Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The music is loud around them where they sit in the back den, hiding from the party that’s gotten too big too fast. Smoke and heat fill the room despite the cracked windows, half empty cups and bottles covering the table between them. Soon the smoke will make the room hazy and drag in a yelling Yoongi, who will thrust open every window in complaint before taking whatever is handed to him with a ‘be cool man’ from Namjoon.

It’s a typical Friday night and like every Friday night, Jungkook sits on the old tattered couch between them all, enjoying the loud music and the fact that it allows him to ignore Hoseok.

Hoseok is his best friend and he would give him his left arm without hesitation, but there’s only so much teasing Jungkook can take before his face feels like it is going to melt off and he’ll be left looking like Harvey Dent. Which sounds pretty cool, but Jungkook isn’t sure it’s something he’s ready to commit to yet.

Every time he so much as glances at his best friend, he knows a joke is on its way. And it’s Jungkook’s fault. Hoseok’s caught him staring not one but three (ten) times but he can’t help it. His eyes aren’t listening to him. Every time they go off on their own and drift across the room, Jungkook tries telling himself to look away but his eyes are stubborn.

But who can really blame him? He doesn’t understand how anyone can stand in the same room as Taehyung and not stare lovingly at him. It’s impossible, it’s fake. It’s not truly Jungkook’s fault that Taehyung is the prettiest person on campus, probably the prettiest person to ever exist and Jungkook just happens to have eyes. It isn’t his fault that no matter how many people are in the room, Taehyung is the center of attention. Even if he’s off in the corner of the room where the light from the lamp hanging in the ceiling doesn’t reach and Jungkook is really the only one noticing him.

In all honesty, if anyone is to blame it’s Taehyung’s parents.

Jungkook realizes his eyes have drifted to Taehyung again at the thought. He’s effortlessly attractive in his too big of shirt that’s half tucked into his so ripped jeans that he might as well not be wearing anything. His red hair waved and sticking to his forehead from the heat. The veins in his arms stick out from the way he holds onto the man in front of him and Jungkook will deny that he’s looking more at the way Taehyung’s mouth moves than Taehyung himself.

He has a pretty mouth, heart shaped with plump lips that are always glistening. They’re slick now, but not because of chapstick or his habit of licking them. But because of the man in front of him, his tongue, and his apparent need to eat Taehyung’s face.

It’s an unfair thought because the man seems to be fine at kissing and Taehyung seems to enjoy it if the white of his knuckles every time he tugs the man in to deepen the kiss is any indication. But it’s just out of concern, because Jungkook knows Taehyung will be heartbroken if the man eats his lips and he can no longer kiss anyone. It’s perfectly normal of him to worry for his best friend, love of his life, roommate person.

Whatever. If anything is as routine as Yoongi whining about the room filling with smoke before he helps add to it is Taehyung slipping away sometime throughout the night to feed his kissing addiction. Even though Jungkook has lips and is usually in hands reach of Taehyung, he’ll disappear and reappear moments later with someone else. It’s fine.

It’s torture . Pure torture how much Taehyung loves to kiss. It’s like an interrogation tactic, how often Jungkook is subjected to watching Taehyung pull someone from the crowd of people to lock lips with. He thinks people could go mad from things like this. From this kind of hell. But despite the ripping of his insides and the forever internal bleeding, Jungkook can’t look away.

“Take a picture,” Hoseok says, shoving hard into his side as he wraps an arm around Jungkook’s shoulders. As much as Jungkook wants to ignore Hoseok, Hoseok never lets him. “Oh wait, I already did for you.”

In a blur, Hoseok shows off his phone and the quickly snapped picture of Taehyung crowding the man up against the wall.

Jungkook yelps, snatching the phone to hastily delete it. Hoseok giggles, offering up a thin blunt pressed between his fingers to Jungkook’s lips as an apology. While Jungkook moves frantically, Hoseok is a man of ease as he sinks into the couch and watches Jungkook with too much amusement in his eyes.

“Do you know how creepy this is?” Jungkook asks as he deletes the photo, denying the blunt because he’s a little over the edge of tipsy and not trying to drown in being too fucked up tonight. Not when he has to walk Taehyung and his pretty mouth home because Jungkook is selfish and perhaps, maybe told Taehyung it makes him too nervous to walk alone in the dark at night.

He was a freshmen at the time, okay? He lied then and now it’s too late to take it back. He plans to one day, some day. It isn’t Jungkook’s fault that Taehyung can’t tell he’s perfectly comfortable walking at night.

“About as creepy as you drooling while watching him make out with some rando,” Hoseok huffs, voice tight with smoke. “Dude, you either need to go over there and tell him you need a good dickin’ or you need to find someone else to hook up with. We don’t want another biology class incident.”

Jungkook blames the heat from the crowded room on the way his cheeks turn hot. It wasn’t his fault. Taehyung had been watching him intently during his presentation on the Kaloula with a pencil between his lips and Jungkook just happened to be a bit distracted. Distracted enough by the way Taehyung edged his tongue over the side of his pencil like the demon he is that Jungkook’s pants perhaps, maybe became too tight.

Whatever, it wasn’t his fault. Pencils should be illegal and Taehyung should have never been given one.

“I don’t need to get laid or to get dicked down,” Jungkook denies. He wouldn’t mind getting kissed though. If the lips that he wanted to kiss weren’t currently being eaten. “ You need to get dicked down.”

“I do,” Hoseok sighs, blowing smoke into the air before his face twists into one of disgust. “Ew, Kook, if you’re asking me than I have to politely decline.”

Jungkook stares at him for a moment before he shoves him to the side. “No fucking way, man. I’d rather fuck Namjoon’s pet cactus than you.”

Hoseok chokes as he laughs, eyes tearing up. “Shh, don’t let him hear you.” He nudges his head to where Namjoon sits criss crossed on the floor, eyes heavy as he pretends to listen to whatever it is that Jimin is explaining to him. “That’s his housemate remember? Not pet. And it isn’t a cactus either, it’s a succulent .”

“ You’re a succulent,” Jungkook grunts as he swipes the blunt from Hoseok’s fingers.

They bicker back and forth until the smoke is thick between them and Hoseok’s gasping as the blunt burns low and singes his fingers. The music is still playing just as loud but the crowd has emptied to their regular crew. Yoongi’s forced all the windows open, but it does little to the smoke rising towards the ceiling.

Taehyung disappears at some point, only to return by throwing himself over the back of the couch and onto the spot next to Jungkook twenty minutes later. His hair sticks up around his head and his mouth -

God, maybe Jungkook can blame being high on the way he stares at Taehyung’s swollen mouth. His bottom lip is bruised, matching the purple blossoming right over his pulse.

“Hey,” Taehyung greets, shuffling his fingers through Jungkook’s hair. He tugs a little, giggling under his breath when Jungkook wrinkles his nose. “What’s happenin’?”

“Nothin’,” Jungkook replies. “Chillin’.”

Taehyung snorts loudly, knocking their shoulders together. “Oh interesting, tell me more.”

Hoseok opens his mouth like he’s going to and Jungkook stiff arms him hard, knowing that whatever is going to leave his lips isn’t good by the amusement in his eyes. Hoseok groans, swatting at him before pushing himself up to his feet.

“Sorry for being a great amazing friend and caring about the wellbeing of your dick, Jeon.”

He storms off and Jungkook has to hide his laughter behind his hand. He knows he’ll be back after he gets his fill of dancing. Ninety percent of their relationship is bickering and teasing. Jungkook swears he only ever glares at Hoseok, but it’s how they communicate their love.

“What’s wrong with your dick?” Taehyung asks as he snatches the bottle Jungkook’s been milking for the last hour out of his hands. Jungkook cringes, knowing the beer must taste nasty by now but Taehyung doesn’t seem to mind.

“Nothing. Hobi thinks I need to get laid.”

Taehyung grins while he swallows and pinches Jungkook’s cheek. “You do. You popped a boner while talking about frogs the other day. I mean, I know you like frogs, but if you’re, like, into frogs -”

His eyes go wide and Jungkook groans, wanting to shove Taehyung too but he would never, ever. “Shut up. I’m not into frogs.”

“No judgement,” Taehyung says, raising his hands in front of himself. “If you wanna ribbit ribbit or whatever, go ahead man.”

Okay, maybe he would shove Taehyung.

“Oh you -”

Jungkook jumps from the couch after Taehyung, who springs across the floor like said frog to avoid Jungkook’s fists of fury.

By the end of the night, all frogs have been forgotten about as Taehyung swings his arms around Jungkook from the back. His lips are pouted as he whines and sags, leaning all of his weight onto Jungkook until he’s being pulled backwards.

“Carry me.”

“No,” Jungkook says. He won’t give in this time. He refuses. After a thousand and one frog jokes all night, Taehyung can walk.

“Please, Jungkookie, my legs are so tired.”

Taehyung drags his words out in a way that tells Jungkook he’s pouting. He whines Jungkook’s name in a way that makes Jungkook want to scoop Taehyung into his arms and carry him bridal style the rest of the way.

“No.”

There’s a wiggling that tugs Jungkook back further. Jungkook hardens the muscles of his arms and stomach, fighting against Taehyung’s weight. “Kookie, please. Want you to carry me.”

Jungkook sighs as Taehyung sinks lower, pulling his shirt some from his weight. He stops, sighing loudly in annoyance to mask the way his chest fills with so much fondness that it oozes out of every crevice of his body. “Okay, hop on.”

Taehyung cheers before he jumps up. They aren’t far from home now, somewhere between Yoongi’s and theirs, but Jungkook is feeling heavy from the late night and the weed he smoked. Taehyung is a nice heavy though, his arms tight around Jungkook’s chest and his thighs hard where Jungkook grips his legs to keep him secure.

“Did you have a nice night, Kookie? Fix the dilemma with your dick?”

Jungkook might drop him. “No. There was no dick dilemma to begin with.”

Taehyung giggles, shifting up Jungkook’s back and for a moment, Jungkook almost drops himself when Taehyung presses his lips against his neck to giggle there.

He hopes Taehyung stops because than there will be a dick dilemma for sure.

“It’s okay, Jungkookie. Happens to the best of us.”

It isn’t uncommon; the closeness, the grazing of lips. Taehyung is the most cuddly person Jungkook has ever met. He’s always fitting himself around or into Jungkook whenever Jungkook’s on the couch and even when he’s in his own bed. His arms are like a vice grip around him when he’s sleeping and his pouted lips are always rubbing and touching. It isn’t uncommon for Taehyung to grab Jungkook’s cheeks and kiss his forehead messily and noisily. He’s even got the blessing of a few cheek kisses before and Jungkook doesn’t know if Taehyung is trying to torture him or just oblivious of his death every time he does it.

“I have you if I need to fix my dick dilemma.”

There’s the scrape of teeth against Jungkook’s skin before Taehyung grips onto the collar of his shirt and tugs. It’s meant to be a joke, sometimes their joking can borderline flirting or ‘fucking nasty’ as Hoseok calls it, but the moment it leaves Jungkook’s lips he regrets it. “Do you?”

And Jungkook keeps his lips pressed hard together because he refuses to answer that. One, because he can’t lie and two, because he doesn’t want it to accidentally slip that his dick dilemma is completely because he hates Taehyung’s mouth and can’t stop thinking about it.

*

Another Friday night and Jungkook considers finding a new group of friends to hang out with. Not that his aren’t great; they’re the best on campus. He could travel to every corner of the Earth and he won’t find a better group of people, but Jungkook hates them all.

“Dude, I’m telling you. Professor Lee made him stand when answering what’s up with newt species going extinct and he was like this -”

Hoseok stiffens his arm, holding it between his legs and dodging when Jungkook goes to kick him.

“Dude, what’s up with you and amphibians?” Namjoon huffs out, face red from laughter as Hoseok tells another tale of Jungkook’s dick dilemmas.

Taehyung dilemmas, Jungkook thinks quietly. Because once again, it isn’t his fault that he was distracted with thoughts of how Taehyung had came out of his room this morning with nothing but (very tented) boxers on. They should be thankful that he could focus enough to educate them about the endangered newt instead of telling them every thought he has of Taehyung.

“It isn’t amphibians,” Jungkook says with a serious tone, “but education. I get off on spreading knowledge.”

There’s laughter filling the room but even amongst the loud noise, Jungkook can pick out Taehyung’s. He’s just as handsome tonight in a simple black tee paired with a black beret hiding his red hair. Jungkook’s been staring, which - whatever, but it’s a problem tonight as Taehyung’s not busy being lip locked but being busy noticing Jungkook’s wandering eyes.

He’s one shit eating grin away from ending it all and going for it.

“Well since the only thing you know about is frogs and salamanders,” Hoseok tries but he cuts himself off with a laugh.

“Hey, he knows a lot about Overwatch and the cooking channel,” Taehyung supplies unhelpfully.

Jungkook stands up with a pout on his lips, dramatic in the way he ignores his friends fake complaints and apologies as he heads out into the rest of the house.

It’s crowded, more so. There’s dancing and beer pong and some other activities Jungkook thinks look harmful that he walks by before finding the kitchen. Jin is propped on the counter, talking off the ear of some freshmen fraternity recruit. By the slur in the words, Jungkook knows he’s been sipping too much of Namjoon’s strange punch mix.

He steals the cup from Jin’s hands, snickering into the cup before the taste hits his tongue and he chokes.

“This is disgusting,” Jungkook starts, attempting to turn to throw the contents of the cup into the sink when he smacks into a body.

“Hey sugar,” Taehyung huffs, grabbing his hip to keep him steady. “Come back, we were just playing.”

He’s close. Like - right there. His mouth, his pretty plump lips are right there.

“I know,” Jungkook huffs defensively. His eyes flick once - twice, too many times down to Taehyung’s stupid mouth. Jungkook wonders whose idea it was to give Taehyung a mouth. They should be fired. “Don’t you have someone to make out with?”

Taehyung’s face crumples but there’s a laugh in his eyes as he grabs Jungkook’s chin between his fingers. “Why? You offering?”

Oh god, Jungkook panics as Taehyung goes for it. He struggles against the hold, shoving his hands against Taehyung’s chest which vibrates with his laughter.

Jungkook’s face is so hot he feels like it’s peeling off when Taehyung bites his cheek playfully. Jungkook can't help but wonder what it would be like for Taehyung to bite his lips instead and he what would have happened if he “jokingly” said yes to offering.

“Stop biting me.”

Taehyung pinches over the bite, wiggling his cheek. “But you’re so cute, Kookie. Could eat you right up.”

Jungkook swallows down the remainder of Jin’s drink to hide the way he internally dies at the comment.

With little to no coercion, Taehyung gets Jungkook back in the den. But he doesn’t lose his finding new friends agenda, not when he sits down and Hoseok immediately asks if he solved his dick dilemma.

“What?” Hoseok huffs at Jungkook’s murderous expression. “Weren’t you talking about asking Taehyung for his help?”

It takes Yoongi and Jimin to get Jungkook off of Hoseok, who fills the room with cries of surrender.

It doesn’t help the poor burning state of his face that Taehyung laughs too when Jungkook sits back down. It’s a gentle laugh that matches the way his fingers immediately go into Jungkook’s hair to tease the strands between them like he always does when Jungkook’s getting teased.

And it really doesn’t help when Taehyung huffs out a quiet, “if you wanted my help, Kookie, you could have just asked.”

*

After another dick dilemma, Jungkook decides Hoseok is the worst person to exist ever. He’d still give him his left arm if need be, but they’re on a break. A break that lasts about seven minutes until Hoseok apologizes with a serious expression and a promise to stop if it’s really bothering him.

“It’s not,” Jungkook promises. After years of being friends with them and being the baby of the group, he is used to the teasing. Just sometimes he wants to murder Hoseok because of it.

And it doesn’t really bother him. He wishes he didn’t get so affected. This time it’s his own fault. He had lied to Taehyung about not being home on Thirsty Thursday because he hadn’t wanted to admit that he couldn’t miss National Geographic’s program on the American Tree Frog. So it’s his fault he had to witness Taehyung stumbling into the apartment with another boy’s hands in his pants while moaning into said boy’s mouth.

It’s completely Jungkook’s fault that he now can’t think about the cute little frog without thinking about the way Taehyung’s raspy voice had sounded when he whispered, ‘ you gonna fuck me ?” into the boy’s mouth. He’ll have to admit to having a dick dilemma soon, but not today. He has pride, okay?

“Listen, no more,” Hoseok promises, holding out his pinky finger to Jungkook. They’re in his kitchen after Hoseok nearly broke the door down after Jungkook texted him that they were on a friendship hiatus for the next 86 hours. “No more jokes about your lizard kink -”

“Lizards aren’t amphibians.”

“Okay, not helping your case,” Hoseok murmurs, struggling to hold back his laughter. “And no more jokes about your thirst for one Kim Taehyung.”

Jungkook crosses his arms, petulantly refusing the promising pinky finger. “I don’t thirst. I’m never thirsty. I drink a lot of water.”

“You do,” Hoseok says with a sigh. “Which is totally cool, Kook. Do you, I don’t care. But - ah, there he is. Just who we were talking about.”

Jungkook turns around so quickly his neck aches from whiplash. He has to go to the doctor. He’ll have to quit dancing. He knew Taehyung was going to be the death of him.

Taehyung pads into the room, pajamas hanging off his body because he had skipped his morning classes. His hair is a wreck, his horn rimmed glasses hanging off his nose. His lips are pushed into a pout, and his eyes are squinting and blinking in an attempt to wake up.

“I hope it was good things.”

“Oh yeah,” Hoseok says and Jungkook grows red, panicked. He knows that tone. “We were just talking about Kookie confessing to his crush.”

This peeks Taehyung’s interest, his eyes a bit more open and less hazed over in sleep. “Oh really?”

Jungkook glares hard, silently telling Hoseok to shut the fuck up but Hoseok doesn’t even spare him a glance.

“Oh yeah. Poor Kookie’s nervous about it because he wants to lay a fat one right onto him but doesn’t know how.”

“I know how to kiss,” Jungkook scoffs.

Hoseok snorts, looking at him in offense. “Your grandma doesn’t count, Kook.”

The thing is, Jungkook knows plenty about kissing. A little lip rubbing, some tongue, rinse, repeat. He’s got it down. He’s had plenty of kisses in his day, not just his grandma. There was his lab partner during freshman year of high school, the barista at his first job. He even drunkenly made out with Jimin once he thinks. Hoseok knows this, but unfortunately Hoseok was the sole witness of Jungkook’s breakdown that he could never kiss Taehyung because he would suck at it. Taehyung is a professional, a master kisser, out of Jungkook’s league when it comes to smooching.

That was forever ago though, like two months. He shouldn’t be surprised Hoseok remembers. Hoseok has a knack for storing every embarrassing thing about Jungkook into his brain and knows exactly when it’s time to pull it out. Jungkook knows to never tell anything to his best friend, but he frequently forgets during his meltdowns.

“That’s dumb,” Taehyung says. “If he likes you back he won’t care.”

“Exactly what I said,” Hoseok exclaims, wincing as Jungkook pinches his hip hard. He breathes through it though, determined. That isn’t what Hoseok said, actually. He hadn’t said much to Jungkook’s confession other than to laugh at Jungkook’s dramatics. “He just needs practice you know. Someone’s help. Maybe -”

“Get out,” Jungkook huffs the moment he realizes where Hoseok is going with this. “We’re over. Again. Done-zo. Best friend status revoked. You’re fired.”

Despite shoving Hoseok, the man is determined, pushing up on his toes and fighting back against Jungkook’s hands to yell, “perhaps a very experienced lip locker could help. If only we knew one!”

Jungkook slams the door on him, closing out the sounds of his laughter.

He whips around, finding Taehyung’s confused brows as he scratches at his stomach.

“Sorry about him. He won’t ever be back here again.”

Taehyung snorts, his expression melting into something softer and brighter. “Yo, Kookie, if you want my help you can just ask. You don’t need Hoseok to do it.”

Jungkook is plotting murder. Something quick and easy because he doesn’t want Hoseok to suffer too much. He owes him that much after ten years of friendship. Maybe some poison in his favorite meal, or a pillow over his face while he sleeps. His favorite pillow.

“No.”

Taehyung quirks a brow. “No? I must tell you; I’m an excellent teacher. Like you, I too get off on education.”

The coffee currently brewing could be spilled onto Jungkook’s face and his skin wouldn’t burn as hot as it does now.

“Huh, hyung. It sounds like you’re the one that wants to kiss me.”

“Is that your way of admitting you want to kiss me?”

Jungkook gapes at Taehyung. “What? I don’t even know who you are, get out of my apartment.”

Taehyung snickers. “Okay, Kookie. When you change your mind, I’m here.”

Staring hard at Taehyung’s back, Jungkook wonders if Hoseok is the devil or an angel sent from up above. He’s always wondered the same about Taehyung, too.

“You would really help?”

Maybe it’s Jungkook that’s going to Hell. Him and Hoseok can live there together, forever. He’s already accepted that he’ll be stuck with Hoseok forever. It really won’t be that bad. Hoseok’s hilarious, loyal, and overall a good friend.

“Yeah,” Taehyung says casually as he fixes himself a cup of coffee. “I’d be down to kiss you, Kook. You’re hot.”

He sure is, Jungkook thinks as flames lick over his skin. Maybe he’s in hell already. Maybe he died from embarrassment over his last dick dilemma and didn’t realize it. Maybe this is punishment for lying to Taehyung about being afraid of the dark just so he can hold Taehyung’s hand while they walk back to their apartment.

“Oh, cool.”

Taehyung turns around, peering at him. “Yeah, cool.”

“Yep.”

A laugh leaves Taehyung’s lips as he pads over and Jungkook’s heart grows fists so it can beat up his sternum.

“Just tell me when Kookie, I’ll clear my schedule,” Taehyung winks before he winks and punches Jungkook’s chin to plant a sloppy, noisy kiss to his cheek.

*

Jungkook’s courage lasts a total of three minutes before he starts to suffer. Now he can’t stop thinking about Taehyung’s words and he refuses to act on them because Jungkook doesn’t want to lie again. He can’t admit that he just wants to kiss Taehyung and if he needs practice it’s to kiss anyone, it’s Taehyung.

That’s why Jungkook is now regretting his life on the tattered couch of misery and trying not to watch Taehyung kiss the pretty girl in his lap. At least she isn’t destroying his mouth, but kissing him softly like he deserves. Her fingers pet his cheeks and pull smiles from his lips that should always be there and Jungkook is dying.

Hoseok doesn’t make any jokes about it, thankfully. He even pulls Jungkook out of the den, promising him dances and distractions from the lip locking demon.

Jungkook isn’t sad about it, per se. He’s used to wanting Taehyung and watching Taehyung with others. He can’t be sad about it and have it get in the way of their friendship, but he has lips that need to be kissed or he might just drop dead.

Which is why when Jungkook tells Hoseok this before Hoseok disappears and Taehyung appears a second later, he’s only kind of mad. Like a pinch.

“He’s here?”

Jungkook yelps from the sudden appearance of Taehyung’s voice in his ear. There’s an arm curling around his shoulders, not stopping him from dancing but Jungkook does so he can turn and face Taehyung.

“What?”

He’s so pretty, but up close, Jungkook’s heart somersaults from the sight of his nose mole to the thick of his eyelashes.

“The guy you like. He’s here?”

Jungkook’s gaze flickers to Taehyung’s mouth when he speaks and Jungkook. “Hell no.”

Taehyung’s face crumples in confusion. “No? Hobi said he’s here.”

Jungkook is about to tell Taehyung that Hoseok’s never said a single true word ever in his life, and he would know as his best friend, but then he remembers.

“I mean like, he’s around.”

With a snort, Taehyung pinches Jungkook’s chin. “Where? Show me. Is he cute?”

“Beautiful,” Jungkook says before he can help it because Taehyung is right there, being the prettiest man on Earth. His eyes are bright when he looks at Jungkook, bright with mischief.

“Oh my little baby sounds sprung. How beautiful is he? I might snatch him up from you if you don’t make a move.”

Jungkook lets out a weak laugh at the idea of Taehyung kissing himself. Taehyung continues to look around, eyes wandering across the crowd around them and curious as he wiggles in an attempt at dancing.

“I’m not telling you,” Jungkook says. “He isn’t interested in me.”

Taehyung’s face quickly crumples as he curls his other arm around Jungkook to twirl their bodies. “What’s wrong with him?”

“What do you mean?”

Taehyung is glaring now. “Well something must be wrong with him if he doesn’t like you back.”

Jungkook lets out another awkward laugh and pulls Taehyung forward so their chests touch. He doesn’t want Taehyung to see his face when he goes into crisis mode. He’s heard that it’s quite obvious - by Taehyung. Taehyung has told him this and still hasn’t realized how often Taehyung is the one to put him there.

“There’s nothing wrong with him.”

Taehyung sighs, fingers splaying out at the back of his neck and it forces Jungkook to look at him. He’s too close. Jungkook wonders if it would be obvious if he hightailed it out of here. If he ran back to the apartment and packed all of his things and moved.

“Where is he?” Taehyung asks. His fingers slide through Jungkook’s hair and tug gently. He likes when Taehyung plays with his hair and rubs at his scalp. Even if it’s caused him dick dilemmas before. Even if it makes him want to kiss Taehyung.

Hell, everything makes him want to kiss Taehyung. Taehyung could wear a trash bag and talk about child hunger across the globe and Jungkook would still want to kiss him. He knows, because it’s happened before.

“Would you really help me?” Jungkook murmurs before he can stop himself. He watches as Taehyung’s tongue flicks out against his bottom lip and he loses it. Okay? Not his fault, once again. This time it’s Taehyung’s.

“Help you?” Taehyung says like he’s confused but a second later his eyes grow wide and his eyebrows fly up towards his hairline. “Oh, yeah of course. Wait - I have an idea.”

Jungkook holds his breath, but it isn’t a good idea because when Taehyung’s lips land on his he puffs a harsh exhale out and onto Taehyung’s mouth.

Oh god, maybe he is bad at this.

“Did you just breath vomit on me?”

“What is that?” Jungkook asks but Taehyung is laughing and pulling him in again.

It’s a simple kiss, a press of lips that is more teeth because Taehyung is smiling. It’s the best kiss Jungkook’s ever been given but he pulls back because he doesn’t know why Taehyung is giving it to him.

“What are you doing?”

“Trust me. You wanted to be taught right?”

Jungkook can’t think when Taehyung’s hand plants to his neck and he pulls him in again. This time his bottom lip slots between Taehyung’s and Taehyung parts his lips enough to fit their lips together. He sucks softly, ending Jungkook’s life in a second.

They aren’t really dancing as Jungkook fits his hands onto Taehyung’s waist and cocks his head to the side. Their noses brush as Taehyung presses kisses to his lips. His lips are soft, the softest thing Jungkook’s ever felt. They’re wet from kissing and now Jungkook understands why mouth eater guy tried to devour Taehyung’s lips.

“Part your lips,” Taehyung instructs and Jungkook’s mouth is falling open before Jungkook can even register what he’s said.

Their lips fit together just right. Jungkook would be really heart broken if they didn’t. Their lips dance over each other, skipping a beat whenever Taehyung sucks on Jungkook’s bottom lip. Jungkook tries it and his heart stutters at the way Taehyung digs his fingers into his jaw in response.

Taehyung’s breath brushes over his bottom lip as he curls an arm around Jungkook’s neck and pulls him close. He rubs his lips over Jungkook’s, noses dancing before Jungkook feels teeth.

Jungkook gasps and Taehyung, being the demon he is, chases it with a lick of his tongue. Jungkook feels his body leave him as he dies in the middle of the dance floor when Taehyung’s tongue slips into his mouth and tickles at his teeth.

He wonders if he truly will die when he groans around Taehyung’s tongue, sucking softly because he has kissed people before. It’s a lie - he hasn’t kissed anyone like this, but he sure has thought about it a lot. Enough that he’s practically a professional at thought kissing at this point.

“Softer,” Taehyung gasps before he goes back for it. Jungkook grips hard onto Taehyung’s hip despite his instruction, but he relaxes and softens when Taehyung’s tongue slips back into his mouth.

Jungkook’s jaw aches when Taehyung pulls away. This time, it’s Taehyung’s eyes on Jungkook’s mouth instead of vice versa. His lips are swollen and wet because of Jungkook. He can’t believe it.

“Is he looking?”

“Hm?” Jungkook murmurs, shifting his hands over Taehyung’s waist. He wonders if it’s okay to kiss again. He wonders if Taehyung would be down to spend the rest of their lives kissing and doing nothing else ever because Jungkook is now addicted and he is afraid of withdrawal symptoms.

“Your crush,” Taehyung breathes, “is he looking?”

“Mm,” Jungkook hums, eyeing the way Taehyung’s swollen lips shift into a smile.

“Oh good,” Taehyung says and Jungkook has no idea what he’s talking about it but he doesn’t care when Taehyung ducks forward and kisses him again.

Jungkook hadn’t drank much more than half a beer and he had slipped away before everyone smoked, but he doesn’t think he has to do either when he gets high on the feeling of Taehyung’s mouth on his. Taehyung has gentle hands that cup his neck and stroke his pulse, gentle teeth that could bite down harder but Taehyung seems hesitant to. He has a curious tongue that seems to like the feeling of Jungkook’s lips wrapping around it and teeth grazing it.

When a moan vibrates in Jungkook’s throat, his cheeks turn hot and Taehyung pulls away slowly. His lips linger for a moment, sucking gently, before there’s too much space between them.

He doesn’t think Taehyung’s heard, not over the music playing, but he can’t be sure. Taehyung’s eyes are dark and heavy on his lips as he rubs his thumbs at the corner of them, like he’s trying to tattoo his spit onto Jungkook’s mouth.

“How was your first lesson?”

Jungkook’s never been too good at writing but he thinks he could write a book about how nice Taehyung’s mouth feels on his own and it would be a best seller. “Not bad.”

Wrinkles appear on the bridge of Taehyung’s nose as he pulls his eyes from Jungkook’s mouth to glare at him. “I’ll have you know I’m the best kisser on campus.”

Jungkook huffs at this. They might look dumb standing still in a crowding of dancing people, but Jungkook doesn’t care. “If anyone would know that, it’s you. You’ve kissed everyone on campus.”

Taehyung rolls his eyes and Jungkook panics when he pulls back. Taehyung and him tease each other quite often, he knows the petulant look on Taehyung’s face isn’t true as his eyes are bright with amusement. “Not everyone. I’ve never kissed Hoseokie.”

It’s when Taehyung is turning that Jungkook realizes what he’s said. “Wait, Tae? Does that mean you’ve kissed all our other friends?”

Taehyung’s laughter is loud enough that Jungkook can hear it over the music, even as Taehyung slips from his view.

*

It’s quiet in the apartment. A kind of quiet that requires some background noise - a television, radio, something to make the room feel less eerie. Something to distract Jungkook from his thoughts.

Nothing is wrong. He sighs into the fists pressed into his cheeks, his elbows digging into his thighs. He stares hard at the papers strewn across the coffee table. It’s too late in the semester to drop classes, but he must. For his own sanity, he must. He has to take care of his health and his dick and biology class is ruining it.

Listen, he loves science. Everything science, but especially biology. It’s why he’s majoring in Animal Biology. His professor knows how good he is at science, how much he knows about every amphibian she teaches the class about, it’s why she always calls on him, it’s why she’s convinced him to teach lessons when she is out. Or, because she knows how distracted Jungkook gets and she too is a demon that’s been created to torture him.

But he is one dick dilemma away from dropping out of school completely and moving to a forest somewhere to study animals on his own. This one hadn’t been noticed by anyone but Jungkook, but he still feels the heat of embarrassment from it. He could have picked a different seat, one farther from Taehyung, but even if he had it wouldn’t have stopped his thoughts.

He can’t stop thinking about kissing Taehyung. Pressing Taehyung into the expensive whiteboard in the front of the classroom and kissing him until their bodies melt together and they become their final form as one person.

Jungkook wrinkles his nose at the thought. He’s losing it, absolutely losing it and he can’t even have a meltdown in peace as his front door swings open.

There’s a threat on the tip of his tongue, ready to be thrown at Hoseok for disturbing his crisis but he swallows it when he spots Taehyung instead. He had left the apartment in a dress shirt tucked into pressed slacks, and it shouldn’t surprise Jungkook that he returns in them, but it doesn’t help his crisis. The buttons of his lilac shirt are undone low enough that Jungkook can see the dip between his collarbones and the way the shirt is tucked in reveals the small of his waist.

The slacks are fitted, tight around his thick thighs and his sleeves are rolled into the elbow, revealing the soft insides of his forearms which shouldn’t be a thing that Jungkook is into, but he is. Sue him.

“Hey,” Taehyung greets, fingers pushing the hair hanging over his forehead back. “Turn on some anime, I need relaxation asap. It’s an emergency.”

He looks calm despite his words. Jungkook huffs out a laugh as he quickly does as Taehyung says. He listens to Taehyung pad around the kitchen before he comes into the living room with his arms filled with snacks and drinks.

“What happened?” Jungkook asks, shifting down the couch and quickly pushing the add/drop class papers aside so Taehyung can use the table himself.

“Extra credit seminar. Which I should have known would suck since it’s for Physiology of Fishes,” Taehyung says and Jungkook’s groan of understanding falls in with Taehyung’s. “Do you want to hear about the differences between bony fish and cartilaginous fish’s digestion or did you find me an anime yet?”

There’s a sudden pout set to Taehyung’s mouth as he curls his legs up to press against his chest. He does look tired, light bags under his eyes, but it’s his own fault. He had stayed up binge watching the same show Jungkook turns on for him now instead of sleeping.

“Ah,” Taehyung hums in delight when he eyes the selection. His cheeks round from his small, pleased smile when he tickles Jungkook’s chin. “How was your day Kookie? What class are you dropping?”

Taehyung glances at the papers still hugging the edge of the coffee table as he knocks their shoulders together. Jungkook feels trapped, on another tattered couch, pressed into the arm by Taehyung. He likes it. Maybe he has a torture kink.

“Uh, none. It’s too late.”

“What class were you thinking about dropping?”

Jungkook swallows, eyes finding the television. He can’t tell Taehyung he wants to drop Amphibian Biology because he has the hormones of a thirteen year old boy. He can’t tell Taehyung that he wants to drop Amphibian Biology when Taehyung had been so exciting about them finally sharing a class. Taehyung only took the class because he knew Jungkook was.

“Ecology,” Jungkook lies. He needs to stop lying to Taehyung. “I was really interested in that Physiology of Fishes class.”

The wrinkle on Taehyung’s nose appears again as he punches Jungkook in the side. It’s just a light tap of his fist as he lays his head on Jungkook’s shoulder. “Liar. You hate studying fish because you feel guilty about wanting to eat them.”

Jungkook sinks into the couch. “I don’t appreciate being reminded of my inner turmoil.”

Taehyung lets out a series of soft giggles, sinking more and more into Jungkook’s side with each one. It’s not uncommon, nor is the way Jungkook lifts his arm to curl around Taehyung’s shoulders to bring him in. He likes the way Taehyung’s body vibrates with his laughter, and how close they are and the way it makes Taehyung’s lips a centimeter away from Jungkook’s neck when he turns to him.

“Whatever, don’t tell me. I won’t push, because I’m going to push about your lover boy.”

In an instant, Jungkook’s body locks up tight.

“I told you, he’s not interested.”

Taehyung sighs and moves, leaning over Jungkook with a serious set to his brow. “Did you tell him? What if he is thinking the same as you and all of this is a stupid mess that could have been fixed with communication.”

It’s a comical thought. Jungkook almost laughs but Taehyung’s expression is too serious.

“Trust me, he doesn’t.”

Taehyung rolls his eyes with a sigh but he doesn’t move. Rather, he fits a hand to the back of the couch to keep himself supported over Jungkook. “I can’t believe you won’t tell me who it is. We are best friends, Jungkook.”

“Yeh,” Jungkook grunts. Taehyung stares at him hard, expectantly, but Jungkook doesn’t continue.

“Meanie. Why won’t you tell me?”

Jungkook chews on his bottom lip, considering. “Because you’ll embarrass me. You and Hoseok will team up together and torture me until I die.”

There’s a moment where Taehyung looks as if he may argue and try to deny this, but mischief and amusement leak into his eyes. “Okay, that is true.”

Jungkook groans as he shove Taehyung off of him and onto the couch. His fingers tingle with the urge to pull Taehyung onto his lap, they tingle so much it nearly hurts.

And he doesn’t need to do it anyway as Taehyung frowns at him and forces himself onto Jungkook’s lap anyway. He sits sideways, torso twisting so he can face Jungkook and push his chest so he is planted back against the couch.

“Give me a hint.”

“No.”

Taehyung’s frown deepens. “I’ll give you one won.”

Jungkook huffs out a laugh. “No.”

Contemplation crosses Taehyung’s face, his bottom lip twisted between his teeth before he suddenly leans forward. Jungkook’s breath catches as Taehyung flies into his space.

“I’ll give you a free kissing lesson.”

It’s immediate, the way Jungkook’s eyes drop to Taehyung’s mouth even though they’re so close that Jungkook has to move his head back to do so. “Did I have to pay for the first?”

“No. That was on the house. Best friend discount.”

“Is it really free if you’re charging me a hint?”

Taehyung groans in complaint, pouting even more now. Jungkook fits his hands over Taehyung’s waist, afraid he might shift off of his lap. He’s a nice weight against his thighs, a really nice weight that Jungkook doesn’t want to lose.

“I’ll charge you a lot more next time. You’ll have to do my homework.”

With a sigh, Jungkook rests his head on the back of the couch, craning his neck to look up at Taehyung. Taehyung moves with him, resting his elbows on the cushion around his head. “I know you sneak into my room to copy my homework already, hyung.”

Taehyung doesn’t deny it, but giggles. “Do we have a deal, babe?”

And it drags something wicked and good down Jungkook’s spine when Taehyung’s voice drops an octave, when he calls Jungkook babe. Jungkook licks his lips, finding himself nodding before he can really process what Taehyung is asking for.

A smile takes over Taehyung’s lips as he curls his fingers around Jungkook’s neck and shoves them between his skin and the couch he rests his head on. Like this, Taehyung will be able to feel how erratically Jungkook’s heart pulses and how often he has to swallow as not to drool all over himself.

“I won’t lie. I’m kind of selfish and worked up and would like to kiss someone to feel better. You don’t really have to kiss me. I thought just maybe - you know, symbiotic relationship and all.”

It’s whispered, the confession. Taehyung’s eyes go wide and round at them, nervous like and Jungkook tightens his arms around his waist. He wants to tell Taehyung that he’s always been here, lips ready and willing.

“Fish digestion is really that bad?”

Taehyung groans, “oh it is the worst” before he’s leaning in.

It’s been a handful of days since Taehyung kissed Jungkook on the makeshift dance floor at Yoongi’s apartment. Jungkook has thought about it every day since, wondering when he would muster up enough courage to ask for another lesson. When he’ll grow some balls and admit to Taehyung he just wants to kiss him and that Hoseok lied because he’s a shit, a helpful shit that really does put a lot of time and concern into the well being of Jungkook’s dick and heart.

He doesn’t think about anything when Taehyung’s lips brush over his. He just thinks about the feel, the way Taehyung whispers, ‘ follow my lead ’ before he effortlessly slots their lips together.

Jungkook has kissed a handful of people in his life, but it’s nothing like the way Taehyung kisses him. Those had been a few awkward pecks, a little bit of tongue action that felt a lot like sword fighting and ended in Jungkook laughing too hard to continue. None of them made him feel like his insides were melting and lighting up alive at the same time.

Taehyung exhales into his mouth as he twists further in Jungkook’s lap. Jungkook accepts it greedily, opening his mouth to the tongue that glides over the seam of his lips. He feels like he’s sinking into the couch under Taehyung’s weight and his heart skips a beat when Taehyung moves.

He only moves for a second, just enough time to move his legs so he’s properly straddling Jungkook’s lap. Jungkook’s heart is going to win a marathon from all the fast speed running practice he thinks as Taehyung slides down his lap until they’re pressed together.

“It feels good when you do that, don’t be shy about it,” Taehyung whispers against his mouth before he’s pressing his thumbs to the corners of Jungkook’s lips to part them. “Like this, put your tongue in my mouth.”

Jungkook obliges, moving slowly as he presses the tip of his tongue over Taehyung’s bottom lip. He hesitates, not from nerves, but to glide his tongue over him before he presses it between Taehyung’s lips.

Taehyung exhales harshly through his nose as he pulls Jungkook in. There’s an electric shock down Jungkook’s spine when Taehyung sucks, teeth digging, and Jungkook’s grip tightens hard around his waist.

The feeling stirring in his belly and sparking down his spine has Jungkook’s heart racing. His chest feels tight with a groan he can’t let out, but it’s hard when Taehyung sucks on his tongue and is a solid weight in his lap.

“See?” Taehyung says, voice hoarse as he pulls back to press a kiss to the corner of Jungkook’s mouth.

“Yeah,” Jungkook breathes, flexing his fingers over the small of Taehyung’s back. He sounds breathless and embarrassing, but he can’t find it in himself to care.

“Now give me a hint,” Taehyung murmurs, nuzzling his lips against Jungkook’s cheek.

“Kiss me again.”

It slips past Jungkook’s lips before he can stop it. He just feels desperate, a bit addicted. He should have never gotten involved in any of this because he’s feeling wrecked.

Taehyung eyes over his face once before he nods and dives back in.

It isn’t gentle this time. There isn’t hesitancy or instructions. Taehyung curls his arms around Jungkook’s neck and kisses him deeply. He pulls Jungkook’s back from the couch until he’s sitting up straight, Taehyung’s legs slipping behind his back until he’s wrapped around him like a koala.

Jungkook knows they should stop, knows that the butterflies in the low of his belly aren’t innocent as their tongues roll over one another. He knows the groan in his chest won’t stay put for long if Taehyung keeps nibbling at his bottom lip and exhaling into his mouth.

Jungkook knows he should pull away when Taehyung’s exhale sounds more like a breathy moan as Jungkook rubs his hands up Taehyung’s spine. He knows he should stop, but he’s out of control of the way his fingers grip into Taehyung’s shirt on his back and pull so the material is freed from where it’s tucked into his pants. He’s too nervous to touch skin, but Taehyung doesn’t seem to have the same problem as his palms rub down Jungkook’s chest and his fingers tickle over the revealed part of skin between his collar bones.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung murmurs, and it’s definitely a breathless moan against his lips. Jungkook squeezes tighter despite Taehyung moving away. “Definitely kiss him like that and he’ll be in your pants in a second.”

Jungkook would laugh, normally, especially as Taehyung grins. But he finds it difficult as he is kissing him like that and there is nothing in his pants but his own half hard cock.

“I’m doing okay?”

“Mhm,” Taehyung hums, rubbing his palms against Jungkook’s chest. “But we should probably stop.”

Jungkook stills as Taehyung pulls back even more. His face is flushed and his mouth is kiss swollen, starting to purple under his bottom lip. Jungkook wants to kiss him everywhere, until his entire body is littered with purpled, mouth shaped bruises.

“What’s wrong?”

Taehyung huffs out a laugh. It doesn’t fit well with Taehyung, the nervous edge to his voice. Jungkook can’t think of a time where he’s ever seen Taehyung nervous.

“Just if we continue, I’m gonna have a problem,” Taehyung admits, rolling his eyes at himself.

Jungkook knows he shouldn’t. They’re on the edge of crossing from the best friend line to a weird, best friends making out with each other line that would only be worse if Jungkook were to look. But Jungkook likes torture, his eyes are stubborn, and they fall onto the bulge between Taehyung’s legs before he can stop them.

“Don’t look,” Taehyung grunts, shoving his palm into Jungkook’s chest before he scrambles off of Jungkook’s lap. “Ugh, when are we going out again? I need to get laid.”

Jungkook turns his eyes away, ignoring the heavy dumping feeling in his chest when Taehyung stands up. His shirt is half pulled from his pants, wrinkled from Jungkook’s hands, and when he stretches his back, it makes the bulge against his tight dress pants even more prominent.

“Technically you can go out any night.”

Taehyung considers that. “True. Don’t forget, you owe me a hint.”

Jungkook licks over his lip, wishing to savor the taste of Taehyung’s there. “The hint? Oh yeah, you know him.”

There is a glare on Taehyung’s face, directed straight at Jungkook. “That’s it? I worked hard for a hint. Give me something better than that.”

“Um, he’s in the same grade.”

Taehyung crosses his arms over his chest. Jungkook wishes he would leave because he’s half hard and wishing to either will his dick away for good or be able to sneak away to fix the issue. He can’t stop thinking about Taehyung in his lap a second ago, and it doesn’t help when he has to see Taehyung and the way he looks after being kissed like that.

“Is it Seojoon?”

“No.”

