At exactly a quarter pass seven, Jimin was secretively devising a plan to run for his life – to be more precise, he was attempting to escape from Jung Hoseok.

Why exactly?

Because Jimin was a stuttering mess who does not have the slightest clue on how to lie and blurts the truth out quicker than he blinks when pressured; which was exactly what the older of the two was doing.

Jimin’s eyes widened as his laughter came out monotonous, “What about Taehyung?” He faked nonchalance.

“Well…” Hoseok trailed, “Did he mention anything about me?”

Jimin’s reply was too instant to be convincing, but hey, he was doing his best.

“Of course not, hyung!”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Yes, I am.” He nodded firmly to reinforce his answer, convincing himself but not the other.

“O…kay.” Hoseok paused to study Jimin’s peculiar expression – a mixture of anxiety, fear and wary – before continuing, “But did he-”

Jimin couldn’t handle the stress any longer. “Hyung,” He patted him on the shoulder, fixing him a serious stare as best as he could - though it was more of a ‘please-let-me-live-I-don’t-want-to-say-anything’ kind of look. “Maybe it is best if you talked to Taehyung himself if you have…any questions about him that I definitely do not know the answers to.”

The older male paused to consider the suggestion before nodding, “Yeah, maybe I should.”

Jimin didn’t know which to fear more: Jung Hoseok interrogating him regarding his best friend (who happens to have the biggest crush on him ever), or the fact that the older male was lacking his goofy smile and actually (for the first time ever) had a serious demeanour on. There was no way for him to choose as both were, Jimin thought, equally terrifying.

“Exactly, you should.” He sighed, a heavy burden lifted off his shoulders as he stood to leave; eager to escape from any more questions he wasn’t ready to answer. Call him a coward if you must, but Park Jimin hated confrontations more than he hated soggy bread. And soggy bread was deemed an abomination to mankind if you asked him.

Jimin bid Hoseok a quick goodbye before turning on his heels and bolting out the front door, feet working quick as if he were being chased by monsters while Hoseok merely watched his retreating back disappear among the crowd, fingers unconsciously tapping on the counters while he did.

……….

By the time Jimin arrived on campus he was sweating buckets.

The dirty looks passersby shot him as he clumsily stumbled down the hallway were plenty. It just wasn’t within his current capabilities for him to be bothered.

Rummaging through his messy lockers, Jimin found no traces of his history notes only to recall then that he had left them by his bed – a soft, illicit curse soon followed. And just as he slammed the doors shut, grumbling under his breath for his carelessness, Jimin caught sight of a familiar mop of black hair.

It belonged to Jungkook.

The younger was dressed in a simple white tee-shirt and ripped jeans, chuckling at something his friend – who had an arm slung across his shoulder - was whispering. No sooner Jimin spotted him, Jungkook’s gaze settled on him too and said male stopped in his tracks. He waved before making his way over to where the older was standing, with his companion whose sentence was left hanging temporarily abandoned. But he came trotting over to join Jungkook too.

“Hi,” Jimin greeted an approaching Jungkook.

“Hey, Jimin.” Jungkook’s smile was polite. No attempts were given to introduce the slightly shorter, slender male by his side that oddly, bear a strange resemblance to a certain Jung hoseok. Judging by the way his eyes glimmered in excitement and couldn’t seem to stay still for more than ten seconds; they were perfect duplicates – Hoseok 2.0.

“Ah!” Beside him, Hoseok 2.0’s exclaim came startling Jimin who had been lost in thought. “So you’re Jimin? The Jimin who spent the night at Jungkook’s?”

How does he know about it? Did Jimin snore or talk in his sleep that Jungkook found it a funny story to tell? Jimin felt a little uncomfortable having an unknown stranger asking, albeit it being a simple and spur-of-the-moment question.

“Y-yeah.”

“So ‘Jimin’ is a guy?” He turned to Jungkook and giggled, “The other day when you texted back saying I couldn’t come over because you had a guest, I figured you brought another girl home again or something, kookie. You didn’t tell me it was a guy!”

He was completely oblivious towards Jimin’s flustered expression and the way Jungkook’s face scrunched – as if he were trying real hard to resist slapping him at the back of the head (or straight up murder him).

“Shut up, Yugeom.” Clearing his throat, Jungkook nudged said male, Yugeom, in the rib, “You go on ahead first. I’ll catch up in a bit.”

