❧ Letters and Butterfly Effects ❧

The last minute plan came about after a video call with Jeongguk on a quiet Saturday night.

Taehyung hadn't been able to speak to Jeongguk properly in the past few of weeks. Not when Perfectly Real had been requested to be featured in his home city's art museum— after his professor had put in an impressed word or two to his colleague curators at the place.

His name was in the local newspaper, a success in the visual arts realm, growing in popularity. Jimin had sat him down when he'd gotten overwhelmed and helped him control his flooding email and physical mail, with commissions and visiting curators wanting to showcase the piece at their museums in neighboring cities as well.

Jimin helped him set up a temporary website to regulate messages and he didn't know what he'd be doing without his best friend's help so that he could actually find a commission to accept and begin some work on— rather than focusing on the technicalities behind the entire transaction.

The past three weeks had been both unbelievable and all the more exhausting.

It was strange to him, painting for work instead of learning or for fun. He'd always wanted to get somewhere professional with it, but it was never easy.

It put respect on his name, though— respect that drew his parents in, beginning to like how their son's name was in the news with praise and appreciation.

And, so, while he planned out the sketch for his next class project (because he still had his school work to do), Taehyung dialed up his favorite biker and let the few rings echo in the studio as the facetime call awaited to be answered.

Eventually, Jeongguk's face appeared and Taehyung was smiling fondly, shoulders sinking with the tension disappearing in seconds. The craziness of the last three weeks disappeared into nothing but longing as he waved at the younger with graphite smeared hands.

"Hello, busy man." Jeongguk was chuckling, earbuds in as his chin rested on his flattened hands, sandwiched with the table. He recognized the setting of Jeongguk's room, familiar from their calls before. The younger was living at home with community college at hand, driving to classes for the day and then hanging out with his friends in the spare time.

They greeted each other, Taehyung talking about more specific details of the past three weeks that hadn't fit into the occasional messages he managed to slip into the biker's chat.

"It's really good to see you smiling, Saltine."

"Why?" He snorted. "So you can wipe it off my face?"

"Wouldn't that be nice, huh. Just kiss you until your lips are so numb they can't even smile anymore."

He laughed, sliding the notebook off the table and onto his crossed over knees, hand moving as he gave his visual attention to his project and audial to Jeongguk. "Of course that's your plan."

It went on for a few minutes— the teasing and banter, the comfortable energy that made Taehyung feel more and more at home even though they were so far away from one another.

"I opened your letters the other day."

His hand stilled, the end of the pencil tapping onto the paper as he glanced up at Jeongguk. "Oh?" And to be annoying, he added: "Already?"

Jeongguk's face was hidden as he threw up his hood. Taehyung hid his grin, knowing the younger was clearly experiencing a find amount of fluster to be embarrassed. "A couple days ago. We'd only been messaging for a few weeks and I missed your voice, so... yeah, I read them."

"Did you like them?"

"Well, yeah, of course I did. I..." Jeongguk's voice quieted. "I liked them a lot, but it didn't help. I just want to see you even more."

"You have your last midterm on Monday." Taehyung frowned. "I have this project... I'm sorry, but we'll see each other soon, okay? I miss you, too, Ggukie."

"I know. Thanks for the letters." A sigh sounded and the older spun the pencil in his hand. "You write really well."

He raised a brow, knowing the smile was apparent in his tone. "So many compliments today, Jeon. Are you about to ask a favor?"

"What? No? I was just thanking you for the gift!"

"Okay," his fingers danced around the necklace hanging between his collarbones, small bottle weighing warm against his skin and Taehyung gazed down at it. "Haven't opened your gift yet."

"Don't miss me enough?"

"I knew you were going to say some bullshit like that."

Jeongguk chuckled and shrugged. "Prove it, then. You could just be so oblivious that you don't even remember it's there."

"I want to jump through this screen and strangle you."

"Kinky," Jeongguk snickered, amused expression falling. "But at least you'd be here by me, then."

"Jeongguk," he called, setting his notebook aside. The younger sounded terribly dejected. "Tell me about your past few weeks."

"Nothing special. Classes, leaves changing colors, Yoongi's busy working and Namjoon's got classes, too."

It was about a couple weeks into October, a few months into the semester and just near the end of midterms— Taehyung knew it was that dead period where everything felt bothersome and got under one's skin. If he hadn't had his exhibition, he'd be in a similar slump.

"How're those grades looking?"

"I did not answer this call for you to go ham on my grades." Jeongguk grumbled and Taehyung pursed his lips to hide a grin. "I'm passing. That's all that matters."

"I'm proud of you, loser." He flashed the hidden smile, reaching for his notebook again. Jeongguk asked what he was working on. "Class work. This sketch plan is due by Tuesday and the base is due by Friday. Well, those are the deadlines in my head to stay on schedule."

"Jam packed week."

"On top of other classes, too." He huffed. "I should take a look at the commissions I've been getting, too."

"So popular." Jeongguk complained dramatically and Taehyung snorted. "I gotta fight against a whole town of crazy art fanatics for your attention now."

"Good luck, baby." He joked. "Some of them are big macho men who have millions of dollars worth of art in their collections."

"You're joking. Who pays that much shit for stupid paintings?" Jeongguk was flopping back in his seat, phone following him so Taehyung still saw the features of his face clearly. "I get yours, but... other art? Lame."

"My art's not for sale yet, Gguk."

"Well, one day it will be. And one day I'll have enough money to buy one of your pieces. That'd be cool. To have a piece of your work hanging up on my wall."

He choked on his words. "That's— that sounds a bit terrifying when you say it like that." Jeongguk laughed and he flushed. "And you don't need to pay for shit, I'd give you a piece without question. Perfectly Real is still being featured and is traveling, but I could make something else for—"

"I'm kidding, stupid," Jeongguk threw his head back and grinned up at the ceiling before looking down again. "Only if you personally deliver it. You're a great piece of art, too. You know, I could pin you against a wall. That works just as well."

"I—" Taehyung glared at him and the younger snickered. "You're the fucking worst."

"Bad enough to come straighten me out?"

"You being straight would mess up a lot of things." Taehyung raised a brow and Jeongguk rolled his eyes. "You should study."

"I'm good. Talking to you is better anyway. Actually a productive use of my time."

"Jeon."

"Kim."

Another call suddenly showed up on his phone and Taehyung's face lit up. "Oh! Hobi Hyung's calling."

"Hey, you better not hang up on me to go talk to Mr.Just Dance Champion."

"I haven't spoken to him in forever, Gguk." Taehyung caught his lip between his teeth and breathed deeply through his nose. "I'll call you back very soon, okay? You should study in the mean time."

"I'm competing against our own friend for your attention— this is so bogus, Taehyung— I'm gonna give you the silent treatment if you hang up on me—"

"Talk to you in like fifteen minutes, my sweet, adorable, caring biker."

"I hate you." A ringed middle finger appeared at the forefront of the camera.

"Hate you more." He switched lines and put the call on speaker. "Hobi Hyung? Hey!"

"Took your sweet time answering." Hoseok chuckled on the other end. "You busy?"

"Nah, I was just on a call with Jeongguk."

"I didn't interrupt that, did I?" Taehyung made a small sound and Hoseok cursed. "Tae, the guy's gonna kill me. Dragging me into your shit, ugh."

"You know you love me." The artist hummed and scratched some ideas down that followed the given prompt. "How've you been, Hyung?"

"Dancing till my feet fall off." A pause. "Actually, I have a couple free days at the beginning of this week and was wondering if you want to hangout. I know Jin's busy with last minute studying and Jimin's got midterms, so I was hoping we could do something?"

Taehyung's lips parted, words taking a while to actually muster on his lips. "I mean— I have this project and some other homework, but—"

He remembered Jeongguk's words and mood. He'd opened and read the letters— meaning he missed Taehyung a lot more than the older had realized. He figured if he could work overtime this weekend, he could spare a couple days at  the beginning of the week to head out of town. Maybe...

"Hey, Hobi?" He grinned, tapping his pencil on the page and glancing at the bottle necklace around his neck. "How would you feel about going on a small road trip?"

~•४•~

Around one twenty in the afternoon was when Jeongguk should have been finishing his midterm and heading off campus for the day. Taehyung had been discreet about asking for his schedule the day before and then he and Hoseok had driven out to the bikers' hometown with the convertible Monday morning.

After much convincing, Hoseok had left him in the parking lot when Taehyung found a familiar motorcycle parked right at the front of the lot. The dancer said he was going to go get some food, which Taehyung also swayed away from out of excitement to see the younger.

It was just about one twenty five when students began to cluster the common grounds of the small college, moving between classes or towards vehicles to head home.

He got some stares as he leaned against the motorcycle, brow raising while glancing between it and the students. Had Jeongguk made a name for himself in college, too? Probably stressed that "don't touch what's mine" attitude with his motorcycle considering twice as many people were around to screw things up. Well, most people at the community college probably already knew the younger from their years in high school.

Jeongguk's reputation truly preceded him.

The thought made him laugh to himself, drawing out his phone and relaxing into the leather seat that half supported him with his legs outstretched and flexed on the pavement.

"Tae? Hey, I just finished my exam." Jeongguk sounded partly out of breath when he picked up.

"That's good," he bit his cheek as a crazy grin found a home on his face. "How'd it go, Gguk?"

"It was okay. Don't think I failed, but who knows— where are you? It sounds like your outside."

"Mhm, glad to hear that." He traced the handle of the motorcycle, staring across the courtyard when more eyes lingered on him and the bike. "About where I am— what's up with all these tense faces? Everyone's looking at me weird for standing here."

"...huh?"

"You didn't scare everyone off, did you? That's so extra."

"What— what are you even talking about...?"

"I mean, I know you're protective, but people look scared that you're gonna jump me if you see me with your bike. Jeez, and here I thought you left that cold hearted, brooding nature behind in high school, big boy."

