How is it possible that a kiss so delicate, so soft and warm, completely knock the air out of Taehyung's lungs?

But there it is. . .

A low hum exudes from Jeongguk and suddenly Taehyung's blood is pounding in his ears, his heartbeat accelerating faster than the speed of light. Okay, maybe that's a little dramatic, but he swears his heart has never done this many flips before. He only has a few milliseconds to fully comprehend that his lips are touching Jeongguk's, until Jeongguk pulls away.

The skin of Taehyung's lips immediately go cold, but the air between them remains undoubtedly warm.

Warm isn't even how Taehyung would exactly describe it, but it's all his mind can come up with. He's still trying to piece together what just happened.

There's a pounding in his chest, beating chaotically with the thousands of thoughts now flooding his consciousness. He's so dumbfounded, the only thing he can manage to comprehend is the dreamy look on Jeongguk's face.

Taehyung blinks wide-eyed, but before he can further react, Jeongguk kisses him again.

This time, he presses further into Taehyung. Taehyung's eyes flutter shut as the pressure sends a tingling sensation throughout his entire body, his insides clenching at another thrilling, unexpected touch of his lips. And just like before, the mess of noises in his head goes silent. It feels like he's drifting into space, having never been so entranced by anyone's kiss before.

Riding on adrenaline and instinct, Taehyung moves in closer, too. He finally remembers to inhale oxygen through his nose and ultimately breathes Jeongguk in. He smells good. Apparently too good; the alluring mixture of Jeongguk's expensive cologne and the natural scent of his skin causes Taehyung to inadvertently let out the absolute softest of moans. Jeongguk's lips part slightly in response, sucking in a short breath as if Taehyung's moan surprised him. Using the arm curled around Taehyung's waist, he pulls the rest of him in closer.

The sudden movement startles Taehyung a little, his hand flies up reactively and becomes sandwiched between their chests. There's no longer anymore room between them, but Taehyung's body urges him to keep going.

Taehyung instinctively tilts his head ever so slightly, changing the angle so that when he allows his own lips to part, their mouths slit together divinely. The movement is slow, tentative. There's not even any tongue involved yet.

Well, that is until Jeongguk's hand starts to roam up Taehyung's back, and that's when he really loses his last braincell. His repressed curiosity unraveling as the last of piece his inhibition flies out the window.

He makes a hasty decision to let his tongue ever so delicately skim along Jeongguk's lower lip. Jeongguk's breath hitches, his jaw loosens further. He moves his hand to lightly cradle over the side of Taehyung's neck, and hums delightfully when he repeats the act on Taehyung.

The heat of Jeongguk's tongue on the curve of his lower lip causes such a profound arousal deep within Taehyung that it brings forth an unexpected reaction.

Taehyung's eyes shoot wide open. His heart pounds wildly in his chest, so hard that it throws him out of his spaced-out state, and sends him hurling back to earth.

Now incredibly aware of his body and how involved with Jeongguk it is, he breaks the kiss with a frightened gasp.

Confusion flashes wildly in his eyes at Jeongguk.

"What—" He barely gets out as he pushes the palm between their chests to create space between them. He lunges forward to sit up, bringing trembling fingers to his own lips. He can feel the heat left on them, his cheeks reddening as the reality of what just happened crashes into him violently.

What am I doing!? What is HE doing?!
So... he just... kissed—
Is this real right now?! Did that really just happen? No—I—I must be dreaming again.

In the midst of his internal freak-out, Taehyung hears a small voice.

"Tae?" He hears Jeongguk whisper. He sits up too, meeting Taehyung face-to-face again. But he can't even look at him right now. The close proximity is too unbearable for Taehyung. To escape as fast as he can, he tumbles over Jeongguk's body and flies off the couch.

Why would he do that!? Is this a joke?? Some stupid prank? It's a set-up, he knows about my dream. Fuck, this is so embarrassing.
How would he even know? That's impossible!

Paralyzed with shock, Taehyung stands in front of the couch with his back to Jeongguk so that he can't see his face. He places his hand over his heart to calm himself, but it's no use.

What should he do? His best friend just kissed him! The guy who got him through his mother's death, the one that's been there to pick up the pieces after shitty relationships or would come hang out whenever, happy to do nothing.

The same person Taehyung hasn't been able to handle normal interactions with for the last couple of days because he was in a dream so intimate that it's literally got him questioning his whole life and sexuality, and... feelings for? Fuck, he's so confused, in so many ways.

Taehyung runs his fingers through his hair, silently demanding for some sort of resolve to address the situation, but everything in his body is either telling him to scream and run out of the room, or... kiss Jeongguk again.

"Tae," Jeongguk repeats, Taehyung jumps. He sounds concerned.

"I. . ." He tries to find words, any words. He's too panicked. This is all just too much, too fast.

"Is everything okay? Did you have--"

"I'm sorry," Taehyung whispers, cutting Jeongguk off. His adrenaline kicks in again, orders him to flee out of the room with his head down. He races down the hallway towards his bedroom, praying Jeongguk doesn't follow him. He makes it to the door and enters as fast as he can, but must do so quietly so as not to wake his sleeping roommate.

Taehyung turns and presses his forehead to the cold, hard door once it's closed.

While trying to organize his thoughts and emotions, he finds a part of himself begging to go back to Jeongguk. He feels bad just leaving him back there like that, but what was he to do? What if this was some strange, cruel joke he was playing on Taehyung? Or, what if he did really mean to kiss him? How is Taehyung supposed to handle that, when he can't even address his own feelings?

