happiness again.”

“It’s all you, Tae. Even if I insisted, it was you who took the decision to start dancing again, despite,” Jungkook looks unsure, “despite your past.”

“Still, thank you.”

The night ends with Taehyung happily going back to the house and wishing Jungkook a good night.

♪♪♪

The days go by as fast as they can and it’s already the end of February. Taehyung and Jungkook had been talking only a little, but the other thought it was progress. They can’t just go back to how they were; it’ll be practically impossible; they need to sort things out and Taehyung needs to sort his life. But lately, he’s been really happy with whatever life is giving him. His work has flourished, and he’s been getting many clients, he gets to dance extra hours and he has started baking too. Today is one of the days where Taehyung feels proud of the vanilla cupcakes he has baked. So, he decides he’ll bring them to the dance class for everyone to taste.

And it was really a good decision because everyone loved them. Including Hana, who doesn’t really have a sweet tooth, she chatters about how Taehyung’s hands have magic in them. And the other just shyly thanks her. Jungkook is late today, and when he arrives, he’s instantly greeted by the wafting smell of cupcakes.

“Did I enter my café or something?” He questions as he keeps his duffle bag down.

“It’s Taehyung’s cupcakes, they’re so good, you should definitely try them. It’s so aromatic that I don’t feel like leaving the room.” Hana talks. “Go to Taehyung, there.” She points at Taehyung and Jungkook just thanks her as he walks to sit beside the other.

“Hey.” Jungkook smiles.

“Here, try them.” Taehyung holds the box in front of him.

Jungkook carefully picks one, and bites on it, “it’s so delicious, Tae.” Jungkook moans around the food.

“Thank you. I used your recipe.”

“Yeah?” Jungkook questions and Taehyung nods. “Copycat.”

This has Taehyung laughing, “you can say that.”

After a few minutes and Jungkook finishing the cupcake, Taehyung hears the other call for his attention.

“Taehyung, I wanted to tell you something.”

“What is it, Jungkook?” Taehyung worries.

“It’s just that, I’m sorry.”

Taehyung’s eyes widen, “what?”

“I’m sorry that the break-up happened because of me.”

“Are you crazy, Jungkook none of it was your fault.”

“No, Tae. It was my fault. It wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t tell you to dance or if I didn’t spend more time with you, or just if I hadn’t moved her-“

“Jungkook stop it, none of this happened because of you. Me and Minjun, we had fights going on even before you came.” Taehyung feels the other’s eyes on him. He is looking very curious as he listens calmly. “I always used to think about what it meant to fall out of love, but I understood it when I experienced it last year. I think, I stopped loving Minjun since last year.”

“Things weren’t great for us, we were both becoming toxic for each other, every passing day. I would expect things from him, but he would just show me how I shouldn’t, I felt like I was in his shadow all the time. To talk to only the people he’d allow, to go out only for my work, I was suffocated in that relationship, Jungkookie, and I’m glad I’m out.” Taehyung stops to look at Jungkook’s shocked face.

“I’m sorry, Taehyung, I had no idea.”

“You do now.” The corner of Taehyung’s mouth lifts. “So now you know it’s not you.”

“Yeah.” Jungkook looks down.

Taehyung places his warm hands on the others, “it’s okay Jungkook, I wish you would’ve talked to me sooner about this. But I’m fine now, and I’m happy you’re here with me.” He stroked the inside of the other’s wrist with his thumb.

“I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions.”

Taehyung shakes his head, “it’s okay. We’ll be okay. Okay?” Taehyung this time genuinely smiles at him and receives the brightest smile from the other.

“Okay.”

♪♪♪

It’s March, and things have been really going well with Taehyung. He has started to love his life more and more. And he has also been thinking about starting a start-up of his own. Life has been really good to him and he’s glad his head is now filled with the thoughts of one particular person and not about how sad he’ll feel today. He has forgotten the old him and started to live to the fullest, live for his own self rather than on someone else’s terms and conditions

His first opportunity in his startup came through Hoseok’s dance classes. They have been getting admissions for younger kids for a summer camp they thought about organizing and the participation was huge. None of them had expected the numbers, but they were delighted. Although there is a problem, there are only three rooms, and Hoseok and Hana have decided to expand the space for kids.  So, Taehyung volunteers, he'll do all of it and that's how he’s a partner with the twins in the classes.

