The sun was starting to set. Yoongi watched with amazement the lake beside the village slowly being colored with crimson ray and the night getting a bit chillier. But not a bad chilly. Honestly, he didn’t know why Taehyung had invited him and he had thought more than once to just call it quits and leave since clearly he was unwanted but standing in this tiny paradise, his eyes gazing at the beautiful sunset, he was relieved he didn’t. Things had always been hard for him anyway. Whether it was in love or in whatever domain they were never a nice ride for him. And now it was no different. He knew Jimin was just like most the things in his life. Out of reach, yet he wanted him. So bad that he did more concession than he had ever done in his life. Still, it felt like every time he took a step forward, he took twice more backward. Should he just give up? There was just so many thoughts running in his mind daily that he never had the time to properly breathe. At least, under the peace of this afternoon, Yoongi felt more at ease. He still had many things he was worried about but for now, he was satisfied just sitting on the ground, looking at the beautiful view. When was the last time, he took the time to just stop going in full speed and just stop and look?

For far too long, he thought, taking a deep, taking his eyes off the paint like sky every now and then when he heard kids or younger people, that came back from wherever they had to go for the decorations, prepare enthusiastically for the ceremony. From where he was, he saw Taehyung, Namjoon, Hoseok, Jungkook and the girls help out with the decoration. Although every now and then Taehyung will be distracted by a kid and end up playing with him instead of working. Yoongi had wanted to help out but being the anti-social he was, he figured he should probably stay away if he didn’t want to ruin the festive mood so that’s why he was sitting there alone, gazing at the sun. Yoongi didn’t get to do that for long whatsoever when Seokjin came up to him and asked

“Hey great you’re not busy. Can you go help out with the men working in securing the stage?”

“Me?” Yoongi couldn’t help but respond back, not entirely sure if he heard him wrong. Seokjin gave him a duh look and so Yoongi complied with the request. He hoped things would go alright then. He was confident with a hammer and nails but he wasn’t that confident with making small talk. Hence, the no friend banner of his. He hated being so introverted at time but sometime it was just so natural that he basically couldn’t help but put other people in discomfort. Some say he was cold but it wasn’t like he could change how he looked like. Nor did he want to. Walking up to where Seokjin had said they need help, he almost walked right back to where he had been as he recognized no other but Jimin’s back helping out some man with the stage. Whether Seokjin intentionally did it or not, Yoongi wanted to kill the man. After he finishes with this task, he will then, Yoongi decided quietly. Walking to the other side of the stage, he asked a man, who was busy nailing some wood in place, if there was anything he could help with. As if on cue, his eyes met Jimin’s at that very moment but not for long however, as he turned away first and proceeded in doing what the man was asking him to do. He was already feeling like some creeper at this point. Even if he was dead in love with Jimin he knew he went too far by kissing him without his consent. He never should’ve lost control that much. In fact, he actually had had the hopes to explain himself with Jimin while being on this trip and then properly put behind him his annoying obsession for the man but Jimin didn’t seem very eager to talk to him at all. Which in the language of love was utter and straight out rejection. Therefore, he was done with this fruitless love. Of course it wasn’t Jimin’s fault neither was he mad at him, it was all him to start with after all. Happy ending were really not for him. Only endings.

When they were finally done and had been dressed into traditional outfits where uncle Shiwoo kindly let them borrow, Hoseok looked with fondness the beautiful reception they’ve help create being lit with candles and a huge camp fire behind where the priest was. The entire way to the aisle were covered with petals of flowers and where the audience was, there where white chairs decorated with a fine red and white ribbon. Honestly there were little words to describe how amazing the place really looked. His jaw nearly dropped though when he realized just who they were marrying. Not your typical man and woman marriage but actually two men. And by the way Taehyung mouth formed an O, he had been kept in the dark from the little detail too. The shock quickly gave place to fascination whatsoever. Of course Hoseok knew it wasn’t because they were witnessing a gay marriage but more for the fact that everyone was just so cool about it. Not everywhere such things were accepted. Hoseok’s attention was distracted from the wedding for a mere second though, when he noticed the pursed line on Jimin’s lips. Although he was forcing a smile when he was being talked to, Hoseok knew the younger man enough to know that something was bothering him. And from the way, he shifts uncomfortably after glancing at Yoongi it was connected to him. Hoseok already had some recollection of Taehyung telling him that Jimin was going through some , emotionally he had said but only did he somehow had a guess at what Taehyung actually meant by that. Another thing Taehyung seem to not have told him too was that Jimin wasn’t the only one going through some inner crisis. What’s with that look Tae? Hoseok couldn’t help but wonder when he caught Taehyung looked at the couple now standing at the aisle with such a haunted look. It almost looked like… Envy? Was it because of his inability of connecting emotionally with someone? At least on some degree that can be call love? Hoseok almost fell off his chair at the sight of this time another’s stare who was by far more intense than anything he had ever seen before. Wasn’t this the kid Taehyung often complain having a hard time humanizing? Why was he looking at Tae that way? In a way he should be looking at his girlfriend?

