"I cannot believe you look this good even in the most atrocious outfit I could manage to find." Jungkook scoffed, leaning against the center island of the closet room. Taehyung showed off the ridiculously mismatched clothing that had been layered like he was stepping out of a Gucci shoot— somehow still stunning.

"I think you got good taste." Taehyung chuckled, fixing the collar of the twill jacket, pearls threaded in a scattered manner across the front. "Should take over for Noona."

"I will very gladly stick to my camera," Jungkook snorted, pushing off the counter and reached a hand out to brush a strand of Taehyung's hair from his face. "I know this was a joke, but you actually look good so I don't even know what to suggest you wear for tonight."

"Hmm," Taehyung slipped a hand over his shoulder and played with the earring hanging on Jungkook's ear. "How about you pick anything you want to wear for tonight instead?"

"Oh, uh, sure." Jungkook turned around to gaze thoughtfully around the room. His selection options were vast, brands of all kinds, styles even more diverse. It wasn't even a grand deal, just Christmas with his closest friends.

"Want me to pick?" Taehyung asked with arms wrapping around him, Jungkook shrugging and leaning into his hold. "Think you'll look good in this silk Chanel I have."

"Silk... Chanel... oh, fuck, that's a thing— okay." The excitement in his voice made Taehyung giggle softly before shifted away to tug him to a memorized location. He fingered through the collection of button shirts before pausing on a teal silk sleeve. He pushed the other hangers aside and unhooked the shirt from the row.

"How's this?" The model held the hanger up to his chest and Jungkook stared down in awe as the silk brushed against his hoodie-clad chest.

"I love it."

It was all Taehyung needed to place the shirt on an empty clothing rack by the large mirror on the far end of the room, meant to arrange the desired outfit.

"Dark skinny jeans and a belt will go wonderful I think." Taehyung continued, moving to his belt collection. "You've got a great figure to accentuate curves with."

"I— oh?"

"C'mere, Koo." The older motioned him over, Jungkook shyly scuffing his feet across the floor and siding into Taehyung body. "Have you got black jeans?"

"Mhm."

"Do you think that outfit works?"

"It seems a bit fancy." He admitted. "But it sounds pretty."

"Of course it does," Taehyung grinned. "It'll be on you."

"Oh, shut up." Jungkook tased his side and the older squirmed to the side, holding out a black leather belt with gold chaining adding to its expensive taste. He took it with a smile and draped it onto the clothing rack to dress in later. "All set for me. What about you?"

"I think I'll just spend the night naked."

"Taehyung."

The mode laughed and Jungkook walked over to him, grinning softly.

"You're in a playful mood." Jungkook hummed with a small press of lips to his cheek. "Giddy almost, my prince. Has something happened for the good mood?"

"Just excited for Christmas. Your love for the festivities is contagious."

"I'm glad. Really." Jungkook's smile dulled. "Have you been online at all?"

"Nah," Taehyung waved off, taking a hold of his hand and curling his fingers down before raising the knuckles to his lips. Jungkook chuckled at the princely gesture. "You should stay off it even more than you're trying to, as well."

"I know, I know— focus on Christmas. It's just today and tomorrow of fun before we go back to usual days and have to face it."

"I mean..." Taehyung shrugged. "You don't have to explain yourself to anyone. Let people think what they want. Let them be assholes. Just don't let them get to you."

Taehyung knew that best.

"But I don't think they should be making false assumptions and accusations when it can be shut down."

"That's not a stressor you need to deal with, angel." Taehyung smoothed his hand over Jungkook's cheek. "Let's focus on us, yeah?"

"Yeah." He nodded, falling into the comforting lull of believing anything was possible with Taehyung's promising words.

"I know it's easier said than done, but you're doing so well, Koo." Taehyung continued, pulling him into a grounding embrace even at their high level. "So, so well."

"You think so?" His voice cracked as the muffled words were buried into Taehyung's chest. They took it in stride. Tried to at least. Let things happen when they happened, deal with them when they did or it'd all be so overwhelming.

Lips pressed against his ear, Taehyung kissing down his neck to his shoulder. "I know so."

"Thanks, Tae." He ran his hands down the man's chest and leaned back to gaze at his clothing. "Now, seriously what're you wearing tonight?"