That kiss threw everything off, right when he was just starting to figure things out internally. The timing of it all this week is so frustrating and exhilarating at the same time, it's damn near infuriating Taehyung. But, mostly he's just. . . confused.

And, happy?

There's no denying, that kiss was...

Wow.
Big wow.

Maybe he should go back. Could a kiss like that really be some practical joke?

Taehyung stares down at the door handle for a moment, debating his options.

Whether he goes to Jeongguk or not, there's a possibility their friendship could change forever. And maybe not for the better.

Damning his inability to make a decision, Taehyung accidentally groans aloud, causing Yoongi to shift in his bed. Scared that he would wake up and demand to know why he's been disturbed during his sleep, Taehyung swiftly retreats to his own bed and hides under his covers.

Under the guise of pretending to be asleep, Taehyung stares up at the moon through his window shades. Curled up with a pillow and lost in thought, he inadvertently drifts off to sleep, unknowingly doing so with a smile on his face.

  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Taehyung doesn't wake up until later in the afternoon. After spending some additional time in bed, and in the shower, thinking more about his situation with Jeongguk, he heads to the kitchen for something to eat.

He stops just outside of the entrance and peeks around the corner first, sees Jimin by himself busily cleaning up some dishes.

"I was wondering when you were gonna get up," Jimin calls over his shoulder, startling Taehyung.

"How did you know I was there?" He asks in pout, stepping further into the kitchen.

Jimin laughs as he turns the sink off. "We live together, I know all of your sounds. Unfortunately."

"Oh, right," Taehyung nods then makes his way to the refrigerator. He's absolutely parched and in need of hydration.

"How come you woke up so late?" Jimin asks as he turns and leans his hips against the kitchen counter. "You passed out on the couch with Jeongguk before the movie was even over."

Taehyung freezes just as he reaches for a soda at the mention of Jeongguk's name. He finds himself fighting back a smile as memories of their kiss flood his mind. "Yeah, um, I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't go back to sleep."

Jimin frowns. "Is your insomnia acting up again?"

Taehyung closes the fridge door and pops open the tab to his drink. "A little bit." His answer is honest, his insomnia has been a problem for the last two years, but that's not what interrupted his couch slumber. He starts debating whether he should tell Jimin what happened last night, but his nerves are biting at him.

"Is it just us here?"

"Yup, just us." Jimin chirps.

Just tell him. You know he could help.
Not yet. I wouldn't even know what to say...
That you have feelings for Jeongguk?! What else needs to be said—

"I suppose I should fill you in on Hoseok's big announcement you missed this morning."

"Oh?" Taehyung welcomes the opportunity to think about something. But then, his shoulders drop. "Wait a minute, please tell me it's not another game."

"Thankfully, no," Jimin laughs. "We've got reservations for a fancy restaurant tonight, some real high-class place towards the bottom of the mountain."

"High-class?" Taehyung asks with intrigue. He searches his memory for details of the itinerary he received from Hoseok, but doesn't recall anything about a fancy dinner being planned for this evening.

"Yeah. Like, with a dress code and everything," Jimin explains as he goes over to the refrigerator and pulls out a bowl of leftovers he apparently saved for Taehyung. "Hungry?"

"Starving," Taehyung's mouth salivates at the sight of the food. "But let me do that, you just cleaned up."

Jimin dismisses Taehyung with a wave of his hand. "It'll just take a second, it's not a big deal."

"But—"

"I know, I know. You'll feel bad," Jimin tries mocking Taehyung's deep voice. "But I'm not doing this to be nice...you know you're not very good at reheating bulgogi. Think of it as me not allowing you to burn and waste good meat."

Taehyung makes a pout face, feeling a little offended at first until he thinks about it for a second.  "Well, I guess you're right," he sighs with acceptance. He half-expects Jimin to re-tell the story of the time Taehyung got distracted by Overwatch and severely burnt half a pound of bulgogi last summer, but he just walks over to one of the cabinets and rummages around for some cookware.

"So, anyway, you said there's a dress code for this place?"

"Suit and tie," Jimin throws the words over his shoulder as he squints at the knobs on the stove. "He wants everyone to get all dressed up and go out. Said he wants to treat us. I guess as a thanks for being in the wedding and for our friendship and all that..." His voice trails off as he carefully empties the contents of the bowl onto a pan.

"But what are we going to do about suits? We didn't bring anything like that with us."

"You know Hoseok, he's always way ahead of the game. He's apparently already got suits for everyone, ordered and shipped to the post office in town," he explains as he skillfully stirs the rice and flips the meat. "He left not too long with Namjoon, Jin, and Jeongguk to pick them up, along with some more groceries. And whatever else they find," Jimin shakes his head with an amused grin. "He really does think of everything, I don't think the man sleeps."

"He never fails to impress." Taehyung smiles warmly at how incredible Hoseok is as a human being, imagining what his own life would be like if he were half that ambitious and organized. He also thinks about how excited Jeongguk must have been to accompany his Hyungs as help.

"Hey," Taehyung's voice comes out quietly, unsure whether he's ready to talk about anything else yet. "C-Can I ask you something?"
"Of course!" Jimin calls out over the sizzling.

Taehyung feels a knot twist in his stomach, it makes it hard for him to choose his words. He's quiet for a long time, mulling it over in his head while Jimin finishes cooking. He sets the bowl of steaming food in front of Taehyung, then waits in silence for as long as he can stand before asking, "Did you forget?"

