Chapter Text
There was a loud, rapid knock at the door and Tae jumped up, back ramrod straight and eyes wide. “Deep breaths Tae you got this, they’re just normal people” Tae muttered. Jeongguk had begun to find his little muttering endearingly cute and he didn’t stop the smile that had once again spread across his face. He’d been smiling a lot since Tae woke up, and Tae was beginning to wonder if that was just his state of being, because he couldn’t possibly be smiling at whatever he’s doing. This is the Jeon Jeongguk, badass extraordinaire with rich friends and even richer family. He was the cool cucumber of the university.
Tae had been so lost in thought that he almost forgot about his guests that were waiting to be let in, if it hadn’t been for Jeongguk clearing his throat.
“The door!” He screeched. Jeongguk had let out a full belly laugh as he watched Tae scramble over the couch and to the door, panting heavily as he got there.
“Tae please be careful! You’re still recovering!” Jeongguk yelled, still trying to hold back his laugh. He only received a very put out looking Tae before he’d opened the door.
Once the door had swung open, he was faced with 5 pairs of curious eyes. He felt the blush rise in his cheeks again. It seems that ever since falling sick, all Tae had been doing was blushing. (It was a concept he learnt about when joining this realm, it’s truly fascinating).
“H-hi there! I’m T-Taehyung! Would you like to come in? Jeongguk is waiting for you” he stammered out. He was nervous damnit he’s never been around this many people and had to talk to them! What if he messes up? A chorus of hellos brings Tae back out of his mind and he jumps slightly, before giving them all a wide smile and opening the door more, to allow everyone in. All at once, they all seemed to move, causing them to get stuck in the doorway and Tae forced his giggle down. He watched in amusement as they all looked confused, and then the arguments started. For only 5 guys? They made one hell of a ruckus.
“Uhm, guys? You’re embarrassing me in front of Taehyung, can you not?” Came Jeongguks voice. There was a grin on his face but his eyes looked pained to see his hyungs acting like children. He couldn’t hold his laughter in any longer and Tae bent in half as he laughed. It wasn’t his cute delicate giggles that Jeongguk has had the wonderful pleasure of hearing all day, but a full body laugh, and seeing him so happy made Jeongguks heart feel full.
“Alright then boys, one at a time and don’t forget to take your shoes off!” One of the boys instructed. Tae didn’t see their face, but seeing as everyone paid attention and did as they were told, he’d assume that it was Kim Seokjin, the oldest member of their little group. Like troopers, they all filed in and placed their shoes on the guest shoe rack, before following Jeongguk back to the living room and Tae had just stood there in slight awe, his chest still feeling tight from the sickness he had but heart feeling light.
“Taehyung! Hi, I’m Seokjin, call me hyung okay? Sorry for intruding and thank you for having us over! We brought food to compensate” once again Tae was shaken out of his head, coming face to face with the Kim Seokjin. He was holding his hand out, and it was only Taes quick thinking that remembered that when humans greet each other they sometimes shake hands. Silently, he thanks his mother that he watched so many of those weird drama things on the contraption humans call a TV.
Shaking Seokjins hand gently, they smiled at each other.
“I’m glad you brought food, I kinda, can’t cook? I mean I tried and all but things kept burning and there was a weird smell and lots of noise and Jeongguk pulled me out of the kitchen and told me not to worry about it because his Seokjin hyung would have it covered and” Taes ramble was cut short
“Hey it’s okay, relax. No need to be nervous! We’re all easy going here” Seokjin soothed. Tae took the chance to take him in, his easy posture and soft smile. His eyes held concern and once again there was a hand on his forehead and he still doesn’t know why. Whatever the reason, Seokjin only looked more concerned with the result.
“Come on, you need to sit down” was all Tae got before being guided to the living room (shouldn’t it be the other way around? It was Taehyungs house after all. The rest of the boys had made themselves comfy on the excessive amount of couches he had, and he could see the food they had all brought over on his coffee table (he still doesn’t understand why it’s called that). The noise they were making quieted down as both Tae and Seokjin made their way to the spare space on the couch in the middle, next to Jeongguk to be precise.
“Hoseok, be a darling and get taehyung a glass of water would you?” Seokjin asked in a sickly sweet voice. Said boy jumped up, rushing to the fridge with an “you got it hyung!” without a question. With all the attention now on him, Taehyung could feel the tension in the room. It made him uncomfortable.