Confused silence filled the line.

"Really had to go and keep that untouchable name for yourself in college too, didn't you?"

And then he heard Jeongguk's breath hitch— like Taehyung could see his feet freeze under him and eyes widen through the phone.

"No fucking way— Kim, are you joking—"

He looked up just in time to see Jeongguk's figure shove past a nearby building's door.

The familiar shine of leather creases made his heart jump, the black outfit concealing his skin and the turtleneck hiding his tattoo. Taehyung hadn't seen Jeongguk in person for so long and his breath was sucked out of his chest like the space between them needed his air.

After a small scan of the lot, the biker's lips parted as their eyes met, Jeongguk's blinking like he was seeing things. The phones fell away from their ears and Taehyung held his gaze as Jeongguk cut straight through the crowd to reach him as quickly as possible.

Oh, he'd missed Jeongguk so much. His calm after a crazy few weeks of life. Taehyung hadn't realized how much he'd needed the biker so close until that moment.

"Hey, Greased Lightning." He grinned, arms crossed over his chest once Jeongguk was in earshot.

The biker was shaking his head, stalking up close and Taehyung only saw a glimpse of watching eyes before Jeongguk's hands found his waist and he was reeled right into a leather chest. Hands that sent sparks of warmth through him because no one else held him like Jeongguk did. Hands that only felt and belonged to his boyfriend— hands he hadn't touched nor felt in months.

"You're unbelievable, Kim." Jeongguk breathed out before their lips touched after so goddamn long.

Taehyung laughed into his mouth, the smile never dying and holding strong— maybe even growing wider with every inch of burning skin left in the wake of Jeongguk's wandering touch. Like he'd forgotten what it was like to touch the older, similarly for Taehyung who was running hands up his chest and into his hair, loving the soft, dark locks tickling his palms.

Jeongguk's hands moved back to his sides and pushed him up onto the seat of the motorcycle, causing his legs to dangle and support his weight by just leaning into the biker.

"Jeongguk—" he nudged the younger back. "Slow down, dummy."

The biker's breath was shaky, almost panting, as he slowly pulled away, their noses tickling as Taehyung cupped his face. "God, I've been wanting to do that for three months."

"Trying to put on a show for everyone?" Taehyung teased while pulling him close into a hug and slipping off the seat to touch the ground again. "What's up with that?"

"Well, gotta give some explanation as to why I won't burn you at the stake for getting so close to my bike." He whispered, like it was a secret, and Taehyung rolled his eyes. "People are gonna get the wrong idea if they don't know you're the only one allowed to."

"So childish."

"I'm still a little kid, sorry, not sorry." Jeongguk was beaming, lips pecking his again. "Did I mention I missed you?"

Taehyung chuckled. "I missed you, too. So, so much."

"I can't believe you're here—" the biker pulled away to gaze at him up and down, which made Taehyung poke his arm. "Like— actually here. You know I'm gonna lose my mind if I wake up and realize I dozed off in that exam. Not only would you not be here, but I'd definitely be failing my test."

"Well, good thing it's very much real then." Taehyung excitedly clapped his hands together. "I'm glad you liked the surprise! I'm here until tomorrow night. Hobi Hyung came with me and we'll crash with you guys if that's okay—"

"Don't need to even ask, baby." Jeongguk hugged him close again, suddenly stiffening. "Where is Hoseok? And how are you here? Did you guys drive?"

"We drove out with the car and he's grabbing food. We can go meet him at wherever he made the pit stop." Taehyung pulled away enough so the younger could sift through the seat and pull out two helmets. "Why's mine still in here?"

"Really risked mine getting salt infested and I don't even get appreciated for it." Jeongguk held it out to him. "I didn't have the heart to store it."

"That's the spirit, my romantic boyfriend." Taehyung patted his cheek before brushing his hair back and letting Jeongguk fix the helmet over his head. His breath rushed out of him as he gazed at the younger through the open visor, watching just in time to see Jeongguk's head disappear his own. "Been a while since I've done this."

"You scared?"

"Don't pull any dumb tricks." He warned as Jeongguk straddled the bike and kicked up the stand, key slotting in and the engine igniting. "Okay, um... keep my feet on the pegs, hold onto you, tap three time if we need to stop."

"See? You know it like the back of your hand, Saltine." Jeongguk wheeled the motorcycle back, eyes scanning over the gauges by the handles, before turning to look at him. "Get on."

Taehyung felt giddy as he quickly got the restaurant from Hoseok and told Jeongguk the name, which the younger nodded to with recognition. Then, the surfer flipped his visor down (blinking to adjust to the tinted vision) and braced his hands on Jeongguk's shoulders, propping his left foot on the peg before pushing up and swinging his leg over to the other side. He grabbed Jeongguk's body tightly as the initial jump of fear spiked up before he got comfortable in the seat and hugged Jeongguk from behind.

"Ready?" Jeongguk turned to look at him and Taehyung smiled.

"Wait." He reached a hand up and flicked the biker's tinted visor down, to which Jeongguk bumped their helmets together with a laugh. "Okay, now we're good."

The rush that filled him was long missed and consuming as the loud rev of the motorcycle and whoosh of air circulating his body. The hard plane of Jeongguk's back was firm and comfortable to hold, Taehyung's chin tucking over the younger's shoulder and he embraced the feeling of motorcycle rides that he hadn't gotten since summer.

He embraced feeling so free again.

~•४•~

"So, let me get this straight." Hoseok cleared his throat. "You wrote letters to him? And you, Jeongguk, read them some time ago to cry like an emotional little bitch?" Hoseok frowned again, pointing at Taehyung. "You wrote letters to your boyfriend. Do you even know the guy you're dating?"

"I didn't write them thinking they'd be in his possession." Taehyung rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair. They were sitting in some small Mexican resturant, Hoseok eating away at some tacos when they walked in. He and Jeongguk met with a friendly hug, sitting down at the table after the couple ordered. "It just happened."

"And I didn't cry like an emotional little bitch." Jeongguk scowled, shoving a tortilla chip into his mouth.

"Any tears?"

"None." Jeongguk hissed at the dancer.

Taehyung pouted. "None?"

"I—" the biker stared at him in disbelief, glaring and staring at the table with sudden interest in plastic instead. "Hoping you guys didn't make this visit just to bully the shit out of me."

Hoseok leaned over to nudge Taehyung's shoulder. "Look at that. We're bullying the Jeon Jeongguk, Taehyung."

"I know," he laughed. "My greatest achievement."

"Ugh," Jeongguk rolled his eyes.

"Hey, where at Yoongi and Namjoon? We should meet them, too." Taehyung asked, Jeongguk's annoyed expression relaxing.

"I was supposed to meet them in an hour at Yoongi's place." He nodded. "We can head over there."

Hoseok smiled. "Sounds good. How are they?"

"Namjoon's been busy with school like me and Yoongi's been Yoongi. Busy in the garage like always." Jeongguk shrugged. "It's good to keep busy, though. Makes the days go by fast. Both of them have chilled off on the reckless shit after Namjoon was let off in the trial."

Taehyung watched Jeongguk intently as he spoke. The younger had promised him to try to open up the the other two bikers more and initiate a better emotional connection with them. He couldn't exactly tell if that had happened by those words.

"You should show us around," Hoseok interrupted his thoughts and Taehyung smiled.

"That's a good idea. We've seen your school, Gguk, and I'm sure there's other stuff around here."

"It's a tiny-ass town," Jeongguk frowned. "There's not much to see, but we can drive around if you want."

"I'm always down for a drive." Hoseok grinned, eyes looking around the table. "Do we have any more napkins?"

"I used the last one," Taehyung laughed. "I'll grab some, hold on."

He stood from the table and approached the register where a girl their age was standing, clearly bored as she was slumped over the counter. It reminded him of himself during the summer.

"Hey, you alright?" He asked in a friendly manner. The girl jerked up at the sudden voice nearby and met his eyes in surprise.

"I'm okay, can I help you with anything?"

"Just needed some napkins." He smiled, looking around her counter and at the arrangement of it all. Taehyung searched for something he could start a conversation with and pull the girl out of her bored state. "Hey, you use a paper order tickets? Nice, I did, too."

"Pardon?" She blinked at him, holding out a small stack of napkins.

Taehyung took it and pointed to the small sheet stack. "I work a register during the summers, too. Don't see paper tickets very often anymore."

"Ah, that's cool," she was smiling more, standing with a bit more energy and interest in her voice. "Where do you work? I don't think I've seen you around here before."

"I doubt you'd know everyone in town." Taehyung joked.

"I'd know anyone who's friends with him." The girl whispered, eyes peeking over Taehyung's shoulder at the biker lounging in his chair and talking to Hoseok. "Jeongguk, right? We were in the same high school."

A small tinge of something he couldn't exactly put a name on hit his gut. Jeongguk was notorious in high school and the girl was pretty— Taehyung wouldn't be surprised if...

"Everyone our age knows of him." She added and Taehyung wasn't sure if that helped. "You must not be from around here."

"No," he smiled meekly, glancing over at Jeongguk and blinking in surprise when their eyes met. Jeongguk looked back at Hoseok , though, to reply to something. "I'm visiting from out of town."

"Didn't know Jeongguk had friends besides Min Yoongi and Kim Namjoon," the cashier picked at a spot on the counter. "That's cool."

Her eyes suddenly snapped up, looked just past Taehyung's head and the surfer frowned until a hand was around his lower back and holding his waist. Jeongguk's side profile was visible in his peripheral.

"What's taking so long, Tae?" Jeongguk stared pointedly at the napkins in his hands and Taehyung waved them apologetically.

"Sorry, just making conversation."

He saw the girl staring wide eyed at the hand on his waist, leather wrist and rings unmistakably Jeongguk's.