"No, uh," Taehyung sputters. "I was just going to ask..."

Jimin looks at him expectantly, tilting his head a little with curiosity.

"I was just going to ask what time we have to get ready," Taehyung makes it up. 

Jimin gives him a strange look. "I think Hoseok said we have to be at the restaurant by eight o'clock. Now, hurry up and eat so you can help me clean up the rest of this place."

Taehyung thanks Jimin profusely for his lunch and practically inhales it. Later on, in the midst of cleaning the cabin house, they each get a text from Hoseok saying that due to a postal issue, he and the rest of the guys won't make it back until almost seven o'clock, so as soon as they get back with the suits, they'll have to get dressed quickly and immediately leave for the restaurant.

  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

The clock on the stove strikes 6:48. Taehyung is sitting at the kitchen island, freshly showered and groomed, hair styled back handsomely so all that he needs to do is put on the suit and go. He sips nervously on a cold soda from the fridge, rehearsing to himself what he's going to say to Jeongguk when he seems him, trying to figure out what questions he should ask first.

Maybe I should confront him about the kiss first, ask him why he did it.
As if the way he kissed you wasn't clear enough.
Could he really have some sort of feelings for me? But why wouldn't he have said something sooner?
Maybe for the same reasons you can't.

The front door suddenly swings open, knocking Taehyung out of his thoughts. Namjoon barrels in with about thirty grocery bags hanging off his arms, straining as he hurries his way to the closest countertop. Taehyung would offer to help, but Namjoon's got this weird thing where he stubbornly insists on challenging himself to bring all the groceries in with one trip.

Jin trails in casually behind him with another box of soju. Taehyung stands up, rubbing his sweaty hands together, preparing to see Jeongguk step through the door next.

But it's Hoseok who walks in next, carrying designer bags filled to the brim with dressy shoe boxes.

"Do you need any help, hyung?" Taehyung asks, holding out his hands to take some of the bags, but totally unaware that he's standing on tip toes to see over Hoseok's head at the door.

"No, we're good, thanks," he grins as he sets the bags down on the floor, then gives Taehyung a once over. "You look awesome! I take it Jiminie filled you in on everything."

"Mhm," Taehyung nods distractedly with a chaste smile, too consumed in anxiety to focus on anything else.
"And you guys cleaned up, too?" Hoseok beams, turning about in the kitchen where Taehyung is still standing. "Wooow!"

"It's the least we could do," Taehyung smiles sincerely, giving Hoseok a moment of his full attention. Hoseok rushes off somewhere and before Taehyung knows it, he's back to his previous state of anxiousness, biting down on his thumbnail.

A few moments later, Jeongguk finally walks in with the suits suspended in the air as they hang from either side of him. He steps through the kitchen and stops in his tracks when he sees Taehyung.

"Hey," he says, there's a ghost of casualness to his tone like he's trying to force it. 

"Hey..." Taehyung swallows. He was so ready for this before, but now that Jeongguk is actually standing in front of him he doesn't know how to proceed. At least until Jeongguk's face flinches from the weight of the heavy suits hanging from his fingers. "Oh! Here, let me help you," Taehyung offers, then rushes over to take some of the suits off his hands.

"Thanks," Jeongguk responds quietly, studying Taehyung's face as he unloads the weight from his sore fingers. "Hoseok said to hang them up in his closet."

Jeongguk ditches his heavy winter coat, tossing it on the counter. He's wearing a light blue sweater that makes him look innocent, more than Taehyung thinks he is now. He follows Jeongguk down the dark hallway towards Hoseok's room, staring pensively at the back of his head the entire time.

After hanging his batch of suits, Taehyung quietly steps out of the closet. He shuts the door and turns to see Jeongguk just standing there.

A moment of awkward silence passes in which Taehyung is silently begging Jeongguk to say something first, hoping he'll explain right away why he kissed him the night before.

"You—" Jeongguk's voice cracks. A little flustered, he shoves his hands in his jean pockets and clears his throat to try again. "You look really nice."

"Thanks," Taehyung says, feeling himself flush at the compliment. He's irritated at himself for it.

"Yeah, I really like the way you did your hair," he adds quickly, taking a step forward for some reason. "You have a nice forehead."

"A nice forehead?" Taehyung repeats with an amusement. "I think that's the first time anyone's ever said that to me."

"Sorry," Jeongguk facepalms himself and half-snorts. He shakes his head like he's trying to rid himself of his own embarrassment. "That probably sounded really stupid—"

"No! No," Taehyung interjects, a little too enthusiastically. "It was nice. Just caught me off guard is all," he smiles but his mind recalls something else from the night before that caught him off guard.

Jeongguk suddenly goes stiff and silent, almost like he could see the replay of their kiss currently being projected in Taehyung's mind.

"Well," he says too loudly, clapping his hands together and leaning on his toes a little. "I guess I better go help bring in the rest of the stuff."

"Oh, yeah," Taehyung responds almost automatically. He can feel his heart sinking into a pit of disappointment as Jeongguk takes a couple of slow, tentative steps to exit the bedroom.

Don't let him leave! Say something, say something!

"Wait!" Taehyung blurts out suddenly and Jeongguk stops, turns around.

"I..." he starts, desperately mustering up the courage to proceed with what he's about to say. "I...wanted to apologize...for last night," he mutters, eyes down as he nervously twists and pulls at his own fingers. "I felt really bad about just running out on you like that—"

"Tae, it's fine," Jeongguk interrupts him suddenly and Taehyung looks up to see his face is blank, unreadable. Jeongguk sighs. "I'm the one that should apologize."

