Min Yoongi wasn't sure how he found himself in this current predicament. As much as he tried to convince himself that he simply ‘fell’ into such a situation was maybe only half truth.

Yoongi was a 24 year old aspiring photographer. There was nothing he loved more in this world than snapping still shots of some of the most beautiful moments in life. From nature to the big city lights of Daegu. But his most favorite was the quiet, serene villages of the larger picture. Being a photographer had been his passion since he was younger, his parents getting him his very first camera for his birthday; even though he knew they barely could afford it. But he treasured that damn thing, for years it was his solace, all the way up until he got himself a part time and he could afford a better one. The one his parents had gifted him sat carefully on his shelf at home; forever immortalized as a special object in his life.

Whilst photography wasn't a guaranteed job, and Yoongi knew his parents slightly disapproved since they'd rather him have a steady, nine to five desk job somewhere. But why should he live his life in a way he wasn't happy with? So he didn't. Yoongi was currently enrolled in art school for the very major he was passionate about. His current project was take a series of photos that told a story. A collage of sorts. The catch was it couldn't be pre set up. It had to be natural. Yoongi instantly thought of the garden he used to visit in a village in Daegu with his mother. It always had the best smelling flowers and they were so vibrant. Yoongi was sure whoever was the caretaker had to have magic green thumbs. Spring was just at its turning point in taking over, and there was nothing more natural than the story of winter ending and the start of a new day and new season through the blooming of flowers.

That's why Min Yoongi found himself trekking through the familiar location. His memory was a bit fuzzy; he hadn’t stepped foot in the place in a couple years. But he remembered the path he and his mother used to take, and it was just like riding a bike after. Sneakered feet brought Yoongi to the entrance of the garden. The fresh, evergreen scent of new leaves coming to life invaded his senses, making the male inhale a deep breath with a satisfied huff following. His camera hung loose around his neck, and as Yoongi stepped into the gardens, the varying scents of newly bloomed petals gathered around him.

It was a rather spacious area for flowers, a small bridge crossing over a little pond and onto the opposite side of the gardens where benches and a fountain sat. The grass was cleanly cut, and there wasn't a trimmed bush out of place. It seemed the caretaker was just as excited for spring as Yoongi was. Dark eyes scanned the scenery with appreciation, drinking in the image with a tinge of nostalgia. Yoongi’s mother was so busy with work lately. He knew she'd appreciate this as much as him. Perhaps he'd bring her home a flower. But that was enough daydreaming for today. He had a project to shoot. With a determined set to his shoulders, Yoongi grasped his camera, attention flickering over the colorful plants to find ones that weren't fully bloomed, or haven't found their voice yet in the remaining grasps of winter. A quick wander around the small space he was occupying, Yoongi found the still bare branches of a rose bush, tiny buds beginning to pop through the bare arms of the brush.

Yoongi bent to get an up close shot, focusing the lense to capture every detail of the baby pink roses. The soft contrast of the pastel pink against the dark of the rose bush itself was mesmerizing. Almost like a splash of color against a grayscale. So focused on what he was doing, Yoongi’s gaze was squinted, the tip of a pink tongue sticking out between plush lips as he snapped away, the familiar clicking of his camera a soothing sound to him.

That's when a flash of movement caught his attention across the small bridge and pond. His brow furrowed mildly, straightening from his bent position and allowing his gaze to focus straightforward.

Min Yoongi was positive the entire world was currently shifting on its axis. His entire universe tilting with a simple glance.

Across the pond was a cluster of red rose bushes, tall and in full bloom, the vibrancy laying against the green of the leaves. But it wasn't the flowers that caught Yoongi’s attention. It was the male whose nose was buried in one of flowers, the waxen petals tickling the edges of honey skin. High cheekbones and pouty lips, the male’s figure was tall and slender, collarbones peeking out of the edges of the loose, long sleeve tee he was wearing. But his hair..soft wisps, the color of the finest sangria wine. Almost the same shade as the roses themselves.

If there wasn't a strap on his camera which was currently around his neck, Yoongi would've let the damn thing slip right out of his hands he was so starstruck. Yoongi swallowed thickly, noting the rising beat of his heartbeat, a flutter of wings in flight. His palms were sweaty as he clutched his camera, rooted to the spot in front of budding roses.

The unfamiliar male must've been a trick of light, or Yoongi’s imagination running wild again. There was just no way someone so beautiful could exist. But even a rapid blinking of his eyes didn't dissipate the ethereal beauty that was now flitting from rose to rose.

If he wasn't Yoongi’s mind playing tricks than he had to be something else. A garden fairy, or a nymph. The very sunlight filtering into the gardens seemed to bend to the male, drawn into aura like a bee to honey.

Before he knew it, Yoongi was raising his camera, angling the device and zooming in the lenses until he a crystal clear, up close shot of the nameless male. He couldn't waste this chance. As weird and stalkerish as it was to be taking a picture of an unknowing person, Yoongi was convinced that if he didn't take one now, this boy would disappear and he'd never see him again. Like a dream, the rosy haired male could be here and gone the next.

Yoongi waited for the right moment, finger hovering over the button as the stranger lifted his face from the flowers. And that was the moment. The boy’s face lifted to the sky, rays of sunlight casting upon honey skin and creating a celestial filter across his image. Eyes alight with wonder, carmine strands being streaked through with rose-gold now. He looked like an actual angel.

A breath Yoongi hadn’t even been aware he was holding was released as the picture was snapped, forever immortalizing this moment in time.

The camera was lowered, and Yoongi watched as the mystery boy took one last glance at the roses before he began to disappear further into the garden, the white of his shirt and the brightness of his hair eventually blending in with the rest of the colors and gone from sight.

The invisible hold the boy seemed to have on Yoongi snapped free once he was gone, the photographer noting the tremble in his hands and the way his heart was practically clawing against his ribcage how hard it was beating. He felt so stupid; letting a stranger affect like him so.