"I was sent a nice shirt recently. A baby blue with ruffle lining..." Taehyung moved to find it, seeing it still wrapped in a garment bag. Jungkook assisted him in removing it, gasping slightly when the shirt was unraveled.

"Oh, you have to wear this."

"Hm?" Taehyung laughed. "You like it, angel?"

"It's stunning." He clapped, grazing a finger over the flower detailing on the shoulders, slightly crushed from the bag, ruffled high collar extending down the buttons. The cuffs of the sleeves were ruffled too, giving a grand royal effect.

"Then, I'll wear it." The model placed the hanger besides Jungkook's clothes and then kissed his forehead. "Thank you for the help, kind sir."

Jungkook giggled, slightly exasperated knowing the image of Taehyung in the blue shirt that drowned his thoughts wouldn't even do the actual result justice. He leaned against the center island again as Taehyung approached him. Let the model run a hand down his curves and settle clasped fingers at the small of his back. He relaxed with every touch, eased into mind-numbing warmth.

"Hey, Jungkook?"

He leaned into the brush of air spoken on his lips, eyes drooping shut. "Yeah?"

"Thanks for showing me how fun Christmas can be. Holidays, friend events, normal things." His smile was small and Jungkook rubbed his finger along the plump red skin. "If I get to spend it with you every year, I think Christmas will be my favorite holiday, too."

Jungkook moved his fingers down to hold Taehyung's chin and guide their lips together. His hands found the model's biceps, hidden under the twill jacket, pearls smooth in contrast to the rough texture of the twill. Jungkook trailed his hair up to the model's neck, digging his fingers into the thick hair at the nape of his tan neck.

"Tae..." he sighed as the man pressed closer against him, chests expanding in sync and crushing their hearts together. He wanted to be closer, wanted to be shoved into Taehyung's chest and feel everything deeper. It wasn't the time for it, though, not with preparations for the evening still having yet to be completed.

"Ugh, I'm craving more cookies." Taehyung suddenly mouthed on the edge of his jaw, causing Jungkook to spew out a low laugh, combing fingers through his boyfriend's hair and feeling him leave a kiss on the mole below his bottom lip.

"Your poor dietician." The younger pinched his cheeks and Taehyung pouted. "Glad you don't have any shoots for a few days."

"I'm off until after New Years," Taehyung beamed, arms around Jungkook's waist moving to grip the edge of the counter. "Except this one holiday event with Versace."

"Huh? When?" Jungkook snapped away to look at him.

"Twenty seventh." Taehyung stepped away to give him a chance to stand straight. "I was wondering if you'd come with."

"To a big event?"

"Invitation only. No photographers. I wouldn't ask if there were, you know that."

"Do you want me there?" Jungkook asked curiously and the model was equally surprised by the question.

"What does that mean?"

"I mean, are you going to worry about me if I'm there with you? Or will you actually enjoy?"

"I'll enjoy with you." Taehyung murmured, taking Jungkook's hand and stroked it gently— noticing the disbelief in Jungkook's features. "You don't have to answer now. Versace will let me RSVP last minute if need be."

"You're so cool." Jungkook chuckled instead, shoving his shoulder playfully.

Cool? Taehyung hadn't been called cool before. It was so casual. Normal. Like what Jungkook would say to a normal person back in Busan.

Jungkook saw him as normal. And Taehyung suddenly found that he loved being called cool.

"Am I cool enough for you to go to the event with me?" Taehyung teased.

"I feel like I'm being asked to the school dance, oh god." The younger buried his face in his hands as Taehyung guided his hands away from his face so the adorably flushed cheeks were on show. "Like American Proms in those stupid movies?

"Don't think I know what you're talking about. I'm just asking my boyfriend to attend a business gathering with me."

"Business gathering— I can't believe you."

"It is business!"

"Getting invited to a Versace event is business— you're seriously too damn cool, Kim Taehyung."

"My priceless accessory." He joked and Jungkook rolled his eyes. "I'll show you off so everyone in the room knows how amazing you are."

"You know I love you, but if you show me off, I'll run right out of that room." The photographer warned, laughing with his next words. "I'll be like a watch on your wrist. Some fancy Rolex."

"Rolex's aren't priceless like you."

"Then, what is like me?" Jungkook glanced around the closet in search of something he might be able to throw out as a comparison. "What expensive accessory can I be?"

"Is that a yes to going?"

"Sure."

