Jimin couldn’t recall when the last time he felt such happiness in his heart was.

It could’ve been the moment he lost his first tooth and found 1000Won stashed under his pillow, or when his parents excitedly announced that they had another baby on the way, and that he was going to be an older brother with a partner in crime to wreck the house together. He wasn’t sure.

But at the moment, Park Jimin was the very definition of being on cloud nine.

Back at the restaurant, he had a hunch badgering Taehyung into helping Yoongi send Hoseok back was a genius move. Perfect, if anyone asked. The knowing look Yoongi threw Jimin when the younger voiced his suggestion with a wily smirk and mischievous glint in his eyes, sent a clear message that Yoongi too figured it was a decent plan.

Taehyung being able to spend more time with Hoseok and Yoongi not having to get stuck on babysit duty was a win-win situation; in which he was definitely not complaining. And not too long ago, upon receiving Taehyung’s text that his best friend (just as Jimin predicted) would spend the night at Hoseok’s, Jimin knew that the odds were finally in his favour.

With some luck and prayers, Jimin thought, perhaps tomorrow Hoseok would even announce that they started dating; though it was a bit of a long shot. Still one should never give up hope. Jimin wasn’t for one.

The lad pranced, whistled a cheery tune as he felt his feet as light as air, practically gliding down the nearly emptied streets. The black-haired male had half the heart to stop and dance at the spot; if one, he wasn’t in public and two, Jeon Jungkook – who was momentarily forgotten – wasn’t walking by his side. The younger was silent ever since they got off the bus, but was definitely still in Jimin’s general vicinity.

And he didn’t want to freak Jungkook out; at least not so soon into their newly formed friendship.

Sneakily glancing to his left, Jimin found the younger quietly looking up, face relaxed and his shoulders peeled as he admired the curtain of glittering stars above. Jungkook does have the habit of staring at the sky when he walks; Jimin chuckled, recalling how it had been he himself that made the fact known when they first met.

Jimin – who had become more observant over the years - noticed that Jungkook’s lashes were pretty long for a guy. The way his mouth gaped slightly as he marvelled the stars above in awe was amusing too. And Jimin loathed how he had to crane his neck up a little to be able to survey the younger’s face, reminding him just how vertically challenged he was.

“You really are quiet.” Jimin starts slowly, voice gentle as it pierced through the still night. But still he managed to startle said male. Jungkook’s eyes widened as if he were woken up from a trance before turning to look at Jimin and their gazes met. Jimin still couldn’t, despite the numerous times he looked at them, get used to how alluring Jungkook’s orbs were.

“Sorry,” The younger had on a look of embarrassment as his hand nervously shot up to fiddle with the strands of loose hair behind his neck – an act which carried resemblance to Jimin’s own younger brother whenever he got caught stealing cookies; making it rather nonchalant to look at Jungkook then. “I was just-”

“Staring at the sky?” Jimin offered a smile.

“Yeah,” And Jungkook ree, scrunching his nose in an adorable manner. “Old habits die hard.”

“It’s alright,” The older chuckled as he himself unconsciously darted his gaze upwards, taking in the beauty of the night sky. There was something about midnight strolls – despite the dangers of being mugged or worse – that was calming after a laborious day. No hectic schedules to follow, no traffic to worry about, no street full of passersby frantically pushing through. It was oddly liberating. Jimin was glad he wasn’t the only one enjoying himself as clearly, Jungkook was too.

In fact, the moment they got off at the bus station and realising they were heading the same way (seeing how they live in the same neighbourhood), there wasn’t a need to suggest taking a walk instead of hailing a cab. A mere exchange of look between both of them sealed the deal, and thus they ended up taking a fifteen minute stroll back.

They hadn’t talked much, yet the silence wasn’t awkward or suffocating. It was rather comfortable to be honest.

And Jimin adored comfort.

“I’m sorry,” Jungkook swallows, eyes staring straight ahead as Jimin threw him a quizzical look. He regretted opening his mouth,“If I bore you, I mean. I’m err-not really good with small talk.”And boy was Jimin’s laughter equally melodious and teasing.

“I didn’t think Hoseok-hyung was telling the truth when he said you are shy,” Jimin wiped a tear from laughing, beaming at the slightly flustered lad, “But now I know.” He grinned. Jimin felt victorious, being able to stand on an imaginary stool and tease the younger from elevated ground – not a luxury he could afford all the time. But Jungkook caught up way too fast, as a small smirk emerged and managed to silence Jimin’s laugh abruptly.

“Well I didn’t imagine someone older than me to be so-” The younger made a gesture with his left hand, cutting an invisible line below his cheeks with a mocking smile, representing Jimin’s exaggerated short height.

