Taehyung arrived at the bar around 10 PM. He would’ve gotten much earlier if Jimin hadn’t thought that it would be a great idea to swing for a bit at a chicken stall before heading there. His friend was odd that way after all.

“Don’t be mad anymore. It’s not my fault if they took so long to give us our order.”

Taehyung rolled his eyes at the lame excuse and he was about to argue back but was unable to as Jimin fed him chicken thighs, sweetly smiling at him and said

“Isn’t it good though?”

At those words, Taehyung immediately knew he couldn’t win. So letting his friend feed him, he asked instead

“Anyway have you sort things out with Yoongi-ssi?”

At the question, Taehyung didn’t miss the tensed posture Jimin suddenly had. Taehyung knew better than to pry but for some reason the fact that Jimin had been the one that had wanted to attend the party knowing full well that he’ll run into Yoongi-ssi had Taehyung worried. Falling back against his seat, Jimin answered vaguely

“I’m working on it.”

Taehyung dropped the subject then. Knowing full well how much of a busybody Jimin could get when he felt like he was being pushed against a wall. And it seems like his friend did feel trapped in some way. That’s why Taehyung tried not to bring it up that often but there were times he couldn't help but be a bit weary for his best friend sanity. Taehyung and Jimin slowly slipped into a soothing silence when Jimin asked him out of nowhere

“But what would you say if I were to date him?”

Honestly Taehyung didn’t know why Jiminie even bother asking him that question, but he answered anyway knowing how big of a deal this must be for Jimin.

“As long as you’re happy I’ll support you with whatever decision you make.”

Missing the touched look Jimin gave him, he finally parked his car outside the bar, and getting out of the car, Taehyung said

“If you don’t want to face him yet, we can still go back.”

“I love your sense of friendship but it’s your interns welcoming ceremony. I don’t think it’ll be ok if you didn’t show up. I know for a fact that Jungkook wouldn't be very happy about it.”

Taehyung laughed shortly at the obvious sarcasm, well that's what he thought at least and shot back

“Leave the poor kid out of this ok? How about this, we’ll stay there for a bit and if you feel unwell, we leave ok?”

Jimin mocked Taehyung for his overprotective behavior but he felt grateful for it too. Not that Jimin will ever say it out loud though he knew Taehyung also knew. By the time they arrived at the bar, the atmosphere were already past the convivial atmosphere. Instead everyone seemed so wasted that Taehyung wondered just how much did they drink for them to be this drunk. Walking up to the table where Dr Kang, Mrs Hong Nan and Min Yoongi were, Taehyung asked curiously

“Just how much did these kids drink?”

“Oh you’re finally here. You really missed quite a show.” Mrs Hong Nan slurred obviously a bit tipsy herself. Looking back at the wild party the nurses and a few interns of their department were having, Taehyung frowned disapprovingly and asked

“Anyway where is Jungkook ah?”

“Jungkook ah? Or you mean your genius?” Dr Kang spoke this time. And thankfully he seemed sober. Well, at least he gave out that feeling.

“Ok first of all it’s not my genius but yeah, where is he?”

“He not here yet.” Only nodding in response, Taehyung pulled out a chair for him and Jiminie and looking particularly exhausted, he traveled his eyes throughout the bar without much expectation. Refusing a glass of soju offered by Mrs Hong Nan, he explained with an apologetic smile

“I’m driving sorry.”

“Oh come on, you can call for a designate driver if you’re too drunk.”

“Thanks but no I rather not. Besides I should stay sober to keep an eye on my interns.” Mrs Hong Nan pouted adorably than setting the cup aside she wondered out loud

“When did you become this mature I wonder. “

Laughing in response, Taehyung was about to reply when he finally spotted Jungkook from afar. The man looked somehow angelic under the dim light of the bar, making Taehyung almost forget that in contrary of his appearance he was a really difficult man. A trait of his Taehyung was quite fond of. Beside Jungkook's appearance something else caught his attention. Or rather someone. Uhm, isn’t that Kim Seokjin? Like him, Jimin looked just as surprise. But at the same time wary. How can they not be when they knew his history with a certain friend of theirs? Can they really avoid a scandal with both man, meaning Namjoon hyung and Kim Seokjin, being in the same room? Well they do work together now so it will be alright right?

Taehyung’s thought came to an end when Jungkook approached their table and after greeting everyone around the table, Jungkook turned to Taehyung and with that smile Taehyung was by now used of, he said

“Hi, Dr Kim.”