Taehyung grinned and patted his cheek. "Then, you're an accessory on a completely different level than the rest, angel. Can't compare your worth to something that doesn't exist."

His smile grew as he shoved his skull into the model's chest, feeling the deep laugh echo in his head. Cheeks aflame. Hands gripping the simple shirt at Taehyung's sides underneath the twill jacket.

"Aw, baby, what's wrong?"

"Shut up, Tae."

Another chuckle, his naturally deep voice making every nerve tingle. "I mean it."

"And I hate you."

"Really?" The model was grinning and Jungkook punched him lightly. "I can tell the hatred runs awfully deep."

"You're the worst."

"My angel is so sweet. I love him so much."

"Tae." Jungkook sniffed, raising his head. "I love you, too."

"I know, Koo." Taehyung kissed the crown of his head. "My darling angel."

"You're going to make me cry in a room worth more than million dollars."

"Million dollar tears." Taehyung teased before taking off the twill jacket and leaving the rest of his mismatched outfit to be. "Let's go. The party won't prepare itself."

—

The apartment smelled of berries and cinnamon, hints of pine cutting through the sweet aromas. The Christmas tree was glowing bright as the sun began to set, taking over as the light in their endless day. The kitchen island was arranged with plates of various foods, snacks and more filling assortments.

Colorful string lights were hung around the walls, leaving vibrant hues to shine on the plain surfaces, and festive music was accompanying the chatter of the room.

None of them were very much religious, but it was a nice way to gather together, an excuse to dress up by choice, eat lots of food and enjoy another party.

Taehyung grumbled in the ruthless hug Hoseok dragged him into upon stepping in the flat's entrance. Jin had been with him all afternoon, lingering to help them with food in the morning before going and spending time with the dancer. Both of them had gift bags in their hands, Taehyung directing them to the tree as Jungkook raced towards them to hug them hello as well.

"Jungkookie! Merry Christmas!" Jin laughed, setting his things down to hug the youngest. He leaned away and gazed down at his clothing with admiration. "Oh, this is stunning. Taehyung's?"

"We did some hunting in his closet today." Jungkook giggled, playing with the cuffs on his sleeves. "He takes full advantage of getting a room for all those clothes."

"Well, I took the room with the bigger closet, so..." Jin threw his arm over his shoulder just as Yoongi and Jimin came out of the kitchen, bickering.

"You are fifth wheeling with me right now." Yoongi reminded.

"I am not." Jimin huffed. "I have a man."

"Yeah? Where is he? I don't see him. Fifth wheel with me, ugh." Yoongi ended up ruffling Jimin's hair before the two shut up and noticed the senior model and dancer, tackling them.

"Merry Christmas!" Jimin exclaimed, Hoseok catching him on his back and tucking his hands in the crook of his knee as Jimin threw his arms around his neck. "Piggy back ride! Go, Seok, go!"

The two dancers, bubbly with energy began laughing around the premises latched onto each other. Yoongi walked with Taehyung to the kitchen, eyeing the wine wall.

"Hyung," Taehyung leaned against the counter and reveled the sight of Jin and Jungkook talking amongst one another while the other two ran like children. "How was your day?"

"Hmm?" Yoongi grabbed his sleeve and pointed to the topmost bottle on the wall, "grab that for me, will you?"

Taehyung laughed at the indirect height complaint and reached up to bring the bottle down, turning the wine in his hand to read the label. "Pahlmeyer Merlot. Is this a good one?"

"Expensive, so I hope so." Yoongi nudged him while Taehyung handed some glasses and the wine opener over. "My day was good. Talked to my parents today and I'm planning to go to Daegu after the showcase."

Going to Daegu.

Taehyung's throat ran dry as he nodded meekly. "That sounds nice. I hope you enjoy. I was actually going to ask something about the showcase."

"Would you want to come with?" Yoongi offered, voice tipping towards hopeful because he knew. "Take a trip back home?"

There it was. And there went Taehyung's ability to breathe. After seven years away, having left his parents' contacts untouched since his and Bogum's falling apart... Taehyung wasn't sure he could face them.

"Maybe." He eventually mumbled, though the halfhearted response made Yoongi's shoulders deflate ever so slightly as the offer's rejection was clear.

The producer hummed and snapped off the cork of the wine bottle, proceeding to pour quarter full glasses for everyone. "What'd you want to ask about for the showcase?"

