[bts: v/jungkook] you're the night sky, the fire in my eyes
title: you're the night sky, the fire in my eyes
pairing: v/jungkook
word count: 9,504
a/n: originally posted for btsx 2016 and written for ao3 user pancakeville.
you're the night sky, the fire in my eyes
The wedding invitation comes in a pale, coral pink envelope (First of all, how the hell does he know that it's coral pink? Second of all, why is it coral pink?), complete with an embossed floral design along the flap. Jungkook's stomach lurches as he sees the paper laid out on the kitchen counter. It sticks out like an eyesore on top his calculus homework.
He walks over, shaking his bangs to get rid of the leftover sweat from dance practice. He snatches the envelope up, stealing a furtive glance around the room, even though both his roommates are gone.
Jungkook flips the envelope over in his hands. On the front, KIM NAMJOON and KIM SEOKJIN are scribbled in a familiar, messy handwriting.
Jungkook spends a grand total of five seconds debating before he tears the envelope open.
He pulls out the invitation, a sturdy, thick piece of off-white paper (the terribly expensive kind of cardboard paper that’s far out of Jungkook’s budget) with a debossed cupcake border. Jungkook's eyes skim over the invitation, grin slowly spreading across his face until he gets to one line near the bottom.
Please check box for a +1 and R.S.V.P by next Saturday.
A hastily drawn box is on the left side of the scribbled message, with a large "X" through it. The "X" creates an indent on the invitation, and the box is circled with highlighter and Jungkook rolls his eyes. Underneath the box is another small message.
Don't think that you're getting out of this, Jungkook!! I drew this box just for you and we already made accommodations for your plus one. You better bring them with you, otherwise I'll be extremely disappointed.
The door to the kitchen swings open, and Jungkook spins around to see Junhong. His face must be more stricken than he feels, because when Junhong looks at Jungkook he does a double-take.
"Are you okay?" Junhong asks softly with a small frown, dropping his bag on a nearby chair.
"Who does he mean by a plus one?" Jungkook demands, shoving the invitation into Junhong's hand. "What plus one? Who in the world is supposed to be my plus one?"
Junhong glances at it before handing it back over.
"Maybe try calling him?" Junhong suggests. He stops by the refrigerator on his way out, snatching a carton of milk. After pouring some into a glass,he leaves the carton uncapped on the counter as he scampers to his room.
Jungkook glares at the offensive, off-white invitation with a debossed, cupcake pattern that's too thick to be a piece of paper in his hands as he unlocks his phone.
Seokjin picks up in five and a half rings.
"Hyung," Jungkook says flatly, cutting off the older boy's greeting.
"Yes?" Seokjin hums on the other end of the line. "Is there something you want, Jungkookie?"
"What exactly," Jungkook blanches as he looks back down at the invitation in his hand, "do you mean by a 'plus one'?" The gold cupcakes along the edge of the paper wink at him and Jungkook gives the piece of paper another glare.
"Your boyfriend?" Seokjin answers in his “duh” voice. Jungkook's arm flails and hits something.
"Oh," he says as he looks at the rapidly forming pool of milk next to his feet. Junhong is going to have to buy more, that was their last carton. What a waste of perfectly good milk. At least he hasn’t started crying over it yet.
"Oh?" Seokjin laughs. "I'm excited to meet this mysterious boyfriend of yours that you refuse to tell me about. I thought I was your favorite hyung."
"You are," Jungkook assures him as he watches his calculus notes absorb the white liquid. "It's just that..." he trails off as he looks for the paper towels, attempting to ignore the way the milk sloshes around in his socks. He spots them on the dining table, and makes a beeline for the roll.
"Yeah, don't worry, I get it." Seokjin says. "Make sure you actually bring him. Think of it as a wedding present for me."
"Hyung," Jungkook complains as he quickly cleans up the mess on the kitchen counter. He looks at his calculus notes somberly- he's going to have to explain to Yoongi how exactly that happened. "Do I really have to?"
"The cake testing is sometime next week," Seokjin chirps and Jungkook can hear the satisfaction in his voice. "I'll text you details later tonight. You're going to be our honorary cake tester," then he proceeds to hang up on him.
Jungkook groans loudly, resting his head on the cool kitchen counter. "I hate you," he mutters into his phone.
He takes a look at the wrinkled calculus notes on the counter, the pool of milk next to his feet, the pink wedding invitation, and decides that he is very, very screwed.
“Jungkookie,” Jimin calls out, and Jungkook picks his face up from the kitchen table. Jimin waves as he approaches, large smile on his face contrasting the dark circles under his eyes. He sets his bag down on the table, medicine textbooks banging on the wooden surface, leaning across to ruffle Jungkook's hair.
Whereas Jungkook would normally duck out of the way or swat Jimin's hand aside, this time he only lets out a loud moan.
"You look sick," Jimin comments as he sits down. Jungkook sends him a halfhearted glare as he looks back at the plate of food in front of him.
"I am sick. Very sick. I ate too much cake when we were cake-testing with Seokjin and now I can't eat dinner." He picks up his chopsticks, poking at the fried rice. Seokjin made if for just for him, too. Jungkook knows a bribe when he sees one, but if he's going to go down he might as well go down with good food.
"How terrible," Jimin deadpans as he snatches Jungkook's chopsticks for himself, pulling Jungkook's plate towards him.
"Hey," Jungkook protests as he bolts up. "That's my fried rice."
"Well, it’s not like you’re going to eat it," Jimin argues around a mouthful of food, and Jungkook wrinkles his nose at him. "I just came back from dance practice, cut me some slack."
"Yeah, but it's mine," Jungkook mutters as he kicks the leg of his chair. "Besides, I was eating all that cake because once Seokjin finds out that I don't actually have a boyfriend to bring to his wedding, I'm not going to be enjoy anything good in life anymore."
Jimin pauses with the chopsticks halfway up to his mouth. His eyes widen, and the corners of his mouth slowly creep upwards. "Oh yeah, that," he practically cackles.
"Shut up," Jungkook hisses as he aims a kick at Jimin's shin. His eyes dart around the kitchen, just to make sure that there isn't anyone from his dorm that could be listening to them.
"So, how's your non-existent boyfriend?" Jimin teases as Jungkook's fried rice continues to dwindle.
"I only told Seokjin that to get him off my back for that one night," Jungkook protests. "It's not my fault he actually took me seriously."
"Well, maybe you should find a boyfriend or someone willing to pretend to be your boyfriend," Jimin suggests. “You can break up with them after the wedding and there you go, problem solved. You have four months, anyway. Shouldn’t be a problem for you.”
A light bulb goes off in Jungkook's head.
"Hyung," he says slowly as he looks at Jimin. There must be something on his face, because Jimin's eyes slowly narrow and his chair scrapes against the linoleum floor as he scoots backwards. "Can you help me find a boyfriend?" Jungkook asks eagerly.
"Boyfriend? Are you asking me to go out with you?" The older boy raises an eyebrow. "Is this a confession, Jeon Jungkook? Are you okay? Is college finally getting to you?” He reaches out to put the back of his hand to Jungkook’s forehead.
Jungkook grimaces, swatting Jimin’s hand aside. "Urgh, no," he's slightly horrified that Jimin would even ask that. There's just something terribly unappealing about dating someone he's known since he was ten. Especially when that someone is Park Jimin.
"It's okay, I wouldn't have accepted it anyway," Jimin miffs, pretending to clutch his chest in mock hurt.
"But can you? Help me find a boyfriend for Seokjin's wedding?" he asks once more, stomachache completely forgotten.
"You only call me hyung when you want something from me," Jimin mutters to himself, letting out a long exhale. "Yes, Jungkookie, I can help you find a fake boyfriend. I know a guy."
Jungkook beams.
In retrospect, Jungkook probably should have asked Jimin what exactly he meant by I know a guy before he agreed to meet said guy. Date, his mind supplies traitorously as he pulls down his hat with more force than necessary. Junhong gives him a look as he looks up from his phone, and Donghyuk continues scribbling away at his homework.
Unfortunately, Jungkook had been preoccupied with trying to explain to Yoongi why the senior's calculus notes were sodden with milk to think about anything else. Yoongi hadn’t reacted well, and Jungkook had been lucky enough that Hoseok was in the same room as him. The woes of being a college freshman. Jungkook thinks he should be be allowed to make questionable life choices, including the current one, which involves him walking across campus to meet a stranger.
He spends the entire seven and a half minute walk shivering as the wind swirls around him violently. Jungkook's face is almost numb by the time he gets to the ramyeon shop, body shaking and teeth chattering. He walks further into the shop to search for Jimin, relishing the warmth.
The heat slowly returns to his hands as he rubs them, and Jungkook's mouth has begun to water by the time he locates his friend. The older boy is sitting at one of the tables tucked away in the corner of the room, laughing with someone Jungkook doesn't recognize.
Jungkook wipes the small bit of drool at his mouth before he walks up to the table. As he approaches, he gets a closer look at the other boy. A mop of dark hair with bangs framing his face, and his mouth is pulled into a rectangular smile. Jungkook is stunned by just how cute this could-be-an-axe-murderer stranger actually is.
"Jungkook," Jimin calls as soon as he sees him, snapping Jungkook out of his stupor. "This is my roommate, Taehyung." He grabs Jungkook's wrist, pulling him into the small booth next to him.
The first thing that comes out of Jungkook’s mouth is, "Oh,” and the second is “I thought you lived in a single." He squirms underneath Taehyung's gaze, and the other boy still hasn't blinked by the time Jungkook tears his eyes away.
"We've been roommates since our freshman year. You would have known this if you actually listened to what I said," Jimin comments, as he gives Jungkook a mock-offended look.
"And why would he do that?" Taehyung snorts, and suddenly the corner is a lot smaller than it had been five minutes ago.
"You two are so mean to me," Jimin whines as he elbows Jungkook's stomach. Jungkook's eyes water, and he barely notices Jimin climbing over him to get out of the booth.
"Where are you going?" he asks, voice climbing as Jimin shrugs on his winter jacket. His eyes flick back to Taehyung. The other boy is busy slurping his ramyeon and offers a sheepish smile when they make eye contact.
"Back to my dorm," Jimin says in his duh voice, and panic rises in Jungkook's chest. He leans across the table for his hat, nearly knocking the two bowls of ramyeon over. Taehyung gives him an affronted expression when he pulls back.
"You're going to leave the two of us here? Alone?" Jungkook asks. Jimin gives him A Look and Jungkook clamps his mouth shut, giving Jimin the dirtiest possible scowl he can summon. He’ll definitely make him pay for this later.
Jimin doesn't respond, opting for zipping up his jacket and pulling on his hat. "Have fun, Jungkookie," he says, with a snicker and wink. Only the effect is ruined, because his jacket is big and poofy and makes him look like a penguin. He's gone before a protest can even leave Jungkook’s mouth.
Jungkook looks back down at the table, at the bowl in front of him. (At least Jimin had been kind enough to order him a bowl of ramyeon, so he can't hate him entirely). He picks up the chopsticks, face heating up as he feels Taehyung's eyes on him.
Their knees knock together. Oddly enough, he doesn't entirely mind the invasion of his personal space by this stranger he just met five minutes ago.
"So," Jungkook trails off as he looks back down at the bowl of ramyeon as if it's the most interesting thing in the world. His mind scrambles for something to say, and eyes flick upwards to find Taehyung scrutinizing him once more. "What do you major in?"
Let it be known that Jeon Jungkook has never been good at conversing when flustered with cute guys.
"Biomedical major," Taehyung answers with an easy grin. "And you? Have you declared yet?" He asks the question with a genuineness that eases the tension in Jungkook's chest.
"I'm thinking about double majoring," Jungkook responds as Taehyung's knee bumps into his once more. When he looks back up, Taehyung flashes him an innocent grin as he chews on the ends of his chopsticks.
"You really are an overachiever, aren't you?" Taehyung laughs, Jungkook almost wishes he'd stop because it's so blinding. "Jiminie was right about that."
"Not really," Jungkook mutters as he scratches the back of his neck. "And you're just a weird upperclassman who agrees to pretend to date people-" Jungkook freezes. "Wait, Jimin did tell you about..."
"That's me, the weird upperclassman. And yeah, Jimin told me all about the wedding," Taehyung dismisses with an easy wave of his hand.
"Yeah. The wedding," Jungkook swallows the lump in his throat. He reaches for the glass of water, lukewarm liquid trickling down his throat.
"I didn't realize that by being the weird upperclassman, I'd get to fake date someone as cute as you," Taehyung teases, bumping his knee into Jungkook's once more. "I can't wait to get to know you, Jeon Jungkook."
