❧ Night Drives and Cliffsides ❧

Never in a million years did Kim Taehyung think his eyes would alight, shoulders straighten and body jolt up with excitement at the sight of a biker.

Never in a million years did he think he'd be close to one in the first place.

The small diner bell rung and he huffed behind the cashier. But upon seeing that grin exposing the tips of bunny teeth, ears hooded by the floppy dark hair, those pretty doe eyes glimmering, Taehyung felt a small rush of warmth.

And not the gross sweaty heat plaguing the diner's atmosphere of midday, open-backdoor humidity.

"Hello as always, handsome," Yoongi flicked through the stack of menus on the bar counter. The mint-haired man made his joy sink away into aggravation.

"Travel sized toothpaste," Taehyung smiled mockingly wide and the elder's smug expression promptly fell. "What can I do for you?"

"Okay," Namjoon chuckled, the cashier's smile not returning with his presence either. "Take a seat, Min. You know our usual?"

"Do I?" The surfer hummed, clicking away at the buttons with memory of the orders anyway. Yoongi scowled before whirling around and heading for their booth; Namjoon raised a brow before joining him.

They didn't seem too interested in playing around, but he saw one pair of leather arms brace against the counter, lingering behind.

"Looking hotter than normal, Saltine."

His genuine smile flickered back. Just a little.

"What did I say about calling me hot?"

"I am absolutely not kissing your forehead and calling you beautiful," Jeongguk cringed obnoxiously, leaning forward on the counter and peering over the cash register to look at his work. He rolled his eyes dramatically for attention when the surfer swatted him away.

"You're taking notes?" Taehyung teased, opening the register for payment and watching the biker fish it out from his back pocket. His voice dropped, the clatter of running kitchen equipment and customers drowning them out. "Doing okay with Yoongi and Namjoon?"

"So far, so good," The younger watched him as he clicked away, counting and collecting change. "This why you're working as a cashier?"

"Hmm?"

"You said you worked as one back home to save up for supplies. That why you're working this job now, too?"

Taehyung blinked as his body tensed in confused surprise. "You remembered that?"

"I guess so. My head just remembers the useless things more than the important ones." Jeongguk chuckled lowly, sliding into one of the bar stools and the artist's confusion grew.

"Are you not sitting with them? Won't they ask?"

"So many questions for me today." The biker tutted. "So little answers."

"Jeongguk."

"Yes?"

"Ugh, never mind. Yeah, I know how to work a register so I took this job. Needed something to do." Taehyung decided to make one of the order's smoothie for Mr.Tuan and began pulling out the ingredients.

He slapped Jeongguk's hand reaching for the plate of cling-film wrapped cookies, the biker retracting with a pout tugging on his lips.

"You can only take that if you're paying for it, shithead."

The younger raised a brow, dancing fingers on the counter while watching him chop up some strawberries and grab ice from the freezer. "You threw in a dollar for that little kid the other day, why can't you do the same for me?"

Taehyung really fell into a deeper hole of confusion. Since when was Jeongguk so observant? Had he always been such a way? Noticing the surfer and his tendencies, or little slip ins during their conversations?

Did Jeongguk actually pay that much attention to him?

"You're not a child, are you?" He rolled his eyes. "Shrink like three feet and maybe I'll consider it."

"Ah, you see these legs are just too nice to chop off, Saltine." Jeongguk's eyes were treading in some emotion of amused comfort. "No can do."

The elder drowned him out with the overpowering roar of the drink blender, crossing his arms over his chest and ignoring the biker.

"Hey."

His indifferent gaze trailed up the countertop to leather sleeves, making their way to doe eyes and fluffy dark hair that he itches to run his hand through. "Hi?"

"Get me one of those banana milks, will 'ya?"

Taehyung snorted. "Use those nice legs of yours that you love so much."

"I should send in a complaint." Jeongguk shook his head, leaning back with the grip on the ledge keeping him from tipping. The expanse of his neck shined under the ceiling lights and sun combined. Taehyung blinked for a moment, mesmerized. "Lack of kind hospitality."

"Uh huh."

"What're you looking at?" His gaze flicked up to meet satisfied eyes, catching his shameless staring. It was hard not to add to the fire that was Jeon Jeongguk's ego.

"Just thinking about how much I want to kill those vocal chords and shut up your annoying voice."

But Taehyung was good at catching himself.

"You 'wanna shut me up, baby?" Jeongguk grinned. "C'mere then."

And Jeongguk was even better at making him a frustrated mess.

He didn't even bother responding. Just let his clenched jaw answer while he added milk and sugar to the blend. He switched it on once more before grabbing a tall glass and straw, remembering Jeongguk's request and shuffling to the usually unopened cabinet. Reaching inside and pushing past the plastic cover of the crate, he picked out a small banana milk carton and stood.

Jeongguk's beamed at the small bottle when the drink was slid across the counter to him. He dropped a dollar in the tip jar and immediately stole an extra straw to pierce into the top.

It was verbally quiet, the stay in each other's company inviting and not awkwardly prompting the need for conversation.

Taehyung smiled softly at the concept of it, pouring the smoothie into the glass and swirling the thick liquid around. He set it on the edge of the counter just as Mr.Tuan shuffled out of the kitchen with a tray of food, the old man sighing appreciatively and picking it up to add to the order.