"You are so fucking friendly," Jeongguk snorted, turning his head to meet the cashier's gaze. "He started it, I'm guessing?"

"Yeah." She mumbled, eyes darting to the hand and back up at the two of them. "You have friends from out of town?"

"Friends?" Jeongguk's hand squeezed his waist and Taehyung flushed as he picked up on the word. Taehyung had never called them friends, that was the girl and he hadn't bothered correcting it. "Oh, this is my boyfriend visiting from out of town."

She physically stepped away with the words, wide eyes remaining pried open and Taehyung nudged Jeongguk with a small smile. "Gguk, don't be mean. She didn't know."

The tone of Jeongguk's voice seemed to linger in his gentler words, the hand on Taehyung's waist relaxing and rubbing the area soothingly. "Yeah, okay. Well, we'll get going, thanks."

She was stunned into silence as Taehyung grabbed Jeongguk's arm and led him back to their table, knowing Jeongguk was going to complain.

"Friend?" The younger muttered. "Like hell I went to all the trouble of making you my boyfriend just to be called your friend."

"You're so stupid." Taehyung snorted. "She only recognized you from high school and you weren't exactly known as the relationship type."

"Do I need to plaster it on my fucking forehead?" Jeongguk grunted, Hoseok looking up in confusion when they got close enough to the table. "Should just take a sharpie and write 'Kim Taehyung is my boyfriend' across it."

"The hell is he so pent up about?" Hoseok asked Taehyung and he sighed.

"Just being a dramatic ass."

They grabbed their things and left quickly after that.

"Why do you have to be so hot, Kim?" Jeongguk scoffed, shoving the restaurant door open with more force than necessary. "I swear I'll have to kiss you everywhere we go just so people don't get the wrong idea."

"You are not kissing me everywhere we go."

"I will. If this stupid friends bullshit keeps up, someone's going to hit on you and you're probably just going to go along with it to annoy me."

"I would never," Taehyung gasped dramatically, Hoseok laughing at their antics and Jeongguk whacking his arm. "Why would I even indulge such a terrible thing?"

"Ask that overly-friendly fucking mouth of yours."

Taehyung laughed as Jeongguk handed him his helmet and Hoseok slid into the driver seat of their car. "She said she knew you."

"Everyone knew me in high school." Jeongguk rolled his eyes and threw one leg over the bike seat. "I'm not surprised."

"You don't know her?"

Jeongguk flicked his visor down after giving him a confused stare. "Never even seen her face before today."

"Oh, okay." Taehyung smiled behind the helmet as he shoved it on his head and sat behind the younger. "Are we still doing that driving tour?"

"Yup," Jeongguk revved the engine and waved a hand at Hoseok, who pulled out of the parking spot with the gesture.

Taehyung tucked his chin over his shoulder chuckled softly, holding onto Jeongguk tight as the motorcycle sped away.

~•४•~

Hoseok hovered in space between a car and side of the open garage, gazing around the repair space that had acquired a nice feel, smell of grease and metal strong in his nostrils. The low lighting was objected with the sunlight of afternoon peeking in.

Taehyung and Jeongguk had gone up to Yoongi's place because Jeongguk had the spare key and said they'd wait for Namjoon there. Hoseok had offered to go get Yoongi and was standing in the fairly large garage front on the ground floor.

His jacket was tugged around himself tighter as a whiff of a breeze hit his back and Hoseok turned his attention a guy approaching him. The upper half of his coveralls were tied around his waist, white tee scuffed with grime and his hair was strewn as he removed his gloves and ran a hand through them.

"Can I help you?" The guy asked and Hoseok smiled a little.

"Hey, I'm looking for Yoongi." He asked.

"Yoongi?" The guy asked, voice confused not because of the name, but with Hoseok's presence. "He's working on that Mazda Demio over there. I'll take you to him, but..."

"But?" Hoseok's brow raised.

"Eh," he shrugged. "You can deal with it yourself. Follow me."

Hoseok trailed behind, startled by the words, but knowing that it was probably something trivial in Yoongi's dramatic nature that he was being warned about. They stepped over buckets and around two others cars sitting the mechanic shop. It was a decently sized but productive one with one other guy and a girl working under the hood of the vehicle he'd originally been standing by. Four workers at the moment, he noted, counting the guy leading him.

They stopped in front of the Mazda and the guy pointed to the legs exposed from under the car, a creeper wheeled in with the rest of Yoongi's body and Hoseok crossed his arms over his chest as the mechanic approached the hidden body.

"Hey, Yoongi," he huffed. "You've got a visitor."

Yoongi grunted, a sound Hoseok recognized and chuckled softly over. "I'm working, Akio. Jeongguk knows that— the hell does he want?"

The sound was muffled coming from under the Mazda and Hoseok rocked on his heels as Akio glanced at him.

"It's not Jeongguk."

Silence. Yoongi was cursing under his breath and there was a clang of some tool against the ware of the car.

Hoseok raised his gaze to Akio and shrugged. "I got it from here, Akio, thanks."

"Okay, go for it." His hands whipped up in surrender before stalking away and Hoseok crouched by the creeper, eyes trailing over the outstretched legs, a slight bend in Yoongi's knees bracing him steady in his spot.

"Hey, Min. Sunshine's here." He laughed when Yoongi's body tensed and a loud bang filled the space, following a low groan that Hoseok presumed came from a surprised hit of Yoongi's skull against the underside of the car.

"Fucking hell—"

The dancer gripped the edge of the creeper, giving himself more balance by bracing a hand on the side of the car and letting one knee touch the concrete ground. Then, Hoseok was pulling Yoongi out from under the car, hovering over him like the sun itself in the midday outdoors.

Yoongi's eyes went wide for a split second, slightly breathless and pressing a hand against the small cut near his hairline. He stared at his hand and then at Hoseok above him, eyes narrowing as his jaw set and his usual pissed off attitude returned.

"What are you doing here, Hoseok?"

"Taehyung and I drove over for a surprise trip." He grinned, glancing down at his hand still gripping the creeper when it touched Yoongi's thigh as the biker sat up and leaned against the car. Hoseok let his eyes wander over the older's attire, similar to Akio's with the sleeves of the coverall tied around his hips and a white shirt concealing his chest and arms. Yoongi wasn't wearing gloves, hands blackened and messy with the staining consequences of the job.

"I don't care about that," Yoongi's shoulders sunk into the side of the car, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead again and cursing. "I mean, here. I'm working and you just ruined my day with this cut, Hoseok."

"Oh, come on," his brows furrowed playfully. "You must be a little happy to see me."

"I'll be happy if you get out of my face and let me finish this repair."

"Forever holding onto that 'I don't give a shit' attitude, huh?" He was still crouching right by Yoongi, the leg brushing his hand having yet to either notice or move and Hoseok leaned his face in a bit closer. "Everyone here's got messy hands. Let me help clean up that cut."

"I don't need your help."

"I don't even get a damn hello."

"Yeah? Well, I'm not a fan of surprises, Sunshine." Yoongi sent him a sarcastic smile, suddenly pushing the creeper down and then leaning back to lay flat again. Hoseok kept his grip on the board strong, preventing Yoongi from moving it and the biker let out a long, strained breath. "Hoseok, go hang out with Jeongguk. I'm busy."

"And you're going to infect that cut."

"I literally don't care about the cut." Yoongi sent him a look. "I've had worse injuries, in case you hadn't noticed."

"Stop being a stubborn shit and take a break. Jeongguk and Taehyung are upstairs in your place. Alone."

That seemed to do it for Yoongi, who was grabbing the front of his shirt, under his jacket, and dragging him close. "You left them in there alone?" The biker cursed and sat up again, letting go of his shirt and standing hastily. "I swear to god if they start doing anything nasty in there—"

Hoseok snorted and stood to give him the height leverage over Yoongi again. "Can't say I would blame them for wanting to piss you off."

Yoongi grabbed the creeper and his tray of tools, hauling both up onto the disarrayed wooden worktop nailed into the back wall of the garage. He was wiping his hands on the pants of his coveralls and putting some things away when Hoseok spotted a small box of first aid supplies on the corner of the counter.

He stepped around the oblivious Yoongi and grabbed it. Taking out a small alcohol wipe packet and even smaller bandages, Hoseok leaned his hip against the counter as Yoongi paid him zero attention.

"Yoongi."

"What?" The older spit at him.

"Come here for a sec'."

"You're so fucking annoying— what? I don't need all that." Yoongi shook his head upon noticing what Hoseok was holding, chuckling like Hoseok was stupid and returning to the bucket of rags and grabbing one to wipe off his tray. "Bandages for such a small cut, my ass— what the—"

Hoseok's hands were turning him with a hold on his hips, pressing him against the wooden slab and standing close enough where Yoongi couldn't exactly move away. "No need to act so tough, Min."

"Stop standing so close." Yoongi was trying to shoulder past him, but Hoseok made quick work in ripping the packet open and swiping the wipe along Yoongi's forehead where the deep red was sticking out against muddy skin. Yoongi hissed and grabbed his wrist, a warning gesture which didn't sway Hoseok in the slightest.

Hoseok stared down at the biker with a smile on his face as the deadly glare sported by Yoongi's flaring emotions was directed over Hoseok's shoulder— at his coworkers, Hoseok assumed.

He didn't really care. Hoseok found embarrassing Yoongi satisfying, even.

He put the used wipe and packet in Yoongi's hand and removed the protective sheets on the sticky bandaid. Giving Yoongi a pointed look to stay still, humming approvingly when the biker cursed, but stop moving altogether, Hoseok placed the bandages along the skin, horizontal to the vertical cut and narrowing the red sliver of blood peeking through.

"See? That wasn't too bad." He placed the bandage wrappers in Yoongi's hand, to which the older looked at him incredulously. "What? I don't know where your trash can is."