"I, uh..." Taehyung smiled sheepishly, flushing slightly. "Jungkook actually suggested it, but I was wondering if you'd help me prepare a live performance for Sweet Night?"

Yoongi's brows shot upwards, setting the bottle down and turning to him. "You're going to perform in the show?"

"It'd be a good experience. And he brought up how it'd be a nice way to show a vulnerable side to my fans... a realer version of myself after everything's come to an end."

The older was quiet for a moment, returning to his pouring of wine, silence drawn out until Taehyung finally noticed his lips quirk upward.

"I think that's a wonderful idea." Yoongi reached a hand over to pat Taehyung's. "I'd be happy to help. Wouldn't need to do much with the track itself, just need the one without your audio added in. Getting you accustomed to stage mechanics is more important."

A weight lifted off Taehyung's shoulder. He knew Yoongi wasn't going to say no, whether he sprung it up then or three weeks later, the night before the show. It was more relieving with his reassurance that the work to perform live was more practice based, which Taehyung could do.

"Thanks, Hyung." He balanced a few filled glasses between his fingers, Yoongi grabbing the other three, before they both passed around the wine.

The six of them were gathered around the living room when Taehyung felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and excused himself.

Jungkook, who had an arm around his waist, hugging his side, jerked up and sent him a look of concern. The younger must have assumed it was a work call, but when Taehyung glanced at the caller ID, he smiled at the younger and kissed his cheek before leaving his hold and walking down the hall to a quieter space.

"Hey, Hyung, did you find my driver?" He whispered into the device, eyeing the space to make sure he was out of earshot.

"Yeah, we are actually five minutes away! Just wanted to let you know."

The model grinned to himself, hearing the teetering excitement bubbling in Namjoon's voice. He leaned against the corridor wall, finger tracing the handle of his bedroom door subconsciously.

"I'm really excited." He chuckled. "The train ride was alright?"

"Packed for last minute holiday traveling, but I finished a new book I've been wanting to read for a while."

"Good to hear."

Taehyung stiffened as Jimin came rounding the corner, whispering a hasty 'gotta go' before hanging up and pocketing the device.

"Hey, Jimin. You alright?" The model pushed off the wall as he noticing a slight discomfort masking Jimin's awareness of Taehyung even standing before him.

"Oh, Taehyung, you're here." The dancer smiled gratefully as Taehyung placed a light hand on his shoulder and squeezed the limb. "Just missing him."

"Ah," he worked every muscle in his mouth to keep calm and not beam so brightly that the entire surprise was blown off minutes before. "I understand that."

"Mhm." Jimin sighed and reached for the model's hand on his shoulder, encasing the thin wrist in his small hand. "I've never been apart from Namjoon for Christmas. And we talked briefly in the morning before he had to go and I haven't heard from him since... I just feel distant."

Oh, Jimin. Taehyung frowned, suddenly inclined to ruin the surprise in order to keep a smile on the dancer's face. Just hang in there for a bit longer.

"I know distance can't be easy." Taehyung mumbled, twining his fingers with Jimin and swinging their hands. "You both are really good with communication."

"We have to be or this would have never worked." Jimin shrugged. "It's alright, Tae. Just miss him. I'm glad I have you all here for the holidays, though."

That was that, yet another implication of Jimin's words prompted Taehyung to address a nagging thought.

"Jimin," Taehyung pursed his lips, hand falling away from the older's. "You're spending enough time with Jungkook, right? I know the two of us being together is new, but you both are best friends and the both of you are a relationship I certainly would be heartbroken seeing ruined. And being the cause of it—"

"Why the hell are you thinking like that?" Jimin swatted his arm and Taehyung cracked a small smile. "I'm glad that guy's leaving the flat, getting away from his desk. It's a lot of change for us all, but it's all good change."

He nodded, chuckling slightly. "Jungkook spends a lot of time working or gaming, that's for sure." Taehyung titled his head with the falter of his smile. "I just really hope I'm not taking him from you. It's not a battle, I don't ever want it to be."

"Tae, it's not," Jimin reached up and pinched his cheek, causing Taehyung to recoil. "It's never a fight over him. He's his own person and he spends time where he wants. That doesn't mean how much we care for him changes."

"Good point." Taehyung agreed. "Like you and Namjoon Hyung."