"You're the best, Tae," the man bowed his head and walked out to the back patio to serve to some customers.

"You're the best," Jeongguk mocked in an high pitched voice. "He likes me more."

"It's not a competition." Taehyung chuckled, dragging his stool over and perching himself onto it with the momentary break. "At least I'm more helpful than a handful."

"I would disagree." The surfer glared and slapped the younger's leathered arm, eliciting a chuckle. His fingers tingled at the coolness of the material in contrast with the warmth of his body.

It was a welcomed coolness in the heat of summer.

His gaze wandered around the diner as Jeongguk didn't make any move to leave. The fact that the biker was with him in broad daylight dawned realization that his other two buddies were still tagging along.

Taehyung froze as his eyes met those shadowed by mint hair, sharp eyes dark and flickering to the oblivious younger before meeting his again.

"Jeon—" The surfer sucked in a breath and shivered, ripping his attention back to the biker seated a foot from him. "Get back to them."

"Huh? Why? I'll be with them all day."

"Jeongguk, don't look, but Yoongi's killing me with his eyes."

"What?" He turned partway to look over his shoulder and Taehyung grabbed his arm to stop him. "Oh, right. Don't look. The fuck is his problem?"

"Probably because you're here with me." Taehyung reminded, wincing as he looked once more and saw the glower still drilling into them.

The biker crossed his arms on the counter and leaned forward, noting his uncomfortable expression. "Why would he care if I'm bothering a surfer? That's what we all expect of each other."

"Because you're not bothering me, dumbass. Clearly he can tell so you need to shoo."

"If I bother you, I can stay?"

"Too fucking late." The surfer whispered as that incredibly intimidating figure slid out of the booth, Namjoon not questioning much for where he was going and tapping away at his phone.

Yoongi's walk was leisurely, chin raised as his eyes were set on a target. Pockets stuffed with clenched fists, small body emitting the energy of someone twice his size.

Taehyung did not like being in his presence. That much was for sure.

"Hey, Jeon, what's going on over here?" The eldest biker threw an arm the muscular shoulders, Jeongguk briefly choking on his drink in surprise before looking to his side and then back at Taehyung.

"Being a little annoying shit." Taehyung tried saving.

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah," Jeongguk grinned up at him. "Reminding him how awfully sweaty he looks sitting around like a loser in this heat all day."

"Surely what our star's smiling so nicely about." Yoongi hummed, expression hiding his judgement effortlessly, the younger darting his attention to the counter as his smile fell. "Maybe you need to brush up on your teasing skills."

"He's doing just fine." Taehyung replied, gritting his teeth and the challenging gaze was easier to hold. No, he didn't want Jeongguk being all cold and bitchy again. He wanted the younger to stay as carefree as he had managed to get the guy to be.

"Why is it that you're working in here all the time?" Yoongi asked instead and the surfer's throat dried. Why was Min Yoongi trying to interrogate him all of a sudden? Get into his personal life?

"Hyung," Jeongguk cut in, standing from the stool and gulping the last of his milk before tossing the bottle. "Let's go, I'm done here."

"No," He shoved the hand on his shoulder off. "I want to hear this. I'm not blind and it's obvious how much time you don't spend with your friends. Something happen with them?"

Taehyung's breathing spiked like his pulse, unsure of how to answer and keep the ridiculing from increasing. He could usually handle it, but perhaps with Jeongguk's friendlier presence lightening his mood, he wasn't prepared for the accusation. Or prepared to talk about his pain.

"Just need the extra money," he lied. He didn't even accept pay from Mr.Tuan. Taehyung did his work because he enjoyed the time pass and the people's company.

The eldest biker was not buying it. For obvious reasons— the reasoning was pathetic. He was giving up his vacation time of surfing after two years just to earn a little cash as a cashier? No one in their right mind would have bought that.

"Yoongi." Jeongguk repeated, more pressing and the elder jerked his gaze to look up at him. "Let's go."

"You some fucking wimp now?" Yoongi bit back, Jeongguk's guarded expression cracking. His hold on the mint haired man's sleeve slackening before pulling away all together.

"No." The biker snapped lowly. "I'm not."

Taehyung watched the wordless exchange, gulping softly as the younger's previous joy slipped into something more serious. He didn't like that at all. He tried reaching to Jeongguk, asking him to look over with his eyes alone, but it was useless.

Yoongi grabbed his collar and pointed at Taehyung, the surfer paling as Jeongguk turned to him with conflict tearing up his wants.

"Don't forget how much they hate us, Jeon. 'Wouldn't think twice about throwing you under the damn bus." The mint haired man growled, loud enough for the artist to hear. Taehyung let out a shaky breath as Jeongguk pushed the hand on his collar away and nodded.

Yoongi turned to leave, expectantly waiting for the younger to follow.

Jeongguk didn't. Instead turned to grab a small dessert from the plate of cookies. "Just go, I'll be there in a minute."

Some disappointed murmur rolled out of Yoongi's mouth before he trailed off back to the booth. The tension broke as Jeongguk reached out a dollar and held the cookie in his hand. Taehyung nervously took it, putting the cookie into the system and waiting for the cash tray to pop out of its spot.

"I don't hate you." He whispered, almost reassuring himself about his acquaintance with the younger.

"I know." Jeongguk unraveled the plastic cover of the cookie and threw it in the garbage tucked between the door and bar counter. "You still 'wanna hang out tonight?"