Yoongi sent him a sharp, curt smile before reaching the hand of trash down and shoving it into Hoseok's front pocket. The surfer almost jumped with the hand in his pant pocket, gone as quickly as it came. "You can hold onto that trash for me like you were meant to, Sunshine."

Hoseok rolled his eyes a little, feeling the little bit of warmth in his cheeks as he stepped back so Yoongi could get away from the wooden countertop. "You ready to go now?"

"I regret ever giving Jeongguk my spare key." Yoongi muttered, walking for the back door instead of the open garage panels Hoseok had entered from. He was eyeing his coworkers as they passed by, who stared at Hoseok in mild shock.

There was a wooden staircase near the back door that Yoongi head up, Hoseok on his heels as they hurried to the top.

Yoongi froze just a couple stars from the landing and whipped around to turn to Hoseok. The dancer almost stumbled backward and reached for the railing in surprise.

"What, Yoongi?"

"Don't you dare say a word about this," the biker was muttering lowly, pointing a finger to his cut before adjusting his hair to cover the small bandaid.

Hoseok smiled and put a hand on Yoongi's side, pushing him up the rest of the stairs and staring down at him. "I thought you didn't give a shit. Why do you sound so pissed, Min?"

Yoongi stepped away from his hand and pushed him against the wall at the top of the landing, adjacent to the door right next to him. Hoseok hissed as his back hit the wall and Yoongi stepped into his space, face just inches from his.

"This is not what I look like when I'm pissed, Sunshine." Yoongi grinned and Hoseok glared at him with a knowing purse of his lips. "I don't think you want to see me pissed off at you."

"I'm not scared of you, Yoongi." Hoseok's eyes narrowed more. "Nor am I so insecure over someone helping me that I have to silence all witnesses."

Yoongi's smile fell into a scowl, and Hoseok raised a brow as they stared silently at one another. He was an inch too far to feel Yoongi's breath on his skin, but he could smell the oil and metallic scent wafting off his figure so close.

His leg suddenly caved as Yoongi hooked a foot around the backside of his knee and dragged it out.

"Shit," Hoseok groaned when his body folded with the move and he hit his head against the wall. His hand was snapping up to hold the aching skull as Yoongi was already gone from in front of him and near the door in the blink of an eye. "The fuck was that for?"

"Payback for the cut... and don't expect me to get you ice, Sunshine," was all the older said before shoving the door open and leaving Hoseok cursing at the shadow he eventually followed inside.

~•४•~

Taehyung nearly jumped out of his skin when the studio's door opened, making Jeongguk grunt as the younger's head was resting on his thigh.

Yoongi had frustration etched into his features as he stepped into the room, catching sight of him and Jeongguk in a heartbeat. "I swear if you two did anything in my room— oh, hey Joon."

Taehyung blinked at the suddenness of everything as Yoongi relaxed seeing Namjoon sitting just a few feet away from the lounging couple. Jeongguk was scoffing and waving an offended hello in the eldest biker's direction before retreating to his phone again.

"Hey," Namjoon smiled before gesturing to the space on the floor for Yoongi to join them. A second figure appeared in the doorway and Taehyung smiled as he saw Hoseok walk in, too— frowning the next upon seeing the older rubbing his head. "Hoseok, you good?"

"Shortass made me slam my head against the wall." Hoseok huffed and Taehyung looked down at Jeongguk with a raised brow, Jeongguk grinning in response without even glancing away from the device in his hands. "And hi, Namjoon."

"What's up?" Namjoon stood to hug the dancer before they both took a seat on the floor near Taehyung's outstretched legs, the surfer unable to move with his thigh being Jeongguk's pillow.

Yoongi was slamming his drawers obviously loud and Taehyung chuckled softly at the annoyance on his face as the biker grabbed some fresh clothes and retreated to the bathroom to change.

"What was that about, Hobi?" He asked, jerking his chin in the direction of the bathroom. "Did you not tell him Namjoon was here?"

"Nah," Hoseok put his arms over his head to stretch, groaning for a second before slumping back into his sprawled position. "It was fun telling him y'all were alone to piss him off."

"Worth the hit to the head?" Jeongguk asked, sighing softly when Taehyung's nimble fingers found his hair, strands soft and rustled from laying down.

"Oh, definitely." The dancer chuckled, pointing at Namjoon. "They didn't do anything, did they?"

Taehyung stared incredulously at his friend as Namjoon set the book he'd just been grabbing down. "Seok Hyung—"

Namjoon shook his head. "Nope. They've just been real touchy this whole time."

His fingers in Jeongguk's hair stilled and the younger pulled his phone away from his face in protest. Taehyung bit the inside of his cheek as he met Jeongguk's gaze before looking up at Namjoon again.

"Oh, give us a break, Joon Hyung." Jeongguk strained his neck to catch his good friend's face in his line of sight. "I haven't been this close to my boyfriend in three whole months."

"I know," the man snorted. "Hard to not notice when you became a mopey mess and complained one too many times."

One corner of Taehyung's lip curved up with the spike of his brows, Jeongguk avoiding his curious gaze when he looked down at the younger again. "Is that right, Jeon?"

"Keep playing with my hair or go back home, Kim." Jeongguk muttered just for his ears and Taehyung laughed quietly as his fingers resumed the small brushing motion through those dark strands.

Jeongguk's ears were burning red and Taehyung ghosted a touch over them, fingertips touching the warm lobe with purpose. Intentional enough so that Jeongguk knew he saw the exposing of his embarrassment and Taehyung smiled innocently when he was sent an annoyed look.

"Why do you look annoyed?" He teased the younger quietly. "Did you want me to pick option two and pack my bags early?"

Jeongguk reached a hand over his head to wrap around Taehyung's thigh, the firm hold a message enough. "You're staying until tomorrow like you promised."

"Then, don't be a little bitch." Taehyung leaned down a bit more, eyes falling on the strained bicep visible through the tee Jeongguk was sporting after shedding his leather jacket.

"Only if that ogling habit of yours goes away."

Jeongguk was grinning and Taehyung kept his expression neutral. "I'm not ogling, but even if I was, I thought you'd like me feeding your aggravating ego."

"Oh, right," Jeongguk hummed. "Respectfully looking, right? Besides, I love it, but do it someplace where I can kiss the hell out of you."

"Wow, look at you go gaining a shred of shame." Taehyung rolled his eyes and his fingers traced around Jeongguk's face with a mind of their own. He felt the soft brush of lashes tickle his fingertip, contrasting with the sharpness of Jeongguk's jaw, the prominent bone hard against the softness of his own skin.

"What are you two whispering about?" Hoseok asked. "Being all gushy and cute?"

"The fuck is gushy and cute?" Jeongguk turned his head to look at the dancer and Taehyung's hand fell to the flexed arm attached to his leg, stroking the muscle of Jeongguk's arm.

If anything, Taehyung was being the touchy one.

"Telling Taehyung how pretty his eyes are," Namjoon shook his head with a laugh. "Or how sweet his laugh is."

Jeongguk stared deadpan at Namjoon and then at Taehyung. "I was definitely not saying cheesy shit like that."

"Yeah, he was telling me off for admiring his muscles." Taehyung pinched the skin under his hand and the younger flinched.

"Seriously?" Hoseok seemed just as surprised as Taehyung had been. "I didn't think you'd be saying that—"

"Of course, his eyes are pretty and I like his smile," Jeongguk muttered lowly and Taehyung froze, shocked by the sudden confession. He didn't get those kind of compliments from Jeongguk often. Not seriously at least. "Tae already knows that and I just like thinking it."

"That's... not what I meant," Hoseok was holding back a smile, Taehyung making eye contact with him and flushing immediately. "I meant you telling him off for staring."

"That's exactly what I said." Taehyung managed to mumble. He could feel Jeongguk's confused stare pointed up at him, but he just looked at empty space between Namjoon and Hoseok.

"God," Yoongi was finally out of the bathroom, his deep voice breaking into the air. "Things were a million times better when you guys were hours apart."

"You got to hide in the bathroom." Namjoon said, playfully feigning envy for Yoongi's escape of the couple's very couple-y circumstance.

"I was not hiding." Yoongi threw his dirtied coveralls at Namjoon to emphasize his point, the younger of the two yelping and dodging the material in desperate need of washing. "When do you two leave?"

"We've only been here for three hours, you ass." Hoseok stared up at the standing biker.

"Didn't answer my question, Sunshine."

"Tomorrow afternoon." Taehyung cut in, rolling his eyes at the unresolved tension between the two, lingering like a taunt string that only strained more and more with every interaction.

"Too soon." Jeongguk huffed, Taehyung feeling his chest expand from where his forearm rested against the younger's heart.

"Not soon enough." Yoongi argued.

"Stop being inconsiderate and sit down, Hyung." Namjoon ran a hand down in his face and Taehyung wondered if he was on his and Jeongguk's side.

Yoongi gazed around the room before his eyes landed on the chair Hoseok was leaning against.

"Oh, here we go again." Taehyung sighed, Jeongguk groaning in agreement as Yoongi stepped close to the dancer and gripped the top of the chair.

"Move, Jung."

"There's two other chairs in this room," Hoseok grit out. "Piss off and use another one."

"You're in my room so quit arguing with me."

The younger shot him a sarcastic smile. "You're not going to treat your guest with kind hospitality?"

Yoongi tugged the chair back and inch and Hoseok found his balance with a hand quickly braced behind him. "You're an uninvited guest so move."

"Jesus," Jeongguk rubbed his eyes and Taehyung looked down at him in amusement. Jeongguk looked genuinely stressed. "I'm like this close to locking them into the closet so they can make out and get things over with."

"Someone would probably come out with an injury if you did that." Taehyung snorted. "Bad idea."

"Damn, you think they'd be rough?"