“Fine, fine,” Yugeom said, whistling as he whirled around and walked backwards, “Now that you have Jimin you don’t want me anymore. So much for being best friends.” The leaving lad grumbled but did not forget to throw Jimin a quick smile and a “see you around” before disappearing around the corner.

There was an awkward pause before Jimin heard the younger sigh, turned to find him touching the back of his neck shyly, embarrassed.

“He was just joking,” The younger coughed, a nervous laugh eliciting, “About me bringing girls back to my apartment, I mean. The only female that has actually step foot inside is my mum.” Jimin didn’t fully comprehend why he found it necessary to explain himself, but still giggled in response knowing said fact, a sense of relief washing over for some reason he couldn’t pinpoint.

“I see,” Jimin’s giggle died off upon noticing Jungkook’s slight pout. He zeroed in on the books Jungkook had in one hand, and what seemed to be an art folio in the other, wondering if the latter too was on his way to classes.

Though Jungkook confirmed his suspicion when he said, “We were on our way to class,” His nose scrunched up in an adorable manner, “Calculus, in fact.”

“Me too,” Jimin nodded, motioning towards his paper-filled hands.

“History?” When Jungkook caught sight of the thick, hard-covered copy of “Korean History Made Easy” peeking through Jimin’s stack, his lips cracked into a slight smile of amusement before the older male quickly tucked the book away. It was unbelievable how a shade of crimson quickly coated his cheeks.

“I like both dancing and history,” A little flustered, Jimin unconsciously bit his lower lip; Jungkook’s eyes following the movement. ”Is that…weird?”

A few rushing students nearly knocked them over as they frantically made their way to the lecture halls, but Jungkook paid them no attention, focusing solely on Jimin and his odd question. “No, not weird.” He smiled, crinkles forming around his eyes when he did, “Just surprising.”

Jimin’s respond had been a broad, toothy smile; discovering that Jungkook, despite having adoration for teasing his height, was actually rather kind. The younger was supportive - unlike most who made snarky remarks about his passion, leaving Jimin feeling insecure and afraid. He was also generous enough to let Jimin stay the other night despite having just met the older. Speaking of which-

“I haven’t properly thanked you for letting me stay over,” Jimin’s sudden realisation hit him hard. His short, tiny fingers clutched onto the hem of his oversized sweater as he bowed slightly, sincerity evident as he expressed his gratitude.

The sight was cute, Jungkook mused, though he kept the thought to himself.

“It’s fine, I got your ‘thank you’ note. Just remember to bring your keys next time, alright? I might not be around all the time to save you.” Jungkook’s laughter was equally rare and melodious.

“Ah…I will.” Jimin said shyly, earning a satisfied nod from the younger.

“Well, I should head to class now,” Jungkook announced after a brief glance at his watch. He was already ten minutes late to be precise; but made no haste. “See you around, Jimin.” He offered a gummy smile, and Jimin couldn’t help but noticed that his black hair looked soft to touch up close. Given how the younger did not bother styling it today, instead leaving the strands to freely fall over his eyes, it was beyond tempting for Jimin to reach up on his tippy toes and ruffle it.

“Right,” Jimin nodded, mentally slapping his inner self for being such a creep. Jungkook had his heels before the older called out, “Uhm.”

The other whirled around, “Yes?”

All of a sudden, Jungkook’s gaze made him feel jittery. Jimin was never much of an extrovert, and unlike Taehyung, he couldn’t speak his mind easily and often felt troubled by eye contact with those he wasn’t exceptionally close to - Jungkook, was one of them.

“I was thinking,” Jimin started nervously, “maybe I could treat you to a meal as thanks?” Jungkook paused for a second to register his words, looking a little troubled as a thin line emerged across his usually smooth forehead.

It threw poor Jimin into a state of panic.

Was he being overly-friendly? Was he overstepping the lines? Did he say or imply something funny? Because Jimin honestly did not have ulterior motives. He was just far too kind to accept help without returning the favour or some sort.

“Ah,” Jungkook’s frown deepen, leaving Jimin more flustered and frantic than his poor heart could handle, “A meal, huh?”

Jimin’s forced smile faded into oblivion and he wished he hadn’t made the stupid suggestion, “I-it’s alright if you don’t want to.” He nearly shouted, “I didn’t mean-I mean, I just thought it wasn’t polite of me to not do something in return.”