"Yeah." The soft sigh of relief let his lips.

"Dress warm, Saltine." The biker smiled, inconspicuously, before it dropped all together when he stalked back to his hyungs.

Taehyung watched him and thought aloud; even Mr.Tuan rushing past to the kitchen and back, the entrance of new customers or the bikers getting their food didn't bother him.

"Are they really more good than bad, Jeongguk?"

The rest of the day, though, was rather amazing.

For starters, just watching the interaction between bikers, thinking about how there were things Jeongguk had bounded himself to. And those very things were keeping him from being the Jeongguk he met every night.

Careless, light, free.

It reminded Taehyung of himself in some sense. At least on a more temporary scale. The way he was working on it, but still chained from feeling free and surfing due to the restrictions of his fear.

Jeongguk had an ocean holding him back, too. Maybe not the physical one, but whether it was his mom or being a biker— even that triggering secret of his— there was something.

Taehyung froze in the midst of his thoughts, ripping open his back and sketchbook, desperately grabbing the pencil bound in the spine and trying to collect his thoughts and ideas.

He drowned in the pages, consumed by his mind as everything except the picture in his head slipped right by.

He refused to lose the image that had struck him, a swirl of thoughts like photographic memory, but not memory. A vision of something he could bring to life.

Taehyung had inspiration for his paintings.

~•४•~

He had dressed warmer than usual, as per the younger's instructions. The multiple layers made him sweat a little in the humidity of summer— even the chilly night failing to lessen the effect.

Jeongguk had said someplace on the beach that wasn't the shore, but why dress warm? It was summer, and Taehyung was wearing three layers (including two sweater layers). He hoped he wasn't just making a fool of himself.

He probably was, knowing Jeongguk's games.

"I'll punch the asshole." He grumbled, slipping on his shoes and quietly exiting out the backdoor.

The wind was gentle that night, tickling his growing dark hair and making it fan around like sweeps of a broom. Feet bouncing on the pavement of the sidewalk, Taehyung felt the drumming curiosity take hold.

He'd spent the latter half of the day working on his painting plans, both relieved and ecstatic to be getting somewhere. It was just the mood he needed to be in to ignore the encounter with Yoongi and focus on enjoying whatever plans Jeongguk had.

Secret plans.

Taehyung had been to the beach so many times— was there really a place he hadn't ever seen? He couldn't believe it. Hurt him a little that Jeongguk knew the beach better than him and had only just found it within the last couple of years.

He adjusting the collar of his sweater collecting a slight touch of sweat along his neck, huffing again in annoyance at the biker.

"It better be fucking cold, Jeon."

It really only hit him with the passing of the strip mall of boutiques, the other beach homes passing and the diner coming into view.

Jeongguk was there already, mindlessly playing with his helmet as he leaned against the parked bike. His legs, spread and bracing the weight of his body, drew his attention, making him feel even warmer. The biker noticed him when his feet scuffed loudly on the street; that pretty head jerked up, hair highlighted with moonlight as his lips curved up in a grin.

"Look at you all bundled up." Jeongguk chuckled, standing up completely and hooking his helmet on the handle bar to greet him.

"Does it actually get cold enough for layers on a motorcycle?" Taehyung frowned, fingernails pinching his palms within the deep pockets. "You better not be making me sweat on purpose."

"Nah, you do that enough in the diner."

The biker stepped up to him when Taehyung left a few feet between them, one leathered arm looping around his waist to hold the jacket in place while the other unzipped it half way.

The elder's breath never left his chest with Jeongguk's hands on him, feeling dizzyingly overwhelmed by them as every feature heightened in close proximity. His skin burned, stomach flipping with the placement of those fingers just barely touching his side.

"What are you doing?" He managed to ask.

The biker squeezed his waist before stepping away. "No need to choke yourself with a zipper. Let the wind hit you a little."

"This sounds more complicated than I thought." Taehyung's breaths staggered with futile attempts to steady it, palm rubbing the inner layer over his lungs exposed by Jeongguk's doing. "And dangerous."

"Saltine, you get to enjoy the ride," the experienced driver flipped open the seat, reaching in and grabbing a second helmet. "I'm doing all the work."

"Still." He hesitantly took the second helmet and examined it. "Where did you get this?"

"We always have spares in case ours get totaled." Jeongguk hummed, pushing the seat down and locking it closed. "I got a few rules so you don't die."

"Doesn't that sounds familiar." Taehyung hugged the helmet to his chest, smiling in memory of their small surfing lesson. That felt like ages ago. "Well, go on."

"First, you wait for me to get on and get it stable off the kickstand." The biker leaned back on the motorcycle, pointing to the metal bar digging into the ground and holding said bike up.

"Looks like a bicycle stand."

"Basically." Jeongguk gestured to large worn pipes, cut at a slant at the open end. "Exhaust pipes. Make sure your leg doesn't touch those or you'll burn yourself. They get hot as hell when the engine's running."

"Good to know." Taehyung frowned, catching the built in foot rests for the driver. "Where do I put my feet?"

The younger pushed down two small pegs on either side of the seat, big enough to brace the balls of his feet. "Foot pegs for the passenger."

"Great, anything else?"

Jeongguk turned to look at the bike, gazing at it in thought, wondering if there were any immediate rules to pass by.