It had taken Jungkook an entire two weeks to become comfortable around Jimin when their parents first introduced them to one another. But with Taehyung, Jungkook's layers peel off easily. By their second get-to-know-you-because-we're-supposed-to-be-dating meeting, Taehyung seems to know Jungkook almost as well as Jimin and Seokjin do.
Of course, they aren't actually dating.
"You know," Jimin starts, as reaches for his toes. His hair is completely soaked, and Jungkook thinks that he can see a few drops of red dye staining his shirt. They’re both stretching out their muscles after a grueling three hours of dance practice. "Seokjin is going to drill you nonstop about Taehyung."
"Yeah? And?" Jungkook looks Jimin in the eye. The wedding is only two months off and he's been trying his best to push it to the back of his mind. Unfortunately, Jungkook's mind doesn't like to agree with him, so it's all he can think about.
"All I'm saying," Jimin drawls as he pushes back his bangs, "is that you need two actually need to go on a few dates so other people see, and Seokjin won’t be suspicious. Quick, what's his favorite color?"
"Black and white," Jungkook answers automatically. Jimin grins as Jungkook’s mouth continues of his own accord. "Sometimes he likes green though. It's why he got highlights."
"Food?"
"Japchae."
"Anime?"
"The sports one."
"But which sports one?" Jimin presses, waggling his eyebrows. Jungkook shoves him away, sending him crashing into the floor.
"The basketball one? Slam Dunk?" He offers and Jimin is still looking at him expectantly. "The other basketball one then? I don't remember. Maybe it's the one about the two kings with the red and blue-"
"Tsk, step up your game, Jungkook. The volleyball one. Next question. Animal?"
"Uh... Lions?"
"Oh come on, that one's easy," Jimin sniffs as he furrows his eyebrows and waves his hand around in frustration. "Anyone could answer that just by looking at him."
"What's the point of all this, anyway?" Jungkook mutters.
"Blood type?" Jimin continues, looking at him expectantly.
Jungkook almost hits the back of his head against the mirror as he sputters in surprise. "Why would I know that? That's creepy? I don't even know my blood type."
"He's AB, and you're an A," Jimin informs him as he shoots a stream of water into his mouth. "What?" he asks when he finally notices Jungkook gaping at him. We went together to donate blood that one time in high school."
"Are you done know?" Jungkook asks wearily as he wipes the excess sweat off his forehead. "I'm tired and I have a test to study for." He pushes himself off the hardwood floor, moving to the corner to get his bag. Hoseok had drilled them relentlessly today, in preparation for the upcoming dance competition. The weariness has already set into his bones, and Jungkook wants nothing more than to collapse on his lumpy, warm bed.
"Just hear me out," Jimin says as he quickly jumps up from the dance floor as well.
Jungkook waits for the older boy as he pulls on his jacket and stuffs his head into his hat. He holds the door open for Jimin as he hobbles out while tying up his loose shoelace.
"Yeah?" Jungkook asks as they begin to walk back to the dorms. Underneath them, the snow crunches and when he exhales he can see a small puff of white.
"What I'm saying is that Seokjin is obviously going to grill you down to the nitty gritty about Taehyung," Jimin laughs at Jungkook’s grimace. "He's going to ask around and he might think something’s fishy if no one can say anything about you two."
"I just want to get the wedding over with already," Jungkook sighs as his shoulders slump. He watches the footprints his sneakers leave on the unshoveled sidewalk.
"There, there. Taehyung is a really nice guy," Jimin pats his shoulder consolingly. "You two just need to go on a few fake dates and voila, everything will be perfect. That, and you actually need to be willing to do all that touchy-coupley stuff too. Seokjin won't suspect a th-"
Jungkook thinks the snowball to Jimin's face is well-deserved. He grins as Jimin blinks in shock, wiping the powdery dust off his face. The gawking only lasts a moment though, before it's replaced by a mischievous smile and Jungkook starts sprinting back towards his dorm, laughing.
One of the first things Jungkook learns about Kim Taehyung is that he's extremely touchy. That had already been evident from their first meeting, when he constantly knocked their knees together. It had taken Jungkook an entire two hours after the not-date to finally figure that Taehyung was only doing it on purpose the first twenty times.
"Jungkookie!" Taehyung exclaims as the door to his room swings open. His bangs are tied up in a small ponytail at the top of his head, threatening to topple over with all the loose strands hanging out of his hair tie. The older boy stifles a yawn as he pushes his glasses up the bridge up his nose, scratching his alien pajama-covered leg.
The second thing Jungkook learns is that Taehyung has a weird affinity for cutting holes in his shirts. There are small slits near the collar of the rumpled white fabric, as well as holes all running down the left sleeve.
"Hello, hyung," Jungkook replies as Taehyung swings his arms out to engulf him in a hug. His embrace is warm, and Jungkook moves his arms up to give Taehyung's back a few pats. He can hear a muffled snicker coming from somewhere inside Taehyung's dorm.
"We're going to practice kissing and cuddling," Taehyung announces. He pulls Jungkook in the direction of the laughter, his hands wrapped around Jungkook's wrist. His touch is warm.
"Time to get out," Taehyung shouts as he stares disapprovingly at Jimin lying on the floor. Jungkook’s foot swings out on its own accord, connecting with Jimin's stomach and causing him to curl up in pain.
"Mhmrfgh," Jimin moans as he rolls over onto his back. He squints at Jungkook, running a hand through his hair as he rubs his eyes. "Why can't I stay? I'll just go back to sleep and pretend to study. You two won't even notice I'm here."
Taehyung plops down on his bed and Jungkook allows Taehyung's momentum to pull him backwards against his chest.
"Is there something you want to tell us?" Jungkook comments snidely as Jimin blinks blankly at the wall. Taehyung's chest vibrates as he laughs into Jungkook's ear, digging his nose into his shoulder.
"Urgh," Jimin scowls as he bends down to pick up his notes. "Okay, okay. I'm leaving," he stuffs his notes and books into his bag, quickly zipping up his coat. "This was my fault for suggesting this in the first place, wasn't it?"
"Bye, Jiminnie," Taehyung chirps, waving as Jimin slings his bag over his shoulder.
"Have fun studying," Jungkook snickers.
"I know you two are fake dating, but make sure you don't have fake sex on my bed," Jimin hollers, giving them a small wave before slamming the door.
Taehyung eyes the bed across from them, eyebrows furrowing in consideration. "You know, Jungkookie," he begins as he looks down at Jungkook. There's a small glint in his eyes. "It is okay if I call you Jungkookie, right?"
"No," Jungkook responds. Taehyung deflates, fitting his chin on Jungkook's shoulder as he pouts. "Not to the nickname,” Jungkook clarifies. “But to whatever you were going to say before that."
"Aww, that's no fun," Taehyung whines into Jungkook's ear. It sends a shiver down Jungkook's spine. Taehyung's arms are wrapped around his stomach, and Jungkook's back is flush to his chest. Their legs are tangled together on top of the mess of Taehyung's ratty blankets.
"Too bad," Jungkook retorts, cheeks burning. Taehyung takes his hand off of Jungkook’s stomach, and before Jungkook can complain about the loss of heat, Taehyung places his hand over Jungkook’s, not seeming to notice the way their fingers almost interlace.
"You know what would be fun, though?" Taehyung asks, dark brown eyes blinking innocently.
Jungkook's eyes dart to Taehyung's lips before he tears his gaze away, coughing into his elbow as he extracts his hand from Taehyung's. "What?" he croaks. The older boy is close enough that Jungkook can feel his breath on his cheek. Jungkook sucks in a breath as his eyes flicker down once more.
"Guess," Taehyung whispers. He presses their foreheads together, free hand coming up to the back of Jungkook's neck. His fingers card through the hairs at the nape of Jungkook's neck, and Jungkook is aware of the burning sensation running through his body.
"Are we practicing right now?" he inquires. Jungkook’s mouth is dry and his heart is in his throat. He shouldn’t be getting nervous over kissing someone he’s not actually dating. It’s ridiculous, really. He just hopes that Taehyung won’t feel the way his palms are getting sweaty and slippery in his.
"Just practice," Taehyung confirms, before leaning in.
Jungkook wakes up in the common room to the smell of pizza and fried chicken. He bolts upright, knee coming into contact with the table. His head is throbbing, and he tries not to grimace as he wipes the drool off the side of his face.
"You missed a spot," Taehyung's voice comes out muffled from behind his scarf. He seems to have just entered the room, and the tip of his nose and ears are bright red. He pulls his hand out of his gloves, cold fingers swiping across Jungkook's cheek. "I come with food and happiness," he announces as he sets a box of pizza and fried chicken down on the table.
"Is this for me?" Jungkook inquires anyway, inhaling the warm scent of cheese and grease. His stomach rumbles.
"Most of it," Taehyung unravels his scarf, shaking his head to get rid of the snow. His hair is dark, clumps matted to his forehead. "I got you it for you because I thought you could use a break from studying."
"Thanks," Jungkook breathes, rubbing his hands before he reaches for his first slice of pizza. Taehyung flashes a grin as he sits down in the chair opposite.
Jungkook wolfs down the pizza, warm food tingling in the bottom of his stomach as he continues to eat. He's busy trying to shove another slice into his mouth as he yawns, and Taehyung almost chokes on his hot chocolate from laughing.
"I'm tired," Jungkook defends around a mouthful of fried chicken. He nudges the half-empty box of pizza towards Taehyung, and Taehyung takes a slice. "You'd be tired too, with so many exams. How come you aren't stressed yet?"
"Secret," Taehyung replies cryptically, but the effect is ruined by the food threatening to spill out of his mouth.
"Why can't you teach me your ways?" Jungkook whines. His skull is no longer pounding, and his eyes aren't dry to the point that they're stinging.
"That's not how it works. You have to learn the ways for yourself, Jungkookie," Taehyung explains as he eyes one of the remaining pieces chicken. “The force works in mysterious ways.”
"Worst boyfriend ever," Jungkook mutters as he pushes the food towards Taehyung.
Taehyung's eyes light up. He doesn't hesitate to take the box into his own hands, leaning back against the chair as he eats. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to disagree with you there. As a matter of fact," Taehyung says as he chews, "I think I deserve a best boyfriend award."
"You? Best boyfriend?" Jungkook snorts. "Don't flatter yourself."
"I bought you food," Taehyung pouts at him from behind the greasy box, "And I fed you." He licks the excess grease off his fingers, thumb sliding out of his mouth with a small pop.
"When did you ever feed-" Jungkook starts, only to be cut off by a large piece of chicken being shoved into his mouth. Taehyung's eyes are trained on him as he eats and Jungkook's face grows warm in response.
"There. I fed you, didn't I?" Taehyung announces proudly. He sets down the box with a small smirk, as if daring Jungkook to challenge him. Fortunately for Taehyung, Jungkook can't answer through his mouthful of food.
Unfortunately for Jungkook, Taehyung's fingers had grazed his lips as he was feeding him and Jungkook's certain that if he opens his mouth to respond he's going to end up choking. Jungkook opts for the middle ground, sending Taehyung a well-deserved kick to the shin and a glare.
"Aww, Jungkookie, don't be like that," Taehyung pouts once more as he bends down to rub his knee. "I've done nothing but give you food and love and this is how you repay me?"
"Maybe," Jungkook answers vaguely. "But if you give me more food I might reconsider." His cheeks turn warm as soon as the words leave his mouth.
Taehyung brings the last slice of pizza to Jungkook's mouth, shaking his head as he laughs. "You're very high maintenance, Jeon Jungkookie." His lips curl into a smile, his special rectangular one, where Jungkook can see all his teeth. Jungkook's chest feels a second away from bursting.
"Okay, where do you want to go next?" Taehyung asks. His hand is warm in Jungkook's, and Taehyung swings them back and forth as he sucks on a lollipop. "Do you want to go for another round on that ride?" He nudges Jungkook, gesturing to the drop tower they had just gotten off of.
"You made us go right after lunch," Jungkook accuses as he looks down at his free hand clutching his stomach. "So I’d rather not. I don't exactly want to feel like throwing up again."
Earlier, Taehyung had come to Jungkook's room to get him. Or, as Taehyung put it, ‘release him from the fiery hells of exams to go on a much-needed study break’. (In reality, Taehyung had barged into his dormitory, asking around loudly for Jeon Jungkook, and dragged him bodily from his room. Junhong had peered at them curiously over his phone, though Donghyuk had been too engrossed in a book to notice).