Taehyung frowns. “Hyunsik?”

“No,” Jungkook grunts, lifting himself from the couch. “I’m not telling you!”

He feels like a child about to throw a tantrum, but he’s feeling a lot all at once and he needs to quickly leave the room before he tells Taehyung who his crush is just to end the conversation.

*

Junior year of high school, Jungkook met Taehyung. They signed up for the same marine biology program at the university they now attend, wanting to get a head start on earning their college credits. Taehyung had sat right beside him and followed him out after their first class, thrusting his number into Jungkook’s hand and Jungkook had been a nervous wreck.

It had taken him three days and two classes beside Taehyung for Jungkook to finally give in and texted him his own number. He had been pretty proud of himself, sending Taehyung a quick ‘yo man’ because he was cool and wanted Taehyung to think so.

He had felt proud of himself until Taehyung’s response of ‘who is this? don’t ever text me again creep’ came through. Jungkook’s face had melted off and singed his pillowcase where he buried his face and it was his very first Taehyung crisis.

They haven’t stopped, nor lessened despite how close they’ve become. Since they’ve kissed, his Taehyung crises have quadrupled. Not only does Taehyung keep tickling his fingers under Jungkook’s chin and asking him when he’s free to try again (he’s free all the time, every single second of the day for him), he keeps pestering Jungkook for more hints about who his crush is.

Jungkook’s tried hiding away in his bedroom to avoid the inevitable, but he’s known Taehyung long enough to know that Taehyung knows no boundaries. Well, he does when it’s really serious and Jungkook’s never serious when it comes to wanting Taehyung to leave him alone. His heart might die like a wilted flower when Taehyung pops his head into his bedroom, but it’s petals bloom like the sun is shining on them at the same time.

“What’re you doing?”

Jungkook quickly rips the magazine he’s reading from his lap to behind his back, going for discreet as possible as he shuffles the homework he had tossed aside after giving up on it. Taehyung’s thick brows furrow for a moment before he’s catapulting onto Jungkook to retrieve the magazine.

Jungkook is the stronger of the two, but his muscles deflate and become useless when it comes to Taehyung. He wheezes out like an old man when Taehyung wrestles with him and he feels as if he’s been punched in the gut when he rolls Taehyung onto his back, pinning him to the tossed aside homework.

Shit, Jungkook thinks, looking down at Taehyung’s boxy smile while he giggles with his hands pinned to the bed. Jungkook thrusts the magazine into his chest, cussing quietly as he rolls off of him.

It makes Taehyung laugh more before he holds out the magazine and loses it. His eyes squint closed as he huffs out laughter.

“Why are you hiding this?” Taehyung chokes between his laughs. He holds out the article that Jungkook had been reading when Taehyung rudely attacked him for no reason. “What does ‘refrogging America’ mean exactly?”

Jungkook snatches his copy of Save The Frogs from Taehyung and holds it protectively to his chest. “It means creating backyard wetlands, like manmade frog habitats.”

Taehyung presses his lips hard together. He’s trying not to laugh. Jungkook wants to roll up his magazine and swat him with it. “Okay, Kook. And you wonder why Hobi hyung teases you about your lizard kink.”

With a grunt, Jungkook does swat Taehyung with his magazine. Taehyung’s an animal biology major too, he knows that lizards aren’t amphibians. “What are you doing here? Did you come here to torture me?”

Taehyung giggles slightly as he shucks the rest of the papers off the ground. He plants his palms to the bed, leaning back and he just watches Jungkook until Jungkook feels the heat in his cheeks travel up to the tip of his ears.

“I’m bored. Jimin and Jin hyung are coming over but not until later.”

Jungkook glances at Taehyung, who’s still watching him. He doesn’t know where he should focus his own eyes. Back on his magazine? How can he think about American frog habitats right now when Taehyung’s eyes are watching him like this?

“Okay,” Jungkook tries.

A foot pushes into his thigh and when he looks up Taehyung is pouting. “It’s your duty as best friend and roommate to entertain me when I’m bored.”

Jungkook takes Taehyung’s foot and pinches the arch until Taehyung’s ripping his foot away with a complaint on his tongue. “Entertain yourself, I’m busy.”

It’s playful, just to hear Taehyung whine again and Jungkook’s successful. Taehyung nudges him again with his foot, but keeps his eyes focused on the magazine, absorbing nothing.

“Jungkookie,” Taehyung whines, digging his toe into Jungkook’s knee. “Update me on the progress with your crush.”

When will he let it go, Jungkook thinks. “He lent me a pencil today.”

It’s a lie, but Jungkook has to come up with something. Taehyung and he didn’t even have class together today. He doesn’t even use pencils because he cancelled them after his first dick dilemma.

“Oh wow,” Taehyung murmurs before he whistles. “It’s really getting hot and heavy between you two.”

“Shut up,” Jungkook grunts, abandoning his magazine to grab Taehyung’s leg. He digs his fingers into his calves, earning a shout from Taehyung that turns into a giggle as Jungkook tickles his fingers higher.

He digs his fingers into the side of Taehyung’s knee and Taehyung is kicking, a mess of giggled out protests that turns into cries for help when Jungkook gets to his sides.

“Stop, stop,” Taehyung huffs, grabbing Jungkook by the wrists. “Kookie, stop!”

Taehyung grunts when he pushes up, curling his body forward to cut off the laugh that is spilling past Jungkook’s lips.

Jungkook freezes when Taehyung’s teeth knock against his. His fingers stop digging into the soft rolls of Taehyung’s scrunched belly. Taehyung doesn’t freeze, cupping the back of Jungkook’s neck and cocking his head.

It isn’t planned, like usual. It isn’t talked about. Taehyung just kissed him out of nowhere and Jungkook is melting.

Jungkook tilts his head, eyes fluttering closed when Taehyung peppers another kiss to his lips.

“Knew that would get you to stop,” Taehyung whispers and when Jungkook opens his eyes again, he can see the shit eating grin in Taehyung’s.

“Unfair,” Jungkook complains.

The shit eating grin grows so big that Jungkook can see Taehyung’s molars and his cheeks grow into round globes around the corner of his mouth. “You like kissing me that much, Jungkookie?”

Jungkook shrugs, grunting softly. But his body is pounding with the truth. He wonders if it shows on his face. His very red face. “I like...kissing.”

Taehyung’s amusement slips at this. “You really haven’t kissed anyone before?”

“I have,” Jungkook says immediately, falling back onto his butt. “But nothing like, with tongue. Well once. It was horrific though, I thought his tongue was going to get stuck in my throat.”

Taehyung snorts loudly. He leans in quickly, tickling Jungkook under the chin. “You’re cute, Jungkookie. Come here.”

Jungkook exhales out when Taehyung’s palm slips over his cheek. He can’t help but let his eyes fall to Taehyung’s mouth even though he isn’t sure if he’s reading the situation right.

He is definitely reading the situation right, he thinks as Taehyung’s lips brush over his again. It’s hesitant, a question, that Jungkook nods to before Taehyung presses his against his lips harder.

A fun fact about frogs is that they swallow their food whole. Jungkook feels like that now, as Taehyung knots his fingers into his hair and kisses him deep. He feels like he’s being devoured when Taehyung’s tongue pushes into his mouth and his teeth scrape over his lips.

Maybe he doesn’t mind being eaten alive if it’s Taehyung doing the chomping. It would be alright to die this way, crawling into Taehyung’s lap to kiss him deeper. Taehyung is good under stressful situations, would be able to handle it if Jungkook passed out here. It would be nice having his final moments with his arms curling around Taehyung’s neck and Taehyung’s hands warming up his spine.

Embarrassment makes his cheeks hot as arousal prickles under where Taehyung’s hands dig down his back. Taehyung’s lips are soft against his jaw, peppering lightly and Jungkook’s neck arches, begging to be kissed more. It’s more than just kissing, more than they agreed upon, but Jungkook doesn’t want him to stop.

A soft moan flutters from his lips when Taehyung’s teeth graze over his pulse and Taehyung’s fingers dig into his spine in response. The pressure of his mouth grows, hot and hard against the base of Jungkook’s throat.

“Tae,” Jungkook grunts, fingers gripping into Taehyung’s hair but he doesn’t know if he wants to pull him away or push him closer. Arousal is no longer just static, but full force worming it’s way through his system.

“Is it okay?” Taehyung asks, lips like butterfly wings against his Adam’s Apple. “Is it okay to kiss you like this?”

Jungkook nods, eyes closed. It probably isn’t a good idea, not with the way he grows hard in sweatpants that will do little to cover it. But he likes it - loves the feeling of Taehyung’s mouth devouring him.

A groan rumbles from Taehyung’s lips as his fingers slip lower, digging into the band of Jungkook’s sweatpants. Jungkook’s heart spikes with want and wonder, but Taehyung doesn’t let his touch there last long before his hands are moving and shifting under his shirt.

“Is this okay?” Taehyung asks again, pulling back with a wet sound. He is breathing hard just from kissing Jungkook and Jungkook likes the way Taehyung’s eyes have grown dark and heavy.

“Yeah,” Jungkook murmurs, sinking lower into Taehyung’s lap so their faces can be level. “I don’t mind trying stuff.”

Maybe he should mind. Maybe aroused Jungkook doesn’t give a shit about what effects this might have on regular, limp dick Jungkook.

“You’re like a lissamphibian,” Taehyung murmurs, nuzzling his nose to Jungkook’s cheek and smoothing his hands higher up Jungkook’s shirt.

Jungkook barks out a laugh at the seriousness of Taehyung’s tone, the sudden tension around him gone. He bites Taehyung’s jaw playfully. “How do you know what a lissamphibian is?”

Taehyung wrinkles his nose before he peppers a kiss to the corner of Jungkook’s mouth. “You don’t live with a frog expert for three years and not know that lissamphibian means smooth skinned.”

Fondness makes Jungkook’s heart grow too big for his chest. It’s ridiculous that he feels excitement from Taehyung remembering something like that, and probably doesn’t help the amphibian kink his friends thinks he has as he kisses Taehyung in response.

Taehyung laughs into the kiss but it doesn’t last long as Jungkook digs his thumbs under Taehyung’s jaw and attempts to kiss him in the same way Taehyung had kissed him to make his toes curl. Taehyung’s laugh morphs into something dirty, a hungry moan that has his fingers digging into Jungkook’s shoulder blades.

He’s heard him before, the sound of Taehyung moaning. Their walls are thin and they’ve lived together for a long time. Taehyung usually doesn’t bring anyone home if Jungkook is there, but it’s happened. Taehyung’s been drunk and loud, so loud that his moans sounded like they were in Jungkook’s room.

They’re deep and rough and he’s heard Taehyung growl out dirty words while he’s kissed who the hell ever and Jungkook’s always craved to be at the receiving end of them.

“We should stop,” Taehyung breathes, but he doesn’t stop. He kisses over Jungkook’s neck, hands dragging down his spine until Jungkook is fitted tightly in his lap.

“Okay,” Jungkook murmurs, skating his fingers over Taehyung’s throat. He doesn’t want to stop. Taehyung nods as Jungkook does.

They don’t stop. Their lips meet and Jungkook gasps into it, the arousal circling through his system making him feel desperate. He’s never felt like this with another person. He’s worked himself up when he’s alone, desperate for a fist around himself with thoughts of Taehyung, but he’s never had another person witness it.

He’s nervous and tries to keep it at bay. Taehyung is his best friend. They haven’t discussed it.

Jungkook moans into Taehyung’s mouth as Taehyung fists a hand into his hair, angling his head to kiss him deeper. His back aches from how still he tries to keep his body, from how difficult it is to keep himself from rubbing down in Taehyung’s lap.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung gasps, pulling back to catch his breath before he’s kissing Jungkook again. It goes on for what feels like years, Jungkook kissing Taehyung through the ache in his jaw, through the ache between his legs.

Jungkook tilts his head back when Taehyung’s lips latch back to his throat and he isn’t careful, isn’t gentle. He bites and kneads at Jungkook’s throat until Jungkook can feel the skin starting to bruise between his teeth.

He can’t help it, can’t stop the way his hips rock down against Taehyung’s and Taehyung groans into his throat, teeth twisting harder.

The sudden sound of Taehyung’s phone ringing and the way it vibrates up Jungkook’s thigh has a sound that sounds like a tortured moan leaving Jungkook’s lips. Taehyung laughs, but it’s breathless and sounds deep, unamused like he’s aroused.

Fuck, he is, Jungkook thinks, taking in the hungry look in Taehyung’s eyes as Jungkook lifts his hips enough for Taehyung to get his phone.

He dips his head when Taehyung answers the phone, kissing softly over Taehyung’s racing pulse that matches the way his mind races. Should they go further? They should talk about it first. It’s not every day you kiss and hump your best friend. At least, not in Jungkook’s case.

It’s experimentation, right? That’s normal in college, that’s normal for friends to do. Taehyung’s laid back, easy going, down to fuck most of the time. He’s offered Jungkook a chance a few times before, and it’s usually been meant as a joke but he thinks Taehyung would if he asked.

God, the thought makes his face burn. He could never ask for that. Not without telling Taehyung first. That would be too wrong of a lie.

“What? I’m busy.”

It’s uncharacteristic of Taehyung to sound like that, but he sounds breathless, because of Jungkook, and Jungkook swells with pride as he bites Taehyung’s earlobe like he’s heard people like.

Taehyung really likes it, hips stuttering beneath Jungkook’s and fingers digging harshly into the flesh of Jungkook’s ass. “Yeah, I don’t know where Kookie is.”

Jungkook giggles, shifting to press a kiss to the corner of Taehyung’s mouth. He can hear the muffled sound of Hoseok’s voice coming through the receiver but he ignores it to pepper Taehyung’s mouth the way Taehyung had done to him.

He swears he’s never been this hard in his life, his cock throbbing and leaking into his briefs. Taehyung’s fingers squeeze into his ass, kneading and Jungkook rubs forward, tentatively, eyeing Taehyung’s face to make sure it’s okay.

Taehyung’s brows furrow harshly together, pleasure making a wrinkle appear between them. “Yeah, yeah, I’m inside. Come in.”

Jungkook’s eyes go wide as Taehyung hangs up the phone. He cups Jungkook’s cheek, keeping Jungkook from scrambling off his lap when he hears the front door open.

Taehyung kisses him deep, tongue curling behind his teeth before he lets him go. “You might want to pretend to be in the shower or something,” Taehyung giggles before he’s pushing Jungkook off and rolling away. “That’s what you get for not telling me who your crush is!” He exclaims before running off to greet Hoseok.

Jungkook doesn’t have time to respond as he quickly jumps from his bed and flies into the bathroom, turning on the shower before Hoseok notices that they’re both rumpled and hard.

Once the water is warm, Jungkook strips and jumps in. He doesn’t need to pretend to shower, he needs one. He needs the hot water pounding against his back, dripping down his front as he curls forward and touches himself.

He thinks he might explode if he doesn’t relieve the tension coiled tight in his belly. He strokes himself quickly, biting hard on his bottom lip to keep quiet.

It doesn’t take long before Jungkook feels the telltale sign of orgasm rippling through him. It can’t take long, not with the way Jungkook thinks of the way Taehyung had moaned and touched him. Not when he thinks of what it would have been like to see Taehyung come.

His orgasm pulls a rough series of grunts from his lips that makes his chest ache with the need to breathe. He rests against the cold tile wall as he breathes through his nose and mouth, trying to calm his body enough that it won’t be obvious he just jacked off in the shower.

After he gets out of the shower, he studies himself through the foggy mirror. His skin is red and pink from the hot water, his cock now soft. He doesn’t look like he was doing anything save for the bruise on his neck. He could come up with a lie for that though, hell be damned. Ran into a tree branch? Got punched in the throat? Something.

Jungkook screams when he opens the bathroom door and finds Taehyung there, grinning.

“Hoseok sent me here to tell you to hurry up,” Taehyung mutters through his smile. “Good thing it was me, if he opened the bathroom and heard you grunting like that he would have run away.”

Jungkook is going to die. “Shut up.”

Taehyung steps forward, a hand reaching out to press against the door frame of the bathroom as he leans into Jungkook’s space. He nuzzles at a sore patch of skin against Jungkook’s throat before whispering, “my turn.”

Jungkook is bleeding embarrassment as he steps aside and nearly runs to find where Hoseok is waiting for him in the kitchen.

Hoseok looks a bit disgruntled but he perks up as Jungkook shuffles into the kitchen.

“Holy fuck.”

Jungkook frowns as Hoseok jumps onto his feet.

“Holy fuck.”

“Holy fuck, what,” Jungkook grunts, growing nervous as Hoseok paces quickly across the kitchen, muttering again. Hoseok looks alarmed, almost afraid, with his eyes big and mouth hanging open.

“Holy fuck, Jeon Jungkook has a hickey.”

Jungkook’s hand flies up to cover his throat where the skin is sore even to touch. Hoseok rips his hands away, staring at the mark as if it’s the eighth wonder of the world.

“Where did you get it?”

Jungkook shoves Hoseok away. “At the store. It was on sale.”

Hoseok frowns at this. “So you’re not going to tell me? Aren’t we best friends? You owe me this kind of information, Jungkook. I tell you everything.”

Yanking the fridge open, Jungkook uses the cool air to ease the heat on his face and to try to school his features. He could tell Hoseok, and have Hoseok torture him to death every day for the rest of his life.

“I wish you wouldn’t though,” Jungkook whines as he grabs for the milk to hide the real reason he opened the fridge. He wishes he could squeeze into the fridge and hide in there forever. “I’ve told you that. I don’t want to know about your sexcapades.”

“Well I want to know about yours,” Hoseok goes on, amusement in his eyes. “Tell me.”

Hoseok snatches the milk from Jungkook and takes off with it, hiding it behind his back when Jungkook attempts to get it back. “Tell me.”

“I’m not telling you,” Jungkook snaps. “Give me the milk.”

“No,” Hoseok says, darting off again. “Did you give yourself the hickey to make Tae jealous?”

“What?” Jungkook gasps, stumbling as he tries to grab the milk but Hoseok is too quick. “Who does that?”

Hoseok shrugs, a guilty look in his eyes that tells Jungkook that he has done something like that before. “I read about it in a book once.”

Milk splatters to the ground as Hoseok jumps into the living room to avoid Jungkook. Jungkook waves him off. He hadn’t wanted the milk anyway.

“I don’t want to make him jealous.”

Hoseok rolls his eyes at that. “Sure. It would only make sense. I’m sure he’s making you jealous by going on that date with Joshua next week.”

Jungkook falls still. It takes Hoseok a minute to realize Jungkook isn’t trying to chase him for the milk any longer and Hoseok’s face falls as he hands it back to him. “You didn’t know.”

“No,” Jungkook huffs. Dates are different. Dates aren’t random hookups at parties that don’t matter. “And I don’t care either. Joshua’s hot.”

Hoseok groans lightly as Jungkook walks back to the fridge and practically throws the milk into the fridge. He doesn’t care at all.

Taehyung steps into the kitchen then, a towel around his waist and water dripping down his torso. His red hair is painted to his forehead and he looks like a dream. A dream that Jungkook will never be able to reach. Joshua will. Good for him. He’ll send him a fucking congratulations card.

“What’s all the yelling about?”

Jungkook just looks at Hoseok and the frown on Hoseok’s face before he turns around and heads out the front door.

***

There are many traits and abilities that Taehyung has that he has pride himself on. He isn’t cocky or anything, there are just things that he is really good at. He’s intelligent in a lot of ways, and in some ways not. He knows this about himself. Just like he knows something is wrong with Jungkook. If anyone can read Jungkook, it’s Taehyung. Jungkook is the most open book, even when his face is completely blank like he’s zoned out, he’s readable.

Jungkook sips too often at his warming beer, his eyes slightly heavy from the weed he smoked. It wasn’t much, he hadn’t seemed too interested in it. That’s a huge sign there. Jungkook isn’t addicted or anything, but he always smokes on Friday nights. The one night he actually lets himself relax and not worry about practice or homework or the endangered frog or whatever. Even Hoseok had noticed, frowning at Jungkook when he waved a hand of dismissal at the offered blunt.

Taehyung watches as Jungkook stares off into space and seems surprised when someone in their circle speaks his name. He fidgets his fingers a lot, playing with the edge of his sock where his foot is tucked under his knee.

Something is wrong and Taehyung is determined to figure out what. There had been no dick dilemma in biology today, not that Taehyung had noticed. Jungkook delivered his lesson about the frog’s amplexus with ease, much to Hoseok’s disappointment. It would have been the perfect time to make fun of Jungkook for his lizard kink while talking about the frog’s mating life.

He reaches out, playing with the strands of hair that tickle Jungkook’s neck. Jungkook smiles softly, leaning a bit into the touch as he brings the warm beer up to his lips. Something is wrong, but at least he doesn’t push Taehyung away. He’s done that before when he’s upset and though Taehyung knows it’s just because he likes to be alone sometimes, he hates it.

“It’s next, we do it every year. You can’t not come?”

“Yeah I can. I said no more after I woke up with five annoying mosquito bites on my ass last year.”

“Hyung, you know we still don’t believe you that those were mosquito bites. Plus, it’s so rude to call Jimin an annoying bug.”

The conversation floats around them as Taehyung watches Jungkook. He doesn’t care how it may look, him staring at Jungkook while Jungkook stares off. Something is definitely wrong, because Jungkook loves their annual camping trip more than anyone else in their group. He counts down the days to it usually.

“Babe,” Taehyung murmurs, leaning into Jungkook’s space. One of the reason he’s so worried of Jungkook pushing him aside is because of what happened. He doesn’t know if they went too far or not. He had told Jungkook they needed to stop, even if he didn’t want to, because he had felt himself growing hard.

It’s been since then that Jungkook’s been weird and Taehyung hopes that the fact that Jungkook hasn’t pushed him away means it isn’t because of that. It’s his first time touching someone like that too, maybe it’s nothing to do with Taehyung.

“Wanna get out of here?”

Jungkook presses his brows together in confusion. “What?”

Taehyung cocks his head to the side, eyes searching his face. He cups the back of his neck, smoothing his thumb over his skin. “You look upset. Wanna go somewhere else?”

His lips part, tongue flicking over his bottom lip before he nods his head.

Without word, Taehyung stands and slips his hand into Jungkook’s to pull him to his feet. There are worried eyes on him, Hoseok’s mostly, just like there has been all night. Taehyung isn’t the only one who can tell when Jungkook is off, but he’s usually the one everyone goes to to find out why.

Taehyung snatches a bottle from someone’s hands as they leave the den, eyeing the cap still screwed onto it before he hands it to Jungkook and steals away his warm one. He abandons it on a table they pass before he pulls Jungkook into the dark, crowded living room.

There’s one thing that Taehyung learned quickly; Jungkook doesn’t like to talk about things. When he does, it’s always at night and it’s always quiet. Never in the light. Even if it’s something not so serious like his nerves about an exam or how much he misses his brother. Jungkook’s playful most of the time, always joking or being dramatic for a laugh. He doesn’t like talking about serious things unless it’s about saving the frogs because he says that needs to be talked about since nobody knows they’re endangered.

When he’s upset the most, Taehyung will find him in the dance studio, pouring sweat and red face. He won’t stop dancing until Taehyung bribes him with really gross, greasy food and enough calories to make up for all the ones he burned while dancing.

That’s why he pulls Jungkook onto the dance floor. It isn’t the same as the studio, but the music is loud and drowning and there’s enough space that Jungkook could find a way to dance the way he likes to if he wanted to. He curls his arms around Jungkook’s shoulders for now, pulling him into his space so he can continue to play with the strands of his hair.

When they first started hanging out, Jungkook had seemed thrown off by how often Taehyung reached for cuddles. Despite the constipated look, he never pushed Taehyung off or complained. It didn’t take long for Jungkook to appear at ease with the touches, and he even started to reach out for them himself.

“I’m fine, hyung,” Jungkook says loudly into his ear so Taehyung can hear him. He curls his hands around Taehyung’s hips, the tip of his cold bottle pressing into Taehyung’s back despite him wearing a sweater.

Jungkook is dressed a lot more relaxed in a Adidas track pants and a white shirt. There had been a bucket hat tucked over his head at some point and he had looked so good that Taehyung’s palms started to sweat. He doesn’t want to think about it now, not with Jungkook upset, but it has been difficult not thinking about the way it felt to have Jungkook in his lap.

“Okay,” Taehyung starts, but he isn’t letting it go since Jungkook started speaking first. “Is it the guy? You like?”

Jungkook groans and it’s a give away, the look of hurt in his eyes before he turns around to hide it, planting his back to Taehyung’s chest.

Taehyung sinks his arms around Jungkook’s waist and tucks his chin over Jungkook’s shoulder. “It is. What did he do? I’ll murder him.”

His mind goes to the worst case scenario; that Jungkook gained the courage to finally approach mystery crush man and give him the kiss of his life, just to be rejected. Or maybe they did more, and Jungkook hasn’t heard from him since. That hurts, Taehyung knows.

Jungkook’s body vibrates with a laugh. “Nothing. He just has a date.”

Taehyung frowns at this, rocking behind Jungkook. The beat of the song playing is a lot more fast paced than they’re moving, but he knows once Jungkook gets it out he’ll lose himself to the music. It’s not worst case scenario, but he knows that something like that still hurts.

“You should talk to him.”

Jungkook tilts his head backwards, not saying a word as he lets his eyes fall closed. Taehyung clings to him, wishing he could rub his lips over the slope of Jungkook’s neck again.

He can, Taehyung thinks, so he does. He’s done it plenty of times before and Jungkook hasn’t minded. He had liked it the other night. He doesn’t know why he thinks about it now. Maybe because they’ve actually kissed and Taehyung doesn’t know what it means that Jungkook wanted his help but had been nervous to ask him. Maybe because Taehyung’s heart feels heavy that Jungkook wants to kiss him so he can practice to kiss someone else.

Taehyung sighs against Jungkook’s neck. He has a date of his own, some guy from Calculus that has a nice ass and pretty hands. He hopes it will distract him from Jungkook but he knows it won’t.

Often, Taehyung can lose himself in the touch of another person and the feel of someone else’s mouth. That was before he felt Jungkook’s. He knew that would be a bad idea. When he offered, he knew it would be bad. He knew it, but he’s selfish and didn’t want to miss the opportunity.

He thinks about it now, as Jungkook turns and curls an arm around his neck to dance with him properly. He thinks of Jungkook’s mouth and the way it felt against his own as Jungkook swings his hips to the beat.

He thinks about the way Jungkook’s hands felt pulling his shirt from his pants and how badly he wanted Jungkook to strip the clothes from his skin until he was bare as Jungkook grabs his hip and pulls Taehyung into the dance. He thinks of how Jungkook sounded when Taehyung bit into his skin and how he looked with his neck wet and bruised from Taehyung’s mouth.

They dance together often. They cuddle often. They could easily be mistaken as boyfriends because plenty of people have asked Taehyung if they were. Taehyung likes that, likes the comfort and how Jungkook welcomes and supports his need to touch and be close.

He likes that he can press his hips to Jungkook’s and rock to the beat of the music without it being weird. Jungkook’s fingers dig into his neck and maybe their kiss did change something because Jungkook’s eyes lift and there’s a look in them that Taehyung’s never seen while they dance.

It makes Taehyung’s heart thump, his body jolt and his tongue swipe over his bottom lip with a need to be kissed. He wants Jungkook until he’s breathless and sweating, until his lips numb feel swollen and throb from being bitten. He wants to be more than a comforting best friend, but the someone that Jungkook allows to hold his heart.

Taehyung exhales heavily as the beat picks up and he knocks his forehead to Jungkook’s so he can sneak a glance at Jungkook’s mouth without being obvious. They should probably talk about it, everything that has happened. It’s a lesson, experimentation, but it feels like it’s crossed a line and been too obvious just for Taehyung’s own need.

They should talk about when it’s okay to and what boundaries they need to set before they kiss again. It would be the best thing to do, to know when to stop, but they don’t have time to when Jungkook tilts his chin and kisses Taehyung.

There’s no prompt for it this time. It catches Taehyung off guard as Jungkook’s lips mold into his own. This isn’t for a lesson, they never were truly on Taehyung’s part. Jungkook kisses him like he needs to in the moment, like he has the same craving to be kissed while he dances that Taehyung has.

There’s people around them again. Jungkook doesn’t seem to care as his tongue finds its way into Taehyung’s mouth. Before it had been a slow build, the warmth in his body slowly finding its way to a burning heat. Now, it’s instant. He feels it in his spine, in between his legs, in the fingers that grip tightly to Jungkook’s white shirt.

Jungkook nips at his bottom lip and breathes heavily into his mouth. He tastes like beer and the candy he had been nibbling on on the way here. He’s sweet, he’s poisonous, trying to kill Taehyung with each lick over the roof of his mouth.

“Tae, dance with me,” Jungkook breathes, fingers flexing over Taehyung’s neck and he’s kissing him again, harder this time. His hands travel down Taehyung’s neck to his back, rubbing over his back before his arms tighten around his waist.

With difficulty, Taehyung pulls back with a gasp to turn around. The heat in his belly has made his cock half hard and he doesn’t want Jungkook to feel it, even if he presses back against Jungkook and feels he’s in the same situation. It’s natural, Taehyung supposes. If Jungkook hasn’t kissed anyone before, he’s not sure if he’s done anything else. He’s never talked about it before. They’re opposite in that way; Taehyung talks a lot and shares a lot and Jungkook doesn’t as much.

He grinds back against Jungkook, savoring the way Jungkook’s fingers dig into his hips to hold him there. There’s lips on the side of his neck, just pressed there so Taehyung can feel Jungkook’s breathing. He wants to tell Jungkook to kiss his neck, to mark his skin, but he knows it will make him have his own dick dilemma.

“Tae,” Jungkook murmurs against his ear, his fingers flexing between gripping and pulling away. “I should go.”

Taehyung reaches behind him before he can think about it. His fingers scrape through Jungkook’s hair as he turns his head. They’re close, they could kiss again. It feels like overstepping but Taehyung’s always been someone who pushes boundaries.

He’s good at knowing when it’s okay to. Not always, sometimes he makes mistakes, but he knows when it’s okay to push with Jungkook.

“You wanted to dance?” Taehyung pouts.

Jungkook’s eyes are still dark and heavy, his cock hard where it rubs against Taehyung’s ass and Taehyung knows it’s unfair to ask. But if Jungkook were uncomfortable, he’d pull away and he doesn’t. He doesn’t look as if he’s playful right now and Taehyung doesn’t feel playful either.

Their flirting, their teasing, is always playful. Right now it isn’t, the way Jungkook shifts his face into Taehyung’s neck and presses his hand to Taehyung’s spine to arch his back isn’t playful.

Taehyung’s aching between his legs as he rolls his hips. They’ve danced like this together before; dirty, sexy. He’s jiggled his hips against Jungkook’s crotch before, wanting to earn a laugh from his friends and an embarrassed grin from Jungkook. He’s lifted Jungkook’s shirt and watched his hips roll against his in a pretend lap dance before. It was playful.

Right now, Taehyung wants Jungkook to strip him from his clothes and press him into a bed in this same position. He wants to feel the strength in Jungkook’s fingers, digging into his ass to spread him when he takes him from behind.

Jungkook’s breath huffs hot against his skin as he curls an arm back to hold Jungkook close to him. He lets his eyes fall closed, his head arching to feel more of Jungkook’s mouth. He feels drunk. He only drank a little of Namjoon’s weird concoction. Maybe it’s mixed liquor, because Taehyung suddenly feels very drunk.

A gasp leaves his lips when Jungkook’s teeth graze his skin. He wonders if Jungkook is being playful, because he doesn’t think so. He should ask. Taehyung should grow a pair and turn around and ask Jungkook if he is hard because he wants him the way Taehyung wants Jungkook.

But he doesn’t have the balls to do it and he keeps his lips shut because he doesn’t want to ruin the way Jungkook’s lips latch onto his skin in a way that makes his cock leak into his briefs. He needs to pull away soon, before arousal makes his entire body throb with the need to come and he embarrasses himself.

“Oh,” Jungkook huffs, hands tightening hard against Taehyung’s hip and his teeth nipping down painfully. His hips grind hard against Taehyung’s back, so hard it almost hurts.

He knows what’s happening, the way Jungkook humps his back jerkily and he quickly turns around.

It’s overstepping, he knows. There’s no turning back, but Taehyung curls an arm around Jungkook’s neck and presses a questioning hand between their bodies.

Maybe they already overstepped the other day, getting each other hard and relieving themselves alone in the shower. Taehyung had panicked when Hoseok called, needing him to interrupt what was going on between the two of them before he touched Jungkook like he wanted to. It felt like overstepping, like touching himself in the shower with Jungkook knowing was any better.

Jungkook looks wrecked, his hair sweaty and sticking to his reddened forehead. The red creeps down to his neck and his shirt is starting to glue to his body, turning see through so Taehyung can see the dark of his nipples through it.

With a slight nod of his head, Taehyung brings his lips back to Jungkook’s as he lowers his hand between their hips.

Jungkook is rock hard, stretching against his joggers. Taehyung’s heart beats nervously as he slips his fingers between his legs, fondling Jungkook through the silky material. But it’s worth it as Jungkook wraps around him and moans into his mouth.

Taehyung likes sex, a lot. It’s rare for him to be nervous, or uncomfortable, even if it’s someone he hasn’t met before. He doesn’t hook up with strangers often, he knows most of the people he messes around with from class or around campus. But he’s nervous now, his heart is running a mile a minute as he slips his fingers past the band of Jungkook’s pants.

The crowd around them is thick and it’s dark, hiding the way Taehyung’s hand slips between Jungkook’s pants. But it’s still exciting, nerve wracking, knowing it would be so easy for someone to see.

“Tae,” Jungkook chokes as Taehyung’s hand covers over his cock. He’s longer than Taehyung imagined, thicker, and so wet. His briefs are soaked, so much that Taehyung isn’t sure that Jungkook hasn’t already come from rubbing against him.

“Is this okay?” Taehyung asks, grinding his palm forward and earning a jerk of Jungkook’s hips.

Jungkook nods. Sweat slips down the sides of his face and his eyes are hazy, dark. They burn into Taehyung and Taehyung wants to kiss Jungkook but he can’t look away from his gaze as he curls his fingers around Jungkook’s length.

It’s restricted from the material, but it must feel good as Jungkook’s lips part to let loose a string of shattered exhales. It must be obvious now that their dancing looks more like humping, with the strain on Jungkook’s face like he badly wants to close his eyes and moan into the open air. It must be, but everyone is absorbed into their own world that they don’t notice the way Taehyung is absorbed into Jungkook.

Jungkook’s cock twitches against his hand and his hand is sticky with precome. He knows the friction of the wet material feels good when he rubs a thumb over the head of Jungkook’s cock. He often likes to get off with his underwear still on, loving the drag of the wet material as he humps the air.

“Look at you,” Taehyung hums as Jungkook tightens the arm he has hooked around Taehyung’s neck to pull their mouths together. “You gonna come, Kookie?”

Taehyung feels the moan more so than hears it. Jungkook’s hips jerk against him, his breath coming out fast against Taehyung’s lips and he swallows every exhale, every whimper.

He doesn’t think Jungkook makes a sound when he comes. His body tenses up tightly, his mouth opening as he soaks his briefs and Taehyung’s hand. His eyes press tightly shut, brows twisting in an expression that resembles one of pain.

Taehyung’s so fucking hard he could come without being touched he thinks as he kisses Jungkook through his orgasm. Jungkook kisses him hard, biting his lip until it feels as if he might be bleeding before he pulls away.

“Tae,” Jungkook says again as Taehyung slips his fingers from Jungkook’s pants. He rubs his wet hand up Jungkook’s shirt, wiping away the come across Jungkook’s skin. It’s dirty, but it’s less obvious than on his pants or shirt. “I’m sorry.”

“What?” Taehyung starts and his heart dumps again when Jungkook pulls away, panic in his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he says again and he attempts to pull away but Taehyung is gripping him hard. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

“I don’t mind,” Taehyung immediately says, circling his arms under Jungkook’s armpits and clasping his hands together so he can’t run away. If he’s uncomfortable, he’ll let him go. But he needs to say this first. “I really don’t mind. I wanted to.”

Jungkook swallows thickly. He looks unsure. “You did?”

Taehyung nods, pressing his hips forward. “Yeah. You feel that? I wanted it.”

There’s a moment of confused silence before Jungkook nods and relaxes. He rubs a hand down Taehyung’s spine but Taehyung is afraid if he lets go, Jungkook will run.

“Do you want me to -?”

Yes, Taehyung thinks as he shakes his head no. If Jungkook is panicked from getting rubbed off, he doesn’t want to see what Jungkook might look like after touching him.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Taehyung asks, cocking his head.

Jungkook nods, but his eyes dart around the crowd instead of looking at him. “Yeah. I - I liked it too.”

Taehyung nods. They’ve overstepped a boundary here, but Jungkook liked it and so did he. They should talk about it, tomorrow or something. He’ll take a peek at his schedule after they walk home.

“I know. You made a mess.”

“Oh god,” Jungkook grunts in mortification as he peels away from Taehyung’s grip. Taehyung follows after him with a huff of giggles.

Taehyung is in a better predicament than Jungkook in jeans. It’s less obvious that he’s hard under the tight, thick material. Jungkook’s lucky his pants are black, but if he had still been hard, it would have rocked Hoseok’s entire world. Jungkook still looks at Hoseok with worried eyes like he notices and knowing Hoseok, he probably does, but he doesn’t mention it.

It’s difficult for Taehyung to sit still as he curls back up on the tattered couch with Jungkook, who seems much more focused and relaxed. It doesn’t help that he feels Jungkook’s body heat and his cock is desperate to be touched. It doesn’t help when Jungkook absentmindedly reaches over and curls his fingers around the back of Taehyung’s neck as they talk.

Yoongi’s eyes are on them too, barely open from the weed but there’s a gummy smile on his lips every time Taehyung flushes. Yoongi is the President of the Taekook fan club, a group he started freshmen year when Taehyung finally announced his longtime crush on Jungkook. He came up with the name and everything, probably with Hoseok - the Vice President. He thinks Namjoon was made treasurer, though Taehyung isn’t sure what the fuck they’re raising money for.

“While you two were gone,” Jin says, kicking his feet so they’re laid over Jimin’s legs. The party is starting to die down, the music quieting and the atmosphere taking on that feel only the early hours of the morning can bring. “We decided where we’re camping this year.”

Taehyung curls in on himself, resting his head in Jungkook’s lap so he can press his legs together. He decided to sip on Namjoon’s gross drink again, and it’s only made the feeling in his body worse.

“We camp every year,” Jungkook says, confusion in his tone.

“Hyung rented the cabin already, you mean,” Jimin laughs, narrowing accusing eyes at Yoongi. “It’s next to a lake, it’s beautiful. Yoongi hyung took me last year.”

There’s red in Yoongi’s cheeks as he nods. “It’s my Uncle’s. I figured since some of us have a lot of graduation dues this year, we would save by just going there.”

There’s fingers in Taehyung’s hair as he curls his arm around Jungkook’s thigh to use as his pillow. He can’t stop thinking about how close he is to his dick, and how he had touched him there.

It feels surreal.

Taehyung has a problem. A big dilemma - a Jungkook sized dilemma.

They bicker back and forth about the details of the trip; from who is in charge of what to who shares with who. The pairings are pretty obvious; the same as every year. Except Hoseok puts up a fight when he isn’t paired with Yoongi and Jimin.

“They’re small,” Hoseok argues, throwing an accusing hand at an offended looking Jimin, who sits perched in Yoongi’s lap. “The three of us will fit together better in a room than Jungkook, Tae and I.”

Yoongi frowns at this. “We aren’t sharing a bed, Hobi. It doesn’t matter if we’re small.”

“You want me to share a room with these mammoths?” Hoseok complains, turning his accusation hand at Taehyung and Jungkook now. “You might as well make me sleep in a closet, that’s how much space I’m going to have.”

“We might,” Jin adds, a serious look to his face but his eyes betray him. “You’ve never had a problem sharing with Kook and Tae before.”

Taehyung curls until he can look at Hoseok. It’s true. The room pairing has never really changed. Taehyung used to share with Jimin before Yoongi and Jimin started whatever it is that they’re doing, and then he shared with Jungkook and Hoseok ever since.

“I’ve always had a problem with it. I’m just polite,” Hoseok says defensively, making Jungkook snort out a laugh. “I’ll give you whatever is in my bank account.”

Jungkook and Taehyung let out a series of offended comments as Yoongi snorts this time, shaking his head. “I don’t want your five won, Hobi. Keep it to yourself. You can share with Jimin-ah and I if you’re that desperate.”

Hoseok raises his fists in the air in victory, ignoring the way Jimin looks at him as if he’s plotting his murder. Jungkook pets his fingers through Taehyung’s hair, a soft smile on his face and Taehyung’s chest swells at the thought that he’s been able to pull Jungkook from his funky mood.

*

The annual camping trip happens every spring break. When most college kids are staying home because they’re broke or traveling to foreign islands because they’re wealthy, Taehyung and their group of friends find a forest.

Well, usually it’s a camping ground. Taehyung thinks it has to do with all of them majoring in a field focused on nature. From animals to plants to rocks or the sky, they’re all focused on something within nature. Not that they do a lot of studying while on their trip. Half of it is spent eating and being wasted and talking bullshit like they always do.

It’s fun, Taehyung is excited. He can’t stop the jump in his step as he drags his suitcase down the rocky path leading to Yoongi’s Uncle’s cabin. He’s well aware of the fact that Yoongi’s family has a lot of money, but it always takes him by surprise. It does now, as he spots the large wooden cabin in front of a glistening lake. There’s woods surrounding the path and the yard, but the yard is large and clear. They could have parked their cars closer, but Yoongi was worried about disturbing the grass, whatever that means.

The inside of the cabin is larger than it looked from the outside. The living room stretches larger than their entire apartment. There’s a porch that leads to a deck on the lake, a game room, a kitchen, and a bedroom on the first floor. The staircase is wide and spiraly, leading to another bedroom that’s more like an apartment with a kitchen and bathroom.

The top floor is the attic, made into a bedroom with two beds tucked into each corner. The ceiling slopes, one wall nothing but windows that overlook the river and the houses on the other side.

Taehyung places his hands and stares in amazement. He loves the water and the way the sun dances across it. He can feel Jungkook behind him before he tucks his chin over his shoulder.

They haven’t talked about it. At all. They’ve shared a few kisses since, all apart of the mission for Jungkook to kiss his crush properly. But they haven’t talked like Taehyung’s wanted to. Maybe one day, Taehyung doesn’t want to ruin it.

Taehyung turns and Jungkook’s lips are there in an instant. Okay, maybe they’ve shared non lesson kisses. But all of them are for practice, so it’s fine that they don’t announce it’s for learning. Taehyung is greedy, so he lets it happen, lets Jungkook’s tongue wander into his mouth because Jungkook seems to have an obsession with it.

“I claim this room,” Taehyung murmurs before he pulls away from Jungkook and announces it to the entire group on the floor below them.

No one complains, as it’s on the top floor without a bathroom. They have to walk through another room to get to the bottom floor, the room Namjoon and Jin get stuck in after losing rock, paper, scissors.

Jimin is gleaming with joy as he goes flying into the bedroom on the first floor with his suitcase. Yoongi pads after him, a fond look on his face while Hoseok looks like he wants death.

“You chose them,” Jungkook reminds him, a gruff edge to his voice. “Leaving your best friend with a broken heart.”

Hoseok wrinkles his nose, poking Jungkook in the chest. “If you remember correctly, Jungdickhead, you fired me from being your friend.”

Jungkook’s face falls and Taehyung lets out a laugh as Jungkook remembers that he did.

“Well - well, you stole my milk!” Jungkook exclaims.

After choosing their rooms, they all venture off to them to unpack and change. Taehyung considers changing rooms as Jungkook lifts his shirt off by the collar, and pads across the room without it. Taehyung lets himself watch the muscles of Jungkook back move as he does, only diverting his eyes when Jungkook turns to face him.

“You know, I was thinking hyung,” Jungkook starts as he finally grabs a shirt to save Taehyung’s sanity. He blames the hormones on Jungkook, his problem with getting somewhat hard every time they kiss, and how long it’s been since he’s been touched. A long time, longer than usual. He’s considering calling for someone before he dies. He hopes his date with Joshua goes well, that maybe he can get sucked off in the bathroom of whatever fancy restaurant Joshua promised to take him too.

“That’s a surprise,” Taehyung muses as he takes off his own shirt to replace it with something warmer. Even with the heat outside, it’s colder in the cabin than Taehyung expected.

Jungkook frowns at him. “Fuck off. I was thinking like. You know what? Nevermind. Yoongi hyung said there’s toads down by the water, I’m gonna go look.”