Yoongi had never been one for relationships. Sure, he’d had his fair share of messing around with girls (and guys, once he got older and realized he liked them better then the opposite when it came to getting off). But he had never felt like this before. Like a school crush. He huffed to himself, trying to shake the remaining feeling as he trudged back the way he came.

Whoever the rose haired boy was, Yoongi hoped he wasn't some sprite that wouldn't show up on the picture he took. Especially if he'd never see him again.

{x}

Yoongi couldn't believe he was letting this one encounter completely take over his work. He hasn't been back to the garden to finish his project since the moment in the garden with the Rose Boy. That's what he had resorted to calling the garden stranger. It was stupid and so cliche, and felt like he was living a damned Disney movie. But everytime Yoongi thought about returning to that garden in that village, his heart began to beat so hard he thought it would burst out of his chest. His palms got slick with sweat and the blood in his veins felt like it was kindling inside his body. He was afraid - anxious in a way that he would return and realize the Rose Boy was nothing but a dream. A once in a lifetime experience. He didn't want to face that truth. Yoongi was childishly holding onto the fact that it was more than a mirage. It had to be. And finding out that it may have just been that was something he didn't want to face.

But his project was due in the next week and he only had two photos.

“What the hell are you doing?” He muttered to himself, practically glaring a hole through his bike, as if the poor contraption would fix whatever internal crisis he was having over a boy who may or may not be real.

Yoongi took a breath, attempting to build up the courage to actually swing a leg over the bike and ride out to the garden. A lot was riding on this project. He couldn't come this far just to tank his grades. So before Yoongi could protest with himself, the photographer found himself on that bike, ready to face wherever complex he had built.

{x}

It only took that one visit to the gardens to finally clear up the turmoil Min Yoongi had been feeling the past couple days. The first visit he hadn't been seeking out the boy, simply seeking inspiration for his photography work. But it seemed, on a dealt hand of fate, he had found both in the stranger whose nose had been buried in the roses. His strides were purposeful, determined, trudging through the garden until he reached the same spot he had been before. Familiarity washed over Yoongi as he noted the barely formed buds from before were just a bit bigger. Nature was truly wondrous.

There was a heavy weight anchored against his chest, posture rigid as dark eyes scanned the scenery across the pond for the stranger. It registered in the back of Yoongi’s mind that he may be stupid to think if the boy was indeed real; he'd be in the same spot. But Yoongi wasn't sure he had the nerve to go hunting for someone that might not exist.

As Yoongi stood there having an internal monologue within himself, his distant gaze caught the flash of red, and his heart lurched dangerously.

It was him. The Rose Boy. This day he was clad in a dark long sleeve, yet it hung so loosely off his frame that both curves of his collarbones were on display, perfectly sculpted, like he himself was made out of the finest marble. Messy carmine locks feel into dark eyes, lips a soft cherry red that complimented his hair color so extremely well, they were begging Yoongi to snap a picture. His fingers twitched against the curve of the camera around his neck with the thought. Instead he observed, watching with bated breath as the male flitted from flower bush to flower bush, patch to patch with a watering can clutched in his grasp. The boy’s movements were so graceful, so ethereal. He glided through the garden in such a natural way, Yoongi was expecting to see the glimmer of gossamer wings flickering at the male’s back.

The boy bent to a patch of pink tulips, his free hand reaching out to gently caress at the soft petals in earnest care. Yoongi swallowed the lump in his throat, hands involuntarily moving up to focus his camera.

Snap! Snap! Snap!

Went the device, capturing the moment pure tenderness between the flowers and the boy. Yoongi wasn't sure why he needed a second picture. And wondered why he was even snapping the shots when his project was not about the beauty of a stranger he accidentally stumbled on. But Yoongi didn't care. There was something about this boy that drew him in..a magnetic force was surely one sided.

A pull that would lull him deeper than he planned.

{x}

The next few weeks Yoongi visited the garden almost every day. And every day he found the boy in the garden. Yoongi concluded he had to be the caretaker. The one that lovingly trimmed each branch and bush with precision, who kept the flowers flourishing and blooming. It was the only explanation. He had also decided there was no way he was going to turn a project in centered around a stranger who hadn't even given him permission to take his picture (which sounded creepy as hell now that he thought about it). So he he quickly decided to shift his attention to the everyday life in the busy city of Daegu. Taking snapshots of busy day life, people rushing to work in mass groups on their phones, briefcases in hand. The compact squeeze of taxis and other cars jam packed in the streets. People walking their dogs and hanging with friends at a cafe. He would then transition that into the quiet nightlife. The shining lights that dotted the skyline and almost empty streets that had seen so much activity that morning before.

It was put together enough that the teacher gave him an A-, and Yoongi decided that was good enough for now. After all, a certain honey skinned, rosy haired stranger had been consuming his attention as of recent.

Which..could really be an understatement considering Yoongi had dozens of pictures of the boy in different locations of the garden. Different lighting and different poses, different expressions and outfits.

God. He sounded like a psycho stalker. But that wasn't Yoongi’s intention, and it's not like he knew where the boy lived, or even his name.

Which could be easily rectified if Yoongi actually went up to him and spoke instead of hiding around bushes like some sort of paparazzi.

It's not that Yoongi was afraid or too shy to approach, actually it was the opposite. He was a reserved kinda guy, it took him awhile to really warm up to the close friends he had now. He liked to be in control of himself, his actions, his thoughts. But when he was around this boy..all that flew out the window. It was like he was on autopilot. The blood would rush against his ears and his entire body would light up, like a broken electric wire, sparking off in all directs. He couldn't help but take pictures of the boy. It was like Yoongi was watching walking art everytime the rosy haired male moved. Like he was trapped in a Van Gogh painting in this garden.

He took another breath, watching his newfound interest flit once more around the garden before disappearing further into the maze of flowers. Yoongi really had to get a grip. Before this became unhealthy.