"Jeongguk—" Taehyung pinched the bridge of his nose. "No, they'd just jump each other and get hurt."

The younger winked at him before looking over at Namjoon again. "Hey, I'm ditching dinner with you two tonight."

Namjoon gestured to the both of them. "Duh."

Taehyung chuckled and poked Jeongguk, who had taken his hand and was fiddling with his fingers. "Why can't we just get dinner together?"

"I want you to meet my dad."

"Your—" Taehyung's lips stayed parted, accompanying wide eyes as Jeongguk lifted a hand to press his jaw up and close his gaping mouth. "You want me to meet your dad?"

"Isn't that what I just said?"

"I, um— okay, yeah, sure. Sounds good." Taehyung felt so warm and nervous inside that it made him feel a little sick. It definitely wasn't a big deal considering everything Jeongguk had said about him conveyed the older man was a chill guy.

"Jeongguk's dad is nice. Don't worry about getting your arm bit off." Namjoon noticed his discomfort. "Unless his mom shows up."

"I'll literally riot if she shows up the one day Tae's here." Jeongguk added and Taehyung offered a small smile.

"Are things okay with her?"

"On and off. It's hard to tell, but she doesn't call as often."

"That must be a good thing."

"Yeah, it honestly is." Jeongguk shrugged, shoulders hitting the side of his leg and Taehyung didn't think he could feel his thigh anymore, the muscle numb from being still under Jeongguk's head for so long. "You good?"

"Hm?"

"You just shook your leg a little."

"I did?"

"Yeah, is my head too heavy?" Jeongguk started to sit up, but Taehyung had a hand on his chest in less than a second, pressing him back down to lay flat again. "Tae, seriously—"

"You're good, Gguk," he cupped the side of his face. "I like it."

"You sure?"

"Yup, Greased Lightning." He smiled, appreciating the concern more than Jeongguk probably realized. "Don't be so cute."

Jeongguk's eyes shot wide. "I wasn't trying to be cute. I don't want to hurt you—"

"Just shut up and lay down, Jeongguk." He laughed quietly, the younger's lips clamping shut and his body relaxing. "Thanks for asking."

"Yeah," he mumbled, taking Taehyung's hand again and resuming the absentminded fiddling.

His smile widened as he pretended not to notice Jeongguk discreetly kissing his fingers, the gentle touches continuing because they'd only had talk for too long and had to make up on the touch.

~•४•~

"Dad?" Jeongguk was shouting when they walked in the front door. Taehyung was busy taking in the two story home to really notice Jeongguk wander off in search of his father.

The surfer slipped his shoes off at the door and took off his jacket, folding the coat over an arm until he could ask Jeongguk where to put it.

"He's in the garage," Jeongguk's voice came before his body as he curved back into the foyer. "You can toss your jacket on the couch."

"Okay," Taehyung nodded, stepping slowly behind Jeongguk until he got close enough to the sofa to lay his coat over the top of it. The entire floor plan was on the smaller side, making the kitchen close and garage door even closer to where he stood.

Taehyung could hear machinery whirring in the garage.

"Tae," Jeongguk's hands were on his shoulders. "Relax."

"I am relaxed." He was definitely not relaxed.

Jeongguk raised a brow and squeezed the shirt under his hand. "My dad's cool. And he'll like you. Bet he'll be excited to see you after I've talked about you."

"He knows I exist?"

"Of course he does."

"Oh," Taehyung didn't feel as terrified anymore. The very first, unpredictable reaction was over with. "Okay, nice."

Jeongguk's hand on his shoulder ran across his upper back to loop around his shoulders and pull him close. "It'll be perfectly fine. Just don't entertain any conversation about the garage or he'll start talking and not shut up. I mean— I don't mind, but I doubt you want to sit through hours of talk on auto maintenance."

"If I wasn't constrained on time, I probably would." Taehyung shrugged leaning his head on Jeongguk's arm. "It's cool learning about it even if I don't really understand."

"Really?"

"Yeah," he smiled, "I mean, you love it so it's nice hearing you talk about it, too."

"Gross." Jeongguk leaned against the back of the couch and tugged him close. Taehyung laughed a little as his lips found the younger's for a kiss. His hands were resting on Jeongguk's sides, body melting as Jeongguk played with the hair at his nape and kissed him slowly.

"I swear I didn't think I'd like kissing so much," Taehyung whispered, breaths shallow as he turned slightly to press his lips to the corner of Jeongguk's mouth.

"Then, you met me." Jeongguk grinned, voice hardly above a throaty hum that made Taehyung feel all fuzzy inside. "The most skilled kisser in the world."

"M'kay, Jeon, let's go with that." He chuckled, only letting their mouths brush the slightest bit before pulling away and tapping out on Jeongguk's test.

Jeongguk rolled his eyes and rubbed his shoulder. "Don't be a tease, Kim."

"What would I be teasing, Greased Lightning?" Taehyung traced the zipper of Jeongguk's jacket, finger bumping along the teeth of the zipper. "Don't let your thoughts get too crazy."

"And now you're being a smartass." Jeongguk grunted, making the older glow in triumph. Taehyung poked his side before pulling away and grabbing the biker's leather arm.

"Is your dad busy or can we go say hi?"

"We can go say hi," Jeongguk led him towards the garage door and Taehyung took a deep breath just in time for the door to open and Jeongguk to call out to the man.

The machine that was whirring halted and the garage fell eerily quiet. Taehyung jumped when he saw the body pop out from behind the car currently being worked on and inched closer to the biker beside him.

The man looked a lot like Jeongguk and nothing like him at the same time. He wasn't as muscular in his build as the younger, but he looked strong. And he was about the same height as them. Maybe an inch shorter.

That was what Taehyung realized when the man's gloves and tool tray were set on the workbench, his stomp-like steps coursing up to the two of them standing near the door of the house.

"Sir," Taehyung held out a hand. "I'm Taehyung."

"I'm very aware." The man smiled, grabbed the rag in his pocket instead of shaking Taehyung's hand, and then looked over to Jeongguk. "Sir?"

He blinked, cheeks flushing as Jeongguk looked at him with an amused expression. "What? Sorry, did I say something wrong?"

"Nah, he's just not used to formalities." Jeongguk snorted, swatting his dad's arm and Taehyung scratched his head.

"Call me Yeong, kid." The man took his hand after wiping it clean and shook it firmly, pulling away after a second. "When'd you come to town?"

"Around one this afternoon," Taehyung hid his hands behind his back and shrugged. "It's a bit of a drive to get here from back home."

"Well, then, it's very nice of you to come out so far." Yeong nodded and Taehyung couldn't help but wonder how much Jeongguk's father must've grown throughout the years, too.

He remembered Jeongguk saying how weak his father was mentally when the divorce happened and his mother tormented their house weekly and sometimes daily.

The man looked comfortable and friendly to Taehyung, which he figured was a big achievement.

"The pleasure is all mine." He smiled. "It's great to meet you."

"Okay, introductions are complete!" Jeongguk rested his elbow on Taehyung's shoulder and the older shot him a look. "Ready to get the show on the road?"

"Huh?"

"Dinner. I'm fucking hungry, Kim."

"Right." Taehyung rolled his eyes and looked at Yeong. "You'll eat with us?"

"Sounds good." Yeong clicked his tongue and offered a thumbs up when his phone rang. He excused himself to take the call and Jeongguk leaned against the wall.

"So?"

"So...?" Taehyung tapped Jeongguk's foot. "What are dinner plans?"

"Up to you," he responded. "Take out? Or we have leftovers. I think it's pizza, but we can double check."

"Pizzas great. Let's do that."

"Jeongguk!" Yeong called out, in the middle of pocketing his phone when Taehyung looked over. "Help me with this radiator after dinner?"

"Sure, Dad. I'll call you when the food's ready."

Then, the two of them went inside and shut the door to the garage. Taehyung didn't think it went terrible. Pretty awkward, but he thought that was a great deal better than a negative conversation.

He had a whole dinner to have a proper conversation with the man, anyway.

Taehyung's phone buzzed and he checked the notification he received. "Oh, what the hell?"

"What happened?" Jeongguk said from the fridge, the light pouring onto his face with a bright glow.

"Hobi and Namjoon are crashing at Yoongi's for the night. Said they were going to just drink and chill out there after dinner." Taehyung whistled softly. "Honestly can't believe Hoseok Hyung agreed to that. I'm glad they're getting along."

"Poor Namjoon." Jeongguk shook his head and Taehyung laughed while catching up to the younger in the kitchen. "Well, looks like we'll have the place to ourselves for a while tonight."

"What about your dad?"

"He be leaving for a few hours after dinner." Jeongguk shrugged. "Needs to go out of town to pick up a few parts before his usual supplier closes for the day."

"Oh, so..."

"So," Jeongguk grinned at his stunned face. "We can do whatever you want, Saltine."

And Taehyung could only think of one thing when Jeongguk kissed his neck as he walked past to set the box of pizza down on the counter.

~•४•~

Taehyung swung his legs as they dangled over the kitchen counter. With Jeongguk's dad getting advice from the biker about a repair after dinner and before heading out for some work, Taehyung was left alone in the kitchen for a couple minutes.

He recalled the memory Jeongguk had told him when Yoongi and him had first truly connected— with the older of the two saving him from being hit by his mother. It had happened in that kitchen. He braced his hands on the edge of the counter and slumped a little bit, legs spread to stabilize himself as he sat atop of the high surface.

A door opened and he laughed seeing Jeongguk walk in with messy hands, grime dulling the color of his skin. The younger sent him a look as he went straight to the sink, just feet from where Taehyung sat, and washed them off.

Taehyung tilted his head. "What did he even have you help with?"

"Repair this scuffed radiator." Jeongguk's voice was rivaled with the running faucet and Taehyung scoured his brain like he knew what that meant. Jeongguk looked over his shoulder with a knowing smile. "It's just messy and takes patience that neither one of us have."