"Your hands go on my waist. Not the shoulders." He turned back, a sly smile on his face and Taehyung's expression mirrored some form of deadpan. "I'm serious, your weight steering my shoulders could fuck up the drive. A bonus for me, sure, but I'm not kidding."

"Fine." He scoffed. "Fucking prick."

"One more. When I lean on turns, try staying straight up." Jeongguk paused. "Nah, just hold on real tight and we will be good to go."

"You just want my hands on you."

"Do you want to hold onto the tank instead? Doesn't feel as safe as me, but..."

"Goddammit, whatever. Waist it is."

"Thought so. Get that helmet on, Saltine." Jeongguk barked out a laugh and turned back around to grab his helmet. He paused upon looking back at Taehyung, scoffing. "What are you doing?"

Taehyung froze with the helmet half on his head, the sides pressing into his skull. He frowned with wide eyes, confused himself with what he had done wrong.

"Shit, not you being all cute," Jeongguk set his helmet aside and leaned forward, grabbing the spare and pulling it off Taehyung's head. His calloused fingers suddenly pushed back his hair and Taehyung shoved the hand away in embarrassment, absolutely failing to hide his flustered state. The spark of another's hand in his hair lingered long after it had left. He brushed his hair away himself, leaving his forehead bare and face untouched.

"What?"

"Push your hair back more often," the biker moved to get the helmet on his head more comfortably. "You look fucking hot."

"Shut up." Taehyung's voice muffled as the block fully engulfed his skull, pressed securely around his head. His vision narrowed with the barriers, Jeongguk just watching him with some indescribable emotion. "You gonna get yours on, too? I feel like an idiot."

"You should feel good because you look damn good, Kim." The biker grabbed his helmet from the seat anyways and swiftly suffocated his head into it.

Taehyung saw those eyes smile at him, his own widening as the younger's hand reached up and flipped down the visor. His vision didn't change, though, surprising the surfer.

"Aren't the visors usually tinted?" He raised a hand to play with it, repeatedly flipping it in and out of place. "These are clear?"

"Tinted visors at night?" Jeongguk shook his head with a grin. "That's like driving with a blindfold on."

Taehyung nodded stupidly, rather intrigued by it all as Jeongguk forced the visor down again.

"Keep it down or you'll hurt your eyes." He ordered, voice anything but forceful. "Remember all the rules?"

"We'll see." Taehyung shrugged, everything all grossly warm inside the helmet. He just hoped it would cool down with the expected wind. "I don't like the helmet."

"Sorry, baby, you're not riding without one." Jeongguk threw a leg over the bike seat, key in one hand as he kicked up the stand and steadied both feet on the ground. The bike swayed under him as Jeongguk grabbed the handles. He looked over for Taehyung to follow and the surfer nervously tried copying his actions. He put a hand on the seat and clambered a leg over, hardly as graceful as the younger had.

The slant of the seat slid him right into Jeongguk's backside, their helmets clanging together as his hands braced on the cushion for a moment.

"Hold on and get your feet up." Jeongguk was watching attentively over his shoulder and Taehyung pressed his feet against the small pegs, avoiding the cool exhaust pipes, taking note of where they were for later in the drive. They'd be scalding eventually.

His hands had curved around the slim waist, spread against leather as he pressed into the younger. A shaky, dismissible breath left his lips as he felt comfortable enough, resting his helmeted head on the leather shoulder.

"Hey, handsome." Jeongguk's muffled voice chuckled through the helmet and Taehyung met his eyes, suddenly grateful for how his red face was concealed behind protection. "I forgot something."

"What is that?"

"I can't hear much when I'm driving." The biker grabbed one of his wrists from its place hooked to his waist. He dragged it up and mimicked three taps on his firm chest. "The drive's pretty so if you want to stop on the way, just do that."

"Three taps?"

"Three."

"Got it." He pulled his wrist away from Jeongguk's hold and back around his waist, the sliver of fear gnawing at his insides. The biker seemed to notice the way his arms were tentatively enclosing his body, the slight tremble of his chest against his inked back.

"Don't be scared. I won't let anything happen, okay?"

And somehow it was all he needed to hear. Because Jeongguk had proved it before, with helping him in the water, saving him all those days ago, and even in the city bar just a few nights before.

He nodded, helmet hitting the padded shoulder his chin still rested on.

The key turned in the ignition, engine roaring to life, and the whole bike shook with it— making Taehyung yelp. They stayed there for a minute, letting the engine warm up. The fear plummeted in his gut as Jeongguk turned the handles towards him, engaging the throttle and causing the motorcycle to jerk forward.

His hands tightened even more around him, eyes closing behind the visor as it jerked forward once more before gliding smoothly.

The bike circled around the lot to turn and drive out onto the main street. Every turn made his hold tighten, muscles quivering for some relaxation as his nerves strained them. The slower speed as they trailed out of the diner lot helped him adjust for a moment.

Then, Jeongguk was shouting over the engine and pulling the left handle towards him, stepping down on some level with his left foot. The right handle was harshly rotated back again and Taehyung screamed as they went racing forward, picking up a much greater speed that whipped at his entire body.

All he saw was the black behind his lids, panic ripping through his chest as he shoved himself against the biker in control. His feet pressed into the small pegs, undeniably terrified they'd slip off and he'd go flying.