Jungkook stops by his house to congratulate him on his first project, “I’m so proud of you, Tae.” He tells him.

And maybe life really has been good to him because Taehyung, unable to control his emotions hugs the other. “Thank you, Jungkookie, I’m so happy that you’re by my side.” He whispers in his ears and feels Jungkook holding him just as tightly. Besides, if given a chance Taehyung thinks he can spend an eternity in this warm embrace of Jungkook’s.

♪♪♪

Life has been great, because the summer camp just started and Taehyung volunteers to take the batch of kids between 3-5. They’re a small bundle of joy running around the class and devilishly stomping their feet when irritated. But Taehyung loves it. He thinks this couldn’t get any better.

He and Jungkook have been spending more time too. Like, when he had run out of groceries, he had asked Jungkook to accompany him, and they both had travelled there together in Jungkook’s car. Yes, Jungkook finally bought himself a car. Taehyung was so surprised when the other showed him the new car, they had gone out that night with their friends and that’s when they realized that they really liked holding each other’s hands.

Any chance they get, they’ll hold each other’s hands. Walking back home from the classes, walking to the café in the morning, they abandoned the new car, just so they could hold each other’s hands and spend a little more time together.

It was going to be rainy season soon and before the rain could start, Jungkook said he wanted to show Taehyung something so the other had taken Taehyung to an abandoned warehouse. Taehyung was shit scared at first, but he instantly settled when the other had taken him to the top floor and there, they stargazed through Jungkook’s telescope.

Also, it was that night, Taehyung realized again that Jungkook’s smile is brighter than those damned stars.

♪♪♪

The rain starts, and it gets difficult to walk in the mud, but Jungkook makes it easier. They share an umbrella as they walk to the café. Jungkook holds the umbrella while Taehyung hooks his arm in the others. “I love the rain.” Jungkook speaks softly.

“I really don’t.” Taehyung laughs. “But if it’s with you, I love the rain too.”

And Jungkook smiles blinds his eyes, this is when Taehyung realizes how much he wants to kiss Jungkook’s beautiful lips. Feel the softness of them on his own lips, feel how Jungkook would hold him tightly while kissing, but he ignores the thought for now. Because, even if the thought is right, he doesn’t feel the time is right.

♪♪♪

Jungkook’s favorite season starts, and Taehyung feels the other’s presence more and more involved in his life. It’s autumn, when the leaves of maple trees look bright red and astonishing. And Taehyung loves it. He loves that whatever time he gets in the day, there’s a schedule, a time where he gets to spend his time with Jungkook. They go for a walk to the park and one day they re-create the scene from the Goblin. Taehyung is the Goblins wife while Jungkook is the Goblin.

Taehyung makes a bet to catch the falling maple leaf. He thinks he’s the first to catch the maple leaf and turns to look at Jungkook who surprisingly also has a maple leaf in his hands. “Did you know, Jungkookie?”

“What?” Jungkook walks towards Taehyung and takes the maple leaf from his hand and compares their sizes.

“In Goblin they said, if you catch a falling maple leaf, you’ll fall in love with the person you’re walking with.”

“I’ve already fallen for the person who I am walking with, Tae.” Jungkook nose scrunches.

Taehyung hums and turns around, “Yeah, I think I might be falling, too.”

♪♪♪

The winter starts, and unlike last year’s winters, Taehyung isn’t sad around this time. In fact, he’s really happy with how his year turned out to be. He’s happy that he met great people in his life and sad that he lost something that was once very precious to him. But above all, it’s the fact that he met Jungkook. His Jungkookie.