{x}

So the boy’s name was Kim Taehyung. He was a few years younger than Yoongi, and he was indeed the caretaker of the garden. It wasn't like Yoongi asked about this information. Actually, he found out in the most embarrassing way possible.

It was a particularly sunny day, and Yoongi was busy setting up his camera to take a picture of the once nameless boy who was seated in a bed of flowers of all shapes and colors. He looked celestial, surrounded by nature and looking so beautiful it physically hurt. Yoongi was seriously mesmerized. So mesmerized he didn't have time to react to the boy’s gaze turning in his direction. Gazes met, Yoongi’s over the top of his poised camera, wide and alarmed at he fact he had been caught. The boy’s was a tad startled, but soon it melted into a mirthful stare, a wide, boxy grin appearing on pretty features.

And then a slender hand lifted to a form a V over one of his cheeks, smile only widening.

Yoongi couldn't believe it.

The boy was posing for his picture. Yoongi couldn't decide whether this strange male was narcissistic or just overly friendly. Either way, he wasted no time positioning the camera and snapping. The picture was taken. So now what happened?

Yoongi’s eyes flickered back to the boy, the question that was swimming in his head obviously reflected in his stare, because the boy instantly rose to bare feet. (Of course he was barefoot. Like a true wood nymph.) And practically bounded across the fields of flowers and lush green grass to pull up at an immediate stop in front of Yoongi.

He was definitely taller up close. And even more dangerously gorgeous then Yoongi first thought. He definitely wasn't counting the flecks in the boy’s eyes, or the darker strands of red in his hair. Definitely wasn't noticing the prominent curves of his face and collarbone. And definitely was not keeping a tally of all the freckles and little moles dotting his skin. The one right on his nose was adorable. Yeah. This was definitely bad.

Yoongi was positive he didn't breathe the entire time his eyes roamed the boy, not until he finally spoke.

“Hi. I’m Taehyung. I'd like to get know the guy who has liked to take pictures of me these past couple weeks. But you never got up the courage to approach.”

Oh god. His voice was like a shot of rum and honey sliding down Yoongi’s throat. Like floral perfume mixing with a ring of smoke from one of those fancy cigarette pipes. All smooth baritone and breathy syllables. .

And he knew about Yoongi’s little snap streak? His ears immediately flamed at Taehyung’s words, mouth forming a flat line in embarrassment. He couldn't even form words. Luckily, it seemed Tae was content enough to talk for the both of them.

“But that's okay! Even though I got kinda impatient today so I just decided to approach..I hope that isn't weird?” Taehyung questioned, brow seeming to furrow under red fringe as he absently pulled at loose threads of his sleeve.

He was asking Yoongi if it was weird to approach when Yoongi himself had been sneaking pictures of him without permission? Alright then.

“It's cool. I um..Yoongi, by the way. You knew about the pictures? How come you didn't say anything?” Yoongi was always one to be blunt and to the point more often than not. And he really was curious why Rosy Boy Taehyung wasn't reporting him to the police for stalking.

He was only met with that rectangular grin again, rocking back on his heels.

“Because I found it kind of endearing. And I was hoping we could be friends.”

{x}

Taehyung really didn't have to hope. After the initial awkwardness of Yoongi’s itchy camera finger, the red haired boy had basically drug him out into the gardens to sit and chat. Yoongi really wasn't one for much social interaction like this, but he found he didn't mind it with Taehyung. He was witty and carefree, and Yoongi learned how much he loved the garden here.

Tae was the caretaker, ever since he was old enough to do it on his own, and had grown up in the village Yoongi was currently in. He had lived with his aunt since he was young. In turn, Yoongi told him about his own childhood, growing up with his parents and the passion to snap pictures. They both enjoyed time to themselves; which is why Yoongi probably ended up in Taehyung’s little get away space himself.

Upon Yoongi’s photography coming up in topic, Taehyung’s eyes instantly lit up, leaning forward on grass stained knees to gaze childlike at Yoongi.

“Yah, hyung! Can I see all the pictures you took in the garden? I think it's only fair since I'm the main inspiration.” He spoke; tone a borderline wheedle that Yoongi was having a hard time resisting.

His brow furrowed, eyes narrowing on Taehyung and clutching at his camera protectively. It took him enough time to let his parents see any of the pictures and projects he took, let alone Tae who he'd known for all of two minutes. (A lie. It's been 3 days since they started actually conversing.)

“Taehyung-ah..” Yoongi huffed, watching as the boy’s pretty bottom lip began to stick out, pert and so inviting. It was hard to say no to him when Yoongi was being blindsided by Tae’s beauty 24/8 when they were this close.

And he didn't. Couldn't say no.

“Fine.” Yoongi huffed, scrolling through pictures until he got to the set of ones of the red haired boy, handing the device over.

He watched as Tae flicked through each photo, eyes intense and focused on the tiny screen in front of him. Silence hung between them, Yoongi twirling a idle blade of glass between lithe fingers as he waited. Wondering just how his new companion would react.

A small hitch of breath caught Yoongi’s attention, gazing up at Tae through dark fringe of his own. That reaction could be good or bad. He was hoping it was the first.

“I like this first one you took. The one where I was inhaling the scent of the roses.” Taehyung murmured, a soft smile gracing those faded red lips, his attention turning back to Yoongi. “You really have a knack for this, hyung. A lot of talent.”

Yoongi let out a small couch, absently rubbing at the back of his neck in appreciative embarrassment.

“Thanks..I still think I could've gotten better ones.” He trailed. That was Yoongi for you. He was always pushing himself to do better, to be perfect.

“Nonsense! I love them. And not just because I'm in them.” Tae teased, offering to camera back out to a mumbling Yoongi.

“Yah, yah..in my defense..I thought you were some kind of fairy, or garden creature. That's why I started taking your picture in the first place.” Yoongi admitted, feeling all shades of stupid right after. Seriously, who tells someone that? If Taehyung didn't think he was weird already, he surely would now.