Since Jungkook is easy, and extremely unmotivated despite his borderline failing calculus grade, he hadn't made much of a protest. The two had stopped by Taehyung's dorm to play Mario Kart, sitting close next to each other on the couch ("Spooning and cuddling," Jimin half-grimaced, half-shouted as he wrapped his scarf around his neck and stalked out the door).
"But you didn't throw up," Taehyung points out, tugging Jungkook towards one of the tents set up on the side. It's a small game stall, one where rings are thrown around a bottle's neck to win prizes.
The air outside is frigid. Jungkook can see small puffs of white each time he breathes, and each time Taehyung opens his mouth to speak. The amusement park is nearly empty, save for them and a few other people. The sun has begun to set, mixing in a soft orange and purple with the dingy gray that had been the sky the entire day.
"If we go on again, I might," Jungkook retorts, allowing Taehyung to lead him by the hand. "I don't want to ruin my shoes. Why are we here again?"
"I bring you out on a post-Valentine's Day date and you don't even appreciate it," Taehyung sniffs as he makes his way over to a nearby cotton candy stand. Jungkook's hand feels oddly empty when Taehyung lets go of it.
"Jungkook?" a voice calls out from behind them. Jungkook's head whips around, cold sweat forming on the back of the neck. Taehyung is still paying for the cotton candy, eyes gleaming as the machine whirs.
"Hoseok-hyung?" Jungkook asks, startled to see the dance club president outside of school. Yoongi is standing beside him, the top of his head and nose peeking out from under his oversized scarf.
"What are you doing here? I didn't know you had a boyfriend," Yoongi questions, eyes darting between Jungkook and Taehyung. "I didn't know that your boyfriend was Kim Taehyung."
"I don’t-" Jungkook stammers, cutting himself off when he remembers. "That's because I kept it a secret," he corrects. His neck has begun to feel hot despite the chilly air around them.
Yoongi narrows his eyes. "How come I don't remember you ever telling us about a boy-"
"Give the kid a break, let him enjoy his date," Hoseok shoves his elbow against Yoongi's arm. Yoongi turns around to redirect his glare towards Jungkook's dance captainA. Jungkook lets out a small sigh of relief, glancing backwards to see Taehyung is still preoccupied.
"But what are you guys doing here," Jungkook asks.
"That's none of your business either," Yoongi miffs as he grabs Hoseok's arm. "Make sure you return my calculus notes after your test. Don’t get them wet this time." And with a glare, Yoongi stomps off.
"Enjoy your date," Hoseok calls out as he's dragged away, sending Jungkook a small wink. Jungkook sputters, turning around to cough.
Taehyung has a large stick of pale pink cotton candy in his hand and an equally large grin on his face. The tips of his fingers are red, and his nose is borderline runny. Jungkook has never felt his heart go from zero to a hundred in such a short span of time.
"You don't have to buy me things, you know," Jungkook reaches for Taehyung's hand as they begin to walk away from the cotton candy stand.
Taehyung's tongue darts out to eat a mouthful of the pink wisps. Tufts of the candy disappear into his mouth instantaneously. "Want some?" he asks, ignoring Jungkook's question as he offers the stick to Jungkook.
Jungkook hesitates before taking a bite. The candy hardens before melting in his mouth. It's cold, and he can barely taste the sugar. "Why are you doing this? You don’t have to go so far," Jungkook looks down at his feet, snow crunching underneath his boots as Taehyung pulls him forward.
"What do you mean?" Taehyung asks innocently as he nudges Jungkook's mouth open with the cotton candy stick once more. Jungkook's lips part easily the second time.
"We're not actually dating," Jungkook grumbles as he watches the last bits of orange fade from the sky. So you don't need to do so much for me, he doesn't say out loud, watching the sparkle in Taehyung's eyes.
Taehyung pretends not to hear him once again. "We should go on the Ferris Wheel," he decides.
"That's a little bit cliche, isn't it?" Jungkook rolls his eyes half-heartedly. Taehyung merely gives him his signature smile in response, eyes crinkling into small crescents. Jungkook's hands turn clammy, but his chest floods with warmth as he allows Taehyung to pull him along.
It's a well-known fact that Kim Seokjin is the sappiest of saps. (He’d proposed to Namjoon via a ring in cake. Though, despite how much Jungkook had complained the idea was unoriginal, it was pretty sweet). And since Seokjin is extremely sappy and loves cliches, of course he decides to hold his wedding the first day of spring.
The rehearsals take place a week before the wedding itself. It's Seokjin who suggests that they stay in his apartment for the week, bribing Jungkook with the promise of baked pastries and all-you-can-eat dinners every night.
"Okay, let's go over this one last time," Jimin says as he drums his fingers against the steering wheel. They're parked outside Seokjin's bakery shop, having just driven across the city.
"Do we have to?" Jungkook whines, pulling an earbud from his ear. Taehyung winks at him, nudging Jungkook’s hand with his own. "You already spent an hour quizzing us on the way here. Let me live."
Jimin ignores him, whipping out his phone and pulling up a list. "Okay, get ready. Favorite food?"
"Japchae," Jungkook answers automatically, at the same time Taehyung says, "Pizza."
"Next one is for Tae. What's Jungkookie's favorite color?"
"Red," Taehyung chirps, unbuckling his seat belt. He wipes the window pane with the sleeve of his jacket before exhaling on the glass to use his finger to draw something.
"Favorite TV show?" Jimin continues.
Jungkook exhales. "I already told you on the way here, and yesterday, and the day before that."
"And the day before that, and the day before that," Taehyung adds, grinning loftily. Jungkook stifles a laugh as Taehyung continues, "The day before that, and the day before-"
"Okay, okay," Jimin snaps. He runs a hand through his hair before pulling on his hat, letting out an exasperated sigh as he opens the car door. "Just don't blame me when Seokjin grills you with questions and you can't answer."
Taehyung nudges Jungkook out of the car with his elbow. He wraps his arm around Jungkook's waist as soon as they're out, pulling him in close so their hips are touching. "I think we'll be fine. Right, Jungkookie?"
"Yeah," Jungkook agrees, breath caught in his throat as they follow Jimin up the stairs. "Just fine."
When Jungkook steps into Seokjin's apartment for the first time in months, he's met with the sight of general havoc. Yoongi greets Jungkook with a brief nod of his head, hand on top of several suits on the arm of the couch right next to him. Namjoon is standing in the corner, looking utterly lost while Seokjin and Hoseok pace back and forth.
"Can you buy these for me?" Seokjin asks, shoving a list into Jimin's hands as he walks by. Jungkook exchanges a look with Jimin. He can feel Taehyung shifting from foot to foot, grip tightening on Jungkook's hand. Jungkook squeezes back.
"Seokjin," Namjoon says gently. He reaches for Seokjin's hand, pulling him back. "It's Jimin and Jungkook. They're here."
"Oh," Seokjin says. He finally turns around to look at them properly, eyes widening when it dawns that there are three extra people in his apartment. There are bags underneath his eyes, and his hair is sticking up all over the place. He’s wearing mismatching socks (one of them a gag gift Jungkook got for him back in high school), and his clothes are rumpled.
"Look who finally came to join the party," Hoseok beams as he sets down a box next to the shoe rack. He opens his arms, pulling them all in for a hug. It's an awkward hug, partially because of how cramped the foyer now is, partially because Jungkook is still holding Taehyung's hand.
Seokjin finally returns to earth when Hoseok takes a step back to join Yoongi on the couch. "Is this your now not-so-mysterious boyfriend?" Seokjin questions, looking at Taehyung.
"They've been dating for months without me knowing," Jimin supplies unhelpfully, before Jungkook can open his mouth. Jungkook flushes underneath all the attention focused on him. He feels hot and uncomfortable.
Seokjin raises an eyebrow. "Did everyone know about him except for me?" Jungkook watches the way Namjoon's thumb is rubbing small circles around the knuckle of Seokjin's.
"Uh," Jungkook replies intelligently. Besides him, Taehyung lets out a small snort. Jungkook tries not-so-subtly to kick his ankle.
"I saw them out on a date for Valentine's Day," Yoongi informs Seokjin from the couch.
"They were eating cotton candy and holding hands," Hoseok adds traitorously. He and Yoongi are now sitting side by side, Yoongi completely squished into the arm of the couch when half of the couch is still empty.
"Can't believe you'd keep him a secret from me for this long," Seokjin reprimands as he ruffles Jungkook's hair.
"Sorry?" Jungkook offers sheepishly. "But I'm still your favorite dongsaeng, right?"
"Not anymore, you aren't. I've now decided that Jimin is, since he doesn't keep big secrets like his significant other from me." Seokjin sniffs. "I hope you two don't mind sleeping here in this room on the couch. We wouldn't want to make it awkward for anyone rooming with you two."
Jungkook spends the rest of the day as Seokjin's errand boy. Seokjin sends him and Taehyung to the store, snatching the list from Jimin's hand and shoving it into Jungkook's instead.
Dinner in Seokjin's kitchen is another event in itself. It's small enough with seven people crammed into one room, let alone when Hyosang, Seokjin’s friend from middle school, comes over. Jungkook can't go a minute without jostling into Taehyung.
Each time their shoulders bump he feels a small surge of electricity travel up his spine. At one point, Taehyung puts his hand on Jungkook's knee. He seems not to notice the way Jungkook's freezes up for a split second, or the way he begins to squirm uncomfortably. They've spent months practicing just for this, and now Jungkook can't spend more than five seconds without shying away from Taehyung's touch.
"Seokjin and Namjoon are both really nice," Taehyung remarks later that night, once dinner is over. Everyone else is in their rooms, Jimin having given them both a knowing look and Hoseok giving them a suggestive smile before shutting the door to their room. Taehyung is clad in the lion pajama bottoms Jungkook got him last week and an old shirt he cut holes out of.
"They make a good pair, don't they?" Jungkook asks, feeling oddly proud.
"Yeah, they do," Taehyung sits down next to Jungkook, placing a hand on his knee once again. He leans against Jungkook's shoulder, eyes turning towards the television.
Jungkook inhales the scent of Taehyung's conditioner. (Okay, it's technically Seokjin and Namjoon's, but still). He glances down at Taehyung's face on his shoulder, noting the way Taehyung's cheeks curve, as well as the few faint freckles on his cheeks. He takes in the slope of Taehyung's nose, the way his eyelashes fall against his cheeks, and the small flecks of light brown inside of his eyes.
Taehyung laughs at some dumb joke on the TVTV. It's not even that funny, but his shoulders start shaking and his lips start curving up into a smile. The entire time, he's rubbing small circles on Jungkook's knee. It's comfortable and comforting, and Jungkook doesn't want this moment to end.
It's then when the realization dawns upon Jungkook, and he jerks his shoulder in response to the epiphany.
"Are you okay?" Taehyung asks, looking up at Jungkook through his eyelashes.
Jungkook throat is dry. "Yeah, just peachy." He closes his eyes, trying to will away the burning feeling that's spreading throughout his entire body.
"You were acting kind of weird at dinner tonight," Taehyung comments. He leans over to reach for the television remote next to Jungkook, turning up the volume so no one else can hear their conversation.
"I'm okay," Jungkook insists, looking down at Taehyung's hand on his knee.
"Are you sure?" Taehyung asks, eyebrows furrowing in concern as he sits up. There's a blatant lack of body contact and heat. "You aren't sick, are you?" He places his hand on Jungkook's forehead, frowning as he attempts to gauge Jungkook's temperature.
"You don't have to pretend right now," Jungkook whispers. "No one's around to see, anyway."
"Pretend?" Taehyung repeats, confusion written all over his face. His hand on Jungkook's forehead drops to his side. "What do you mean, pretend?"
"That we're dating," Jungkook answers. "That you're my boyfriend. That we're anything."
Taehyung looks at him, face blank. For once, Jungkook can't see the hint of a smile on his face. He can't read the current expression on the other boy's face. "We’re not anything,” Taehyung finally breaks the silence, expression darkening as he looks down at the pile of Seokjin’s blankets in front of him. “I get it,” he mumbles.
"We weren’t ever dating in the first place anyway. Remember?" Jungkook flinches inwardly as soon as the words leave his mouth. "So you don't have to keep up the act when no one else is around. You don't have to do that anymore, Taehyung, since it'll all be over in a week, anyway." All he can feel right now is an overwhelming amount of frustration.
The sound from the television is deafening, combined with the roaring blood inside of Jungkook's ears. Taehyung is silent for another moment, before he finally answers.