Taehyung jumps from where he sits on the edge of the bed, laughing as he takes Jungkook’s elbow in hand. Jungkook looks nervous when he turns around, his cheeks turning pink. “What is it? What were you thinking about?”

“Frogs,” Jungkook says gruffly, his voice more defensive than it needs to be.

He can’t help the laugh that bubbles in his throat, even if Jungkook looks more defensive because of it. “I’m sorry, you’re just not helping you’re whole ‘I don’t have a frog kink’ thing babe.”

“Oh my god,” Jungkook complains, pushing Taehyung away but it doesn’t last long before Jungkook’s hand is fisting into the band of his shorts to pull him closer.

They kiss, again. Taehyung doesn’t know what to make of it but he likes the way Jungkook’s bare chest feels against his own and how he can feel his heart beating. He rubs his palms over Jungkook’s chest, feeling how hard it is before he slips them upwards to curl around his shoulders.

“If I talk about frogs, will you kiss me more?” Taehyung wonders, tilting his head to the side. He can hear the others downstairs and they should pull away at some point since they don’t have a door. “Did you know there’s a frog that can freeze itself to survive the winter? A cutie told me.”

“Shut up,” Jungkook murmurs, but there’s a smile touching his lips as his cheeks tint pink. “Are you saying you want to kiss me more, hyung?”

Taehyung considers this with pouted lips, enjoying the way Jungkook fidgets while he waits. He’s complimented Jungkook’s looks often, but he wonders if Jungkook understands just how beautiful Taehyung thinks he is. “Maybe. I told you I really like teaching.”

Jungkook huffs out a relieved breath. “That’s what I was thinking about. Like, teaching me.”

He pulls away but Taehyung doesn’t miss the red creeping down his neck before he turns around. He starts mumbling, his words hard to decipher from how low and fast he speaks.

“What?” Taehyung asks, frowning as Jungkook pulls on a sweater and hides the beauty that is his back. “I didn’t catch that.”

Jungkook huffs as he turns around, eyes rolling. “I said maybe you could teach me other stuff if you wanted.”

God, he’s embarrassed. His eyes are so big and so busy wandering around the room. His cheeks are hot as his fingers fist into his shirt. Taehyung would find it adorable, but he’s having his own dilemma.

“Okay?” Jungkook grunts roughly as Taehyung just stares at him.

He feels like he’s melting on the inside, his body turning to mush. He’s completely down for teaching Jungkook whatever the fuck he wants to learn. But that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

Taehyung has never been good at good ideas. He excels at bad ideas.

“Okay, that’s fine.”

An eyebrow shoots up Jungkook’s forehead as he peers at him. “Okay that’s fine,” he mimics in a pretty good impersonation of Taehyung’s voice. “What does that mean?”

Taehyung wrinkles his nose. “It means, yeah. I’ll teach you. What is it you want to know?”

“Stuff,” Jungkook says.

“What stuff?”

Jungkook glares at him as he whispers, ‘sex stuff’, his tone still defensive before he pads off in a quick hurry, leaving Taehyung standing in their room alone and confused.

***

Jungkook is well aware of the fact that he is indeed an idiot. He knows this. He’s accepted this. It’s not an issue because he’s also very smart at a lot of things. He’s talented, and he gets good grades. He doesn’t know what the fuck he’s doing with Taehyung.

He likes to kiss him, he likes the feel of his body against his own. His hands have minds of their own when he reaches for him. He almost does it in front of their friends a few times before he snaps out of it.

Maybe he’s actually a robot. A robot controlled by a demon that wants to ruin his life and every pair of pants he owns.

They sit around the campfire, the light flickering over all of their faces. There’s the sounds of crickets and toads in the distant, mixing in with the sounds of their voices and laughters. The night air is a bit nippy, especially so close to the water, but Jungkook has a wool blanket around his back and a warm solid body between his legs.

He wants to touch, but he keeps his hands on Taehyung’s waist and settles with that. Taehyung has a blanket over himself, a bottle cradled between his hands that he holds up for Jungkook to drink like he doesn’t want Jungkook to take his hands away and do it himself.

It’s hard to resist the bare of his neck and the way his lips want to kiss Taehyung there. There’s still the faint mark that Jungkook had left behind while they danced and he still gets embarrassed as he thinks about it.

He almost came in his pants grinding against Taehyung and they haven’t talked about it. Jungkook’s too nervous to. There’s a tension building between the two of them and Jungkook doesn’t know if it’s a good or bad thing.

Hoseok has tried to pester him with questions and his eyes are on them now, here and there. But it’s normal. They’re always cuddled together. They’ve always cuddled together and Jungkook’s always wanted to touch and kiss. The only difference is he now knows he can.

It’s late, a sleepiness hanging over them and Jungkook blames that on the way he nuzzles his face into Taehyung’s neck. He feels Taehyung tense for only a moment before he relaxes and continues on talking to Namjoon about his pet cactus.

He blames that sleepiness and the two and a half sips of beer he took on the way he grazes his lips over Taehyung’s skin. He’s nervous, nervous Taehyung is going to shove him off but Taehyung leans back further against his chest.

He doesn’t think Taehyung understands what Jungkook meant by teaching him more. And god, Jungkook nearly shit his pants trying to ask him. He has to be honest before they do. That yeah, he really does want to learn but he also just wants Taehyung to touch him. He thinks Taehyung wants to touch him too, but he isn’t sure. Maybe it’s just a hook up on Taehyung’s part, something Taehyung can easily recover from because he’s hooked up with friends plenty of times before.

Jungkook doesn’t know, but he can’t stop thinking about his date with Joshua and the way it makes his heart feel like it’s been eaten and spit up.

Taehyung pinches his calf hard when Jungkook tugs his skin into his mouth. Jungkook hisses, muffling the sound into the side of his neck as his leg throbs with pain from the touch.

“Sorry,” Jungkook breathes, resting his chin on Taehyung’s shoulder instead to resist the temptation to do it again. He needs to pull away from Taehyung and go to bed, but he doesn’t want to leave the warmth from Taehyung or leave the sound of his friends laughing.

Jungkook smiles as he follows along, rubbing his hands over Taehyung’s belly under the blankets to feel the way it rumbles when he laughs. He has a dick dilemma, he really does, because he can’t stop thinking with it. He truly does feel like he’s thirteen again when arousal sputters down his spine when his hands rub down Taehyung’s belly and his legs spread in response.

It’s a small move, barely noticeable, but Jungkook notices. He hesitates, watching his friends, before he moves his hands lower.

He feels Taehyung tense before he moves his legs up so his knees are up, pulling the blanket with it and hiding Jungkook’s hands underneath. Jungkook spreads his hands over his thighs, keeping a straight face as he feels the muscles there jump under his touch. Taehyung laughs at something Namjoon says but Jungkook isn’t listening.

“Jungkook, are you cool with canoeing tomorrow?” Jimin asks from across the fire, sipping something that looks sickly sweet from a straw. His feet are tucked under his body on a folded chair, a blanket covering his lap as another is wrapped around his torso because someone forgot to bring a coat or sweater.

“Yeah,” Jungkook answers coolly as he squeezes the insides of Taehyung’s thighs. He wonders what Taehyung is down to teach him, what he’s okay to experiment with. He doesn’t know, doesn’t want to push the boundaries they’ve already pushed, until Taehyung turns his head.

He feels his breath before he hears the soft, ‘ touch me ’ Taehyung whispers. Jungkook stills because Jimin is still looking at them through the fire.

“Tae doesn’t think you’ll actually get in the water,” Jungkook says, his voice thick even in his own ears as he drags his hands down Taehyung’s legs.

His breath catches in his throat as Taehyung easily laughs at Jimin’s offended tone when he exclaims how he is going to get in the water. Taehyung is already half hard when Jungkook rubs his palms between his legs.

Taehyung hadn’t let him touch him before. He never has. Jungkook doesn’t know why he can now, but he isn’t going to stop just because he’s nervous. He rubs Taehyung gently, experimentally, dragging a finger over the length of his cock through his slacks.

“Yeah, the day you actually get on the canoe is the day Jungkook confesses,” Hoseok adds and Jungkook stills.

“Hey, don’t bring me into this,” Jungkook grunts when Taehyung’s hand folds over his own and keeps his hands planted between his legs. It’s dangerous, their friends are all around, but something about it is incredibly fucking hot.

“If I get on the canoe, Jungkook has to confess?” Jimin asks and Jungkook’s face is growing too hot because no. He wishes they would stop talking about it. He wishes he could drag Taehyung away without it being noticeable when Taehyung very slowly rubs his hips up against Jungkook’s palm.

“Leave him alone,” Jin cackles from the side and Jungkook decides he’s friends with Jin and Jin only. “Let him crush in peace.”

Jungkook feels Taehyung’s cock twitch against his palm. He wonders if Taehyung always gets off on this, if he’s done it before around them. He likes it, likes the idea of making Taehyung coming apart without any of their friends noticing. He doesn’t think he’d be able to hide it, but Taehyung’s face is blank and impassive, revealing nothing that might suggest he’s using Jungkook’s hand to get off under the blanket.

“Don’t you think it’s time our little baby gets laid? Come on, we have to encourage him to confess,” Hoseok exclaims and he’s the worst because he is the only one that knows Jungkook’s crush (the love of his life) is with them, sitting between his legs at the current moment.

Taehyung exhales shakily, fingers digging into the back of Jungkook’s palm and Jungkook’s lungs squeeze with the inability to breathe.

“I think we should stop talking about it,” Taehyung grunts. Jungkook wonders if anyone else notices he sounds a bit breathless, a bit angrier than he usually sounds.

There’s a rumble of laughter and jokes, but they die as Taehyung stands. It’s quick, the way Taehyung peels Jungkook’s hands away and stands up. He pulls the blankets over his shoulders, covering himself with it and effectively hiding his own dick dilemma. Jungkook is quick to squeeze his legs closed when Taehyung stands, frowning as Taehyung excuses himself for bed.

There’s eyes on him as Jungkook watches Taehyung pad off. It’d be too obvious if he followed so he doesn’t. He thinks about disgusting, disturbing things and how slimy and gross looking caecilians are until he feels the nerves and arousal inside of him relax into something a lot more toxic feeling.

Hoseok’s eyes are on him but Jungkook avoids the look. There is no amusement in his eyes and he hates when Hoseok is serious about things. He looks at Jimin instead, the fire reflecting in his eyes and ice rushes up his spine and he sinks into himself so he can hide behind the flames.

They don’t stay up much later after that. With a promise to clean the yard in the morning after putting the fire out, they pad off to their bedrooms. Jungkook feels nervous before he enters his, the lights off. The large windows allow the moon to stream in, enough that he sees Taehyung sitting up in bed and not asleep.

Jungkook hates that it feels awkward as he peels off his sweater. He hates that his mind wants to say something but he isn’t sure what. He wants to know why Taehyung sounded angry, or if Jungkook had mistaken anger for frustration because Jungkook couldn’t stroke him off properly.

“Did you like that?” Taehyung asks, his voice deep as his whisper floats across the room. He doesn’t sound angry or irritated at all.

Jungkook freezes with his sweater half down his forearms.

“When you asked me to teach more, did you mean that? Teach you how to touch someone else?”

The sweater falls to the ground as Jungkook busies himself with finding his pajamas in the dark. He could turn on the light, look at Taehyung. He could deal with his nerves first hand and the fact that he doesn’t know what the fuck he is doing.

“That’s a lot of questions at one time.”

Taehyung lets out a soft laugh. “Come here.”

Jungkook obliges without hesitation, his pajama agenda goes forgotten. Taehyung shifts up the bed, allowing room for Jungkook to sit beside him.

The moon is bright, almost full, shining on Taehyung. He looks good in the moonlight. His face is bare, his hair pushed up by the headband he uses when he washes his face. He has his own pajamas on, a white shirt that’s so big it hangs off his shoulders and plaid pants that Jungkook gave him for Christmas one year.

“Tell me what you meant, Jungkook.”

Jungkook swallows as Taehyung takes his hands. “Yes.”

The moonlight is enough for Jungkook to see when Taehyung smiles, but it’s dark enough that Jungkook doesn’t feel as exposed as the light makes him feel.

“You want me to teach you how to kiss and touch?” Taehyung asks, his voice low. Jungkook’s breath catches in his throat as Taehyung slides Jungkook’s hands up his thighs slowly.

Jungkook nods. He’s facing the window, Taehyung can probably see him better than Jungkook can see Taehyung. Can he see how red his face is?

“You’re shy now,” Taehyung laughs quietly. “But you weren’t when you touched my cock in front of everyone?”

The words make Jungkook heat up more. It sounds obscene leaving Taehyung and Taehyung’s soft features. But he knows Taehyung can be dirty, isn’t only as soft and innocent as he looks at times. He knew Taehyung would be okay with doing more if Jungkook asked. He is no stranger to how much Taehyung loves casual sex.

“I was nervous then too.”

Another laugh, but Jungkook knows Taehyung isn’t laughing at him to make fun of him. He creeps Jungkook’s hands higher up his thighs and Jungkook wiggles closer, until their knees knock together.

“It’s okay to be nervous, Kookie baby,” Taehyung murmurs and Jungkook closes his eyes at the way the nickname makes his insides sputter. “There’s no teaching someone how to touch. Everyone likes to be touched differently.”

Jungkook nods. He knows that. “I want to know how you like to be touched.”

It’s whispered, barely louder than a breath. It’s more of a confession than Jungkook ever wanted to admit to, but it’s only right that he says it since it’s Taehyung he’s touching at the moment.

Taehyung nods in understanding, hovering Jungkook’s hands high up his thighs before he lets go. Jungkook only hesitates a moment before he bends his hands down and squeezes.

A soft gasp leaves Taehyung’s lips as he rests back on his palms and spreads his legs wider. Jungkook squeezes the insides of his thighs, kneading the fat there between his palms. It isn’t a place he would have thought to spend time on, but Taehyung bites hard at his bottom lip like he likes it.

“I’m not picky,” Taehyung mutters, his breathing harsh between his words and he’s barely been touched. “I like soft, rough, fast, slow. I like being touched everywhere.”

Jungkook nods as he presses up on his knees some so he can rub his hands higher. The side of his hand grazes over the press of Taehyung’s cock and he savors the shuddered breath Taehyung lets out.

“I like being kissed everywhere too,” Taehyung says, leveling his eyes with Jungkook as Jungkook shifts his fingers under the brim of Taehyung’s shirt.

He nods, though Jungkook doesn’t know what he’s nodding to as he lets his hands travel up Taehyung’s stomach. He follows the pace that Taehyung had set, because even if Taehyung prefers any kind of touch, setting the pace slowly is a sign that right now he likes it that way.

“Do you like touching me, Jungkook?”

It’s crossed a line from best friendship to something else. Something Jungkook’s thought about. Something Jungkook’s okay risking it all for. Kind of. He’d be lost without Taehyung in his life because Taehyung is his best friend, love of his life, roommate. All three of those components are parts Jungkook doesn’t want to lose.

He doesn’t think about it though as he nods and ducks forward. He’s thought about this a lot. He’s a professional Taehyung pleasurer, his daydreams have told him as much. Daydream Taehyung really gets off on his touches.

Taehyung gasps louder now when Jungkook mouths on the skin above his belly button. It’s a sound Jungkook doesn’t want to stop hearing, ever. He slides his palms up Taehyung’s sides and kisses over his belly.

Finger snatch in his hair as Taehyung’s thighs jerk farther apart. He pulls when Jungkook lowers his kisses. He’s only half ashamed of the groan rumbling in his throat from the pull, too focused on the way Taehyung’s belly trembles under his touch.

“Come up,” Taehyung breathes, his voice pinched as he tugs gently at Jungkook’s hair.

Jungkook doesn’t want to stop kissing Taehyung as he shifts to kneel between Taehyung’s thighs and pulls his shirt off as he moves.

Taehyung cranes his head back to look at him and Jungkook intends to lower himself back to kiss Taehyung more, but there’s a mouth on his stomach.

Jungkook tenses, trying to keep back his groan that grows insubordinate as Taehyung flicks his tongue out and traces the faint lines of Jungkook’s muscles. Taehyung’s eyes are on him as he traces his tongue, dipping into his belly button and digging down the thin trail of hair beneath it.

“Tae,” Jungkook says as Taehyung dips lower, stopping between his hips, where his stomach turns into his groin. He sucks gently and Jungkook’s hips jolt, his fingers snatching at the back of Taehyung’s head to keep him there.

Taehyung doesn’t look away from him the entire time and Jungkook’s going to have a crisis.

“Like that?” Taehyung asks as he pulls away, craning his head back again and Jungkook can see it, can imagine pulling Taehyung forward.

God, he’s thought about it a lot. He doesn’t just think about kissing Taehyung’s mouth, but having his mouth stretched over the length of him and his throat closing tight around the head of his cock. It’s easier to imagine it like this, with Taehyung sitting between his legs.

“Yes,” Jungkook says as he falls down to rest on his calves. “Let me try?”

Taehyung breathes in deeply before he nods. He lets Jungkook guide him back against the pillows, stretching his legs out for comfort.

He pets Jungkook’s hair as Jungkook kisses over his stomach again. He licks down Taehyung’s belly button, enjoying the way his legs clenched close before Jungkook slips lower.

He nudges the band of Taehyung’s pants down as he goes, sucking softly around the same spot as Taehyung had touched him. He can feel the start of pubic hair tickle his chin and excitement fills Jungkook at the prospect of tasting Taehyung.

Taehyung has other ideas though as he pulls on Jungkook’s shoulder to tug him upwards. Jungkook goes with ease, hovering over Taehyung so they can lock their lips together.

It’s gentle, their lips molding over each other. There’s no wandering tongues but wandering hands, Taehyung’s warming over Jungkook’s bare back and squeezing at his sides. Jungkook’s rubbing over his throat and down his chest.

Taehyung gasps as Jungkook grazes over a nipple so he does it again, rubbing his chest with his palm. He hasn’t touched anyone like this before, finds it surprising that he gets off more by touching rather than being touched. He likes the soft gasps Taehyung lets out when he rubs at his nipple, tentatively squeezing him between his fingers until Taehyung’s back arches.

“Good,” Taehyung praises, tone rough as Jungkook pinches him again. His fingers linger, rubbing, squeezing, until Taehyung hisses in pain. “No, it’s good.”

Jungkook frowns, kissing along Taehyung’s jaw in apology. His heart is leaping into his throat as he kisses Taehyung’s, gentle at first before he drags his teeth over his pulse.

The strength in Taehyung’s arm as he pulls Jungkook until their chests throws Jungkook off guard. He’s too aware of the fact that there’s no door to their room, that Taehyung’s gasps could be easily heard by Namjoon and Jin below them. He cups a hand over Taehyung’s mouth as he bites down along his throat but somehow Taehyung is louder, the muffled moan against his palm pounding into Jungkook’s ears.

There’s an ache between Jungkook’s legs but he resists rubbing down, despite how hard it is not to. He feels childish for being so worked up so easily but he blames that on Taehyung again. The need for Taehyung is only understandable as Taehyung squirms and moans beneath him.

He wants to leave a mark, but it would be too obvious to anyone who will see it the next day. So he compromises with licking over each gentle bite, waiting to bruise Taehyung’s skin until his mouth is lower.

Taehyung grips his hair hard when Jungkook bites at his chest. He gasps, another pained noise that Jungkook apologizes with embarrassment against his skin.

“No, it’s good,” Taehyung insists, his hips rocking up so he can feel the hard press of Taehyung’s cock against his stomach. “Real good, Jungkook.”

“Yeah?” Jungkook asks, lifting his head up to make sure Taehyung isn’t lying. He looks fucked out, breathing heavily and pupils blown wide.

Taehyung is so beautiful it’s distracting.

“Yeah,” Taehyung agrees with a nod of his head. “Foreplay is good.”

Jungkook snorts, burying his face back against Taehyung’s chest to hide his embarrassed cheeks. He’s used to being teased, he doesn’t ever truly mind, but he suddenly feels really embarrassed about his inexperience.

He’s coaxed up again by gentle hands on his chin. Taehyung is smiling slightly as he rubs at Jungkook’s cheeks. “I don’t know how much you want.”

Neither does Jungkook. He doesn’t want to tell Taehyung everything, he doesn’t want to appear eager. He doesn’t want Taehyung to see how much he truly wants him, even if it’s obvious already.

“I’ll tell you if it’s too much,” Jungkook decides on.

Taehyung nods in acceptance. “Sit up, baby.”

If Taehyung keeps calling him that, Jungkook is surely to die. Die right here in Yoongi’s Uncle’s cabin with a hard on and embarrassment on his cheeks. He moves, reluctantly, not wanting to stop touching Taehyung but it’s worth it as Taehyung sits up on his knees and starts to strip.

Jungkook can’t breathe as Taehyung reveals himself. He looks confident, comfortable, not as nervous as Jungkook feels as his cock slips from its restraints and slaps back against his belly with a wet sound. But that’s Taehyung, shameless and confident always.

Moonlight gleams off the slick head of Taehyung’s cock as he sits back down and tosses his clothing. Jungkook doesn’t understand the nudge of Taehyung’s head at first, but when he does he scrambles a lot less seductively to take off his own pants.

Taehyung hiccups out a giggle that turns harsh when he touches himself. Jungkook can’t breathe, he’s dying, suffering, as he watches Taehyung’s fist wrap around his own length. He touches loosely, slowly, like he just needs to get the edge off.

“I like this,” Taehyung says as he rubs his palm over the head of his cock a few time, swirling his fist. He grits his teeth, whimpering quietly before he slicks precome down the length of his cock. “Teasing. I like to be teased.”

Jungkook nods as he knees up the bed, his pants now lying in a heap beside Taehyung’s. His cock hangs heavy and hard between his legs and his body heats up as Taehyung eyes him and licks his lips absentmindedly.

“You’ve touched yourself before?” Taehyung asks, a grin playing on his lips as Jungkook nods seriously. “It isn’t different touching another dick. Same shit, different angle. Unless you take me from behind.”

Jungkook sputters at this and amusement fills Taehyung’s eyes as he bites his lips and reaches lower to fondle his balls. “No, I mean - nevermind. Sit, I’ll show you.”

A groan filters Taehyung’s lips as he squeezes at the head of his cock, watching to make sure Jungkook sits before he moves.

Suddenly Taehyung is pushing between his legs, resting his back to Jungkook’s chest and sitting between his legs. Jungkook bites his groan back when the fat of Taehyung’s ass pushes against his cock, trapping his length to his belly. Taehyung is naked, so naked and so touching as much of Jungkook as he can.

Taehyung takes Jungkook’s hand, turning his head into Jungkook’s neck as he guides it between his legs. Jungkook tentatively wraps his fingers around his length, amazed at the precome that drips down Taehyung’s cock from barely being touched.

“S’good,” Taehyung murmurs against his throat as Jungkook strokes him. He mimics Taehyung earlier, working his palm over the head until Taehyung moans, his legs clenching and spreading with every stroke. “Really good.”

Jungkook turns and bites at Taehung’s lips as he digs his thumb into the slit of his cock, a touch he likes himself. Taehyung is loud, gasping into Jungkook’s mouth as his hips rock off the bed.

“You have to be quiet,” Jungkook reminds him, despite the slick sound of his hand working over a cock echoing across the quiet bedroom. “Unless you like that. You got really hard when I touched you in front of everyone.”

“Fuck off,” Taehyung whispers, but there’s no bite to it. His soft moans vibrate over Jungkook’s throat as he strokes him.

Jungkook removes his hand to rub at the inside of Taehyung’s thigh like he saw he liked, squeezing the flesh and spreading his legs further. Taehyung gasps loudly, reaching up to put a hand to mouth as his head tilts back. His cock twitches back towards his stomach, leaking steadily and Jungkook does it again before wrapping around him.

There isn’t anymore speaking as Jungkook strokes Taehyung off. There’s nothing but the muffled sounds of Taehyung’s gasps and the wetness between Jungkook’s fingers. It’s hard not to touch himself, his hips rocking up to grind his cock against Taehyung’s plush ass, but he enjoys seeing Taehyung fall apart before him.

Taehyung grabs his arm suddenly, hips rocking up quickly into Jungkook’s fist. “Stop. I don’t want to come yet.”

Jungkook tightens his fingers, thumb rubbing over the vein on the underside. Taehyung’s hips work back against him and up towards his fist, looking desperate and Jungkook wants it, wants him to come all over himself.

“I want to see you come, hyung. Please?”

Taehyung whines lowly as he nods and breathes, ‘okay, okay. Make me come.’

There’s a hand on his jaw, dragging their lips together. Taehyung’s moans on his tongue, his body rocking, excitement grows in Jungkook, making his hand work over Taehyung faster.

As loud as he had been, Taehyung is silent when he comes. His body locks up, his mouth open around silent moans against Jungkook’s lips. His hips jerk, come spurting out against his belly and neck.

Jungkook grinds hard against Taehyung’s ass, groaning low as he watches Taehyung fall apart. It’s the hottest shit he’s ever seen, hotter than Daydream Taehyung could ever be. He feels guilty for thinking of that, they’ve built quite a connection over the years and Jungkook is nothing but a loyal man, but it’s nothing compared to this.

Taehyung turns quickly despite his shaking knees, to grab Jungkook’s face and kiss him hard, desperate. He huffs and moans into Jungkook’s mouth, making Jungkook feel dizzy from the sudden turn of events.

“That was so good,” Taehyung praises, stroking Jungkook’s cheeks. “God, you’re sure you need me to teach you?”

Jungkook flares with embarrassment as Taehyung peppers his nose. He’s about to complain about his own hard on, but Taehyung is pushing a hand to his chest until he falls back.

And there’s been plenty times that Jungkook has thought about this too. He never thought he’d experience it. Hell, he’s quite positive he is dreaming now, stuck somewhere in dreamland with the Taehyung of his imagination when Taehyung’s lips wrap around him without hesitation.

Jungkook’s vision goes white, eyes fluttering shut as Taehyung slides down his cock like he’s just as desperate Jungkook was to see him come. There’s force in his palms as he plants Jungkook’s hips to the mattress, keeping him from bucking up as his takes Jungkook into his mouth.

It’s hot and wet, noisy as Taehyung slurps loudly every time he pulls off. Jungkook’s stomach tenses, toes curling, he knows he’s close already. Taehyung knows it too, looking up at him with mirth in his eyes as he sucks Jungkook down until his nose buries itself into the hair at the base.

Jungkook’s fist flies to his mouth as he feels himself near the edge. Taehyung’s throat clenching around him, his fingers digging into his hips, the fact that this is all happening is enough to drag Jungkook over. A warning slips past his lips and Taehyung hums, sinking down and it’s too much.

It hurts when Jungkook bites into his fist, so hard he cringes at the feeling as pleasure rocks through him. He cries softly into his fist, Taehyung’s lips rubbing over his cock and tongue rubbing on the underside as he comes down Taehyung’s throat.

Taehyung pulls off with a heavy breath, chest heaving before he lowers himself back down to tease the sensitive head. Jungkook hisses, bucking up to move Taehyung away because it’s too much. He feels raw and ripped inside, but also like he’s floating on one of the mountains he can see past the lake and village.

“Holy fuck hyung,” Jungkook breathes.

Taehyung’s eyes are wide with nerves again. “Is that okay? I should have asked.”

“It’s good,” Jungkook breathes, his body still buzzing and unwilling to calm down. “Fuck, you gotta teach me how to do that.”

Taehyung flushes, eyes blowing wider. He wants to make Taehyung feel as good as he does, to taste Taehyung the way Taehyung had tasted him.

“Another time,” Taehyung murmurs, still trying to catch his breath. “I think you’ve killed my throat and my body.”

“Sorry -” Jungkook starts, wanting to remind that Jungkook never ever imagined Taehyung would give him head so it’s his own fault, but Taehyung is shutting him up with a kiss.

“Stop apologizing. I liked it.”

And it’s all Jungkook needs to hear before he’s pulling away to find his shirt to help clean the sticky mess on Taehyung’s stomach.

It feels a bit awkward afterwards, but Jungkook knows that’s his busy mind. Taehyung makes jokes and giggles as he pulls his clothes on, and he pouts when Jungkook steps off the bed to go into his own.

“So that’s it? Fuck me and then go to your own bed.”

“I didn’t fuck you,” Jungkook splutters in embarrassment, but he’s already retreating back to Taehyung’s bed and the blanket Taehyung holds up for him to slip under because he knows Jungkook would return.

“You could have,” Taehyung murmurs sleepily, smiling as Jungkook slips beside him and he can use his chest as free real estate.

Jungkook stiffens, staring up at the ceiling and trying to process what Taehyung just said. Taehyung seems oblivious and he burrows himself into Jungkook’s side, face nuzzling into his neck.

***

It goes on. They don’t talk about it. They probably should, but Taehyung finds it hard when Jungkook kisses him whenever they’re alone long enough to talk about it. He finds it hard when Jungkook touches him and slips his hands into his pajamas whenever it’s dark and quiet.

It’s hard but easy to forget Jungkook is just experimenting. Taehyung doesn’t mind so much to help him, he’s a bit selfish in his own need to have Jungkook touch him. He doesn’t mind when he gets Jungkook moaning softly into his mouth and coming across his stomach.

He only minds when it’s the daytime and he watches Jungkook laugh and play around with the others. He only minds when he’s left alone to think too long about it. He only minds when his friends continue to tease Jungkook about confessing to his crush.

But then he finds himself forgetting about talking and rocking down hard against Jungkook instead. He doesn’t care if the bed rocks, if they can probably be heard. Everyone in their group is intelligent, they’ll have to have noticed the difference in their dynamic. Jungkook touches a lot more, becomes more shy than he usually does when Taehyung whispers into his ear. They know, and if they don’t already, they will soon.

“They’re gonna hear you,” Taehyung pants, resting his hands beside Jungkook’s head to lean close to his face. Jungkook whines, hips curling up to meet Taehyung’s. Taehyung thinks about fucking like this, riding down on Jungkook, feeling Jungkook’s hands on his waist as he drags him onto his cock.

It makes him come faster than he’d like to admit. He holds tight onto Jungkook as Jungkook comes in response, milking out with his hips rubbing harshly against Taehyung’s softening cock.

They kiss - a lot. They probably shouldn’t, not now, after they’ve orgasmed, but Taehyung ignores the warning in his head as he kisses Jungkook until his breathing has slowed and his body has stopped trembling.

He pulls off Jungkook, wiping his chest clean just as the sound of feet sound up the stairs.

Jungkook moves quickly, ripping himself from Taehyung’s bed to hop into his own. Taehyung isn’t as quick, pulling a shirt over his come stained stomach as Jimin appears in the doorway. He knows he looked fucked out, he still feels it.

“Hey Jimin-ssi,” Jungkook says, attempting to sound cool and Taehyung snorts because he doesn’t.

“Hey frog boy,” Jimin says, half waving to him before he climbs into bed beside Taehyung.

Taehyung tenses, eyeing Jungkook’s wide eyes from across the room. There might be come on the sheets. His first instinct is to shove Jimin from the bed and he does, but the moment Jimin lands on the ground, Taehyung knows it’s the wrong move.

“What the fuck,” Jimin huffs, lips pushing into an instant pout that’s meant to do nothing but guilt Taehyung. It always works.

“The bed’s lava,” Taehyung blurts.

Jimin glares at him. “Than why are you on it?”

Taehyung looks up to Jungkook for help. He isn’t any help at all as he just stares back, hiding under his covers. “I’m the lava demon.”

Jimin jumps up to his feet. “You know, I’m supportive of you Tae, but this is one weird kink that I’m not sure I can get behind.”

There is a smirk on Jimin’s lips that tells Taehyung he is doomed. Revenge for shoving him is coming and it’s coming now.

“What are you -”

Jimin jumps back when Taehyung jerks towards him. Jungkook just sits there, watching.

“Kookie is okay with your weird demon kink? Maybe you two are meant to be together.”

Taehyung can’t look at Jungkook as he tries to football tackle Jimin. Jimin dodges him easily. Taehyung knows he needs to work out more, he knows sex isn’t enough. One day he’s going to get strong and fast and beat Jimin.

“I should have believed you when you said it,” Jimin laughs, dodging him again. “You sure were passionate when you tried to convince me Jungkook was your soulmate.”

Jimin’s body hits the ground with a thud, pain shooting up Taehyung’s head as their heads collide. They roll over each other, fumbling out laughs and grunts of cuss words before Jimin has Taehyung trapped beneath him.

Jungkook’s laughing and Taehyung is going to murder the both of them, his heart be damned.

“I’m going to tell Yoongi hyung you’re into petplay.”

Jimin, the soft thing that he is, looks murderous. “I am not. Don’t lie to him.”

Taehyung struggles when Jimin pins his hands to the ground. “You sure? Didn’t you call him your cute little kitty?”

“Not like that! I didn’t mean it like that!” Jimin huffs, mortified. There’s movement downstairs and Taehyung knows their tussle woke the others up. Jungkook is finally moving, albeit lazily so, throwing his feet over the edge of the bed to hopefully come save Taehyung.

“Yeah - sure you didn’t.”

“I didn’t!”

“Okay, Jiminnie -”

“I’m gonna tell Jungkook about your dream!”

It goes quiet. So suddenly it’s like everything around them stopped. Jimin’s eyes go wide like he hadn’t meant to blurt that out loud and Jungkook stills where he’s reaching out to catch Jimin off guard and pull him off.

There’s so many dreams that Taehyung doesn’t quite know which dream Jimin is speaking of. Well, there’s the one -

Jimin wouldn’t dare.

“You wouldn’t.”

Jimin huffs through his nose. There’s footsteps behind his head, someone else has entered the room.

“I wouldn’t,” Jimin says, softly. He grimaces slightly, glancing at Jungkook. “Looks like you might have to. Um, yeah bye.”

Taehyung wraps his arms around Jimin’s legs when he stands and fights him back to the ground. Jimin might be small, but he’s strong, effortlessly dragging Taehyung back to his original position of being pinned down.

It’s Jungkook who saves Taehyung, the person by the door (Jin) hopelessly unhelpful as he watches the scuffle. Jungkook lifts Jimin with ease, pulling him from Taehyung and to his feet.

Jimin huffs. “I came up here for a cuddle Tae because I’m sad.”

Taehyung deflates, eyeing Jungkook before he lifts himself and takes Jimin’s hand. “Okay, sorry Chim. Come on.”

Jin snorts loudly from the door, shaking his head as he pinches his temples between his fingers. “What goes on,” he murmurs before he turns on his heel and heads out.

Because of the maybe disgusting mess of his bed, Taehyung drags Jimin into Jungkook’s instead. Jungkook looks betrayed for only a moment before he slides into Taehyung’s as Taehyung curls Jimin under the blankets and tucks him in close.

He waits for Jimin to tell him what’s wrong, or maybe to tell him if he wants Jungkook to leave before they talk. But he isn’t expecting the wrinkle of Jimin’s nose and the way he whispers, ‘Tae, you smell like sex,’ before giggling and turning around to sleep with his back facing him.

*

It really isn’t warm. Not a beach day warm. The water is pretty cold, but after awhile it doesn’t feel too bad. Taehyung hopes he doesn’t get sick, but it isn’t enough to pull him from the waves. Heat sticks to his skin from the sun despite the cooler weather, and he thinks he should have put on sun lotion like Jungkook had.

Taehyung dips into the water, feet kicking as he reaches around blindly. The water isn’t as clean as he’d like, but it isn’t nasty. Lake water is a bit slimy and he hates when his feet skid over the slimy rocks. He’s worried one will be a tortoise and bite his toes.

Taehyung’s hand collides with Jungkook’s leg and he feels Jungkook jump before Taehyung’s wrapping around his body. Jungkook splashes around before Taehyung emerges from the water with a laugh.

He wants to kiss him. He looks beautiful with his pink cheeks and wet hair stuck to his forehead. He has a white shirt on that does nothing to hide his torso, and under the water Taehyung knows there’s baby blue swimming trunks on with dark green things that Jungkook swears aren’t snakes but some type of amphibian instead.

Taehyung blinks water from his eyes, feeling them stick to his eyelashes before he ducks back into the water. He knocks Jungkook’s legs, pushing off balance as he moves quickly. He grabs onto the not snake swimming trunks and yanks.

Jungkook accidentally kicks him in the stomach and Taehyung chokes on water as he laughs. It’s difficult to run when the water is higher than his waist, so instead he calls for Jin and catapults Jungkook’s shorts across the lake.

“Fuck,” Jungkook huffs before a hard body hits Taehyung’s back and he’s going under. He quickly pinches his nose as another laugh threatens to make him choke again. Jungkook bites him, hard as he pushes him deeper into the water, staining his shoulder with teeth marks.

Taehyung gasps for breath as he struggles to get away from Jungkook. Jungkook has murder in his eyes as he chases him through the water as Hoseok waves his swim trunks in the air before tossing them to Namjoon.

“I’m murdering every one of you in your sleep,” Jungkook threatens as he grabs Taehyung’s ankle.

There’s another set of hands on Taehyung’s arms, Jin’s traitorous laughter behind him as Jungkook takes his revenge and strips his own dolphin printed swimming trunks from him. Taehyung has less shame, but he kicks and struggles to keep the trunks.

Jungkook whoops out a wild giggle as he reaches high up into the air making it so Taehyung can’t reach until he climbs up Jungkook like he’s a tree, revealing his bare skin.

It isn’t something Taehyung’s mind, doesn’t care if his friends see the care of his ass as he retrieves his trunks. He grabs onto Jungkook’s shoulders, jumping, his legs circling Jungkook’s waist so he can reach above their heads.

“If you wanted me naked, Kookie, you could have taken me inside and asked.”

Jungkook stumbles backwards, his arm shaking some as he stretches it away from Taehyung. He wants to kiss him, badly.

“You took mine off, first.”

Taehyung rolls his eyes, using his strength to tighten his grip around Jungkook’s waist and lift himself higher.

Jungkook hisses in his ear and falters enough that Taehyung can grab his shorts back. He looks caught off guard, mouth hanging half open as Taehyung flips from Jungkook to put his shorts back on.

Taehyung has Hoseok throw him Jungkook’s swimming trunks before he takes off in a run, catapulting inside the cabin and stranding a very naked Jungkook in the lake with their friends.

Part of him expects Jungkook to stay in the water until he returns because Jungkook has to know by now that Taehyung won’t let him suffer for long, and another part of him wants Jungkook to get a little shameless.

He’s pleasantly surprised when Jungkook comes slipping and sliding into the cabin behind him, bare bits on show before he collides into Taehyung.

“Give me those,” Jungkook huffs, his voice too soft before he kisses Taehyung and wraps his wet body around his. Their friends might be able to see, maybe. Maybe Taehyung doesn’t care, or won’t, until they start asking questions he can’t answer.

“Here’s your snake trunks,” Taehyung murmurs, feeling hazy as he lets go of Jungkook’s swim wear.

“Not snakes,” Jungkook responds, amusement in his tone. His eyes are bright with stars as he searches Taehyung’s face.

“Oh, I was talking about this then,” Taehyung says, reaching between Jungkook’s legs.

Jungkook groans loudly in complaint as Taehyung snickers out a laugh. “That was awful, don’t say shit like that again. Please, I beg you.”

He scrambles to pull on his briefs before he leaves Taehyung in the cabin, shaking his hips as he goes to tease. Taehyung should have never told him he’s into that.

After swimming and changing into warm, dry sweatpants, they set up the grill outside. The smell of cooked meat and smoke fills the air. Taehyung sits on the edge of the picnic table, watching Jungkook, Jin, and Jimin’s toes dig into a man made sand pit as they play volleyball. Namjoon stands over the grill, bopping his head to the music that plays from the speakers tucked on the porch. Yoongi’s picking at the food but pretending not to whenever Namjoon looks at him in warning.

And Hoseok, Hoseok is forcing himself between Taehyung’s legs and asking too many questions.

He’s Jungkook’s best friend. If anyone were to know about who Jungkook’s crush is, it’s Hoseok. He definitely knows. Taehyung would never ask him though. He only wants Jungkook to tell him if he’s comfortable with doing so. Taehyung isn’t sure why he cares so much.

But Hoseok keeps talking about it and Taehyung loves Hoseok a lot. So much. They’re really close, but Taehyung wants to shove a hot dog into his mouth until he shuts up.

“Kookie has been really bummed over the guy he likes,” Hoseok says as he hooks his arms over Taehyung’s spread legs. Taehyung clutches the bun of his hot dog, ready. “I told him to talk to him.”

“Yeah me too.”

Hoseok exhales through his nose, squinting beneath his yellow lens sunglasses. “I couldn’t keep it bottled up for that long. Dude’s liked this guy for like five years.”

Taehyung’s fingers break through the bread as his eyes find Jungkook, who dives into the sand just in time for the volleyball to collide with his clenched hands. Sand sticks to his body as he jumps to his feet, his body bending backwards as he laughs at Jin.

Who the fuck is it? Taehyung wants to ask, because the only people that Jungkook’s known that long are standing around them. Or that Taehyung knows of. Jungkook isn’t really close to anyone else. There are a few people he’ll consider friends enough to hang out with them from time to time, but everyone he is close to is here.

“Oh dang,” Taehyung hums, unaffected. Because he is. Whatever, he doesn’t care.

“Yeah,” Hoseok sighs, sounding tired as he peeks over his sunglasses at where Yoongi sneaks a handful of pickles into his mouth behind Namjoon’s back. “He really likes him, I mean -”

Hoseok makes a choking noise as Taehyung goes for it and shoves the hot dog in his mouth. Hoseok’s eyes are wide with offense as Taehyung slides from the picnic table to stand on his feet. It catches the attention of the other’s and guilt makes Taehyung deflate in front of Hoseok.

“Sorry hyung.”

“What was that for?” Hoseok asks as he chews. He takes another bite, frowning in a pleased way.

“I don’t want to talk about Kook’s crush anymore,” Taehyung admits, quietly. Hoseok’s eyes brighten and Taehyung grabs his wrist before slamming the hot dog back into Hoseok’s mouth.

It’s obvious. If anyone doesn’t know by now, that’s their own fault. Jimin figured it out in like seven seconds after seeing him and Jungkook together the first time. He turns on his heel, storming off.

“Hyung, Yoongi keeps stealing all your pickles,” Taehyung announces to Namjoon as he passes him. Yoongi’s face twists in complaint, his mouth stuffed with pickle as Namjoon turns on him and swats him with the greasy spatula.

***

Jungkook likes the dark quiet around the cabin. He likes the croaks from the toads and the chirps of the grasshoppers. He likes how their laughter fits into the night air and how the owls hoot in response.

They’ve strayed from the cabin for their last night and into town. It’s a tourist town, filled with shops and restaurants. There’s another lake that’s sectioned off as a beach, a board walk lining in that they walk across.

Taehyung’s fingers sit snugly between Jungkook’s as they swing their hands between them. Taehyung keeps his eyes on the river, the moon that can be seen reflected in the middle. It’s quiet mostly, soft chatter between them as they eat the ice cream they had gotten after dinner.

Jungkook wants to confess to him, right here in front of his friends. He’s been thinking about it all day but he’s decided it’s a bad idea. They could be friends with benefits, maybe. Jungkook will admit there wasn’t someone else, or maybe lie again and say he’s not interested anymore. He’d be fine with that, because he isn’t sure he wants to stop ever feeling Taehyung’s hands on him.

Different ways to ask play over in Jungkook’s head. It’s awkward, asking. He doesn’t know how to ask at all. Every way he thinks sounds awkward and weird. Do people converse about being friends with benefits, or do they just do it? Is it weird to call it friends with benefits? Should he just ask Taehyung if he wants to keep fucking around? It’s so hard not to kiss him at any given moment that he knows he’s going to fuck up soon.

Taehyung smiles softly at him as he squeezes his fingers. “What are you thinking so much about over there?”

“Did you know a group of frogs is called an army?” Jungkook asks, earning a groan somewhere from Jin. “Can you imagine it? A little army of frogs getting ready to go to war?”

Taehyung lets out a laugh, looking at Jungkook as if he’s lost his head. “You look like you’re contemplating dropping out of school and becoming a wild man, but you’re thinking about army frogs?”

Jungkook sighs, shrugging. “I just wonder who decided that was a good name for a group of frogs you know?”

Jin groans again, pushing between them but Taehyung’s grip on his fingers tighten like he refuses to let go. “If you talk about frogs one more time, I’m frogging punching you.”

“Okay, let’s talk about rocks then. Tell me, what do you call a group of rocks?”

Jin wrinkles his nose and jerks his clenched fist like he might throw a punch, but he’s backing up. “You’re a group of rocks.”

“You’re an Eryops ,” Jungkook calls back, pushing up on his toes to yell over Namjoon who is in front of him as Jin takes off in front of all of them.