Once he realised he had been frowning the entire time, Jungkook’s gaze snapped towards him and an apologetic look immediately took over, “No-no, of course I would like that. It’s just…I’m really busy this week. I err-it’s really embarrassing to say-but I have supplementary classes since I failed calculus.” Jungkook’s voice gradually faded into a whisper – a whisper of shame.

Jimin paused; before he breathed again.

In fact, he was so relief he could only offer a soft “Oh”, a smile eventually returning to its position once more. With all the self-restraint he could muster, Jimin managed to suppress his laughter at the sight of what most definitely was a blush on Jungkook’s face, toning it down to a muffled chuckle instead.

“How about next Saturday?” The older of the two suggested.

“Well,” In an attempt to shadow his embarrassment, Jungkook cleared his throat, though a grin quickly came to sight, “Actually, I do know a place that has really good ‘jjajangmyeon’.”

His face practically radiated excitement, a complete contrary to his usual calm demeanour, while Jimin paused to note how much Jungkook resembled a bunny with his toothy smile. The enthusiasm and eagerness laced in Jungkook’s voice at the thought of good food, and the ear-to-ear grin of his knowing it was a treat, was pleasing.

“Sounds good to me.” Jimin beamed.

As they parted ways, Jimin went rushing into the hall to his usual seat just in case someone decided to steal it (though no one besides him would sit at the front row). Only when he was halfway through class, attentively listening to his professor presenting a lecture on post-war state consolidation, that he felt the urge to convince himself: it isn’t a date, it isn’t a date, it isn’t a date.

It isn’t.

……….

Turns out hiding from the world and staying confined within four walls was more tiring than predicted. A few days later Taehyung had exhausted all possible variations of sleeping, eating, jumping on Jimin’s bed, and rearranging the furniture for the seventh time. In a state of boredom, he even considered studying – him, studying.

Taehyung lounged on the couch and made popping sounds with his mouth, half tempted to ransack Jimin’s fridge for another snack just to annoy his best friend.

(Jimin flips whenever he comes home and finds the absence of his favourite pudding.)

Taehyung was no longer aware of the passage of time. His days and nights were marked by only one thing: drowning his sorrows and attempting to forget all about the object of his affections – Jung Hoseok. Taehyung couldn’t even explain why exactly he fell for said male. So abandoning his feelings should be a piece of cake, right?

Wrong.

Every denial, dismissal of his throbbing heart only created surges of pain and that pain merely intensified the love dwelling within. But Taehyung would put it all behind him, he vowed, convincing himself that no one was worth being depressed over. That’s right. He was getting closer to it – so close, until…

Hoseok’s broad smile popped into mind. And Taehyung found himself groaning as he gave his cheeks a good smack.

Back to square one.

Just as he was about to douse himself with some icy cold water to wake himself up, he heard the doorbell ringing, putting a halt to his actions. Taehyung jerked himself upright. He hadn’t comb his hair in so long that every strand stuck up in different directions.

“Coming!” He called out in a hoarse voice – fruits of having too many spicy chips - trudging with heavy steps towards the front door while battling with his hair, trying but failing to smoothen it.

Silly Jimin forgot his keys again, Taehyung couldn’t help but complained.

“You clutz,” He swung the door ajar and was prepared to deliver a good lecture, “How many times have I told you-” Once again he was disappointed. Where was his short, chubby-cheeked, baby-faced best friend?

And why did Jung Hoseok stand before him with a smile both captivating and shy, hair slightly messy from the blowing wind, hands shoved into his pockets as he rocked back and forth a little nervously?

Taehyung’s slouched posture straightened faster than he could blink. If he hadn’t been gripping onto the doorknob the entire time he just might have fallen face first onto the ground; given how his brain had stopped functioning. The frozen lad looked at Hoseok like he was a grim reaper coming for his soul.

Though Taehyung wished a real grim reaper would come take his soul just about then.

“Hello,” The ever smiling Hoseok gave him a wave. How dare he stand before Taehyung looking all ethereal and handsome while the younger was a nervous wreck? He couldn’t find his voice.

What was he supposed to say: Hi? Hello? I want to die right now please leave?

“Jimin texted me a while ago saying you’d be here.” Hoseok paid no heed towards Taehyung’s paling face, grin never faltered despite the lack of response, “He mentioned something about you being unwell?”