But he was only met with a soft laugh from the younger, casting Yoongi a coy look from under thick lashes.

“Really, hyung? A fairy? Ah, I'm flattered truly..” Taehyung hummed, picking up a fallen petal from the grass they were sitting in.

“You see the beauty in everything, don't you Hyung?”

Everything but yourself. was left unsaid. And it chilled Yoongi to think about how much Kim Taehyung knew him in such a short time.

{x}

Min Yoongi and Kim Taehyung became inseparable friends over the months. They learned they liked the same sort of music, and foods, and enjoyed visiting the same places. Yoongi could confide in the younger boy with things he couldn't talk to his parents about. He was..lighter around Taehyung. More open. Maybe it was because Tae was always a constant positivity in his life. When art school became too stressful, or his parent’s disapproving remarks about where he was gonna go in life with a major in ‘photo snapping’. Tae was always there to get him to laugh or crack a smile. To reassure him that following his dreams wasn't stupid. Taehyung had become like an anchor to the older boy. A rock he could lean on. And vice versa.

They had movie nights at each other's places, and whenever one of them needed to talk, or just an ear or shoulder to lend or be lended to, they would meet at the garden. It had become their special meeting place. A secret garden where they could open themselves up to only eachother and the surrounding petals. And even when it got too cold and the petals began to fall to the ground, blooming beauties wilting in on themselves, they still met at the garden. His parents and friends often asked Yoongi why he came home with grass stains on his jeans and smelling like wildflower. He could only lift his lips into smile. A simple ‘Taehyung’ falling off his tongue.

On a particularly cool day in autumn, Tae was waiting for Yoongi at a bench in the garden, wrapped up in a coat and wool scarf. He looked beautiful even bundled up like a snowman. Yoongi had found out Tae had never set foot outside of his own village. And Yoongi wasn't about to let Tae’s life go by without the younger boy experiencing the exciting bright lights of the inner city of Daegu. Tae was hesitant at first. Yoongi understood. The village was so much quieter, calmer than the bustling streets. But Yoongi assured his best friend that he'd take care of him. He always did.

Getting Tae into the city was like shuffling a tall puppy into new territory. It was slightly exasperating but altogether adorable. Not that Yoongi would admit it. He was huddled up against Yoongi’s side as they shuffled down of the sidewalks in downtown Daegu. Hooded eyes were flickering from the bustling people to the noisy cars. Yoongi had chosen to take Tae after the rush hour. It was still busy, but not as hectic as it was during the day. The sun would be setting soon, and Yoongi could show him the real magic of the city.

“Hyung, it smells funny.” Taehyung murmured, mole dotted nose wrinkling in distaste as he pressed closer into Yoongi’s side. Even through the coat, the younger was like a furnace. All warmth and smelling like the wilderness. Like fresh pine needles and the remaining scent of spring. It was a scent that Yoongi often associated with comfort. And..home.

“Quit your complaining, Tae. Just be patient.” Yoongi grumbled back, leading them further down the sidewalk, wanting to get to the spot downtown before the last rays of light dipped behind the towering buildings.

Taehyung only huffed, suddenly reaching out to thread chilled fingers through Yoongi’s, making the older’s pulse jump. It wasn't the first time they'd held hands. Or cuddled, even. It was just a normal thing for them, but for some reason..this felt a little different. Like they were on a date. Which would be ridiculous, because Yoongi was sure Tae was not interested like that.

Finally, they arrived at the place Yoongi was needed. The downtown district, lined with markets and packed with people of all ages and background, large, glowing billboards and advertisements lining ten larger buildings. The sun was just beginning to set, and pretty soon night would take over, allowing all the flashing lights to illuminate the darkness in a way Yoongi always found breathtaking. He loved walking these streets as a teenager. Yoongi’s fingers involuntarily squeezed around Taehyung’s, who gripped back just as tight. He allowed his gaze to slide to the younger, whose attention was on all the excitement going on around them. There was a look of childlike wonderment on Tae’s face. Eyes wide and lips slack in awe. The lights danced and reflected in his dark eyes; Yoongi noticed, making them light up like twin galaxies, cheeks all rosy and flushed with excitement.

He had to stop noticing these things about his best friend. Had to stop noticing just how effortlessly beautiful Kim Taehyung was.

“Lets go get something to eat while we wait.” Yoongi leaned in so Tae could hear him clearly. “And before you ask, just trust me okay? I wanna show you something magical.” Yoongi continued as the other’s lips parted in what Yoongi knew would be the question of ‘waiting for what?’.

He dragged Tae along with him, weaving through some of the crowd to approach an open food stand, ordering two bowls of bibimpap and handing one to his friend once it was ready. By the time they got their food, it was dark enough for the city lights to begin truly shining. Yoongi had them settle at an empty table not far from the stand they had ordered at, and Yoongi leaned over the table once more to speak.

“This is what I wanted to show you, Taehyung-ah. Isn't it magical? How all the lights flash and dance together..so vibrant and filled with energy.” Yoongi murmured, gaze going to the now illuminated downtown city of Daegu. “Everything is so busy and so big..it reminds you that you aren't alone at all in this world. That there is a whole world to explore outside of here as well.”

Yoongi finished, eyes flickering back to his best friend only to find him staring Yoongi down with the dopiest grin. Yoongi immediately straightened, casting Tae a mild glare. He felt a little silly saying all that, now that he looked back. But Tae’s next words killed any sort of witty commentary that was going to slip past his lips.

“When you talk about things you love, you get this dazed, kinda far away look, Hyung. Like you're really living in the moment , experiencing whatever you're speaking about. It's fascinating. I like it.” Tae spoke a hand cradling his cheek as Yoongi’s cheeks began to heat, purposefully shoving a mouthful of food between his lips.

“Just eat and enjoy the scenery.” Yoongi mumbled back, eyes trailing the various points of interest in the downtown jungle.