"Gotcha." He hummed.

"How'd you like him?"

He frowned at the question. "He's nice. A little intimidating, but that makes sense knowing he's your dad."

"Sorry if he seemed pretty disinterested in your painting stuff."

"Nah," Taehyung chuckled, "it's okay, Gguk. I get it."

Jeongguk was a little too quiet after his response, so Taehyung reached out a leg to poke Jeongguk's butt when the biker turned away to lather his hands in soap. Jeongguk threw him a glare, but Taehyung laughed as he repeatedly stabbed a toe along various point of the guy's backside.

"Cut it out." Jeongguk turned the faucet off as he hip checked his leg, making Taehyung let it fall limp by his other one, dangling. "You call me the child?"

"Can't we both be immature and annoying?" Taehyung rolled his eyes, smiling when the biker dried off his hands and found a place near him. "Hello there, Jeon."

"Hi, baby." Those (now) clean, ringed hands situated themselves on his thighs and Taehyung let out a breath as Jeongguk stepped between his legs and pulled him closer to the edge. So that their bodies touched and his legs could wrap around Jeongguk's torso.

He bit his tongue harshly as he gazed up and down Jeongguk's figure, eyes meeting the younger's after a few moments. Jeongguk seemed slightly torn, his cheeks tinged with warmth and Taehyung wondered what was on his mind.

"Your dad left?" His hands were on Jeongguk's waist as the hands on his legs moved up towards his neck.

"Yeah," The biker glared when fingers pinched a leather waist. "Still feel like being immature?"

"What's the other option?"

Jeongguk's eyes narrowed, questioning, and Taehyung stared back just as determined. He tugged Jeongguk a little closer, pressing them against each other harder. The hand on the back of his neck forced his head downward, enough to meet the younger's gaze directly.

"Something more mature?"

"How original." Taehyung tutted, mockingly. Jeongguk huffed in his face, making him chuckle and smooth his hand all over Jeongguk's frontside, curving around to his lower back and pressing into the dip of it. "You look red, Ggukie. Is something wrong?"

Jeongguk wasn't actually very red, but seeing the surprised expression on the biker's face was worth it— teasing him for being overly expressive.

"I just never want to stop touching you." The younger muttered and Taehyung cocked his head innocently. "It's a problem and it's frustrating as hell."

"Oh, we've been extra touchy, haven't we." He smiled, wanting to rile Jeongguk up because it would be a victory for him. "I see... well, what are you going to do about that frustration?"

Jeongguk's torn thoughts seemed to find more differences between one another as he sharply pulled his hands away from Taehyung and stepped away. "Nothing. Nothing you don't want, okay—"

The surfer hooked a finger into his belt loop and snagged Jeongguk closer than before. Jeongguk cursed aloud as his hip hit the counter and Taehyung alike, but the older stared down at him curiously.

He wondered how far he could push Jeongguk. He wasn't sure if Jeongguk thought it was a game like him. Probably not— and if that was the case, Taehyung didn't know what he was going to do.

"What I want?" Taehyung whispered in pretend awe. "Here I was... about to ask what you wanted. You look like you have more mature of thoughts going on in that head of yours. More than you let show."

"Taehyung."

"I wonder what you're thinking when we've got the place to ourselves... can't stop touching each other— I bet you're thinking about one thing." His eyes lit up, internally thrumming as Jeongguk's eyes wandered and his jaw clenched in restraint. Jeongguk looked more conflicted than surprised by Taehyung's sudden jump. "Or maybe the other way around? You didn't deny the preference when I brought it up that last night on the beach."

"What are you doing?" Jeongguk let out a small, low sound with his hands on Taehyung's arms instead, gripping the limbs firmly.

He bent down to Jeongguk's ear. "Does my frustrated Ggukie want to fuck me?"

"Kim Taehyung—"

"Maybe you like it both ways. Maybe... the intimidating biker would bottom for me?"

Jeongguk's grip tightened and Taehyung could feel the win in sight. Then, the younger inhaled slowly and spoke against his skin. "If— if you want that..."

He purposefully kissed the earrings dangling from Jeongguk's ear. He was definitely winning. "Oh, you must be really eager, Ggukie."

"Fuck, Tae—" Jeongguk didn't finish his words, instead snapping him closer so that their lips slammed against each other's. The surfer groaned a little at the force of it, hands slackening in stun as he lost all focus as to what he was trying to accomplish in riling Jeongguk up.

"Jeongguk," he breathed out, words swallowed by Jeongguk's mouth, the teeth tugging on his lips making the skin sting so nice. "W-Wait— mngh—"

Oh, it was happening. Taehyung felt every nerve in his body spark and short circuit.

He didn't think things would actually be spiraling so quickly, but Jeongguk was holding him differently, kissing him deeper and without any sign of slowing; their hands were everywhere and he quite literally couldn't think about anything intelligent anymore, and Taehyung loved it.

He hadn't said anything with the intentions of starting more— doing more— and more was suddenly happening and, shit, Taehyung wasn't complaining. He wanted it. He definitely wanted to feel that head rush for longer, the fire of Jeongguk's fingers on his skin.

But then the younger was pulling him down off the counter and his hands were only on his waist, moving him away just enough where the counter didn't press against his back—

"Gguk— what—?" Taehyung pulled away, a little in shock by the whole thing as he struggled to breathe with Jeongguk still standing so close.

The younger's forehead was against his, moving back and forth as Jeongguk shook his head. Both their chests were expanding quickly, kitchen silent except for their heavy breaths. "We're not doing this in the kitchen."

Taehyung swallowed, letting Jeongguk's warmth soak into him, and let his eyes flutter shut. He nodded slowly and then froze all together when he realized what Jeongguk said.

"What?"

"Not for your first time, Tae," Jeongguk added, like the words were any better at settling the absolute lightning strike that killed all his brain function. He shot him a grin. "Well, your first time with me because you're supposedly not a virgin—"

"Shit— you actually— we're doing— shit, Jeongguk."

Jeongguk's hands left his sides so quickly like he'd been burned and Taehyung stopped breathing for a second. "Oh. Oh, you don't want to... ? Fuck, sorry, I didn't mean to—"

Taehyung grabbed the collar of his jacket and held him in place, leaning forward enough to have their lips ghosting over one another. His eyes watched Jeongguk's tongue slip out to moisten the uneven lips on instinct, probably dry with nerves.

He stumbled on his feet at the sudden proximity and let out a shaky breath. Taehyung could not believe what he was doing or what he was thinking because in that moment Jeongguk had just melted his sense away in the best way possible and he was definitely acting on impulse just like the first time he'd ever kissed Jeongguk—

"Where did you wanna go?" He asked.

Jeongguk's eyes widened, breath hitching, and Taehyung bit back the smile growing on his face. "Taehyung, are you sure?"

"Too much talking, Jeongguk," his hand gripped so tightly on the collar that his knuckles were painted white and Taehyung forced the fingers relax to press a palm into Jeongguk's chest. "I'm sure."

Finally those pretty uneven lips curved upward, stretching from one side in some lopsided grin. Jeongguk was letting out a small sound of disbelief as he reached down for Taehyung's hand. "My room. Upstairs."

And then he was being dragged out of the kitchen, pulled towards the staircase trailing to the house's second floor in a fit of laughter and fiery cheeks.

Taehyung nearly tripped on the stairs as they clambered up, Jeongguk turning to walk backwards and pull him close with hands around the surfer again. Taehyung's choked laugh spurred out in surprise as he slammed into Jeongguk's chest, only halfway up the stairs when the biker pressed him against the wall.

With only the width of the stair, Taehyung felt like he was floating and in a very near case of slipping. He groaned as Jeongguk was kissing him again, sound swallowed up by their mouths and tongues entangling equally so. He was pressed against the wall firmly enough where the tinge of fear for falling dissipated, instead holding Jeongguk tighter and pulling him closer.

"We aren't—" Taehyung felt his knees go weak as a leg took up the space between his own and lips traveled away from his mouth and down his neck. "—aren't even upstairs yet— a-ah, Gguk—"

"Yeah, stairs are worse than the kitchen," Jeongguk joked and Taehyung laughed as they kissed again. His hands were shoving the leather jacket off Jeongguk's shoulders and down his arms, bunching it up in one hand as he was suddenly going first, hands pushing him back and up the staircase without the lips on his leaving.

He dropped the jacket on the cap of the staircase post, collar catching onto the head of it and hanging off— forgotten in the midst of the rush with Taehyung moving his freed hands to hold Jeongguk's face and keep up with the mindless stumbling down the hall to find his room.

He was pressed against another surface and Taehyung inhaled sharply when the surface fell away from him— a door. Taehyung hissed as his shoulder hit the doorframe because he was shoved inside too quickly, pulling away from Jeongguk.

"Ow, jackass."

Jeongguk swept his fingers across his shoulder with a sheepish smile. "Oops."

Taehyung puffed out his chest and let it deflate in the second of breathing room, staring around Jeongguk's face and taking in how strewn both of them were.

Too much thinking, Tae.

Right.

"Fuck you," he muttered before threading fingers into Jeongguk's hair and pushing their faces close together again. Jeongguk was chuckling lowly into the kiss, closing the door behind them as they moved further into the space.

"You want to, Kim?"

"Shut up, shithead."

He toppled over onto messy sheets, the covers pulled aside and not even made from the night before— disappointing considering it was past dinner time the next day.

"What's that look for?" Jeongguk raised a brow at his wandering, annoyed expression while crawling over him, hands pulling him up and comfortably on the mattress. The biker flicked on a lamp on the bedside table.