He enjoyed every season with Jungkook this year and he couldn’t be happier. He did things he liked and that made him truly content. He feels like there’s nothing more he wants from his life, because life has been nothing but a beautiful journey for him this year. And he’s glad he’s shared this journey with Jungkook.

It’s the start of November and the weather forecast says that it might snow sooner this year and Taehyung can’t wait. He loves the snow a lot. He feels at ease when he sees the snowflakes falling down, onto his hand. Another thing about winter is he gets to celebrate Christmas, his favorite festival.

Just when he thinks he should start tidying his closet he finds something that reminds him of the past year. These are the tickets to the musical, gifted to him by Jungkook last year. Jungkook gave these to him, in hopes Taehyung will go with Minjun, but we can never predict the future, can we?

And this is when Taehyung feels it is the right time, so he picks up his phone and dials the one number he knows by heart.

♪♪♪

Taehyung thinks bringing Jungkook to the musical with him was the best part of the musical. Excuse him, the musical was good too, but it’s Jungkook that made it perfect. They both sat together holding hands and Taehyung leaning on the other’s shoulder while Jungkook leaned his head on the other’s head. It was such a romantic time for him, that he thinks the moon should envy that it doesn’t get to breathe in Jungkook’s warmth.

Once the musical is over, they both walk outside towards the car, hand in hand (of course), laughing and giggling about how the day was amazing. “It was perfect because of you, Kookie.” ‘kookie’ was an affectionate term given to the other by him. Because apparently it reminded him of his favorite cookies and cream cupcakes, and also because it sounded cute.

“Stop feeding my ego, Tae.”

Taehyung laughs and leans against the bonnet of the car. Jungkook stands in between his legs, he holds Taehyung by his waist, carefully. And just when Taehyung is about to say something, the first snow of the year falls. He looks up in the sky in awe and smiles at the wonderful weather. “It’s snowing.” He says excitedly.

“It is, it’s your favorite. Isn’t it?”

“Yes.” He looks back at Jungkook and cups his cheeks. “Jungkook, I think, I’ve made you wait for a long time.”

“Huh?” Jungkook asks confused.

“Can you please kiss me, Jungkookie?”

And fuck stars, there’s nothing more beautiful than the dazzling light of Jungkook’s eyes when he asks him this. They meet halfway through the kiss. It’s a soft peck of lips first and soon they get bold with it as Taehyung encircles his arms around Jungkook ‘s neck while the other holds on to his waist like his life depends on it.

Jungkook kisses the way he smiles, soft and beautiful. It will be an understatement if Taehyung says he wants to kiss Jungkook again, because if it was feasible, he’d kiss Jungkook all the time. Once they’re both out of breath, they part and Jungkook just kisses him on his forehead and Taehyung feels those butterflies again, so he decides to say what he wants to because, he’s sure. He knows he is.

Taehyung looks at the other and brushes his hair back. “I’ve to tell you something, Jungkook.”

Jungkook raises his eyebrows but doesn’t say anything.

“I’ve enjoyed these four seasons with you, and if you’d allow me, I want to enjoy all the remaining seasons with you, for the rest of my life.”

“What?” And that’s when Jungkook realizes what the other is trying to say. “Really?”

“Yes.” Taehyung sees how Jungkook’s eyes light up. “I love you, Jungkook.” He pecks Jungkook’s nose, “I’m sorry I kept you waiting for a year, but in this past year, I found my happiness, found myself all because of you. And my feelings gradually increased, and it was impossible to hold back now.”

“You don’t have to say sorry, Tae. I’ll wait for you, for a lifetime, if you promise to come to me.”

“I promise, in every lifetime, I’ll be your Tae, and you’ll be my Kookie.”

They both seal the promise with a soft kiss. And Taehyung thanks life for showing him what love can look like and how it is easy to love.

♪♪♪

“Does this mean I get to kiss you on the lips under the mistletoe?” Jungkook asks as they’re once again decorating the café’s Christmas tree.

“Yes, you can kiss me on the lips.”

“Under the mistletoe?”

“Under the mistletoe!”