"Would you like the couch?" Taehyung withdraws his hand from Jungkook's knee before turning off the television. He turns, back facing Jungkook as he pulls up the covers.
Jungkook climbs wordlessly onto the couch behind him, bringing Seokjin's old quilt up to his chin. He tells himself that it's for the best as he closes his eyes, knee still tingling.
It's Seokjin who notices first. He walks out of him room in the morning, feet clad in his pink bunny slippers as he rubs his eyes vigorously. He doesn't say anything, only frowning at Jungkook as he hands him a plate filled with sausages at breakfast. Jungkook's stomach drops when Seokjin places a hand on his shoulder.
Taehyung comes into the kitchen a little afterwards, slouching as he scratches at his stomach. He stretches and lets out a yawn, locking eyes with Jungkook. Taehyung makes no other indication of last night's occurrences as he plops down in the seat next to him. His familiar smile is plastered onto his face, as if nothing had ever happened.
The wedding rehearsal goes by awkwardly. Jungkook feels out of place as he walks with Jimin down the aisle. He feels self-conscious the entire way, and Jimin elbows him in the stomach more than once for turning his head to look at Taehyung, who’s sitting in the front.
"Get a hold of yourselves," Jimin hisses to him before they join Taehyung. "I don't know what happened between you two last night, but don't let it ruin Seokjin's wedding."
"Sorry," Jungkook mumbles. His hand grazes along the side of Taehyung's thigh as he smooths his pants to sit down. Jungkook's limbs feel too long, too short, too everything. His elbow's knock against Taehyung’s every time he fidgets.
As if Jungkook's day can't get even worse, Seokjin and Namjoon decide to make them all practice slow dancing as well. It's Yoongi who shoves Jungkook forward across to the floor to join Taehyung, scowl on his face.
Jungkook looks down at his feet the entire time. Taehyung's hand rests on the small of his back, other hand on his shoulder. Jungkook can feel his face burning. He steps on Taehyung's foot more than once, and Hoseok gives him a concerned look as he passes by. Jungkook can feel the pressure in his chest steadily building up, until it feels as if it’s about to rupture.
"I'm not feeling too good," he mutters, hastily removing his hands from Taehyung's waist and shoulder. Jungkook ignores the surprise written across Taehyung's face as he darts from the room.
Jungkook spends the rest of the day sulking in Seokjin’s apartment. He turns on the TV, eyes staring blankly at the screen as he watches a rerun of some anime. The sounds filter in and out of his ears without being processed.
When everyone else returns to the house after rehearsals, Jungkook clambers on top of the couch and quickly shuts off the TV. He pulls the blankets over his head, turning his back towards the door as he pretends to sleep.
He can hear the muffled footsteps of someone stepping across the living room to place a hand on top of his head. "I hope you're feeling alright," the person whispers. It's Taehyung. "None of this was fake, for me at least." The words are spoken so softly that Jungkook isn’t sure if he just imagined them.
Jungkook's breath lodges in his throat as he keeps his eyes squeezed shut. Taehyung's hand is still on top of his head. The other boy stays like that for another minute before walking away, and only then does Jungkook let out a shaky exhale.
Later that night, when Jungkook comes out of the shower, it's to the sight of Hoseok, not Taehyung, leaning against the couch and on his phone. The pressure in Jungkook’s chest immediately dissipates, and he falls to the ground beside the older boy.
"Want to talk about it?" Hoseok asks, putting away his phone. He opens his arms to drag Jungkook towards his chest for a hug. His embrace is warm, and Hoseok plays with the hairs at the nape of Jungkook's neck almost the same way Taehyung does (or did. Jungkook isn't sure of anything anymore).
"Not really," Jungkook mumbles into Hoseok's neck, voice raw. His entire body feels numb. Part of him is angry at himself for causing a conflict a few days just before Seokjin's wedding, but the other part is exhausted from all the acting.
He ends up waking up in the middle of the night to a clamor from the kitchen. Jungkook lets out a groan as he rubs his eyes in attempt to make out his surroundings. Besides him, Hoseok is still snoring peacefully.
Jungkook tiptoes to the kitchen. The soft orange glow from the open refrigerator door illuminates Seokjin's face.
"Hi," Seokjin says sheepishly as he takes out a carton of ice cream. "Want some?" he offers as he closes the door.
"Why are you up so late, hyung?" Jungkook asks once two large bowls of ice cream are set down in front of them.
"Nerves," Seokjin laughs around a mouthful of ice cream. "I worry whether or not we'll walk down the aisle correctly, or if the people will like the food at the reception. Like what if we lose our rings, then what? And I worry whether my parents will like the flowers I chose, and the seating, and if our tuxedos actually look good, and there are just so many things that could go wrong."
Jungkook reaches for the bowl in front of him. "You've been planning this wedding for months," he reassures him. "Sure, there might be a few hitches, but it's going to go fine."
"But what if Namjoon likes me but doesn't actually like me that much?" Seokjin whispers, eyes dilating underneath the small amount of moonlight filtering through the window. "What if I'm making a mistake? What if he's making a mistake?"
"Hyung," Jungkook scoffs, "Namjoon watches Disney movies with you whenever you're sick. He goes out to buy you Mario and Maple Story merchandise and eats all your food."
"Are you saying that my food isn't good?" Seokjin asks, raising an eyebrow, but his lips are quirked upwards.
"No," Jungkook rolls his eyes and "I'm just saying that you should see the way Namjoon looks at you- the way you two look at each other. It's almost disgusting."
Seokjin lets out a small snort. "Okay, so why are you up so late, Jungkookie?" He asks, pointing his spoon at Jungkook's chest.
"You woke me up," he grumbles as he looks down at his ice cream, only half-accusatory. Seokjin looks at him imploringly and Jungkook caves. "Urgh, fine. So say you like this guy, but he doesn't like you back." Jungkook babbles.
"Why would you say that he doesn't like you back?" Seokjin raises an eyebrow, resting his chin on top of his hands.
Jungkook squirms underneath Seokjin's gaze. "Well, he might have said that he likes me, but I don't think it's real."
"Maybe if you were on the outside, you'd see the way he looks at you," Seokjin says with a knowing grin. "And the way you look at him. You wouldn't say it was fake then."
"Yeah, but," Jungkook looks helplessly back down at his empty bowl of ice cream.
"I think you should talk to him," Seokjin interrupts, taking Jungkook's bowl and his and placing them in the sink. "If you haven't talked to him about it yet, how would you know?"
Jungkook wakes up for the second time that day with a roaring headache. He trudges to the only bathroom in the apartment to brush his teeth, only to be shoved in by Yoongi. Taehyung's eyes are wide with surprise, toothbrush hanging out of his mouth. Jungkook hears the tell-tale sound of a lock clicking.
"Sorry, but you two need to get things worked out," Yoongi shouts through the door, and Jungkook's heart plummets as he hears Yoongi's footsteps fade.
"Are you feeling better?" Taehyung asks once he's rinsed out his teeth. His shoulders are tense, eyes slightly red and puffy.
"I'm alright," Jungkook answers carefully. His head is pounding. "What about you?"
"Alright," Taehyung answers, looking down at the bathroom sink. His shoulders slump, and Jungkook has never seen Taehyung look so small and sad before. An immense guilt floods his chest.
"Just alright?" Jungkook presses.
"Could be better," Taehyung amends, looking up at him. He offers Jungkook a small smile. It’s weak and nothing like the full-face one Jungkook has taken for granted.
"I'm sorry for saying all that stuff to you yesterday," Jungkook apologizes, running a hand through his hair. The words choke him, getting stuck as they come up his throat.
"It's fine," Taehyung places his hand on Jungkook's shoulder. The temperature of the bathroom slowly rises. "It's not like we were really dating in the first place, so you don't have to worry about that."
"But what if I want to," Jungkook says quietly. His eyes flick up to Taehyung's face to gauge his reaction.
"What?" Taehyung asks, shock clear on his face.
"As in, for real," Jungkook clarifies. He can hear his heart beat loudly against his chest. "I want to date you, for real. I thought it was pointless, because our whole relationship revolved around us pretending for today. But I like you, Taehyung. As in, I like you for real."
Taehyung's expression is still unreadable, and Jungkook's eyes flicker down to the tiled floor. He can hear the sound of people moving around in the kitchen.
"I mean, you don't have to date me if you don't actually like me, but I just thought," he babbles as he feels a flush creep up the back of his neck. "I'm sorry for hurting you the other day."
A slow smile creeps across Taehyung's face, causing him to smile his familiar rectangle smile once again. There's a small spark in his eyes, and he uses his free hand to brush aside Jungkook's bangs.
"Next time, don't let your emotional constipation get in the way, okay?" Taehyung grins as pulls Jungkook in so their foreheads are touching. "Communication is a healthy part of a relationship."
"So that's a yes?" Jungkook can’t help but ask. He can feel Taehyung's breath on his cheek and his hands are getting clammier by the second.
"It's a yes, Jungkookie," Taehyung laughs as he leans in to peck Jungkook's lips. "I'll date you. This time for real."
Seokjin's wedding goes off without a hitch. It's a small affair, with only Seokjin's parents and close friends in attendance. Seokjin and Namjoon spend the morning going through their checklist, and Namjoon knuckles turn paler with each passing second. They drive to the wedding in separate cars and too much chaos. Even though it's Seokjin's wedding, Jungkook's heart can't help but race.
Jungkook feels an immense pride and happiness surge through his chest as he watches Seokjin walk down the aisle. He reaches for Taehyung's hand as Hyosang and Yoongi go up to make their respective speeches. Taehyung gives Jungkook’s foot a small nudge, squeezing his hand as Jungkook makes to dab the corners of his eyes.
"You're crying," Taehyung whispers. He uses his free hand to dab Jungkook's eye for him instead.
"No, I'm not," Jungkook sniffs. Taehyung's thumb is soft against Jungkook's cheek. He turns to look at Jimin, who's busy blowing his nose. "I just have an eyelash in my eye," Jungkook tells Taehyung.
"Sure you do," Taehyung grins at him. He pulls Jungkook's hand so that it's resting on top of his thigh, and places his other hand on top of it. Jungkook blinks at the warmth seeping through his body, trying his best to not let the tear at the corner of his eye fall as Yoongi continues to speak.
There’s actual crying at the reception. Seokjin's eyes begin to water as Hyosang takes his spoon and starts banging it against the wine glass. "Come on," Hoseok teases as he joins Hyosang. "Don't disappoint us now."
Soon, the whole room is filled with the tinkering of glass and Seokjin wraps his hand around Namjoon's neck to pull him in. Jungkook joins in with Jimin and Taehyung's cheering. Jungkook's elbow bumps into Taehyung’s throughout the toasts, and he smiles back at him.
Jungkook is sitting on the couch on top of Taehyung watching Zion.T's latest performance on MBC, arms wrapped loosely around Jungkook’s waist. His chin is hooked over Jungkook's shoulder, and Jungkook can feel the steady rhythm of his chest rise and fall.
"Seokjin wants you to come over for dinner again sometime," Jungkook says casually, tugging Taehyung’s hands so his arms are wrapped tighter around Jungkook’s waist.
"Meeting the in-laws?" Taehyung winks at him as he looks down at Jungkook.
"As if," he scoffs. "It's more of having dinner with your parents." Taehyung smiles at him before leaning down to press his lips to Jungkook's. It's small and short- too short for Jungkook's liking. He lets out a small whine.
"Well, good thing I already had my first dinner with them all the way back in the spring, then," Taehyung says as he nuzzles his nose against the shell of Jungkook's ear.
"Hey," Jungkook complains as he gestures to his lips. Taehyung lets out a small laugh before he leans down to kiss Jungkook once again.
Of course (because Jungkook's life is Jungkook's life and good things can't come without something bad), it's right at that moment that the door swings open.
"Urgh, okay," Jimin groans as he holds up his hands in front of his face. "I definitely did not need to see that." Jungkook sits up on the couch as Jimin begins to back out of the room. "Have fun making out on the couch. Stay safe. I liked it so much better when you guys were fake dating, back when I actually had a room."
The door slams shut behind Jimin, and Jungkook looks back at Taehyung. He shifts so his legs are on both sides of Taehyung's waist, and pulls Taehyung up with the collar of his shirt.