“I don’t know what that is!” Jin calls back, hands out before him. Taehyung clutches a sleeve covered hand to his mouth.

“It’s an ancient big headed amphibian, just like you!”

Namjoon hangs his head, groaning in complaint when Jin comes sprinting forward. Jin pretends to struggle to get through everyone, though no one is in his way.

The moment he’s a foot in front of Jungkook, Jungkook lets go of Taehyung’s hand and takes off in a sprint.

The fighting and bickering stop when they reach their cabin, Jungkook and Jin calling a truce with a handshake that results in the two of them trying to squeeze each other’s fingers off. Jungkook wins and Namjoon looks like he might kill the both of them.

“You’re an actual child,” Taehyung complains as he circles a hand around Jungkook’s waist and tugs him into the cabin and away from Jin. “You’re helping me with drinks.”

Jungkook complains loudly about it, but he follows after Taehyung into the kitchen. Their roles and shifts have changed every day, which Jungkook is thankful for. Namjoon had been in charge of drinks the night before and Jungkook feels like he nearly died after one sip of the worst concoction ever made.

Taehyung hums as he mixes drinks, wiggling his hips to whatever song that plays in his head. Jungkook watches, being of no help whatsoever, before he grabs Taehyung’s hips and lines their bodies together.

He presses a soft kiss behind Taehyung’s ear. If Jungkook’s being realistic, their small touches and shared kisses really aren’t just lessons anymore. They’re unnecessary and selfish on Jungkook’s part.

Taehyung tilts his head to the side. “You’re not helping me at all there bud.”

Jungkook giggles before he nips Taehyung’s neck. They can see the others outside, setting up another campfire and Yoongi yelling at Namjoon not to burn his Uncle’s cabin down.

“Sorry,” Jungkook murmurs, pulling away. He likes this, whatever it is. He doesn’t think a name exists for it and if one does, Jungkook isn’t trying to define it. It’s definitely not what it’s supposed to be, but Taehyung hasn’t mentioned it and Jungkook isn’t going to. “I like touching you.”

Taehyung’s smile turns shy before he tucks his head away and finishes mixing the drinks. It’s a confession of sorts, that Jungkook expects to get more of a response to, but he doesn’t. He wants to kiss Taehyung, but he stops himself when Jimin joins them and sits himself on the island in the middle of the kitchen.

Jungkook offers to help Taehyung carry the tray when he’s finished, but Taehyung orders him to make more as he takes it himself. Jimin watches on with amusement in his eyes.

“You guys are so cute,” Jimin sighs, a smile on his lips. “I’m so happy.”

Jungkook frowns, glancing over his shoulder and spilling a bit of margarita mix on the counter. Jimin and Taehyung have been best friends since before they were born, twins that shared a body and were separated or something like that. But somehow aren’t related, Jungkook’s never understood. He might know that they’re doing - whatever it is that they’re doing.

“What do you mean?” Jungkook asks, pretending to be more interested in the overflowing cups of alcohol than the conversation.

“I’ve wanted you guys to get together for so long,” Jimin says, murmurs.

Jungkook wrinkles his nose at that. “We aren’t together.”

It goes quiet for a moment and when he turns, Jimin’s no longer smiling. His eyes are narrowed, dangerous, creating goosebumps across Jungkook’s skin.

“If you hurt him, Jeon Jungkook, I will kill you with my bare hands.”

Jungkook frowns at the acid in Jimin’s voice. “What are you talking about?”

Jimin hops from the counter and pushes a hand to Jungkook’s chest. “Is this what I think it is? You’re not together?”

“No?” Jungkook asks, trying to back himself up and into the kitchen counter. Jimin is terrifying. Jungkook’s watched him take down a man three times his size in seconds using just his legs before.

Jimin hits Jungkook’s chest. “So you’re just hooking up? And don’t lie. Taehyung and you were sporting hickies at the same time and your room smells like sex like, all the time.”

Jungkook grips the counter. He’s cornered. Jimin is going to murder him. He knew Taehyung would be the cause of his death but he would have never guessed it to be this way.

“Cleary, if Tae hasn’t told -”

“You are,” Jimin gasps and he knees Jungkook in the thigh. “This is bullshit. Get it together and fall in love with him, Jungkook. I’m not dealing with a broken hearted Tae. Don’t mess around with him at all if you don’t have feelings.”

Jungkook groans as Jimin knees him again, hands flying between his legs to protect his good bits because Jimin really does have murder in his eyes. “I do, I do! Stop, I do.”

Jimin stops and it’s the sight to be seen, Jimin with his leg half up and Jungkook desperately clutching at his crotch to protect himself.

“You do?”

Jungkook nods, flinching when Jimin moves his leg but it’s just to place it down.

“But he doesn’t know so like, shut up about it.”

Jimin gives Jungkook a hard look, crossing his arms. “What? That’s stupid.”

“It isn’t,” Jungkook says gruffly, turning around so Jimin won’t see how embarrassed he is. He worries about the safety of his ass since Jimin hasn’t moved too far away yet, and he holds a hand out in front of himself just in case. “I like what we’re doing. I don’t want my feelings to mess it up, okay?”

Jimin scoffs. “Did you hear a word I just said? Feelings? You know Taehyung has -”

“Shut up.”

Jungkook glances over his shoulder at Taehyung, who has returned. His eyes are hard on Jimin as his eyebrows raise, head cocking to the side like he’s trying to silently communicate, ‘what the fuck?’

Jimin presses his lips tightly together but his laugh comes blurting past them anyway. “Wow. What K drama is this?”

There’s confusion filling Jungkook quickly as Jimin tucks his head backwards and laughs loudly. He bounces on his toes before calling out, “Yoongi hyung! Guess what!”

“What was that?” Jungkook asks as Taehyung pushes him to the side and turns his nose at the mess Jungkook made.

“I didn’t tell Jimin about anything,” Taehyung says, resting a hand on the counter as he twists to look at Jungkook. “You and I need to talk about it at some point. How much you want me to teach you.”

There’s other things that need to be talked about. How none of this feels like a lesson. But Jungkook doesn’t want to talk about any of it. Limits are okay, it’s always good to talk about limits, but he doesn’t want to define anything.

“How often it’s okay for me to touch you,” Taehyung goes on. “And um -”

Taehyung freezes, lips pushing out before he nods his head. “Yeah, that’s it.”

“You can touch me whenever you want,” Jungkook replies. Mostly. He’s a bit embarrassed about affection in front of other people, but Taehyung’s always touched him whenever he wanted to anyway. “Um, and yeah. I want to try most stuff. All the stuff.”

Taehyung quirks a brow in interest. “All the stuff?”

Jungkook makes a noncomittal noise as he yanks his shoulder up to his ear in a shrug. “Mm, yeah.”

“Like?” Taehyung pushes and Jungkook groans the moment mischief appears in Taehyung’s eyes. He knows what Jungkook means. There have been times Jungkook has sworn Taehyung is a mind reader and than panicked, worrying that Taehyung’s been listening to all his dirty thoughts with Imagination Taehyung the whole time.

“Like, you know. Boom boom.”

“Boom boom,” Taehyung snickers, reaching up to finger the collar of Jungkook’s shirt. “What is boom, boom?”

Jungkook shrugs. He feels hot. Maybe he is a child. He can’t say it. He can’t hear it, either. He has to fling himself in the lake to cool himself when Taehyung pushes up on his toes to whisper in his ear.

“Do you want me to fuck you, Jungkook?”

Jungkook swallows, nodding. He feels hot, too hot. “Wanna fuck you too.”

Taehyung pulls back with a pleased look on his face. “I don’t mind switching it up,” he says as he takes Jungkook’s hand to play with his fingers. “But wait until we have a door, okay? I can get a little loud.”

Fireworks burst across Jungkook’s cheeks and his hands shake as he grabs the cups to help Taehyung bring out the rest of them.

It’s all he can think about the entire night, and he blames that on how fast he comes when Taehyung presses him to the glass window and sinks to his knees to take him down his throat once again.

*

It feels strange returning to their apartment after a week away. They’ve lived here for years, the cabin only a week, but it feels as if they’ve been gone forever.

This apartment, where Taehyung and Jungkook’s friendship has grown and evolved. Most of the personal things Jungkook knows about Taehyung has been told to him on that ratty couch they got free online. The kitchen holds the few times they’ve argued and had to sit and talk seriously over microwaved ramen. The bathroom is filled with the first awkward moments of sharing a bathroom with someone to the moment where you realize how comfortable you are with someone because you don’t care about shutting the door anymore.

It’s home, and Jungkook thinks it feels more that way because Taehyung is here.

“You look like a dope,” Taehyung says fondly, nudging his shoulder as they enter with more bags than they had left with. “Why do you look like that?”

Jungkook looks around the apartment. He’s fallen in love with Taehyung here, it would be the best place to confess - at least, try to. But now that he’s thinking about it, he thinks moving out and living in solitude is a better option.

“Nothin’,” Jungkook answers as Hoseok knocks into him after insisting on coming to theirs instead of his own. Even when Jungkook made his eyes go big and shook his head behind Taehyung’s back. Hoseok looked too pleased ignoring him.

Taehyung purses his lips, amused but he lets it go. Even if Taehyung wasn’t interested in more, or even fucking around after Jungkook tells him, he’d be chill about it. That’s how he is. Maybe some teasing, torture, but it will be good natured.

He wants to ask Taehyung what Jimin meant about Taehyung being broken hearted, what Taehyung has told him to make him think they’re together. If Jimin is just assuming that because Jungkook feels like he looks like a love sick puppy.

God, he is. He might just blurt it out now as Taehyung shakes a hand through his hair and looks like a god so easily.

“I should probably call Joshua, make sure we’re still on for tomorrow.”

Maybe Jungkook is going to move out and live a life of solitude. Somewhere where he can make a frog wetland and be the sole savior of all frogs from going extinct. It’s a good life for him.

“You should probably cancel,” Hoseok interrupts with a loud sigh following. “I heard some not so great things about him.”

Taehyung frowns at this as he chucks his suitcase onto their couch. “Like?”

Hoseok cocks his head as he whistles. Jungkook doesn’t know a whole lot about Joshua, except that he’s beautiful and totally Taehyung’s type.

“He supports PETA.”

It’s immediate, the way Taehyung’s face twists in response. “How would you know that?”

“Facebook?” Hoseok says, twisting his face back.

Sometimes, Jungkook wants to murder Hoseok gently. Sometimes, Hoseok is the best person to ever exist and he’ll climb to the top of the clocktower in the middle of campus and announce it to the world.

It’s obvious he’s lying right now. Hoseok is a horrible liar, it shows in his eyes and his inability to keep a straight face. Taehyung looks too distraught to notice.

“Well - well, some people have good intentions for supporting PETA. They’re just uniformed and fucking wrong.”

Taehyung takes off in a whirl, heading straight to his bedroom as he whips out his cellphone.

A laugh leaves Hoseok’s lips as soon as Taehyung is gone. “Jungkook, my frog son, you’re welcome.”

Jungkook sucks through his teeth. “What if Tae really liked him, hyung?”

Hoseok’s face twists more, looking as if he just said Taehyung’s the one supporting PETA. “I doubt it. Taehyung doesn’t like. He probably needs to get off which, he wouldn’t have to if you just told him you want to suck face.”

Jungkook grits his teeth. Taehyung doesn’t like. It’s true. He doesn’t know of a time that he’s ever dated. There were a few hook ups Taehyung saw again and again, but it never lasted long.

But, Taehyung also doesn’t go on dates and yet he has one with dog hating Joshua.

“Maybe I have.”

Hoseok is raiding the fridge when Jungkook says this and he freezes. It’s slow the way his expression morphs into one of excitement and disbelief. “Shut up, no you didn’t.”

Jungkook cocks his head to the side, pushing up on his top toes. “Maybe we have sucked face and maybe, perhaps , it was the best fucking thing to ever happen to me.”

If anyone will help him figure out his confessing, it’s Hoseok. Even if he has to be tortured to near death before they make any progress.

“You’re being serious.”

Hoseok is glaring at him now, a twist of anger and excitement in his eyes.

“I am.”

A sound so loud rips from Hoseok’s throat that Jungkook jumps in surprise. Hoseok is quick as lightning, closing the space between them to grab Jungkook’s cheeks.

“Why didn’t you tell me you son of a bitch? What does this mean? When’s the wedding?”

“Shut up,” Jungkook says in warning as he shoves Hoseok off. Lowering his voice, he whispers, “I didn’t tell him anything. We just kissed and um, stuff?”

“You didn’t tell him?” Hoseok exclaims, missing Jungkook’s push for them to be quiet. “What stuff ?”

Hoseok’s face freezes for a second before he slaps Jungkook on the side of the neck. “The hickey. Oh my god. Did you bang? Jungkook! You dog .”

There’s a series of kisses being slobbered against his skin as Jungkook struggles to push Hoseok off.

“Oh, you have to tell him! I better be the best man and the godfather to your children. Oh! Jimin and I can co-parent them if you two tragically die. And Yoongi, I guess too -“

“Hyung, I can’t tell Tae.”

Hoseok pulls off, a scolding in his eyes but neither of them say a word as Taehyung joins them.

“Tell me what?” Taehyung asks. His brows are scrunched as he holds his cellphone in his hands.

There are some frogs, who when faced with a threat, swell their bodies up in order to appear bigger, more dangerous. There’s some frogs who play dead. Jungkook considers the latter, but is worried of scaring Hoseok, whose heart already seems to be in danger of exploding. He could swell in size, but neither Hoseok nor Taehyung are afraid of him.

Jungkook’s fight or flight response is usually to attack. Which he could do, but he’d fail terribly the moment he turned to Taehyung.

“I um, I can’t tell you that,” Jungkook pauses to glance at a very unhelpful Hoseok, “uh - that Joshua, yeah Joshua, told me he hates dogs.”

Good save, Jungkook thinks proudly to himself, until Taehyung lifts his brows and crosses his arms and gives him that look that tells Jungkook he knows he’s lying.

“Oh he does? That’s so strange. He asked me if I wanted to go to the shelter with him this week. He’s afraid his dog is lonely when he’s gone and wants him to have a friend.”

Fuck.

Jungkook shrugs. He could run. He might run. He has nowhere to run to because Hoseok is here instead of his own fucking apartment.

“I dunno man. I’m just uh, telling you what I heard.”

Taehyung is like a predator when he moves, eyes intent on Jungkook like he may swallow him whole as he approaches. Swear builds at Jungkook’s neck and he isn’t sure if it’s because he’s afraid or because Taehyung is so hot heat radiates from him.

Hoseok sinks back slowly, muttering something about plants that need to be watered before the sound of him running echoes through the apartment.

“What’s going on, Jungkook?”

Jungkook glances to the side because Taehyung is close, too close. “A lot is going on right now, hyung. The world is a big place, you should be more specific.”

Taehyung pokes Jungkook in the chest. “With you. I can tell you’re lying but I don’t know why you would lie about someone hating dogs. That’s a serious accusation.”

Jungkook swallows. “I wasn’t lying.”

“Yes you were,” Taehyung says with a click of his teeth.

“Prove it.”

Taehyung snorts, his expression softening into something akin of fondness. He reached forward, pinching his fingers around the collar of Jungkook’s shirt.

“Are you jealous, Kookie?”

“No.” Yes . “You just never go on dates so - so I just want you to know what you’re getting into.”

With a roll of his eyes, Taehyung’s lips scrape over Jungkook’s cheeks. “That would be real nice of you, Kookie, but Joshua isn’t a dog hater and you’re jealous.”

“Am not.”

“Am too.”

“Am -”

Taehyung cuts him off with a kiss to his lips. He hums, twisting his head to the side like he’s rubbing their lips together before he pulls back. Jungkook’s face is red, it’s confirmed when Taehyung looks at him and laugh.

“Don’t worry Kookie, you’ll forget all about it when you finally kiss that boy of yours.”

For a moment, Jungkook doesn’t understand. He’s confused by the way Taehyung’s smile flickers into something like a frown before he turns and pads off towards his bag on the couch.

Jungkook deflates, raking his fingers through his hair. He has to tell him, somehow.

*

The day of Taehyung’s date is pure hell. Jungkook can’t focus. He spaces out in class, going through different scenarios of confessing in his head before he’s being called on and interrupted.

Taehyung looks at him worriedly throughout their class together, but Jungkook stares straight ahead at the professor even though he doesn’t listen to a word. She looks disappointed when she calls on Jungkook and he doesn’t know the answer.

It’d just a date. Taehyung hasn’t dated before. Jungkook has gotten through Taehyung with many partners before, but those weren’t dates.

They’re going to a dog shelter. God, it will be such a good date for Taehyung. Jungkook would be better. He’d buy the dog shelter for Taehyung. Somehow. He has no money.

Fuck.

Jungkook shuffles across the sidewalk, not listening to Namjoon who rattles off about something beside him. Something about plants.

“Are you listening?” Namjoon asks, shoving Jungkook with his shoulder.

Jungkook frowns, registering Namjoon’s voice but not his words. “Hyung, do you think Tae and Joshua will be like, a thing?”

Namjoon frowns at this and doesn’t hesitate to shake his head. “Nah, word around campus is he hates dogs.”

God, news travels fast and it’s probably Hoseok’s doing.

“Why do you care?”

Jungkook shrugs. “I don’t. I just heard the same thing.”

How many lies does Jungkook have to tell before he secures his place in Hell for telling them? Should he keep track? Does admitting you lie erase the lie from your record?

“Knowing Tae, he isn’t interested. Unless he’s the guy , which I doubt because he didn’t even remember Joshua’s last name when I asked him which Joshua he was going on a date with.”

Jungkook stops in the middle of the sidewalk, staring at Namjoon. “What do you mean the guy?”

Namjoon’s face twists in confusion. “The guy he’s been in love with for years? No one but Jimin thinks he exists because Taehyung won’t tell us anything about him. I think they met online and Taehyung feels like he shouldn’t admit that. But it’s cool, man. Plenty of people meet that way.”

What. The fuck. What the fuck. How does Jungkook not know this? Maybe he’s lied so many times that hell didn’t want to wait for him so it entered his life pre-death.

“I’ve never heard of him. I didn’t know about this.”

Namjoon shrugs. “I don’t know. Why does it matter?”

Jungkook scoffs. “Why does it matter? I don’t know hyung, probably because my heart is now laying shattered on this sidewalk covered in gum. Have you ever met a person to live without a heart? No, I haven’t either.”

Jungkook speeds off then, leaving Namjoon where he stands, gaping at him from behind.

He ends up at their apartment in record time but once he’s there, he doesn’t know why he ran here. What is he going to do? So they’ve hooked up, kind of, a couple times. For like two weeks. Jungkook is overreacting.

What’s he going to say that won’t embarrass him? They’ve shared a few kisses and now suddenly he can’t handle Taehyung with other people? Jungkook stares at the door. He’s stronger that. He hasn’t suffered through years of the lip locking demon’s torture just to crumble now.

He crumbles when he opens the door and finds Taehyung. He should have known; Taehyung has that effect. He looks so soft with his cashmere, oversized sweater tucked into loose slacks. His hair is curled again and his ears are alive with an array of earrings.

The makeup is a sign of danger. The smokey eye is no joke; it means business. Taehyung is out to destroy and Jungkook wishes it were him instead of Jameson.

“Oh hey. I’m just about to leave.”

Jungkook frowns. “Is that outfit appropriate for dogs?”

Taehyung glances down at his body. “What does that mean?”

“I mean, if you and Jonathan are going to play with dogs, don’t you think you’ll ruin your sweater?”

Taehyung plants his hands to his hips. “So yesterday you knew all about Joshua’s likes and dislikes and beliefs on animal cruelty, but today you don’t know his name?”

“Joshua?” Jungkook repeats, scoffs, as he crosses his arms. “Never heard of him.”

Taehyung rolls his eyes. “Don’t be a dick, Kook.”

“I’m not. I want you to have a splendid time with Spencer. I just am worried about your expensive clothes.”

The laugh Taehyung lets out is dry but still amused. “That doesn’t even start with a ‘J’ you dork.” He looks at Jungkook for a moment before the devil appears on his face in the form of a smile. “If you’re so concerned with my sweater, maybe you should take it off of me.”

“Maybe I should,” Jungkook huffs out before he processes Taehyung’s words.

Oh.

“Well?” Taehyung asks, an expectant look on his face as he holds his arms out. “I never realized you had such a passion for cashmere and it’s well being, Jungkook.”

Jungkook grits his teeth when he approaches. Taehyung looks as if he really wants Jungkook to strip his clothes. He feels dumb doing so, awkwardly holding his hands over Taehyung’s torso before Taehyung guides his hands to his hips.

“Maybe I’ll invite Joshua over early to take it off of -”

Jungkook yanks the sweater from where is tucked into the band of Taehyung’s pants, cutting Taehyung’s words off. His arms lift for Jungkook to pull it over his head and his hands are barely free from the sleeves before Jungkook is kissing him.

Within seconds, Jungkook pulls back with an apologetic look. Taehyung’s brows are furrowed again as he plants his hand to Jungkook’s chest.

And he feels dumb standing here after yanking Taehyung’s pretty sweater off because he’s crumbling and it isn’t Taehyung’s fault. He deserves to look at cute dogs with pretty boys and wear soft sweaters while he does so.

This is the worst Taehyung dilemma he has ever had.

“Sorry, I’m a wreck today.”

Taehyung’s face twists in concern as his fingers dance up Jungkook’s neck to cup the back of it.

If Jungkook can’t handle the small amount of kisses shared between them, he won’t be able to handle more. Not unless they’re exclusive, which they won’t be. He won’t be able to handle messing around without Taehyung reciprocating his feelings because he knows if they keep kissing, Jungkook’s going to let his own slip. If they keep going, even if they’ve just started, Jungkook will miss it so much he’ll ruin everything.

“I’m going to confess today, to my crush. Uh so, thank you hyung. For helping me.”

It has to end until at least Jungkook figures out how to tell Taehyung or how not to let it bother him.

Taehyung doesn’t react for a moment, only squeezes Jungkook’s neck before he nods. “Oh yeah, sure.”

Jungkook nods in return. He’s going to run away and become a frog himself. He can ribbit just fine. “Yeah so, I’ll be out tonight.”

“Okay.”

It’s awkward suddenly. Taehyung must notice because he smiles and pulls Jungkook in.

Jungkook gasps in surprise, lips parting and Taehyung used it to his advantage to lick into Jungkook’s mouth. He kisses him softly, deeply. He kisses Jungkook until it feels as if Jungkook will never lose the feel of Taehyung’s mouth on his own.

Taehyung lingers for a moment before pulling away, sucking on Jungkook’s bottom lip. It’s difficult not to yank him away when he moves back completely.

“One last time, I couldn’t resist. You’re a good kisser, Kookie.”

Jungkook nods before he bends to pick up Taehyung’s sweater, needing something to do to hide his face.

“Here. The sweater looked good.”

“No, it’s fine,” Taehyung laughs. “Maybe I’ll wear something with buttons. Make him work for it.”

A choked noise leaves Jungkook’s lips before he wishes Taehyung good luck and hightails it to his bedroom.

Thirty minutes later, Jungkook checks to make sure it’s safe to come out and finds an empty apartment. He sighs and calls for Hoseok because he really doesn’t want to be alone when he wallows in heartbreak and dies. Hoseok doesn’t hesitate in offering him to come over, despite not being home yet.

So Jungkook wails in self misery for an hour by himself, taking advantage of the empty apartment to eat all of Hoseok’s ice cream and snacks while relentlessly blowing up his best friend’s phone until he returns. When he does, Hoseok’s face is a mask of anger as he glares at the empty cartons on the coffee table for two seconds before it breaks.

“Oh no. This is an emergency.”

Jungkook nods around his spoon. “Taehyung has a guy.”

Hoseok nods, expression still concern and focused as he sits beside Jungkook. “Yes. Dog hating Jeremy.”

A grin fights its way to Jungkook’s lips. “No. Another guy. Namjoon hyung says he’s been in love with him for years and Taehyung doesn’t even know who I am.”

Hoseok snorts loudly as Jungkook flings himself into the back of the couch. He tentatively pats Jungkook’s forehead. “That’s a little far, Kook. Taehyung definitely knows who you are. You pay half the bills.”

Jungkook groans loudly. “So that’s it? He keeps me around for my money.”

The laughter Hoseok lets out makes Jungkook smile, his chest loosening some. “Shut up. You’re too broke for someone to use you for your money. And Taehyung doesn’t have another guy. If he did, we would know.”

“Unless he knows I’m in love with him and he doesn’t want to hurt my feelings so he would never mention it to me.”

“If he knew you were in yuck with him, he wouldn’t have kissed you unless he felt the same way.”

Jungkook side eyes Hoseok. “Well, we know that’s out of the question.”

“Do we?” Hoseok says, looking skeptical. “Tell me everything. Hoseokie sunbaenim is here to help.”

So Jungkook does, though keeping out the details of the inmate parts of the story. Hoseok won’t forgive him for both eating his ice cream and making him think about Jungkook’s dick. He listens quietly too, which shows that Hoseok means serious business.

He jumps up as Jungkook goes over today’s events, abandoning Jungkook in his pool of misery and death to run out the front door.

For a moment, Jungkook worries Hoseok is off to fetch Taehyung again, but he remembers Taehyung has left for the afternoon. A few minutes later, it’s Yoongi that’s being tugged into the apartment.

He’s putting up a fight, trying to peel off the fingers Hoseok has snagged into his shirt. There’s a look of complaint on his face, but he lets Hoseok drag him to the couch and slump him onto the couch beside Jungkook.

“Hey hyung,” Jungkook greets happily, sitting up and wiping his face to make sure there isn’t any ice cream on his chin.

Yoongi grunts something indecipherable. “Will anyone explain to me why I’m being kidnapped at a time like this?”

“Would night be better?” Hoseok says harshly, eyes narrowed as he crosses his arms across his chest. “Spill the beans, hyung. We know you know the deets. Or you’re never leaving here.”

“I have class at eight,” Yoongi complains.

“Okay, then you’re stuck here until then,” Hoseok says before he’s bending over, hands secured against his knees as he gets too close to Yoongi. “Who is Taehyung in love with?”

Yoongi’s face is twisted in complaint and confusion, but it goes blank quickly. “How the hell would I know.”

Hoseok gasps, pointing at Yoongi’s face as he stands. “He knows. I knew he would. Jimin-ah sucks at keeping stuff to himself. He has to tell someone. Spill.”

Jungkook watches curiously as Yoongi shifts uncomfortably, twisting his hands beneath his thighs. He doesn’t look at Jungkook at all.

“Why do you care?” he grunts. “I can’t tell you because Jimin will kill me and I kind of don’t want to die yet.”

Hoseok doesn’t look impressed, eyes peering at Yoongi as he paces in front of him like he’s a cop interrogating a suspect. Hoseok wouldn’t hurt a fly, but even Jungkook feels intimidated under his gaze.

“You will tell me, or I’ll tell Jimin about that secret scrapbook you have hidden under your bed filled with pictures of Jimin’s ass.”

Jungkook grimaces as Yoongi’s eyes go wide. He bites back his laugh as Yoongi animatedly denies having such a thing.

“Oh yeah?” Hoseok huffs. “You’re like Helga from Hey Arnold, you have a whole ass shrine.”

Yoongi goes to stand, but Hoseok pushes him back down into a sitting position. “I don’t have an ass shrine and if I did, I would die of embarrassment for Jimin finding out but Jimin wouldn’t care.”

Hoseok doesn’t back down and Jungkook’s chest feels a lot lighter, even if his stomach is sour with the want to know what Yoongi knows. But it’s wrong to pry into Taehyung’s business. If Taehyung hadn’t wanted to tell him, than it was probably for a good reason.

“Stop it. Don’t tell us hyung. I’ll just go on moping about how the love of my life loves some mystery man on the computer. He’s probably from England or something. Posh accent. Will take Taehyung to museums and old historic places like he deserves. He’s probably a painter and owns forty three dogs, all whomst were saved from kill shelters -”

Jungkook freezes when he spots Yoongi’s eyes on him. Heat quickly creeps up his neck as he realizes that the only person he’s ever said that out loud to is Hoseok.

Hoseok, whose eyes are wide and his lips are pushed out in surprise at Jungkook. It’s silent for a moment, a long tense moment before it’s broken by a loud laugh by Yoongi.

At a time like this, Jungkook’s natural reaction is to punch. But he can’t punch Yoongi and keep his hand, so he curls it into his lap instead. Yoongi laughs again, tears brimming his eyelids and Jungkook frowns because it really isn’t that funny.

“Oh god, Jungkook-ah, aren’t you like a straight A student?”

Jungkook grunts defensively in response.

“How about this,” Yoongi says, still laughing. “He’s not a British guy. Would probably take Taehyung to a museum if he asked for it, not because he wanted to. Probably owns forty three frogs because he wants to find a way to save them from going extinct.”

“Oh great!” Jungkook interrupts, flinging himself from the couch. He points a hard finger at his chest. “Tae thinks it’s funny when I talk about saving the frogs but this British guy -”

Hoseok stares hard at Yoongi, arms still crossed but his eyes aren’t angry any longer. Instead they’re turning bright, like a candle that’s being lit and slowly growing.

“Oh fucking A,” Hoseok whispers. “Don’t tell him, hyung. This is good.”

Jungkook considers going back to his original plan and dumping all of his friends and finding new ones. He reaches for the box of melting ice cream, but Hoseok stops him in time to rip it from his hands.

“Can I go now?” Yoongi asks, lips pushing into a pout as he speaks. He attempts to stand up, but hesitates looking between the two of them.

“Does Joon know?” Hoseok asks, stopping Yoongi from standing fully. “About who?”

Yoongi nods, tucking his hands into his pants. “Yeah, dude. Everyone knows. Except frog boy here, I guess.”

Hoseok looks like it’s Christmas morning. “Namjoon, you dog, you. That’s amazing. He’s really acclimating to our friend group well.”

Yoongi huffs out a grin, sends Jungkook a concerned look, and then ducks around Hoseok quickly as if he’s afraid Hoseok is going to reach out for him and drag him back into the interrogation seat.

Jungkook wants to pace around and storm back to the apartment to die alone, but Hoseok grabs him hard by the shoulders. There’s that same serious expression on his face like he’s about to give Jungkook the talk about safe sex that his father tried giving him when he was younger. It was horrible, just like now.

“Tell him. Now. Go home, tell him how you feel. That you want to blow his back out and hold his heart gently in your hands. Got it?”

“I refuse,” Jungkook whispers but the edge he was trying to go fails him.

Hoseok smiles lightly. “Tell him. Or I will. I swear to God that I will Jungkook.”

There’s times Hoseok is jokingly serious and dead ass serious and this time, Jungkook’s heart is falling into his stomach because he knows it’s the latter. “Can I have like, a week?”

“Tonight.”

Jungkook sighs, ripping himself from Hoseok. He wracks a hand through his hair, wishing to twist it out. “If my heart ends up broken, it’s your fault.”

“It’s going to break if you don’t tell him,” Hoseok advises, kicking him in the ass towards the door. “Go, now. Tell him you’re the crush that you wanted to smooch. Don’t tell him I had anything to do with this though.”

Jungkook is getting pushed out of the apartment when he grabs onto the door frames and strengthens himself against Hoseok’s foot. “I’m telling him it’s all you. I’m very good at blaming other people for my own dilemmas.”

There’s a loud laugh that echoes into the hallway as Jungkook walks down it, shoulders straight and chin tilted despite the fact that he’s so nervous he’s going to throw up.

He’s going to tell him. And maybe it will be good, probably will be bad. But Jungkook’s going to tell him and then kiss him and then deal with the repercussions.

Jungkook breathes out through his mouth when he gets to his apartment door. He hopes Taehyung isn’t home yet so he can push it off as long as he can. Hell, as much as he hates that Taehyung is with someone else, if he doesn’t come home than Jungkook can use that as an excuse as to why he chickened out tonight.

The demon controlling Jungkook’s life however is looking for a raise as Jungkook opens the door and finds Taehyung has came home. With Joshua.

In all fairness, Jungkook had said he would be out for the night. It is Taehyung’s apartment, he pays more rent.

In all truth, Jungkook’s seen Taehyung like this before and it’s never made him angry. Not even that sad. Or at least, he’s been able to tuck the sadness away deep enough where he could focus on how attractive Taehyung is like this instead of worrying about him being like this with someone else.

And maybe it’s not really anger now, just frustrated heartbreak as he takes in the bare plains of Taehyung’s back and the nails digging into it. Jungkook doesn’t even notice how good Taehyung looks back with his hips rolling, neck extending and tilting back like he normally would.

His ears bang against his ear drums, but he still hears the, ‘do you know how badly I want you, babe?’ Taehyung lets out as he leans down to the pretty man below him. Because the demon is good at it's job, of fucking course. 

Jungkook clears his throat loudly, face burning. The best bet would be to turn around, leave Taehyung to do whatever, and kill Hoseok. The most polite thing would be to walk out of the room at least, not stand there as Taehyung rips around and tries to hide Jeremiah’s bare body underneath him.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung says, not as alarmed as Jungkook feels. He doesn’t even move. “I thought you were out with your mystery lover boy?”

Jungkook’s ears are pounding. He isn’t angry - he has no right to be. It’s a twisted enough feeling that it’s similar though. Not anger, not jealousy, nothing as toxic. It’s painful though. He was ready to confess, even if he was pushed into it. He knew Taehyung was probably doing something like this, something similar, but it’s completely different seeing it with his own eyes.

“Jungkook?” Taehyung repeats, brows pushing together and stitching in concern.

Jungkook comes to, mouth falling open. “Ah oh, yeah. No. Dead. Yeah he died. I’ll leave you alone.”

Taehyung calls after him as Jungkook quickly rushes off to his own bedroom, shutting and locking the door behind him before he desperately searches for his headphones so he doesn’t have to listen to Taehyung moan for someone else.

Chapter Text

The thing about loving Jeon Jungkook is that it’s easy. It’s the easiest thing Taehyung’s ever done. From the moment he met the boy with big doe eyes and a nervous twitch in his butt, that was it.

Not that Taehyung believes in love at first sight or anything, but he had an overabundance of curiosity for the kid in his all black outfit and bright green, frog shaped backpack, walking into the college classroom with terrified eyes.

God, Taehyung’s life has been filled with so many frogs since and he doesn’t care. He could never admit that he thinks the creatures are gross in a way, with their slimy skin and lumpy bodies. It would break Jungkook’s heart and since the moment Taehyung met him, he swore never to.

Loving Jeon Jungkook is easy, Taehyung thinks as he holds the slimy creature between his palms. It’s easy, even when it’s hard and Taehyung seeks the warmth of someone else to relieve the ache that tries to take over his chest whenever he thinks about just how much he loves him.

“That one’s cute,” Joshua says as he peeks over Taehyung’s shoulder to eye the red frog in his hands. Taehyung puts it back in its container, afraid it will hop away and both the store owner and Jungkook will be angry with him.

He’s seemed that way, the last two days. Angry or bothered. Jungkook doesn’t really get angry, just playfully angry when he’s embarrassed. But Taehyung doesn’t know, he’s just been off . Any fight they’ve ever have had been rare and few, but nothing has happened for them to be fighting now. Taehyung can’t help but feel whatever is bothering Jungkook has something to do with him.

“I dunno. This is a pet store. What if buying frogs as pets is one of the reasons why they’re going extinct?”

Taehyung sighs as he crouches down to look at the little guy. Jungkook hasn’t said as much, but maybe he’s forgetting. Not that it’s easy to forget what Jungkook says because he says it with such passion it sticks to Taehyung.

“Well, I’m sure it is. But should these frogs not have homes just for the sake of boycotting pet stores?” Joshua points to the kennel of puppies. “These dogs?”

Taehyung stands up quickly, narrowing his eyes. Low move. “It’s a dilemma that I don’t know the answer to.”

He buys the frog and a tank big enough to take up the dining room they never use. Jungkook’s own frog habitat. He’d know better about frogs being friends or whatever, if they can coexist and maybe fall in love in the big tank, so Taehyung only buys the one frog.

It takes them a bit to set everything up. He doesn’t know when Jungkook’s planning on coming home, if he is at all. It makes his heart pinch at the thought.

He’s happy for Jungkook. If it works out for him. He hopes it does. Loving Jungkook is easy, even when it’s hard.

When it’s hard, Taehyung wraps his arms around someone’s neck and kisses them until he doesn’t think of Jungkook, or of the person he is even kissing. There have been times where he feels bad about that, but he’s always been honest with whoever it is that he isn’t interested in more than a hookup. He’s told Joshua this when Joshua first asked him out and he hadn’t minded. Just like he doesn’t seem to mind when Taehyung drags him to the couch when they’ve finished setting up Jungkook’s frog home.

It’s supposed to be easy, letting go. It always is. It isn’t now. Not when his first thought is that Joshua’s lips are different than Jungkook’s, his fingers smaller. They don’t grab his back right, but they still feel good when they slide over his bare skin.

Taehyung pulls back to look down at Joshua, a little jostled that it isn’t Jungkook beneath him. He closes his eyes, willing the thought of his best friend away.

It takes too long for it to work, but it does. Maybe. When Taehyung tells Joshua how badly he wants him, Jungkook slips back into his mind. His skin flushed, lips parted like the first time Taehyung took him down his throat. When he grinds down into Joshua’s lap, the thought of Jungkook rubbing off on him has his cock twitching in his briefs, not the real, happening now touch of another man.

Taehyung’s never been too keen on friends with benefits or hooking up with someone for too long period of a time. The exclusivity of it all implies something more but he realizes as he slides his fingers down Joshua’s neck and pushes the hinge of his jaw with his thumb, hooking up with Jungkook and then someone else feels wrong.

When a cough sounds behind him and it’s Jungkook that he sees there, a jolt of arousal sends down his spine so quickly a moan pours from his lips. But he doesn’t have time to even register that Jungkook is there, watching him get off on top of someone else, because something is wrong.

Jungkook is pale. His doe eyes aren’t wide in curiosity but in something else, something that hurts Taehyung’s chest just looking at it. Pain, confusion. His eyes are unfocused and staring off, but his body is still like he’s unable to move.

When Jungkook doesn’t respond, Taehyung’s concern grows. Something’s wrong when Taehyung says Jungkook’s name and he blinks back into focus and mumbles near incoherent words before stumbling off.

Taehyung is quick to scramble off the lap he is perched on, fumbling with the buttons off his pants as he mutters our apologies. Joshua looks concerned, eyes wide as he offers Taehyung a hand to help him stand.

“Im sorry, just. Sorry, yeah. Don’t forget your um.” Taehyung waves at his lap where his cock is half out of his pants, “your dick.”

He’s rushing out of the room, missing Joshua’s, “I thought I’d leave it on the table for next time,” and uncaring to see if he actually leaves. He hesitates for only a moment in front of Jungkook’s door, a hand raised to knock tentatively before he decides just to open it.

The thing is, Jungkook doesn’t like to talk. Taehyung knows this and he isn’t going to press him, but he needs to be beside him. At least be there long enough for him to know that Taehyung is going to wander and linger about the apartment until Jungkook needs him. Just long enough to make sure something isn’t seriously wrong with him or one of their friends.

Jungkook is laying on the bed, face down in the pillows with his gaming headset tucked over his head. Taehyung lingers for a moment before he sits on the bed, causing Jungkook to jolt so hard that he nearly tumbles off the bed.

“Sorry,” Taehyung says as Jungkook rips his headset from his head. He looks afraid somewhat and Taehyung doesn’t know how to react. His mind tumbles over a thousand different things that could have caused Jungkook to look the way he had, but every one makes his panic grow and he doesn’t want it to sound in his voice. “Are you okay?”

Jungkook nods quickly and for awhile as he climbs into a sitting position. “Yes. I didn’t mean to disturb you and John Jacob Jingleheimer Smith”

Even telling a joke, Jungkook’s eyes are dripping with sadness. He doesn’t even smile and he looks small as he curls in on himself. Taehyung gives him a small smile. “You have to admit that one’s a little ridiculous.”

Jungkook gives him a small smile back, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“And it’s fine. I kicked him out.”

“You didn’t have to,” Jungkook says, perking up. He doesn’t look at Taehyung fully, but flicks his eyes up at him quickly before looking back at where he fidgets with his headset.

Taehyung reaches over, cupping his knee to get his attention. He thumbs over the threads and hole in them, until he can get his thumb to rub over Jungkook’s bare skin. “We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want, but I just want to know if you’re okay. Truly.”

Jungkook nods again. “Yeah, yeah just. Belly ache. Lot of ice cream.”

Oh no . A lot of ice cream is not good. Jungkook seems to realize he let it slip because he grimaces when he looks back at Taehyung. He knows there’s worry in his eyes now because there’s only been a handful of ice cream emergency breakdowns since they became friends and they’ve been awful.

“Was it ice cream and Thumbelina?”

For a moment, Jungkook doesn’t say anything. It’s enough to tell Taehyung that this is really an emergency, even when Jungkook flat out lies to him and shakes his head no. Taehyung won’t push it, not now. Later, he’ll tuck Jungkook into their living room couch and they can cry together while the fairy prince searches for his tiny love.

“Kookie, babe, I think it’s time you tell me the name of your crush so I can kill them.”

Jungkook makes a noise of protest, reaching out to grab Taehyung’s hand as Taehyung attempts to move. “No,” he complains. “You can’t just kill someone because they don’t return someone’s feelings.”

Taehyung scoffs. “Yeah? Why not?”

“It’s illegal hyung,” Jungkook says before he flops down onto the bed. “I’ve been destined to live a life of misery. It’s fine. I’ve accepted it.”

With a sigh, Taehyung climbs over Jungkook to cup his cheeks between his hands. “Give me a name.”

He squeezes Jungkook’s cheeks until his lips pout out like a fish. “No,” he garbles, gripping Taehyung’s wrists but he doesn’t pull him off. “I still want him as a friend.”

Taehyung sighs, sitting up. He’ll just have to do a little digging. Maybe some threatening. Hoseok will succumb easily and give up a name if Taehyung pinches his ears hard enough. “Okay, fine. Get up. I have something to show you.”

Jungkook protests but he does as he’s asked and shuffles after him. There’s a pep in Taehyung’s step as he grows excited. He knew there was a reason he felt the need to get to the pet store instead of the shelter. It was the work of the universe, a soulmate god helping Taehyung take care of Jungkook the way he’s supposed to.

There’s a soft gasp behind him as they enter the supposed to be dining room now makeshift frog habitat. It probably isn’t too impressive, Taehyung doesn’t know what he’s doing, though he had tried hard to listen to the store worker’s instructions. Jungkook’s eyes light up anyway.

“What is this?”

Jungkook wanders around the tank, eyes moving a mile a minute. “Taehyung what is this?”

“Your own frog habitat,” Taehyung says, thrusting a hand at the display. “Um, kind of. I know it’s not quite the same but -”

“Oh there he is!”

Jungkook crouches down over the tank, opening the top and tentatively reaching in to stroke the bright red frog. There’s fondness in his eyes, a giggle on his lips as the frog jumps away.

“I wanted to get you a toad,” Taehyung says, shuffling awkwardly behind Jungkook as he crab walks to where the frog has moved. “Um, but to be honest they’re ugly.”

Jungkook doesn’t seem to be listening as he reaches in again and strokes the frog a second time.

“And I uh, got a red one so,” Taehyung waves a hand at his own head even though Jungkook isn’t looking at him, “so you’re forced to think about me all the time.”

“I already do,” Jungkook hums before he goes still and throws a wide eyed look at Taehyung. “I mean, like, bro .”

Taehyung huffs out a laugh, kicking at him. “Shut up. Do you like him?”

Jungkook carefully closes the cage before he stands up. “I love him, hyung. I’m gonna name him Fred.”

“Fred?” Taehyung says weakly. He doesn’t know why he’s surprised, it’s Jungkook .

With a nod, Jungkook curls his arms around Taehyung and squeezes him tight. “Harry Potter. Thank you Tae.”

Taehyung pulls back some so he can hold Jungkook too. He feels a little breathless, though he isn’t sure why. It’s just a soft moment, that they’ve had before, but there’s something about Jungkook’s smile and the fact that Taehyung could cheer him up, that makes his heart soar.

“Maybe a,” Taehyung starts but stops himself. If Jungkook is dealing with a broken heart it might be the wrong move. Not everyone cures their pain with kissing other people. “Nevermind.”

Jungkook quirks a brow. “What is it?”

“Well, I was going to ask for a kiss but I figured it wasn’t the right time.”

Jungkook seems to shrink at this and Taehyung knew it. He should have just said forget it.

A soft kiss is pressed to his cheek and Taehyung’s heart flutters. He still has the invisible marks of another man on his bare skin but the likes that Jungkook’s torso covers them, replaces them.