Before he could say anything though, Jeongguk stood up. “Guys, maybe we should introduce ourselves to Tae, Yeah? He knows who I am of course, so instead of staring at him like he’s some alien, tell him your names” he stated.
“Jeongguk! There’s no need to be rude!” Seokjin gasped. Tae intervened before an argument could break out.
“Yes! Introductions! My name is Kim Taehyung and I’m a photography major! I’m 22 years old and I’m new to the city, relatively.” He smiled hopefully, big doe eyes looking around the boys with that hope sparkling brightly. ‘Hoseok’ walked up to him with a water bottle in his hands “hi! I’m Jung Hoseok, 24, And I’m a dance major, nice to meet you!” he said cheerily. And so they went down the line from there, starting with -
“Hi Taehyungie! Can I call you that? My name is Park Jimin, im 22 and I’m also a dance major! But I also have a minor in music with a focus on vocals! Nice to meet you” the pink haired Jimin said. Tae thought that if humans could speak emoji, it would be Jimin. He’s all hearts and flowers and wow cute much? And then
“My name is Min Yoongi, I’m 25 and I’m a music production major” his voice was deep, but the smile he gave Tae had his heart beating fast. Gosh they’re so cute! And last but not least, the tall blonde haired beauty “my name is Kim Namjoon! I also major in music production but I have a minor in philosophy! I’m 23 years old” by gosh his dimples were the cutest things Tae had ever seen since being blessed with Jeongguk. Now that they had all been introduced, they were all settling in nicely and had started chatting comfortablely with taehyung. Being as tired and put out as he was, Tae didn’t realise he was snuggling happily into Jeongguks side, gently drifting off to the sound of laughter.
Tae was only vaguely aware of being moved from his comfortable position on the couch, having exhausted himself trying to keep his home clean. When he woke again, he was in his bed. Confusion clouded his already muddled brain and he sat up slowly, trying to sort through his memories of the day before. He has friends now. Tae couldn’t stop the grin from attempting to split his face open, confusion was replaced with joy and he bolted out of bed. Did they stay? Or go home? Gosh he was such a bad host, falling asleep on his guests like that, that’s not what happens in the dramas he watched! Oh dear what if they hate him? He ran to the living room not really knowing what to look for but knowing he needed to at least check anyway.
When he arrived, the room was as spotless as it was when he cleaned for everyone’s arrival and for a second Tae was shocked. They cleaned his living room and kitchen for him? That was the second nicest thing someone has ever done for him and he could feel his eyes sting with tears. His plants were unusually silent as he took everything in, and then he heard a loud snore coming from the couch and they all burst into laughter. He held back his giggle again and made his way to the couch. Who would’ve stayed? Jeongguk maybe? He has been the sweetest since Tae had fallen sick after all, it would make sense; but when Tae peered over the edge, he didn’t find Jeongguk there, but Jimin, the adorable boy he had taken a liking too when they first met. He reminded Tae of when he was young and still happy at home.
Across the room on the other couch lay Yoongi, curled up into a small ball with one of his throw blankets over him. Yoongi had interested him, he was quieter than the rest of the group but still spoke a lot with his actions and facial expressions and it spoke to Taes heart. He got it, feeling unable to verbally express his feelings. Something bittersweet tugged at his heart for a second, before he shook himself off and told himself he better start on breakfast. Tae repeated the same process as yesterday, making eggs and toast and was in the process of making bacon when there was noise coming from the living room again. It was like time repeated itself for a second, and Tae had heard another thud on the floor but decided that he’d better stay with the bacon lest he burn it again.
As Tae focused on the bacon again, his Hyacinths were chattering playfully with each other about who knows what and there was a shuffling across the floor.
“Taehyung?” Jimin asked softly, and even though Tae knew someone was coming he still jumped slightly in fright. Heartbeat racing, he turned around with a smile
“Yes Jimin? What’s up?” Tae responded. Jimin was leaning against the breakfast island table with his hair a mess, a slightly dazed look on his face and it made Tae smile more. He was so cute!
“Nothing, I sorta wanted to apologise for crashing on your couch but Jeongguk couldn’t miss anymore classes and we didn’t want to leave you alone just yet, in case the sickness came back” even though Jimin still looked tired, the words tumbled out of his mouth quickly like he was scared and Tae would not have any of that. He swiftly moved to Jimin and gathered him up in his arms, like he’d seen in he dramas because this is what you’re supposed to do when someone is distressed, right? It happens in the dramas so of course it is.
