Archive of Our Own ^beta

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The house was quiet – far too quiet for Taehyung’s liking, the stillness of the night forcing his eyes open after a fruitless battle against his own restlessness. It was late, the night reaching an ungodly hour when the world breathed a sigh of relief as everything came to a soft standstill. He had a big gig tomorrow after classes got out and both Yoongi and Seokjin needed him well rested so they could rehearse and make sure their new drummer was equipped to perform; he really should’ve been asleep, but despite his best efforts his mind continued to swim as his gaze drifted from the darkened ceiling to stare at the man lying beside him. Carefully, Taehyung’s eyes traced every corner of his bare, sculpted body; memorizing every detail as he lay with his arms draped over the musician’s hips while their legs lay tangled together, locking them to each other that if Taehyung so much as breathed too deeply he was sure the man would stir.

Jungkook looked so pretty when he was sleeping, Taehyung thought, eyes moving from the body of SNU’s most talented volleyball player to his cozy face. His long lashes lay perfectly still atop his sleeping expression as his lips were pulled into a peaceful pout that Taehyung just wanted to kiss. The long strands of his hair fell beautifully atop his bare skin as the lip and eyebrow piercings – that always drove Taehyung crazy – glowed in the pale moonlight. Even as he slept, Jungkook looked like an absolute dream; it should be illegal to be as good looking as he is.

It stung that this athlete wasn’t his to permanently hold.

Taehyung’s eyes drifted to the clock on the bedside table, reading the time as 4:15am and inwardly groaned. There’s was no way he was getting any sleep tonight, lips pulling themselves into a bitter, thin line as his mind was filled with nothing but Jeon Jungkook.

They’ve had their arrangement for a while now – about three months to be exact but Taehyung wasn’t counting. Jungkook was the most popular boy in school and the best setter the volleyball team has ever seen. He was cocky on the court and a bit of a flirt, sure, but he was also kind, charming, boisterous for his passions and adored by all.

Many looked up to him while others severely envied him.

He was truly the perfect poster child for SNU – their precious golden boy and it showed. Hordes of fans followed Jungkook around day after day, the staff always showered him in praise even if he didn’t know them, and the school’s constant support was present at every home game and fundraising event.

It was practically impossible to get close to him without being jumped by his fan club.

The only reason Taehyung was even remotely associated with him was the fact that Park Jimin, his childhood pen-pal and family friend, was the setter’s talented libero. Jimin had introduced them after practice one day as the pair agreed to walk home together after Taehyung’s rehearsal. At the time, Tae was a brand-new transfer student after he quit the private college his parents had initially enrolled in him, and Jimin was eager to get his dear friend acquainted. His and Jungkook’s introduction was brief – a mere hi and a wave before it was cut short by their shared friend eager to go home and crash after a long day. But since then, each time he’d catch Jungkook’s gaze either in passing, when he’d meet Jimin for lunch, or after practice, he could feel those eyes linger for just a second too long.

Tae honestly didn’t notice at first, only catching on after Jimin invited the guitarist to one of their games a few weeks after Taehyung had transferred – them all being in their second year of university at the time.

It was during the last seconds of a break between the first and second sets when it happened; Taehyung was rushing back to his seat after going to the restroom, eager to get back to game but was immediately pulled aside underneath the bleachers by some bullies. It didn’t matter that he didn’t know them, they spared no time in calling him names and hurling insults that made Taehyung roll his eyes, their insecurities clearly showing with each word that left their mouths. He could handle hate being thrown at him – he dealt with it all the time at his old school for being “different,” a taunt or two barely fazed him.