“Yah!” Jungkook’s smile quickly evolved into an ear-splitting grin instead, and for the first time Jimin came to hear his rare chortle. It was warm, innocent, shocking even; how precious Jungkook’s laughter sounded. Given how the younger was one reserved with words and who often chose to listen rather than speak, Jimin didn’t think it was possible for Jungkook’s to offer anything more than a chuckle. But Jimin supposed he should never assume when it came to Jeon Jungkook.

“I’m your hyung!” Jimin tried his best to sound intimidating, but the pout and red-smudged cheeks were of no help, quickly rendering his intention of scaring Jungkook into respecting him futile.

“Sorry,” At least Jungkook had the decency to stifle his laughter; or tried to. It was hard given Jimin’s expression, and Jimin wasn’t certain if the act made the situation better or worse off. “It’s just…” Jungkook clamped his lips yet a small snort managed to escape, “You look and act so ‘un-hyungly’ that I can’t take you for one, Jimin.”

“That’s Jimin-hyung, you brat.” The older pursed his lips, but couldn’t help but gave in and smiled eventually. Jimin wanted to smack him on the back, and he would’ve, if it weren’t because the sound of his name escaping Jungkook’s lips being pleasant to the ear (surprisingly), and the way Jungkook gave him a gummy, cheeky grin after. It’ll do for the moment, Jimin supposed, a small smile tugging the corners of his own lips. “At least have the decency to pretend that you respect your elders.”

“I’ll try.” Jungkook beamed at him, lingering traces of any forms of shyness gradually fading into oblivion. And Jimin already started to miss the quiet, reserved boy from ten minutes ago, mentally smacking himself for ever thinking otherwise. “But no promises, Jimin.”

The soft, frustrated groan escaping Jimin’s mouth earned a chuckle from Jungkook as they continued their way back to their respective apartments. They came to a crossroad – the very one where Jimin had tackled Jungkook onto the ground; where they first met – and the older vowed to keep his eyes focused on the road at all times in order to prevent such an incident happening again.

“Ah,” Jungkook breathed and Jimin did not bother asking. A mere look at Jungkook’s expression was enough to tell that the latter recalled said incident too.

“Shut up.” Jimin rolled his eyes, in which the younger responded with a laugh, but did not make any retorts.

Though Jimin didn’t mind meeting Jungkook, as he was proving to be rather enjoyable company, still Jimin wished that their meeting did not occur in such a manner. Why couldn’t fate be kinder and let them met at a party, or at a coffee shop like how normally people would? Any way that didn’t involve him crushing onto Jungkook with his entire weight seemed decent.

As they took a right turn, the familiar street that led to Jimin’s apartment came into sight. “You know,” Jimin yawned, feeling the tiredness creeping up all the way from the tips of his toes to his head, “I never did get to ask Hoseok-hyung why he’s so keen on getting you to join the dance club.”

“Well...” Jungkook started intelligently, a sheepish grin washing over his face while he contemplated how to break the news to Jimin.

“Well?”

“It’s silly,” Jungkook sighed, attempting to dismiss Jimin’s curiosity. “We went to the arcade one day-more like he dragged us there-but yeah. There was this-” The younger made an odd gesture with his hands, “-dancing machine? I guess you could call it that.” With a nod, Jimin encouraged him to continue.

“I beat him,” Jungkook said matter-of-factly, “His high score. I beat it.”

“You did?” Jimin felt his jaw fall, eyes widening at the thought of Hoseok losing in his favourite game of all time. Jimin, too, had been dragged into accompanying Hoseok spend hours at the arcade, but had never once come close to his score; let alone beat him. “That’s impossible.”

“But I did,” Jungkook would like for it to sound like a boast, but all he could offer was a dejected sigh,“And that’s why he started pestering me to join the dance club because apparently I’m a ‘genius’.” A small frown contorted Jungkook’s features at the mention of the last word.

“I don’t know about being a genius,” Jimin laughed, “But beating Hoseok-hyung is a pretty big deal. Even if it’s just a game.”

“I suppose.” Jungkook settled for a lazy shrug.

“You should really consider it, joining the team I mean. I think you’ll have fun.”

“I’ve never danced before, apart from that one time at the arcade which technically, can’t be called dancing.” The younger couldn’t help but wince at the embarrassing incident, having the whole room of people staring as he followed the darned moves appearing on the screen. They applauded him for breaking the high score, yet every clap seemed to render Jungkook wanting to dig a hole and bury himself more.

To say his face wasn’t flushed red when he bolted out as soon as it was over was a big fat lie (though he wouldn’t ever admit it to anyone).