"You don't have to," Taehyung tries to say reassuringly. "In fact, I think I should tell you—" he goes to say when he's unexpectedly given a playful punch to the shoulder.

"Hah!" Jeongguk laughs weirdly and Taehyung gives him a confused look. "You wouldn't believe the dream I was having! It was so realistic, I guess you got caught in the line of fire," his words come out entangled in another weird laugh.

Taehyung feels himself crack a little.

He can't be serious, there's no way that was just some "dream" kiss.
So it was an accident.

When Taehyung doesn't respond, Jeongguk chuckles as he apprehensively rubs at the back of his own neck. "You're not mad, are you?"

"Mad?" Taehyung repeats flatly. The only person he's mad at right now, is himself. For being so stupid to think that kiss meant anything.

"I just hope I didn't offend you," Jeongguk says worriedly, quickly adding, "It didn't mean anything."

"Of course not." Taehyung glares down at his feet, wishing Thanos would snap his existence away.

"We good?" Jeongguk asks, nudging Taehyung in the shoulder.

He looks up at Jeongguk and musters a small, fake smile. "Sure. Of course."

Jeongguk smiles back. "Thanks, Tae."

Just then, they both hear their names suddenly called loudly from somewhere in the house. "Are you guys getting ready!?"

"Oh, shit," Jeongguk's eyes widen with fear. "I still have to get ready!"

He rushes over to the bedroom door, stopping when his hand reaches the knob. He turns his head over his shoulder and sees Taehyung still standing in place. "Hey, Tae?"

"Yeah?"

"I was wondering—" he starts to say and for some reason, Taehyung catches a glimmer of hope. "I was wondering if we could not tell the other guys what happened?"

Taehyung's little glimmer of hope falls to the ground. He imagines himself stomping on it.

"Yeah, I mean, why would we?" Taehyung forces a laugh, trying to blow it off and play it cool.

"Right?" Jeongguk rolls his eyes playfully. He seems relieved. "They'd just make their stupid comments and never let us live it down."

"Yeah, no. Don't want that," Taehyung responds quietly.

"Thanks. Again." Jeongguk smiles as he turns the door knob. "I'll see you out there," he adds before rushing out of the room, leaving Taehyung to himself.

And he just stands there, in the quiet room. There's a little bit of light coming from the small bedside table-lamp illuminating him in his shame as he tugs at the sleeves of his sweater. He wonders if he's ever felt so stupid before.

"I didn't mean anything by it."
"I don't want them making a big deal about it."
You're such an idiot Taehyung. Why you thought that kiss meant anything...
But... It felt so real...

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The cabin-house soon becomes filled with the sounds of everyone hustling to get ready as they take turns speed-showering, shaving and primping themselves up for their evening out.

Eventually they gather in the kitchen for drinks as they wait for their ride. Everyone but Taehyung. He's still standing in front of the full length mirror in Hoseok's room, looking over himself one last time. He may also be trying to avoid Jeongguk.

Regardless of why he's hiding out back here, or how badly he feels, Taehyung has to admit he looks damn good. Hoseok really knows how to pick a suit. His confidence rises a little as he fixes a strand of hair that fell over his eyes, thinking he could end lives with it all parted and slicked back like this.

Tonight, I'm just going to have fun and focus on Hoseok's celebration. Forget everything else...

"Tae!" Jin shouts over everyone's conversations. "Are you—"

"I'm right here."

Jeongguk, sitting on the counter-top, in mid-sip of his beer, looks up and sees Taehyung casually step into the kitchen. "Holy—" Is the only word he gets out before he starts choking on the gulp he had just taken.

"Okay," Namjoon says simply as he takes the beer bottle away from a coughing Jeongguk. "No more for you."

"Damn, I'm good," Hoseok states proudly as he checks over Taehyung's suit. "Do a spin for us!"

"Yeah, spin!" Jimin cheers. 

"Nooo," Taehyung whines cutely, bashfully covering his face with his hand. "It's embarrassing," he mumbles.

"Alright, alright," Hoseok gives up with laughter, his phone suddenly chimes in his hand. "Driver's here!"

One-by-one they put their drinks down in the sink then briskly make their way towards the front door. Yoongi is last in line when he stops at Jeongguk seated on the counter, still coughing a little. "You good?"

"Yeah," he nods with a croaky voice then hops down off the counter, adding under his breath, "But I think I'm going to need more alcohol."

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   

The restaurant they arrive to is indeed a very classy place. Taehyung starts to feel less overdressed as they make their way to their table, passing by well-dressed patrons dining in expensive leather seating under dimly lit crystal chandeliers. The elegant atmosphere is filled with the of clinking dinnerware, ambient conversations and classical piano music being played live by a gorgeous woman in a sparkling red dress.

They're led towards the back of the restaurant where there's a section of secluded seating for private gatherings. The hostess removes a small reserved sign from the elongated table, decorated with the finest linen and enough chairs to seat a party almost double theirs.

"Wow," Yoongi gasps quietly. "This place is impressive."
"It was actually recommended to me by Eric Nam," Hoseok says and everyone freezes around the table.

"Wait." Taehyung says with big eyes. "Eric Nam?"

"Yeah." Hoseok answers with ease, then sits down in his seat at the head of the table.