Like Hoseok, Seokjin also noticed how Jungkook looked at Taehyung. And frankly, he had more than once wanted to beat some sense into the kid’s mind. But then again, Seokjin knew what it feels like to realize that you are attracted to a man. And honestly the first time is scary as . The inner turmoil, the fear of rejection, the fear of thyself and then the fear of disappointing his family. All these were just a bit of why Seokjin didn’t intervene. He did hope Jungkook wasn’t letting something good slip out of his fingers whatsoever. It wasn’t easy to find love in general.

“Dear friends and family. We are gathered today for a special occasion. It is the bonding of this man, Han Myungsoo and this man, Kang Daehyun.” The master of ceremony announced bringing Seokjin out of his thoughts. Seokjin wouldn’t lie. He felt envious for the couple. Resentful for their love for each other. Begrudging for the acceptation they seem to so easily be showered in. Seokjin wished he had something like that too. A lover that would be willing to hold him and just love him. A family that wouldn’t care if he was gay. Honestly Seokjin felt like it was a bit unfair that what he yearns for so much and that seemed so out of reach to him were now being shoved into his face that he was just one of those that was just unlucky. And yet, it all of his bitterness he found some healing in all this. He didn’t know why but he did. Smiling halfheartedly, he watched the couple gaze lovingly towards each other and as they pronounced their vow, Seokjin discreetly eclipsed himself to recollect a bit of his emotion. He wasn’t the type to let small things get to him but there were times when he was just weak. Letting out a sigh, he slowly leaned his back against a tree and gazing up to the sky, weirdly full of stars as in honor for the wedding, he wondered if this hole in his heart would ever be filled. Will he ever have something like that too or was it just too surreal for him? He didn’t get to wander long in his thoughts at the sound of a familiar voice asking softly in the quiet of the night

“You don’t like weddings?” Seokjin didn’t bother turning. He already knew who it was. What he didn’t know was why he was talking to him? Seokjin couldn’t even find the energy to find out if it was because he had ill intention or just had the need to get away for a second too. Whichever case, Seokjin composed himself a smooth expression and answered curtly at Namjoon’s question

“I do.”

Under the dim light the moon offered him, Seokjin wasn’t sure what Namjoon’s expression was but to be honest, he wasn’t expecting much from the man. Returning his gaze to the sky, he assumed that was it for a conversation but boy was he wrong. For Namjoon walked near him and settling on a dead branch next to where he was standing, he said

“Me too. It’s always magical seeing two people promising their forever to someone else. But at the same time, I wonder if they aren’t scared.”

“Of what?” Seokjin questioned, unsure of why he was playing along with Namjoon’s chitchat.

“Of commitment.” At that Seokjin finally turned his head to Namjoon. The man had his eyes fixed on the sky however, but Seokjin knew he was well aware of Seokjin’s gaze on him. Tearing his eyes away from the chef’s silhouette, Seokjin muttered quietly although he knew Namjoon could hear

“I’ll take commitment anytime. It’s less scary than having no one.” Seokjin didn’t expect for Namjoon to laugh then so when he did, he was flustered, but not only. He was also offended. Just what was he expecting from a guy who hated his gut anyway? No longer in the mood of talking, he was about to leave and just forget this conversation ever took place when Namjoon caught him off guard by the next words he said. It was just so downright strange. After all, wasn’t he supposed to hate Seokjin?

“Somehow I knew you were going to say that. I don’t know how but I did. Do you want to be friends then? Let’s keep each other companies then.”