"Should have known you don't make your bed." Taehyung let out a high pitched noise as hands were under his shirt, running over his blazing skin with cool fingertips. "Shit—"

"How do you know nothing normal about your boyfriend," Jeongguk was kissing down his neck, hard teeth grazing his soft skin and Taehyung threw his head back as Jeongguk nipped at the skin, hands curving around his body as he attempted to pull Jeongguk's shirt upwards.

The younger pulled away to do the rest of the work and expose his upper body to Taehyung's eyes. His eyes raked over Jeongguk's chest, seeing the edges of the tattoo curling over his shoulder and smiling.

His hand reached up to touch it, eyes following the last wing's grasp just a couple inches short of Jeongguk's ear, and Taehyung let his hand move down, to the rest of the tattoo that he couldn't see. He moved his fingers along the skin like he could feel or see the tattoo even though he couldn't with Jeongguk on top of him, who shuddered when Taehyung's nails grazed his skin or their eyes met.

"I'm really glad you know what you're doing here. Makes me feel a lot less nervous." Taehyung laughed while staring up at the biker. The warm light of the lamp splayed tan over Jeongguk's skin, making his eyes shine more brown than black, more like chocolate than the endless galaxy he usually saw.

Jeongguk had an arm bracing him up above the older and Taehyung became aware of how gentle the other hand running along his exposed waist was.

Jeongguk smiled, too, leaning down to kiss the underside of his jaw and ride his shirt up a bit more. "I'll make sure you don't get hurt, Hyung."

His heart hammered painfully in his chest and Taehyung cupped Jeongguk's face. He felt so safe in those arms and he didn't expect anything but good from the younger's touch. Jeongguk turned his head to kiss the wrist just level with his mouth and Taehyung flicked his ear with a laugh of admiration.

"And I'm the sap?" He asked playfully, Jeongguk chuckling with a rush of blood hitting his ears. "Thank you, though."

"Don't thank me. I haven't even shown you my magic yet." Jeongguk whispered on his cheek and Taehyung giggled, shoving his chest. "I can make you see all those pretty stars in the beach sky right here, my beautiful Saltine."

"Oh my god, I can't tell whether to be scarred or impressed by that line." Taehyung rolled his eyes, laughing again as a ringed hand wrapped around his torso and pressed into the small of his back.

"I can promise you it's not just a line."

"Wow," Taehyung hummed. "Big promises and very little results right now."

"Is that a challenge, Kim?" Jeongguk pressed his lips against his before pulling away to look down at Taehyung.

Taehyung forced his head up enough to kiss the center of Jeongguk's neck, lump in the throat bobbing at his touch as Taehyung laid back down on the bed and grinned up at the biker.

"Just finish what you started, Jeon. Please."

~•४•~

Unlike the last time they'd woken up in the same bed, Taehyung was actually the first one up that morning.

He'd woken up with hair tickling his chin, a face buried into his neck and his arms holding Jeongguk close as the younger remained burrowed up into the hiding place of his arms.

Taehyung had smiled in awe and kissed the top of his head before staying there and still for a long, peaceful few minutes. He felt tired and spent, but everything about that early morning was so warm and comforting.

The events of the night before caught up to him and Taehyung felt his cheeks go red as he hid his face in Jeongguk's hair. He wanted to shove his face into a pillow and scream.

He would have if Jeongguk wasn't clinging to him like a koala.

So he just stayed still and had an existential crisis realizing he was wearing Jeongguk's clothes and the younger was shirtless and in sweats. Their legs were entangled and he could feel the soreness.

Clouds must have unshielded the sun because a bright ray cut through the gap between the window frame and blinds, letting a stream of light into the otherwise dark room.

It hit Jeongguk's desk and Taehyung found his attention dart to the small desk with a cushioned chair in the corner of the room.

There was paper on top of it.

His eyes widened. That paper looked incredibly familiar.

Taehyung glanced down at Jeongguk and very carefully pried the younger's hands off him, grabbing his pillow to replace him in Jeongguk's arms. He slipped out of the bed painfully slow— emphasis on painfully as he grabbed the bedside table with a wince.

Jeongguk stayed asleep and he let out a breath, slowly crossing the room to the desk and standing at the edge of it.

That was definitely his paper. And his letters. All of them were filling the space of Jeongguk's desk and Taehyung's stare grazed over them with a smile as he noticed the small crumpled edges from a tight grasp.

His eyes narrowed. The ink was smeared in a few places. It had been liquified and was spread like it had gotten wet. Taehyung picked up one of the sheets and inhaled sharply in realization.

"Insecure liar," he whispered with a grin, glancing over his shoulder to look at the younger before looking back at the letter.

Tears had fallen onto the sheets at some point.

He wondered when Jeongguk had even opened his envelope, seeing as they were still splayed on his desk like he'd read them that very moment. Maybe he'd read them multiple times.

Taehyung's smile softened, hip leaning against the edge of the table as he looked over the paper still in his hand.

Jeongguk,

Usually, I try to incorporate sophistication and nice vocabulary in my journal entries to mimic some lost diary from the 1900s, but I mentally can't when you're on my mind.

It's unbelievable that the only words I can muster when it comes to you are swears and complaints.

Honestly? Not really unbelievable, but frustrating when it completely disrupts the flow of my journal.

You're quite like that. A fucking storm that took over my life.

You were supposed to be my savior, not the one who interrupted my normal peace at the beach, sand and waves, surfboards and sun.

Now, it's simply consumed by roaring engines and leather jackets.

Okay. You do deserve some credit for last night, though. I had an incredible night which was something I can't say I was expecting. The goodness of last night on the cliff is partly the problem, however, so don't ever let those hopes get high.

In hindsight, I got exactly what I was looking for— that side of you I had yet to see. The one that smiled without restraint or hesitation, a laugh that wasn't controlled and varied.

I got the real you, Jeon Jeongguk.

And the problem is that it's all I can think about even after a good night of sleep.

Even after an entire day spent with my hyungs, time spent away from you— you were still there. In my damn head. The arms around me unmoving and smile unchanging.

How is it that I struggle to sleep and your arms allow me such a luxury?

How is it that your words never compare to the endearing actions you commit to?

How is it that I dream of you doing something so far from your nature, and yet it felt so real? To hear a word in my dreams, that you throw around as a joke, spoken with such genuineness it plays like a broken, daunting record I can't escape from?

Because this side of you is so special and yet it's hidden in the sparsest of moments. It draws me in and makes me want to learn more. To have you open up and let a heart that holds more than it says out.

After all, that's why you sit at the shore every night like me. Isn't it?

He'd written that the afternoon before he'd kissed Jeongguk for the first time.

Taehyung looked over all the papers scattered about as he set the one in his hand down. He knew what all the letters said and his heart lurched seeing one.

It had more tear stains and smeared ink than the rest, creases nearly ripping through the paper from how harshly it must have been held and a bit of guilt filled Taehyung when he skimmed the contents of the letter.

He'd written it just after their fight. The worst state of his emotions since the drowning incident and he'd let his heartache absolutely destroy Jeongguk's name in writing.

Taehyung didn't know if he should have included that one. Especially because none of it was true anymore. He never thought of Jeongguk in such a way. Never had a reason to, nor did he want to.

"Tae?"

Taehyung smiled and set the paper down, turning to see Jeongguk rub his eyes and squint at the bedside table in search of his phone.

"What time is it?" Jeongguk blinked at him, glancing at his phone before tossing it aside with a groan. "Come back here."

Taehyung left the table and walked over to the biker, strong arms helping him climb back onto the bed and he toppled over onto Jeongguk. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Hyung," Jeongguk put one hand behind his head and stared up at him with a lazy grin. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired. And sore as hell." He huffed and Jeongguk laughed while tugging on his shirt so he laid down fully on the younger. "How about you?"

He braced himself up a few inches so he could look at Jeongguk, pushing some hair out of Jeongguk's face and revealing his doe eyes.

"How am I? I mean, I've been wanting to fuck you since the very first time I saw you, so I am fucking thriving, Saltine—"

"Shut up." He groaned, Jeongguk beaming and meeting his eyes again.

"What? You're hot, Kim."

"Which you've mentioned." He looked away. "A few times."

"Which I'll mention more than a few times in the future."

Taehyung bit his cheek, smile inevitable as he looked over at Jeongguk's desk. "I saw the letters. Did you read them recently?"

"Nah, some time last week. Just like seeing them out so I didn't bother putting them away." Jeongguk hummed and Taehyung's smile faltered a second.

"I'm sorry about that one letter. The one I wrote after our fight."

"Don't be sorry, Tae."

"But I said some horrible things and—"

"And I said worse things to you just hours before you wrote that." Calloused fingers were running along his hairline, catching a few strands and tucking the hair behind his ear. Taehyung gulped and it hurt to swallow, but Jeongguk was smiling at him and holding his face. "Do you hear me? You didn't hurt me, Tae."

He wanted to believe that, but he'd made Jeongguk cry and feel upset over matters they'd already resolved. He felt a little terrible. He never wanted to hurt Jeongguk with his words and the younger had cried reading something he'd wanted to be a gift.

"Hey," Jeongguk shushed him like his racing thoughts were audible. "I know what you said in that letter isn't true anymore. You have to remember it wasn't the only one you gave me." He offered a goofy, lopsided smile that made Taehyung smile. "Besides, I'll take one bad letter in return for the sixteen good ones any day."

"You counted?"

"Uh..." Jeongguk licked his lips. "Not intentionally."

"Please," Taehyung let out a breathy laugh and sunk into Jeongguk's arms, making him smile and press his forehead against Jeongguk's. "Just tell me you didn't cry because of that. I saw the tear stains, Gguk."

"I cried because I missed you." Jeongguk smiled. "Hate to say it, but I'm adopting that overwhelming emotional crying thing of yours."

"Oh, no," he felt the spike of his dread crumble into dust hearing the denial. "Only one of us can be like that or things are going to be so messy."