Jeongguk's helmet hit the side of his three times and he whipped his eyes open, crying out as they bent around a curve of the road.

Their bodies tilted with the bike, making him tearlessly sob into the warm space enclosing his head. The motorcycle sped around the bend before leveling out— leaving him more than simply breathless.

He felt the biker lean back into him just a smidge, the action obvious and pressing them closer together. It helped. Reminded him that Jeongguk knew exactly what he was doing and that he was in experienced hands.

They're helmets knocked together once more, a wordless sign of comfort as Taehyung heard the younger let out a holler of joy. It made him smile meekly, easing his taunt muscles and allowing his head to clear.

He'd never even gone that way on the main road. Hadn't realized that there was much except forest out in the opposite direction they usually traveled on. Going the usual way took them to the city or the highway to get home, so they never had an reason to go explore further.

But Jeongguk was wrong. The driver was far prettier than he had suggested.

To his right, the upward directed road was railed, shore visible from a higher elevation. The ocean was sparkling in the moonlight like crystals in dark wine— so tempting and stunning. The horizon was even further out, moon peaking in the starry sky.

It was everything he loved about the beach, but more.

His hand shifted up Jeongguk's chest to excitedly pat it three times. The biker stiffened in recognition before his right pointer and middle finger slowly eased the brake bar closer. The bike began to slow, Taehyung feeling the air knock out of his chest as they stuttered to a stop and he slammed into Jeongguk's body. The soft grunt as Jeongguk's hand whipped around to grab his side, while holding the bike handle with the other, sounded.

The younger's feet hit the ground to catch the nearly idle bike, low guttural rattles rocking the motorcycle before it went eerily silent.

"Woah, you okay?" Jeongguk rasped. "Or just want to look around?"

"S-Second." Taehyung gasped, stumbling off the bike and nearly falling on his ass. Jeongguk sat on the stalled motorcycle and pulled away from the handles to cross his arms over his chest and watch the surfer.

"Shit, Jeongguk," Taehyung breathed out, not even bothering to take his helmet off and instead gripped the roadside rail to gaze around at the sight. "This is so perfect."

"Told you." He grinned— not that the elder could see. He could really just hear it in the knowing tone. "Wait till we get all the way up. It's even better."

"All the way what?" Taehyung whipped around, mid-lost in the long line of the diner, shops and houses extending all along the shore. "How have I never realized this way led somewhere?"

Jeongguk shrugged and the surfer felt almost hypnotized with the high of adrenaline and view of the biker in full gear. The helmet made his eyes amplify in its drowning effect, effortlessly dragging him back to the motorcycle— much to Jeongguk's surprise.

"You okay? Did you even enjoy it?"

"Yeah." Taehyung blinked, voice still muffled behind the plastic and padding. "I just— uh, I trust you wherever we are going, but is it some weird hidden place?"

"You scared of monsters or some shit, Saltine?" The biker's eyes narrowed with a smile. "Cute, but hop on. No one really knows about this place, I think. Not that I've seen."

"So it is hidden?" He squeaked. Taehyung had moved fairly close to Jeongguk, his leg brushing the younger's tensed one.

The biker reached on hand out to rest on his hip, Taehyung letting a small noise of appreciation slip past his lips at the touch. "You almost died in an ocean and you're worried about someone being out there to hurt us?"

"It's valid—"

"You got a knight in shining armor to protect you from night monsters, Taehyung," Jeongguk pulled on his hip, causing him to stumble forward a couple inches. "Get on."

He was eternally grateful for the shield of black protection hiding his warm face. Suddenly grateful for the helmet he had hated ten minutes ago.

Taehyung wasn't exactly sure what had overcome him. Perhaps just seeing Jeongguk in his most personal element, seeing him do what he loved most— it made him want to live it, too. See what was so lovable about it.

That or he just loved the gentle touches the younger was giving him, along with how secure it felt to hug Jeongguk from behind as a human seatbelt.

"Taehyung?"

"Yeah," he sucked in a sharp snap of air, shaking away the void of thoughts he'd lost himself in. "This view is gorgeous, Jeongguk."

"Absolutely agreed." The biker leaned forward to grab the handle grips, Taehyung clambering back on with more awareness of what was to come.

It made the latter half of the trip more enjoyable, the initial fear crushed.

The motorcycle sped forward again, the small yelp of surprise still tumbling out of his numb lips, but Taehyung felt tingles of anticipation spark on his skin.

The wind was bitterly cold as it smacked his hands, chest protected by Jeongguk's own body. It trickled a ruthless chill to his neck and he was thankful for the visor or he'd probably be crying at the force of it in that moment.

The warmth of Jeongguk's body, though, made him drowsy. The heat in the midst of a storm, that beacon of comfort, was happily dizzying.

The bends they curved around made every part of his body scream in an absurd mix of terror and exhilaration.

Taehyung held Jeongguk tighter when they suddenly veered off the main road and headed for a gravel path through some trees. Dust flew up from the loose ground— another bonus of the helmet— and Taehyung heard every gross crunch of the rocks.

He gazed up at the moon shining overhead, smiling behind the cover as it looked breathtaking shimmering through the gap between trees.

The plants began to thin out, density fizzling until there weren't any lining either side of them. He realized they had leveled out as well, hardly moving upwards and rather outward.