But when they started putting their hands on him and degrading the people he was hanging out with – his new friends and bandmates Seokjin and Yoongi, his childhood friend Jimin, his new acquaintances Hoseok and Namjoon, and of course their star-studded setter, Jungkook – he saw red. Despite only knowing some of them for a short period of time, he wasn’t about to let these losers drag their names through the mud just for the sake of it. One thing led to another and suddenly Taehyung was punching the leader of this rattail group square in the jaw – the blow landing with such force that Taehyung broke a few fingers from the impact and knocked a few of the bully’s teeth out too. Some onlookers caught sight of it and campus security immediately rushed to the scene. The guitarist was escorted out of the game, eye-lined gaze pulled into a glare but when he accidentally turned to catch a glimpse of the court as the game resumed, his breath hitched when he saw Jungkook staring right back at him; gaze so intense it sent shivers down Taehyung’s spine.

From that day, Taehyung was painted by the university as a delinquent all because he stood up for himself when someone dared to come after the people he cared about.

Jimin tried to get people to understand, to show that Taehyung wasn’t the one who started the altercation, but the guitarist told him to drop it after a few weeks of no luck. People were going to believe what they wanted to believe and frankly he could care less. Taehyung didn’t give too shits about people labeling him as a rebel – if it would get them off his fucking back they can call him whatever they liked. They judge before even trying to know who he was – labeling him as a “bad kid” all because he wore black leather clothing in different styles, adorned endless silver jewelry, painted his nails, had tattoos and piercings that endlessly multiplied, and always had his signature eyeliner on. He didn’t fit their normalcy and that was the whole fucking point. Call him a delinquent, rebellious, unruly, intimidating— Taehyung didn’t care.

So long as the people he cared about were okay, he could handle anything the world threw at him.

Time flew by and despite his reputation, Taehyung would go on to achieve his dream of having his band with Seokjin and Yoongi take off – becoming well known in their university and even winning competitions with their unique sound. A Muses Influence was all Taehyung ever wanted and though his ‘reputation’ followed him everywhere after that one fucking night, nothing could bring him down.

Afterall, here he was accomplishing the goals he set out for himself, had an incredible group of friends, a family who listened and supported him, and of course he’s been fucking the school’s adored Jeon Jungkook for months now.

Taehyung’s eyes grew distant as he recalled that night, his heart turning bittersweet.

It was during Baekhyun’s annual frat party, the gathering being a big welcome for the new freshies scheduled to be indoctrinated into the frat and to also celebrate the last days of summer before the new school year began later that week. And as always, with Jackon’s and Kai’s help, the party was a big success, even more so since Taehyung’s successful band performed for the first half of the celebration as a favor to their seniors till their DJ arrived. They devoured the stage with their performance, leaving the crowd roaring with cheers as their final song ended. Taehyung remembered the buzz he felt as Baekhyun’s speech closed off their show, how he welcomed the new batch of freshmen with a toast and how the party was merely beginning; after all the starting line of Tae’s senior year was upon him and he, Seokjin, and Yoongi were going to celebrate the finality of their college careers with a bang.

He honestly didn’t remember how many drinks he had that night, the whole party feeling like a blur after getting off that makeshift stage in the frat’s backyard. But if there was one thing Tae did remember, it was the chaos that ensued when Jimin burst through the door of the frat house with the entire volleyball team trailing behind him, crashing the party merely half an hour after their performance ended. Everyone got far too rowdy way too quickly and with so many drunk, potentially high, and unruly college kids crammed into this one frat house all while being starstruck by their school’s local celebrities, it immediately became too much.

Even the fucking campus police were called to intervene!

But despite all the chaos Taehyung found himself nursing a drink alone in a faraway corner of the overcrowded living room. He had no idea where Seokjin nor Yoongi went, merely watching while Jackson, Kai, and Baekhyun tried to get the campus police off their back. But as his gaze continued to drift across the crowd of bodies, his eyes unintentionally locked with Jungkook’s who was staring right back at him. The setter’s stare was commanding – reminding the elder of how he looked when he was on the court: focused and profound, itching for that singular goal of victory. It took him back to that day when he had left the game after injuring his hand and he unintentionally flushed red under Jungkook’s intense gaze. Despite that he gave the younger a tipsy grin, lifting his drink in a silent cheer before downing it all in one go, relishing in the burn of the alcohol as it swam down his throat.