“It’s okay Jimin! It means a lot that you wanted to stay and look after me, don’t worry about it! You can stop stressing now” he assured and while Jimin initially had seemed shocked, was now melting into Taes arms and they stood and held each other for a while. The anthurium cooed their approval before there was a screech of BACON!!! And Tae all but leaped back to the oven to turn off the hob. There was a tinkling laughter coming from Jimin and Taes heart only filled more. For a group of ‘bad boys’ they sure are the cutest bunch Tae has ever met.
The day was spent getting to know Yoongi and Jimin, both not letting him do anything other than sit on the couch and go to the bathroom. It was faintly frustrating but more endearing that they were worried for him even though they’ve only just met. He was intrigued by yoongi, who seemed a bit rough due to his tired appearance but is an actual sweetheart; he even asked for instructions on how to care for his plants properly rather than just pouring water on them. His plant friends were very grateful. They’d all taken to Jimin and Yoongi like they had Jeongguk, which made Tae’s heart warm and his chest feel full.
As the day was slowing down and Jimin and Yoongi not seeming to have any intentions of leaving just yet, Tae could only speculate on the potions he planned on making to make sure this ‘sickness’ can be cured immediately. He knew he’d need some herbs and flowers, along with some tree roots and maybe a dash of animal fur? He’s not too sure, he’ll have to check his potions book when he gets the chance. Since it’s a human illness, Tae can only assume all the ingredients he’d need would be in the human realm. As much as he loves the fae and elves, they’re quite hard to bargain with and even harder to leave the realm; they were very clingy, the fae especially. Oh god forbid he’d need ingredients from a realm he hasn’t explored yet, he’s only young! He’s not had the chance to visit the dragons and the dwarves and unicorns okay? It’s not his fault. He had to get out of the realm of gods and fast, he couldn’t stay there, he’s not been able to explore.
“Hey Jiminie hyung?” (In human years he’s technically younger than everyone but Jeongguk, so he’s gotta keep up the pretences ) Jimin makes a noise to show he’s listening, but his head doesn’t turn from where it’s glued to the tv. Tae isn’t sure what drama is on, but it’s hilarious and the girl is adorable, but he isn’t paying too much attention.
“Not that I mind if you guys stay, but are you going to be leaving tonight? I’d feel bad if you slept on the couch again. I heard it’s not good for your back” Tae pouts. Yoongi snorts from his position by the windows, watering his lilies. They’d been complaining about lack of attention so he had sent Yoongi to tend to them for a while. The question had Jimins head turning, an eyebrow raised.
“The boys were hoping to have another movie night and then Seokjin hyung is gonna check up on you and if he clears you, we’ll go home. As comfy as your couches are, my back does actually hurt” there is a hint of mirth in Jimins voice and Tae is getting used to picking up on sarcasm and humour, or so he’d like to think, so he sends him a grin and nod in response.
There’s a low chatter that only Tae can hear, and it’s difficult to get all his flowers to be quiet. He thinks that maybe he should get a ‘familiar’ in a sense, or so the humans call them. Since he’s not a witch, they aren’t the same, but they are. Humans won’t be able to see them if he so wishes, and they control his power more than they channel it; it’s also an easier way of controlling his unruly plants when there’s company around. He mulls it over in his head, weighing up the pros and cons of getting a familiar. It could literally be anything, from any realm, and wouldn’t that be fun? He could have a Phoenix! No, that’s too big and not like him at all, but he could and that’s the point, he could have anything.
His thoughts wonder back to Jeongguk, handsome, kind, cute as a button Jeongguk. A bunny. A strong, handsome bunny. Tae sighed dreamily, completely missing the knowing smirk from Jimin and Yoongi's insufferable sigh in the background. They’d figured out pretty early on about Taes infatuation with Jeongguk, everyone had. Bar Jeongguk that is. Both of them are idiots.
Nothing happened for a while, each boy doing their own thing. Yoongi hasn’t left the plants alone, but was just flirting about them all, murmuring to them about whatever, Jimin was still thoroughly invested in the drama, and Tae was still daydreaming about his life with Jeongguk. It was peaceful, until there was a loud obnoxious knock on the door that gave them all a fright.