And they did. Yoongi wasn't sure how many hours they spent sitting at the table in the middle of..life. Watching it pass by in the form changing billboard signs, or someone rushing their way home. To the people milling about the market space to the idle crawl of the cars. Taehyung had a proposed a game where they guess someone's occupation and something about their just by their physical appearance. That was surely amusing. Yoongi actually enjoyed himself when he was with Tae. He made him laugh, made him forget the worries of life. Yoongi decided right then and there that he'd file away each of his best friend’s laughs. His smiles. His everything. Because life was a fickle mistress, and Yoongi never knew where it'd take him next.

When the last trickle of people of began to meander their way back to their homes and apartments, Yoongi lightly tapped Tae on the shoulder. They had moved from the table to explore some of the other shops and windows lining the streets. Tae had his nose pressed up against glass, gazing at a pair of faded, sky blue jeans, purposely ripped at the knees and along the upper thighs. It was the fashion now. Yoongi couldn't understand buying a ripped designer pair of jeans when he could rip up an old pair himself; but the public ate it up. And so was his best friend apparently.

“Ready to go home?” Yoongi questioned, drawing Taehyung’s gaze back to him, the younger boy offering him a small smile above the thick scarf.

“Yeah, hyung. Let's go before it gets any colder.” He muttered back, straightening and pressing himself once more to Yoongi’s side. Neither of them spoke as Yoongi led them through the near empty sidewalks and back toward the path that would open into one back toward Tae’s village. It wasn't too much of a walk, and Yoongi and Taehyung quietly chatted about the day and the city as they went. Time always seemed to fly by when Yoongi was with Tae. No matter where they were or what they were doing. As long as he was with him, life was enjoyable. Before either of them knew it, they arrived back at Tae’s flat, fishing around his pocket for his leg before turning to Yoongi.

The older boy had to swallow back a small cough. Tae was giving him one of the softest smiles Yoongi had ever seen. His eyes were alight under the red of his hair; which had faded to a dusty rose color by now.

“I'm glad we went out today, Yoongi hyung. I really enjoyed it and I really enjoyed spending time with you. We should do it again sometime soon!” He chimed, making Yoongi’s own lips curl into a faint smile under the moonlight.

“I'm happy you did, Taehyung-ah. I'd be happy to take you there again. For now, get some rest okay? I'll talk to you tomorrow?” Yoongi replied, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his own coat as he awaited a reply from his friend.

Taehyung gave an enthusiastic nod, keys clutched in his grip. But he seemed to hesitate, uncertainty crossing his features - which Yoongi was going to question, but didn't get the chance. As soon as he opened his mouth to address Tae, the red haired boy leaned in to place a quick, but chaste kiss against Yoongi’s cheek.

The older boy gaped in bewilderment, unable to form a reply or address the sudden affection before Tae was offering a wave, a ‘bye hyung!’, and bounding into his flat, the door shutting behind him with a deafening click.

Yoongi was rooted to the spot, frozen solid and lips parted in a large ‘o’. It's like his blood flow had slowed to a crawl, head going a tad dizzy as the information registered. Taehyung had kissed his cheek.

He searched the wooden surface of his best friend’s closed door as if that would give him answers. He knew only those would come from Taehyung himself. But Yoongi didn't have the courage to knock and ask. That and his mind was far too focused on how soft the other’s boy’s lips had been on him. How Taehyung’s scent had swept in and wrapped around Yoongi like a warm blanket. All he wanted to do was tug that closer.

Yoongi let out a quiet breath, the tingle of Tae’s lips imprinted on his cheek as he hurried back the way he came and toward his own little apartment. It was useless though. He knew he wasn't going to get any sleep tonight. Not with Taehyung on his mind.

{x}

It was better this way. That's what Yoongi told himself, over and over again as he stared at the backlit screen of his phone.

[2:45pm. Received.
Tae: Sorry, I can't make it today, hyung! I promise I'll make it up to you, please don't be upset.]

Yoongi definitely wasn't upset. That would be stupid. Stupid to be upset over the fact his best friend wanted to spend time with his boyfriend; Sangyun. It had been a little over six months since Tae and Sangyun had started dating. Tae had met him out shopping at the market only a week or so after Yoongi and him had visited downtown Daegu. Since the cheek kiss. Something that was never brought up again. Perhaps they were both too scared about what it could bring if they did. Not like it would've mattered. Taehyung made an instant connection with his new guy.

Yoongi hadn’t been sure about his best friend’s uality the whole time they were close. He had never asked, and Tae had never shown interest in a guy or girl when they were together. They had always been too focused on eachother. It was always them. A duo. Until six months ago. When Yoongi had become the third wheel. It started off slow at first; the distance and pulling away. The canceling of meet ups. Yoongi and Tae didn't have too many movie nights anymore. Didn't meet at the garden. Taehyung still was the caretaker, it was his job after all, but Yoongi stopped bothering to show up on the days he worked. And Taehyung stopped bothering to ask him to. Sangyun was doing that just fine.

It had settled a heavy weight on Yoongi's heart. Left a bitter taste in mouth. Dampened his moods more often than not. But he couldn't say anything right? Taehyung had a boyfriend now. Yoongi wasn't first priority and he had to accept that.

God, did it sting though. He made himself crazy at times thinking about the fact Sangyun was doing all the things with Tae that Yoongi used to. Minus the kissing, and the touching and the soft whispers against Tae’s perfect skin. Yoongi often wondered what an experience that would be. To run his fingers through silken locks that were now a platinum blonde rather than red, to ghost kisses across honey skin and to press his frame against Taehyung’s until neither of them could figure out where each of them began. Yoongi wasn't sure if it was jealousy, or longing, or something else entirely. But he knew those things would never be his.

All he had left was the various pictures they had taken over the last couple years on his camera. From the first time Yoongi had laid eyes on Tae to silly selfies they had taken in Daegu. There was a sempiternal timeline, cemented inside his device. When he was missing Taehyung more than he could handle, he'd flick through it. It was both a temporary salve to his wounds and just digging the blade deeper.