“What... I don’t get what…?” Seokjin stuttered, sporting a deep frown on his handsome face. Namjoon gave him a small smile and rubbing nervously the back of his head, he said

“Actually I’d like to apologize to you for how I treated you. I shouldn’t have done what I did. I’m really sorry. I was really childish and honestly I could’ve handle the situation way better but… Yeah I messed up bad. I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”

Seokjin must be hallucinating. Or was he dead? From what though? He honestly didn’t know what to think. There was a part of him that wanted to believe that maybe this senseless one sided war was really over but another part of him couldn’t help but be on his guard. Namjoon must’ve noticed the hesitant stance he took for he carefully took a step back and said

“It’s ok. You don’t need to answer that. But I still feel really bad for what I did. So I’ll make it up to you. I don’t know how but until the end of your lease or when you’ll find somewhere else I’m planning on sticking on you. Figuratively of course.” At the mental image, Seokjin almost laughed but only almost. He didn’t actually laugh. Instead, he commented in a guarded tone

“You’re weird but ok. Let’s see if you’re sincere.”

Missing the smile Namjoon had at the challenge but also seemingly relieved, he finally returned to his seat with Namjoon who came back not long after. Jungkook threw him a questioning look at that but Seokjin only raise a questioning eyebrow. Jungkook refrained to ask further then.

Jungkook had too much on his plate already to worry about Seokjin hyung too. Besides, from the looks of it, Seokjin hyung had everything under control. He wasn’t on the other hand. Barely reacting to what Ahn was telling him, his eyes naturally followed Taehyung hyung every stride when after the ceremony he went to congratulate the newly wedded couple. Jungkook knew he was being way too obvious but it wasn’t like he wasn’t trying. It just became an instinctive reaction for him to follow Taehyung hyung with his eyes. He did manage to force his eyes away from Taehyung hyung when Ahn asked excitedly

“Let’s go and congratulate them?”

Merely nodding his head in response, he walked up to the couple with Ahn clinging to his arm and a headache threatening to surface. He really wasn’t much into wedding. And for it to be a gay wedding just reminded him that he couldn’t such a thing even if he wanted. Slow down here Jungkook. What the hell are you thinking about? Are you actually envious because they are married? Was he really that serious about Taehyung to even consider marriage? Jungkook tried not to think too much on it. Mainly because he feared the answer to that.

After brief but heartfelt wishes to the couple, Jungkook waited for Ahn to finish saying whatever she was saying to the couple when his heart slightly jumped the second Taehyung’s back brushed against his. How did he even know it Taehyung he had no clue. Yet, the very moment he recognized the other man’s back, Jungkook immediately moved away from him, not really fond of the idea of having his wits even more jumbled. Discreetly, he glanced at the older man, out of habit perhaps, and noticed with a slight pang how completely indifferent he looked. Unlike Jungkook, he didn’t feel the electric shock or all those other cheesy things that used to make him cringe. No, Taehyung looked… As usual. Although, Jungkook already knew Taehyung hyung definitely had no interest in him in any way besides a junior, it still stung. Did unrequited love always feel this ty? He seriously needed to reflect on his actions towards past lovers. Better yet, call all the women he had so badly treated and apologize for even putting them through such a crappy thing. Seriously, he really hated this feeling. Barely returning the smile Taehyung hyung flashed him the minute he caught Jungkook’s eye, Jungkook finally turned away, heartily hoping for Ahn to end quickly her long speech.

But as the night progressed, the excitement only grew and Jungkook’s mask began to slip off. He was so drained. Not only physically but also mentally. Sitting afar from the group and half listening to the elder talk about their life experience to some kids surrounding them, Jungkook nonchalantly spin a pen in his hand, staring blankly at the fire’s flame. Unlike many who were drinking, dancing, or just conversing around the camp fire, Jungkook stayed motionless. And no one dared to bother him. Even Ahn who preferred hanging out with Ga Yeon instead of the silent Jungkook. He didn’t mind at all. Jungkook was in no mood in faking anymore. How did he even get by with lying to be someone he wasn’t anyway? A voice startle him out of his thoughts when he asked quietly

“Is the seat next to you taken?” Jungkook looked up to the voice a bit taken aback, but he didn’t let it show. Instead he only nodded and moved slightly aside to give space for the groom, or should he say the newly wed husband? - Myungsoo if he remembered correctly his name to be, to sit. The party was still getting louder by the minute but overtime, Jungkook sort of got used of it. He heard for worst anyway. Besides, the noise here weren’t exactly noise. Probably it was the environment he was in, but Jungkook felt good here. Under this clear sky and warm night, Jungkook felt at peace. Something he hadn’t have… Well ever.

“You’re Jungkook right?” Myungsoo suddenly asked, bringing Jungkook out of his thoughts. Nodding in response, Jungkook asked

“And you are Myungsoo right?”

“Yeah.” Laughed Myungsoo. Jungkook let out an embarrassed laugh at that and as he was about to apologize for his lack of memory in names, quite uncool for a genius like him, but Myungsoo beat him to it as he asked friendlily

“You are a friend of Tae right? I’m glad to see he’s doing fine now.”