“You could learn,” Said Jimin, “just like how Tae is going to. I’m absolutely sure you’ll pick up way faster than him though. He’s secretly three-legged.” Taking a good look at their surroundings, he deliberately whispered the last sentence, earning a chuckle from the younger.

“I don’t know…” Jungkook let his voice trailed, “But I’ll think about it.” And a small smile followed after.

“Fair enough.”

As they continued down the path, they talked about nothing special in particular. The conversation flowed naturally and soon they found themselves talking about a range of nonsensical topics, whatever that came to mind – whether Iron man or Batman would win a marathon, Hoseok’s weird sense of humour, Taehyung’s self-planned wedding, the reasons to adore coffee and so on (though it was Jimin who did most of the talking instead).

And before they realised it, the duo eventually ended up arriving at the front of Jimin’s apartment. Jimin was glad to finally be able to head inside, take a warm shower, brew some tea and maybe put on a facial mask before indulging in peaceful slumber. The lad was not planning on waking up till the sun was up and burnt a hole in his pants – something he hadn’t been able to do in a long, long time.

“Well then, see you around.” The younger waved as Jimin made his way up the stairs, yet still stood rooted until he made sure Jimin went inside. The gesture made Jimin go from I-need-sleep-go-away to maybe-I-should-invite-him-in-to-hang-out-even-though-it’s-almost-midnight real quick.

“Goodnight, Jimin.” Jungkook gave him a gummy smile.

Suddenly the idea of watching a movie (or maybe a whole entire series) with Jungkook didn’t seem that bad. And really, the brief fifteen minutes of talking was hardly satisfying. Yet as much as Jimin would like to hang out with the younger, he was far too tired; and the bags beneath Jungkook’s eyes suggested he was too.

Jimin whirled around and threw him a small smile, waving back, “Goodnight, Jungkook.” He managed to brush the idea off before it got the better of him. Sleep was more important. And so was solitude. By hook or by crook, he was going to indulge in both. That was the plan.

Until Jimin reached into his pocket for his keys.

And found nothing.

……….

Kim Taehyung knew he should be grateful.

The fact that he was no more than 12 inches away from his all-time crush, Jung Hoseok, and being in a confined apartment all alone with him was virtually an early Christmas present personally delivered on a silver platter by Santa himself.

And despite what most would think, Taehyung wasn’t dumb (though Jimin would beg to differ). He was fully aware that he’s far too old to be visited by Santa anymore, and was definitely not in the good children’s list anyways.

Thus even if Hoseok was probably going to forget what happened in the morning, and even if the older fell asleep whispering Yoongi’s name instead of his, Taehyung chose to stick with just being grateful. Still a small part of him couldn’t help dismiss the slight traces of jealousy stuck onto his face in the form of a pout.

It was a peculiar feeling having seen Hoseok and Yoongi’s close relationship. Even though the latter often seemed annoyed by Hoseok’s gestures, still there was definitely a strong bond between them – and Taehyung instantly recognised that as trust; just like what he and Jimin shared. Though the younger made a mental note to consult Jimin as to whether it was normal for best friends to fall asleep calling each other’s names the next time they met.

He would’ve bombarded Jimin with texts, but he figured the older deserved a night off and frankly, Taehyung couldn’t seem to locate the exact whereabouts of said device. His phone was probably buried somewhere under the couch, or maybe under the pile of comic books Hoseok had lying around. Oh well it’d have to wait, Taehyung thought, though he was pretty sure he heard it vibrate a couple of times the past hour.

Taehyung turned to survey the sleeping male, inching closer. “Hoseok,” He whispered softly into his ear, “It’s Taehyung. Not Yoongi, okay?” Taehyung felt silly with the gesture yet the way Hoseok stirred a little, frowning as if he could hear him made the younger giggle. Clamping his mouth shut in case he woke the older up, Taehyung sighed in relief once the rhythmic snore of Hoseok’s echoed across the room once more.

“Tae-hyung-ie.” Said male repeated a little softer this time.

“Tae...” Hoseok’s voice trailed, startling Taehyung as he immediately blushed, afraid that he might have really woken up. Yet Hoseok showed no signs of escaping his drunken slumber with his eyes still shut. It was barely audible, but still the mere mention of his name rendered Taehyung grinning like a fool – a fool in love.

“That’s right.” Taehyung smiled, resting his chin on one palm while the other reached forward to brush through Hoseok’s hair gently. The younger could tell Hoseok was one of those college kids who always exhausted himself – smiling, laughing, goofing around and doing silly things whenever he wasn’t busy immersed in practice – by the fine lines and dark circles on his face.