He didn’t bother turning to look back at the younger, already deciding he wanted to leave; Taehyung was frankly getting tired of the party and was too drunk to be trusted not to do something stupid, especially around their university’s, attractive, golden child. After tossing his empty cup in a nearby bin, the guitarist did his best to squeeze his way through the large crowd as he looked for his bandmates, muttering apologies over the music as he wandered through the frat house. But he didn’t get far as he was soon pulled from the crowd and dragged into a darkened hallway. He barely caught sight of who was caging him to the wall before he was trapped in a hungry, feverish kiss.

Jungkook, ridiculously drunk and solely acting on impulse, had followed Taehyung into the crowd, something within him snapping as that yearning for the musician boiled over – having him act out of pure desire as he made out with the guitarist. And Taehyung? He’d been touch starved for so long after his last relationship burned him that despite the confusion swirling in his drunken brain he merely let it happen cause Jeon Jungkook was ridiculously hot, and he won’t lie and say he hasn’t thought about kissing the younger at least once.

To this day he still couldn’t believe that the Jeon Jungkook had made out with him that night – staining that pedestal he sat on in a matter of seconds. And as the minutes passed, with the pair drunkenly making out with each other, using more teeth than tongue, Taehyung found himself beneath the younger atop a mattress in some random room getting fucked into next week. It was an intense night of passion, pleasure, and intimate connection. So much so that Taehyung was shocked to wake up the next morning alone in a cold bed, Jungkook nowhere to be seen. He didn’t think it’d be more than a one-night stand – he wasn’t stupid, they went to a party and got drunk after all; they were merely indulging in their momentary desires. But… with all the sweet gestures the setter did and how he even indulged him in aftercare despite their many rounds of intercourse, Taehyung thought that maybe Jungkook was different.

Yet he ended up being wrong, the cold truth smacking him across the face as his heart sank, hating that he was envisioning himself as merely a good fuck for the school’s golden boy as he left the trashed frat house. After that day, Jungkook said nothing about what had happened between them that night, pretending that nothing occurred each time they passed each other in the halls or were trapped together in conversation between their shared friends. And despite the sting it left in the guitarist’s heart, who was Taehyung to confront him? No one had seen them slip away together at the party nor did he have any remaining evidence to back it up. Plus, a scandal was something he quite frankly didn’t want to deal with.

Afterall, Jungkook was – or at least portrayed himself as – straight. Having the founder and lead guitarist of the college’s best indie band, who was also widely disliked by his peers, come out and say they fucked would’ve sent an uproar throughout the entire school. And while Taehyung could take the daily belittlement from his peers, he simply didn’t want the smoke that came with that future. So, he continued to go about his life, trying to forget about his intense and loving night with Jungkook.

Weeks flew by and Taehyung was beginning to move on from the ordeal, busying himself with producing new music for the band, scheduling gigs at local pubs and venues to get their foot in the door with paid, public performances, and of course tackle his schoolwork as the beginnings of his final year of college commenced. But one night as he sat alone in his off-campus apartment, eyes glued to his handmade sheet music and scribbled sheets of lyric that were scattered across his living room as the rain poured mercilessly onto Seoul, a knock was heard at the front door.

Tae went to open it without a second thought, thinking it was his hyungs who were either checking in or needed to borrow something. But when he pulled back the door and saw Jungkook standing there, soaked from the rain and panting as if he had run there, all those memories from the frat house were pulled from the safe the elder had locked them in. Taehyung’s breath hitched as he quickly ushered the setter into his apartment, immediately looking around to see if anyone saw him before locking the door behind him. But before the musician could even question why the younger was there, Jungkook was pouncing on him and kissing him senseless, it left Taehyung breathless as his tummy immediately swarmed with butterflies.