With a soft inhale of warm, summer air, Yoongi tucked his phone away without answering his friend. He had a few more projects to finalize for his photography class and he would graduate with his degree. He'd be able to look for work and perhaps get his mind off of Taehyung. Even for just a moment of respite.

{x}

[Received 6:28 pm, September 3rd]
Tae: i’m sorry.]

It was the last text Yoongi had received from Taehyung. One he didn't bother to reply back to. And that was almost three months ago. Yoongi had graduated with his degree, and as soon as he had received the piece of paper cementing him as a professional photographer he had booked it out of the small living in Daegu and went to Seoul for work. That was almost five months ago.

He knew things had been getting distant between Taehyung and him for months. Had played it off, had given his friend space. It seemed that's what Tae wanted. All his time and energy was focused on Sangyun. Overtime Yoongi had adapted to accepting it - reluctantly - but accepting it nonetheless. Taehyung didn't need him like he used to. And that was..that was okay.

That's what Yoongi convinced himself of anyways. It made it sting less. He was convinced that things would go back to normal at some point. They'd be able to go back to being inseparable. It seemed like a childish thought. But it was one Yoongi gripped onto for dear life.

Until the night of his graduation. It was a big deal for Yoongi. Taehyung knew that. Photography was always his passion, always his dream. One of few things Yoongi openly talked about with such a fervor and intensity in his voice. Yoongi’s parents would be there. They were proud of their son, even if they didn't agree with his career path. And Yoongi was okay with that. They supported him at least. But what he had really been looking for - or rather who, was not a face in the crowd that night.

Taehyung had promised him he'd be there. Not just for Yoongi’s graduation, but for everything. He promised he'd be there.

It was like a splash of cold water to Yoongi’s face. A sudden clarity that things wouldn't go back to being the same. The dynamic had shifted between them. And while Yoongi wanted to blame it all on Taehyung, he knew he couldn't. If he had just spoken up. If he had brought up the cheek kiss. Maybe if he had just acted on all the impulses he had before to snatch Tae by the collar and press their lips together. Things might be so different if Yoongi had made different choices. If Taehyung had made different choices. But it was too late for that now.

Yoongi had decided to leave without telling Taehyung. It was for the best, he had decided. He was more of a complexity in Tae’s life than he was a help. There was too much unspoken between them that neither would approach.

It was better this way.

Life wasn't so bad. He had a stable, successful job in the photography business. Had upgraded his camera the moment he had enough money. The old one sat with the one his parents had gotten him at his new apartment. It was still full of memories of Taehyung and him. The boy with rose colored hair and petals against his cheeks. He couldn't bring himself to even flip through it anymore.

Yoongi wasn't even sure why he kept the text from Tae. Why he looked at it often, fingers hovering over the keyboard as if there was a way to repair the damage they had both done. There was an unfinished chapter between Yoongi and his best friend.

He wanted to reply back. To tell Tae it was okay. That it was okay, and he didn't hold a grudge. That he loved him more than any star in the sky. And not just as his friend. But the last they spoke he was happy with someone else. Yoongi couldn't ruin that.

So why was it that he found himself taking a drive back to Daegu. Why he found himself taking the familiar path toward Taehyung’s village. Why he found himself parking just outside of the garden. Their place.

Nostalgia and longing washed over Yoongi as he climbed out of the taxi, paying the driver and standing stockstill as he took in the imagery. It was still the same as it had been when he left. Memories began to flood his senses, catching his breath and making it hard to breathe. Yoongi wasn't even sure if Tae was still here. Maybe he moved on just as Yoongi had tried to. But what would he even say if he saw him?

Squaring his shoulders, Yoongi took the rest of the path into the garden, idle fingers skimming over waxen petals, scanning all the places they had sat and talked for hours, the many times Yoongi had watched as Tae lovingly took care of the plants surrounding the area. Eventually he reached a bench. The bench. The one Tae would wait for Yoongi at when they'd meet up for plans. Behind the bench was a tree, and a small wooden box nestled at the base, hidden away from prying eyes. It was simple in construct, and Tae and Yoongi used to use to leave messages for the other to find if something came up and they were late for a meetup or there was a change of plans.

It hadn't been used in forever. It was worn from the weather and aging with each passing day. Yoongi wasn't sure what possessed him to circle the tree and find it still nestled there. To allow him to bend at the knees and take gentle fingers to the lid and lift it with a resounding creak. He was curious. And nostalgic. Reliving everything they had shared.

Yoongi expected it to be empty. He wasn't sure what he was looking for in an old box in a garden. But what he found made his entire posture freeze. An unopened letter sat in the middle, the ends of the envelope work and curled with age. Yet it remained intact. The white was a dingy off color now. Yet it made Yoongi’s pulse jump all the same.

His name wasn't scrawled on the front. Just ‘Hyung’ in messy hangul he knew was Tae’s. Yoongi was wary. Afraid even to open this. How long had it been sitting here? Waiting for fingers to open it up, ones that never came because Yoongi had decided to run from his problems.

But he had to. There was no way he could get up and leave knowing this was here. It would eat at him everyday passing day and every passing night until he knew what it said.

So with that in mind, and with slightly trembling fingers, Yoongi picked up the envelope, turning it over and beginning to cut open the edges, prying open the work paper to reveal a folded letter. It was definitely Taehyung’s writing. Time had to be stopping in its tracks as Yoongi discarded the envelope for the real prize. Words written by his best friend. A friend he had been in love with for at least a year now. A friend he had to watch love someone else.

Gently unfolding the paper so it wouldn't rip, Yoongi’s eyes fell to the words written below.