It dawned on him as the crashes of the distant tides faintly hummed in his ears— a miracle to hear past the engine revs— the trees disappearing entirely and the ground clearing into an open space of grass past the edge of gravel.

A cliff drop, the dark sky kissing the edge of the earth from where his eyes could see as the motorcycle slowed again, body jerking forward like before, and the loud spurs of a stalling engine drifted in the quiet air.

The eery silence was haunting his senses, numbing him in the aftermath of Jeongguk's feet catching the two-wheeler and every rush of wind in his face, every tingle in his nerves dulling to a standstill.

Jeongguk kicked the stand down and jerked his head for Taehyung to get off. The surfer carefully avoided the burning exhaust pipes, stance messy and wobbling as his heels hit the gravel.

He fell onto the ground with exhaustion overcoming him. Nothing more than a crash of adrenaline as everything came to a halt so suddenly. Luckily, though, his legs stumbled him into the grass and softened the landing.

His large hands ripped the helmet up and off his head, tossing it in a mindless manner and it gratefully landed in the thick grass beside him.

His breaths were erratic, heaving as his back melted into the soft earth. The grass tickled his hands, damp hair mixing into the green blades.

"Hey, Starfish—"

Taehyung lifted his head to gaze at the biker just in time to see the helmet pulled over his head.

Just like what he'd seen the night of the bar fight in the city, Jeongguk looked so damn fine. His hair was slightly damp at the ends from sweat, hairline glistening for the same reason. His cheeks were warm and rosy from the heat inside the helmet. The thrill of driving was shining in Jeongguk's eyes and Taehyung could tell how much the younger lived to do it everyday.

"Starfish?" He choked out.

"You look like one right now."

He jolted upright at the words and saw that his flailed position did mimic the sea creature. Jeongguk let the bike stand on its own and slid off, helmet hanging on the handle bar and grinning down at the surfer.

"How you doing down there?" The younger teased, reaching out to grab his forearm and pull him up to his feet. Taehyung staggered like a drunk man, holding onto the arms of leather to stay standing. He glanced over his shoulder when he gained more control over his body and picked up the stray helmet.

Jeongguk took it and opened the seat compartment. He tugged a small blanket out of the seat and put the helmet inside.

"You brought a blanket?" Taehyung exclaimed, a smile growing on his lips. "And you say you're not romantic."

"This is because you're going to get cold and no one needs you getting sick." The biker retorted, closing the seat and shoving the keys into his pocket. "Doesn't mean I can't use it, too."

"Well," The surfer laughed, taking the blanket from Jeongguk's hands. "It's mine now, Greased Lightning. Don't bother."

Taehyung wandered around the grassy region of the cliff, hugging the blanket close to his figure as the breeze had, in fact, worsened with their higher altitude. The audible sigh of amazement left his lips as he gazed around, seeing the shoreline extend for miles, rocks adorning the edge of the cliff, the dark waters sparkling under the stars above. The diner lights were dim from where he stood, houses all dark and fading away into the distance.

If he was a hopeless romantic, that cliff with said view was surely the place to fall in love.

Not that that was the intention. Taehyung scowled at his own conscious for spewing bullshit at him.

He found a spot that allowed a good view of his whole beach, still far from the edge just to be safe, but Taehyung laid the blanket down and sat atop it. Then, he turned to look over his shoulder, seeing Jeongguk still leaning against the bike.

Amusement and... some other emotion making the younger's expression lighten.

The surfer patted the empty space on the blanket beside him. "Get your ass of here."

"So you do feel like sharing tonight." Jeongguk buried hands into his leather jacket pockets while hurrying over, toppling onto the blanket and sitting next to him. Taehyung leaned over to nudge his shoulder, brow raised. "What?"

"Why don't you just come up here instead of the shore? This is incredible."

"Further, colder... it's quieter." Jeongguk listed his reasons. The surfer clearly needed a deeper explanation and the biker rolled his eyes. "Usually when I need to think, my patience gets strained into thin thread— the shore's just quicker to reach and drain at. Colder? Well, I don't want to get sick either. And usually I need some background noise so the shore is much better than up here for noise."

"Regardless," Taehyung smiled, looking over his shoulder and inhaling sharply as the city skyline was visible far inland. "I can see why you like this place. Can't believe I didn't know it existed."

"I doubt anyone does. People usually stay away from gravel roads 'cause they get scared like you." The younger leaned back on his arms, chest expanding behind the half zipped leather.

"M'not scared." He looked over at Jeongguk and observed the way his doe eyes fluttered shut, breath relaxing with every whip of air rushing around them. "Not with you here."

He'd meant to say the last part for his ears only, but as Jeongguk had said, the cliff was astoundingly lacking in commotion. The words caused a small smile to pull up those uneven lips, heating Taehyung's face.

"You're safe." Jeongguk nodded once, wavy hair lifting and flapping gentle with the breeze. His dazed expression stilled, lids opening and a brighter grin replaced the previous one when their eyes met. "How was the ride up here, Saltine? Enjoy?"

"Pretty nice, Jeon," he chuckled, humming in afterthoughts. He considered how to control the amount of food he fed the younger's ego. "Followed all your rules, so I stayed in one piece."

"You suck ass, Kim Taehyung. I know you loved it."

"And hypothetically if I did, then what?"

"I'd take you on more drives."