"Well, he did say to have fun," Jungkook says. Taehyung laughs, amusement in his eyes. He gives Jungkook an expectant look. Jungkook's inhales sharply before he leans down to kiss him.
a/n: honestly this was probably the most difficult thing ive written thisyear so far (aka the second of two fics...) mainly bc of the pairing and school x___X also...look at me writing something nonvmin
pairing: v/jungkook
word count: 9,504
a/n: originally posted for btsx 2016 and written for ao3 user pancakeville.
you're the night sky, the fire in my eyes
The wedding invitation comes in a pale, coral pink envelope (First of all, how the hell does he know that it's coral pink? Second of all, why is it coral pink?), complete with an embossed floral design along the flap. Jungkook's stomach lurches as he sees the paper laid out on the kitchen counter. It sticks out like an eyesore on top his calculus homework.
He walks over, shaking his bangs to get rid of the leftover sweat from dance practice. He snatches the envelope up, stealing a furtive glance around the room, even though both his roommates are gone.
Jungkook flips the envelope over in his hands. On the front, KIM NAMJOON and KIM SEOKJIN are scribbled in a familiar, messy handwriting.
Jungkook spends a grand total of five seconds debating before he tears the envelope open.
He pulls out the invitation, a sturdy, thick piece of off-white paper (the terribly expensive kind of cardboard paper that’s far out of Jungkook’s budget) with a debossed cupcake border. Jungkook's eyes skim over the invitation, grin slowly spreading across his face until he gets to one line near the bottom.
Please check box for a +1 and R.S.V.P by next Saturday.
A hastily drawn box is on the left side of the scribbled message, with a large "X" through it. The "X" creates an indent on the invitation, and the box is circled with highlighter and Jungkook rolls his eyes. Underneath the box is another small message.
Don't think that you're getting out of this, Jungkook!! I drew this box just for you and we already made accommodations for your plus one. You better bring them with you, otherwise I'll be extremely disappointed.
The door to the kitchen swings open, and Jungkook spins around to see Junhong. His face must be more stricken than he feels, because when Junhong looks at Jungkook he does a double-take.
"Are you okay?" Junhong asks softly with a small frown, dropping his bag on a nearby chair.
"Who does he mean by a plus one?" Jungkook demands, shoving the invitation into Junhong's hand. "What plus one? Who in the world is supposed to be my plus one?"
Junhong glances at it before handing it back over.
"Maybe try calling him?" Junhong suggests. He stops by the refrigerator on his way out, snatching a carton of milk. After pouring some into a glass,he leaves the carton uncapped on the counter as he scampers to his room.
Jungkook glares at the offensive, off-white invitation with a debossed, cupcake pattern that's too thick to be a piece of paper in his hands as he unlocks his phone.
Seokjin picks up in five and a half rings.
"Hyung," Jungkook says flatly, cutting off the older boy's greeting.
"Yes?" Seokjin hums on the other end of the line. "Is there something you want, Jungkookie?"
"What exactly," Jungkook blanches as he looks back down at the invitation in his hand, "do you mean by a 'plus one'?" The gold cupcakes along the edge of the paper wink at him and Jungkook gives the piece of paper another glare.
"Your boyfriend?" Seokjin answers in his “duh” voice. Jungkook's arm flails and hits something.
"Oh," he says as he looks at the rapidly forming pool of milk next to his feet. Junhong is going to have to buy more, that was their last carton. What a waste of perfectly good milk. At least he hasn’t started crying over it yet.
"Oh?" Seokjin laughs. "I'm excited to meet this mysterious boyfriend of yours that you refuse to tell me about. I thought I was your favorite hyung."
"You are," Jungkook assures him as he watches his calculus notes absorb the white liquid. "It's just that..." he trails off as he looks for the paper towels, attempting to ignore the way the milk sloshes around in his socks. He spots them on the dining table, and makes a beeline for the roll.
"Yeah, don't worry, I get it." Seokjin says. "Make sure you actually bring him. Think of it as a wedding present for me."
"Hyung," Jungkook complains as he quickly cleans up the mess on the kitchen counter. He looks at his calculus notes somberly- he's going to have to explain to Yoongi how exactly that happened. "Do I really have to?"
"The cake testing is sometime next week," Seokjin chirps and Jungkook can hear the satisfaction in his voice. "I'll text you details later tonight. You're going to be our honorary cake tester," then he proceeds to hang up on him.
Jungkook groans loudly, resting his head on the cool kitchen counter. "I hate you," he mutters into his phone.
He takes a look at the wrinkled calculus notes on the counter, the pool of milk next to his feet, the pink wedding invitation, and decides that he is very, very screwed.
“Jungkookie,” Jimin calls out, and Jungkook picks his face up from the kitchen table. Jimin waves as he approaches, large smile on his face contrasting the dark circles under his eyes. He sets his bag down on the table, medicine textbooks banging on the wooden surface, leaning across to ruffle Jungkook's hair.
Whereas Jungkook would normally duck out of the way or swat Jimin's hand aside, this time he only lets out a loud moan.
"You look sick," Jimin comments as he sits down. Jungkook sends him a halfhearted glare as he looks back at the plate of food in front of him.
"I am sick. Very sick. I ate too much cake when we were cake-testing with Seokjin and now I can't eat dinner." He picks up his chopsticks, poking at the fried rice. Seokjin made if for just for him, too. Jungkook knows a bribe when he sees one, but if he's going to go down he might as well go down with good food.
"How terrible," Jimin deadpans as he snatches Jungkook's chopsticks for himself, pulling Jungkook's plate towards him.
"Hey," Jungkook protests as he bolts up. "That's my fried rice."
"Well, it’s not like you’re going to eat it," Jimin argues around a mouthful of food, and Jungkook wrinkles his nose at him. "I just came back from dance practice, cut me some slack."
"Yeah, but it's mine," Jungkook mutters as he kicks the leg of his chair. "Besides, I was eating all that cake because once Seokjin finds out that I don't actually have a boyfriend to bring to his wedding, I'm not going to be enjoy anything good in life anymore."
Jimin pauses with the chopsticks halfway up to his mouth. His eyes widen, and the corners of his mouth slowly creep upwards. "Oh yeah, that," he practically cackles.
"Shut up," Jungkook hisses as he aims a kick at Jimin's shin. His eyes dart around the kitchen, just to make sure that there isn't anyone from his dorm that could be listening to them.
"So, how's your non-existent boyfriend?" Jimin teases as Jungkook's fried rice continues to dwindle.
"I only told Seokjin that to get him off my back for that one night," Jungkook protests. "It's not my fault he actually took me seriously."
"Well, maybe you should find a boyfriend or someone willing to pretend to be your boyfriend," Jimin suggests. “You can break up with them after the wedding and there you go, problem solved. You have four months, anyway. Shouldn’t be a problem for you.”
A light bulb goes off in Jungkook's head.
"Hyung," he says slowly as he looks at Jimin. There must be something on his face, because Jimin's eyes slowly narrow and his chair scrapes against the linoleum floor as he scoots backwards. "Can you help me find a boyfriend?" Jungkook asks eagerly.
"Boyfriend? Are you asking me to go out with you?" The older boy raises an eyebrow. "Is this a confession, Jeon Jungkook? Are you okay? Is college finally getting to you?” He reaches out to put the back of his hand to Jungkook’s forehead.
Jungkook grimaces, swatting Jimin’s hand aside. "Urgh, no," he's slightly horrified that Jimin would even ask that. There's just something terribly unappealing about dating someone he's known since he was ten. Especially when that someone is Park Jimin.
"It's okay, I wouldn't have accepted it anyway," Jimin miffs, pretending to clutch his chest in mock hurt.
"But can you? Help me find a boyfriend for Seokjin's wedding?" he asks once more, stomachache completely forgotten.
"You only call me hyung when you want something from me," Jimin mutters to himself, letting out a long exhale. "Yes, Jungkookie, I can help you find a fake boyfriend. I know a guy."
Jungkook beams.
In retrospect, Jungkook probably should have asked Jimin what exactly he meant by I know a guy before he agreed to meet said guy. Date, his mind supplies traitorously as he pulls down his hat with more force than necessary. Junhong gives him a look as he looks up from his phone, and Donghyuk continues scribbling away at his homework.
Unfortunately, Jungkook had been preoccupied with trying to explain to Yoongi why the senior's calculus notes were sodden with milk to think about anything else. Yoongi hadn’t reacted well, and Jungkook had been lucky enough that Hoseok was in the same room as him. The woes of being a college freshman. Jungkook thinks he should be be allowed to make questionable life choices, including the current one, which involves him walking across campus to meet a stranger.
He spends the entire seven and a half minute walk shivering as the wind swirls around him violently. Jungkook's face is almost numb by the time he gets to the ramyeon shop, body shaking and teeth chattering. He walks further into the shop to search for Jimin, relishing the warmth.
The heat slowly returns to his hands as he rubs them, and Jungkook's mouth has begun to water by the time he locates his friend. The older boy is sitting at one of the tables tucked away in the corner of the room, laughing with someone Jungkook doesn't recognize.
Jungkook wipes the small bit of drool at his mouth before he walks up to the table. As he approaches, he gets a closer look at the other boy. A mop of dark hair with bangs framing his face, and his mouth is pulled into a rectangular smile. Jungkook is stunned by just how cute this could-be-an-axe-murderer stranger actually is.
"Jungkook," Jimin calls as soon as he sees him, snapping Jungkook out of his stupor. "This is my roommate, Taehyung." He grabs Jungkook's wrist, pulling him into the small booth next to him.
The first thing that comes out of Jungkook’s mouth is, "Oh,” and the second is “I thought you lived in a single." He squirms underneath Taehyung's gaze, and the other boy still hasn't blinked by the time Jungkook tears his eyes away.
"We've been roommates since our freshman year. You would have known this if you actually listened to what I said," Jimin comments, as he gives Jungkook a mock-offended look.
"And why would he do that?" Taehyung snorts, and suddenly the corner is a lot smaller than it had been five minutes ago.
"You two are so mean to me," Jimin whines as he elbows Jungkook's stomach. Jungkook's eyes water, and he barely notices Jimin climbing over him to get out of the booth.
"Where are you going?" he asks, voice climbing as Jimin shrugs on his winter jacket. His eyes flick back to Taehyung. The other boy is busy slurping his ramyeon and offers a sheepish smile when they make eye contact.
"Back to my dorm," Jimin says in his duh voice, and panic rises in Jungkook's chest. He leans across the table for his hat, nearly knocking the two bowls of ramyeon over. Taehyung gives him an affronted expression when he pulls back.
"You're going to leave the two of us here? Alone?" Jungkook asks. Jimin gives him A Look and Jungkook clamps his mouth shut, giving Jimin the dirtiest possible scowl he can summon. He’ll definitely make him pay for this later.
Jimin doesn't respond, opting for zipping up his jacket and pulling on his hat. "Have fun, Jungkookie," he says, with a snicker and wink. Only the effect is ruined, because his jacket is big and poofy and makes him look like a penguin. He's gone before a protest can even leave Jungkook’s mouth.
Jungkook looks back down at the table, at the bowl in front of him. (At least Jimin had been kind enough to order him a bowl of ramyeon, so he can't hate him entirely). He picks up the chopsticks, face heating up as he feels Taehyung's eyes on him.
Their knees knock together. Oddly enough, he doesn't entirely mind the invasion of his personal space by this stranger he just met five minutes ago.
"So," Jungkook trails off as he looks back down at the bowl of ramyeon as if it's the most interesting thing in the world. His mind scrambles for something to say, and eyes flick upwards to find Taehyung scrutinizing him once more. "What do you major in?"
Let it be known that Jeon Jungkook has never been good at conversing when flustered with cute guys.
"Biomedical major," Taehyung answers with an easy grin. "And you? Have you declared yet?" He asks the question with a genuineness that eases the tension in Jungkook's chest.
"I'm thinking about double majoring," Jungkook responds as Taehyung's knee bumps into his once more. When he looks back up, Taehyung flashes him an innocent grin as he chews on the ends of his chopsticks.
"You really are an overachiever, aren't you?" Taehyung laughs, Jungkook almost wishes he'd stop because it's so blinding. "Jiminie was right about that."
"Not really," Jungkook mutters as he scratches the back of his neck. "And you're just a weird upperclassman who agrees to pretend to date people-" Jungkook freezes. "Wait, Jimin did tell you about..."
"That's me, the weird upperclassman. And yeah, Jimin told me all about the wedding," Taehyung dismisses with an easy wave of his hand.
"Yeah. The wedding," Jungkook swallows the lump in his throat. He reaches for the glass of water, lukewarm liquid trickling down his throat.
"I didn't realize that by being the weird upperclassman, I'd get to fake date someone as cute as you," Taehyung teases, bumping his knee into Jungkook's once more. "I can't wait to get to know you, Jeon Jungkook."