So maybe Jimin wasn’t completely heartless as to leave Hoseok (one of his favourite hyungs) hanging. And just maybe he had shared Taehyung’s whereabouts, hoping with fingers crossed that the older male would take the initiative to talk – since Taehyung was obviously not going to any soon. Jimin really, really, needed his sleep.

In all honesty, Taehyung was two seconds away from slamming the door, running into the bathroom and flushing himself down the toilet. But Hoseok’s expression was one of concern; and hope – as if he could tell what Taehyung was considering and praying that he wouldn’t do just that.

“Oh.” Taehyung, who had forgotten about breathing, inhaled before blinking rapidly, mind functioning once more, “Oh h-hi.” He raised an awkward hand and waved robotically. “Yeah I’m having err-” He chose to stare at a spot on Hoseok’s left shoulder (which still proved to be difficult nonetheless), “cramps.”

“Cramps?” Hoseok questioned as confusion moulded.

“No-I mean yes, yeah cramps. My legs, I mean-not you know. I err-ran too much or something.”

If Taehyung was a stuttering, sweating mess - which he most definitely was - Hoseok did not point said fact out. He averted his gaze away from Taehyung upon realising that the younger felt uncomfortable.

“Are you…alright now?” Hoseok’s tone was laced with worry.

“Yeah…I guess.”

He sighed in euphoric relief, smiling, “That’s good to hear.” And Taehyung had to fight the urge to tackle him onto the ground with a bear hug at the sight of Hoseok’s adorable dimples.

“Jimin’s not here,” He mumbled, gaze focused on the ground, ashamed for the ridiculous thoughts running through his mind. Obviously, Hoseok was here looking for Jimin. Why would he come otherwise? “He should be in class right now so…do you need me to pass a message?”

“I didn’t come for Jimin,” Hoseok started, voice suddenly jittery as he averted his eyes to avoid a surprised Taehyung’s stare. It was a chilly day out with the cold wind occasionally blowing their way, but there were still tiny beads of sweat forming on both their temples. The sounds of honking cars and construction noises faded in the background, Taehyung barely noticed them as Hoseok said, “I came to see you.”

“Oh.”

Hoseok rocked back and forth on his heels, “Can I come in?” He asked a little hesitantly.

“S-sure.” Albeit reluctant, Taehyung stepped aside for him after pausing to consider a proper way to say no – but found none. With great effort, he managed to peel his fingers off the door, closing it behind him before following the older into the living room. Taehyung really wanted to melt and become one with the tiles at the moment if he could.

Hoseok, to his surprise, seemed unfazed to find piles of empty plastic containers and wrappers that threatened to tumble with even the slightest knock. Apparently Jimin had given him the heads up.

Just what else had his best friend blabbered?

Next to the window was a bouquet of wilting orange tulips (a gift from Jimin to cheer Taehyung up) which strangely, were missing most petals; as if someone had been plucking them off while being lost in thought – a.k.a a sulking Kim Taehyung.

“I didn’t thing Jimin was a flowers kind of guy.” Hoseok joked.  

Spotting used tissue papers littering the floor, Taehyung discreetly kicked them under the couch, praying that Hoseok doesn’t notice them. “Yeah, he is,” Taehyung said. “Sorry for the mess.”

“It’s fine,” Hoseok dismissed his worry with a single hand, “This place is ten thousand times better than my apartment. I mean you can’t even walk straight in mine.”

A small chuckle elicited from Taehyung’s lips unconsciously as he blurted without thought, “Well, you do have a lot of stuff lying around-”, though he cut himself short once he realised the implication behind his words.

Hoseok turned to face Taehyung, who chose to pick on the loose thread of his shirt, face contorted with a mixture of worry and fear. “Right…sorry you had to witness that.” Hoseok gave a quick laugh, nervously fiddling with the hair on the back of his neck.

“I swear I clean my apartment from time to time! Maybe once every few months, or half a year? Anyways, thank you. For helping Yoongi, I mean. I’m really…sorry you had to go through all that trouble.”

“It was no biggie, don’t worry about it.” Taehyung briskly swept the stained, leather couch clear of dirt as best as he could before offering Hoseok a seat, which the older hastily accepted; a tad bit disappointed to find Taehyung taking one the furthest from him.

Silence hung heavily between them, their soft breathes forming a wave across the room so choking to Taehyung, that even the crickets went quiet.

He hadn’t dare turn to face Hoseok, only choosing to steal sneaky glances once in a while when he was absolutely certain Hoseok was too preoccupied with studying Jimin’s apartment. There was a look of pure fascination plastered on him and despite Taehyung wanting to bury himself alive, a smile still graced his lips.