Frowning at the words, Jungkook followed Myungsoo’s gaze that was leading to Taehyung hyung figure, who was engage in what seem to be a lively conversation with Myungsoo’s now husband, Daehyun, and Jungkook had wanted to ask what the man had meant by those words but somehow he felt like he didn’t have the right to pry. Opening his mouth to only close it again, Jungkook looked thoughtfully at the man that represented more to him than just a simple mentor, he commented genuinely sincere

“Hyung is the strongest person I know. He’s quite odd but that’s what makes his charm I guess.” Myungsoo snorted

“Yep you’re right. You know, Tae was the one that helped me confess to Daehyun. If it weren’t for him I’d never have known Daehyun had feelings for me too and I’ll probably still be the arrogant bastard I used to be. Would you believe me if I told you he offered to be my first man when I was ually confused?” Jungkook somehow chocked on his own spit at the confession and looking at Myungsoo with wide eyes, he repeated incredulous

“He did what?” So much for trying to tame my feelings, Thought sarcastically Jungkook but honestly, he couldn’t give a damn here.

“Yeah. That’s Tae for you. He’s very reckless and most of the times his plans are never very logical but strangely his method never fails.”

“Did you…” Jungkook queried more interested in knowing if he had to kill the poor guy or…

“Of course not.” Hastily replied the man. And lucky him. Damn it Jungkook, when did you turn into this possessive guy? As Jungkook tried not regain his composure, Myungsoo continued

“He’s like a brother to me. Besides, Taehyung wasn’t really serious when he offered me that. I guess he wanted me to take actions instead of just pitying myself. Anyway, I will forever be grateful to him for making me realize what Daehyun meant to me. I hope Taehyung will get his happy ending too though. He deserves to have someone that will love him heart and soul. And whoever that person is, he or she would be the luckiest person on earth. Because there’s no one that desires love more than Taehyung.”

Jungkook knows that already. He knows how much of a romantic Taehyung was. He also knows that whoever that will get to be with him will be the luckiest person on earth. All those bitter truth he already knew. What he did not know however is why Myungsoo said

“He or she? Is hyung bi?” Jungkook voiced out loud the confusion he felt at Myungsoo words.

“I don’t know. But he never really did give any gender to his future partner. So I guess, gender doesn’t really matter to him. But do you know how I got to like him? Beside the whole I’m in love with Daehyun thing that he helped me with?”

Jungkook didn’t answer so Myungsoo took it as cue to continue

“Because he was the polar opposite of me. I was pretty much a jerk. And well practically everyone here just couldn’t stand me. Besides Daehyun of course, everyone else were just tolerating me. And then he arrived. With his broken and yet cheerful self. Even when I heard he was going through depression because of some family issues of his, I still couldn’t sympathize with him. Maybe it was because of his way of easily drawing people in. Or the fact he was just so different from me. I mean we were at least similar on one point. We both were unhappy with our lives. Yet, he turned into this hopelessly optimistic dude while I turned into a jerk. And that just only aggravated me. Thankfully, he was patient with me. Almost as if he understood me. He took it upon himself and whenever I would lash out, he’d always be ready to throw a fist. And in some way those fights took off a bit of my burdens.”

Jungkook’s thought immediately brought him back to how he was himself a couple of months ago before everything changed. In a way, Myungsoo was not so different from him. Except maybe the fact that he was embracing his everything unlike Jungkook. Then again, Jungkook wasn’t exactly free to embrace his everything too. Maybe he was a coward. But a sane one. These feelings, no matter how deep they were would never be reciprocated and even if it did, and then what. What happens after that? Jungkook couldn’t imagine.

“And for someone emotionally constipated like he was, Tae was the first person to see that I wasn’t exactly… Normal. Well, honestly, I’ve never considered myself normal. And even though my love is different, it’s still mine. Still my sappy love story.”