"Well, a bit more platonic of a love," Jimin laughed, causing the model to grin. "Don't ever worry. I'll be honest with you if I ever think such, but I love that idiot whether he got snatched or not."

"I, for one, think he snatched me. Not the other way around."

The dancer pulled him into a hug before leaning away and scrunching his nose. "This is too serious of a conversation for Christmas Eve."

"I feel like I'm wrapping up personal lose ends." Taehyung explained. "But, yeah, that's that. Oh, were you over here for something? I just stopped you without thinking."

"Need to pee, actually," Taehyung laughed as the guy sided past him and slowly headed toward the bathroom. "Thanks for talking to me. I needed that, Tae."

And then he disappeared behind the door, the twinkling anticipation of Namjoon's coming presence making Taehyung's heartbeat drum in his skull. Everything was simply buzzing, Taehyung feeling somehow energized and relaxed all at once.

Walking back out with one last check of the time, Taehyung thumped down on the couch by Jungkook, who was swirling his wine glass around, drunk hardly touched.

"Hey, Tae," the photographer greeted him with a hug. "Is everything okay?"

"More than okay." He cooed, Jungkook's wide bunny smile making him lean in for a swift peck on the lips. "I'm feeling good."

"You haven't touched your wine." Jungkook reached forward to grab his glass from the coffee table. "Here."

"Thank you." He dipped it slowly, the taste burning the back of his throat, bitter and rough on his tongue. But it was nice. "Jin Hyung, are you going to Versace?"

"Nah," Jin shook his head from one of the arm chairs adjacent to the sofa. "My YSL shoot is that evening."

"But we shot that one on the same day?"

"You left early, but the weather shit on us." Jin rolled his eyes. "Mother Nature forced a reschedule."

"Damn." Jungkook chewed his lip. "I'm going with Tae to the event."

"You're going to that?" Hoseok jolted up. "Really?"

"It's private." Taehyung pointed out. "No cameras, just the invited guests."

"No one will make a scene of Jungkook being present?" Yoongi raised the obvious con.

"I'll stay close to Taehyung during and leave if it's uncomfortable." He shrugged. "Just want to see what these gatherings are like. Wanna get out of the house a bit, too."

"I think it'll be good for you." Jin nodded. "Wang's going to be there, Taehyung, did you know?"

"Oh? So is Hyungsik." He clapped his hands excitedly after setting his glass down. "That's great! Jungkook and I can meet them both."

"I haven't seen Jackson Hyung in a while." Jungkook grabbed Taehyung's arm, more inclined towards going with the mutual friend's mention. "And meeting Hyungsik-shi? That would be amazing."

"Have fun, you two." Yoongi chuckled. "Can't wait to hear about it."

"Hear about what?"

Jimin sat next to Taehyung, taking the only spot available in the living room space and nudging the model's shoulder.

"That Versace event I told you about, Hyung." Jungkook leaned forward to look at him past Taehyung. "I'll get to meet Jackson Hyung there, too."

Taehyung felt his phone vibrate once more with the exact timing of the camera beside the apartment's front door lighting up. His eye caught it from practice, but Jungkook seemed to notice his jerk of attention, too.

"Huh?" The photographer stood. "Who's here? Were we expecting anyone?"

"Not that I know of...?" Jin frowned, all their eyes directed at the screen, too far to make out the person standing there. Taehyung quickly stood and passed Jungkook to shield the camera with his body and stand beside the door.

"Uh, Tae?" Jimin asked. "Are you going to check?"

"So, I might have planned a small little surprise..." he started, clasping his hands behind his back as the unrestrained smile tugged his lips from ear to ear. "Thought it'd complete our party."

His gaze flicked between Jungkook and Jimin, everyone standing in confusion and eagerly waiting for the door to be opened.

Jimin stated expectantly at Jungkook, who shrugged cluelessly.

"Merry Christmas." Taehyung's voice boomed over the music audio trickling in the air, skin tingling as his hand unlocked the knob and he pulled the door open.

He opened it enough for just him at first, eyes widening a bit when he had to wrench his gaze upwards to take Namjoon in for the first time.

"Tae!" The man whispered, stepping forward. He had a suitcase sitting by his legs, satchel hanging off one shoulder. His winter coat made his broad, toned shape appear even more looming and bear-like, making Taehyung unsure of whether he wanted to tackle him with a hug or run away in fear. The bright smile solidified his settlement on option one. "Hey, I made it in one piece!"