“So, Taehyung,” Hoseok was the one who broke the silence, earning a small jolt from the younger, “I hope I’m not disturbing your rest.” He looked sheepish, “I just came to err-return something.”

Taehyung stopped breathing; period.

Hoseok fished a shiny, black object – Taehyung’s phone - from his pockets and handed it over, “Here,” He offered, “I believe this is yours.”

Somehow the petrified younger managed to shakily receive it (after having a mental breakdown, dying and resurrecting), his voice fallen to no louder than a whisper, “Thanks.” He mumbled.

“It was ringing. And I found it. I didn’t know it was yours at first but clearly it isn’t mine-” Hoseok’s expression was filled with nonchalance, Taehyung noticed, whether faked or genuine he did not know. “-or Yoongi’s so I thought hey! It must be Taehyung’s!”

Taehyung couldn’t offer anything else besides a jittery “I see”. And though the loud chirping of birds could be heard from the opened window, it could not compete with his pounding heart.

He forged a laugh, too sharp and plastic to be his. It didn’t fool anyone; not Hoseok and not even he himself. “I must’ve dropped it when I was leaving! Oh, how rude of me-” Abruptly, as if his seat caught ablaze, Taehyung stood and headed for the kitchens in attempt to hide from Hoseok’s lingering stare, “I forgot to get you something to drink. Would you like some coffee, tea, or maybe soda? I think there’s some-”

“I couldn’t help but noticed,” Hoseok’s voice brought him to a halt, nearly tripping him over and he scrambled for support from the coffee table. It took him all the strength he could muster to gradually turn around, though he never did have the courage to look at the older male.

Hoseok’s voice dropped low, keeping his sight trained on Taehyung, “There is a picture…of me?”

Taehyung froze.

The day has arrived, he announced to himself.

His greatest nightmare: Jung Hoseok yelling at him with a scrutinizing scowl, a hostile stare and bared teeth. Surely he despised Taehyung for having feelings; feelings that were not supposed to exist in the first place. He wouldn’t want to see Taehyung anymore, demanding that the latter did the same or worse, forcing him to leave town and never to speak to him ever again.

Taehyung would lose his love just like that - his first love.

With that thought in mind, he couldn’t stop the tears from spilling then.

Taehyung, who sunk to his knees, finally looked at Hoseok. “I-I-I’m really sorry.” He sobbed, face scrunched as the continuous droplets stained his cheeks wet. He cried as if the world had came crashing down on him.

It certainly felt like it did.

The sight took Hoseok by surprise as he stood rooted, mind a little frantic while trying to comprehend the situation. “Hey, hey, hey…” Yet once he finally came to his senses, Hoseok rushed to kneel by his side, a look of shock and concern washing over him.

“D-don’t cry.” He was definitely panicking once the tears came gushing instead. Not knowing whether it was alright for him to touch someone when they were crying, Hoseok hesitantly rested a palm on his back and made gentle, soothing motions that were meant to be comforting. “Please don’t cry,” Hoseok’s tone was gentle, laced with obvious uneasiness.

“It’s alright. There, there.”

“I-I couldn’t-” Taehyung hiccupped, “-h-help it.” He wasn’t one who often cried in front of anyone besides Jimin. But having kept his feelings for over a year, having his crush discovering his embarrassing act, having his heart broken made him lose restraint. He poured all his love and affection out in the form of tears; baring his weakest, most fragile self for Hoseok to witness.

Taehyung has honestly never fell for someone this badly before.

“I r-really like y-you.” For a moment, Taehyung forgot all about keeping his thoughts hidden. It was tiring for someone as expressive as him and frankly, he just didn’t care anymore. All he wanted was to let it all out.

“I r-really, really l-like you.” He sobbed.

Hoseok was taken aback by the sudden confession. Instantly, he retracted his hand from Taehyung’s back. Sure he had his suspicions that might be the case – Taehyung liking him. But hearing it aloud was still shocking nevertheless. He watched with his mouth slightly ajar as Taehyung struggled to form coherent words.

“I-I know I’m d-disgusting. But p-please don’t h-hate me.” The younger buried his face in both hands, “P-please.” He begged. It was painful. Every part of him was in agonizing pain and the last thing he wanted was to see Hoseok’s repulsed look.

“P-please don’t.”