Unconsciously, Jungkook’s eyes fell onto Taehyung’s figure seating at the opposite side of the fire, now cheerfully conversing with a group of kids. Jungkook wasn’t thinking at anything in particular at that very moment. Nor did he allow his mind to wander for obvious reason. Instead, he tried to shake off the heavy feeling he was plagued with by busying his hand with the top of his bottle of soju. It did work for the first two seconds but the minute Daehyun, Myungsoo’s now husband, came up to them and after greeting Jungkook with a smile, Jungkook was immediately crashed with an overwhelming sense of longing. To think that he would one day be so envious at seeing a couple lovingly exchanging words made him feel ridiculous. Jungkook almost laughed at just how fast the man he was talking just minutes ago, stood up and after stammering what seem to be goodnight, they were off, leaving a very noisy crowd behind. But Jungkook couldn’t blame him. It was clear that he couldn’t wait to get some action tonight. Unaware of the very sensual look Ahn gave him, Jungkook silently drank his drink, partly listening to the cheers, the laughter, honestly he couldn’t remember the last time he could actually just chill like this, he was just enjoying that moment of peace. Without the burden of having to think whether he was being a good son or not. Or ways to keep up his reputation. Being a liar had never felt this burdensome as it was now. And Kim Taehyung was to blame for it.

Jimin had wanted to escape for a bit from all the excitement. It wasn’t because he was bored or he didn’t like the atmosphere but after a couple of drinks, he wanted to regain a bit of his composure, not really fond of the possibility of making a complete fool out of himself. He had wanted to force Taehyung to accompany him for a moonlight walk, alas he didn’t have much in finding him. Thus, he proceeded, alone, into the quiet of the forest. Letting out a sigh, he stumbled clumsily on his way to the river, rubbing more than once his eyes to clear his view when he abruptly halts at the sound of rustling. At first he had thought it was a wild animal, but then voices, human voices echoed through the cold night. But not just any voice. Those voices, Jimin was familiar with them.

“Would you mind if i ask you something?”

Taehyung? Jimin wondered, moving closer to make sure if it really was the man. But even when he did get the confirmation that it was Taehyung, Jimin didn’t move away from the tree he was standing behind at. Nor did he make his presence known in any other way. Why? Only two words. Min Yoongi. The said man brought his bottle of beer to his lips and after a sip, he only nodded in response. At least, that’s what Jimin supposed since Taehyung continued confidently

“Do you like Jimin?” Jimin knew it was wrong for him to eavesdrop to a conversation, that obviously he wasn’t supposed to hear but curiosity took over and, now more sober than ever, he unconsciously clenched his fist waiting anxiously for Yoongi’s answer. Why was he anxious? He knows why. He simply can’t admit it… Yet.

“Are you going to give me the don’t-hurt-my-friend-or-I’ll-kill-you threat?” Jimin heard Yoongi teasingly asked though there was something almost pained in his tone. Jimin wasn’t sure however.

“If you already know then I won’t but I want to know. Are you serious about Jiminie?”

“Does it matter?” Yoongi asked and Jimin frowned at the words. Could he have been played with all along?

“It won’t change anything. Your friend…” Again, what’s with the pained tone? Jimin couldn’t help but note despite his best effort to not let the man overwhelm him again. Pointless effort. Because at the very moment Yoongi said the following word, Jimin’s entire body went stiff. And not in a good way.

“… Is out of my league.”

“What do you mean by that? Still, you’re here, right. So isn’t it for…?”

“It was. But clearly he doesn’t want to have anything to do with me. Hell, he doesn’t even want me on this trip. More than once, I’ve considered leaving. But then again, it won’t really fix anything. Only aggravate it. That’s why I stuck around. For one last conversation with Jimin. You know, Jimin is like all these other things in my life that I can only want but never have. I’m ok with it though. I’m used of not getting what I want.”

“Are you saying that you’re done then? Won’t you even fight for him? If you like…?”

“You know you’ve been getting it wrong this whole time.” Almost imagining Taehyung’s confused face that must pretty much be like his own, Jimin leaned a bit forward to hear what Yoongi had to say and he wished he never did. For at the words, Jimin… No words can describe how he felt upon hearing Yoongi’s words... Neither does Jimin want to really describe it. Not when he was unconsciously crying for who knows why.

“I don’t like Jimin.” Yoongi looked up to the moon and continued before Taehyung got to say anything

“I love him. He’s the very first person that has unlock some good in me. I’ve lost hope in being anything but a stoic dude until I met him. He was the very first person that didn’t get intimidated by my looks. The first that smiled at me and encouraged me when I was at my low. Jimin isn’t just anyone to me. He’s everything. But I can’t be the reason of him being unhappy. So that’s why, I’m going to give up. I’ll end this unrequited love.”

“How?” Taehyung asked but Jimin had heard enough already. He didn’t want to hear any of this conversation anymore. Silently, he finally left his spot and returned to the party completely sober.

Taehyung’s heart clenched at that moment. At the very moment, he asked the question how, he knew Yoongi knew. The man didn’t pry, luckily, but answered

“I don’t know. But I have to. For him. But also for me.”