Smiling equally to the younger man, Taehyung answered

“Hi back to you Dr Jeon.”

Then turning his head towards the handsome man behind the equally handsome young man Taehyung politely greeted

“It’s good to see you too Seokjin ssi.” The man nodded before bowing in return

“It’s mutual Taehyung ssi. I hope I’m not imposing my presence.”

“Not at all. The more we are the merrier.” Jimin added

“If it can put you at ease I’m actually not from the same department but who cares. A party is meant for everyone right.”

“Omo, are you already drunk?” Taehyung asked jokingly, dodging efficiently the punch Jimin threw his way. Taehyung took it as cue to invite the new comers to their table when his eyes caught sight of none other but Namjoon hyung. In a silent agreement with Jimin, Taehyung walked up to Namjoon, draped an arm around his shoulder and said happily

“I thought you said you’ll call when you'll get here.”

“Yeah but my phone died so I couldn't.”

“Oh ok. Uhm can I ask you something first before we join the others?” With a frown, Namjoon indicated that he was listening so Taehyung said

“What would you say if like…? Hypothetically, Seokjin ssi was here too?”

“Seokjin ssi?” Namjoon hyung repeated with a frown. He must've spotted the said man at the near table because he remained awkwardly silent for a second before suddenly making his way to the table. Taken aback by the sudden movement, Taehyung tried to restrain the man from doing anything stupid, but stopped on his track when Namjoon said in a strangely composed tone

“Hey. I didn’t know you’ll be here.” Seokjin remained a moment unsure before saying

“I didn't know I’ll be out too. I’m here only because Jungkook ah wanted me here. I can leave if…”

“No.” Namjoon said so fast even Taehyung had to admit it was bloody scary. He tried not to get involved whatsoever and instead kept a reasonable distance from Namjoon hyung and Seokjin ssi. Though Taehyung could guess from the looks Jimin was exchanging with him that he wanted Namjoon hyung to shut up already. It wasn’t that he was being an but the fact he was practically fidgeting made it really painful for the bystanders.

“I mean you don’t have to. I don’t mind you staying and well, I don’t have much to say about whether you can stay or not. Just… Just stay anyway. It’ll be awkward if you suddenly leave because of me.” Seokjin nodded uncertainty for a second then finally turning his back to the baffling Namjoon hyung, he followed Jungkook to a table just beside the one Taehyung and the other were. Taehyung suggested they take another table however seeing how the table Dr Kang was, were slowly getting crowded. Taehyung knew how much the man hated unnecessary noise when drinking so in an attempt to give the man some peace he asked Jimin and Namjoon hyung to grab a table. He then turned to Dr Kang and whispered quietly

“Hyungnim, I think you’ve had enough drinks.” Having only a groan in response, Dr Kang laid his head on the cold surface of the table, thus Taehyung judged the man had enough liquor. Carefully helping the man to his feet, he turned to Mrs Hong Nan and asked

“Noona, come on let’s go I’ll bring you home.”

“You will?”

“Yes come on Noona, you’ve drank enough already.” Just then Jimin came to help him but before he give Taehyung a hand, Yoongi hyung grabbed his forearm and said

“We need to talk.”

“Uhm can it wait? I have to help…”

“Please Jimin ssi. I need to talk to you now.” Min Yoongi hyung wasn’t pleading but somehow it did sound kind of desperate to Taehyung’s ear. Therefore, with a reassuring smile, Taehyung comforted quietly

“It’s ok. I’ll be back anyway for you and Namjoon hyung.” At the mention of his name, Namjoon approached them and seeing how Taehyung was struggling to keep Dr Kang on his feet while keeping Mrs Hong Nan from wandering off to the dance floor, he asked

“Are you going to give them a ride home?”

“Yeah but I won’t be long.” Taehyung assured. With a nod, Namjoon was about to help Taehyung but was instead pushed aside by a younger guy that Namjoon recognized who said without sparing him so much as a glance

“I’ll do it.”

“Jungkook ah?” Taehyung began but was completely ignored as Jungkook pulled the clingy Mrs Hong Nan to him and turning halfway to Seokjin ssi, he explained

“Sorry hyung but I’ll help Dr Kim first and I’ll be back. Wait for me ok?”