"Holy shit," Namjoon plops down in his seat with a dead stare. "When you said you had connections, I didn't realize—"

"You know Eric Nam!?" Taehyung interjects again.

"I mean, I kinda do," Hoseok shrugs. "A friend of mine in the biz introduced me to him. We got to talking and I told him about how I'm getting married, and about our week here. He told me to give this place a try."

Taehyung just stands there, dumbfounded. "I—" is all he can get out, he's at a loss for words.

Hoseok chuckles at his reaction but he's slightly confused. He's run into countless celebrities before and usually tells the guys, but he's never gotten this kind of reaction from Taehyung.

"He's one of Tae's favorites," Jeongguk secretly whispers as he passes behind Hoseok to get to his seat.

"Oh, shit. I didn't realize," Hoseok says apologetically with a hand clamped to his forehead. "Taehyung, if I run into him again, I'll ask for his autograph for you."

"Are you serious?" Taehyung flies over to Hoseok to attack him with a giant hug. "Oh my god, I'd love you forever!"

While everyone else takes their seat, Hoseok lets out a strangulated laugh and pats Taehyung's arm that's too tight around his neck. "An-anything for you, Tae."

After relinquishing Hoseok from his grasp, Taehyung quickly surveys the seating arrangement. Everyone seems to be placing themselves as they would naturally. Meaning Taehyung would end up sitting next to Jeongguk. Wanting to avoid that as much as possible, Taehyung rushes up and cuts in front of Jin, stealing the seat he was going for. This may have secured him a spot between Jimin and Namjoon, but it also sets him directly across from Jeongguk.

Shit.

__________________________

Some of the restaurant patrons stare and ogle at the seven young men looking distractedly dashing in their suits, seated around a large oak tabletop adorned with real, lit-up taper candles, sparkling silver utensils, and elegant porcelain dinnerware. Many say they could pass for princes, dining on mouth-watering steak and a large bottle of aged wine. A rare and expensive bottle complimentary of the restaurant's manager who was informed by his nephew, Eric, that a special friend of his would be coming to visit.

But, for what should be a fun, classy evening out, Taehyung feels uneasy, spending the first portion of the night trying to avoid eye contact with Jeongguk, or engaging in a one-on-one conversation with him (as they usually would while everyone else goes into a discussion about their careers). But as the night goes on and the wine gets poured, he eventually allows himself to forget about earlier, and eases into a more relaxed state along with the rest of his crew.

Towards the end of their meal, Hoseok stands up from his seat. He delicately clinks his fork on the rim of his wine glass to get everyone's attention. "I just wanted to say something to you guys..."

"Speech!" Jimin calls out and everyone cheers along.

"More like a toast, to you guys," he smiles, raising up his glass. "We've all heard that, to find a true friend means finding someone that will always be there when you need them. They become one of the few that willingly makes you a priority, and will never leave you feeling alone, especially in your difficult times..." he pauses for a second as if he's trying to recall his speech he'd been memorizing for days. And in that pause, for some unspoken reason, Taehyung and Jeongguk meet eyes.

It's completely inexplicable, why just then, they both felt a pull to find each other across the table. And to make things more confusing, Jeongguk is looking at Taehyung like he hasn't seen him in weeks, the same amount of time Taehyung's heart feels like he hasn't seen Jeongguk.

"Ah, I remember," Hoseok whispers drunkenly but assuredly to himself. "Yes. A true friend loves you unconditionally. They may not always understand you, but they'll never judge you. Instead, they will always try to support you and give you good advice..." His words fade in and out for Taehyung as it becomes increasingly difficult to pay attention while locked in Jeongguk's gaze.

Wanting to focus on the meaningful speech, Taehyung wills himself to break away as his fingers anxiously play with the corner of the cloth napkin in front of him. He uses it as an excuse to lower his eyes from Jeongguk's, but it's only a second later and he's already instinctively bringing them back up.

And what a mistake that was. In that one little second his vision was elsewhere, Jeongguk's expression changed and it's just as alluring as it is frustrating. So much for focusing on Hoseok.

Get yourself together, Tae.
What is that smirk even for?!

"But not everyone is so blessed to find such persons, usually because our hardest moments in life are the best time to realize that true friends, are really just family—"  Taehyung's concentration is unexpectedly snagged at that last word. He gives him his full attention as he continues on.
"...True prosperity lives in the souls who have someone that will stand by your side, while having your back. In the end, quality is always more important that quantity. What matters is how true those you call a friend are to you. Tonight, I can confidently declare, that I sit at this table surrounded by my truest friends. My family. All six of you..." Hoseok finishes with a wobbly voice, failing to fight back his emotions from welling up.

Yoongi huffs, half-amused. "We haven't known each other that long," he mumbles, shrugging away the fact that everyone's staring at him in confusion.

"I would hope that you, more than anyone else at this table—except Jimin and Taehyung—would know that that doesn't matter," Jin leans forward to say sternly. Yoongi flushes in his cheeks and shifts uncomfortably.

Namjoon speaks as if he already knows what's going through Yoongi's head. "Hyung, I know you feel like you're alone in the world, because of what happened to you..." he pauses for a moment and Yoongi finally looks up at him, jaw clenched. "But I'm going to tell you, like I've told you before and won't ever stop telling you, blood doesn't mean shit in this world. You are not alone anymore. We are your family."