It’s probably not the best, nor healthiest coping mechanism. But he’s wanted Jungkook for so long that the feeling is there, but it isn’t upsetting. He keeps it in his pocket, carries it with him, and only every now and then takes it out and lets it hurt him.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung murmurs, reaching up to scratch his fingers through the hair at the back of Jungkook’s head. It feels more intimate than anything before, and they’re mostly clothed and not touching each other anywhere privately. “I’m sorry you were ice cream and Thumbelina sad.”

Jungkook gives him a shrug and attempts to pull away but Taehyung doesn’t let him. He holds him tight, wanting to comfort him. “Um, not - not your fault hyung.”

Taehyung searches Jungkook’s face. His eyes are diverted, even when Taehyung tries to have their eyes meet.

“Do you want me to cook? Noodles? Pizza?”

Jungkook shakes his head.

“Wanna cuddle and watch the movie?”

Another shake. Taehyung’s heart drops.

“Do you want another kiss?”

There isn’t a head shake. Jungkook doesn’t respond at all, but he finally lets their eyes meet. He doesn’t say anything and Taehyung hesitates before leaning forward.

It’s hard to gauge Jungkook’s reaction when he doesn’t respond at first. But his fingers grip tightly into Taehyung’s back and he lets out a shaky exhale that sounds pained and Taehyung knows Jungkook wants but is afraid to ask.

Maybe it’s because he had been with Joshua. Maybe it’s because Jungkook hates being needy or hates needing someone to take care of him. Taehyung moves his lips slow, releasing the hold he has some in case Jungkook wants to move back.

He doesn’t and Taehyung sighs when Jungkook’s lips fall into the dance of his own. It’s soft, their lips molding together. He scratches Jungkook’s scalp through it, peppering soft kisses across his mouth. Kissing the corners of his mouth, his bottom lip, top lip, listening to the shaky breath Jungkook lets out with every one.

There is a part of Taehyung that feels selfish kissing Jungkook right now, but Jungkook grips tight onto him like he needs it too. There’s a hitch in his breathing that causes Taehyung’s heart to ache and it almost hurts how tight Jungkook’s grip is, but Taehyung would let Jungkook tear him to pieces if it made him feel better.

It’s when Jungkook’s tongue is prodding at his mouth that Taehyung feels it. He slips his his hands from the back of Jungkook’s head to his cheeks to confirm his suspicions.

He pulls back to see Jungkook’s closed eyes and the tears glistening on his cheeks and sticking to his eyelashes. He opens his mouth to ask because Jungkook doesn’t cry easily. He does cry, usually at ridiculous things or really overwhelming moments, but not often.

“Don’t look,” Jungkook whispers, too vulnerable that it makes Taehyung’s chest ache.

Taehyung does, but only for long enough to wipe his thumbs over the damp skin. He can’t resist the need to clear them from Jungkook’s face before he pulls Jungkook into an embrace.

“Come on, food is necessary.”

Jungkook tucks his face into his elbow as he pulls away. “No it’s okay. I can go back to Hobi hyung’s so you can get Joshua back.”

Taehyung sighs so loudly Jungkook frowns. “You’re stuck with me. I’m holding you hostage.”

The frown only grows despite the joke. “I really don’t mind, hyung, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Loving Jeon Jungkook is easy but sometimes Taehyung really wants to punch him. In a ‘I love you so much, please notice’ kind of way.

“I’m glad you did,” Taehyung says honestly but it’s as much as he’s going to admit. “We haven’t hung out in awhile, I’d rather be with you.”

Jungkook peers unsurely at him. “We hang out every day.”

“Well if that’s the case, I better call Joshua. Maybe he’ll appreciate my presence,” Taehyung starts, teasing, enjoying the way Jungkook makes a noise of complaint as he snatches his wrist for him to stay.

“No, I can’t morally let you hang out with him,” Jungkook says. “He hates dogs, remember?”

Taehyung wishes he understood Jungkook’s dislike for Joshua. They would be friends if Jungkook stopped lying about him hating dogs.

A selfish part of him wants to keep pushing until Jungkook explains to him why he doesn’t want them to hang out. He wants to see if it really is because he is jealous. Part of Taehyung, maybe that selfish part that wants Jungkook to like him back, thinks it is.

The other part has no clue. Jungkook’s never been like that over other people Taehyung has hooked up with.

“I thought we agreed you lied about that.”

Jungkook’s cheeks turn red. “You accused me without proof.”

Taehyung rolls his eyes. Fond. He wants to kiss Jungkook until his mouth falls off.

“Come on, food,” Taehyung murmurs, keeping himself from doing just that.

***

There’s a place not far from campus that Jungkook likes to go to and hide. The main road in town is interrupted by a train track, old and unused, that leads down to a small forest that sees more trash than animals. Trash left over from students trying to party off campus.

Jungkook likes to come here for the quiet, picking up the trash left behind. His only company is the squirrels that sometimes appear and he once found a snake by the river, though that scared him into not returning for a few weeks.

It’s nice to come to when it’s not cold out, except Jungkook’s made the mistake of bringing too many people here.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Jungkook looks up from where he’s perched on a rock beside the tiny river, bag of trash by his feet. He tosses rocks into the still water, wanting to see the way it ripples.

Jimin is there, frowning at him with his arms crossed over his chest.

“Having a crisis, what does it look like?” Jungkook huffs as he swings his feet to hop off the rock. He dirt is soft against his feet and the water slippery against his toes. Being one with Earth is what he tells Taehyung whenever Taehyung scolds him about it, worried he could step on something sharp or get ticks.

“Does this crisis have anything to do with Taehyung bribing Hoseok into telling him about your crush and threatening to, and I quote, ‘shave his head and regret the day he was born?’”

There is a smirk in Jimin’s voice that Jungkook frowns at as he sinks his toes into the slimy water. It’s clear, that’s a good sign right?

“Or does it have to do with Hoseok saying Taehyung would look good bald and sending me a hundred thousand different edits of Tae without hair?”

Jungkook kicks water at Jimin, but it isn’t deep enough to do much damage.

“No,” he grunts, “it’s because all of my friends suck and I’m trying to transfer my credits but they won’t let me because they don’t accept ‘nature’ as my new school.”

Jimin laughs quietly as he takes off his own shoes and rolls the bottoms of his pant legs. “You wouldn’t survive without Hobi hyung.”

Jungkook wrinkles his nose. He disagrees. Maybe his life would be calmer. “Maybe so.”

“Or Taehyung.”

He doesn’t respond, because yeah. That one he can’t even pretend to lie about. Jimin lets another laugh go as he sinks his toes into the cool water. It falls silent for a bit and Jungkook doesn’t mind the company, appreciates that Jimin knows he’s come here for the quiet as they kick slimy rocks around.

“So I have this friend,” Jungkook says suddenly, the pressure in his chest and the need to talk hitting him as his mind wanders too close to Taehyung and Joshua territory, “and he’s been messing with this um, person, that he might have feelings for.”

Jungkook hesitates as he glances at Jimin and takes in the amusement in his eyes. Jimin is close to Taehyung; he has to proceed with caution.

“And he doesn’t know if he should like, continue because of his feelings. They aren’t returned, you see. So it could be awkward, maybe ruin their friendship. But now that he has kissed him, he thinks he may die if he has to stop.”

Jimin snorts but quickly raises his hands in apology when Jungkook glares at him. “Which friend?”

“You don’t know him,” Jungkook says quickly as he steps out of the water and sinks back onto his rock. He’s feeling weighed down by his thoughts. His body is already filled with love for Taehyung; there isn’t any room for other emotions.

“Hoseok is your only friend,” Jimin jokes, smiling wide and proud at his joke. “And he’s about as discreet as Tae’s bright red hair. We’d know if he liked someone.”

Jungkook sighs, shoulders sagging. “It isn’t Hoseokie.”

Jimin’s grin only grows as he drops his eyes and watches his feet move through the stream. “Tae?”

“It doesn’t matter who,” Jungkook complains. His face is starting to heat up. He should have known talking to Jimin would be pointless and traumatizing.

“No? Because I’m pretty sure Taehyung is going through the exact same thing.”

Jungkook freezes. Is Joshua the love? The dog hating, probably frog eater, beautiful guy? Taehyung’s love?

And he doesn’t love Taehyung back ?

“That’s bullshit,” Jungkook blurts. “I'm pretty sure every person who has ever kissed Tae has fallen in love, or at least developed feelings. I think it’s impossible not to. It’s the Taehyung effect. Stop smiling at me like that.”

Jimin is smiling wide like he knows . But it’s impossible because Jungkook is incredibly discreet about his feelings.

“Is this from personal experience?”

Jungkook splutters, gripping his fingers into the rock before he flies up and grabs his bag of garbage. “No? We’ve never kissed.”

“I literally saw you two eating each other’s faces with my own two eyes.”

“Not my fault you need better glasses hyung,” Jungkook scoffs.

Jimin giggles as he chases after Jungkook, who picks up the garbage left behind with a new found passion. He is starting to panic. He shouldn’t have said anything. Jimin will definitely squeal, especially to Taehyung.

He’ll text Taehyung the moment they’re apart. Jungkook will never be able to take his eyes off of Jimin. Not only will he be stuck with Hoseok for the rest of his life, but now he’ll be stuck beside Jimin at all times until he truly does die.

“Jungkook, stop running away. Listen to me. Kook-ah come here.”

Jungkook is forced to stop when Jimin grabs his arm and yanks him to turn around. There’s still amusement in his features but it’s softer.

“Listen,” Jimin starts, “you should tell Tae. He’ll be by your side no matter what, you know that.”

It isn’t fear of Taehyung leaving him that makes him seize up at the idea of confessing. He knows Taehyung will always be there, but having to hear out loud, from Taehyung, that he doesn’t feel the same way isn’t something Jungkook wants to hear.

Living beside Taehyung with the in love elephant in the room will make things awkward and he’s worried about that too.

“He won’t even tease you if it bothers you. I think you really should tell him.”

“Please don’t,” Jungkook whispers, tired of denying it when he can tell Jimin is going to force it out of him if he doesn’t admit it anyway.

“I won’t. It should be you,” Jimin says, his features softening more.

“I don’t want to make him feel bad,” Jungkook admits.

Because he will. Taehyung’s heart is bigger than the entire frog population put together times ten. He doesn’t want any stepping on glass, or any guilt for making Jungkook fall even more every day.

“Tae would probably marry you even if he didn’t-“

Jimin suddenly stops, eyes growing wide. Jungkook’s heart threatens to blast off in worry as Jimin’s eyes grow panicked.

“Shit. Forget I said that. I meant it though. He would marry you, probably. He always talks about you and him like you’re destined to live the rest of your lives on a frog farm.”

Confusion fills Jungkook at Jimin’s sudden rapid speed and flushed cheeks. “Frog farms aren’t a thing.”

“Not important ,” Jimin complains. “Just tell him, okay? And don’t overthink it too much. I’ve had to hear about you kissing so much that I feel like I’ve kissed you myself.”

Jungkook shoves Jimin away. There isn’t any amusement in his expression now, only complaint. But he must be joking, teasing Jungkook.

“I’m just saying,” Jimin laughs. “You’d have to be a PETA supporter to get him to stop kissing you. Trust me. Tell him, Jungkookie.

***

The day Taehyung had first ever laid his eyes on Jungkook, he had been making his way through the empty seats of the classroom with eyes so wide and worried that Taehyung had hurt watching them. He’s seen that look before, when Jungkook’s waiting for a paper to be graded or a scolding from his parents when his grades weren’t top notch.

Taehyung has seen it when Jungkook first started going out with them, when he was a bit clingier in their group and still adjusting to the party atmosphere. He looked that way when Hoseok crashed his bike and had to be rushed to the hospital. Usually, Taehyung can always figure out why his eyes turn that way, but right now he’s stumped.

It’s been since Jungkook returned from his hiding spot. He doesn’t tell anyone where he’s going but he comes back smelling like dirt and he always has a bag of trash with him. He looked panicked to see Taehyung sitting on the couch, this time by himself.

Taehyung thought after his shower he’d return to normal, but when Taehyung looked at him, he looked as if he were bracing to tell Taehyung that he killed Fred by accident.

“Kook,” Taehyung says, shouts, because now Jungkook is so focused on the coffee pot that his body is stiff and he isn’t blinking. “What happened.”

Jungkook flinches when Taehyung speaks and Taehyung sighs, worrying. They haven’t talked a whole lot since the broken heart incident, but Jungkook’s snuck his way into his space as much as possible.

They haven’t kissed because Taehyung hadn’t wanted to be the first one to make a move and make him uncomfortable. And that’s fine, whatever. It was only supposed to help Jungkook with his crush not to fill Taehyung’s biggest wants.

“Nothin’.”

Taehyung sinks against the opposite counter, watching Jungkook. His body is rigid, his eyes round with worry and he stays silent.

“Did you see him? The guy?”

Another flinch. Taehyung is starting to worry it’s he who did something to worry Jungkook.

“If you don’t tell me I’m going to assume it’s bad start crying. The ugly kind, snot and all,” Taehyung threatens lightly so Jungkook knows he’s joking.

Jungkook pouts at him, cheeks blowing wide like bubbles. “It’s nothing. I’m just worried about the um, environment.”

“The environment,” Taehyung repeats as he pushes away from the counter to approach him.

“Yeah,” Jungkook responds shakily, blowing his cheeks wide again as he ruffles a hand through his hair. “It’s not doing so well, hyung. You should be worried too.”

“I am,” Taehyung says slowly, hesitating before he cups his hands on the sides of Jungkook’s neck. This is all new territory for them. He doesn’t like the second guessing but it’s different now. The way he craves to comfort Jungkook is now a possibility, but he doesn’t know if it’s okay. “But that’s not what’s really bothering you.”

Jungkook reaches up to push his fingers between Taehyung’s, but he doesn’t pull his touch away, only secures it there.

“I promise. I went to the stream because I was stressed about school and class and then I saw the trash.”

He won’t make eye contact. A sure sign Jungkook is lying but Taehyung won’t press it. He rubs his thumbs over Jungkook’s pulse, sighing. “Okay, fine.”

Taehyung slips his hands down Jungkook’s chest, squeezing the fingers that Jungkook seems to refuse to pull away. He tugs on them until Jungkook is following after him.

“No more thinking about school and the well being of the Earth,” Taehyung says with a grin. “Go sit on the couch, we’re being irresponsible tonight.”

Jungkook attempts to pull back, but he gives in. Taehyung knows he could easily pull away from his grip and his smile grows in victory. “We do that every night.”

“The life of a college student. Go sit. Find something to watch.”

After making sure Jungkook does as told, Taehyung hops through the tiny apartment for some Make Jungkook Feel Better supplies. His arms and pockets are loaded by the time he returns, finding Jungkook with his legs crossed watching an old drama they’ve binged a thousand times.

“Good choice,” Taehyung praises. He layers the coffee table with drinks and snacks and empties his pockets into the couch.

“What is this for?” Jungkook murmurs, cheeks instantly going red as he holds a bottle of oil.

“Not that,” Taehyung laughs as he snatches the bottle away. “It’s perfume essence oil. Using it as lube would probably burn, I don’t know. Not down to try. Scooch forward.”

With a little manhandling a pretend resistant Jungkook, Taehyung squeezes himself between Jungkook and the back of the couch.

“What - what are you doing?” Jungkook asks as Taehyung plants his hands to Jungkook’s back.

“Isn’t this a frog mating ritual? Just plant yourself right to their back?” Taehyung asks as he digs his fingers into the curve of Jungkook’s shoulders. He’s tense, his muscles like rocks beneath Taehyung’s hands.

“Wha - oh ,” Jungkook gasps. Taehyung images his face reddening as he seems to shrink before him. “Shut up.”

Taehyung presses his lips together but his laughter still rumbles in his throat as he continues to dig his fingers into Jungkook’s shoulders.

Now, he’s no back massage professional. He’s probably not even that great, but Jungkook exhales harshly and groans low in his throat so often that Taehyung feels as if he’s been a masseuse his entire life.

His head hangs, shirt lifting as Taehyung rolls his thumbs down the sides of his spine. He wants to ask, his brain riddled with questions he wants to poke and prod at Jungkook with until he opens up, but he knows Jungkook doesn’t like talking about it.

Instead, he makes comments about the show and whispers the words to make Jungkook giggle. He tries not to focus on how this was a horrible idea because he likes the pressure of Jungkook’s body against his and the feel of his muscle under his fingers a little too much.

“Can I?” Taehyung asks as he reaches the dip of Jungkook’s spine and fingers the shirt he wears.

“Mm,” Jungkook hums, distracted like he’s losing himself in Taehyung’s touch.

Good , Taehyung thinks as he slips his hands under the lip. He wants Jungkook to forget about whoever he won’t name and whatever ache is left behind in his chest.

“You sure?” Taehyung giggles, hooking his chin over Jungkook’s shoulder to whisper the words in his ear. “I don’t think you’re paying attention.”

Jungkook nods. “Yeah, hyung. You’re really good.”

Taehyung hides his smile in the fabric of Jungkook’s shirt before he removes it. He presses his lips tightly closed as not to make a sound at the way the muscles of Jungkook’s shoulders look when they stretch overhead.

He fumbles with the essence oil, trying not to spill but uncaring if he does because the couch is old and stained anyway.

Jungkook tenses and hisses quietly when Taehyung plants his cold, oiled hands to his skin. “Asshole.”

It’s nice, the quiet that settles around them as Taehyung covers Jungkook’s back with oil and starts kneading. He isn’t quite sure what he’s doing, but he gauges each of Jungkook’s reactions. Which spot backs him exhale sharply, the groan he lets out when Taehyung rubs over the back of his neck.

“Feels good, hyung,” Jungkook murmurs as he leans backwards, Taehyung’s hands rubbing down his sides. He makes it difficult to continue as he leans into him.

Taehyung’s stomach swoops at the proximity. He wonders if he’ll ever get used to Jungkook being so close. He hopes not.

“Good,” Taehyung murmurs, peppering a soft kiss to the side of Jungkook’s neck. He slides his hands around Jungkook’s stomach, holding him close before he presses another soft kiss to Jungkook’s pulse.

Jungkook hums and Taehyung can feel the vibration against his lips. Taehyung smiles, arms tightening as he covers Jungkook’s skin in kisses.

“Do you feel better?” Taehyung asks as he slips his oiled hand up Jungkook’s chest, wanting to feel the beat of his heart. He passes over it instead, fingers sliding over Jungkook’s throat and to his jaw to turn his head and inspect the state of Jungkook’s heart in his eyes.

Another hum and they’re kissing. Taehyung isn’t sure who moves first, but after a shared breath, their lips are slotting together. Taehyung can taste the exhale Jungkook lets out, their noses smushed awkwardly but it’s perfect.

He lets Jungkook take the lead, let’s him use his mouth as he much as he wants, releasing his grip some to let Jungkook move if he wants to. But he doesn’t, keeps his hard, slick back planted to Taehyung’s chest.

“Kiss me,” Jungkook whispers, despite their lips still touching and Taehyung doesn’t hesitate to comply.

He kisses more, deeper, wanting Jungkook to forget all about his crush and heartbreak the way Taehyung kisses other boys to forget about Jungkook.

He kisses Jungkook until his hands take over and rub down Jungkook’s chest and stomach, until his ears are filled with the sound of heavy breathing and the slick sounds of their mouths. He kisses Jungkook until he groans low and beautifully.

He kisses Jungkook pulls back with a gasp, knocking their foreheads together as he tries to catch his breath. Taehyung worries he may pull away but he leans back to rest his had to Taehyung’s shoulder.

“We shouldn’t.”

Taehyung goes still, chest heaving as he runs his palms down Jungkook’s chest. His heart is racing, moving at a beat that Taehyung thinks could be concerning.

“Because there - well there is no need for lessons. Now.”

Jungkook looks embarrassed, frazzled. Taehyung shushes him gently, rubbing a thumb over his cheek and turning his head back towards him to plant a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

He could admit it, his feelings, but that would be too selfish of him. He can admit to wanting to kiss Jungkook without lessons without admitting his feelings. Too much would be wrong as Jungkook is already hurt and needs to be distracted from all stress. He doesn’t need to hurt knowing his best friend is in love with him.

Taehyung doesn’t want it to seem like he’s taking Jungkook’s heartbreak as an opportunity to confess.

“I still want to,” Taehyung tells him quietly. “I mean if you don’t, that’s totally okay. But like, it’s cool with me if there’s no other reason except want.”

Jungkook searches over his face, eyes moving as quick his heart. “You want to,” he repeats like he’s confused by the statement.

Taehyung nods, tentatively stroking Jungkook’s pulse. He can’t read Jungkook well and he hates it because he’s always been able to read Jungkook.

“You want to just, kiss me. Like you like kissing me?”

Taehyung wrinkles his nose because he thinks Jungkook is trying to tease him but he doesn’t look amused. He nods though, pressing into Jungkook.

“If you ever wanted to learn other things, I’d be down for that too.”

It’s an admission of sorts, but not enough.

“What about Joshua?”

“Who’s that?” Taehyung whispers and then Jungkook’s lips are on his again.

Arousal flutters in his belly as he knots his fingers into Jungkook’s hair. The relax state seems to have dissipated as Jungkook kisses him back with fervor, curling into Taehyung to grab his jaw. It’s almost desperate the way Jungkook kisses him and Taehyung feels like he’s being torn at the seams.

“Is that why you gave me a massage?” Jungkook gasps into Taehyung’s lips.

Taehyung bites at his lap. “No,” he tries to insist but Jungkook is kissing him again. “I really just wanted - oh you -to relax.”

Jungkook bites Taehyung’s bottom lip, tugging and twisting until a loud keen pulls from Taehyung’s throat. The sound seems to excite Jungkook further, his fingers slipping down Taehyung’s arms until he’s taking Taehyung’s hand into his own.

A moan stutters in his chest as Jungkook guides his hands between his legs. He’s hard already, thick against Taehyung’s palm as he squeezes. Jungkook is quiet but Taehyung likes the soft noises he lets out when he’s being touched.

“What do you want?” Taehyung breathes, pulling away but Jungkook’s hiding his face in the length of Taehyung’s neck. He kisses more hesitantly there, pressing closed lipped kisses under his jaw.

“I don’t know.”

It’s whispered, hesitant, shy. Taehyung nods, breathing through his nose to calm his racing heart, to calm the pulse taking over his body.

“That’s fine.”

Jungkook makes a frustrated noise when he pulls away. He looks equally as frustrated and flushed as he sounds.

“Kookie, we don’t have to do anything. Babe, the point was for you to relax -“

“I want to,” Jungkook huffs, standing up. He drags a hand through his hair, frazzled. “I really want to.”

Taehyung nibbles on his bottom lip, watching Jungkook pace away. “Okay.”

Jungkook glares at him and it makes Taehyung laugh. He can’t help it. The nerves and uncertainty in his chest comes out that way and when Jungkook glares harder, Taehyung has to cover his mouth to hide the noise.

“What’s funny?”

“Nothing,” Taehyung promises. “You’re just cute, Jungkookie. There’s really nothing to think too hard about.”

“There is,” Jungkook sighs like he’s pained. His eyes blow wide before he turns and starts pacing again. “You’re my best friend.”

The laughter fades from Taehyung as he nods despite Jungkook being turned away from him. “I am. That’s not going to change whether we do or don’t fuck around, Kook.”

Jungkook nods a few times as he turns around. The worried look is back and it warms Taehyung’s heart. He’s worried about their friendship but Taehyung doesn’t think there’s a single thing that could take him away from Jungkook’s side.

It’s why it’s always been okay to love Jungkook easily, because it means so much to him how much their friendship means to Jungkook.

“Even if?” Jungkook starts. “Even if like, I tell you I, um like really want to? Like I like - you, kissing you. I mean. Kissing you. I like that a lot. And touching. More than a best friend probably should.”

Taehyung warms, smiling to himself. He’s a good kisser, he knows this. He’s thankful for Jungkook’s stamp of approval, the only person he’s really desired to kiss. “It wouldn’t change a thing. I like kissing you too, Jungkook.”

It’s more than that. It’s so much more than that.

“Okay,” Jungkook says. “Sorry I ruined it.”

With a sigh, Taehyung stands and wraps his arms around Jungkook’s shoulders. “You didn’t ruin a thing, babe. I understand why you would worry. Fucking around with your best friend can be messy.”

Jungkook nods, his hands hovering over Taehyung’s hips like he wants to hold them but he doesn’t.

“It only gets messy with feelings and if you haven’t fallen in love with me yet, I doubt you’re going to just because you touched my dick.”

It’s meant to be a joke but Taehyung’s laughter fails him as Jungkook’s eyes grow wide.

“So stop thinking so much and just do whatever you want, Kookie. I’ll always be your best friend.”

“I’m embarrassed now,” Jungkook admits quietly. “I’m gonna go die in my bedroom now, if you need me.”

Taehyung makes a noise of complaint as Jungkook pulls away before smothering with kisses.

*

It’s slow. Tentative kisses like Jungkook is unsure if Taehyung means it that always lead to panting in each other’s mouths before Jungkook pulls away from embarrassment. Taehyung offers to help Jungkook with his dilemma, to touch, but it’s slow.

It’s slow and Taehyung doesn’t mind, though he rejoices when he finally gets to make Jungkook come again. He doesn’t pressure, but Jungkook whines needily into his mouth and holds his hips so hard against his own that Taehyung can’t help but roll his hips.

It isn’t slow after that.

He swears there are few moments when they’re alone that Jungkook doesn’t have his mouth on his. Even if he starts out hesitant, he’s always the most eager with touch.

Taehyung likes touching Jungkook, likes making him feel good. He still tries to instruct, helping Jungkook softly the first time he wants to try to go down on him, praising him when he remembers to touch Taehyung the way he likes.

He’s happy with just being beside Jungkook, never pressing for more than Jungkook asks for and he doesn’t expect Jungkook to ask for much.

So when Jungkook asks for more and more, sex, Taehyung is sure Jungkook is sick.

It had happened in biology class. Taehyung knew there was something up. Jungkook has been restless, distressed, becoming one of those students who incessantly taps his pencil against the desk. Taehyung wanted to rip it away from him but he was also worried.

He was even worried when Jungkook was called on not once, but twice, and got the answers wrong.

It came in the form of a text. Taehyung had his own phone out, ready to text Jungkook about what was wrong when it came through.

jungkook: I think I want to try THE sex. u no, not just dick touching. like dick touching but with your butt

taehyung: I’m not sure what you mean. Please explain with a lot of detail. Thx.

Taehyung had smiles so hard while staring down at his phone that he’s sure that was the reason Jungkook suddenly announced his need for the bathroom and jetted out before the professor could respond.

But he wasn’t laughing. No, Taehyung was fond .

Jungkook returned from the bathroom only seconds before class was dismissed and looked as if he might jet out of the building, but they had a tradition.

They always walked home together after class. Jungkook usually going on about whatever they learned while Taehyung listens with a dumb, fond smile on his face.

Now it’s quiet. Much too quiet and Taehyung can’t stop smiling.

“Are you feeling okay? You’re red.”

“It’s awkward,” Jungkook huffs, eyes straight ahead. “It’s not every day you ask your best friend to take your virginity.”

Taehyung snorts, hooking his chin on Jungkook’s shoulder as he slides an arm to the small of his back. “It’s not every day your best friend sucks your dick either, but you weren’t complaining yesterday.”

It’s cute when Jungkook goes red and pretends to fight him but never does much more than land his fists and elbows gently into Taehyung.

Taehyung grabs his wrists anyway to fight him off and Jungkook could easily overpower him, but he pretends to struggle. It’s probably a strange sight for those passing by, but he’s sure their classmates have to be used to them by now.

It takes them longer to get home this way but Taehyung doesn’t mind when Jungkook slings an arm over his shoulder and keeps him close as he walks. He doesn’t talk but Taehyung can see his mind working a mile a minute.

Taehyung doesn’t interrupt the thought process until they’re in the elevator of their building, standing on opposite sides.

“When did you want to?” Taehyung asks, grinning. “Lose the big ol’ V?”

Jungkook groans in complaint. “Never. Society puts too much pressure on people when it comes to sex and I’ve changed my mind.”

Taehyung snorts. “That’s fine too.”

Another glare. He thinks Jungkook is going for scary but Taehyung finds him too cute to be afraid.

“You’re the worst.”

“I am,” Taehyung sighs as the elevator lands on their floor. He pulls himself slowly away from the wall. “But now that you’ve made me think about getting fucked, I’m gonna need the apartment to myself tonight. I have a hot date with Mr. Dildo -“

Jungkook’s mouth is on him before Taehyung can step out of the elevator.

As nervous and cute as Jungkook can be, his eagerness and arousal can turn him into pure sin. It’s overwhelming at times and Taehyung’s never been with someone who makes him feel fucked out so easily and so quickly.

He doesn’t seem as shy as he presses Taehyung into the door, but there’s a shake in his breath when Taehyung twists his fingers into his hair and his hands shake when he cups the side of Taehyung’s neck.

“Oh so now?” Taehyung asks against Jungkook’s lips. If he cares about anyone knowing, he doesn’t now. Kissing Taehyung openly in the hallway that Hoseok and Jimin live on too. “Is that why you were so distracted in biology? You were thinking about this?”

“Your knowledge of the amphibian anatomy was a huge turn on.”

Taehyung laughs as he pushes Jungkook away to open the door. “Do you realize the reason Hobi tells everyone you have a frog kink is because of the shit you say?”

Jungkook shrugs, grinning as he follows after him. “Hobi hyung told me you have a muscle kink, that’s why you messed around that one guy who’s neck moved more than he did.”

It had been one of his longer flings; they had hooked up a handful of times. Jungkook and Hoseok teased him an ridiculous amount before he ended it. He wasn’t that much more jacked than Jungkook or Hoseok, but they always made it seem like he was two Dwayne Johnsons or something.

Taehyung opens his mouth for a rebuttal but a yelp leaves his lips instead as Jungkook lifts him into his arms. It’s his worst wet dream, Jungkook’s arms tight under his legs, hands on his ass as he carries him. Jungkook doesn’t even let his lips go when he does it, nor when he moves Taehyung backwards.

His back hits something hard and he clenches his legs tightly around Jungkook’s waist. He wonders sometimes if Jungkook lied about being inexperienced, because he makes Taehyung feel as if his body is being lit on fire with ease. He knows where to rub his hands, how to suck and nibble on his bottom lip. It’s like he can tell when Taehyung’s cock throbs with a want to be touched because he grinds forward before Taehyung can ask.

It’s fast and slow. It seems to take years for Taehyung’s shirt to be peeled off and for his legs to hit a softer surface. But it seems like in a blink of an eye he has Jungkook’s pants in his hand and his mouth bruising into Jungkook’s clavicle.

Taehyung tosses Jungkook’s pants to the side before he scooches up the bed. He tosses the froggy plushie on the pillow to the side and kisses Jungkook’s pout away when he starts to scold him.

Taehyung wants. He wants Jungkook to know how much, even if it’s selfish to say it. He kisses his want into Jungkook’s chest and traces it over his hips with gentle fingers. He whispers into his mouth with a lick of his tongue and scrapes it down his back.

He confesses it with a tilt of his head, arm tight around Jungkook’s back as he rolls his hips forward. “Do you know how badly I want you right now?”

And Jungkook touches and kisses like he wants to give Taehyung everything. It’s easy enough to believe that Jungkook wants him, at least in this moment, with the way his hips rut down, cock digging into the inside of his thigh.

It isn’t said back, but Taehyung can see the want in Jungkook’s eyes when he moves his head back as if to make sure it’s still Taehyung beneath him. It doesn’t need to be said back. He tells Jungkook to stop if he wants to, but he doesn’t.

Jungkook lifts him into his lap with ease, rocking Taehyung against him with a hand at the bottom of his spine as Taehyung teases at the material covering his torso. Jungkook pulls back enough to let Taehyung pull it off, but then he’s pressing their chests together as if they’re two magnets being drawn together.

“Pretty,” Taehyung breathes as he presses their foreheads together, his finger tracing over Jungkook’s collarbone. They aren’t too different in size, but Jungkook’s hands feel massive as they rub up his spine and pull him down. The press of his cock against Jungkook’s has him biting hard at his bottom lip, not wanting to interrupt the air with a loud moan.

“That’s you hyung,” Jungkook huffs out, his voice hitching as he bends his head back to look at Taehyung.

It isn’t new; Jungkook has complimented his looks before. He’s even told Taehyung when a pair of pants makes his ass look nice. It’s always made Taehyung feel warm, but this is different. Jungkook’s never told him how pretty he is when he’s grinding down against his cock with the want to come.

It’s overwhelming and Taehyung kisses Jungkook because he doesn’t know what to say back. It isn’t much of a kiss, their teeth clacking and breath cascading over each other’s mouths as arousal staggers through him.

“I want you too,” Jungkook whispers so quietly Taehyung almost misses it. He curls his hands around Taehyung’s thighs, attempting to pull him close but they’re already pressed tightly together.

“Yeah?” Taehyung asks, grabbing Jungkook’s hands and guiding them to his ass. His hands are like radiators against the thin material of his briefs. He wonders if Jungkook would believe him when he tells him that Jungkook was only born with hands so he could put them on his ass. There’s scientific proof behind that fact, somewhere.

“Have you, before?” Taehyung asks breathlessly, mouthing at Jungkook’s jaw as he guides Jungkook’s hand between his cheeks.

Jungkook groans, fingers flexing to grab Taehyung through the material of his briefs.

“Have you -“ Taehyung is nervous, swallowing as he lifts his head to look Jungkook in the eye. He’s never nervous in situations like this, and he’s been with people for their first time doing things. But it’s Jungkook, his Jungkook, and he’s nervous of pushing too much, too quickly. “I want you to finger me open, Kookie.”

Jungkook’s eyes flutter shut, the hand on his ass squeezing tighter as Jungkook’s hip buck up. “Show me.”

It’s said breathlessly and knocks Taehyung’s breath away too. It is difficult to pull away, especially as Jungkook pushes his hand under the briefs to grab at Taehyung’s bare ass.

He uses his grip to bring Taehyung’s hips against his own and Taehyung shutters, head tilting back as he lets out a moan louder than he intends. Jungkook uses it to his advantage, mouthing at the slope of Taehyung’s neck. A shiver rushes up his spine as Jungkook’s teeth glide over his Adam’s Apple before nipping down, his mouth hot and painful against his throat.

“Just -” Taehyung hisses, arching his back when Jungkook’s fingers slip dangerously close to where he wants him. “Okay, okay.”

It feels like torture pulling away from Jungkook and Jungkook clings to him like he doesn’t want him to go. He looks good fucked out, his hair a wreck from Taehyung’s hands and his mouth bruised from Taehyung’s kisses. His eyes are dark when they watch Taehyung move across the bed, who prays and hopes that Jungkook is like every other person he knows and has lube in his nightstand.

“Yes,” Taehyung murmurs himself when he finds it. It’s half empty and Taehyung’s stomach flutters at the thought of Jungkook touching himself.

He wants to know everything that makes Jungkook get to that point. He wants to know what Jungkook thinks about when he has a hand around himself.

“Have you?” Taehyung asks as he slips off the bed. Jungkook’s eyes follow him, his hand twitching on his stomach as he spreads his legs like he wants to touch himself just watching Taehyung move. “Fingered yourself?”

Jungkook nods and then looks away shyly. “A few times before.”

“Did you like it?”

Jungkook captures his bottom lip in between his teeth, nodding distractedly as Taehyung tosses the lube towards him and strips from his briefs until he’s completely bare. Jungkook is in just briefs, tight briefs that cling to his thick thighs and stretch over the hard of his cock. The muscle in his legs bulge, but there’s a softness around them where they press into the mattress.

He’s a mix of soft and hard, his belly covered in a ripple of muscle and a bulge wrapped around his hips right where his hip bone starts, but his rib cages presses gently into his skin and his skin looks as if Jungkook knows how to properly moisturize.

(Taehyung knows he does because he frequently catches him doing so. He isn’t a creep, he just cares deeply about the well being of Jungkook’s skin.)

“Yes,” Jungkook finally admits as Taehyung’s knees hit the bed. He looks down at Taehyung’s cock, but he rips his eyes away like he wasn’t supposed to.

“You can look,” Taehyung says, reaching down to curl his fingers around himself and guide Jungkook’s attention between his legs.

“I want to touch.”

Taehyung trembles at the confession. He nods, kneeing up the bed until he’s reached Jungkook.

He looks at Jungkook for a moment, sliding a finger over his throat before he turns around in his lap.

Jungkook’s shaky breath is loud in the quiet room as Taehyung bends over, chest pressing into the space between Jungkook’s legs. Nerves fly up Taehyung’s torso and into his throat and he’s glad he can bury his face into the sheets, now understanding why Jungkook hides when he’s nervous.

He’s never been nervous of things like this. But it’s Jungkook. He’s bending over and exposing himself to Jungkook.

An overwhelmed breath leaves Jungkook’s lips as he hovers a hand over Taehyung’s ass like he’s afraid to touch. When he finally does, Taehyung tenses. Jungkook squeezes a cheek experimentally, fingers gentle when they press into his skin and spread him.

“Lube, babe.”

Taehyung presses on his elbows, arching under Jungkook’s touch. He glances over his shoulder, watching Jungkook nod but his eyes are trapped onto Taehyung’s ass.

“Take your time, but also like, don’t .”

Jungkook laughs quietly as he grabs for the lube Taehyung had tossed at him. His fingers are still shaking, Taehyung realizes.

“Only do what you want,” Taehyung breathes. He wants to move back, to make sure Jungkook is okay, but Jungkook is squeezing his hip and keeping him in place.

“Can I?” Jungkook says, swallowing thickly like the words are stuck in his throat. He uncaps the bottle with one hand and doesn’t hesitate to pour the cold liquid directly onto Taehyung’s skin. Taehyung hisses, shivering at the coldness, but he doesn’t mind. He doesn’t mind when Jungkook’s eyes are wide and focused on the cold liquid glistening over his skin.

“Can you what?” Taehyung says, lungs collapsing in his chest as he hangs his head. Jungkook is barely touching him but his cock is twitching between his legs, dribbling precome onto Jungkook’s newly cleaned sheets.

“Fuck,” Jungkook says under his breath before he touches. Taehyung arches further when he feels Jungkook’s finger slipping experimentally between his cheeks.

“You can,” Taehyung teases, shaking his hips. “Take whatever you want.”

He won’t understand how much Taehyung means it. Whatever Jungkook wants, whatever he needs. There isn’t anything Jungkook could ask for that Taehyung wouldn’t be willing to give to him.

The truth of that makes it so feels as if he’ll never be able to breathe again.

“Okay,” Jungkook exhales.

It’s slow and hesitant the way Jungkook touches him. Experimental, the way he trails his fingers over Taehyung’s skin and circles between his cheeks. Anticipation makes Taehyung tense, his thighs straining with his attempts at remaining still before Jungkook finally touches him properly.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” Jungkook confesses under his breath as the tip of his slick finger drags over Taehyung’s rim. He dips his finger forward like he may finally give Taehyung wants, but he stills his hand.

It’s maddening though Taehyung knows Jungkook isn’t teasing on purpose.

“You won’t,” Taehyung promises. “And if you did, it’s okay. I’m okay with a little pain.”

Jungkook whines softly. “Hyung,” is all he says before he finally pushes his finger forward.

It doesn’t hurt but Jungkook still goes slow. Taehyung’s arms collapse and he presses his cheek into the mattress as he arches his hips, a moan stuttering in his throat. He wants more, more .

And Jungkook gives it to him, pushing his finger deep and carefully fucking Taehyung with it when Taehyung instructs him too. Jungkook breathes heavily, the sound of it loud like he’s the one being touched.

“Another,” Taehyung says, pushing up on his hands to work his hips back against Jungkook’s finger. He’s trembling already, his cock twitching back against his stomach and it hurts a little, how hard he is. He doesn’t know how long they’ve been going at this, but Taehyung feels like he may die if he doesn’t get to come soon.

“You sure?” Jungkook breathes, hooking his finger forward and it’s difficult to remain in this position as a tremor wrecks up Taehyung’s spine.

“Yeah, Kookie, please.”

Jungkook groans lowly but does as he’s told. Just as carefully, Jungkook nudges a second finger alongside the first.

It doesn’t hurt, just a pinch but Jungkook goes still when Taehyung tenses.

“Good, so good,” Taehyung encourages. He wants to turn and look at Jungkook, but he doesn’t know if he can handle the sight of him.

The encouragement is enough to get Jungkook to move his fingers again. The slick head of Jungkook’s cock presses into his thigh when Taehyung pushes his hips down needily. He’d give Jungkook everything he wants, but he wishes he’d take it faster.

“Hyung,” Jungkook complains, but he sounds overwhelmed as Taehyung squeezes around his fingers.

“You don’t have to be careful,” Taehyung says. He leans back onto his knees, sitting on Jungkook’s fingers to show him. “At this rate, I’ll come before you can -”

Taehyung stops, pressing his lips closed. Jungkook had never confirmed if that’s what he wants, right now. He doesn’t want to rush it either. If it’s important to Jungkook, he wants to make it as perfect as possible.

“Spread your fingers,” Taehyung instructs. Like this, Jungkook’s long fingers are deep, nearly touching him in the place that will push him over the edge.

“Before I can?” Jungkook asks, leaning forward to mouth at juncture of Taehyung’s shoulder as he spreads his fingers.

“Nothing,” Taehyung garbles, reaching to grab Jungkook’s hair to keep his lips on his neck as he rolls and rocks his hips. Jungkook moans into his skin, finally giving in and meeting Taehyung’s hips with a thrust of his fingers.

“Tell me,” Jungkook insists, pleads but Taehyung doesn’t. He instructs Jungkook further, until he’s leaning back over his lap with three fingers working inside of him.

He feels selfish, forcing Jungkook to focus on him while his own cock remains mostly untouched and hard between his legs. Jungkook doesn’t complain though, he breathes and moans like he’s the one getting fucked.

Taehyung digs his fingers into Jungkook’s calves as pleasure rocks through him, muffling the cry he lets out as he turns his face into the mattress. Jungkook doesn’t remain still any longer, hips rocking so the head of his cock catches against Taehyung’s thigh every time he presses his fingers in.

“Fuck,” Jungkook gasps, pulling his fingers from Taehyung. He grips his ass, thumb grazing over his hole before he pushes it between Taehyung’s cheeks. “Tae -”

Taehyung can’t breathe when Jungkook grabs his hips and Taehyung feels the thick of Jungkook’s cock spreading between his cheeks, his length rubbing over his hole. Jungkook grunts lowly, pulling Taehyung higher into his lap.

“I want you so bad,” Jungkook confesses quietly, like he’s embarrassed still, even with Taehyung like this in his lap.

“Take me,” Taehyung tells him, pushing up on his knees and grabbing Jungkook’s to rock down. The head of Jungkook’s cock catches on his rim and he needs - he needs . “Please tell me you have a condom, Jungkook.”

Jungkook stills, hands grabbing Taehyung’s his tightly. For a moment, Taehyung is worried he’s misunderstood, implied the wrong thing, as Jungkook slips Taehyung off of his lap.

Finally getting a look at Jungkook, Taehyung thinks he could come just from the sight of him. He’s flushed down to the pelvis, his cock the same, dark angry color. Sweat drips down his chest, his fingers shaking as he climbs from the bed and reaches beneath it.

The box is opened, but Taehyung doesn’t comment. Excitement rushes through him as he realizes Jungkook isn’t pushing him away and he quickly scrambles onto his back.

“Only if you want,” Taehyung says seriously as Jungkook drops the box, a foil in his hands that he struggles to open with the lube coated on his fingers.

Jungkook nods, smiling softly but there’s a hint of nerves in his eyes. “I do. If - if my first time is with anyone, I like that it is with you. I asked you because that’s what I want.”

Taehyung’s heart swells as he sits back up and takes the condom from Jungkook. He’s fumbling too much, his nerves growing. “We can another time. Candles and shit.”

A nervous laugh leaves Jungkook’s lips as he shakes his head. It cuts off when Taehyung curls a hand around him, pulling the condom from the head of his cock to the base. Jungkook’s cock is thick, he knows it’s going to hurt a bit, and he inhales deeply, trying to ready himself not to react and scare Jungkook off.

“No, now,” Jungkook promises. “It’s good, now.”

Taehyung pushes up on his knees until their bodies are lined. He curls his fingers around the back of Jungkook’s neck. “Tell me how you imagined it, your first time.”

Jungkook taps his fingers at Taehyung’s hips, pulling them together until their cocks slide together. “I’ve thought about it many ways.”

Like this? Taehyung thinks, cocking his head to the side to tease Jungkook’s lips. With me? “Did you like me bent over in your lap like that?”