“Ya forget it I can take care of it. You just stay with your hyung and you’re not even listening to me.” Indeed while Taehyung was trying to reason with him, the man was already at the door with Mrs Hong Nan on his arm. Such behavior really irked Taehyung at time. He tried not to let it show however. Taking in a breath, he apologized to Seokjin ssi who only brushed him off with a smile and so he finally walked out the door. After strapping both Dr Kang and Mrs Hong Nan at the back seat, he turned to Jungkook and said

“Thanks. Now go back in. I’ll drive them home and be… Gee why are ignoring me?” Jungkook didn’t even talk and only sat at the passenger seat. Attaching his seatbelt, Jungkook said

“Let’s hurry hyung.”

“What do you mean let’s? You’re not going anywhere Jungkook ah. Your party is in there so you’re going back in there and…”

“Hyung, you talk a lot. Can we just go? The faster we leave faster we’ll return anyway.” Reluctantly complying in the end, Taehyung got in the driver seat, muttering to himself

“This is seriously ridiculous. How can this kid be so difficult?” Oblivious to Seokjin ssi knowing smile as he watched Jungkook’s back, Taehyung finally started the car and pulled away from the driveway unaware of Jungkook’s side glances or the younger boy sudden deep thoughts.

Jimin was anxious. Well his outer appearance didn’t allow any of his discomfort to peak but inside, he wasn’t feeling so great. Actually he was freaking stressed out, so much that he was literally fidgeting. Shoving his sweaty palms in his pocket, he asked following Yoongi to a quieter area in the bar

“So what did you want to talk about?” Yoongi didn't answer immediately. He downed a shot first then finally looking up to Jimin’s confused look, he answered

“You don’t beat around the bush huh? Well, there’s no need for fake pleasantries anyway. Ok then let’s get right to the point. I wanted to apologize.”

“You do?” Jimin couldn’t help but asked lamely not sure why their conversation were taking such an odd turn. Nor the reason of the bad feeling he was starting to have deep in his gut.

“Yeah. I should’ve never put you on the spot like I did.” Hang on, what the hell is going on here? Jimin really didn’t like where this was headed. For one because he had finally made up his mind and if this conversation was going the way he was thinking then… No wait, shouldn’t he be relieved instead if Yoongi ssi said…

“So just forget it. I don’t want to put in anymore discomfort.” So he really said it, Jimin thought not entirely sure why he was… Disappointed? Was he for real? Shouldn’t he be happy that Yoongi ssi finally came back to his senses?

“Oh uhm… I see.” Jimin awkwardly said. With his hair falling over his eyes, Jimin coldly continued

“Let’s forget about it then. It shouldn’t be that hard anyway. Well if that’s all I’ll be taking my leave then.” Jimin was then about to leave when he felt someone tug him in and before he could even register what was going on, he felt warm lips on top of his. It tasted like liquor. But the kiss was chaste and soft. Almost tentative. And although the kiss was nothing too passionate it was enough to rile Jimin up. At such a degree that when the other pulled away, Jimin still had his eyes closed. Unconscious that he had intertwined his fingers with the other’s hand, Jimin finally opened his eyes and let those dark but steady eyes of Yoongi ssi look forward into his. Why haven't he ever noticed that Too find eyes stood out this much because of his pale complexion? Damn it Jimin, what are you even thinking? Snapping out of it, Jimin moved back immediately and with a not very controlled tone, he asked

“What the hell was that for? How could you suddenly… Weren’t you just saying minutes ago that we should forget everything? The hell do you think you’re doing then?”

“Sorry. It's just that… It felt like you were asking for it.”

“The hell are you saying? Don’t confuse your fantasy from reality. Anyway don’t just go around kissing people and confuse them.” Jimin dumbly said before walking away. Yoongi was still a bit shaken by the kiss unconsciously ran his finger on his bottom lip and thoughtful, he stated out loud

“Damn I want more.”

“Ya what do you think you’re doing in public?” A voice suddenly startled him out of his thoughts. Shrugging in response, Seokjin sat in front of him and drinking Yoongi’s beer, he commented with a grin

“It seems like there’s a lot of people in love lately.”

“I’m not in love.” Yoongi countered. Seokjin laughed at the words and poking him playfully, Seokjin said

“Of course you’re not. You’ve just kissed the one guy you’ve been crushing on since freshman year but you’re not in love. What do I know about love anyway?” Chuckling at the look Yoongi threw his way, Seokjin continued

“I have eyes you know. It was pretty obvious back then. And it still is now. Others probably won’t see it but I do. I’m quite an expert on unrequited love. Though I don’t think this is that unrequited.”