It had taken Jungkook an entire two weeks to become comfortable around Jimin when their parents first introduced them to one another. But with Taehyung, Jungkook's layers peel off easily. By their second get-to-know-you-because-we're-supposed-to-be-dating meeting, Taehyung seems to know Jungkook almost as well as Jimin and Seokjin do.
Of course, they aren't actually dating.
"You know," Jimin starts, as reaches for his toes. His hair is completely soaked, and Jungkook thinks that he can see a few drops of red dye staining his shirt. They’re both stretching out their muscles after a grueling three hours of dance practice. "Seokjin is going to drill you nonstop about Taehyung."
"Yeah? And?" Jungkook looks Jimin in the eye. The wedding is only two months off and he's been trying his best to push it to the back of his mind. Unfortunately, Jungkook's mind doesn't like to agree with him, so it's all he can think about.
"All I'm saying," Jimin drawls as he pushes back his bangs, "is that you need two actually need to go on a few dates so other people see, and Seokjin won’t be suspicious. Quick, what's his favorite color?"
"Black and white," Jungkook answers automatically. Jimin grins as Jungkook’s mouth continues of his own accord. "Sometimes he likes green though. It's why he got highlights."
"Food?"
"Japchae."
"Anime?"
"The sports one."
"But which sports one?" Jimin presses, waggling his eyebrows. Jungkook shoves him away, sending him crashing into the floor.
"The basketball one? Slam Dunk?" He offers and Jimin is still looking at him expectantly. "The other basketball one then? I don't remember. Maybe it's the one about the two kings with the red and blue-"
"Tsk, step up your game, Jungkook. The volleyball one. Next question. Animal?"
"Uh... Lions?"
"Oh come on, that one's easy," Jimin sniffs as he furrows his eyebrows and waves his hand around in frustration. "Anyone could answer that just by looking at him."
"What's the point of all this, anyway?" Jungkook mutters.
"Blood type?" Jimin continues, looking at him expectantly.
Jungkook almost hits the back of his head against the mirror as he sputters in surprise. "Why would I know that? That's creepy? I don't even know my blood type."
"He's AB, and you're an A," Jimin informs him as he shoots a stream of water into his mouth. "What?" he asks when he finally notices Jungkook gaping at him. We went together to donate blood that one time in high school."
"Are you done know?" Jungkook asks wearily as he wipes the excess sweat off his forehead. "I'm tired and I have a test to study for." He pushes himself off the hardwood floor, moving to the corner to get his bag. Hoseok had drilled them relentlessly today, in preparation for the upcoming dance competition. The weariness has already set into his bones, and Jungkook wants nothing more than to collapse on his lumpy, warm bed.
"Just hear me out," Jimin says as he quickly jumps up from the dance floor as well.
Jungkook waits for the older boy as he pulls on his jacket and stuffs his head into his hat. He holds the door open for Jimin as he hobbles out while tying up his loose shoelace.
"Yeah?" Jungkook asks as they begin to walk back to the dorms. Underneath them, the snow crunches and when he exhales he can see a small puff of white.
"What I'm saying is that Seokjin is obviously going to grill you down to the nitty gritty about Taehyung," Jimin laughs at Jungkook’s grimace. "He's going to ask around and he might think something’s fishy if no one can say anything about you two."
"I just want to get the wedding over with already," Jungkook sighs as his shoulders slump. He watches the footprints his sneakers leave on the unshoveled sidewalk.
"There, there. Taehyung is a really nice guy," Jimin pats his shoulder consolingly. "You two just need to go on a few fake dates and voila, everything will be perfect. That, and you actually need to be willing to do all that touchy-coupley stuff too. Seokjin won't suspect a th-"
Jungkook thinks the snowball to Jimin's face is well-deserved. He grins as Jimin blinks in shock, wiping the powdery dust off his face. The gawking only lasts a moment though, before it's replaced by a mischievous smile and Jungkook starts sprinting back towards his dorm, laughing.
One of the first things Jungkook learns about Kim Taehyung is that he's extremely touchy. That had already been evident from their first meeting, when he constantly knocked their knees together. It had taken Jungkook an entire two hours after the not-date to finally figure that Taehyung was only doing it on purpose the first twenty times.
"Jungkookie!" Taehyung exclaims as the door to his room swings open. His bangs are tied up in a small ponytail at the top of his head, threatening to topple over with all the loose strands hanging out of his hair tie. The older boy stifles a yawn as he pushes his glasses up the bridge up his nose, scratching his alien pajama-covered leg.
The second thing Jungkook learns is that Taehyung has a weird affinity for cutting holes in his shirts. There are small slits near the collar of the rumpled white fabric, as well as holes all running down the left sleeve.
"Hello, hyung," Jungkook replies as Taehyung swings his arms out to engulf him in a hug. His embrace is warm, and Jungkook moves his arms up to give Taehyung's back a few pats. He can hear a muffled snicker coming from somewhere inside Taehyung's dorm.
"We're going to practice kissing and cuddling," Taehyung announces. He pulls Jungkook in the direction of the laughter, his hands wrapped around Jungkook's wrist. His touch is warm.
"Time to get out," Taehyung shouts as he stares disapprovingly at Jimin lying on the floor. Jungkook’s foot swings out on its own accord, connecting with Jimin's stomach and causing him to curl up in pain.
"Mhmrfgh," Jimin moans as he rolls over onto his back. He squints at Jungkook, running a hand through his hair as he rubs his eyes. "Why can't I stay? I'll just go back to sleep and pretend to study. You two won't even notice I'm here."
Taehyung plops down on his bed and Jungkook allows Taehyung's momentum to pull him backwards against his chest.
"Is there something you want to tell us?" Jungkook comments snidely as Jimin blinks blankly at the wall. Taehyung's chest vibrates as he laughs into Jungkook's ear, digging his nose into his shoulder.
"Urgh," Jimin scowls as he bends down to pick up his notes. "Okay, okay. I'm leaving," he stuffs his notes and books into his bag, quickly zipping up his coat. "This was my fault for suggesting this in the first place, wasn't it?"
"Bye, Jiminnie," Taehyung chirps, waving as Jimin slings his bag over his shoulder.
"Have fun studying," Jungkook snickers.
"I know you two are fake dating, but make sure you don't have fake sex on my bed," Jimin hollers, giving them a small wave before slamming the door.
Taehyung eyes the bed across from them, eyebrows furrowing in consideration. "You know, Jungkookie," he begins as he looks down at Jungkook. There's a small glint in his eyes. "It is okay if I call you Jungkookie, right?"
"No," Jungkook responds. Taehyung deflates, fitting his chin on Jungkook's shoulder as he pouts. "Not to the nickname,” Jungkook clarifies. “But to whatever you were going to say before that."
"Aww, that's no fun," Taehyung whines into Jungkook's ear. It sends a shiver down Jungkook's spine. Taehyung's arms are wrapped around his stomach, and Jungkook's back is flush to his chest. Their legs are tangled together on top of the mess of Taehyung's ratty blankets.
"Too bad," Jungkook retorts, cheeks burning. Taehyung takes his hand off of Jungkook’s stomach, and before Jungkook can complain about the loss of heat, Taehyung places his hand over Jungkook’s, not seeming to notice the way their fingers almost interlace.
"You know what would be fun, though?" Taehyung asks, dark brown eyes blinking innocently.
Jungkook's eyes dart to Taehyung's lips before he tears his gaze away, coughing into his elbow as he extracts his hand from Taehyung's. "What?" he croaks. The older boy is close enough that Jungkook can feel his breath on his cheek. Jungkook sucks in a breath as his eyes flicker down once more.
"Guess," Taehyung whispers. He presses their foreheads together, free hand coming up to the back of Jungkook's neck. His fingers card through the hairs at the nape of Jungkook's neck, and Jungkook is aware of the burning sensation running through his body.
"Are we practicing right now?" he inquires. Jungkook’s mouth is dry and his heart is in his throat. He shouldn’t be getting nervous over kissing someone he’s not actually dating. It’s ridiculous, really. He just hopes that Taehyung won’t feel the way his palms are getting sweaty and slippery in his.
"Just practice," Taehyung confirms, before leaning in.
Jungkook wakes up in the common room to the smell of pizza and fried chicken. He bolts upright, knee coming into contact with the table. His head is throbbing, and he tries not to grimace as he wipes the drool off the side of his face.
"You missed a spot," Taehyung's voice comes out muffled from behind his scarf. He seems to have just entered the room, and the tip of his nose and ears are bright red. He pulls his hand out of his gloves, cold fingers swiping across Jungkook's cheek. "I come with food and happiness," he announces as he sets a box of pizza and fried chicken down on the table.
"Is this for me?" Jungkook inquires anyway, inhaling the warm scent of cheese and grease. His stomach rumbles.
"Most of it," Taehyung unravels his scarf, shaking his head to get rid of the snow. His hair is dark, clumps matted to his forehead. "I got you it for you because I thought you could use a break from studying."
"Thanks," Jungkook breathes, rubbing his hands before he reaches for his first slice of pizza. Taehyung flashes a grin as he sits down in the chair opposite.
Jungkook wolfs down the pizza, warm food tingling in the bottom of his stomach as he continues to eat. He's busy trying to shove another slice into his mouth as he yawns, and Taehyung almost chokes on his hot chocolate from laughing.
"I'm tired," Jungkook defends around a mouthful of fried chicken. He nudges the half-empty box of pizza towards Taehyung, and Taehyung takes a slice. "You'd be tired too, with so many exams. How come you aren't stressed yet?"
"Secret," Taehyung replies cryptically, but the effect is ruined by the food threatening to spill out of his mouth.
"Why can't you teach me your ways?" Jungkook whines. His skull is no longer pounding, and his eyes aren't dry to the point that they're stinging.
"That's not how it works. You have to learn the ways for yourself, Jungkookie," Taehyung explains as he eyes one of the remaining pieces chicken. “The force works in mysterious ways.”
"Worst boyfriend ever," Jungkook mutters as he pushes the food towards Taehyung.
Taehyung's eyes light up. He doesn't hesitate to take the box into his own hands, leaning back against the chair as he eats. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to disagree with you there. As a matter of fact," Taehyung says as he chews, "I think I deserve a best boyfriend award."
"You? Best boyfriend?" Jungkook snorts. "Don't flatter yourself."
"I bought you food," Taehyung pouts at him from behind the greasy box, "And I fed you." He licks the excess grease off his fingers, thumb sliding out of his mouth with a small pop.
"When did you ever feed-" Jungkook starts, only to be cut off by a large piece of chicken being shoved into his mouth. Taehyung's eyes are trained on him as he eats and Jungkook's face grows warm in response.
"There. I fed you, didn't I?" Taehyung announces proudly. He sets down the box with a small smirk, as if daring Jungkook to challenge him. Fortunately for Taehyung, Jungkook can't answer through his mouthful of food.
Unfortunately for Jungkook, Taehyung's fingers had grazed his lips as he was feeding him and Jungkook's certain that if he opens his mouth to respond he's going to end up choking. Jungkook opts for the middle ground, sending Taehyung a well-deserved kick to the shin and a glare.
"Aww, Jungkookie, don't be like that," Taehyung pouts once more as he bends down to rub his knee. "I've done nothing but give you food and love and this is how you repay me?"
"Maybe," Jungkook answers vaguely. "But if you give me more food I might reconsider." His cheeks turn warm as soon as the words leave his mouth.
Taehyung brings the last slice of pizza to Jungkook's mouth, shaking his head as he laughs. "You're very high maintenance, Jeon Jungkookie." His lips curl into a smile, his special rectangular one, where Jungkook can see all his teeth. Jungkook's chest feels a second away from bursting.
"Okay, where do you want to go next?" Taehyung asks. His hand is warm in Jungkook's, and Taehyung swings them back and forth as he sucks on a lollipop. "Do you want to go for another round on that ride?" He nudges Jungkook, gesturing to the drop tower they had just gotten off of.
"You made us go right after lunch," Jungkook accuses as he looks down at his free hand clutching his stomach. "So I’d rather not. I don't exactly want to feel like throwing up again."
Earlier, Taehyung had come to Jungkook's room to get him. Or, as Taehyung put it, ‘release him from the fiery hells of exams to go on a much-needed study break’. (In reality, Taehyung had barged into his dormitory, asking around loudly for Jeon Jungkook, and dragged him bodily from his room. Junhong had peered at them curiously over his phone, though Donghyuk had been too engrossed in a book to notice).