A soft moan leaves Jungkook’s lips as he nods and Taehyung presses a kiss to them. He attempts to turn, but Jungkook’s fingers snag into his hair and keep him from doing so.

“Wanna see your face though,” Jungkook admits quietly, eyes wide and shy.

It’s amazing, how he appears shy even when he’s dripping with sex and arousal. Taehyung nods, sliding his hands down Jungkook’s forearms and guiding his back towards the pillows.

“Since you’ve done all the work so far,” Taehyung teases, kneeing up Jungkook’s legs. He looks overwhelmed so despite the ache between his legs and the need making him feel uncomfortable, he takes his time and kisses over Jungkook’s throat and chest. He rubs his arms and sides, grinding softly in Jungkook’s lap until Jungkook’s moaning softly, grunting quietly, and fidgeting to find the lube to coat his cock in.

The nerves again as Taehyung takes him into hand, but he buries his face into Taehyung’s neck so Taehyung can’t see them. He keeps his arms wrapped around Taehyung’s back as he mouths at his throat.

Taehyung goes as slow as Jungkook had, rubbing the head of his cock against his rim. He laughs quietly when Jungkook whines and bites his throat,  the noise choked as he presses his hips down.

Jungkook tenses beneath him, panting softly as Taehyung sinks onto his cock. Taehyung presses his cheek into Jungkook’s forehead, holding the back of his neck and whispering into his temple.

He hopes it’s good, he hopes Jungkook feels as good as he does as the thick of his cock stretches Taehyung open.

“Fuck,” Jungkook breathes shakily as Taehyung bottoms out. Taehyung doesn’t move, but pries Jungkook away from his throat.

Pain is a soft throb, but it is little compared to the pleasure that pulses through him as he sits with Jungkook’s cock pressed deep inside of him. He kisses Jungkook, not hesitating to slide his tongue between his teeth and lick at the roof of his mouth. Jungkook’s palms wander up his back and down his spine, rubbing over his ass and spreading him around his cock.

He fucks Jungkook like that, pressing their foreheads together and keeping their chests an inch apart as he rocks. Jungkook’s breath is hot against his mouth as he pulls his hips up and before easing them back down. He can feel Jungkook’s thighs tensing in time with each desperate flex of Jungkook’s fingers on his ass.

It’s quiet, the words having left them as Taehyung fucks himself down onto Jungkook’s cock. Jungkook kisses him here and there, a groan rumbling in his throat when his teeth dig into Taehyung’s bottom lip.

Taehyung’s cock drags against the ridges of Jungkook’s belly, now slicked with precome. It’s difficult, keeping it slow, but the pressure of Jungkook’s hands under his ass keep his thighs from aching.

“Oh,” Jungkook moans as Taehyung clenches around him. Taehyung tenses, huffing out desperately as the head of Jungkook’s cock nudges his prostate. Jungkook keeps him still in his lap with heavy hands, his hips circling to rub against the bundle of nerves that has Taehyung trembling like he’s a moment from breaking into a thousand pieces.

“Right there,” Taehyung says, knocking his head to Jungkook’s shoulder. Maybe another time, he’ll be embarrassed by how violently his body trembles from Jungkook massaging his prostate, but right now all he can focus on is how close he is to coming.

But it isn’t about him, but about Jungkook. He lifts his head, hands pressing into Jungkook’s chest for support and to press him backwards. He digs his knees into the mattress to lift himself, rocking his hips harder down Jungkook’s cock as desperation fills him.

Jungkook is so fucking beautiful, eyes falling closed and teeth clenching around soft grunts as Taehyung’s ass slaps down against his skin. It fills the room quickly, the obscene slick, smack of their bodies together.

It’s good, so good when Jungkook’s hips chase Taehyung every time he lifts his hips. It’s good, his fingers digging into Jungkook’s chest when he fucks up into Taehyung, his hips staggering and uncoordinated.

It’s good, when Taehyung leans over to whisper into Jungkook’s mouth and he can finally hear Jungkook, who moans loud at the ‘ make me come, baby ’ slipping from his tongue.

And it’s good when Jungkook doesn’t hesitate to comply, thrusting achingly fast into Taehyung as he reaches between them to curl his fingers around his cock. It rocks up Taehyung’s spine and Taehyung swears he’s never been fucked like this. The muscles of his stomach clench when Jungkook slows his thrusts to fuck into him deep and slow, hips circling to hit that spot every time.

Taehyung huffs out a series of ‘ah’s between Jungkook’s name as he feels himself closer. His skin burns hot when he looks between them and how slick Jungkook’s fingers have become from his leaking cock.

“Fuck,” Jungkook gasps, pushing up suddenly to grab onto Taehyung. He’s shaking, his fingers rough as they grab onto Taehyung and hold him down into his lap.

Taehyung cries softly into Jungkook’s hair as Jungkook bucks his hips and comes. He comes quietly, teeth digging into Taehyung’s neck. Taehyung brushes his fingers through Jungkook’s hair, dancing the tips over his sweaty neck as he grinds down.

Jungkook breathes heavily, body still trembling as Taehyung grinds his own cock against Jungkook’s belly. It’s too much, the pressure of Jungkook’s cock against his prostate and the head of his cock wet and slick, rubbing off on Jungkook’s skin that he comes. He comes with Jungkook’s name tumbling from his lips and Jungkook’s teeth digging into his skin.

He grips into Jungkook’s hair to get his attention, wanting his mouth on his. And Jungkook complies, breathing into Taehyung’s mouth as they milk out their orgasms. Taehyung feels absolutely wrecked as his nerves light on fire and spark. Pleasure tips the line of ache, an ache so good that Taehyung likes it when he gets too sensitive after coming, rubbing forward even as his cock softens against Jungkook’s come covered belly.

Jungkook kisses him properly now, his breath shaking just as badly as his body as he kisses Taehyung until his mouth feels bruised and broken. It isn’t a gentle kiss, teeth biting into his lips and Jungkook’s tongue fucking into his mouth. It feels desperate, as if Jungkook’s still chasing his orgasm.

With a deep inhale and a wet smacking sound, Jungkook pulls away. His hands rub down Taehyung’s back soothingly, fingers kneading at his hips and thighs as he kisses over the sore skin of Taehyung’s throat.

They don’t talk. It feels overwhelming, the air around them hot and heavy still. They don’t need to talk, but Taehyung’s mind still runs over things to say as Jungkook touches and kisses over his skin.

“Tae,” Jungkook hisses as Taehyung lifts his hips to move off of Jungkook’s lap. “Don’t go.”

Taehyung’s heart clenches in his chest as he bends down and kisses the tip of Jungkook’s nose. “I’m not going anywhere,” he promises. “I’m no cock warmer, Kookie. I’m not sitting on your dick all night.”

Jungkook’s eyes blow wide, his face turning incredibly red as he shakes his head. “No - yeah. I - okay. Yeah. Right-o.”

Taehyung grins, fond as he teases his finger under the wetness on Jungkook’s cheek. He wonders if he had cried because of his orgasm, or something else.

“Maybe for you, I’ll consider it though,” Taehyung whispers.

His world turns as Jungkook shoves him from his lap. Jungkook’s eyes are comically wide, embarrassed before he scrambles off the bed and takes off the condom.

Taehyung giggles every time Jungkook glances at him in embarrassment. There’s angry red marks down Jungkook’s back that Taehyung doesn’t remember leaving behind and softer ones under his jaw. Taehyung wonders how he looks, as Jungkook bit into his neck like he was something to eat.

Taehyung wonders why the air suddenly feels different.

He lifts himself from the bed, though his legs are weak as he stumbles across the bedroom floor. Jungkook looks panicked when Taehyung walks out the door and Taehyung can hear him padding softly after him.

“Review time,” Taehyung says, turning when he realizes Jungkook has followed him to the bathroom. He takes the hand towel hanging beside the sink and turns the hot water on. “Out of ten, how was your first time?”

Jungkook groans in complaint, walking forward until his chest is stitching to Taehyung’s spine. He kisses Taehyung’s neck and rubs his sides like he hadn’t gotten enough.

Taehyung’s neck is a mess, he realizes as he lifts his head to see how they look together. The water is too hot and he hisses when he rubs his belly with it.

Jungkook takes it from him, rubbing the hot towel over his ass and between, cleaning up the lube that clings to Taehyung’s thigh.

When Taehyung turns around, Jungkook kisses him as they clean each other off.

“How was it?” Taehyung whispers. He’s not worried that it wasn’t good, but he’s hoping there wasn’t a single moment that Jungkook was uncomfortable.

“Good,” Jungkook promises, blinking a few times. “I’ve never felt so tired in my life.”

Taehyung huffs out a laugh, wrapping his body excitedly around Jungkook. He wants to say it. God, he wants to scream it until the whole world hears how much he loves Jeon Jungkook.

“Sleep with me,” Taehyung says, caressing a hand over Jungkook’s cheek because he can’t say the words out loud, but at least he can touch and print them into Jungkook’s skin. It isn’t late, not late enough to go to bed, but exhaustion hangs heavily to him too. “I’ll let you bring your frog plushie.”

Jungkook narrows his eyes as he pulls away from him. “You better.”

He does, but Jungkook tucks it under his head to pull Taehyung into his arms instead. His eyes close immediately while Taehyung’s stay open and busy, taking in every inch of Jungkook’s resting face.

It wasn’t just sex that made the air feel different. Not something that easy. But the closeness, the intimacy of it all that has the love in Taehyung’s chest blossoming and spreading throughout his body.

“Oh Jungkook,” Taehyung whispers, palming his cheek but Jungkook’s nose only wrinkles in his sleepy response.

***

Jungkook fucked up. Royally. He doesn’t regret it, no, but now he has to face the consequences of his actions. See; suffering, dying, some more suffering, heart break, and a thirst for one Kim Taehyung that is now worse than ever.

Taking off and moving into a life of solitude is no longer an option. It’s wrong to bounce after having sex with someone, he knows that. He doesn’t want to make Taehyung think he did anything wrong. Jungkook had wanted it and Taehyung didn’t know about his inner turmoil. He doesn’t want Taehyung to worry it has anything to do with losing his virginity, because it doesn’t.

His inner turmoil that is worse now. Maybe he’s better at acting than he thinks he is because Taehyung doesn’t seem to notice, smiling softly through his chubby cheeks and sleep heavy eyes before he kisses Jungkook on the cheek.

The worst part is, Jungkook wants Taehyung again. Maybe he can indulge his misery kink and just be as they are, go with the flow. If it happens, it happens.

That’s what he’s been trying to tell himself ever since he stormed to their shared apartment and tried to confess. He wanted to, he tried, but he seized up the moment he looked at Taehyung with the words on the tip of his tongue.

They’ve settled into some type of friends with benefits thing that Jungkook fucking loves but he had meant to confess to more than just liking to kiss him. His heart is a greedy, sadistic bitch, swelling and pushing Jungkook to continue even though he knows his heart will hurt afterwards. It had been good, so fucking good that Jungkook doesn’t regret it. He just wants to rip his heart out so he doesn’t have to sit and think too much about how it felt being with Taehyung so intimately. He just wants to be with Taehyung, any way he can, and enjoy it without the bullshit heart stuff afterwards.

Jungkook wants to tell Taehyung. But he can’t, the words are stuck in his throat as Taehyung nuzzles his cheeks and traces over his chest.

Friends with benefits don’t do this, do they? Does Taehyung treat all of his hookups like this? Maybe. He is cuddly and affectionate. Do they kiss slowly after waking up? Is his dick going to fall off from the confusion it must have from the emotional turmoil and the physical pleasure that mixes into his body?

Jungkook doesn’t think when Taehyung’s fingers slip between his legs and he curls into Taehyung further. He doesn’t think as he pants quietly into Taehyung’s mouth as they lazily stroke each other off.

He doesn’t think until after he’s come and cleaned himself up and finds Taehyung padding around the kitchen in his underwear. He’s going to tell him.

“Tae, um. Can I talk to you?”

Taehyung jolts around, eyes wide before he softens and nods. He grips the counter behind him so hard that his knuckles turn white. Is he expecting for Jungkook to freak out?

“Is everything okay?” Taehyung asks immediately.

Maybe it’s okay. Jungkook can handle it, shit. “Thanks.”

Taehyung frowns. “Thanks?”

Jungkook nods because he doesn’t know what he’s trying to say.

“For?” Taehyung starts, hesitantly before a grin appears on his lips. “The best fuck of your life?”

“Only fuck,” Jungkook tries, laughing awkwardly as he wiggles his pointer fingers at Taehyung.

A boxy grin erupts across Taehyung’s face. “You must hump a lot of pillows because your stroke game is -” he holds up an a-ok sign with his fingers as he whistles.

He’s running by the time Jungkook and his red face and fists are flying across the kitchen after him.

Jungkook doesn’t tell him. Though he wants to when Taehyung curls in the couch and laughs at the comedy he picked out for him. He wants to when Taehyung looks like he’s about to die with Fred in his hands but pretends like he isn’t because Jungkook is excited. He wants to when he has his fingers twisted in Taehyung’s hair and Taehyung rocking down hard in his lap.

He wants to when Taehyung spills soda down his shirt and pouts when Jungkook laughs. He wants to when Taehyung delivers his presentation on the differences between toads and frogs in class with his eyes on Jungkook the entire time. He wants to when someone approaches Taehyung with a smirk on his lips that imply they want a hook up at Yoongi’s and Taehyung remains by his side.

He wants to, but he doesn’t.

“What the fuck is going on?”

Jungkook drifts his heavy eyes from Taehyung perched beside Jimin to Hoseok next to him. He’s back on the tattered couch of misery, body sinking and floating at the same time. It’s been awhile since he’s smoked, since their camping trip, and it hits his head heavily.

“You didn’t tell him or you did? Because I very clearly mentioned wanting to be your best man and I haven’t gotten the invitation yet. I didn’t push you when you went over the time limit, but I’m getting impatient.”

Hoseok’s voice is loud. Jungkook hopes his voice doesn’t float too far and hit Taehyung’s ears. Which are beautiful, the shell lines with studded earrings and the lobes with dangling ones.

Jungkook laughs openly at himself, making Hoseok frown at him. He’s ridiculous, finding Taehyung’s ears beautiful.

“I didn’t.”

Hoseok narrows his eyes, murder in them. “We had a deal.”

“No, you threatened me.”

There’s no convincing Hoseok and Jungkook moves as quick as he can when he realizes Hoseok is starting to stand up. He clutches Hoseok’s arm and pins it hard to the arm of the couch.

“You’re a demon,” Hoseok huffs. “I would never do anything to hurt you, Jungkookie. Trust me.”

Jungkook doesn’t let go. “That’s the problem. I do not.”

Hoseok stares at him for a long time, looking contemplative before he glances at Taehyung. Jungkook follows suit, finding Taehyung looking at them before he quickly drops his gaze.

It would be bad to be aroused and high. He can’t think of the way it’s been with Taehyung lately or he will surely nut in his pants. Jungkook can deal with embarrassment, but not that. Hoseok would tell everyone, probably even his parents because Hoseok’s life mission is to embarrass the hell out of him.

And Jungkook doesn’t know if it’s the fact that his dick has been getting touched a lot lately and the sight of Taehyung has become stimulus he’s been conditioned to respond to, or if he’s been poisoned with a horny drink or something, but either way the damn thing has been uncontrollable. He swears dick touching happened the day before Jungkook got aroused while Taehyung was beside him, copying his biology homework.

It wasn’t his fault. The pencil was back, but Jungkook couldn’t admit that he finds it to be a demonic  object. Jungkook was not excited about the mudpuppy printed on the sheet of homework like Taehyung claimed but he let him believe it so the pencil could never be used against him.

“I have to tell you something. Come on.”

Jungkook agrees because he has no choice. Hoseok easily slips from his grip because he actually is as strong as Jungkook and grabs him by the shirt.

The party is larger than it normally is. Jungkook doesn’t know why, or know why Yoongi keeps letting people use his house this way. Probably because he’s at Jimin’s more than anyone and his parents have hired him a staff to look after the house.

Hoseok pushes Jungkook into the bathroom, muffling the music with the door shut.

“You’re not going to believe me. But I have to tell you. I’m sick of this ‘Tae doesn’t love me’ whiny crap.”

Jungkook pouts in response. “I don’t whine.”

“You do,” Hoseok sighs. “Anyway. Not important. What is important is who Tae is in love with.”

It feels as if a truck has slammed into Jungkook’s body and he shoves Hoseok away gently. He barely moves. “I’m not trying to hear it, hyung. I am a frog. I will never mate, live a life of solitude and all my partners will die from sex. Or I’ll be the one to die. Probably. Having sex with Tae is going to kill me.”

Hoseok scrunches his face in disgust. “What? Wait. Fuck, I knew you two were banging bits.”

“Don’t call it that.”

“Shit,” Hoseok huffs with an impressed smile, ignoring Jungkook. “Jungkookie’s lost his v card -”

“ Please don’t call it that.”

“I can’t believe it,” Hoseok goes on, still ignoring his tortured state as he claps a hand to Jungkook’s shoulder. “I almost don’t want to tell you because as annoying as it is, it’s amusing. You literally can never ever tell me you’re not an idiot again. This is amazing.”

Jungkook wants to stomp his feet and kick Hoseok out. Or he could just leave, but he wants to know what Hoseok wants to tell him.

He wants to know who it is even if he is too chicken shit to ask Taehyung himself. It makes him suddenly sad, the realization that maybe Taehyung thinks about someone else when he touches Jungkook.

Oh god, it makes his heart hurt so bad that he has to touch his chest to make sure it isn’t breaking open to release the pain building up inside of him.

“You’re being mean,” Jungkook says just as someone knocks loudly on the door.

“Go away, we’re fucking!” Hoseok yells absentmindedly before he focuses back on Jungkook. “Listen -”

Another knock and Hoseok throws his head back and moans so loudly that Jungkook rips forward to hold a hand over his mouth. Hoseok doesn’t stop and embarrassment makes Jungkook’s face too hot and the small bathroom too stuffy.

The door flies open then and Yoongi is there, an unimpressed look on his face. “Did you really think I would believe you and Jungkook were fucking in here?”

“Didn’t know it was you,” Hoseok says, suddenly stopping and shaking Jungkook off of him. “But I’m proud of you for taking a chance. What if we were? You’d be stuck with that image for the rest of your life.”

Yoongi rolls his eyes, stepping into the bathroom. “Jungkook, could you give me and Hob a minute?”

“No,” Hoseok says, grabbing Jungkook as he immediately starts to walk off. He really wants to leave them and try to pretend he didn’t just hear Hoseok moaning like a wild man. “Jungkookie and I are having an important conversation. Get out.”

“We aren’t,” Jungkook clarifies but he goes ignored.

“I’m here to stop it,” Yoongi says. He ducks forward to whisper, but Jungkook hears it all because he sucks at whispering. “You can’t tell him. Jimin will kill me for spilling the beans.”

“He won’t kill you. If he does, he’ll have no one to write dick poems about.”

Yoongi glances at Jungkook but Jungkook shrugs. He’s ready for bed. Or to smoke more. And eat. He’s hungry. He wants Taehyung. Is it okay for him to sleep together even if they don’t do stuff? They have before. Why is he overthinking?”

Why does he still want to do things when he’s hurting his heart? He wanted to get high to stop thinking but his mind is all over the place.

“Where does he come up with this stuff?” Yoongi asks, dragging Jungkook from his thoughts.

“Tae told me about them,” Hoseok mutters.

Yoongi sighs, rubbing a hand down his face. “Just don’t tell, okay Hob? Or, wait to tell.”

Hoseok must realize Yoongi is serious because the amusement slips from his face as he nods. “You owe me. You’re forcing me to let my best friend, my sweet little Jungkookie, suffer. I’m his hyung! I’m supposed to take care of him.”

Both Jungkook and Yoongi snort at the same time. Hoseok looks serious, his face twisted in concern but it’s amusing.

“Remember freshmen year when you kept encouraging him to take shots and he woke up naked with Namjoon’s pet cactus in his arms?” Yoongi asks. “We had to pull out the little pokey things one by one?”

“And that one time you put a sign up in the dorm that said, ‘desperate for dick? Than Jungkook is the answer for you?’” Jungkook goes on. “And you told everyone I was the ‘Dick Doctor?’”

“And that time -”

“Okay,” Hoseok shouts, holding his hands up. “I won’t say a word. But when he’s broken hearted, you’re giving him your ice cream hyung. And you, why are you on his side?”

Jungkook holds his hands in front of his chest as Hoseok’s finger comes down to stab him there. “Because you claim to care about my heart and dick, but here is Yoongi hyung proving that he actually does.”

Yoongi glances at him before he shakes his head. “No, I promise you that’s not why I’m stopping him.”

With a grunt, Jungkook punches Yoongi’s shoulder but stops himself so only his knuckles graze the material of his shirt.

By the time Jungkook has made it back to the den, Yoongi is cracking open all the windows and Taehyung has left Jimin’s side to lounge across the couch. He sits up when he spots Jungkook and pats the cushion beside him.

“Everything okay?” Taehyung asks as he does. There’s a joint tucked behind his ear that he takes and brings to his mouth as he waits for Jungkook to answer.

“Mm,” Jungkook hums. He isn’t. He feels a bit more tortured beside Taehyung but his presence also comforts him. Maybe he should have taken psychology instead of biology so he could understand what the fuck is up with his mind. “Did you know that the study of frogs is called herpetology? Sounds like herpes.”

Taehyung chokes out a laugh as he brings a flame to his mouth. Taehyung has the best laugh around. Jungkook isn’t biased, at all, he knows for a fact no one has a better laugh than Taehyung. Whether it’s soft giggles, or deep, huffed out laughs. Whether it’s loud and boisterous, taking over his whole body, or silent and only present in his eyes. It’s one of the reasons he fell in love with him.

Jungkook stills at the thought, eyeing Taehyung’s smile as he quickly thinks of something to distract his mind and heart from communicating.

“There’s a type of frog that swallows its eggs until they hatch. Keeps them in the vocal sac.”

A look of disgust twists Taehyung’s features as he inhales but there’s the ever present amusement in his eyes.

Jungkook presses an elbow to the back of the couch, curling into Taehyung so his bent knees rest against one of his thighs.

“Yeah, gross right? There’s this one frog that’s totally translucent like, you can see it’s heart and shit.”

Jungkook often feels like that frog whenever he sees Taehyung. It’s so obvious sometimes he isn’t sure how Taehyung can’t see it.

“Tell me more.”

And Jungkook does, listing off random facts about frogs, salamanders, the caecilians that Taehyung refuses to believe aren’t snakes. Taehyung listens intently, eyes heavy on Jungkook though that could be because of the joint they pass between them.

It’s easy for him to forget his surroundings while curled into Taehyung and his warmth, his giggles. Despite the music, it’s the only thing he hears. He doesn’t know if Taehyung actually listens to him when he talks about frogs, Taehyung had forgotten that he said harvesting frogs to become pets is one of the reasons they’re endangered, but he is good at pretending he is if he isn’t. Jungkook gets embarrassed that he talks too much, but Taehyung asks him questions until he’s talking again.

“There’s that many species?” Taehyung asks before he inhales and Jungkook nods, moving closer.

There’s fingers on his cheek and Jungkook grins at the mischief in Taehyung’s eyes as he leans forward. The smoke brushes against his lips, swirling past his tongue as Jungkook parts his lips and inhales.

Taehyung pulls back a moment, barely apart from him before he collects more smoke and brings it to Jungkook’s lips.

His hand moves higher, and Jungkook doesn’t realize the attempt to hide their mouths behind it as Taehyung’s tongue chases after the smoke. He doesn’t realize it until he’s moving forward, jaw opening wider with the intent to pull Taehyung’s tongue into his mouth until someone screams.

It’s Jin, yanking Jungkook’s attention (slowly) away from Taehyung. He’s staring right at them, face hard.

Everyone is looking at them. Jimin’s face is just as hard, Namjoon and Hoseok’s amused. Yoongi looks like he might cry as he glances between them and Jimin.

“What? Never seen anyone shotgun before?” Taehyung asks, voice calm before he climbs off the couch and leaves a cold space behind.

Jungkook warms the cold with hot cheeks as he watches Taehyung settle onto Hoseok’s lap. He scrunches his nose as Hoseok leans back and away, watching Hoseok laugh loud and awkwardly before Taehyung blows the smoke into his mouth.

Taehyung coaxes his mouth open with a gentle hand, thumb digging into Hoseok’s jaw and Jungkook sees that their lips don’t touch, but they’re close enough that they could. Hoseok chokes on his awkward laugh before he shoves Taehyung away.

“Stop playing around,” Hoseok grunts before he hangs his head in misery. “I’m going to get murdered.”

Taehyung moves around them, Jungkook growing hotter than before with each mouth Taehyung blows smoke into. His heart thumps heavily, his fingers tingling. He doesn’t know if it’s jealousy or arousal he feels, but when Taehyung finally settles back onto the couch, a low moan leaves Jungkook’s lips when he plants himself right in his lap.

Like this, only Hoseok can see the way Taehyung inhales deeply and touches their lips together. He hadn’t let anyone else mouth touch his like this, and it’s more than just that. It isn’t just a light brush, but a hard pressure.

Jungkook’s toes curl into his boots, his thighs spreading as Taehyung’s tongue pushes across his own. It’s hard not to react, he’s pretty sure he’s digging his fingers into the arm of the couch, when his body pulses and thrums.

Being aroused when high is probably the best and worst thing Jungkook’s experienced because when Taehyung slides off his lap, he has to pretend like his cock isn’t fattening beneath his jeans but now he can’t think about anything else.

Taehyung stubs out the joint before pulling his legs up and plopping them over Jungkook’s lap. There’s a grin on his lips like he knows, like he isn’t trying to help hide Jungkook’s dilemma but torture him until it grows worse.

“So, Kookie, what would you say is your favorite species?”

Hoseok groans loudly. “This is some weird ass flirting and I’ve had enough .”

“Then we’ll leave,” Taehyung says a little too eagerly, throwing his legs up and quickly pulling Jungkook from the couch. He burns with embarrassment at the obvious problem with between his legs and how his friends sitting on the ground have to see it. Jimin’s face turns from threatening to amused so quickly that Jungkook wants to run.

He wonders what they think as Taehyung pulls him out of the den, their laughter following after them. He wonders if he cares if they know. They’d tease, but they’ve always teased him. It would be a small price to pay if he were able to kiss and touch Taehyung whenever he wanted to.

“Where are we going?” Jungkook asks as Taehyung leads him through the house.

“Home,” Taehyung says, turning his head over his shoulder. “I’m very interested in a private herpetology lesson.”

Jungkook frowns as the cool air touches his hot skin. “Does that mean sex?”

God, he hopes so. He’s royally fucked.

Taehyung laughs. “You’re so cute, baby.”

Royally fucked doesn’t even cut it, Jungkook thinks, as he grows so hot steam starts dancing from his skin.

***

There are many things that Taehyung has no shame in admitting. He isn’t embarrassed by his kinks or desires, but he doesn’t think he’d be readily to admit how many times he has fantasized about Jungkook before. Not that he’s embarrassed - well, okay maybe he is a little.

He’s thought of Jungkook in many ways, but one of the most consistent is how gentle he would be. And he is. Taehyung doesn’t know if it’s from nerves or inexperience, but he’s incredibly soft in the way he touches Taehyung. Even when his hips smack forward hard like he can’t control it, he’s careful to grip tightly into the sheets around Taehyung instead of his skin.

His hands are warm when they glide up his chest and circle under his head. Taehyung wouldn’t mind if Jungkook got a little rough, it’s kind of really hot, but he likes how cautious Jungkook is.

It makes his chest feel too tight and he really shouldn’t allow it to happen, not when they’re intimate like this. But Taehyung is selfish and encourages it, rocking slowly to match the pace of touches across his skin.

Jungkook is quiet too, panting and moaning softly into his skin and mouth. It’s hard not to brush the sweaty hair off his forehead to kiss his temple, or trace the shape of his lips before pulling them into his mouth.

It’s intimate and Taehyung feels a lot. But it’s okay, because he always has.

“Tae,” Jungkook moans softly, burying his face into Taehyung’s neck. His fingers flex into the flesh of his hips, yanking them closer.

Taehyung feels breathless, thighs aching as he lifts himself. He’s so close that he can fuck through the ache. He feels as if he’s being touched everywhere, like a blanket has been wrapped around him. He’s surprised he hasn’t come yet with how hard he’s been since they were on the couch in Yoongi’s den.

It’s hot, maddening, how sensitive and easily aroused Jungkook is. He’d feel bad normally because Jungkook is at the brunt of jokes (sometimes even from him), but it’s hard when an aroused Jungkook is a handsy Jungkook.

The breath leaves him completely as his world turns. Jungkook shifts them, planting Taehyung onto his back.

And it’s so good - so good the way Jungkook leans his weight onto one arm, the other snaking around Taehyung’s leg to pull it between their chests. It’s fucking fantastic the way Jungkook’s hips curl up before he fucks forward, deep, hitting that spot that makes Taehyung’s stomach clench almost painfully.

Taehyung is loud, moaning shamelessly into the quiet room as he digs his nails down Jungkook’s back. He likes the remnants of their time together, tracing them the next day while Jungkook sleeps. They’ve shared a bed more often than not and Taehyung is trying to remind himself that it doesn’t mean anything. Even if Taehyung’s rule is to never stay the night after a hookup.

Jungkook comes with his teeth digging into the side of Taehyung’s neck, muffling the moan he lets out as his hips jerk messily.

Taehyung comes hard, back arching into the crinkled sheets and thighs so tight around Jungkook’s rib cage he’s thankful he doesn’t have enough strength to break them.

They kiss a lot after sex. Taehyung knows, he knows it’s like the number one not to do rule with hooking up. But he can’t help it when Jungkook kisses him greedily like he isn’t done yet, like he still wants and needs Taehyung as much as Taehyung wants and needs Jungkook.

When Jungkook pulls away, his eyes are barely open. He fusses when Taehyung insists on cleaning him, yanking on the blanket to cover his bare body with it instead of letting Taehyung wipe his skin.

“Fine, sleep covered in come,” Taehyung says but there’s no bite to his words, only fondness as he helps Jungkook pull the covers over himself.

He sits on the edge of the bed, cleaning up himself as he listens to Jungkook fall asleep. He rakes a hand down his face, sighing into his palm.

He’s got it bad for the frog loving boy. It’s a fact he’s always known, but the string that Taehyung’s heart has wrapped around Jungkook is growing thicker and coarser.

There’s a knock on the door as Taehyung is pulling on a pair of briefs from the ground. He glances at the late time, hoping it isn’t a neighbor come to yell at him for being loud.

It isn’t, but Jimin. Yoongi stands beside him, a sheepish look on his face as Jimin holds his collar like he’s dragged Yoongi here. Taehyung hadn’t realized they left Yoongi’s too, but he isn’t surprised because Yoongi hates dealing with the aftermath of his parties and prefers to pretend there aren’t any.

“Sorry to bother you and your love making you banshee,” Jimin says sweetly, nudging Yoongi forward. His eyes are dangerous. “Yoongi has something to tell you.”

Yoongi rolls his eyes. “I didn’t do anything.”

Taehyung snickers, leaning into the door frame and crossing his arms. There’s still a shake in his legs that makes it hard to stand properly.

“You didn’t?” Jimin asks. “That’s not what you told me.”

Yoongi sighs loudly. The only person not afraid of Jimin is Yoongi, even though he should be. “Okay, I told him.”

Taehyung freezes, glancing between the two of them. He doesn’t know what he means, there’s plenty of things all of his friends could squeal on him about. But there’s only one secret of his that Jimin’s been passionate about helping Taehyung keep.

“You told who what?”

With a glance towards Jimin, Yoongi spits it out, quickly.

“What?” Taehyung asks, a chill rushing down his spine because he definitely heard Jungkook’s name.

There’s a pained look on Yoongi’s face as he takes a deep breath and goes again, slower this time. “Hobi and Kook kidnapped me to interrogate me about the love of your life because Joon, not me, told Kook that you’re in love with someone.”

There’s a pounding in Taehyung’s ears as he stands straight and waits for Yoongi to continue.

“And I maybe , because I was terrified for my life please remember, told them that you were in love with a boy who would take you to the museum and would own forty frogs -”

“Forty three,” Jimin interrupts.

“Forty three frogs.”

Taehyung stares hard at Yoongi. He loves Jimin. He’s his best friend. He’d never want him to be sad or miserable, but he’s going to kill his boyfriend.

Yoongi jumps back when Taehyung lurches forward, hands flying up. There’s finally fear in his eyes and a shout leaving his lips as he ducks Taehyung’s hands. “To be fair, Jungkook didn’t know I was talking about him.”

“How?” Taehyung asks, stomping his foot and clenching his fists by his sides. “Who else would own forty three frogs?”

“You’re in love with an idiot,” Jimin supplies unhelpfully as Yoongi shrugs and says, “I’m sure there’s someone else out there that would,” while looking pointedly at Taehyung.

Taehyung throws a glare his way before tossing it to Jimin. “You weren’t supposed to tell anyone.”

Jimin’s eyes go wide in defense. “It’s not my fault you ooze love from your ears whenever you’re even near him! Jungkook may be blind, but he’s the only one. Hyung asked how long you two have been dating and I may have accidentally told him that you two didn’t realize you were dating because you won’t tell Kookie you’re in love with him.”

Taehyung lurches forward, pressing a hand to Jimin’s mouth just in case Jungkook has woken up and stumbled into the living room undetected. This is awful. “Are you sure he doesn’t know?”

If the world was perfect, he wouldn’t have told Jimin either. Not that he doesn’t trust Jimin, but admitting it out loud had been something he hadn’t wanted to do. But one night, at some stupid party, Jungkook and Jimin locked lips and he was pissed. He was even angrier that he was mad because it was unfair. Jimin didn’t know and they were both cocked, barely remembering it. And it was a stupid dare from Hoseok because he’s a shit.

There’s a guardian angel looking out for him somewhere because he doesn’t think he’d be able to handle Jungkook with other people. He’s thankful Jungkook doesn’t mess around or date anyone, because Taehyung would surely crumble into nothing if he had to witness it.

“I’m positive,” Yoongi responds. “You could go confess to him right now and he’d go moping to Hobi hyung about you being in love with some other guy named Jungkook.”

“He’s right,” Jimin supplies. “I’ve tried telling him myself and it just isn’t clicking in that smart, Taehyung and frog obsessed brain of his.”

Taehyung slaps a hand to his forehead as he laughs. Jimin wipes at his mouth once Taehyung lets him go, his face twisted into a pout that usually makes Taehyung weak. But right now, he still wants to throttle his friends.  “Stop, don’t make fun of him.”

“Would you rather I make fun of you?” Yoongi huffs. “Meant for each other, oblivious -”

Yoongi garbles on his words as Jimin plants a hand to his mouth.

“You’re walking on thin ice, Min.” He lets go of Yoongi’s mouth to plant a kiss there. “What Yoongi means is, why would Jungkook mope about you being in love with someone else? Why would he kidnap Yoongi and torture him into revealing who you have feelings for?”

This time, Taehyung lets out a laugh that is loud enough to wake Jungkook as he pushes up to his feet.

“You know, it’s late. I’m still coming down from an orgasm and I have an incredibly hot and naked man in my bed to return to, so I should get going. It’s too late for this kind of bullshit.”

Jimin flings an arm out before Taehyung can close the door. “I know for a fact that Kookie likes you, Tae. Trust me.”

“Funny, I don’t,” Taehyung lies as he puts his weight into closing the door.

“I swear on our entire friendship,” Jimin yells as the door starts to close. “If I’m wrong, I’ll disappear forever.”

Jimin stumbles forward when Taehyung yanks the door back open. He peers at his best friend, gauging the seriousness of his expression.

“We only swear on our friendship if it’s really serious and the other is being a door knob.”

Jimin nods. “This is really serious Tae Tae, and you’re being a huge door knob.”

Taehyung nods slowly as he shuts the door without word. Maybe Jimin is saying that because he has a gut feeling. His gut feelings are usually spot on, Taehyung will give him that, but it isn’t enough to convince him.

But suddenly, the idea of joining Jungkook in bed makes him so nervous he can’t do it. He knows he won’t be able to resist waking him, demanding to know why he kidnapped Yoongi. If what Jimin and Yoongi said were true. He’s too alert now to sleep so he finds himself pacing around the frog home, in search of Fred.

He sits cross legged when he finds him, gently touching the glass as not the scare the little amphibian. He sits upon a small rock, body half emerged in water because Jungkook says they drink through their skin.

“Hey Freddie,” Taehyung murmurs. He’s caught Jungkook talking to the frog like this, with a soft baby voice one would use on a dog. Fred is pretty cute for a frog, though not cute enough to warrant baby talk. “I have a dilemma. Has your Appa Kook said anything about me? Perhaps about being in love?”

With no response, not even a croak of acknowledgement, Taehyung sighs and falls back, laying flat upon the dining room ground to stare up at the ceiling.

He lays restless for only a few minutes before he hops up. Inhaling deeply, he forces himself to find the courage to enter Jungkook’s bedroom.

Jungkook is on his back now, snoring softly with his mouth opened and the blanket past his hips. The moonlight shines in enough that his skin glows under its touch. Taehyung doesn’t fight the urge to touch, but gives into it, cupping Jungkook’s neck to feel his pulse before sliding his touch down to his chest.

His heart beats softly underneath his palm and Jungkook doesn’t wake. He doesn’t fidget though Taehyung does, wanting to wake Jungkook but not wanting to disturb his sleep.

“Wake up,” Taehyung whispers. “Wake up, I have to ask you something.”

Taehyung sighs, pressing a thumb between Jungkook’s brows. “Wake up, Jungkook. I -”

Maybe he can’t say it. Which is dumb, he’s said it a thousand times to Jungkook before. He’s always meant it more than Jungkook would ever take it.

“Wake up, I love you.”

Another sigh, he slides his fingers down Jungkook’s cheeks. “Wake up, I want to know if you love me too,”

Taehyung sulks when Jungkook doesn’t even flinch. He cups his cheeks, leaning forward to kiss his nose. “Why did you kidnap Yoongi hyung?”

He plants a soft kiss to Jungkook’s cheeks and then his lips, slotting them together together. It’s just a brush of their lips, gentle despite Taehyung wanting Jungkook to wake.

It feels difficult for Taehyung to raise his voice because he also wants Jungkook to continue sleeping like the dead so he can practice confessing and than pretend like he didn’t and never do it for real.

At the thought, his heart leaps and he slides his thumb to his pulse. Beating just fine.

Taehyung hesitates for only a moment before straddling Jungkook’s body, hands cupping his cheeks before he leans down and brings their foreheads together.

“Jeon Jungkook, wake up right now. The house is burning down.”

Nothing. Taehyung pulls back with a sigh, shoulders slumping. He could twist Jungkook’s bare nipple, that would wake him. But he’d wake up in pain.

“Jeon Jungkook,” Taehyung says, shaking Jungkook with a wiggle of his body. “I have loved you since I met you.”

Nothing. Even the night seems quiet. They live quite close to campus, between campus and the downtown area, and it’s usually still loud around this time of night as people make their way home.

“Jeon Jungkook, I, Kim Taehyung, want you to love me.”

Still nothing. Taehyung almost pounds Jungkook’s chest, but instead, gently presses his fists into his skin.

“I hate frogs. I think they’re slimy and gross.”

Taehyung freezes when Jungkook’s lips smack together, his brows furrowing.

“Frogs creeps me out and they’re associated with witches for a reason.”

Jungkook licks his lips, attempting to turn over but can’t with Taehyung’s weight on top of him. Taehyung leans forward until their faces are centimeters apart.

“I don’t believe you that cae - caec- those Sicilian things aren’t snakes.”

Jungkook’s hand comes up to squeeze Taehyung’s thigh as he frowns, eyes remaining closed. “Caecilian. Tae, what are you doing?”

He’s still half asleep, voice deep and words slow. Taehyung’s heart picks up when Jungkook’s hand caresses up Taehyung’s thigh.

“I don’t care that frogs are going extinct.”

Jungkook flicker opens an eye, his gaze unfocused. “Mosquitoes are going to take over.”

Taehyung rolls off when Jungkook closes his eyes again, but Jungkook rolls with him, capturing him with a hip thrown over his arm.

“Frogs eat mosquitos,” Jungkook mumbles, hooking a leg over Taehyung’s and nuzzling into his neck. “A lotta bugs.”

“So you’re telling me they’re killers,” Taehyung scoffs, instantly threading his fingers through Jungkook’s hair.

“Why are you talking about this?” Jungkook says into neck. “Go to sleep.”

Taehyung trails his fingers down Jungkook’s spine. Maybe he does know, that’s why he doesn’t find it strange that Taehyung touches him so intimately.

“Sorry I thought you cared,” Taehyung whispers, but there’s no bite to his words as he softens in Jungkook’s warmth.

“Mm,” Jungkook hums noncommittally, quickly falling back under and Taehyung’s heart runs at a fast pace, keeping him awake like he’s downed a cup of coffee.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung says hesitantly, “why did you kidnap Yoongi and torture him for information?”

Taehyung thinks Jungkook is asleep again, but he gets a soft, “Hobi” pressed to his neck with a kiss.

“Why did he?”

Surely, pressed together the way they are, Jungkook has to feel Taehyung’s pounding heart. Taehyung can hear it under Jungkook’s shallow breathing.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung whispers, patting his spine softly. “Why did Hobi interrogate Yoongi?”

Jungkook grunts when Taehyung pulls Jungkook forward as he moves onto his back. He’s a heavy weight against his chest but Taehyung likes the pressure over his heart.

“Did Hobi interrogate Yoongi to find out who I love?”

With a scrunched nose and closed eyes, Jungkook nods and hums a soft, ‘mhm.’

It isn’t right to interrogate Jungkook like this when his defenses are down and he’s barely awake. But Taehyung has to know. It only makes him more confused.

He would know if Jungkook thought of him as more of a friend. He’s never seen Jungkook romantically involved with someone before, so he can’t be 100% positive, but he would still be able to tell.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung presses. He drops his voice so low, nervous despite Jungkook drifting into his dreams. “Do you love me?”

“Course,” Jungkook breathes. A crinkle appears between his brows as he picks up him head, eyes still closed. “Tae please go to bed.”

Taehyung sighs shakily, pulling Jungkook’s face back to his chest. Of course Jungkook loves him; they’ve been best friends for years. It probably isn’t different than how he loves Hoseok and he’s probably just being nosy the way Taehyung is nosy about who Jungkook likes.

Except, Taehyung wants to know who Jungkook likes so he can simmer in jealousy from a far.

***

Jungkook has had a wicked dream. His head hurts and coffee does nothing but leave a nasty after taste on his tongue. He glares at his homework in front of him, at the graphs and the diagrams. He shuffles through his different assignments, searching for one that will take minimal effort to ace but falls short.

His dream had been strange and Jungkook blames it on the weed, though he normally doesn’t dream after he’s smoked.

Taehyung and he had been on an altar, getting married. The audience had been nothing but frogs and Hoseok. Taehyung kept asking him if Jungkook loved him, even as Jungkook swore to him he’d be by his side for the rest of his life and slipped a ring onto his finger.

The last time Taehyung asked, Jungkook ran from the altar and woke up.

He has a wicked headache.

Taehyung hadn’t been in the apartment when he woke and he’s yet to return. The emptiness and silence makes it difficult to focus so Jungkook thrusts his books into his bag and heads out.

There’s a cafe around the corner from their apartment building that’s usually filled with students studying. Jungkook heads there, hoping Jin isn’t working or he really won’t get work done.

He is working, but Jin only smiles and waves from where he stands behind the counter as Jungkook makes his way to the only empty booth. It’s pretty busy for a Saturday morning, but one glance around and Jungkook knows nearly everyone is babying a hangover with hot, expensive coffee.

“Why are you sitting here?” a voice says beside him and Jungkook looks up to find Namjoon there with a mug in his hands. He sets it on the table in front of Jungkook. On the top, there’s a mound of whip cream and chocolate sauce.

“It was empty?” Jungkook says as he scoops his finger into the cream and plops it into his mouth.

“Your lover is down there,” Namjoon says, pulling out a notebook as he nods his head towards the other side of the cafe.

Jungkook doesn’t know how he hadn’t noticed him. Maybe because he has a cap secured over his red hair. But it’s definitely Taehyung. He’s smiling widely, eyes scrunching shut at whoever sits across from him.

“My lover is clearly busy,” Jungkook huffs. He feels his eyes grow wide as realization sets. “I mean, not - not my lover.”

Namjoon snorts, plucking the pen from behind his ear. “What do you want? We have left over pastries from yesterday if you want me to heat you up one.”