“He’s not gay.”

“But he could like you? Don’t sell yourself short. If you don’t mind me giving you a word of advice.”

“I do”

“I’ll tell you anyway. Don’t get impatient. Trust me he’ll come around. The good things are usually the hardest to get.”

Winking at the silent stoic man, Seokjin finally returned to the table he and Jungkook had been at and gazing blankly at the bar’s stage where some girl were performing on, he lazily rest his chin on the palm of his hand. Ignoring the appreciative look he received from the ladies, his eyes wandered for a second on Namjoon ssi who was talking to Jimin ssi, before he walked up to the bar. The fact that he got to witness so many lovesick scene made him sick but at the same it entertained him. Even more when it was his emotionally constipated young friend who was showing signs of a lovesick fool. The funniest thing was that he seem to have no clue at all that he was in love. But after tonight, Seokjin knew for a fact that Jungkook was in love and with a man to top it all. So it wasn’t that much of a surprise that Jungkook didn’t connect the dots yet. For a genius he sure was slow when it came to his feelings. Should he tell him then? Seokjin wondered. He smirked deciding against it. After all it’s not like he’ll believe him anyway if he told him himself.

“I’m sorry Kookie but you’ll have to understand this alone.”

The said man looked completely disinterested. Well, as disinterested as one can be while helping a drunk lady into her house. When Mrs Hong Nan had his husband take care of her, Taehyung exchanged a few words with the man Jungkook noticed to be very familiar with Taehyung, they finally returned to the car. While Jungkook was busy attaching his seatbelt on, his attention was suddenly attracted by a groan from Dr Kang who was now lying on the back seat. And by the way the man was frowning in his sleep, he seemed to be in pain. Taehyung who was back on the driver seat glanced briefly at his rearview mirror then taking off his jacket, he laid it on top of the older man’s body wordlessly. Something Jungkook felt it to be oddly personal and for some reason it didn’t sit well with him.

“Is he ok?”

Jungkook finally asked when Taehyung had his seatbelt buckled up and was now starting the car.

“Yeah. Don’t worry. He’ll recover.” Taehyung answered his eyes glued on the road. Somehow Jungkook was feeling uncomfortable. He shook it off though and shot back

“He seems to be in pain though.”

“He’s not in pain. It’s the nightmares.” Taehyung quietly returned and Jungkook frowned at that. Why was he saying that? Jungkook wondered. As if Taehyung heard his question, he continued

“Being a doctor comes with a lot of stress. The biggest one of them all is not being able to save everyone. He has nightmares of the people he couldn’t save.” Jungkook immediately questioned though he didn’t know why he asked that question in particular

“Do you have nightmares too?”

“Don’t we all do?” Taehyung teased softly but seeing how Jungkook didn't seem amused and instead more than serious, Taehyung found himself saying

“The people I love. I’m scared of not being able to save them when needed. Actually I dream about that a lot. Sometime even I think back of my first patient.”

“What happened to him?”

“It was a “her” and she was seven. She arrived in the ER with multiple fractures and contusions. She had been abused by her mother. When she arrived she was barely breathing and was in an advanced stage of malnutrition. She died in my care. She’s not the only patient I’ve lost since then but maybe because she was my first I think of her the most before I walk into a surgery. Every time I have someone under my scalpel, I think of her and so I try not to up.”

Jungkook, who was silent, stared sadly at the older man and feeling somewhat guilty for making him talk, he couldn't help but also be touched by the fact that Taehyung hyung actually did open up to him. It somehow made him feel… Important? Well, something like that. Without interrupting Taehyung hyung, he listened as Taehyung continued

“But there's also a lot of other things that keep me up at night too.”

“Such as?” Jungkook asked eagerly but Taehyung remained silent so Jungkook took it as cue to change the topic.

“You never told me who you were dating?”

Again, Jungkook had freaking clue as to why he was even asking such a weird question of all things but before he could stop himself the question had already been thrown. Honestly he didn’t expect Taehyung to answer nor did he particularly fancy the idea of knowing, don’t ask him why he felt nervous to learn the answer, he had no bloody clue himself. So when Taehyung laughed and said

“You’ve never asked.” Jungkook wanted to hit his head against the window. Taehyung surprised Jungkook however when he affectionately or playfully, Jungkook couldn't tell, run his hand through Jungkook's hair before returning his gaze to the road and said

“I don't have a girlfriend. Nor am I planning on having one.”