There had to be a catch, because that was too considerate of an offer for Jeon Jeongguk. He waited for a few moments, anticipating some retort.

"I love the feeling of your big hands on me anyway."

There it was.

Taehyung rolled his eyes, reaching up to shove the shoulder of the obnoxious other. Jeongguk laughed that raspy sound, one that didn't sound as genuine as it could.

"Thanks for bringing me here." He mumbled into the silence, making the biker frown. "Why did you?"

"You see, Taehyung, when you said this was your escape from life, I realized we really ask for the same things of this place." Jeongguk sighed, like some conflicting thoughts jumbling up his words. "We are both attached to this beach for more than just a vacation spot."

"Polar opposites, but I guess there's at least one thing in common even so, Jeongguk." The surfer smiled. "Didn't think you were the type to share."

"We share the shore. I'll admit it's nicer with you there."

"So you thought the same would happen here?"

"Well it's warmer with another person," he grinned, shifting close to emphasize his point, their sides brushing. "That's for sure."

"Douchebag," Taehyung scoffed. "You're so desperate. Just go find someone else to hit on."

"Nah, I said I like a challenge," Jeongguk moved his closer hand to trail a ghostly touch along his forearm. The surfer letting him, after throwing a smoothie for being latched in a hold a while ago, showed their progress in itself. "I feel like I'm getting somewhere."

"In your dreams." Taehyung's words choked away as the hand flittered up to rest at the top of his spine, fingers tickling his drying hair at the nape of his neck. He just let Jeongguk do whatever the hell he wanted. Because he trusted the younger. Knew the younger was only doing small gestures he wouldn't reel away from.

"Tell me the truth about the drive." Jeongguk pried, his fingers cold on his warm skin, sending shivers through Taehyung's body. "How did it feel?"

"Amazing." He responded breathlessly, almost instantly. "You said you can feel the wind all over, how you're just cutting through it like a blade... it felt like flying when we would curve around the turns— really just fucking perfect with the view, too."

"There we go." Jeongguk chuckled, hand slipping away to rest back on the ground. "I knew it was more than pretty nice."

Taehyung almost missed the hand dancing over him, the warmth it elicited despite being ice against his fiery skin. He frowned at how he was thinking and enjoying another person's intimate touches like that. It wasn't like him, not at all.

"What's up with the upside down smiley, Saltine?"

"Just thinking."

"Care to tell?"

"I'm good."

"Hey." The biker glared and Taehyung giggled as he shifted down to lay back on the blanket, the soft exasperated sigh leaving his lips in a dramatic manner. "That's unfair."

"Aww, sorry, Greased Lightning, did I hurt your feelings?" He pouted unceremoniously and Jeongguk grumbled under his breath. The surfer took the chance to just gaze up at the sky that felt closer than it usually did, like it was in arms reach of him and he could hug the moon with a mile run.

"Don't tell me you're going to fall asleep." Jeongguk groaned, kicking his leg.

The surfer laughed airily again, reaching a hand out to trace patterns he'd come to formulate after years of watching that sky on clear summer nights. "Not yet, I don't want to miss out on this."

"I'll leave you here if you sleep." The biker threatened.

"You can gladly leave me here, Jeon," Taehyung smiled, dropping his hand and turning his head to look over at Jeongguk. The blanket was soft under him, grass dully poking through the fabric, but it was comfortable. "Just know my hyungs would be hunting you down when I tell them you dropped me off here all alone."

The biker stared down at him for a moment, then leaned over him with a mischievous glint flickering into his eyes like the night before. Taehyung watched him with confusion, and underwhelmed annoyance, until rough fingers began to fiddle gently along his waist.

The small shriek left his lips as he shoved the ticklish touch away, hating that victorious grin on Jeongguk's face. The hands lurched forward again to grab him back and Taehyung jolted to his feet, wanting to escape the devious plan.

Jeongguk snorted at his figure backing away a few feet from the blanket, waving his sneaky hands like an innocent man.

"Don't you dare, Jeongguk," the surfer gasped out, feigning an accusatory glare. "I will cut off your fingers."

"Like hell you will," Jeongguk rose to his feet, hands tapping his legs as he took slow steps towards him. "Think you can outrun me, Kim?"

"Oh my fucking god, don't make me run," the surfer kept backing away with each advance those long legs took towards him, head spinning with the storm of adrenaline tapping into his nerves. "Jeongguk, I'm serious— I'll run back home if I have to— you fucking bitch—"

"Come here, Saltine," the man drawled, voice singing in pure mock. Taehyung screamed as Jeongguk kicked off the ground and began racing for him. The surfer stumbled around in the midst of his panic and ran with all the energy he could muster across the large clearing.

"Jeongguk, I fucking hate you!" He screeched with a look over his shoulder, knowing he was no match for the biker's athleticism.

The biker was hollering with joy as he chased the elder, their bodies coursing with a freeness of emotion. Taehyung's mood half-shifted when Jeongguk's happiness added to the clench of his chest.

The unadulterated laughter from Jeongguk, accompanying his own half hearted screams, gave Taehyung the momentary high of pure elation.

There wasn't anywhere else he wanted to be, anything else he wanted to do, or anyone else he wanted to be with in that moment.

It morphed his own cries of fear into squeals of euphoric emotion.