"I knew from the first day we met,"  Hoseok nods. "You may have scared the shit out of us, but bro—you fit with us."
"Like a missing puzzle piece," Taehyung meaningfully adds in support and Yoongi lets out the breath he had been holding in reservation, refusing to feel the intensity of his unlocked emotions. His eyes shoot up to stare at the ceiling, but when he inevitably blinks, a tear falls down to his cheek.

"Whether you like it or not," Namjoon adds, eliciting a small nod from Yoongi.

Now, normally this would be about the time where one of them would break the serious atmosphere by cracking a joke, but the room goes silent for a brief pause of uncomfortable introspection until Jeongguk breaks the silence when he suddenly stands up from his chair. "To all seven of us," he announces as he raises his glass in the air.

"To us!" The rest cheer almost in unison as they all meet over the table and clink their glasses together.

"Best speech of the year, goes to Jung Hoseok," Jimin pokes fun.
"Right? Who knew I could make a bunch of adult men cry?" Hoseok laughs.

Ambient random conversations begin, but instantly fade in the distance when Taehyung brings the rim of his glass to his lips, and catches a heartwarming glimpse of Jeongguk laughing. Those adorable bunny-like teeth and the way his eyes crinkle when Jeongguk is thoroughly amused. Sights and sounds that always made Taehyung happy, but now they're stirring up a fuzzy sensation where his heart is. Forcing himself to ignore it, he swallows down the rest of his wine.

After dessert, Namjoon, Yoongi and Hoseok excuse themselves and take off towards the restroom. With the opportunity finally open for Taehyung, he quickly details to the rest of the guys at the table his secret plan of personally taking care of the bill, then dashes off in search of their waitress.

A few minutes go by of Jimin and Jin discussing the upcoming plans for the week when Jeongguk suddenly becomes distracted by Taehyung walking to the bar after paying the bill, instead of coming back to their table. Jeongguk taps his fingers on the table and glares at the obviously good-looking bartender leaning on the counter, getting too close and smiling too much at Taehyung. They're laughing about something and it's annoying.

"What the hell could be so funny?"

"Funny?" Jimin asks, thinking that Jeongguk is referring to something he just said, but Jeongguk doesn't answer. He's completely unaware that he even just said anything out loud.

"Anyway..." Jimin frowns. A little peeved that he was interrupted only to be ignored, he returns to his conversation with Jin.

"Try-hard," Jeongguk once again mutters under his breath when the bartender slides what he assumes is a free drink to Taehyung, but Jeongguk knows better. Just like he thought, he sees Taehyung go for his wallet, insistent on paying the man, but the bartender throws his hands up in refusal and flashes a winning smile.

Minutes go by of trying to keep up with the table conversation. Jeongguk sits with tense shoulders and a clenched jaw. Definitely not still watching Taehyung sitting at the bar, sipping on his drink, and giggling with Mr. Stupidly Big Biceps.

It seems like it takes an eternity for Taehyung's glass to empty. The other three have returned and have already downed another round of expensive red wine. Still laughing about whatever, he finally stands up and starts to back away from the bar. Jeongguk practically sighs in relief, but he does so prematurely—the bartender suddenly calls out to him. Taehyung hesitates for a moment, then says something as he gestures over his shoulder where their table is. Jeongguk turns away quickly, pretending to laugh at something Namjoon just said.

But when he goes to look again, he can't see what's happening--there's a waiter blocking his line of sight, taking his sweet time to refill the champagne glasses at his assigned table.

When he finally leaves, Jeongguk sits up forward in his chair a little more just in time to catch the bartender guy writing something on a napkin. He folds it up and slides it to Taehyung with a grin that makes Jeongguk's fist curl. Taehyung hesitates again for a moment before smiling politely and taking the paper. After a quick bow, he makes a beeline for the table.

"What was that all about?" Jeongguk tries to ask nonchalantly, leg bouncing rapidly under the table as Taehyung retakes his seat.

"What do you mean?" 

"You. And the bartender," Jeongguk states rather shortly, then quickly adds, "Was he giving you some sort of issue about the bill?"

"The bill?" Hoseok's face drops. "Taehyung, please don't tell me you paid the bill. This was supposed to be my treat."

"No, in fact, it's really weird," Taehyung shakes his head, purposely ignoring Hoseok. "He kinda... gave me his number."

"Oh shit," Jimin proudly sing-songs. "A he?!"

"See? I told you," Jin throws his hands in the air with exasperation. "He gets hit on everywhere we go!"

"Can you guys keep it down!?" Taehyung whisper shouts, then shoots a cautious glance at the bartender from over his shoulder.

"Hold on a minute, what happened?" Namjoon asks, previously distracted by the phone in his palm.

"Taehyung got hit on again," Yoongi states plainly over his glass before taking a sip.

"Oh??" Hoseok's eyes go big as he searches the bustling dining room of the restaurant. "Are you into them? Who is it? Are they hot?"

"Definitely not," Jeongguk snorts, putting off like he's amused but the look of detest on his face clearly says different. Taehyung leans back in seat and subtly studies Jeongguk from the corner of his eyes, intrigued about his apparent repulsion towards the bartender.

Jeongguk lets his shoulders hit the back of his chair then flicks his chin in the direction of the bar. "Big, dumb lookin' guy," he mumbles, and the other five turn their heads to get a look.

"Not bad," Yoongi shrugs.

"I wouldn't kick him out of my bed for eating crackers," Jimin mutters without thinking and immediately flushes when everyone looks at him suddenly.

Jeongguk twists his face in disapproval. "Clearly, you've all had too much to drink."