Since Jungkook is easy, and extremely unmotivated despite his borderline failing calculus grade, he hadn't made much of a protest. The two had stopped by Taehyung's dorm to play Mario Kart, sitting close next to each other on the couch ("Spooning and cuddling," Jimin half-grimaced, half-shouted as he wrapped his scarf around his neck and stalked out the door).
"But you didn't throw up," Taehyung points out, tugging Jungkook towards one of the tents set up on the side. It's a small game stall, one where rings are thrown around a bottle's neck to win prizes.
The air outside is frigid. Jungkook can see small puffs of white each time he breathes, and each time Taehyung opens his mouth to speak. The amusement park is nearly empty, save for them and a few other people. The sun has begun to set, mixing in a soft orange and purple with the dingy gray that had been the sky the entire day.
"If we go on again, I might," Jungkook retorts, allowing Taehyung to lead him by the hand. "I don't want to ruin my shoes. Why are we here again?"
"I bring you out on a post-Valentine's Day date and you don't even appreciate it," Taehyung sniffs as he makes his way over to a nearby cotton candy stand. Jungkook's hand feels oddly empty when Taehyung lets go of it.
"Jungkook?" a voice calls out from behind them. Jungkook's head whips around, cold sweat forming on the back of the neck. Taehyung is still paying for the cotton candy, eyes gleaming as the machine whirs.
"Hoseok-hyung?" Jungkook asks, startled to see the dance club president outside of school. Yoongi is standing beside him, the top of his head and nose peeking out from under his oversized scarf.
"What are you doing here? I didn't know you had a boyfriend," Yoongi questions, eyes darting between Jungkook and Taehyung. "I didn't know that your boyfriend was Kim Taehyung."
"I don’t-" Jungkook stammers, cutting himself off when he remembers. "That's because I kept it a secret," he corrects. His neck has begun to feel hot despite the chilly air around them.
Yoongi narrows his eyes. "How come I don't remember you ever telling us about a boy-"
"Give the kid a break, let him enjoy his date," Hoseok shoves his elbow against Yoongi's arm. Yoongi turns around to redirect his glare towards Jungkook's dance captainA. Jungkook lets out a small sigh of relief, glancing backwards to see Taehyung is still preoccupied.
"But what are you guys doing here," Jungkook asks.
"That's none of your business either," Yoongi miffs as he grabs Hoseok's arm. "Make sure you return my calculus notes after your test. Don’t get them wet this time." And with a glare, Yoongi stomps off.
"Enjoy your date," Hoseok calls out as he's dragged away, sending Jungkook a small wink. Jungkook sputters, turning around to cough.
Taehyung has a large stick of pale pink cotton candy in his hand and an equally large grin on his face. The tips of his fingers are red, and his nose is borderline runny. Jungkook has never felt his heart go from zero to a hundred in such a short span of time.
"You don't have to buy me things, you know," Jungkook reaches for Taehyung's hand as they begin to walk away from the cotton candy stand.
Taehyung's tongue darts out to eat a mouthful of the pink wisps. Tufts of the candy disappear into his mouth instantaneously. "Want some?" he asks, ignoring Jungkook's question as he offers the stick to Jungkook.
Jungkook hesitates before taking a bite. The candy hardens before melting in his mouth. It's cold, and he can barely taste the sugar. "Why are you doing this? You don’t have to go so far," Jungkook looks down at his feet, snow crunching underneath his boots as Taehyung pulls him forward.
"What do you mean?" Taehyung asks innocently as he nudges Jungkook's mouth open with the cotton candy stick once more. Jungkook's lips part easily the second time.
"We're not actually dating," Jungkook grumbles as he watches the last bits of orange fade from the sky. So you don't need to do so much for me, he doesn't say out loud, watching the sparkle in Taehyung's eyes.
Taehyung pretends not to hear him once again. "We should go on the Ferris Wheel," he decides.
"That's a little bit cliche, isn't it?" Jungkook rolls his eyes half-heartedly. Taehyung merely gives him his signature smile in response, eyes crinkling into small crescents. Jungkook's hands turn clammy, but his chest floods with warmth as he allows Taehyung to pull him along.
It's a well-known fact that Kim Seokjin is the sappiest of saps. (He’d proposed to Namjoon via a ring in cake. Though, despite how much Jungkook had complained the idea was unoriginal, it was pretty sweet). And since Seokjin is extremely sappy and loves cliches, of course he decides to hold his wedding the first day of spring.
The rehearsals take place a week before the wedding itself. It's Seokjin who suggests that they stay in his apartment for the week, bribing Jungkook with the promise of baked pastries and all-you-can-eat dinners every night.
"Okay, let's go over this one last time," Jimin says as he drums his fingers against the steering wheel. They're parked outside Seokjin's bakery shop, having just driven across the city.
"Do we have to?" Jungkook whines, pulling an earbud from his ear. Taehyung winks at him, nudging Jungkook’s hand with his own. "You already spent an hour quizzing us on the way here. Let me live."
Jimin ignores him, whipping out his phone and pulling up a list. "Okay, get ready. Favorite food?"
"Japchae," Jungkook answers automatically, at the same time Taehyung says, "Pizza."
"Next one is for Tae. What's Jungkookie's favorite color?"
"Red," Taehyung chirps, unbuckling his seat belt. He wipes the window pane with the sleeve of his jacket before exhaling on the glass to use his finger to draw something.
"Favorite TV show?" Jimin continues.
Jungkook exhales. "I already told you on the way here, and yesterday, and the day before that."
"And the day before that, and the day before that," Taehyung adds, grinning loftily. Jungkook stifles a laugh as Taehyung continues, "The day before that, and the day before-"
"Okay, okay," Jimin snaps. He runs a hand through his hair before pulling on his hat, letting out an exasperated sigh as he opens the car door. "Just don't blame me when Seokjin grills you with questions and you can't answer."
Taehyung nudges Jungkook out of the car with his elbow. He wraps his arm around Jungkook's waist as soon as they're out, pulling him in close so their hips are touching. "I think we'll be fine. Right, Jungkookie?"
"Yeah," Jungkook agrees, breath caught in his throat as they follow Jimin up the stairs. "Just fine."
When Jungkook steps into Seokjin's apartment for the first time in months, he's met with the sight of general havoc. Yoongi greets Jungkook with a brief nod of his head, hand on top of several suits on the arm of the couch right next to him. Namjoon is standing in the corner, looking utterly lost while Seokjin and Hoseok pace back and forth.
"Can you buy these for me?" Seokjin asks, shoving a list into Jimin's hands as he walks by. Jungkook exchanges a look with Jimin. He can feel Taehyung shifting from foot to foot, grip tightening on Jungkook's hand. Jungkook squeezes back.
"Seokjin," Namjoon says gently. He reaches for Seokjin's hand, pulling him back. "It's Jimin and Jungkook. They're here."
"Oh," Seokjin says. He finally turns around to look at them properly, eyes widening when it dawns that there are three extra people in his apartment. There are bags underneath his eyes, and his hair is sticking up all over the place. He’s wearing mismatching socks (one of them a gag gift Jungkook got for him back in high school), and his clothes are rumpled.
"Look who finally came to join the party," Hoseok beams as he sets down a box next to the shoe rack. He opens his arms, pulling them all in for a hug. It's an awkward hug, partially because of how cramped the foyer now is, partially because Jungkook is still holding Taehyung's hand.
Seokjin finally returns to earth when Hoseok takes a step back to join Yoongi on the couch. "Is this your now not-so-mysterious boyfriend?" Seokjin questions, looking at Taehyung.
"They've been dating for months without me knowing," Jimin supplies unhelpfully, before Jungkook can open his mouth. Jungkook flushes underneath all the attention focused on him. He feels hot and uncomfortable.
Seokjin raises an eyebrow. "Did everyone know about him except for me?" Jungkook watches the way Namjoon's thumb is rubbing small circles around the knuckle of Seokjin's.
"Uh," Jungkook replies intelligently. Besides him, Taehyung lets out a small snort. Jungkook tries not-so-subtly to kick his ankle.
"I saw them out on a date for Valentine's Day," Yoongi informs Seokjin from the couch.
"They were eating cotton candy and holding hands," Hoseok adds traitorously. He and Yoongi are now sitting side by side, Yoongi completely squished into the arm of the couch when half of the couch is still empty.
"Can't believe you'd keep him a secret from me for this long," Seokjin reprimands as he ruffles Jungkook's hair.
"Sorry?" Jungkook offers sheepishly. "But I'm still your favorite dongsaeng, right?"
"Not anymore, you aren't. I've now decided that Jimin is, since he doesn't keep big secrets like his significant other from me." Seokjin sniffs. "I hope you two don't mind sleeping here in this room on the couch. We wouldn't want to make it awkward for anyone rooming with you two."
Jungkook spends the rest of the day as Seokjin's errand boy. Seokjin sends him and Taehyung to the store, snatching the list from Jimin's hand and shoving it into Jungkook's instead.
Dinner in Seokjin's kitchen is another event in itself. It's small enough with seven people crammed into one room, let alone when Hyosang, Seokjin’s friend from middle school, comes over. Jungkook can't go a minute without jostling into Taehyung.
Each time their shoulders bump he feels a small surge of electricity travel up his spine. At one point, Taehyung puts his hand on Jungkook's knee. He seems not to notice the way Jungkook's freezes up for a split second, or the way he begins to squirm uncomfortably. They've spent months practicing just for this, and now Jungkook can't spend more than five seconds without shying away from Taehyung's touch.
"Seokjin and Namjoon are both really nice," Taehyung remarks later that night, once dinner is over. Everyone else is in their rooms, Jimin having given them both a knowing look and Hoseok giving them a suggestive smile before shutting the door to their room. Taehyung is clad in the lion pajama bottoms Jungkook got him last week and an old shirt he cut holes out of.
"They make a good pair, don't they?" Jungkook asks, feeling oddly proud.
"Yeah, they do," Taehyung sits down next to Jungkook, placing a hand on his knee once again. He leans against Jungkook's shoulder, eyes turning towards the television.
Jungkook inhales the scent of Taehyung's conditioner. (Okay, it's technically Seokjin and Namjoon's, but still). He glances down at Taehyung's face on his shoulder, noting the way Taehyung's cheeks curve, as well as the few faint freckles on his cheeks. He takes in the slope of Taehyung's nose, the way his eyelashes fall against his cheeks, and the small flecks of light brown inside of his eyes.
Taehyung laughs at some dumb joke on the TVTV. It's not even that funny, but his shoulders start shaking and his lips start curving up into a smile. The entire time, he's rubbing small circles on Jungkook's knee. It's comfortable and comforting, and Jungkook doesn't want this moment to end.
It's then when the realization dawns upon Jungkook, and he jerks his shoulder in response to the epiphany.
"Are you okay?" Taehyung asks, looking up at Jungkook through his eyelashes.
Jungkook throat is dry. "Yeah, just peachy." He closes his eyes, trying to will away the burning feeling that's spreading throughout his entire body.
"You were acting kind of weird at dinner tonight," Taehyung comments. He leans over to reach for the television remote next to Jungkook, turning up the volume so no one else can hear their conversation.
"I'm okay," Jungkook insists, looking down at Taehyung's hand on his knee.
"Are you sure?" Taehyung asks, eyebrows furrowing in concern as he sits up. There's a blatant lack of body contact and heat. "You aren't sick, are you?" He places his hand on Jungkook's forehead, frowning as he attempts to gauge Jungkook's temperature.
"You don't have to pretend right now," Jungkook whispers. "No one's around to see, anyway."
"Pretend?" Taehyung repeats, confusion written all over his face. His hand on Jungkook's forehead drops to his side. "What do you mean, pretend?"
"That we're dating," Jungkook answers. "That you're my boyfriend. That we're anything."
Taehyung looks at him, face blank. For once, Jungkook can't see the hint of a smile on his face. He can't read the current expression on the other boy's face. "We’re not anything,” Taehyung finally breaks the silence, expression darkening as he looks down at the pile of Seokjin’s blankets in front of him. “I get it,” he mumbles.
"We weren’t ever dating in the first place anyway. Remember?" Jungkook flinches inwardly as soon as the words leave his mouth. "So you don't have to keep up the act when no one else is around. You don't have to do that anymore, Taehyung, since it'll all be over in a week, anyway." All he can feel right now is an overwhelming amount of frustration.
The sound from the television is deafening, combined with the roaring blood inside of Jungkook's ears. Taehyung is silent for another moment, before he finally answers.