Gazing over his shoulder once more, Taehyung gasped as Jeongguk gained distance on him, those arms getting closer until they were close enough to trap him. The biker enclosed a secure hold, leather yanking him close to the warm chest.

Taehyung yelled as Jeongguk's arms used their momentum to lift his feet off the ground and spin them around in cruel victory. The surfer could hardly breath, struggling for a breath of air, but he didn't even care, Jeongguk's laughter mixing with his livening the air, turning the cold night into a warm one.

They stumbled over their feet when Taehyung could touch the ground again and fell into the grass. Jeongguk turned them so he took the impact on his back, hugging the surfer close.

Taehyung buried his head into the crevice of his neck, lungs burning and heart stampeding against his ribs. His whole body shook with Jeongguk's, their bodies melting together in mirrored emotions. The biker's arms were keeping him impossibly close, Taehyung's pressed against the leathery sides of his chest.

The artist calmed first, bracing his arms on the grass to push up and look at the expression he had never heard such genuine bliss from.

If he wasn't suffering a lack of oxygen enough before, he was certainly drowning in the lack of it then.

His arms almost gave out as he found the realest smile to ever exist on the face of the planet. The scrunch of Jeongguk's nose, wrinkling up as his shut eyes slightly teared from laughing with such force, his lips stretched from ear to ear. Lips that exposed the adorable bunny teeth he'd only ever witnessed through obnoxious grins. The hair that was all messy from their antics, making him ache to touch it.

He was in utter awe. Taehyung wouldn't dare touch a thing, scared to alter the perfect realness he was seeing in one's sterling expression of happiness.

He didn't even realize that Jeongguk's doe eyes were wide and worriedly taking him in, laughter long gone, because the sound rang in his ears, the smile flickering as a permanent memory in his eyes.

It was when Jeongguk's cold hands left from around him, and instead held his face, that Taehyung harshly blinked away his stupor.

"You're crying." The biker reached his thumbs up to flick away the tears staining his rosy cheeks. "Why are you crying? And smiling? You're being confusing."

"Shut up." Taehyung fell down against him again, resting his cheek against Jeongguk's shoulder and letting the upward curve of his lips remain forever for the night. "Don't tickle me."

"No promises, bud why're you crying, Taehyung?"

"Nothing."

You're just the realest person I've met.

"That's not helpful, dumbass." the biker ran a soothing touch up and down his back, shaking his head. "Can't believe you're making me chase after you now."

Jeongguk gave him a moment to fully soak in the prior sight before Taehyung nudged off of the biker and fell tiredly onto the grass beside him.

He let out a groan as the ache lingered in his chest, entirely exhausting from the countless hills of adrenaline rushes that night. With the latest crash of energy did the wind seem brutal on his skin, making him wince and curl towards Jeongguk.

"Cold?" The biker observed. "I can go grab the blanket—"

"No," Taehyung whispered, shifted close to him until the elder's head was nearly on Jeongguk's shoulder. "Don't go, you're warm enough."

"You sound tired, Saltine." The younger's voice had dropped, too. "What did I say about sleeping?"

"Not to." He smiled softly as Jeongguk turned to his side and tucked one leather arm under his neck to pillow his head. The other draped around his upper body and pulled him closer. They both seemed to revel in the warmth the position allowed them to share. "Thank you."

"How am I going to get you home?"

"Wake me up in a bit."

He wasn't sure whether the younger was mocking him, amused by the whole thing, but he took advantage of the incredible hold that allowed him to ease into a drowsy state.

Taehyung's pinky trailed back and forth along the leather collar his eyes were level with, trying to continue a steady peddling of the conscious world before he knew sleep would stall him.

"Hey, Jeongguk?"

He could feel the hum in the biker's throat, prompting him to go on.

"I got an idea for my painting project." His voice was hardly audible, but he felt Jeongguk's hold tighten on him.

"That's good." He mumbled. "Will you start working on it now?"

"Already started." He giggled softly at the rather clueless tone of the younger. Jeongguk seemed to lack in the ability to compliment someone in things besides their immediate looks. He was getting better everyday, though.

"Really?" The younger tugged him a little closer, laying on his back and pulling Taehyung half on top of him. The grass felt soft and cushiony under his limbs, for which the surfer was grateful. "Nice. You'll get it done in no time and then your parents can fix their shit."

"Hopefully." He sighed, unknowing of the goosebumps raising on the neck his warm breath huffed against. "I'll show you when I'm done. You'll be there to look at the final product, won't you?"

Instead of hearing words, he became more aware of the physical surroundings he was in. His body raised an inch with every expand of Jeongguk's chest, his hand having slowed to a stop and just resting on his heart, leather cool under his fingers.

And his eyes closed in the remnants of the dying awakened state, Jeongguk's fingers carding through his dark hair, pushing it out of his face and tucking it behind his ear.

The touches all delicate. Taehyung feeling delicate in leather arms. The biker seeming delicate himself.

"Night, sleepyhead." Jeongguk's delicate voice melded with the tingling air.

"Night, Jeongguk." He hoped he even responded, loosing all grip of the real world and slipping into the dream one.

"Beautiful," the biker whispered, pressing his lips to the top of his head.

❧ ❧ ❧

i am emo after spending like four days on my favorite chapter in this book :)

it took me like an hour to proofread this wtf

happy late hobi day!!!
much love and take care of yourself ♡

✵ NEETO ✵