"Joonie Hyung, wow, you're really tall." Taehyung gaped slightly, glancing over his shoulder and seeing Jungkook coming towards the door. Was Namjoon's voice audible over the music? "Time for the reveal?"

"I've been preparing myself for Jimin's clinging all day, let's do it."

Taehyung laughed and moved with the door as he pulled it open all the way. Jungkook froze in his tracks, body slackening in shock as he caught sight of his friend in the doorway.

Jungkook snapped his gaze to Taehyung. "What the fuck?"

"Oh my god, you're kidding— oh my god—" Jimin was breathing out, clambering over the couch and drowning out excited laughter from the others, stumbling into the open arms of Namjoon's. The satchel was tossed to the ground as his suitcase rolled on the wood floors, hitting the dining table leg and sitting there, forgotten.

Taehyung shut the door and leaned against it as Jimin jumped into the man's arms, legs encompassing his waist and Namjoon's strong figure bundled him up like wrapping paper on a present. The dancer was crying, overwhelmed with the appearance just as Taehyung had predicted considering the distance was effecting him the most on that day itself.

"Joonie Hyung—" Jungkook choked out, shuffling forward as Jimin's feet touched the ground and Namjoon held his boyfriend close.

"Bun," the man let Jungkook side into his free arm and placed his chin on the crown of Jungkook's head, hugging him with care. "I missed you both."

"How are you— you're here, Joonie—" Jimin took his jaw in his small hands and left warm kisses all over his face, Taehyung stepping towards them as Jungkook reached for his hand.

"You planned this?" The younger asked him, hands pressing the ruffled lining of his shirt, shaking against him. "I can't believe you, Taehyung. This means so damn much."

"It wouldn't be complete without him." Taehyung brushed back Jungkook's hair and kissed his forehead. His heart swelled in his chest with all the love it could contain, beginning to ache as tears welled along Jungkook's waterline.

"Thank you." Jungkook's hands were trying to find stability with firm grips on the back of his shirt, crumpling the material and Taehyung didn't mind.

Instead, he just stroked the tears hanging onto his bottom lashes away, fingertips wetting. "You deserve it. All three of you deserve it."

Jungkook held his hand and tugged him back towards Namjoon, who was swaying with the greatest hug he'd ever given to the dancer. Jin, Hoseok and Yoongi moved into the foyer to welcome the man, handshakes and hugs, Taehyung explaining how they arranged it and getting a hefty tackle of a hug from Jimin; he was drowned in countless thank you's.

It made him feel lightheaded, the appreciation he could feel, the love between Jimin and Namjoon strengthened with reunification, finally allowing the celebrities a chance to meet the man, Jungkook kissing the back of his hand and leaning into him before he let go to hug Namjoon once more.

"You didn't call me all day because you suck at lying to me." Jimin realized, burying his body into Namjoon's chest. "I was so upset that you were ignoring me."

"I wouldn't ever do that without a good reason." The bookstore owner assured, voice low and soft. "I'm sorry I made you upset."

Taehyung grinned at the small pouty whine Jimin made through his thick sobs, as if he was actually mad. "It's okay— you came, I forgive you— just stay."

"I'm here until New Years, baby." Namjoon let Jimin cling to him as expected, enjoying the warmth as Jungkook took Namjoon's bags and moved to set them in the guest room. Taehyung smiled at the pair before tagging along with Jungkook, grabbing the satchel off his shoulders to help.

They set the bags down in the guest room, lingering there for a moment as Jungkook caught sight of himself in the bedroom's standing mirror.

"Oh, this shirt really is nice." He murmured, voice low but audible in the quiet space. Everything was muted in that room, the door cracked open and blocking out much of the sound.

Taehyung stepped over the bags and wrapped his arms around Jungkook. His chin rested on the younger's shoulder, chest pressed against Jungkook's silk back. The model turned his face into the column of skin and left touches along Jungkook's neck, the younger sighing at the feeling and letting his eyes flutter shut.

"You keep it. I never looked good in it, anyway." Taehyung hummed, fixing the silk collar. "You're beautiful."