Hoseok’s life was ever vibrant, painted with a multitude of colours no matter what came his way because said male believed that there is always something worth being happy about. And Taehyung admired him for that. He couldn’t help but wish that he too had a chance to be a part of Hoseok’s life; to be more than just being known as Jimin’s friend to Hoseok.

“And Taehyung here,” Said male lowered his voice, tone laced with hesitation but he swallowed it. He had a lot he wanted to say, and knowing Taehyung, he just isn’t one who kept things bottled up. He was more of the I’ll-scream-it-out-loud-to-the-whole-world-when-I-feel-like-it kind of guy. But for the moment, he managed to tone it down to a soft whisper.

“He…he fell in love with this guy.” As Taehyung jabbed a finger at Hoseok’s forehead ever so lightly, the male subconsciously frowned a little before snuggling closer to his touch. “This guy who is a little loud, who loves dancing, who loves throwing people’s lives upside down and doesn’t know when to give up.”

“But don’t tell him, okay?” Taehyung added with a soft smile, “It’s a secret.”

As if to express agreement, Hoseok returned a serene smile in his sleep. It felt awfully relieving, being able to confess - even though his crush was drunk to the point of being passed out, not able to offer a response – and Taehyung figured it was the only time he could voice his feelings out loud without ending up as a flustered mess.

Feeling sore from sitting, the younger eventually stood and stretched his numb limbs. They were sure to hurt beyond words the next day and he’d have to bribe Jimin to give him a massage. But there was another more crucial task he had to handle at the moment – a.k.a sneaking around Hoseok’s apartment.

A tinny fragment of Taehyung reprimanded himself, that he should probably not as it wouldn’t be polite of him to violate Hoseok’s privacy. But surely the older wouldn’t mind him casually taking a tour around and accidentally coming across his stuff right?

Or at least that was what Taehyung convinced himself to believe.

Hoseok’s apartment was fairly small – with a single bedroom which was so messy it was as if a tornado came through, a small bathroom and an opened kitchen. Most of the floor were covered with dirty laundry, scattered books, action figurines and sheets of paper that seemed important (Hoseok’s assignments). Thankfully Taehyung picked them up and laid them on the table.

To sum it all up, Hoseok’s apartment is a huge pile of mess. But Taehyung wasn’t complaining, given how his apartment was more or less just like Hoseok’s; if not worse.

Eventually, Taehyung’s strides came to a halt upon noticing a few picture frames neatly placed on the shelf – the only items in the entire apartment that seemed to be in a tidy manner and often cleaned. There was not a single speck of dust on them, which probably suggested these were very, very important to Hoseok. To prevent himself from breaking anything (which somehow happened very often), Taehyung made a mental note to simply look without touching.

The first picture was one Hoseok had taken with his family – all four of them – at their house. Taehyung was in awe with how beautiful Hoseok’s mother was, and how much he resembled his father. He probably had a hard time fending off guys who tried to court his older sister too, given her dazzling smile.

Perhaps one day, if Taehyung was lucky enough, he could even meet them in person - he thought with a shy blush. A few other pictures were taken of him during his 18^th birthday, when his team won the regional dancing competition, his first day of college. Hoseok even had a picture of his dog, with the name ‘Mickey’ written in bold letters and lots of hearts drawn all over it.

Taehyung smiled as he carefully studied each, as if he could imagine himself standing right there behind the camera as the shutters were pressed, witnessing the moments himself.

It was then did Taehyung came to notice another picture hidden behind the rest. Unlike the rest, it was placed in a simple wooden frame with nothing written over it - A picture of him and Yoongi when they were younger. High school, Taehyung figured judging by the uniform they wore. He couldn’t suppress the urge to pick it up and survey the picture in greater detail.

Hoseok’s smile never changed. It was still the same old radiant, ear-splitting grin which left his eyes buried beneath those smile lines of his while showing rows of teeth – one that Taehyung had carved into his heart the first day they met. And Yoongi, though his hair was black instead of green in the picture, looked way younger and surprisingly, even had a faint smile on. It didn’t seem as joyous as Hoseok’s to others and Taehyung had to squint real hard to even be able to notice it, but for Yoongi it was equivalent to ten gummy grins.

Hoseok, with his hand slung over Yoongi’s shoulder and the latter who leaned into Hoseok’s touch, reminded Taehyung much of Jimin. How they too had taken a picture together (with Taehyung insisting and not taking no for answer) on the first day of college. Thus he knew of all of them, this was probably one that meant the most to Hoseok.

Carefully placing the frame back to its original position, Taehyung couldn’t help but pray with fingers crossed that one day Hoseok would realise just how badly the younger had fallen for him.

And maybe, just maybe, Hoseok would come to fall for him too.