"Yeah, you're a handful enough."

Taehyung kissed his cheek. "You lied about crying."

"I'm not telling Hoseok I cried—"

"You never told me, though." Taehyung's hand raised to stroke fingers under Jeongguk's jaw, a few bruises littered below it. He tilted his head and stared at Jeongguk with seriousness. "Did you tell anyone?"

"Joon Hyung took me for food later that day when he realized." Jeongguk shrugged. "We didn't really talk about it, but I let him take care of me for a bit."

"That's good," he smiled and flicked the dangling hoops on Jeongguk's earlobe. "I'm glad you let him."

"I knew you would be." The younger nodded, nose trickling his neck as Jeongguk ducked his head. "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay. I just felt bad about that." Taehyung mumbled. "I really feel like I don't deserve you sometimes."

"You don't deserve me?" The disbelieving tone was clear. "Don't make me argue with you on this."

"I— okay. We can just agree to disagree," Taehyung shook his head with a smile. "I'm sorry, Jeongguk."

"Stop apologizing, Taehyung. I'm serious."

"Why? You deserve an apology."

"I really don't." Jeongguk rubbed at his hip. "Can we talk about something else? I don't want you thinking about that anymore."

"Okay. Let's talk about something else." He agreed quietly.

"Was last night okay?" The question came immediately and Taehyung cocked his head at the words. "Well, it's just that it was your second time having sex and I know you said your first wasn't exactly... good. So, just be honest."

Taehyung bit his tongue hard before talking, knowing the blood was rushing to his face before he even said anything. "It was really good, Jeongguk. I don't even remember the first one so it's nice that this feels like my first. It would have been the best first time."

"So, let's pretend it was." Jeongguk's thumb was rubbing against his forehead. "Forget that party. The other guy will have nothing on me if he doesn't exist."

"God, you—" Taehyung laughed, grabbing the hand touching his face and holding it as he laid his head against Jeongguk's shoulder. "Thank you, Jeongguk. I loved it."

"Me, too." Jeongguk chuckled and he felt the chest under his move with the sound of joy. He could feel Jeongguk's heartbeat against their hands and the rise and fall of his chest with the quiet couple of moments they sunk into with the sun's rays slipping through gaps in the blinds, warming the room.

Taehyung closed his eyes as Jeongguk hugged him and traced small circles on his arm, thoughts swimming as he laid still and relaxed.

"Hey, Tae?"

"Mhm?" He lifted his head lazily and Jeongguk was already looking at him with a smile.

"I've got a class this afternoon around the time you leave, but I wanted to take you somewhere before that. If you're okay with it."

"Sure. Where's this somewhere?" He perked up at the words. They sounded so familiar and he smiled recalling Jeongguk saying something similar before taking him to the cliff.

"The most important place in this entire town."

~•४•~

Taehyung let go of Jeongguk's hand when the younger stepped forward first. He watched with gentle eyes as Jeongguk crouched down by the stone and set the single flower at its base.

Jeongguk stayed crouched beside it for some time and Taehyung watched as he stared at the name etched into stone, the hand inches from touching the head of it curling in on itself like it was grasping something. Someone.

He said a few words, voice too soft for him to hear and Taehyung focused on the rustling trees nearby instead. Anything but Jeongguk speaking to his friend.

Eventually, Jeongguk was standing, resting his hand on the corner of the stone in an endearing way before stepping back to stand next to Taehyung.

"You don't have to if you don't want," Jeongguk gestured to the flower in his hand. "I'll understand and I'm just grateful you agreed to come here with me."

"I want to," Taehyung put a hand on his arm and held the stem of his flower carefully. "I'd like to say some words, too, if that's okay."

"Of course." Jeongguk's smile was appreciative, content that Taehyung wanted to be apart of that visit as much as Jeongguk had wanted him to be.

He squeezed Jeongguk's arm before stepping away from the biker and towards the small gravestone, Jeongguk's flower and the surrounding grass the only life surrounding it in the cold of fall.

Taehyung crouched down and gently set the flower next to Jeongguk's. The two stems rested atop one another like they were hands crossing and holding onto each other. He maintained his position on the side of the stone and let a hand trace the corner of it without actually touching it.

"Hi, Hwan," he slowly found the words, but they didn't find much volume above a whisper. "I'm Taehyung. Don't know if Jeongguk ever told you about me, but I'm his boyfriend."

He took a small breath in and out to calm the quiver in his voice.

"It's nice to finally meet you. Jeongguk has talked about you quite a bit." He licked his dry lips and pursed them. "I know we never got to meet face to face, but... I feel connected to you anyway. Isn't that a bit strange?"

Taehyung smiled, hugging his knees. "You changed my life, Hwan— even though we never met."

It was hard to hold back the ache in his heart, seeing his and Jeongguk's flowers at the base of a kid's grave. Someone so important to who Jeongguk was, and thus even more important to Taehyung, too.

"I know you worried for him as much as he worried about you. We've got a lot in common that sense. I guess, I just want you to know that he's doing good. Jeongguk had a rough few years, which I'm sure he told you about, but Jeongguk's doing well now."

Taehyung clasped his hands together and buried them in his lap. "I figured you'd want to hear that."

He fixed the flowers when a breeze swept them slightly astray.

"Thank you for everything did for him. You made him really happy and more himself." Taehyung's head fell when he felt the tear slip past his waterline. "He saved me, you know? Another long story, but he saved me and I believe it saved him, too. You helped two people, Hwan, and I'm forever grateful."

Taehyung stood and wiped his tear away, burying his hands in his pockets after.

"Thank you." He whispered again, before retreating from the stone and back towards Jeongguk.

"Hey," the younger took his hand and Taehyung squeezed it. Jeongguk had sadness in his eyes, but his smile was real. It was promising to the surfer.

Taehyung leaned his head on Jeongguk's shoulder as they stood there for a couple minutes in silence, hand in hand, before leaving the grave.

Jeongguk swung his hand back and forth as they walked along the gravel path back towards his motorcycle, which was a bit of a walk away outside the cemetery. "Thanks again for coming."

"It's a really special place to you, Jeongguk." Taehyung shook his head. "The fact that you wanted to bring me here means a lot."

A quick smile graced the biker's lips before he was looking ahead again. "You know, you two would have gotten along. Both driven by future dreams and wanting to work hard."

"I think it takes more than that to be friends." Taehyung nudged him and Jeongguk chuckled. "But yeah, I agree. I would have liked him a lot."

"Hm," Jeongguk's grip on his hand tightened and Taehyung moved his thumb along Jeongguk's skin, back and forth in a comforting manner.

"Do you want to talk about it?" The younger looked up in surprise and Taehyung shrugged. "I can tell when you're thinking."

Jeongguk sighed. "It's just crazy how some things connect. Like if I had never met Hwan, I would have never met you. Which really makes no sense correlation wise, but..."

"The butterfly effect." Taehyung stared at the gravel path, the crunch of their sole on the ground loud but consistent and controlled.

"Oh, yeah. That's what it's called."

He nodded. "It's a really cool concept. Come to think of it, I have a really cool one with painting."

"Really?" Jeongguk inched closer to them as their pace slowed a bit, the younger's warmth appreciated with the chilly air. "Tell me."

"If I had never ripped my wetsuit this one day when I was eight and had to make an emergency trip to that city by the beach, I wouldn't be majoring in art right now."

"What the...?" He got a confused look and laughed.

"Isn't that weird? Well, when I ripped that wetsuit, my parents drove Jimin and I to the stores over there to get a new one— Jimin wanted to come along for no reason— and as we were walking towards this one surf shop, we passed by this group of people setting up for an event."

"An event?"

"Yeah," Taehyung let go of Jeongguk's hand to pull out his phone and try and search for pictures. "They were setting up this art show for the weekend and they handed us flyers to come visit and meet some of the artists. We didn't have plans that night and decided on going. See?"

He showed some pictures from the event that his parents had sent him when he was older. Apparently, he'd taken his parents phone and clicked over a hundred pictures around the art show.

Taehyung saw Jeongguk watch in awe as there were so many exhibitions and different walls for featured artists. Some live band was present and people were waking about happily.

"Is that where you fell in love with painting?"

"Mhm." He put his phone away. "There was this one man painting live by his showcase and I stood there for half an hour just watching him. I remember losing my parents and hyungs because they'd gone around to look at everything, but I just stood there and watched that man paint. He smiled at me and talked to me and told me stories about his art."

"And you knew."

"And I knew that I wanted to paint. Just like him. I wanted to tell stories without a single word. Without a single moving piece. Just something you could look at and learn from."

"Taehyung, that's really cool." Jeongguk paused, smiling wide. "The butterfly effect. Crazy shit."

"I think your butterfly effect is my favorite, though." Taehyung stopped walking and Jeongguk turned to face him. "I think it's one of the most beautiful things I've seen unfold."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," he nodded and leaned forward to kiss Jeongguk's cheek. "Had you never stopped to get a drink from that store and got sidetracked because of Hwan and Daehyun, I wouldn't be standing here and holding your hand. Crazy shit."

"Crazy shit." Jeongguk shook his head, smile unwavering as he wrapped an arm around Taehyung's shoulders and resumed their walking.

Taehyung grabbed the hand on his shoulder furthest from Jeongguk, holding the fingers there and smiling over at the biker— who simply stared straight ahead with content in his eyes.

Yeah, Taehyung really loved that butterfly effect.

❧ ❧ ❧

i told y'all i would deliver more sope in the epilogues !!
and yes there is one more epilogue !!
and it will also have more sope progression !!
as well as more of our main couple and the necklace !!

i hope y'all could vibe with the implied smut because i don't write the full stuff and i'm still working on my spicier writing rip :')
but on another note, i love sope in this book help

ily guys and happy new year!! ♡

✵ NEETO ✵