"So are you." Jungkook immediately breathed out, pressing himself further back into Taehyung. "We should go back— I want to catch up with Hyung—"

"I know, angel." He chuckled against his cheek, hugging Jungkook with a nuzzle of his face into the younger's shoulder, eliciting a bright giggle before they climbed over the lump of bags. "Are you excited for gifts?"

"I swear if you bought me expensive things, Taehyung."

Taehyung smiled wide at the warning, shrugging like he was innocent. "Money well spent."

"Tae."

"What? I know you bought me something expensive, too. Don't Tae me."

"Oh, about that... I won't be able to get you your gift until your birthday. There was some delays in things and then everything closed for the holidays, so it won't be there under the tree tomorrow which ruins the whole effect. I'm sorry."

Taehyung took Jungkook's hand and stopped him in the hallway, hearing the laughter and jokes shooting around their friends in great conversation.

"I don't care." Taehyung cupped his face, smiling softly with teary eyes. "I don't care when or what you give me, anything means the world. Nothing means the world, too, if you're right here with me."

"Of course I got you something. Your actual birthday gift is something else, too. Everything's a mess." Jungkook groaned, head falling into his chest. Taehyung frowned at the revealing of a second gift and stroked Jungkook's hair. "It'll work out, I guess."

"You're doing too much." His worry deepened at the stress seeming to follow Jungkook's gifts for him.

"It's actually nice," Jungkook shrugged, leaning away to meet his gaze. "Don't think about the whole media thing when I'm focused on you."

"That sounds an awful lot like something I used to say." His arms fell to his sides. "Koo, please—"

"Tae, I'm taking good care of myself. I promise." The younger kissed his cheek. "It's a healthier version of what you used to do, I won't be a hypocrite."

"Promise?"

"Yes, I promise, silly." Jungkook laughed and the sound was genuine, lifting a weight off Taehyung's chest.

"Okay, let's go back then. I trust you."

"Yoongi Hyung told me about the showcase thing." Jungkook was halfway down the hall and Taehyung followed behind, admiring every part of the younger, who he'd come to give his heart to. "I'm really glad you decided to do it."

"You can be very convincing. And smart. Hard to resist." Jungkook giggled at his words and Taehyung felt the aching fondness that he'd felt when he'd been in Paris, where everything was right and perfect. Where his world felt at piece and that it was going the right way.

He felt like himself. The best version of himself. The best he'd yet to find and as they rejoined the party, the small realization made him breathless. Breathless over how much he'd changed for the better and saved himself as much as being saved.

Taehyung had smiled at his own appearance back in the guest bedroom's mirror, a split second, admiring his own figure and the way his ruffling shirt fell across the broad plane of his chest, the protruding flower detailing at the shoulders.

He'd admired how nice he looked beside Jungkook.

It felt so good. Good because he saw something beautiful there. Just like he had in Paris.

And he was glad he banned Jungkook from his camera, getting to see the guy's face all night without a block hiding it. Jungkook's sweet smile, his wide eyes staring at awe, shying away after kissing Namjoon's head out of disbelief.

Taehyung was delighted he had banned the younger from taking photos because Jungkook seemed to forget that he usually wasn't a part of the scene and attained a level of happiness he'd found rare in the younger. Even more rare after his pictures had been released.

Music and food, drinks and everyone crashing at the apartment to wake up in the morning for gifts. Yoongi and Namjoon got along extremely well, maybe a mirroring of Jungkook and Yoongi's immediate connection.

They made a toast to theirselves, to future parties together as a group of seven friends who came together thanks to Taehyung's first message to Jungkook months ago.

Namjoon and Jimin got to sleep in each other's arms after ages, Hoseok and Jin ended up on the couch after shoving their protests away and Yoongi stole Jin's bed for the night.

Taehyung lulled Jungkook to sleep with his quiet humming of Sweet Night, voice drifting with the quiet of night after their celebrations had come to an end.

He could hardly sleep knowing what he'd gifted to the younger, sitting under the tree, hopefulness making him restless, but Jungkook's draping limbs, the quiet murmurs to sleep, on his body helped him relax.

Staring out the windows, seeing the skyscrapers that towered around his apartment complex, Taehyung felt his heart warm from giving.

Just giving himself to Jungkook. Giving himself a better life. Giving himself a chance to love again, and love more than he ever would have imagined a year ago.

—

thank you for 70k and being patient with me!!💙💙

tae's gift time :D