But unbeknownst to him, said look was nowhere to be found.

Ever so gently, as if he were handling delicate glass, Hoseok pried the wailing lad’s hands away from his face and gave him a gentle smile – one that clearly meant he was not going anywhere, that he was not judging him nor felt bothered by his feelings.

“Taehyung,” Hoseok searched for his gaze even though the younger refused to look at him, “Listen to me for a sec, alright?” He gave his palms a reassuring squeezing, hold never faltered as he spoke, “You are not disgusting. Please don’t ever say that about yourself, ever again. How can I possibly hate you? I could never.”

“Y-you don’t?” Taehyung’s whisper, despite the tears finally coming to a stop, was fragile; doubtful.

“I do hate seeing you cry though,” Hoseok’s smile grew wider, eyes forming slight crescents, “I’ve never really noticed before, but a smile definitely suits you way better.” He slowly let go of Taehyung’s hands and dug through his pockets for some tissue – only to find a faded, old handkerchief that looked as miserable as it was pathetic. That will have to do for the moment.

“Here,” With care, he wiped the younger’s cheeks before placing the fabric into the latter’s hand. Hoseok leaned closer just to make sure that there were no remnants of tears on his face while Taehyung, in return, flushed like a tomato from their close proximity. His breath was uneven, eyes swollen as shame clung onto him like a shadow. How much more trouble was he going to bring to those around him?

But with Hoseok’s soothing presence, soon gratitude and relief began to wash over instead.

“T-thanks,” Taehyung felt the urge to shy away once he calmed down, once the appalling situation dawned before him. “It must be weird for you,” He coughed, both hands coming up to wrap around himself; as if forming a cocoon of protection. “Me liking you, I mean. We’ve never really talked and I screwed things up. I’m really stupid-”

“Like I said,” Hoseok cut him short with a stern look. His brows furrowed when Taehyung spoke ill of himself. For some unknown reason it really ticked him off. Even though Hoseok does not feel the same, still he was honoured to be liked by someone as amazing as Taehyung. A good-for-nothing like him definitely did not deserve the younger, he sighed. “Stop apologising. I’m the one who should be saying sorry. I didn’t mean to blurt things out the way I did and make you cry! Really, I’m such a douche.”

“No you aren’t,” Taehyung sniffled, wiping his nose with his sleeve. “You’re really gentle.”

“I-if you say so,” A pool of heat formed within as Hoseok nervously cleared his throat, a faint blush tainting his cheeks at the other’s compliment. He was many things: loud, cheerful, annoying, energetic, blunt, loyal. But no one, not even his parents, had ever deemed him as gentle. Somehow, the sound of it made him feel really, really satisfied – as if it were a high achievement that was worth being proud of. But Hoseok supposed Taehyung’s compliment was something to be proud of.

After a couple of minutes, Taehyung’s gaze finally turned to meet his, a timid smile forming (which Hoseok was glad to see), “Anyways, thank you for not freaking out. And not being mad at me. Even though you don’t feel the same, still I’m glad I was able to tell you. I hope things won’t be awkward between us?”

“Of course not,” Hoseok shook his head a little too vigorously, baffled by the thought of losing him.

“Great,” The younger heaved a delighted sigh of relief, one he had been unconsciously holding all along. There was still a faint throb in his heart, one that was threatening to render him bawling and hiding under the blankets. But he supposed that was normal.

After all, rejection hardly comes with smiles and laughter, right?

All he could do now was to bid these feelings goodbye and keep the bittersweet memories stashed away somewhere deep down; far, far away and pray they fade over time.

“I’ll…keep my distance. I know you want nothing more to do with me and I respect that. I’ll just-”

“I didn’t say that.”

“What?” Taehyung looked dumfounded.

Hoseok ran a hand through his tousled hair, pausing as if to rearrange his thoughts. “I mean…” He trailed, “Like you said, we barely know each other. But I can tell you’re a really great person! And-and you are a loyal friend, and you have beautiful brown eyes-”

“So you’re say…ing?” Taehyung tried, he really did, to not sound too hopeful; only to fail of course.

Did Hoseok just compliment his eyes?

It wasn’t hard to spot the anticipation glimmering within those hazel orbs of his, his heart furiously beating against his chest. If there was even the slightest, tiniest possible chance of a happy ending, Taehyung clung onto it. That’s just how he was – ever hopeful and persistent.