Jungkook tells him, sighing as he watches Namjoon scribble into the notepad like he’s taking his order. His hyungs may tease him a lot, but they also take care of him well. It’s rare for Jungkook to come into the cafe and not get one free drink and whatever left over food they have. Jin saves it especially for him.

“Who does my not lover happen to be with?” Jungkook asks before Namjoon walks away.

There’s amusement in Namjoon eyes and a pleased smile on his lips. “Are you denying being lovers when everyone saw Taehyung pull you out of the den with a - you know, problem after you two kissed?”

Jungkook glares at Namjoon. He’s supposed to be the nice hyung but he’s been corrupted by them over the years. “We didn’t kiss.”

“What else do you call it when someone puts their tongue in your mouth?” Namjoon asks, curious like he’s truly interested in the answer. Jungkook wants to shove the pen he secures behind his ear up his nose instead. “Tae did a really bad job at trying to hide it but I give him an A+ for the attempt. Plus, you should probably not do that in front of Hoseok. He had a meltdown for about an hour after you left.”

“That’s not - called kissing,” Jungkook tries, feeling flustered as the heat returns to his face. He wonders why it even bothers going away, why his body bothers in cooling down when he so easily gets flushed and flustered. “That’s called tongue fighting. We have a competition going on.”

Namjoon wrinkles his nose, pausing. There’s regret in his eyes as he shakes his head and walks off without a word.

Jungkook sighs, glancing across the cafe. There’s no way he’s going to get his homework done now, though he knew there was a zero percent possibility of him getting it done anyway. He likes to pretend that he’s trying to be productive at least.

When the person with Taehyung turns his head as Namjoon approaches their table, Jungkook’s heart sinks when he realizes its Joshua. Namjoon is saying something, pointing across the cafe and Jungkook instantly drops his head towards the table as not to be caught staring.

He’s going back to his original plan of finding new friends. They’re all snakes and Jungkook’s never been a big fan of reptilians.

Taehyung doesn’t come over and when Jungkook sneaks a glance at them, he’s back to smiling at Joshua. When Namjoon delivers his heated up pastry, Jungkook grabs his wrist before he can leave.

“What did Jonah order?”

“Who?” Namjoon asks.

Jungkook nudges his head towards Taehyung. “The guy with Tae.”

Namjoon laughs loudly. “Joshua? Jungkook-ah, you know his name. He ordered just coffee with cream.”

“Hm,” Jungkook hums, glancing at the back of Joshua’s head. “Can you do me a favor?”

There’s dread in Namjoon’s eyes as he hangs his head back. But he nods anyway.

“Accidentally put milk in Jeffrey’s coffee instead.”

Namjoon rubs his temple. “I’m too old for this, Kookie. His name is Joshua.”

Jungkook frowns at him. “Okay, Nathaniel.”

“I’m not putting milk in his coffee. Taehyung is already angry with me because of you,” Namjoon says. Jungkook perks up, pushing a finger against his own chest.

“Me? What did I do? Put the milk in his coffee, you owe me for the heartbreak I’ve had to go through since you told me Tae is in love with someone else.”

Namjoon looks at him for a long time before he sighs. The disappointment is back in his eyes as he shakes his head and pulls a can of whip cream from the apron around his waist.

He pours a lot onto the top of Jungkook’s mug, but he doesn’t stop pouting because it isn’t whip cream that will fix his heart.

“Okay, okay,” Namjoon says. “But Jungkook-ah, really - actually, you know what. Nevermind. Figure it out yourself.”

Namjoon turns then and Jungkook sits in anticipation, waiting for Namjoon to reemerge from behind the counter with Taehyung and Joshua’s drinks in hand.

There’s no reaction when Joshua sips his drink and Jungkook gives up. Feeling like a creep, he tugs out his textbooks and lays them across the table. It isn’t long into (not) reading the first page of his ecology book that there’s a tap on his shoulder.

Jungkook jerks when he sees Taehyung standing there. He flushes at the purpled skin of his throat and his still purpled bottom lip. The beanie on his head keeps his hair tucked away and he’s wearing a too big of shirt that Jungkook is quite sure is his. It’s a cute one, a white shirt with a pocket on the chest with a frog beneath it like it’s stuck in the pocket.

“What are you doing?” Taehyung asks, amusement in his eyes as he cocks his head. “You’re stalking me and trying to poison Joshua. What if he is lactose intolerant?”

Jungkook frowns at this. He hadn’t thought of that. He doesn’t know what happens to people who are lactose intolerant when they drink milk. He’s too innocent for prison. Hoseok would probably gift his parents a mug with his mugshot on it for Christmas. “Is he?”

“No,” Taehyung says, slipping into the booth beside him. Jungkook doesn’t move over, making Taehyung hook a leg over his as not to fall off the side. “Are you not denying stalking me?”

How does he still have skin, Jungkook thinks as his face burns. “I thought you said you didn’t know who Justin was.”

Taehyung shakes his head, giggling with his shoulders hunching up towards his chin. “I said that so you would shut up and kiss me, babe. Are you jealous?”

Jungkook frowns at this. He isn’t jealous of the guy. He just hopes it isn’t a date because Jungkook wants to be the only one with Taehyung. Even if they’re not together. They’re fucking, or whatever. Jungkook just doesn’t have a right to ask Taehyung to be exclusive with him and he can’t, because than he’d have to tell him why.

And it isn’t jealousy.

“No,” Jungkook says, shifting towards Taehyung. He considers telling Taehyung just because he wants to be able to kiss him where and whenever. But confessing to Taehyung might stop the kissing all together. “Do you want me to be?”

“Mhm,” Taehyung admits without hesitation. His eyes heavy as his teeth slip over his bottom lip and he reaches up, playing with the button of Jungkook’s shirt.

God is Jungkook gone. Taehyung goes for an innocent look but it’s in his eyes, the torture that he wants to place upon Jungkook.

“Imagine how riled up you would get if you were jealous,” Taehyung murmurs, eyes latched onto the way his fingers move on Jungkook’s chest and only flickering up to his face for a moment. “But in order to be jealous, you’d have to like me.”

He lets out a laugh and Jungkook follows suit, panicking. He knows his laugh sounds awkward because Taehyung looks at him again. He’s going to have to stop denying being with Taehyung in anyway as Taehyung pops open the button on his shirt and he knows Namjoon and Jin can probably see. Taehyung doesn’t even seem to care as his fingers move to the next one.

There are a lot of things Jungkook is going to have to stop denying. Like his dick dilemma, his Taehyung dilemma, the fact that yeah, he’s kind of jealous that Taehyung takes Joshua on dates and not him.

He thinks about what Taehyung said when they started this, about how it only gets messy when feelings are involved. He had been wrong. Jungkook didn’t fall in love with him because of some dick touching; he had only fallen and been cemented further into the ground that is his love for Taehyung because of the dick touching.

But it’s intimate. Jungkook thinks his heart would swell for anyone he was with like that. It’s not as easy of a casual thing for him. He hasn’t really ever been interested in anyone sexually other than Taehyung.

“Right,” Jungkook breathes, as Taehyung’s cheeks round from the way he presses his lips together. His palm is hot on Jungkook’s chest and the demon controlling his life is at play, again, ready to tear Jungkook apart.

“But you don’t, do you, Kookie?” Taehyung asks, quirking up a brow. His voice isn’t deep with seduction now, but seriousness.

Jungkook goes still, mouth hanging open. “Uhh. Of course I like you, Tae. You’re my best friend.”

Surprisingly, Taehyung frowns at this. It isn’t the reaction Jungkook is expecting and he isn’t sure what to make of it. His hand slips down Jungkook’s torso and settles onto his lap. He doesn’t move his hand but Jungkook tenses. Experience tells him Taehyung touches when he wants and Jungkook can’t help but let him.

God, Taehyung gives him so many chances to confess but he never can.

“Right,” Taehyung says, smiling brightly. “That’s good.”

Yeah , Jungkook agrees miserably to himself. It’s real great that they’re best friends and Jungkook has the biggest heart and dick boner for him.

“Well, you wouldn’t have to be jealous anyway,” Taehyung says, lifting his eyes as he squeezes Jungkook’s thigh. “I only fuck one person at a time, Kook. Especially when they fuck me as good as you do.”

Jungkook chokes and hurriedly brings his hot chocolate to his lips. Whip cream sticks to his mouth and he can’t breathe when Taehyung leans forward and it licks it right away. In front of everyone.

There’s a spark in Taehyung’s eyes as he moves away. “They all already know,” he says as he shifts off the booth seat. “I’ll see you, Kookie baby.”

Jungkook watches him go, shuffling through the cafe and the tables until he returns to the one he sits with Joshua. They only linger for a moment before him and Joshua leave, his fingers wiggling in a wave at Jungkook before he disappears.

“Don’t ever do that in front of me again ever in your life,” Jin grunts as he slips a plate onto the table, eyes glaring hard at Jungkook.

Chapter Text

The worst part of the day is going from class to class during the afternoon, the business time in the academic halls as no one likes morning classes or those long, late class. The hallways become a sea of people and too many of them who don’t realize you shouldn’t stop in the middle of the hallway when you have other people walking behind you. Since the air is growing warmer, the yard is usually filled with kids who seemingly never go to class, throwing frisbees to each other and fucking tanning in the middle of everything and everyone. Taehyung doesn’t judge, not a lot at least, it just causes a traffic jam as people slow to daydream how they wish that could be them right now.

He has to shuffle his feet as not to step on the back of anyone’s shoes. It’s because of the elevator being too slow and people still insisting on using it that Taehyung frequently gets stuck in some hallway of the science building. He doesn’t mind too much, his professor doesn’t care if he is a minute or two late.

Sometimes he isn’t late just because of the long elevator traffic, but because he spends too much time searching for a certain frequent visitor of the science building. His professors know this too as they never seem surprised when Taehyung’s wandering through the office hallways and peeking his head in when he finds him. Or interrupting their classes with an excited grin and wave in the window.

Taehyung finds him this time in the lab despite class being over, eyes wide and focused on the professor standing in front of him. Taehyung frowns, peeking his head through the small window, as he spots the fat tears in Jungkook’s eyes from behind his protective glasses.

His fingers are shaking, tapping insistently on the table. He’s the only one inside and Taehyung considers opening the door to eavesdrop and figure out why the asshole professor is making his Jungkook cry. The professor looks just as distraught, though not as teary, as she explains something carefully to Jungkook with her hands in front of herself.

Things have been fine between them lately, but there’s been this incessant need inside of him to - he doesn’t even know . Sex has never been a big deal to him, he doesn’t thinks it’s because of this, but he’s never wanted to tell Jungkook how he feels before now. He’s never even implored the idea that Jungkook may feel something too, so it’s a conversation he’s been more than happy about not having.

After the conversation at the cafe, it was confirmed. The only love he has for Taehyung is platonic.

And that’s fine, but Taehyung just doesn’t understand. Why would he care so much about who Taehyung loves if they’re just friends? Namjoon had told him Jungkook looked as if he been told frogs were confirmed to be extinct completely when he found out Taehyung loved someone.

He even had Hoseok kidnap and torture Yoongi. Jimin swore on their friendship that Jungkook felt more than platonic.

Taehyung’s never felt so confused and unsure of what to do about it.

Jungkook wipes his eyes when he takes off the protective glasses. The tears don’t shed but there are enough that his eyelashes are sparkling under the bright lights above him. He never cries, but he has been lately and Taehyung worries if it’s his fault.

A gasp leaves Jungkook’s lips when he bumps into Taehyung, waiting for him outside of class. He’s already late, but fuck his fish class, Jungkook is more important. A crying Jungkook is more important than literally anything else in the world.

“Oh hyung,” Jungkook says and then his head is on Taehyung’s shoulder. There are still people around and Taehyung curls a protective arm around Jungkook’s back because he knows he hates when people see him cry.

And people, being the nosy shits they are, look at them with curiosity as they walk by. The pace of the crowd has quickened a bit, but their feet slow when they pass.

“Never seen two bros embrace before?” Taehyung yells, snapping at one girl who probably is more concerned about Jungkook wailing into his neck than the fact that they’re both men. She jumps back, quickly apologizing before looking straight ahead and rushing through the crowd.

“Come on Kook, let’s get some ice cream.”

Jungkook pulls his head back, shaking it. He rubs his palms down his face angrily, rubbing away the tears there. The noise he lets out is frustrated and Taehyung sighs, peeling Jungkook’s hands from his face. “No ice cream.”

Taehyung hesitates, glancing back into the classroom. The professor doesn’t even look their way, doesn’t even know Taehyung is plotting her untimely death. It doesn’t matter what she did. If she has a family. It’s over for her.

“What happened? Tell hyung.”

Taking his hand, Jungkook’s shoulders slump and his head hangs. He doesn’t speak at first, even when Taehyung encourages him with questions and rubs a thumb over his knuckles. He doesn’t speak even when they pass by their friends and they send Taehyung worried glances over the top of other students’ heads.

He doesn’t speak until the air hits them and there are less people in their space. They pass by students tanning on the lawn, despite it not really being hot enough out to do so, and nearly get plummeted with a frisbee before Jungkook speaks.

“It’s happening. The only thing I’ve dreaded since becoming a biology major. The one thing that made me not want to become a herpetologist.”

Oh no. Taehyung freezes. This is way more than an ice cream emergency. Thumbalina won’t do. It will only make it worse. He has no idea what will fix this. He needs to call in reinforcements. All of their friends, even if they probably wouldn’t be of much help, Jungkook’s mother. Maybe he should call his own mother, she’d know what to do.

“This calls for a blow job.”

Jungkook shoves his shoulder into Taehyung’s, face twisting. “Stop. I don’t want my dick sucked when I’m crying.”

Taehyung giggles, swinging their hands. His mind is running over thoughts and ideas to make Jungkook feel better. He’ll definitely have to call his mother, she’s always helped him when it came to making Jungkook feel better. She used to help him bake the bread he liked whenever he got a bad grade in high school, and she’d set up their game room with snacks and pillows on the days Taehyung would call her and ask if Jungkook could spend the night because he fought with his parents.

Taehyung’s mother has always expressed her love for Jungkook and there’s been plenty of times Taehyung’s had to fly across the room before she announced that she’s waiting for the day they marry.

Maybe he shouldn’t call her.

“That always makes it better.”

It’s enough to get Jungkook to laugh but he still looks miserable as Taehyung walks with him through the yard and towards the student center in the middle of campus. There’s pizza there. Some food will make Jungkook feel better while Taehyung searches for Hoseok for backup.

Taehyung regrets his choice the moment they step towards the student center and Taehyung remembers the entire reason Jungkook chose this school wasn’t just because they had one of the best science programs in the entire country, but their team mascot also happened to be a frog.

The whole town has some weird obsession with frogs. At some point, someone explained it to him. Something about the Great Frog Fright back in the 1700s, when every frog came to attack. Taehyung had thought people were messing with him until he visited the town and entered through a bridge covered with frog statutes on each end. They wear scarves during the cold winter, as do the frogs posted in front of some of the family owned shops throughout town, hidden in alleys and in front of every town office.

There’s even the Toad’s Place, a music club that low level artists come to perform at. Jungkook loves it there and swears it has nothing to do with the name.

The city should be called Jungkook Town, really. He was destined to come here.

“Oh no,” Jungkook huffs, pain in his eyes as he takes the large frog in front of the student center doors. “Oh no. They’re so beneficial towards science but what about they’re still a living, breathing species that is also helpful to us while alive. Do you realize that frogs can tell you when something is seriously wrong? Like little fat disaster detectors.”

Taehyung sighs, pulling Jungkook into his arms and hurriedly rushing him past the statue and into the building.

They knew this was going to happen. Jungkook had managed to get out of it in high school because he had been cute with his big sad doe eyes and it was hard to say no to him. (Taehyung also raised a whole lot of hell for the anatomy teacher then and almost got expelled trying to make it so Jungkook didn’t have to do it.)

But it’s here. And it’s college. They’re supposed to be adults or whatever.

“Did you tell your professor? Explain it to her?”

Jungkook nods. “I did. She said if I don’t do it, I could probably still pass the class because my grades are good enough. But it will really hurt my GPA because I’ll be barely passing. My parents will kill me if that happens. It’s the demon controlling my life back at it again, hyung.”

Taehyung sighs as he kisses Jungkook’s temple. He doesn’t know what Jungkook means by the demon controlling his life, but Taehyung will kill him too.

“I’ll go into your anatomy class disguised as you,” Taehyung suggests as he tucks Jungkook into the plushed chairs in the back of the center, “and I’ll dissect the frog for you. It will be hard - but for you, I’d do it.”

“I don’t think that’s going to work. Professor B knows you too well. Remember? You barely left her office freshman year. She teaches the Anatomy Lab this year.”

Taehyung sighs again, plopping his chin to his hand as he sits in his own chair but leans too close to Jungkook’s space. “Make a deal. Haggle. Say you’ll dissect any other animal. Something harder than a frog, like, I don’t know - a leopard.”

“I tried!” Jungkook exclaims and Taehyung takes his hands into his own. “Well not a leopard, but a fish.”

“That’s your problem. A fish isn’t difficult enough,” Taehyung exclaims. “I’ll propose the leopard idea and -”

There’s lips on his own before Taehyung can finish. He feels the sticky, salty wet on Jungkook’s mouth and he pulls himself together, tilts his head and kisses back. His lips drag against Jungkook’s as he cups Jungkook’s jaw, rubbing away the dried tears with his thumb.

The kiss doesn’t last long before Jungkook is pulling back with red cheeks and slumping into his chair. He side eyes Taehyung, swallowing nervously before he sucks air through his teeth and cocks his head to the side. “Leave me here to die, Tae. I’d rather die than live with this guilt and torture.”

Taehyung is fond, so fucking fond as he reaches over Jungkook, probably getting closer than he really needs to, to make sure he has wiped every tear away. “That blow job offer is still on the table.”

He’s going for seductive, trailing his fingers from beneath Jungkook’s eyelid to catch on his bottom lip and he thinks it works when the skin beneath his fingertips redden.

Jungkook sniffles, glancing at him with contemplation in his eyes. “Okay, but don’t mention the tears. Even if I shed more. We never speak of it again.”

It takes a few hours, but Taehyung finally gets Jungkook to look a lot less like his world is falling apart. Though, there are times when Taehyung catches him in the frog habitat, talking quietly to Fred and promising he would never let anyone cut him open and steal his insides for science.

Taehyung’s fond and he wants to kiss Jungkook until all Jungkook thinks about is his mouth and he does, but his friends suck and interrupt them too often. Even if it’s Taehyung’s fault for not remembering that he called in back up.

It’s Hoseok that walks in on them, not bothering to knock. Taehyung doesn’t feel bad when he screams, hands on his face as his body falls to a crouch on the ground like he’s being attacked. Taehyung doesn’t feel bad as he sighs and slides his hands from Jungkook’s shirt to rest back on Jungkook’s knees, watching Hoseok’s tortured state.

Jungkook doesn’t look to care at all, pouting as he twists his fingers back in Taehyung’s shirt to pull him back into a kiss.

Things have changed. Jungkook is still shy, but not as much. He’s kissed him a few times in front of their friends since the cafe, his cheeks only slightly pink. Sometimes, Jungkook will walk by him in the kitchen in the morning and plop a kiss on his lips for no reason. Nothing to do with wanting or just having sex.

It is difficult at times to remember that they’re not dating. Taehyung finds he should admit to Jungkook that this - whatever , means a lot more to him than he lets on. It’ll clear up his confusion. It only hurts his heart a little when Jungkook tells him he loves him, his best friend, but it will be better for his heart in the long run.

Feelings make things like this messy but Taehyung’s been a mess of feelings for Jungkook since as long as he can remember.

Taehyung pulls from Jungkook’s lap as Hoseok whines loudly into the hands he has covering his face. If Taehyung wasn’t used to Hoseok’s dramatics by now, he’d be terribly concerned that something was actually wrong as the sound of his pained noises.

“It’s not that serious hyung,” Taehyung says calmly, shifting a hand under Hoseok’s elbow and helping him stand. “Our dicks are still in our pants.”

Hoseok rips his arm from Taehyung, glancing at his hand in disgust. “Did that touch a dick?”

Taehyung shrugs. It hadn’t, not since Jungkook’s distraction blow job, but he likes the way Hoseok grimaces and flinches when Taehyung goes to touch him again. He yelps, jerking back whenever Taehyung’s arm jets out to poke him.

“You should put a sock on the door,” Hoseok complains, thrusting his hand towards the now opened door. “It’s common decency.”

“You don’t live here,” Jungkook reminds him as he stands, hands smoothing out his shirt. He’s ridiculously attractive in nothing but gray joggers and a white shirt, his hair a mess around his head. His grin is cocky, a look that Jungkook sometimes gets and it’s always too much for Taehyung to handle.

Maybe there’s a demon controlling Taehyung’s life too, he thinks, as he watches Jungkook scratch at his belly and he desperately wants to shove Hoseok out of the apartment and sit back on Jungkook’s lap.

Hoseok scoffs. He’s holding a grocery bag that he lifts, frowning at Jungkook and pulling Taehyung’s eyes from running over Jungkook’s body. “Fine. I’ll leave the ice cream and go. Sorry I thought you might need a friend because rumor has it you were bawling in the hallway after anatomy today.”

Jungkook’s face goes red and he softens as he pads towards Hoseok. Taehyung feels bad for wanting to shove him out of the apartment when he doesn’t tell Jungkook that it was Taehyung who told him he had been sobbing in the hallway. “I’m sorry hyung. Thank you for the ice cream.”

Hoseok flinches again when Jungkook touches him, eyes narrowed suspiciously at Jungkook’s hand before he peels it off. “You should have told Professor B you would dissect something larger. Like a leopard.”

“That’s what I said,” Taehyung exclaims as Jungkook pads off with a shake of his head.

It’s watching Jungkook and Hoseok sitting at the corner, shoving their faces with ice cream and bickering that Taehyung knows what to do. No one says anything about the silence coming from him or if they notice how busy Taehyung’s mind is. No one says anything about the embarrassing smile he wears when he watches Jungkook erupt into a fit of giggles that nearly has him falling off the stool, though Hoseok’s eyes are on him.

Hoseok and Jungkook have been best friends since birth, he thinks. Or at least, long enough that they don’t remember ever not knowing each other. He knows everything about Jungkook. If Jungkook doesn’t tell him something, he knows Jungkook well enough to figure out. From passwords to feelings. His mind is like a Jeon Jungkook expert. The only person that knows Jungkook better than Taehyung does is him.

Taehyung waits for Jungkook to leave, rushing out before he misses his ecology class but stopping long enough to tip Taehyung’s chin into a kiss, when Taehyung strikes.

Moving quickly, Taehyung sticks his hands down his pants before pressing Hoseok into the wall with the same hand. Hoseok shrieks, scrappling to get Taehyung’s hand off of him but he pushes his palm up to his bare skin.

He hadn’t touched himself, just stuck his fist between the material of his jeans and briefs, but it’s worth it to pretend when Hoseok looks like he’s dying. His shoulder rises towards his chin, his eyes clenched closed as he tries to stretch his neck as far away from Taehyung’s hand as possible.

“Get it off, get it off!”

“I need you to tell me something first,” Taehyung says, dropping his voice low enough to be threatening. He’s intimidating when he wants to be. Or at least he thinks so.

Hoseok peers one eye open, fear in them as he whimpers and Taehyung shifts the hand back over to his shirt and away from his bare skin.

“Why did you threaten Yoongi into telling you who I loved?”

“I didn’t threaten,” Hoseok starts, flinching when Taehyung’s finger itches back towards his bare skin. “I simply forced him to stay in my apartment and told him I’d tell Jimin about the ass shrine in his closet unless he told me who it was.”

Taehyung goes still, staring at Hoseok’s fearful face. He’s been inside of every one of Yoongi’s closets, for...reasons. He doesn’t have an ass shrine. He shakes his head. It isn’t important.

“Why? Why did you do that?”

Hoseok shrugs, a grin playing at his lips now. “General curiosity.”

Taehyung sucks through his teeth. “What’s the real reason?”

Hoseok pushes his hand off of him and then shakes his own in disgust, like he’s airing off the dick germs. “It’s something I can use against you in times like this. If you haven’t noticed, I am a fan of blackmail Tae Tae.”

That tracks, Taehyung thinks. “Then why did Jungkook care? He didn’t stop you.”

There is a devilish grin on Hoseok’s face as he crosses his arms and leans back against the wall he had been pushed up against. “Bold of you to assume that Jungkook would be able to stop me from doing anything.”

“He could,” Taehyung says, crossing his arms. “I’m not going to beg Hoseok. You’re going to tell me or I’m going to tell Namjoon that you killed his beta fish and replaced it with another one. Koya is an imposter. His heart is going to shatter into pieces.”

Hoseok’s eyes grow wide. “Jungkook told you that? The bastard. Can’t trust him with a thing! And here I am, trying to take care of his heart and he doesn’t give two shits about mine.”

Taehyung’s breath catches in his lungs. His heart. Hoseok doesn’t notice his reaction as he paces in front of him, rambling on about Jungkook being the worst friend on Earth, maybe even in the Universe.

“Are you in search of a new best friend? I’ve suddenly became platonically single,” Hoseok says, turning around to place his hands on his hips.

“Stay on track,” Taehyung says, grabbing Hoseok’s shoulders to get his attention. “Jungkook. My love. Yoongi’s kidnapping. Go.”

Hoseok grins again, his betrayal temporarily forgotten. “Are we going to finally talk about you being in love with our little frog boy? I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. Too long. I’m starting to get gray hair from it. Treat him right, he has a gentle heart. Have him home by nine. Use a condom. What else?”

Taehyung grunts, fists forming by his sides. Amusement radiates off of Hoseok in waves, drowning out Taehyung’s frustration. “Does he know ?”

“No,” Hoseok says in amazement, laughing. It suddenly slips away and his eyes narrow at Taehyung. “You have to tell him. He’s been tortured for years and as amusing as it is, I do feel kind of bad.”

Taehyung frowns, crossing his arms and tucking his fists into his armpits. “What’s been torturing him?”

Hoseok opens his lips but the front door is opening. Taehyung panics at the sight of Jungkook, wishing to hide Hoseok somewhere as if Jungkook’s going to realize what they’re talking about. He shoves Hoseok as if he is going to hide him, but Jungkook doesn’t notice his best friend tumbling as he dumps his backpack to the ground.

“I decided fuck class,” Jungkook announces strongly, shoulders broadening and chest swelling. “Well, just today. I’m rebelling because I hate this frog killing school. My teenage rebellion years are late but here nonetheless.”

Taehyung sighs, taking Jungkook’s hand to pull him into his space. His heart is racing. He wants to keep prodding Hoseok for information but it isn’t until now he realizes that Hoseok could quite easily run back to Jungkook and tell him everything.  

“I’m so proud of you, baby.”

“Mm, thank you,” Jungkook hums through his grin before pressing his lips to Taehyung’s.

Hoseok makes a gagging noise. “You better tell him Taehyung. He’s going to be heart broken when he realizes him and I aren’t friends anymore. He needs something to make him feel better.And you Brutus .”

Jungkook frowns when Hoseok spits his name at him and pokes an accusing finger firmly his way. “I don’t think that’s the expression.”

With a scoff, Hoseok covers his eyes because Taehyung is curling an arm around Jungkook’s neck to press his giggle into his throat.

“I live right down the hall. I can hear when you fuck. Please have some decency.” Hoseok fumbles with the door knob because of the arm pressed over his eyes. “You guys are so disgusting. I can’t believe it.”

Hoseok manages the door with a loud grunt and they just watch him as he storms out of it.

Jungkook laughs as he ducks and hides his face against Taehyung’s throat. Taehyung’s heart thumps wildly at the idea of telling him; that there’s a piece he’s missing and maybe it isn’t a bad one.

Hoseok wouldn’t tell him to confess if he thought it would ruin his friendship with Jungkook, would he? He’s only pretend cruel. He’s one of the kindest, best people Taehyung knows and he cares deeply for Jungkook. If Jungkook didn’t have feelings for Taehyung, he’d be in a constant state of constipation after Taehyung confessed and it would make things awkward. Hoseok wouldn’t want to do that to him truly.

Jungkook is soft when he pulls away, lips pouting out for a kiss and Taehyung can’t help but comply. He’ll tell him on another day, when he hasn’t been upset.

***

It feels like they’re dating.

Granted, Jungkook doesn’t know what it’s like to date someone. But he’s watched plenty of dramas and romcoms before. He knows enough that it’s like this; holding hands wherever you go and at annoying times when you probably shouldn’t like while driving, sharing kisses in the hallway before separating for class. Lots - lots of sex and cuddling whenever the opportunity arises. Sometimes Jungkook forgets that baby isn’t his name from how often Taehyung calls him it. He might legally change it to that just so Taehyung is forced to call him nothing else.

It feels like dating, except Taehyung and him don’t go on dates. These are friend outings, brotrips, just like they always have done. Jungkook wants them to be dates, but he keeps that quiet. Taehyung’s shown nothing but care and concern for every new thing they’ve done, making sure never to push Jungkook even if Jungkook is desperate for it. Jungkook wants to return the consideration. Taehyung would take him on a date if he knew he wanted one; but Jungkook doesn’t want to go on one if Taehyung doesn’t want to.

No , he really wants to.

“What do you want?” Taehyung asks, peering at the menu propped in front of him. The restaurant is quite nice; expensive. Jungkook would have never chose to come here, though he had been interested in trying it out one day. If he ever became a millionaire.

Taehyung has had this planned all day, a surprise he didn’t let Jungkook in on. It made him nervous but he could think about whatever Taehyung had planned instead of the poor, lifeless frog he had to dissect in class today.

“Meat,” Jungkook says, trying not to cringe at the prices of each dish. Especially the ones with meat. He could eat for a week off this. Even longer if his diet consisted of nothing but microwaved ramen. “Or not.”

“Didn’t you have enough meat today?” Taehyung teases and there’s a foot on his calf underneath the table that’s decorated prettily with a lace tablecloth and a centerpiece consisting of roses and a tall candle.

Taehyung’s spent the entire day tending to Jungkook, worry in his eyes. He woke Jungkook up with a mouth around him, his body a lump under the covers. He made Jungkook breakfast, was there waiting for him after every class. Paid for lunch even though Jungkook wasn’t hungry, stroked him off in the student center bathroom, let him copy his homework this time instead of vice versa.

He hadn’t needed to do anything of that and Jungkook’s heart swells at the thought that Taehyung did it just because he cares about him.

“Please don’t say things like that,” Jungkook complains. His heart lurches into his throat because Taehyung has no shame, no care for public indecency and Jungkook can’t tell if the foot creeping up his calf is a threat or there just to torture him. “It makes me never want to touch you again.”

“Oh really?” Taehyung asks, the candle between them glistening in his eyes alongside his amusement. His foot slides higher and Jungkook clamps his legs shut to hold it hostage.

“Yeah,” Jungkook says seriously but by Taehyung’s grin he knows Taehyung doesn’t believe him. “I’m a vegetarian anyway.”

“Does that mean straight?” Taehyung asks, leaning back in his chair. He yanks his foot back and grips the edge of the table to keep himself from falling. “Because if so, you really fooled me.”

Jungkook chokes out a laugh. He wants it to be a date. He can imagine it. He’s wearing a nice dress shirt that Taehyung picked out for him because he refused to tell him where they were going. Nice dress pants that fit snugly around his thighs. A little too snug, Jungkook had been afraid they might rip when he sat down but he’s convinced Taehyung did that on purpose. Taehyung even combed Jungkook’s hair into a neat style that matches his own.

A date doesn’t have to be as fancy as this, but he’d like that too. He’d be cool with an amusement park date where he could hold Taehyung’s hand on all the high, scary rides he’s afraid of. Or the beach. They can make out under the sun on a sheet across the sand and Jungkook can pretend it’s sunburn instead of embarrassment coating his cheeks.

They could go to a museum or a few. There’s a couple interactive science museums not too far from campus. Or they could just stay in and eat takeout. Jungkook could buy a candle for their coffee table. Pure romance.

“Yeah. I have been meaning to tell you,” Jungkook sighs. “Please support me.”

Taehyung folds his menu and places it on the expensive looking plate in front of him. “I will. My dick is going to miss you. Please excuse me while I go call Joshua.”

Jungkook moves so quickly, the candle light flickers as Jungkook grabs Taehyung’s hand. He glares hard at him. “Not funny.”

A pleased smile fits itself to Taehyung’s mouth. “I thought you weren’t jealous.”

“I am not.” Jungkook is going to stick to that lie until he takes his last breath. He sighs, linking his fingers with Taehyung’s and watching Taehyung’s expression turn from amused to soft. It isn’t Taehyung’s fault for not knowing how much Jungkook doesn’t like the joking about Jameson. He hasn’t told him. “Okay. Maybe a little.”

“I told you, I’m not fucking anyone else and I’m not interested in doing so,” Taehyung says, squeezing his fingers. The expression on his face is suddenly serious. “So, no need to be jealous baby.”

“You take him on dates though,” Jungkook says, dropping his eyes before he pulls his hand away and holds the menu in front of his burning face. Fuck, he hadn’t meant to say that. That’s a thought he’s been trying to keep stuck deep in the farthest part of his brain. “The steak sounds really good. Not a big fan of mushrooms though. Does it come without them?”

“Jungkook -”

“Maybe the chicken. Ah, yes, the chicken sounds real delicious.”

“Jungkook, listen to me -”

“What about the salad? I’m thinking about going vegetarian after all.”

The menu is pulled from his hands and Taehyung is there, eyes wide. He scoffs and Jungkook wants to run out. He isn’t hungry anyway.

“Jungkookie, how many times have you gone to candle lit dinners with Hoseokie? Namjoon?” Taehyung touches the center piece, fingering one of the roses there. His voice softens, his lips tilting up into one of the softest smiles Jungkook has ever seen Taehyung wear. “Also, do you see any other table with roses?”

Jungkook glances around. The closest occupied table only has a candle between them.

“They are my favorite,” Jungkook says, glancing back at Taehyung because he doesn’t know what he’s trying to say. He doesn’t understand why Taehyung frowns and glares at him in response.

He doesn’t get to ask as the waiter approaches and a loud groan sounds around them and tugs Jungkook’s attention from Taehyung.

It’s Yoongi, his face twisted in complaint as he holds a small notepad in his hands. There’s a small, black pointed hat on his head and an apron wrapped around his waist. “Oh jeez. Can’t you guys leave me alone while I’m at work? Isn’t it bad enough I have to witness you suck face and be gross everywhere else? I’m trying to make a living here, man.”

Taehyung lets out a nervous laugh. Nerves are a strange look on Taehyung because he so rarely lets anyone see them. Jungkook used to think Taehyung never became nervous before Taehyung admitted that he’s just good at hiding them. “Oh - I didn’t know you were working tonight, hyung.”

“You’re filthy rich,” Jungkook adds.

Yoongi is still frowning, though when he side eyes the manager at the end of the room, he straightens his back and smiles sickly sweet. “I’m going to poison your food if you make me watch you kiss all night. Trust me. The cook owes me a favor.”

Jungkook wants to bury his face in the roses until the thorns rip open his skin. It would feel better than this embarrassment.

He hasn’t minded the small kisses shared in front of their friends. He likes kissing Taehyung all of the time and sometimes when the urge to kiss him hits, Jungkook can’t ignore it. But his friends suck. He’s sure Hoseok has gone permanently blind by now, or his hands may never leave his eyes again.

“Don’t worry, hyungie, I’ll keep all the dick touching under the table cloth,” Taehyung promises with a sweet smile. “You won’t see a thing.”

Yoongi chokes and gags, turning to bury the sound into the crook of his elbow. “I didn’t say anything about - you know what, just tell me what you want to eat so I can go.”

Taehyung smiles widely as he lists off what he wants, giggling between his words as Yoongi scribbles it all down. “And Jungkook’s going vegan, is that what you said? No more meat? Had too much today, didn’t you baby?”

It’s slow, the way Yoongi’s eyes drag from Taehyung wagging his eyebrows to Jungkook and realization sets in his eyes and makes his nose wrinkle. “Are you talking about dick?”

Jungkook shifts a helpless hand to Taehyung. His face is burning. Taehyung doesn’t often call him baby in front of other people. It’s usually just for his ears and Jungkook’s always been thankful because he’s sure he looks embarrassing when he hears it.

“It’s Tae, he’s always talking about dick,” Jungkook replies. He laughs afterwards, wondering if it sounds awkward or like a plea for help.

Yoongi nods at this, his frown dragging the corners of his mouth down. “That sucks dude. You bring Jungkookie here to confess your feelings to him and he tells you he’s straight?” Yoongi whistles as he cocks his head. “That’s rough.”

It goes suddenly quiet and tense. Yoongi’s eyes shift between them but neither one of them moves.

Jungkook stares at Taehyung frozen across from him, his hands hovering in the air where he had attempted to pick up his rolled up silverware. Jungkook’s heart is loud in his ears. He must have misheard.

There’s a sudden redness to Yoongi’s cheeks and panic in his eyes. His voice rises higher in pitch with every word.  “Shit, I thought that this is what this was. I mean, the roses. My boss said. About this table. Sorry. Forget I said anything. I thought you were someone else. Wow, you look just like my friend Tae, doesn’t he Kook? Who is he? If I go missing, please be more loyal to me and tell the police who did it, Jungkook-ah. Remember all of the things I’ve done for you.”

Taehyung’s eyes flicker to Yoongi and there’s murder in them as he grabs the butter knife placed beside his plate. Yoongi is flying from the table before Taehyung can stand.

He avoids Jungkook’s eyes, continuing to unwrap the rest of the silverware and lay it over his plate. Then Taehyung reaches for the glass of wine he hasn’t touched since they sat down and downs the entire thing in one go.

Jungkook watches as Taehyung fills the glass again, grimacing in time with Taehyung because he hates the taste of wine and wine drunk is the worst.

Taehyung doesn’t mention what Yoongi said so Jungkook doesn’t either, even though it stays printed to the front of his mind. He wants to ask Yoongi want he meant when he comes back and practically throws their food onto the table between them, not giving him the chance to.

The conversation has turned awkward and uncomfortable quickly and Jungkook hates it, because he’s never felt that way around Taehyung before. The main reason he won’t confess is because he never wants to feel that way around him.

He shifts in his seat as he cuts through the mush of whatever the hell vegan dish Taehyung picked out for him. He’s not positive that Yoongi didn’t poison it when he puts it on his tongue and tries hard not to spit it out. There’s a lot of food on the table, but Jungkook had grabbed this one to continue with their meat joke, but Taehyung hadn’t laughed.

“Here, try this,” Taehyung says, the sudden sound of his voice surprising him as he hasn’t said much in the last few minutes. He cups a hand under Jungkook’s chin and drags him close to plop a piece of steak into his mouth. Taehyung smiles softly, his thumb lingering against his bottom lip before wiping away the sauce left behind and pulling away.

“S’good,” Jungkook mumbles. “Wanna switch? This is really good too um, I just figured you’d like it more.”

Taehyung shakes his head as he snorts out a laugh. There’s a lot of plates before him and he pushes up to blow the candle out between them. He takes the flowers and moves them to the side, pushing the plates to where the centerpiece had been.

“Share with me. I didn’t actually get all of this food for myself, I just wanted to watch you suffer eating that first.”

Jungkook sighs happily, pushing his chopsticks into the plate of meat first. “You know. I am happy I tried giving straight a chance but I miss meat too much.”

Taehyung smiles at him, pushing a fist into his cheek. There’s something else in his eyes that Jungkook can’t read, but he’s glad his smile at least is there too. “Thank god. I have a sausage party planned for tonight -”

Taehyung grimaces when Jungkook kicks him under the table, his face twisting in pain. Jungkook wants to hide his face and he does, burying it into the empty space on the table.

“Never ever in your life say that again,” Jungkook says into the tablecloth. “I never want to hear those words leave your mouth again .”

“No?” Taehyung says, letting out huffed laughter that rumbles in his throat. “What about, I was planning on fucking you tonight, Jungkookie. If you’re down.”

Jungkook rips his head up from the table but doesn’t say anything as Yoongi is there again, frozen still with his mouth parted and eyes stuck on the table between them. For a moment, Jungkook is worried Yoongi is frozen for good but then he shakes his head and walks off with the water pitcher in hand and their glasses empty.

“So?” Taehyung asks, quirking up a brow, unperturbed by the trauma Yoongi just suffered because of them.

Holy fuck.

“Yeah. Oh. Um. Yeah. Yes. Okay. Definitely. Sure. I mean, if you want. I’m okay with it. I want to. I mean.” Jungkook grimaces as he hooks an arm in front of himself in a cheer he’s seen old white guys do before on TV. “I’m always down for a good dickin’.”

And death .

Taehyung laughs as he reaches over with his chopsticks again, offering Jungkook more steak. Jungkook’s face feels hot, all previous thoughts about awkward tension and dissected frogs leaving his mind. He laughs awkwardly as he takes the steak into his mouth.

“Okay,” Taehyung says softly, eyes warm and so big it makes Jungkook’s chest ache. “Also Jungkookie, if you don’t realize this is a date, I’m not going to defend you when people call you an idiot anymore. It’s a tiring task and you’re not helping.”

Jungkook stills, cheeks bulging around the food in his mouth as Taehyung busies himself with feeding meat into his own mouth. There’s amusement in his eyes as Jungkook stares at him.

The flowers, the nice clothes, the wine. The feeding. He even ordered for him. He’s like a proper sugar daddy. But Taehyung and him have gone to restaurants before and Taehyung usually pays even though Jungkook insists on it.

“Bros do this all the time.”

Taehyung laughs at that, but the amusement slips from his eyes. “Oh, yeah? So you and Hoseokie do do this often? Do you guys talk about dick and butt touching after too?

Jungkook feels hot. Too hot. He wasn’t ready for this. He wanted a date, and now Taehyung is telling him this is one. Was it planned to be one? Or is Taehyung just saying that now after he accidentally blurted out being jealous about his dates with Joshua? Jungkook laughs awkwardly.

Wrong move, he thinks, as Taehyung frowns.

“Yeah,” Jungkook huffs.

Taehyung quirks a brow at that. “Oh, you do?”

“No,” Jungkook murmurs slowly as he shakes his head. Fuck. Doesn’t his friends know by now not to ask him questions when he’s having a meltdown? His brain never works properly, they know this.

Taehyung snorts. “Don’t think much about it, babe. Here, have another bite.”

It’s an unfair request. Jungkook can't stop thinking about it as they eat through dinner and it’s in the front of his mind when he takes Taehyung’s hand as they walk back home. He tries hard to pay attention to what Taehyung is talking about, something about class, but he can’t.

“Why did you want to take me on a date?”

Taehyung stops speaking, his lips twisting into a frown. “Carry me on your back.”

“Tae -” Jungkook starts to complain but Taehyung is jumping on him before he can fully protest. He doesn’t mind, holding tight to Taehyung’s thighs to keep them snug around his hips.

“Didn’t you want me to take you on a date?”

Suddenly, Jungkook doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. “How did this turn on me?”

“You’re the one that didn’t realize it was a date!”

“How was I supposed to know?”

Taehyung giggles into the crook of his neck. “It was a candle lit dinner at the most expensive restaurant around. There were roses. Don’t you know that roses symbolize romance, babe?”

Jungkook keeps his lips pressed together, unable to respond because true .

Going on a date is a lot more than friends with benefits do. That friends do. Jungkook knows that but now that he’s been handed this information, he doesn’t know what to do with it.

He can’t take off in a run of panic when Taehyung is clinging to his back.

“Is that okay?” Taehyung whispers.

Jungkook huffs out, lifting Taehyung higher up his back. “Yeah. Yep. It’s cool. I just - just didn’t know because you didn’t ask. Sneaky of you, by the way. Didn’t give me a chance to say no.”

Taehyung giggles softly. “Would you have said no? If I asked.”

The only person he knows that is smarter than himself and Namjoon, is Taehyung. Taehyung, who should know that Jungkook wouldn’t say no to a single thing that he asked of him.

“Of course not,” Jungkook admits quietly.

***

Yoongi has given Taehyung zero choice in the matter. He’s taken his freedom away. He’s a dead man walking. Taehyung will give him long enough to say his goodbyes to Jimin before he makes him disappear.

He’s mortified and a nervous wreck. He doesn’t know how he managed to stomach the dinner. It was hard to begin with when Jungkook admitted to wanting a date, but he nearly threw up all over the fancy table cloth when Yoongi blurted out the fact that Taehyung had feelings for Jungkook that he wanted to confess.

And Jungkook. Jungkook never said a fucking word. He looked like a deer stuck in headlights, but never said a damn thing!

It’s so terribly confusing. Jungkook had been wiggling in his seat with excitement and a mess of giggles after Taehyung admitted that he was thinking of their dinner as a date.