“Why? Because you're a doctor.” Taehyung shook his head

“It’s not because of that. I don't know but since I was a kid I’ve never felt anything close to love for anyone besides my family of course. And honestly I’m not the type that can date people without feelings.” Jungkook smiled

“Don’t tell me you're still a then.”

“I don’t see why I have to answer to that but no, I’m not a . Just not interested.” Taehyung shot back with a chuckle.

“Why? Because you're not in love?”

“Why does it sound like you’re mocking me?”

“I’m not.” Jungkook exclaimed with a laugh and before he knew it, Taehyung parked the car and he fully turned to Jungkook

“I hate romantic stuff but I do believe feelings should come first before dating. I’m all about the long term. Not you?” Taehyung explained. Jungkook didn’t know how to answer to that. After all, it’s not like he has ever really thought of settling with anyone. He wasn’t one for love or feelings. As he watched Taehyung help Dr Kang out the car, Jungkook slowly immersed himself in deep thoughts. Mainly thoughts that involved Taehyung hyung being gentle to his future wife or girlfriend and honestly Jungkook hated the thought of it. His chest tightened uncomfortably when Taehyung returned to the driver seat and asked

“Do you mind if we go to a gas station first? I’m running out of fuel.”

“Sure.”

Smiling sweetly at the response, Taehyung pulled over by a gas station, did what he had to do and after a quick halt in the station’s store, he came back to his car with two strawberry milk. Handing one to Jungkook, he said

“Here drink this.”

“Now that I think about it why do you drink this so much? Don’t you think it's a little…?”

“Childish?” Taehyung suggests sipping indifferently his strawberry breaker while steering the wheel.

“I was going to say innocent.”

“I am innocent.” Taehyung snorted. Drinking his own strawberry milk, Jungkook teased

“Ah hm, whatever gets you through the day.” As he watched Taehyung only laugh in response, Jungkook couldn't suppress the fluttering feeling at the sight of it. Call him weird but he felt good. Actually just being with Taehyung hyung made him feel at ease. Something he wasn’t really used to.

Back to the bar, the two boys returned to their respective table. With Jungkook making his way to a bored Seokjin and Taehyung to a troubled Jimin and a thoughtful Namjoon hyung. Taehyung frowned.

“What happened?”

“Nothing.” Both responded automatically and Taehyung’s frown only deepened. After all, if his best friends knew him like the back of their hands, he did too. Even his gut knew them so well. Metaphorically of course. In any case, at that very moment Taehyung was far from being convinced at all at the two other men answers. Even more when they looked so set on getting drunk. Confiscating each their glass of soju, he asked firmer this time

“Hey, hey, you two are drinking way too much. What happened anyway?”

“It’s nothing.” Namjoon answered but Taehyung was no fool. And it annoyed it that Namjoon hyung and Jimin leave him to guess what the problem is instead of just simply telling him about. With an exasperate sigh, he turned to Jimin first and asked

“So did you talk with Yoongi ssi?” Jimin immediately went stiff at the question. Was he blushing there? Taehyung couldn’t be sure but at least he had his answer as to why Jimin looked like someone ran over him. It was only Namjoon hyung then. Taehyung didn’t get to think long, for at that precise moment, Seokjin ssi walked past their table, probably to go to the restroom and Namjoon’s eyes waver for a second. It wasn’t long but long enough for him to know that each were troubled by the two other men that, come to think of it, represents both a threat (for their emotional status) and a potential partner that could be their salvation as well as their demise. In any case, Taehyung hated the situation. He hated any discord at all. Even if he aces in creating misunderstanding, he despised unnecessary conflict. Especially if it can be avoided by simply communicating. He normally wouldn’t intervene preferring to let the people concern to fix it themselves but knowing Namjoon hyung and Jiminie, they were too prideful to make the first step first.

Putting aside those thoughts for later, Taehyung suddenly clasped his hands together and said

“Omo, I just realized something. Isn’t it like the first time since a year that we are free at the same time? How about I call the rest of the band and have a reunion of some sort?”

“I don’t know if…” Taehyung didn’t let Jimin finish as he turn to the nurses, interns and doctors still there and announced loudly

“Excuse me but can I please have your attention?” When he was sure he did, Taehyung smirked mischievously and announced “

Who’s in for a fun night?”