“What I’m saying is,” Hoseok breathed, watching the younger study him with caution, “Let’s…let’s start off as friends first?” No immediate response came. Taehyung merely looked at him, head slightly tilted as he considered the meaning behind those words. They were both quiet; lost.

“I mean-” Hoseok tried again, “-let’s get to know each other. I want to! I want to know more about you, if…that’s okay with you.” His smile was sincere, genuine, pleading – like that of a child’s who found an idea pleasing. “Then maybe…I could come to like you too.”

There were no words to accurately depict the turmoil of feelings within Taehyung who had been still, deliberating ways to channel his growing joy besides screaming, or running around in circles. He instructed himself to remain calm, breathe and express his agreement like a mature adult. Surely he could do that. How hard was it for him to say ‘Great, me too. Let’s be friends.’?

Oh screw this.

There was nothing left of his image for him to salvage anyways. If Hoseok was going to know and possibly fall for him, the real him, he’d find out sooner or later that Kim Taehyung and the word ‘calm’ do not mix. And neither was he a ‘mature’ adult.

“REALLY?! I’D LOVE TO!” His scream echoed through the apartment as he leaped up in joy, performed a twirl and giggled before sitting once more. Jimin’s neighbours were definitely going to file complaints but that wasn’t his concern at the moment.

Facing Hoseok with his usual beaming eyes, Taehyung felt giddy as if Santa had just personally dropped by and promised him an entire toy store. It was a miracle (and his childhood dream for as long as he could remember).

The sight before him left Hoseok chuckling, heart growing warm as Taehyung’s melodious laughter tickled his ears. Not to brag, but Hoseok had plenty of cold jokes and tricks to tickle one’s funny bone, yet never has he made someone this happy before.

Taehyung’s relaxed, usual self was attractive in his opinion. From the very moment Hoseok laid eyes on a certain excited male waving a banner and cheering across the practice room, he could tell that Taehyung was someone loud and fun; which were the traits Hoseok personally adored.

It would be great, if only Hoseok could like Taehyung as much as the latter liked him.

“Pleased to formally meet you then,” With his usual ear splitting grin in sight, Hoseok offered an outstretched hand towards the younger, “The name’s Hoseok. Jung Hoseok; twenty-three years old, a passionate dancer who’s a bit of a perfectionist, known to be cute and annoying-mostly annoying- with a dream of opening his own dance studio in the future.”

Taehyung giggled as he took his hand and gave it a firm shake, “My name’s Kim Taehyung, a twenty-one year old who’s constantly on sugar rush, makes lots of bad life decisions-putting your photo as my wallpaper for example,” Shame dusted his cheeks pink but the older of the two merely chuckled.

Hoseok was amused, “I can eat seven bowls of kimchi without burping.” He announced said fact proudly, gloating in pride.

But Taehyung wasn’t going to let him have the satisfaction, “I can hold my breath for two minutes!”

“I can err-touch my toes!”

“I have a dog back home! That’s like the greatest achievement possible.”

“Hey, me too!”

The continuous banter left the duo fits of uncontrollable giggling. Somewhere along they had edged closer to one another, thighs touching as they sprouted random facts about themselves, watching the other listen in fascination before coming up with another in retort.

“I used to like strawberry ice cream more than anything in the world,” Taehyung was grinning widely at that point, rows of perfectly white teeth showing.

Hoseok nodded before tilting his head a little to the side, “Used to?” He questioned, still in a fog.

“Yeap,” The younger replied casually which further added to his confusion.

“What changed?”

It didn’t take longer than a second for Taehyung to break out into laughter, but seeing Hoseok’s lost expression his laughs turned to pants and then to silence. The answer was as plain as day and wasn’t worth mentioning, Taehyung thought.

“You,” His gaze fell to the ground, laughter dying to a contented, beautiful smile – one which was rare, fleeting, and would have been missed if Hoseok had not been paying attention. It was breathtaking.

“Now I like you more than anything in the world!” Taehyung threw both hands into the air, exclaiming excitedly. “Except for Jimin, though. Jimin still comes first.” He added innocently, oblivious towards a certain reddened male gaping at him.

And till this day Jung Hoseok would argue that the heart palpitations, sweaty palms and furious blush that followed were merely due to indigestion – a heavy breakfast, Hoseok argued – and definitely not the beginning of his fall for Kim Taehyung.

It was more than evident which it really was, of course.

He just didn’t know, yet.