{Yoongi,

I’m not sure why I'm writing this. I'm not even sure you'll see it to begin with. It's been so long since we’ve been at this spot huh? It seems just like yesterday we were sitting at this bench talking about how our day went. Since the first time we met in this garden and the first time you took me to the city. The lights were so pretty and there was so many people. It was overwhelming at first, but I was able to stay calm because you were by my side. It's my favorite memory, hyung. I specifically remember why. We were at the little table, eating and talk. And you began to talk of the city lights. The energy and aura it downtown Daegu brought and I saw how much you loved it. How passionate you were about it. Remember when I said when you talk about something you love, you get that faraway look? Like you're in a daydream. Your eyes get all light and dreamy, and your voice is soft yet so full of an intensity I can't describe. I could've watched you talk about things you love all day, hyung. It made me happy. But also sad. Because I wanted you to look at me like that. For so long, I wanted to be something you could talk about passionately and without hesitance. There was so many times I thought about things like this. How many times I wondered what it'd been like to feel your fingers caress my skin like how you caress the keys on a piano, and the surface of your favorite camera. Do you still use that camera, hyung? I wonder..did you keep all of the pictures? You probably thought I was narcisstic the first time we met. When i admitted I liked you taking pictures of me. But it was because it meant your attention was on me and nothing else. I was your focus, your muse. I miss that..I miss you. I was too scared to ever say anything. I didn't want to ruin our friendship. Didn't want to push things too far. So I didn't. I pretended everything was okay when each passing day hurt just a little more that I couldn't express my true feelings to you. And then Sangyun happened. I really do like him, hyung. But I don't love him. I can't love him when you're always in the back of my mind to this day. I thought maybe if I pushed you away just enough and focused on him I could learn to love him. But you can't force love. Not when I fell so easily into it with you. God. I should be saying all this to your face. So you wouldn't have left altogether without a goodbye. Maybe if I had things would be different. I'm sorry I missed your graduation. I wanted to go so bad, hyung, but I convinced myself it was better not to. Because I knew if I saw you up on that stage with ‘that look’ in your eyes I'd combust on the spot. I was weak and pathetic and with you gone there's a hole in my heart. All I wanna do is bring you back. I want you here so much it physically hurts everyday. I sometimes can't even attend to the garden without the breath being strangled from my lungs with how much your absence is present here. It's been months and maybe I thought placing these words in this box would somehow summon you back home. I hope it does. I'll check the box everyday to see if it's gone. Just know that if you ever do read this, that I'll say this all to your face if you come back. I promise.

Yours, truly
Kim Taehyung.}

There was a swirl of emotion flooding through Yoongi. How ironic it was that the both of them suppressed feelings only to push each other away. There was regret, and guilt, yet relief. Taehyung felt the same way, and all Yoongi wanted to do was make it right. He just hoped it would be accepted. That Tae could forgive him for leaving without a word.

Tenderly tucking the letter into his back pocket, Yoongi rose to a standing position, running a hand through dark locks as he weaved his way back out of the garden. There was a new determination to his shoulders and stride. He was done letting the universe and insecurities keep him away from what he truly wanted.

It didn't take long to reach Tae’s apartment, the same as the last time Yoongi had stood at the door, that familiar feeling washing over him again. Yoongi was suddenly nervous. What if he slammed the door in his face? Told him to leave and never come back? And what about Sangyun? Yoongi hadn’t even thought about the boyfriend thing..honestly what was he going to do? Confess his feelings when Tae was with someone else?

Thoughts beginning to turn murky, Yoongi shoved his hands into his pockets and was about to turn when the soft click of a door echoed around him. His heart almost lurched out of his chest, turning to find Tae standing with his door wide open, keys in one hand and a slack jawed expression on his beautiful face. Yoongi noted he had dyed his hair red again. Maybe in an action to bring back the times they had shared. He was still gorgeous as ever, all leg and pretty lips and collarbones, exposed by one of the deep necklines he was fond of. A wave of emotion hit Yoongi, and suddenly he couldn't speak. Just like the first day they met.

“Hyung?” Tae whispered, eyes scanning Yoongi’s features, disbelief and awe written in dark eyes as he looked over the older boy.

It was too late to turn back now. Things had to be straightened out in some way if Yoongi wanted Tae back in his life. Whether as just a friend or more.

“Hey, Taehyung.” Yoongi murmured back, shifting from foot to foot in a nervous habit. He wasn't sure what else he was suppose to say. He wished Tae would take the lead. He was always good at that.

“What are you doing here? I thought..” Tae murmured, adam’s apple bobbing with a thick swallow, the knuckles of the hand gripping the door beginning to pale.

“I am. I just..figured I'd visit or something..it's been awhile..how’s everything with Sangyun?” Yoongi questioned, eyeing his friend through a fringe of dark hair. He was..a tad afraid of the answer. But he needed to know before Yoongi continued on.

“We broke up a few months ago.” Tae replied, eyes casting downward to the ground as slender fingers toyed with the ends of his long sleeves, red hair and dark lashes hiding his gaze from Yoongi.

He felt bad bringing it up, and selfishly, a weight was lifted off his chest. Enough to give him a tiny spark of hope.

“I'm sorry about that..” Yoongi tried to keep his voice passive, and not like he was happy Taehyung was single and alone. That he wasn't there the last couple months to comfort the younger boy when he more than likely needed him. But it was different now that he had Tae’s letter. And he wondered if he should bring it up.

“It's okay..we weren't as happy as I thought so..” Tae responded, attention lifting back to Yoongi. And as their gazes met, they both felt it - that magnetic pull, a doing by the world or maybe destiny itself; a pull they couldn't escape when they were so close to eachother. It was just as strong as it was back then. Not smothering, but submerging. Like sinking into cool ocean waves on a hot summer day. Neither of them spoke, simply drinking in each other’s presence, as if they had both been parched until this moment.

Yoongi wanted to say something. To ease the small, quiet tension between them. There was so much he wanted to say, but nothing would slip past his lips. He had spent so much of their friendship anchored to not taking the chances put in front of him. Relying on decision making is what got them into this mess. It was time to just act on his feelings and wants.