"I dunno, even I think he's pretty hot," Hoseok admits, and Namjoon and Jin nod to concur.

"Oh my g—Can you guys please stop?" Taehyung groans, using his hands to shade his eyes in embarrassment. "If you keep looking over there, he's going to know we're talking about him."

"Why don't you want him to think we're talking about him?" Hoseok prods suggestively with wiggly eyebrows. "You're not interested?"

Taehyung's not, but all this sudden attention on him makes him flush a little. And, funny how before, during Hoseok's emotional speech, Taehyung and Jeongguk's eyes couldn't keep off each other. Now, they can't seem to make any contact at all.

"How can you not be interested in a man with shoulders wider than Jin's?" Yoongi teases, eliciting a boisterous laugh from Namjoon.

"You know what they say about men with wide shoulders..." Jin smirks and it makes Jimin cough on a sip of his wine.

"And those arms, he must live at the gym," Hoseok adds with awe. "Look at his biceps!"

"Honestly, he came off a little sleazy to me. He probably does this sort of thing every night," Taehyung shrugs from across the table, still mutually avoiding eye contact with Jeongguk. This is the worst time to be having this conversation considering he just had what could be a sexual awakening. On top of the fact that he was just 'accidentally' kissed by his best friend, who he may or may not have romantic feelings for.

To avoid any external speculation, Taehyung tries to play it off like nothing has changed in the last couple of days. "Not that it matters, he is not exactly my type," he says, really putting the emphasis on that word. Maybe just to see what Jeongguk's reaction would be.

There was none.

"Oh?" Jimin laughs, perks up with a drunken grin. "And just what is your type of he?"

Dammit, Jimin.

"Probably someone classically handsome," Jin cuts in. "Like me."

Jimin throws a cloth napkin at him. "You wish!"

"That's not what I mean--Tae likes fashion and art. Surely he'd like us model types."

"I would have thought he'd go for the athletic type," Yoongi interjects.

"I agree. Definitely the athletic type." Namjoon nods.

Hoseok shakes his head. "Nah, I think he'd go for a business man."

Jimin crosses his arms over his chest, tilts his head and makes quick study over Taehyung. "I also think a business type of guy. Someone who wears a suit."

"A suit?" Taehyung asks with a lifted eyebrow, suddenly curious. "Why a suit?"

"Well, it can't be for the money," Jin says matter-of-factly. "He's got enough of that on his own."

"Taehyung doesn't really concern himself with status, either." Namjoon adds.

Taehyung raises a hand in the air. "Excuse me, when did I, and my hypothetical taste in men, become the subject of the evening? Shouldn't we get back to celebrating Hyung?"

"I think he's just mad because he knows I'm riiight," Jimin sings, earning a narrow-eyed glare from Taehyung.

"I think you're going to get your ass kicked if you don't stop talking about thiiiis," Taehyung mockingly sings back.

"But wait, can we at least discuss why Jimin thinks Tae would prefer a businessman?" Yoongi asks and Taehyung groans with exasperation. "I'm curious about this."

"Okay, so..." Jimin giggles drunkenly. Everyone goes silent, waiting for his justification. "Taehyung would want... a... powerful man. But not like business power. But, power power."

"What? What does that even mean?" Jin groans tiredly. "Someone translate."

"Ugh," Jimin throws his head back. "I mean, powerful as in someone who likes to take control? You know, in the bedroom?" he adds on with a cheeky grin and a wiggle of his eyebrows.

Taehyung's whole mouth practically falls open with shock and offense. "The hell? What?! Why--"

"I swear," Jimin tries to speak through his dying laughter. "I swear you've said....you liked when what's-her-face did...that thing to you--"

Just then, Jeongguk abruptly gets up from his seat. Without saying a word, he walks away from the table and exits the restaurant, completely ignoring the calls of his name.

"Where's he going? What happened?" Jimin stops his laughing to ask worriedly. "Did I say something wrong?"

Just outside of the restaurant, Jeongguk leans against the skeleton of a tree. It's branches are long and spindly, bare of leaves but blanketed in sparkling snow. There's a faint glow from an old lamplight down the sidewalk, allowing him to get a decent view of the twinkling stars in the sky. 

A familiar voice finds him just as he lets out a calming exhale of icy cold air. "Hey, you okay?"

Already knowing it's Taehyung, Jeongguk doesn't budge or turn. "Yeah, m'fine. Just wanted to get some air."

"Are you sure? Cause you just kind of walked away from us at the table without saying anything. I got a little worried." Taehyung keeps his distance, hesitant to get any closer. "Thought maybe I--we--did something to upset you."

There's something different about the tone of Taehyung's soft voice that bids Jeongguk to glance at him over his shoulder. "You were worried?"

A bit baffled at his response, Taehyung half-laughs. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" He asks with furrowed eyebrows, making obvious his confusion as to why Jeongguk could think Taehyung would ever not be worried about him.

Jeongguk gazes at Taehyung over his shoulder. A small smile begins to grow until he realizes Taehyung is shivering from the cold.

"Are you cold?" Jeongguk asks, the question clearly rhetorical as he takes off his own jacket and walks over to Taehyung.

"Are you mad?" Taehyung asks the same, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow.

"Why didn't you bring your jacket?" Jeongguk asks, but Taehyung doesn't respond, refusing to speak until he answers. Also because he doesn't really want to explain that he was so worried about him that he rushed out so quickly that left his coat behind.

Jeongguk eventually gives in, lets out a small, airy chuckle and continues to move until he's standing behind Taehyung. "Why would I be mad?"