Yet he looked like he had tofu stuck in his throat when Yoongi put them and feelings together.

Taehyung has zero idea how Jungkook is going to respond. He was going to confess tonight, somehow, over dinner. That’s why he had called the restaurant manager earlier in the day to request the table near the fireplace, the roses on the centerpiece. But the moment he almost had to, Taehyung realized he wasn’t ready.

But fuck that. He’s never going to be ready. That’s how nerves work. They worm into your brain and make you convinced you can’t do it, or you can’t do it yet, but if you let them stay there you’ll never do it at all.

Fuck.

“I figured since you’ve never done anything, you’d want to try out like a proper date. Not just sex stuff.”

Jungkook nods, jostling Taehyung on his back. Piggy back rides are a common thing for them ever since Jungkook first started lying about being afraid of the dark so Taehyung would walk him home. “Thank you, hyung. I had a lot of fun.”

“Good,” Taehyung replies, turning into goo. A nervous mess of goo. He’s going to melt and ruin Jungkook’s expensive shirt. “We can like, do it again if you want. Sometime. In the future. Tomorrow?”

Jungkook doesn’t respond other than a jerky nod and Taehyung becomes restless, burying his face into Jungkook’s neck to hide his burning cheeks.

Loving Jeon Jungkook is easy but he’s making telling him really fricking hard.

“I don’t go on dates much either. I liked going on this one,” Taehyung admits though he has no idea where he’s going with this. He’s frustrated that he can’t get his thoughts in order to properly do this.

Jungkook deserves grand gestures and announcements of love. Taehyung likes doing those things but he feels like he’d rather whisper it into his ear and then run away.

An embarrassed Jungkook is cute and Taehyung is always fond, but he doesn’t want to embarrass Jungkook with grand gestures. Not for this. He thinks Jungkook needs it gentler, more serious. He’s not quite sure how. Jungkook doesn’t have the past relationships that Taehyung can look back on to see what he he likes, what has made his heart turn a flutter.

“I like - I like going on them with you.”

Another bound of silence and Taehyung swears he’s going to jet pack it out of here.

“Why? Why haven’t you gone on dates before?”

“I’m like a frog, young Kookie. I do not mate,” Taehyung sighs.

No. No, hes failing at this.

Jungkook laughs, easing the bit of tension that’s been building around them. Or maybe the tension that Taehyung has imagined. “Frog mating habits are real douche-y. You’re nothing like a frog. Though, there is one frog that studies show to be monogamous.”

“Really?”

Taehyung could listen to Jungkook talk about frogs for the rest of his life. He can hear it in his voice, the way his eyes shine. Most think a frog voice sounds croaky and like someone has smoked eight packs of cigarettes for twenty years. But Jungkook’s frog voice is warm and excited.

“Mhm. R imitator . They’re real cute too.”

“You’re cute,” Taehyung mumbles fondly. “Really cute, Kookie.”

“Shut it,” Jungkook grumbles.

“The cutest,” Taehyung coos, clamping his knees around Jungkook’s hips to push himself up enough to kiss Jungkook’s temple. “Do you know how cute you are, baby?”

“ Stop ,” Jungkook complains, dodging Taehyung’s kisses. He stops walking, their apartment building only a few yards away and Taehyung hops down from his back, snatching onto Jungkook’s arms to wrestle him still.

It is difficult to say so he wraps around Jungkook’s shoulders and kisses the words into his mouth. He doesn’t care who walks by or if everyone in their apartment building can see.

Jungkook snakes his hands around Taehyung’s waist, holding them together as his head cocks to the side to mold his lips into Taehyung’s. Taehyung feels desperate, but not desperate in a way that usually results in their clothes on the floor.

No, it’s his heart that feels desperate as he cups Jungkook’s face and holds him there so he can kiss over his mouth urgently. Jungkook’s fingers twist into his shirt, knuckles pressing into the bottom of his spine but he lets Taehyung use his mouth as much as he wants.

He doesn’t know how Jungkook hasn’t stitched the pieces together himself Taehyung thinks as Jungkook sighs and he uses his parted lips to his advantage. Inexperienced or not, Jungkook is smart enough to know that this isn’t regular fuck buddy behavior.

“So cute,” Taehyung murmurs, rubbing his lips over Jungkook’s when he parts them and flicks his tongue out to wet them. “Let’s go inside, baby. I wanna tell you something. Will you take a bath with me?”

Jungkook hums, eyes flicking wide and there’s nerves there. He wonders if it’s because of the sex looming in the future. Or possibly not. That might change when Taehyung tells him how he feels.

“Tell me what?”

Taehyung’s stomach is a mess. He shouldn’t have done this after eating. He’s going to vomit. “Just come on.”

Jungkook looks like a lost puppy following after him. His eyes are wide again like the first day they met as he watches Taehyung around the apartment, setting up their bath. He looks as if Taehyung is about to tell him that he’s moving to another country forever and they’ll never see each other again.

“Get in,” Taehyung says as he drops the now empty bottle of bubbles into the garbage. He turns around when Jungkook strips from his briefs to hastily pull off his own.

He guides Jungkook forward with gentle hands so he can squeeze behind him. They’re a bit big for the bathtub; it takes them a few moments to find the perfect position. Water dumps onto the floor as their legs twist together, the water still flowing steadily from the faucet.

Taehyung likes Jungkook against his chest, fitting between his limbs. He likes the easy access to Jungkook’s neck and the way his arms feel wrapped him. Their feet play with each other as Taehyung nuzzles over Jungkook’s neck until Jungkook has to pull away to turn off the faucet.

How Jungkook can’t see how much he feels for him, is beyond Taehyung. Hookups don’t do this lovey shit that Taehyung has to do with Jungkook or else he may collapse from love. His body can’t contain it all.

“I lied earlier,” Taehyung whispers as he rubs his wet hands up Jungkook’s arms to connect their fingers. There’s music playing from the living room and he wishes it was louder to drown out the silence that falls between his words. “The reason I didn’t go on dates is because I only wanted to go on a date with one person and I didn’t think they wanted to go with me.”

Jungkook tenses before he sinks a bit lower in the water. Taehyung feels more confident where Jungkook can’t see him but he also wishes he could see Jungkook’s face.

“I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to date you, hyung,” Jungkook replies quietly.

Taehyung sighs, resting his head back against the cold tiled wall. “Kookie, you know I love you right? You’re my best friend?”

Jungkook slips lower until his head is hitting Taehyung’s chest. He is staring straight ahead of himself and he looks as nervous as Taehyung feels. Like this, Jungkook must surely feel his racing heart.

“I know.”

It’s said in such a small voice that Taehyung cusses at himself. He’s probably scaring Jungkook into thinking something is wrong.

“Sorry, I’m nervous,” Taehyung laughs quietly.

Jungkook pushes up and twists between Taehyung’s legs. There’s concern in his wide eyes. “Why are you nervous?”

Taehyung pushes from the wall and cups his soapy hands around Jungkook’s hot cheeks. He kisses him again, just a soft kiss to ease the tension in his chest.

“I love you, Jungkook.”

“I know,” Jungkook whispers back, sliding his hand over Taehyung’s chest.

“You don’t,” Taehyung says again, keeping Jungkook’s face so close to his own that he won’t be able to look at him. “I’ve been wanting to take you on a date ever since we first met. When I gave you my number, it was because I wanted to ask you out.”

Jungkook’s lips part but Taehyung is suddenly too nervous to look at the rest of Jungkook’s reaction.

“I didn’t go on dates with anyone else because no one else is you.”

There’s a shaky breath passing over Taehyung’s lips and Jungkook doesn’t pull back. His hand is limp against Taehyung’s chest and he knows.

He knows he just fucked up majorly.

“Hyung -”

“I’m sorry,” Taehyung says quickly. Oh god, his throat is growing tight and thick. He really is okay if Jungkook doesn’t have feelings back. That’s fine. But he knows Jungkook is going to feel bad. And he’s going to act weird about it, forever. “I’m sorry but I needed to be honest with you because it’s really hard for me not to show it.”

Taehyung finally pulls back and Jungkook is just staring at him. He looks frozen, worse off than Yoongi earlier. Taehyung’s broken him.

“Well, I blame Hobi hyung actually. He told me to tell you and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since.”

“Hobi knew?”

Taehyung nods, not sure if he feels better or worse that Jungkook’s finally said something. Jungkook isn’t moving away from him, but he’s also stuck between Taehyung’s legs and the edge of the bathtub and probably can’t. Oh god, Taehyung should have told him this somewhere he wasn’t trapped.

“Yes. He told me I should tell you. This doesn’t change anything, Kookie baby. I mean, if you want to stop - that’s fine, of course. But don’t think too much about it okay? I’m glad that you know, but really - I really don’t want this to change our friendship.”

Jungkook is staring at him and Taehyung’s throat feels tighter. He wants to elbow Jungkook until he says something. He isn’t even blinking. He looks zoned out.

“Please say something.”

Jungkook’s brows push together and he reaches out, taking Taehyung’s hand into his own. Taehyung can’t breathe and when he tries, his exhale reveals that there’s tears building.

“You’re saying,” Jungkook starts, staring hard at their clasped hands before he swallows thickly, “you’re saying you love me. Love me in a ‘I want to take you on dates like we did tonight’ kind of way?”

Taehyung nods but Jungkook isn’t looking at him. He’s staring hard at nothing, face crunched like he’s thinking hard about something difficult. “Yes.”

“You love me in a not best friend kind of way.”

Taehyung squeezes Jungkook’s fingers.  He’s talking softly, under his breath and there’s a hint of confusion in his tone. “Yes. Well, I love you as a best friend too. But also more than that.”

“More than that,” Jungkook repeats, finally lifting his eyes to meet Taehyung’s. “Me?”

Never in his life has Taehyung been this nervous. He pulls his hands away to scoop bubbles in between his palms, distracting him from the expression on Jungkook’s face.

It’s unreadable, the way his features twist together and his eyes remain on Taehyung.

“Yes, you ,” Taehyung sighs, frustrated. “God, Kook, how can’t you see how much I’m in love with you?”

Jungkook sucks in a sharp breath and Taehyung makes a noise of frustration, pressing the heel of his hand to his forehead. He isn’t doing this right, but it’s too late, it’s happening. A thousand times Taehyung has played this over in his head, and he should have known it never goes the way you’ve planned.

“It’s so blatantly obvious,” Taehyung exclaims under his breath. “God, I’m pretty sure my love for you pours out of my skin and fills the apartment because there’s too much for it to fit in my body. I’m not trying to make you feel bad, I just don’t get how you seem surprised.”

Jungkook huffs out, a smile forming on his lips but it doesn’t reach his eyes. Taehyung wonders if he’s hurt his feelings. He’s not trying to be rude; he’s just overwhelmed. “Well, you’re no better hyung.”

Taehyung stills. “What do you mean?”

A huff of laughter passes Jungkook’s lips as he looks away. There’s steam floating from the top of the water and Taehyung blames that for how warm his cheeks feel.

“If being oblivious is a disease, it looks like we’ve both caught it.”

Taehyung frowns as Jungkook takes his hands. He can’t breathe when Jungkook presses their lips together. “I love you , hyung.”

Taehyung can’t breathe. His chest hurts, aches, in a way that it’s never hurt before. Jungkook’s eyes are wide again, with worry, like the first day they met.

“I wouldn’t tell you about my crush because it was, because it was you.”

Looking away again, Jungkook seems to curl in on himself. Taehyung hates it. This should be a good thing but Jungkook looks a wreck.

Fuck, he can’t wrap his mind around it. He can’t process Jungkook’s words. He doesn’t look like he’s lying, or teasing. He looks vulnerable and worried.

“Me?” Taehyung says in confusion. “But - you told me you confessed to your crush and they broke your heart.”

Jungkook stands suddenly, and Taehyung panics, reaching for him. Jungkook looks distressed as he steps out of the tub, water pooling on the ground quickly, and reaches for a towel.

“I - I was going to tell you. Hoseok hyung convinced me to and I - I came home to do just that, or try to do just that because I’ve tried a lot and always failed, but you - you were with Joshua and I couldn’t.”

“You remembered his name,” Taehyung says dumbly as he quickly follows Jungkook. He wants to break the tension, to make Jungkook stop looking like he’s about to get his heart broken even though they’re confessing to each other.

Jungkook scoffs, face twisting but there’s a quick flash of amusement in his eyes. “I felt bad about lying to you. I didn’t want to kiss you to learn anything, I just wanted to kiss you. Hobi made that up because he thought he was being helpful and - and I know it was a lie and I shouldn’t have gone along with it. I hadn’t meant to, hyung, I promise.”

Taehyung can’t fucking believe this. He grabs Jungkook by the towel he tries to tie around his waist and pulls him close. Hoseok is such a shit. “Why didn’t you tell me after?”

Jungkook frowns. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I’m an idiot,” Taehyung breathes, their noses touching. God, Jungkook loves him back. “I told Jimin-ah once we’re destined to be together. Can you imagine, us two idiots together?”

Jungkook nods, cupping Taehyung’s neck. “I have, a thousand times.”

Taehyung inhales sharply before he kisses Jungkook.

It’s different. Taehyung has always kissed Jungkook with the intention of making Jungkook feel how much he loves him, but it’s different now because he knows. They exchange shaky exhales as their lips move together, soft murmured confessions between them. He doesn’t know how Jungkook didn’t know, how it’s possible for anyone to be oblivious to such obvious affection.

“I’m sorry,” Taehyung says as he cups Jungkook’s cheeks before slotting his lips against Jungkook’s parted ones. He sucks softly, causing Jungkook to breath harshly from his nose as his fingers flex against the side of Taehyung’s neck. “You had a broken heart when you shouldn’t of.”

Jungkook hums as he rubs his other hand up Taehyung’s damp, bare back. “My heart always broke a little when you were with someone, hyung.”

Taehyung’s chest aches . He swears he wasn’t expecting this pain when he planned to confess. He doesn’t know how many times he’s hooked up with someone else in front of Jungkook, and it’s hurt Jungkook whenever he did.

He was with other people to forget about the want he had for Jungkook and the whole time Jungkook was wanting him so badly it hurt his heart.

“Fuck, we’re so stupid,” Taehyung says and he kisses Jungkook harder.

Jungkook breathes loudly but he doesn’t pull away enough to catch his breath. He holds Taehyung so tightly, he’s sure his bones might snap. Taehyung wouldn’t care, doesn’t care.

“Tell me you’re being honest,” Jungkook says as his hand slides to Taehyung’s jaw so he can kiss at his neck. “Please tell me you’re not messing with me.”

“I’m not,” Taehyung promises, tilting his head and looking at the ceiling above them as Jungkook’s lips latch hard onto his neck. “I promise, Kookie baby.”

Jungkook moans softly, teeth nipping into Taehyung’s neck as his fingers dig into his jaw. He tries not to think, not to think other than the fact that Jungkook loves him as their damp bodies curl and twist together. The steam from the tub and the movement has Taehyung’s skin hot, burning, quickly building sweat so Jungkook’s hands slip over his skin when he attempts to grip instead.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung moans softly when Jungkook presses him backwards, his towel forgotten on the ground. Something - maybe the towel rack, digs into Taehyung’s back as Jungkook cages him in with two hands beside his head.

His mouth is sinful. Truly, Taehyung’s never believed that Jungkook’s never had experience. The first few kisses were hesitant and a bit awkward, but Taehyung had cashed that up to be more about nerves than inexperience. Jungkook sucks down the base of his throat, his lips soft but his teeth harsh.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung says, breath hitching as he knots his hands into Jungkook’s hair. He made out with Jimin before, but Jungkook had been so drunk that when Taehyung asked him about it the next day, he barely remembered. He doesn’t think that counts, especially because it looked as if Jungkook were trying to chew off Jimin’s face. “Was I really your first kiss?”

Jungkook pulls back, lips red and swollen but he doesn’t move away. “No.”

“Oh, than you’re a really good actor. You really fooled me,” Taehyung teases.

Jungkook’s face crumples in a complaint as he swats at him and pulls away, his frown growing. “Shut up.”

“Just kidding,” Taehyung laughs but Jungkook is taking off in a run.

He has to be careful not to slip on the slick floor before he darts out of the bathroom to find Jungkook. He doesn’t have to look for long as Jungkook is right outside of the door and grabs for him the moment Taehyung exits the bathroom.

“I don’t really have that much experience. I wasn’t really interested in kissing or doing anything more with anyone until I met you. I shouldn’t have lied but I - I really wanted to kiss you. I’m sorry.”

Taehyung sucks in a breath as Jungkook touches him lightly, eyes searching over his face. “I don’t care, Kookie. We have to send Hoseokie a care package.”

Jungkook laughs but it doesn’t last long as he kisses Taehyung again. He’s being honest, he doesn’t care, barely considers it a lie. He doesn’t ever want to stop kissing Jungkook; he could spend the rest of his life doing so.

But he has to when Jungkook’s guiding him to the bed and sinking down. His breath catches, legs spreading as wet skin rubs uncomfortably against Jungkook’s comforter. He catches his fingers into Jungkook’s hair, wanting to pull him back into a kiss because he doesn’t think he can handle this.

It’s too much, the look of Jungkook’s hands spreading across the inside of his thighs. It’s too much when Jungkook’s lips catch on the skin by his knee, his mouth opened to press hot kisses there. It’s too much when Jungkook looks up at him with want in his eyes.

Taehyung swallows, fingers cascading down Jungkook’s cheeks. His eyes flutter shut, embarrassed before he trails kisses against Taehyung’s skin.

Since dinner, the quiet around them is welcomed. It isn’t tense or awkward, but heavy with want and a pinch of desperation. Taehyung breathes heavily, cock hard and curved between his legs from just a few kisses and touches and the sight of Jungkook mouthing at the skin between knees.

“Come here,” Taehyung begs quietly, fingers scraping over Jungkook’s shoulder to urge him up but Jungkook isn’t listening. His breath catches as Jungkook’s kisses go higher, his cheek skimming over the underside of his cock. “Fuck, want a kiss. C’mere and kiss me, Kook.”

There’s a shit eating grin in Jungkook’s eyes. “Okay,” he says before turning his head and brushing his lips over his cock.

Fuck, Taehyung breathes, thighs clenching around Jungkook as Jungkook tilts his head and parts his lips over the width of him, his tongue rolling in circles against the vein there. They’ve only done this once before, and it had been filled with more laughing and embarrassed noises from Jungkook than anything else.

“Have - have you been practicing?” Taehyung huffs as Jungkook’s tongue flattens and drags over the length of him.

“No,” Jungkook murmurs, hands cupping over Taehyung’s thighs as he lifts himself enough to mouth at the head. “Just thinking a lot about it.”

Overwhelmed, Taehyung hooks an arm over his eyes and falls backwards onto the bed. Pleasure rips down his spine as warmth engulfs his dick, the wet heat of Jungkook’s mouth making his stomach clench.

It sounds obscene, Jungkook’s heavy breathing and the slick sound of his mouth. Jungkook’s voice is raspy and hoarse when he pulls off and Taehyung moans just from the sound of it.

“Don’t hide,” Jungkook whispers, vulnerable sounding again as he climbs onto the bed over him. “Please.”

Taehyung makes a noise of complaint as he pulls his arm from his face and wraps it around Jungkook’s neck again.

It isn’t their first time, or Jungkook’s, but it feels like it as their kisses are hesitant and experimental now. He follows Jungkook’s lead, wanting him to set the pace as he prefers. Even if it’s maddeningly slow when Jungkook takes his time kissing over Taehyung’s skin.

His patience doesn’t last too long before he’s hooking his legs around Jungkook’s to flip them. “Don’t be greedy,” Taehyung murmurs, smiling as he ducks down to kiss Jungkook’s chest. “I want to kiss you, too.”

Jungkook exhales shakily, hand cupping the back of Taehyung’s neck as he kisses across his chest. Jungkook’s sensitive, responsive to the slightest touch. It makes Taehyung fond, warm, watching Jungkook turn desperate with every kiss against his skin.

“Hy - hyung,” Jungkook hiccups out as Taehyung bites down against his chest, tongue flicking around his nipple. “ Tae .”

Taehyung pushes up, hands on each side of Jungkook’s torso. “What baby?”

A groan leaves Jungkook’s lips. “Did you really - really take me out to confess?”

Stilling, Taehyung searches Jungkook’s face but it doesn’t reveal anything as it twists together and his eyes close. Taehyung leans down, pressing a kiss just below Jungkook’s chest. “I did. Do you want me to stop?”

“No?” Jungkook says quickly, pushing up from where he rests back. “No, I just, can’t stop thinking sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry,” Taehyung says, smiling against Jungkook’s skin. “Tell me what you’re thinking about, baby.”

It’s difficult for Jungkook to talk about things. He prefers the dark, but with the opened curtains and the lights from the street outside, Taehyung isn’t sure if it is dark enough for him. He busies himself with kissing across Jungkook’s stomach, wondering if keeping his eyes diverted will work as well as the dark does.

“I’m just - oh, I’m just trying to work it out in my head.”

Jungkook moans prettily, though quietly when Taehyung’s teeth scrape over his skin, teasing.

“Work out what?” Taehyung murmurs, trying to sound as casual as possible even though his heart is thumping hard in his chest.

They’ve been best friends for a long time, both in love with each other. He knows how busy Jungkook’s mind can be, and it’s almost amusing that he can look so stressed while his hips weakly work up against Taehyung’s chest.

“You - you liking me,” Jungkook stutters out, hips rubbing up against Taehyung’s chest before Taehyung pulls away. His hips don’t stop, cock twitching into the air.

He takes a moment to trace his palms over Jungkook’s thighs before spreading them. Jungkook isn’t looking at him, an arm curled over his face despite not letting Taehyung lay like that, his bottom lip twisted beneath his teeth.

“Loving you,” Taehyung corrects gently, tracing his finger between the seam of Jungkook’s thigh and ass. Jungkook’s thighs clench closed, the muscles dancing and bulging beneath his skin. “Why is it hard to believe?”

“Because - fuck, because, I thought you were dating Joshua.”

Taehyung huffs out a laugh, watching as Jungkook frowns in response. “You’re going to bring him up now ?”

“No,” Jungkook complains, refusing to move his arm. Taehyung doesn’t make him as he continues tracing Jungkook’s skin and appreciating the way Jungkook shivers and bucks his hips into the air. He’s leaking, cock swollen against his belly and Taehyung wants to touch, but he resists.

“We went on one date,” Taehyung tells him, “and that was to the pet store to buy you a damn frog, okay? It was barely even a date, there was no hand holding. No kissing, not until you came home.”

Jungkook pulls his arm away to peek at him. When he catches Taehyung looking at him he quickly buries his face back under the arm. “Okay.”

Taehyung laughs, leaning down to kiss Jungkook’s thigh. “What else?”

“Nothing,” Jungkook whines. “I’m so hard, hyung. I don’t want to talk anymore.”

“Are you? I didn’t notice with you humping the air like this.”

Jungkook grunts as he kicks Taehyung in the side. He looks embarrassed when he sits up and wrinkles his nose in a fake growl when Taehyung wraps a hand around his own stomach and laughs.

“I take it back, you’re a jerk,” Jungkook huffs as he climbs off of the bed. He doesn’t stray far, going for the nightstand as he pulls out a new bottle of lube and chucks it aggressively at Taehyung. “We were having a moment.”

“I’m sorry,” Taehyung chuckles, watching Jungkook’s pretend pout struggle to stay on his face as amusement fills his eyes.

He thinks even if Jungkook hadn’t felt the same way, the tension wouldn’t have lasted long. It’s easy being around Jungkook, even when it’s not. Their few fights have never lasted long, even if they’ve seemed serious at the time. They’re both playful, down to joke when the situation becomes too stressful.

Even now, with nerves clear in Jungkook’s eyes, they vanish in moments where Jungkook is playful and wrestles Taehyung back onto the bed.

“Jerk,” Jungkook huffs, nipping at Taehyung’s neck.

“I’m just teasing,” Taehyung promises. “It’s hot, Kookie, how badly you want it.”

Jungkook’s eyes widen for a moment before he tucks his face into the crook of Taehyung’s neck. He breathes shakily and Taehyung rubs his palm down Jungkook’s spine.

“Don’t be shy,” Taehyung whispers, rubbing at the back of Jungkook’s neck before he kisses his temple. “You know you can stop at any moment.”

“That’s not it,” Jungkook murmurs, lifting himself to kiss Taehyung’s cheek. “I want you, Tae, please.”

Taehyung is a sucker for Jungkook and couldn’t say no if he tried. He’s back to not breathing as Jungkook pulls up on his knees, hands curling around his cock to squeeze around the head before he’s climbing off.

He can’t breathe when Jungkook rests on his stomach beside him, groaning softly as his hips lift and he rocks against the sheets.

It might be embarrassing how quickly Taehyung moves, but he doesn’t care. He settles himself between Jungkook’s legs, trying to catch his breath as he takes in the sight of him. Their skin has dried, leaving patches of damp, dark material across Jungkook’s bed. Taehyung’s hands are shaking just as badly as Jungkook’s legs as he rubs off against the sheets, making the bottle of lube slip between them and worsen the state of Jungkook’s sheets.

Taehyung breathes deeply through his nose as he pours lube into his palms. He knees further up the bed, pushing Jungkook’s legs farther apart so he can lean down and press a kiss to the bottom of his spine.

It’s just a brush of his lips but Jungkook gasps in surprise. Taehyung nuzzles his skin there as he cups his cheeks and thumbs between them.

He wants to take his time but Jungkook is already rutting against the sheets. He guides Jungkook’s hips upwards so he can’t. Jungkook groans lightly as he buries his face back into the crook of his elbow.

Taehyung remembers the first time he bent over for someone like this, the first time he bent over for Jungkook like this. How exposed he felt. He knows it’s embarrassing so he doesn’t say anything, only slips his fingers between Jungkook’s cheeks to rub experimentally.

Jungkook chokes out a noise when Taehyung nuzzles his face against his cheek, circling his rim with one finger. There’s red creeping down his back, spreading across his shoulders and Taehyung wishes he could see it on his neck and chest.

He likes how red Jungkook gets.

“You’ve done this before, right?” Taehyung says into Jungkook’s skin as he nudges a finger against his rim. Jungkook tenses but Taehyung doesn’t push his finger forward, just teases.

“Yeah, please hurry up.”

Taehyung doesn’t. He goes slow, kneading Jungkook’s skin before he easing his finger forward. Jungkook is quiet, letting out small huffs with every curl of the digit. His muscles tense so harshly Taehyung is afraid they may break, so he whispers out soft encouragements as he uses his free hand to rub away the tension.

Jungkook is quiet until Taehyung’s pushing a second finger along with the first. He’s quiet until he’s not, fingers twisting into the sheets as he presses his body back against Taehyung’s fingers.

“There?” Taehyung murmurs, kissing Jungkook’s ass cheek. He rubs his hand down Jungkook’s back, adding pressure to the bottom of his spine to pull him back against his fingers. “Good?”

“Yeah,” Jungkook gasps, clenching around him. He’s no longer hiding into his elbow, but his cheek pressed into one of the pillows that he grabs onto tightly. “Yeah, hyung. S’good.”

“Really good?” Taehyung teases and Jungkook’s nose wrinkles in response.

It goes slow, though the desperation grows between them. Jungkook grows louder as well, his small huffs turning into long groans and sharp exhales. His moans are pretty, making Taehyung’s skin hot and his fingers snap a little quicker as they move inside of him.

It’s when Jungkook pushes up on his hands, back arching and hips working down against Taehyung’s fingers that he pulls away. “Hyung, please.”

Taehyung follows the movement, lining his chest to Jungkook’s back and grabbing his hips. He’s hard and aching between his legs and his body stutters when his cock rubs against Jungkook’s lubed skin. “Do you want me to fuck you now, Kookie baby?”

Jungkook groans lightly as Taehyung reaches in front of him and takes his cock into hand. He’s wet from the tip to the base and Taehyung shutters, breathing against Jungkook’s skin. “Don’t move.”

Another noise of complaint as Taehyung chuckling fondly as he climbs to the nightstand and snatches a condom. He clenches his teeth when he touches himself, pleasure sparking through him. He doesn’t think he’ll last long but he wants it to be good for Jungkook.

His hands are shaking again as he pours lube onto his cock, spilling more onto the sheets so that they no longer have to be cleaned but probably trashed and replaced. His nerves are back though he doesn’t understand them. Jungkook is tense again as Taehyung guides himself between his cheeks and curls an arm around his chest.

“Good?” Taehyung asks, rubbing his lips over the side of Jungkook’s neck as he rubs his cock against his rim. “Do you want to stop?”

“No,” Jungkook huffs, turning so his lips knock against his cheek. He holds the hand wrapped around his chest and Taehyung kisses the soft corner of his mouth before pushing forward.

It’s slow and Jungkook hisses. Taehyung cups his jaw, curling him further into him so he can kiss him properly as he eases forward. It’s an awkward angle for kissing but he savors the way Jungkook pants and moans into his mouth. It’s slow, but it’s good. Jungkook’s brow stitches together as he grabs Taehyung’s thigh tightly, urging him forward.

It’s good, when Jungkook’s tongue slips between his lips and he bottoms out. He likes being wrapped around Jungkook like this, their bodies touching as much as possible. Pleasure ripples like waves as Jungkook clenches around him and rocks his hips.

“Please move,” Jungkook whispers, eyes flicking open wide but they’re dark and unfocused.

“No, not yet,” Taehyung murmurs, reaching forward to curl his fingers around Jungkook’s cock. “Relax, first.”

Jungkook exhales sharply, eyes fluttering shut as he rests his head back against Taehyung’s shoulder. His legs are trembling as Taehyung strokes him loosely. He rolls his hips when Jungkook moans, shifting inside of him.

He likes the angle, hooking his chin over Jungkook’s shoulder to watch his cock dribble onto the sheets. It’s enough for him and he pulls back, easing forward just as slowly.

He doesn’t stop the agonizing pace until Jungkook is pulling from his arms and pushing his hands into the mattress. He grabs Jungkook’s hips, moaning softly at the desperate curl of Jungkook’s hips. His ass curves, muscles sharp under his skin as he takes Taehyung. Taehyung grips onto him, eyes focused on the reddened, swollen muscle wrapped around his cock.

“Fuck,” Taehyung whispers, pulling Jungkook back onto him. Jungkook’s loud, choked moans muffled into the pillow. He never is loud and Taehyung fucking loves it. “You feel so good.”

Jungkook hums loudly, roughly. Sweat pours down his back, his skin the reddest Taehyung has ever seen it.

He grips into Jungkook’s ass cheeks, fingers pressing into his skin as he smacks his hips forward. Jungkook huffs out, but his fingers twist into the pillow and he pushes back to meet each thrust.

It’s no longer slow, but just as fast and desperate as Taehyung feels. The bedroom feels just as filled with steam as the bathroom had as Taehyung rocks forward, orgasm building quickly.

Jungkook whines loudly when Taehyung pulls away. “Turn over, Kookie, please.”

There’s no complaint in his expression, only an overwhelmed, fucked out look as Jungkook rolls for his back. Taehyung doesn’t give him much time before he’s crowding on top of him, one hand reaching for his leg and the other guiding his dick forward again.

Their kiss is more teeth than anything, but Jungkook clings hard to him as Taehyung fucks forward. He can hear it in the chant of moans Jungkook lets out that he’s close. They grow in pitch, his body tightening around Taehyung.

Taehyung shifts his lips into Jungkook’s neck, kissing over the bruises left behind. Jungkook clenches hard around him, letting out a sharp, quiet cry as his hips buck hard against him. There’s fingers sharp in Taehyung’s hair but he doesn’t mind, following with where Jungkook is pulling him onto go.

Their teeth clack as Jungkook guides their mouths together. Taehyung’s mouth catches on his chin as Jungkook tilts his head back, body arching and trembling as he comes between them. It makes Taehyung’s breath catch in his throat, his hips fucking forward faster.

Taehyung pulls back, hooking one of Jungkook’s legs around his hips as he plants the other to the low of his belly. He rocks forward quickly, biting back the moan that builds in his chest as he nears orgasm.

It doesn’t take long for Taehyung to follow and he grips hard into Jungkook as he thrusts deeply, his groan coming out muffled from how hard his lips are pressed together. Jungkook’s legs clench around his hips as Jungkook pushes forward, easily manhandling Taehyung backwards without pulling away.

The position makes an ache in Taehyung’s legs but he quickly straightens them as Jungkook pushes him back and kisses him. He rolls his hips down just as fast, milking out Taehyung’s orgasm as he kisses at each one of his moans.

“Holy shit,” Jungkook breathes, nipping hard at Taehyung’s bottom lip.

“Good?” Taehyung asks, trying to catch his breath but Jungkook isn’t giving him the chance. He’s a heavy weight on top of him and he grows sensitive, but he doesn’t want to pull away from Jungkook. Taehyung doesn’t think he can. “Was it good?”

“Yeah,” Jungkook huffs, their noses rubbing. He kisses Taehyung just like he always does after sex; desperate and eager like he’s already ready to go again. Taehyung doesn’t mind, smiling as he curls an arm around Jungkook’s neck so he can kiss him deeply.

Jungkook pulls away first, hissing softly as he pulls himself from Taehyung. He doesn’t move too far away though, clinging to Taehyung and kissing him even as he tries to pull off the condom and throw it away.

“Don’t leave,” Jungkook says when Taehyung climbs from the bed.

He says it a lot and Taehyung wonders why he would think Taehyung would ever leave him, especially after sex since he never had. He doesn’t look worried, more suggestive, but Taehyung’s heart clenches. “I’m not, baby. You’re clingy after sex, you know.”

Jungkook wrinkles his nose despite Taehyung’s fond tone. Taehyung doesn’t take too long to throw away the condom before he’s slipping back onto the damp, lube covered sheets that they should probably change before laying in. But it can wait when there’s a whole nother, clean bed in their apartment.

“It’s cute,” Taehyung promises as Jungkook rests on his side next to him. “We should sleep in my bed unless you want to clean this tonight.”

Jungkook shakes his head as he throws an arm over Taehyung’s bare waist. “Kiss me?”

Taehyung nods, leaning forward to brush his lips against Jungkook’s. It isn’t quick or rushed this time, just a slow dance until Jungkook pulls away.

“I’m thinking again,” Jungkook admits quietly, doe eyes back as he scooches closer to Taehyung. His skin is starting to cool and they should really move, but the vulnerable look is back in Jungkook’s eyes. “How long have you? For me?”

Taehyung thinks about this. He’s been trying to figure that out. He’s always been interested romantically, but there was never a moment where he had a revelation or anything of the sort. “Loved you?” Taehyung says first, because he thinks Jungkook needs to keep hearing it. “I don’t know. I always have.”

Jungkook nods, exhaling with puckered lips. “Same.”

“Samesies,” Taehyung jokes and Jungkook’s pinching his hip in retaliation. His skin is starting to cool, his sweat drying uncomfortably to his skin.

“Shut up. I’m still struggling.”

“I know,” Taehyung murmurs softly, smiling as he traces a finger down Jungkook’s cheek. “I’ll tell you as much as you want until you believe it.”

“I do believe it,” Jungkook says, eyes latched onto Taehyung’s mouth. “But at the same time, I’m in disbelief.”

Samesies , Taehyung thinks to himself as he guides his finger under Jungkook’s eye and then traces down his nose. “Did something happen for Hoseokie to finally decide to intervene?”

Jungkook’s eyes go wide before he rolls over and practically scrambles away. For asking Taehyung not to leave, he sure looks eager too as he looks around the ground for his briefs, forgetting that they had taken their clothes off in the bathroom.

“No, why would you say that?”

Taehyung laughs, sitting up as he watches Jungkook stare helplessly at the underwear free ground. “Because you’re freaking out right now.”

“I started freaking out after you asked that, so nice try.”

“ Jungkook .”

“I had a dilemma okay,” Jungkook says defensively as he pulls open one of his drawers like he just realized they’re in his room with his clothes, “a dick dilemma.”

“A dick dilemma,” Taehyung repeats, still laughing as he swings his legs from the bed. They’re a bit shaky, but he can stand. “Please elaborate.”

The red cheeks are back, Jungkook flustered as he pulls a pair of Spongebob briefs on that Taehyung had bought for him as a gag gift a few years ago. “You don’t know what it’s like to live with you. I’m sure if anyone else were here, they’d have the same dick problem.”

“What do you mean?” Taehyung laughs, bending back as he reaches for Jungkook’s hot cheeks.

“You know,” Jungkook huffs, waving a hand at nothing. “I kept getting hard at the worst times because of you.”

Taehyung feels his chest swell with pride. “Because of me?”

Jungkook’s expression is one of distaste. “Yes, you. You’re a demon who likes to suck on pencils. In the middle of class. What is up with that?”

Taehyung barks out a laugh. He swears he’s never felt euphoria like this before. “I do not suck on pencils.”

There is no humor, only offense in Jungkook’s eyes. “Oh yeah? This is you.”

He brings a finger to his mouth sideways as if to mimic said pencil, wrapping his lips around it before his face twists in pleasure and he moans, louder than he did even when getting fucked. It’s obscene the way he licks at his own finger, making Taehyung both amused and kind of aroused. Sue him.

Taehyung shoves him gently. “I do not do that.”

“You do,” Jungkook argues. “It’s really distracting. I’ve been considering stealing all your pencils.”

Taehyung gives Jungkook a teasing grin as he moves into his space and grabs the band of his briefs to snap it back against his skin. “Was this during class that I deep throated a pencil?”

Jungkook looks away, shy again as he curls an arm around Taehyung’s waist. “Yes.”

Taehyung’s grin grows in pride. “When you give your presentations, you were thinking about me like that?”

“Yes,” Jungkook complains. “It’s not funny. It’s embarrassing because Hobi hyung thinks I’m into frogs now.”

Taehyung places his laugh onto Jungkook’s pout. “You shouldn’t have told me this, Kookie. You know I’m going to use this against you. What kind of best friend would I be if I didn’t?”

Jungkook’s eyes grow wide in understanding and panic as Taehyung walks backwards, eyebrows wagging.

“Come on, lets sleep in a clean bed.”

“Hyung! You better not use this against me. I take everything I said back. I don’t even know who you are.”

Jungkook rushes after him but Taehyung grabs him when he emerges into Taehyung’s bedroom. He presses Jungkook against the door and presses a hard kiss to his pout. “You’re so cute, Kookie. Don’t you know how much I love you?”

Jungkook softens, grinning. “I’m gonna need you to keep telling me, if you can.”

“Of course,” Taehyung promises.

***

The music is loud around them, leaking into the den from the busier part of Yoongi’s house. Smoke filters through the air, the pungent smell hitting Jungkook’s nose with every breath he takes. The crowds of bodies filling the small room makes it warm, but it’s the body in his lap that has Jungkook’s skin feeling hot.

There’s fingers at the back of his neck, playing idly with the hair there. Taehyung isn’t looking at him, eyes wide and full of offense as he argues with Hoseok.

Jungkook smiles to himself, resting back some to watch the expressions in Taehyung’s face. Whatever they’re talking about he’s passionate about it; thick eyebrows stitched together and lips moving so fast that Jungkook can barely keep up.

He turns those glaring eyes on Jungkook and softens immediately. His nose wrinkles as he laughs and he rolls his eyes before leaning forward to kiss him.

It’s nice. The demon controlling his life has fucked off somewhere, hopefully for good. Though he feels as if that demon is just Taehyung; the lip locking demon who practically deep throated a pencil the other day while Jungkook stood in front of everyone. Jungkook had choked and the professor looked scandalized, but Taehyung just sat there with a smug smirk on his lips.

Jungkook loves him a lot.

“Are you listening?” Taehyung asks, eyes searching over Jungkook’s face as his thumb comes up to rub Jungkook’s bottom lip.

“No,” Jungkook admits with a laugh.

“I, speaking on the behalf of myself and the rest of our friends,” Hoseok announces loudly, a tinge of annoyance in his voice as he waves an arm to indicate all of them, “must say this is really gross and we all regret working together to get you two together.”

There’s an outcry of argument, Jimin and Hoseok claiming they’re more responsible than the other for getting them together. Yoongi complains to himself, eyes up towards the ceiling like he’s praying to someone. Jin argues too, but Jungkook thinks he’s just doing it to argue and Namjoon looks like he might die.

They all suck and Jungkook loves them a lot.

“You think I want to take credit for this? I’m losing my eyesight. I’m too young for this,” Hoseok exclaims at Jimin, whose lips are pouted in argument.

“You’re the one who manipulated Tae into kissing Jungkookie!”

“Manipulated!” Hoseok shrieks, a hand flying to his chest in offense. Taehyung’s laughter vibrates against Jungkook’s neck as Jungkook wraps his arms around his waist and pulls him closer. “Manipulated! You’re the one that told Yoongi hyung. You should have known he would squeal.”

“I literally would have never done that,” Yoongi says, “but you held me up for ransom.”

Hoseok scoffs. “I wouldn’t. No one would pay a cent for you.”

The arguing continues for a few minutes, turning into less annoying tones and more laughter. The couch no longer feels like the tattered couch of misery, but the tattered couch of friendship. Or something.

“Anyway,” Hoseok huffs, glaring hard at Jimin before turning onto Jungkook, who watches on with fondness. Taehyung is nibbling against his jaw and he knows like always, they’ll slip out of the den before the others. “Is it true that you’re into froggy style, Kook? That’s what Tae said.”

“I did not,” Taehyung grunts as he pulls his touch from Jungkook’s jaw. “I asked you if you thought Jungkook would kill me if I started referring to doggy style as froggy style.”

Jungkook takes it all back. He hates them. Hoseok is bright with amusement, cackling loudly as he claps his hands in front of him.

“That’s two different positions,” Namjoon interrupts. He holds his hands out in front of him, a fist in front of his palm before he curls his fingers over the back of his fist. “Froggy style is like, you gotta get up there a bit more.”

“What?” Jin exclaims, eyes wild and Jungkook is leading Taehyung off his lap so he can make a quick getaway before they notice how red his cheeks have become.

He needs a drink. He needs new friends.

Someone calls after him as he rushes out of the room, finally giving into his urge of panicked running. He knows Taehyung is following after him because he can hear his devil’s laughter but Jungkook still yelps when an arm curls around his waist and a chest presses up against his back.

“For someone who always asks me not to leave, you sure do a lot,” Taehyung murmurs fondly in his ear. “Should I have not asked Hoseokie if you were into froggy style?”

“No, you shouldn’t of!” Jungkook exclaims in misery. He has to waddle with the way Taehyung clings to him, but he doesn’t want Taehyung to let go. “He’s never going to let me live it down.”

There’s lips and a vibration of a laugh against his neck as Jungkook waddles towards Yoongi’s kitchen. His chest fills with a lightness that only comes around being with Taehyung; a feeling he’s grown quite addicted to.

Maybe he’s always been addicted to that feeling, but it’s different now Jungkook thinks. Stronger, better.

Jungkook arches his neck as much as he can in search of Taehyung’s lips but he gets a gasp instead as he walks into the kitchen and bumps into a hard body, something wet splattering against his shirt. Taehyung pulls from him to grip his hips, keeping him steady as Jungkook apologizes to the person in front of him.

Joshua.

Oh god, Jungkook has to leave. He should have never gave up on his dreams of living his life in solitude.

“Oh, Jerome, I’m so sorry.”

“Joshua,” Joshua corrects with a grin. His drink covers the cuff of his shirt and drips onto the ground as Joshua bends backwards as not to get it on the rest of his clothes. “Don’t worry about it Johnathan.”

Jungkook wrinkles his nose as Taehyung laughs behind him. Taehyung and Joshua still hang out together and Jungkook pretends not to burn in jealousy every time he sees them together. Not that he thinks bad things, but he’s still trying to grasp the fact that Taehyung loves him back and some habits are hard to break.

“Jungkook,” Jungkook corrects.

“I know,” Joshua says, smiling more as he clasps Jungkook’s arm. “Hey Tae, see you around.”

Taehyung’s laughter grows as Joshua exits the kitchen and it doesn’t stop even when Jungkook glares at him and pouts his lips. That usually works, though it does earn him a chuckled kiss to his nose. “Stop laughing at me.”

“No,” Taehyung says as he squeezes Jungkook’s cheek. “You’re so cute, baby.”

“Am not,” Jungkook grunts, curling his lips but Taehyung’s look only grows fonder.

“You are. It makes my heart feel like it doesn’t fit in my chest,” Taehyung says, softening as he warms his palms down Jungkook’s chest. “You have a dick dilemma and I have a heart dilemma. A Jungkook dilemma.”

Jungkook rolls his eyes at that. “Not original,” Jungkook murmurs jokingly as Taehyung’s breath skates over his lips. “And don’t make fun. The best thing that ever happened to me was my Taehyung dilemma.”