Which is why Yoongi found himself stepping forward, slender fingers wrapping around a fistful of Taehyung’s shirt and yanking him down to his height. Soft lips met Tae’s own in a soft kiss, molding together as if they were meant to fit eachother. God, it was better than anything Yoongi could have imagined. Taehyung’s lips were plush and fervent against his own, sending pleasant tingles through Yoongi’s frame. The familiar scent of wildflower and rainy spring days enveloped him, entirely belonging to Taehyung only. The younger had hesitated for a moment, taken aback more than likely. But that had quickly melted away as his arms wrapped around Yoongi’s waist, pressing both of their bodies together in an unanswered longing. Everything had melted away, and it was just them; Yoongi’s fingers moving from Tae’s shirt to ghost across the boy’s perfection sculpted cheeks, up to red hair which he left his fingers dig into, tangling in the crimson strands.

Between breaths and kisses, Tae had backed the two of them back into his apartment, Yoongi blindingly shoving the door closed as his jacket hit the floor with Tae’s insistent shoving at it to come off. A rosy hue that matched Taehyung’s cheeks had flooded the boy’s honey skin, Yoongi's own body become flushed and far too warm for the enclosed space. Yoongi’s hands were everywhere, along the back of Tae’s neck, down his shoulders, slipping under the loose shirt to press fingertips against warm skin. He wanted to leave imprints on the boy. To allow Tae to feel Yoongi’s touch even when they were apart.

Taehyung’s mouth moved from Yoongi’s to his cheek and ghosted down the pale curvature of Yoongi’s neck, earning him a soft moan from the older male. The two of the stumbled down the hallway toward Tae’s bedroom like two drunken lovers experiencing each other for the first time. Yoongi was on cloud nine; he wasn't thinking about repercussions of what would happen after this. He was done thinking about those things when the boy of his dreams was pushing him back into soft covers before quickly climbing up between Yoongi’s jean clad legs. Their breath was coming in short pants down, Taehyung pausing to stare over Yoongi’s features, asking silent permission as his thumb rubbed gentle circles against Yoongi’s bare hip under the shirt.

The older only gave Tae a small nod, spurning the younger to dive back in for a kiss before his lips began to roam again, grip pushing Yoongi’s shirt up and over his head and discarding somewhere over the edge of the bed. Yoongi could feel his best friend’s obvious want pressing against the inside of thigh, causing a sting of pleasure to stir in the confines of his own jeans. Usually Yoongi was the one on top, but he didn't mind it for Tae. Didn't mind letting the boy take control. It felt too good for Yoongi to switch places now. Next time; he thought. And he was surprised at the fact how easy it was to think about a next time. Everything was always so easy with Tae. So easy.

“Tae..” Yoongi groaned out as the boy’s lips dipped to press open mouthed kisses against Yoongi’s chest, pert lips encircling one puckered bud and causing the older boy to arch under Taehyung’s weight. Slender fingers were tangled messily in red hair, tugging in need as Tae’s hands found the zipper of Yoongi’s jeans.

“Are you sure, Hyung?” Tae murmured against Yoongi’s skin, peeking up at the older male with question swimming in his eyes.

There was nothing Yoongi wanted more, nodding feverishly at Tae’s question.

“Please.” He whispered, hips lifting to rub teasingly against Taehyung’s, causing a hitched, breathy moan from the red haired boy.

It seemed that was the only thing Taehyung needed, his hands going to work on the zipper and lips traveling down Yoongi’s chest to his navel.

This felt right. This felt perfect. The hole in both of their hearts beginning to mend, to be replaced with unspoken love and intense desire. Yoongi knew whatever came after this, he wouldn't let Tae slip through his grasp again. And with that thought, his head titled back against the pillows in a sharp gasp, sinking into the feeling of bliss and letting Taehyung’s mouth do wonders he only fantasized about alone…

{x}

Neither Yoongi nor Taehyung knew how much time had passed since they had both stumbled back into the flat, covers twisted around their bare bodies, limbs entangled as Tae contently spooned at Yoongi's back. Dark hair damp with sweat stuck to the pale skin. Red blemishes from the marks Tae had left on Yoogi’s body stood out under the dim light, and he couldn't help but smile; knowing he had put them there.

Tae’s fingers carded gently through Yoongi's hair, leaning over to brush a kiss against the other’s shoulder. “I hope wasn't too rough, hyung.”

The worry in the younger boy’s voice caused Yoongi’s lips to curve into a small smirk, humming a soft ‘no’. “You were perfect, Tae. This is perfect. Here with you.”

Yoongi shifted in Tae’s grasp so he could face him, dark eyes under messy fringe becoming serious under the light sheen of sated desire. It made Tae’s stomach flip. He hoped whatever his hyung had to say wouldn't end up crushing his heart. Again. He was worried that maybe this wasn't the best choice. To have let things go this far without talking it out. Without having seen eachother in months.

“I read the letter, Tae. The one you left in the garden.” Yoongi murmured, idly reaching out to brush fingers through red hair. “I want you to know that you don't have to feel that way anymore. That I feel the same..if that isn't obvious.” Yoongi added, a free hand rubbing at the back of his neck. He wasn't the best at expressing his feelings with words, not like this. So instead he leaned in to place a soft kiss against the tip of Taehyung’s nose, feeling a pleased hum leave the younger boy as he drew Yoongi closer.

“No need to explain anything, hyung..” Tae replied, tucking the older boy’s head into the crook of his neck as they cuddled closer. “We’ll figure it all out together, I promise. As long as you're here it’ll be okay.” He whispered into Yoongi’s dark locks, feeling his hyung relax against him with the words.

Yoongi believed Tae. Had trust in him. And he knew they had some obstacles to clear and a path to choose together. But that's just it. They'd do it together. Sleep began to crawl over Yoongi’s mind, clouding it in a blissful haze. And for the first time in months, Yoongi was..happy.