"I..." Taehyung tries to think. He's not really sure why he would be mad. Jeongguk made it clear earlier that their kiss on the couch meant nothing, but his reaction to Taehyung being hit on was weird. He hoped that maybe... "I dunno. Just seemed that way," he mutters, shaking his head to rid himself of the hopeful thoughts.

"No," he hears Jeongguk laugh softly behind him as the weight of his jacket rests over his shoulders. "I'm not mad."

Taehyung feels relief at that, and also at the additional warmth.

"You really shouldn't have come out here," Jeongguk's voice suddenly goes deep, quiet like he only wanted Taehyung to hear those words. The heat of his breath skims over his neck, warming him in different ways than Jeongguk's jacket ever could.

"Why's that?" Taehyung breathes, reeling from the tingle running down his spine. He glances over his shoulder to look back at Jeongguk, meets his gaze. He's so close. Too close. If Jeongguk moved forward an inch, his nose would collide with Taehyung's cheek.

Jeongguk chuckles again. Taehyung really doesn't understand what he finds so amusing.

"Because..." Jeongguk speaks, again only for Taehyung to hear.

Taehyung watches his lips move.

He's about to speak again, when the door of the restaurant opens and their five young, gleefully intoxicated friends come barreling out. Jeongguk immediately takes a wide side-step away from Taehyung as laughter and banter fills the night air, slicing through whatever was just going on between them.

"Car is almost here," Hoseok tells Taehyung. He notices Jeongguk put further distance between them. "Everything okay?" he asks quietly.

Wading through his not-so-innocent thoughts, Taehyung forces himself to respond. "Yeah, just came out to check on him. Everything's cool."

"Good," Hoseok smiles, then gives Taehyung a tight, squeezing hug. "Thanks for taking care of the bill."

"Of course, Hyung," Taehyung hugs him back, just as the limo pulls up right in front of where they're all standing.

The driver gets out to open the door, and one-by-one they all pile in, somehow working itself out to leaving Taehyung and Jeongguk as the last two to get in. This of course meant that they were to ride the entire way home sitting next to each other.

Before they are even out of the restaurant parking lot, Yoongi starts passing out little glasses while Jin cracks open one of the limo's complimentary sparkling champagne bottles.

Every time the driver makes a turn, Jeongguk's body weight presses Taehyung into the door just enough that it makes him flustered.

"Need me to take it off?"

Taehyung looks at Jeongguk with wide eyes. "What?"

"Your tie," Jeongguk says pointedly.

It's then that Taehyung realizes he had been fussing with the knot of his tie as some sort of distraction, ultimately tugging on it, and making tighten around his neck.

"Oh--uh--"

"Here," Jeongguk turns in his seat, smiling cutely. Without a cupholder nearby, he settles his champagne glass between his thighs as a placeholder, then gently pushes Taehyung's hand away from his tie.

While his fingers work busily, Taehyung takes in the features of Jeongguk's focused face, wondering what the hell is going on through his brain.

I need him to stop being Jeongguk.
He has to be doing this on purpose...

"It's funny," Jeongguk suddenly speaks, voice still and quiet though it brings Taehyung out of his own head. He realizes Jeongguk's not smiling anymore. In fact, there's not even a glimmer of amusement on his face at all. "I got hit on today, too," he says, still fumbling with Taehyung's tie.

Taehyung swallows. "You did?"

Jeongguk nods. "When we were out earlier, getting stuff. One of the cashiers at the supermarket."

"Oh," Taehyung lets out quietly, gazing down at Jeongguk's hands as they finish completely undoing the knot of his tie. Taehyung can feel Jeongguk searching his face, but he can't bring himself to look up.

"That's good, right?" He asks, still not looking up.

Jeongguk pauses, lets his hands fall now that he's done. He gives a silent nod, expressionless. He turns forward again in his seat.

Taehyung slumps back and stares out the window. "Cool."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hellllooooo. Hi.

So. Wow. ha. I'm alive.

I just want to say (again) how sincerely, deeply, intensely sorry I am that I keep fucking up, and not getting these chapters edited and published. I don't think I have to explain why this year has been so shitty... I hope you were/are all safe during the protests and you and your families are healthy.

A few days ago I got on here and started reading everyone's super kind and supportive comments and posts on my wall thingie. And I just...

I'm just so incredibly thankful to you all. I'm sorry I can't respond, but, just know that I have read all of your super kind comments. Thank you so much for your love and for always supporting this story, and me.

I've been struggling these last few months, like... really, really bad. Who hasn't, amirite?

But once again, you have given me hope. You've given me love, and light, and your support has lifted me from a dark, dark place. This story and it's readers have saved me. Again. I can't thank you enough.

I will continue to get these chapters out. I think I really need to, for my own sake. But I really owe it to you, too. You all have been so patient and understanding, I at least owe you a finished story.

I will not give up this time! I will keep working and editing every day! As much as I can with work and life, haha. But I promise you all, I will sit here everyday, and try to get as much editing done as possible.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the direction the story will go in. It will change a little bit more than I initially announced, but the overall story will stay the same. I hope you will like these little changes!

I'll go now before I do anymore more emotional rambling.
I WILL get another chapter out to you soon! Hopefully in just a couple of days. I'm off my ADHD meds, so. It takes a LOT longer to get these things edited. lol

Anyway, I. Love. YOU. Be safe. Stay healthy. BLM. Vote, if you can.