"Would you like the couch?" Taehyung withdraws his hand from Jungkook's knee before turning off the television. He turns, back facing Jungkook as he pulls up the covers.
Jungkook climbs wordlessly onto the couch behind him, bringing Seokjin's old quilt up to his chin. He tells himself that it's for the best as he closes his eyes, knee still tingling.
It's Seokjin who notices first. He walks out of him room in the morning, feet clad in his pink bunny slippers as he rubs his eyes vigorously. He doesn't say anything, only frowning at Jungkook as he hands him a plate filled with sausages at breakfast. Jungkook's stomach drops when Seokjin places a hand on his shoulder.
Taehyung comes into the kitchen a little afterwards, slouching as he scratches at his stomach. He stretches and lets out a yawn, locking eyes with Jungkook. Taehyung makes no other indication of last night's occurrences as he plops down in the seat next to him. His familiar smile is plastered onto his face, as if nothing had ever happened.
The wedding rehearsal goes by awkwardly. Jungkook feels out of place as he walks with Jimin down the aisle. He feels self-conscious the entire way, and Jimin elbows him in the stomach more than once for turning his head to look at Taehyung, who’s sitting in the front.
"Get a hold of yourselves," Jimin hisses to him before they join Taehyung. "I don't know what happened between you two last night, but don't let it ruin Seokjin's wedding."
"Sorry," Jungkook mumbles. His hand grazes along the side of Taehyung's thigh as he smooths his pants to sit down. Jungkook's limbs feel too long, too short, too everything. His elbow's knock against Taehyung’s every time he fidgets.
As if Jungkook's day can't get even worse, Seokjin and Namjoon decide to make them all practice slow dancing as well. It's Yoongi who shoves Jungkook forward across to the floor to join Taehyung, scowl on his face.
Jungkook looks down at his feet the entire time. Taehyung's hand rests on the small of his back, other hand on his shoulder. Jungkook can feel his face burning. He steps on Taehyung's foot more than once, and Hoseok gives him a concerned look as he passes by. Jungkook can feel the pressure in his chest steadily building up, until it feels as if it’s about to rupture.
"I'm not feeling too good," he mutters, hastily removing his hands from Taehyung's waist and shoulder. Jungkook ignores the surprise written across Taehyung's face as he darts from the room.
Jungkook spends the rest of the day sulking in Seokjin’s apartment. He turns on the TV, eyes staring blankly at the screen as he watches a rerun of some anime. The sounds filter in and out of his ears without being processed.
When everyone else returns to the house after rehearsals, Jungkook clambers on top of the couch and quickly shuts off the TV. He pulls the blankets over his head, turning his back towards the door as he pretends to sleep.
He can hear the muffled footsteps of someone stepping across the living room to place a hand on top of his head. "I hope you're feeling alright," the person whispers. It's Taehyung. "None of this was fake, for me at least." The words are spoken so softly that Jungkook isn’t sure if he just imagined them.
Jungkook's breath lodges in his throat as he keeps his eyes squeezed shut. Taehyung's hand is still on top of his head. The other boy stays like that for another minute before walking away, and only then does Jungkook let out a shaky exhale.
Later that night, when Jungkook comes out of the shower, it's to the sight of Hoseok, not Taehyung, leaning against the couch and on his phone. The pressure in Jungkook’s chest immediately dissipates, and he falls to the ground beside the older boy.
"Want to talk about it?" Hoseok asks, putting away his phone. He opens his arms to drag Jungkook towards his chest for a hug. His embrace is warm, and Hoseok plays with the hairs at the nape of Jungkook's neck almost the same way Taehyung does (or did. Jungkook isn't sure of anything anymore).
"Not really," Jungkook mumbles into Hoseok's neck, voice raw. His entire body feels numb. Part of him is angry at himself for causing a conflict a few days just before Seokjin's wedding, but the other part is exhausted from all the acting.
He ends up waking up in the middle of the night to a clamor from the kitchen. Jungkook lets out a groan as he rubs his eyes in attempt to make out his surroundings. Besides him, Hoseok is still snoring peacefully.
Jungkook tiptoes to the kitchen. The soft orange glow from the open refrigerator door illuminates Seokjin's face.
"Hi," Seokjin says sheepishly as he takes out a carton of ice cream. "Want some?" he offers as he closes the door.
"Why are you up so late, hyung?" Jungkook asks once two large bowls of ice cream are set down in front of them.
"Nerves," Seokjin laughs around a mouthful of ice cream. "I worry whether or not we'll walk down the aisle correctly, or if the people will like the food at the reception. Like what if we lose our rings, then what? And I worry whether my parents will like the flowers I chose, and the seating, and if our tuxedos actually look good, and there are just so many things that could go wrong."
Jungkook reaches for the bowl in front of him. "You've been planning this wedding for months," he reassures him. "Sure, there might be a few hitches, but it's going to go fine."
"But what if Namjoon likes me but doesn't actually like me that much?" Seokjin whispers, eyes dilating underneath the small amount of moonlight filtering through the window. "What if I'm making a mistake? What if he's making a mistake?"
"Hyung," Jungkook scoffs, "Namjoon watches Disney movies with you whenever you're sick. He goes out to buy you Mario and Maple Story merchandise and eats all your food."
"Are you saying that my food isn't good?" Seokjin asks, raising an eyebrow, but his lips are quirked upwards.
"No," Jungkook rolls his eyes and "I'm just saying that you should see the way Namjoon looks at you- the way you two look at each other. It's almost disgusting."
Seokjin lets out a small snort. "Okay, so why are you up so late, Jungkookie?" He asks, pointing his spoon at Jungkook's chest.
"You woke me up," he grumbles as he looks down at his ice cream, only half-accusatory. Seokjin looks at him imploringly and Jungkook caves. "Urgh, fine. So say you like this guy, but he doesn't like you back." Jungkook babbles.
"Why would you say that he doesn't like you back?" Seokjin raises an eyebrow, resting his chin on top of his hands.
Jungkook squirms underneath Seokjin's gaze. "Well, he might have said that he likes me, but I don't think it's real."
"Maybe if you were on the outside, you'd see the way he looks at you," Seokjin says with a knowing grin. "And the way you look at him. You wouldn't say it was fake then."
"Yeah, but," Jungkook looks helplessly back down at his empty bowl of ice cream.
"I think you should talk to him," Seokjin interrupts, taking Jungkook's bowl and his and placing them in the sink. "If you haven't talked to him about it yet, how would you know?"
Jungkook wakes up for the second time that day with a roaring headache. He trudges to the only bathroom in the apartment to brush his teeth, only to be shoved in by Yoongi. Taehyung's eyes are wide with surprise, toothbrush hanging out of his mouth. Jungkook hears the tell-tale sound of a lock clicking.
"Sorry, but you two need to get things worked out," Yoongi shouts through the door, and Jungkook's heart plummets as he hears Yoongi's footsteps fade.
"Are you feeling better?" Taehyung asks once he's rinsed out his teeth. His shoulders are tense, eyes slightly red and puffy.
"I'm alright," Jungkook answers carefully. His head is pounding. "What about you?"
"Alright," Taehyung answers, looking down at the bathroom sink. His shoulders slump, and Jungkook has never seen Taehyung look so small and sad before. An immense guilt floods his chest.
"Just alright?" Jungkook presses.
"Could be better," Taehyung amends, looking up at him. He offers Jungkook a small smile. It’s weak and nothing like the full-face one Jungkook has taken for granted.
"I'm sorry for saying all that stuff to you yesterday," Jungkook apologizes, running a hand through his hair. The words choke him, getting stuck as they come up his throat.
"It's fine," Taehyung places his hand on Jungkook's shoulder. The temperature of the bathroom slowly rises. "It's not like we were really dating in the first place, so you don't have to worry about that."
"But what if I want to," Jungkook says quietly. His eyes flick up to Taehyung's face to gauge his reaction.
"What?" Taehyung asks, shock clear on his face.
"As in, for real," Jungkook clarifies. He can hear his heart beat loudly against his chest. "I want to date you, for real. I thought it was pointless, because our whole relationship revolved around us pretending for today. But I like you, Taehyung. As in, I like you for real."
Taehyung's expression is still unreadable, and Jungkook's eyes flicker down to the tiled floor. He can hear the sound of people moving around in the kitchen.
"I mean, you don't have to date me if you don't actually like me, but I just thought," he babbles as he feels a flush creep up the back of his neck. "I'm sorry for hurting you the other day."
A slow smile creeps across Taehyung's face, causing him to smile his familiar rectangle smile once again. There's a small spark in his eyes, and he uses his free hand to brush aside Jungkook's bangs.
"Next time, don't let your emotional constipation get in the way, okay?" Taehyung grins as pulls Jungkook in so their foreheads are touching. "Communication is a healthy part of a relationship."
"So that's a yes?" Jungkook can’t help but ask. He can feel Taehyung's breath on his cheek and his hands are getting clammier by the second.
"It's a yes, Jungkookie," Taehyung laughs as he leans in to peck Jungkook's lips. "I'll date you. This time for real."
Seokjin's wedding goes off without a hitch. It's a small affair, with only Seokjin's parents and close friends in attendance. Seokjin and Namjoon spend the morning going through their checklist, and Namjoon knuckles turn paler with each passing second. They drive to the wedding in separate cars and too much chaos. Even though it's Seokjin's wedding, Jungkook's heart can't help but race.
Jungkook feels an immense pride and happiness surge through his chest as he watches Seokjin walk down the aisle. He reaches for Taehyung's hand as Hyosang and Yoongi go up to make their respective speeches. Taehyung gives Jungkook’s foot a small nudge, squeezing his hand as Jungkook makes to dab the corners of his eyes.
"You're crying," Taehyung whispers. He uses his free hand to dab Jungkook's eye for him instead.
"No, I'm not," Jungkook sniffs. Taehyung's thumb is soft against Jungkook's cheek. He turns to look at Jimin, who's busy blowing his nose. "I just have an eyelash in my eye," Jungkook tells Taehyung.
"Sure you do," Taehyung grins at him. He pulls Jungkook's hand so that it's resting on top of his thigh, and places his other hand on top of it. Jungkook blinks at the warmth seeping through his body, trying his best to not let the tear at the corner of his eye fall as Yoongi continues to speak.
There’s actual crying at the reception. Seokjin's eyes begin to water as Hyosang takes his spoon and starts banging it against the wine glass. "Come on," Hoseok teases as he joins Hyosang. "Don't disappoint us now."
Soon, the whole room is filled with the tinkering of glass and Seokjin wraps his hand around Namjoon's neck to pull him in. Jungkook joins in with Jimin and Taehyung's cheering. Jungkook's elbow bumps into Taehyung’s throughout the toasts, and he smiles back at him.
Jungkook is sitting on the couch on top of Taehyung watching Zion.T's latest performance on MBC, arms wrapped loosely around Jungkook’s waist. His chin is hooked over Jungkook's shoulder, and Jungkook can feel the steady rhythm of his chest rise and fall.
"Seokjin wants you to come over for dinner again sometime," Jungkook says casually, tugging Taehyung’s hands so his arms are wrapped tighter around Jungkook’s waist.
"Meeting the in-laws?" Taehyung winks at him as he looks down at Jungkook.
"As if," he scoffs. "It's more of having dinner with your parents." Taehyung smiles at him before leaning down to press his lips to Jungkook's. It's small and short- too short for Jungkook's liking. He lets out a small whine.
"Well, good thing I already had my first dinner with them all the way back in the spring, then," Taehyung says as he nuzzles his nose against the shell of Jungkook's ear.
"Hey," Jungkook complains as he gestures to his lips. Taehyung lets out a small laugh before he leans down to kiss Jungkook once again.
Of course (because Jungkook's life is Jungkook's life and good things can't come without something bad), it's right at that moment that the door swings open.
"Urgh, okay," Jimin groans as he holds up his hands in front of his face. "I definitely did not need to see that." Jungkook sits up on the couch as Jimin begins to back out of the room. "Have fun making out on the couch. Stay safe. I liked it so much better when you guys were fake dating, back when I actually had a room."
The door slams shut behind Jimin, and Jungkook looks back at Taehyung. He shifts so his legs are on both sides of Taehyung's waist, and pulls Taehyung up with the collar of his shirt.
"Well, he did say to have fun," Jungkook says. Taehyung laughs, amusement in his eyes. He gives Jungkook an expectant look. Jungkook's inhales sharply before he leans down to kiss him.
a/n: honestly this was probably the most difficult thing ive written thisyear so far (aka the second of two fics...) mainly bc of the pairing and school x___X also...look at me writing something nonvmin