Though unlike when they were drunk, Taehyung regained control and pulled away soon after letting himself indulge in Jungkook’s lips after being without them for weeks; immediately asking the younger what the hell was going on, unable to handle all the mixed signals he was receiving. Embarrassment coated Jungkook’s features from the callout, but Taehyung didn’t back down, merely crossing his arms over his torso as he leaned against his front door, patiently waiting. Jungkook bashfully explained that he couldn’t stop thinking about the elder since their intimate night at Baekhyun’s frat, mentioning it wasn’t even supposed to have happened in the first place, but he just couldn’t control himself. He saw Taehyung standing there, lost in the daze of the party and looking so pretty – he merely couldn’t resist.

Taehyung’s face bloomed in a pretty blush but despite feeling bashful, he asked why the younger left him alone the morning after, stating that though he didn’t expect him to stay after a hookup, a heads up would’ve been nice so he didn’t look like a fool walking out of the frat alone. Jungkook bit his lip as he struggled to put words together, but Taehyung was patient, giving him all the time he needed to say what he wanted. The setter explained to him that he’s been struggling with his sexuality lately, not feeling fully straight but not entirely gay either and that it’s been difficult to process alongside his popularity, practices, and everything else going on in his life. But when he saw Taehyung at the party something in him just clicked. Through drunken desperation he merely acted on his desire and when he awoke the next morning he was mortified by what had happened. Taehyung’s expression softened as he heard Jungkook’s confession. As a fellow queer, he knew the difficulties of coming to terms with your sexuality, let alone having the courage to openly explore it!

So, with a deep breath, Taehyung offered a suggestion that changed everything.

He proposed that the pair hook up again, noticing how wide Jungkook’s eyes instantly got as he listened. It was rather cute. Taehyung laughed as he loosened up, explaining that this would give the setter the freedom to explore this other side of him without prejudice. Obviously, it would be no feelings or strings attached since the pair hardly knew each other despite their shared friend group; but he was willing to help Jungkook learn more about his sexuality, if he wanted him to that is. And though the setter merely ran to Taehyung’s house in a desired frenzy after his late-afternoon practice in a desperate attempt to feel his lips on his again after daydreaming about them for weeks, he didn’t think the musician would willingly suggest they hook up again.

It left him in a shocked daze, looking at Taehyung in awe.

The guitarist gave him a soft smile, telling the setter to think about it and that there was no rush to decide. Though he recommended that he stay there for the night as the storm didn’t look like it was clearing up anytime soon. Flustered, Jungkook nodded as the elder let him freshen up in the bathroom with some spare clothes Tae had hardly worn as the younger was still soaking wet in his practice ware.

What Taehyung didn’t expect was that after Jungkook had freshened up – after the conversations they shared over delicious ramen while the storm raged on, that when the hour got to late they found themselves easily falling into each other once more; Jungkook wasting no time in having Taehyung all for himself. And the guitarist wouldn’t lie, having Jungkook so intimately again had merely been a daydream he’d fall into during class – wanting but never pursuing as the weeks passed by.

But here he was indulging in their school’s prized volleyball player after yearning for him; it was as if the universe heard his plea and granted his wish.

That one night altered everything the elder thought he knew about Jungkook. And when Taehyung woke up the next morning thinking the entire evening was merely a dream, only to find himself locked in Jungkook’s strong embrace, he could never forget the summersault his heart made. It had really happened – and it kept happening. What started off as a meet up every week to let Jungkook explore and try new things, quickly turned to seeing each other every other night; the pair were never able to get enough of each other. So much so, that the setter would often spend the night at Taehyung’s after their intimate time together, always eager to be close to him even though they agreed their arrangement was supposed to have no feelings attached.

And as the guitarist lay there watching the hour tick towards morning after another passionate night with the Jeon Jungkook he knew that deep down he had failed his heart. Because as he watched the sun’s soft golden rays fill his bedroom as Monday morning graced him, he had broken the very rule he established that first night Jungkook arrived at his apartment.

He had fallen for him so fucking badly.

Every waking moment his mind was filled with Jungkook; from his bunny-like grin to his scowl he wore when he ate good food, the cute mole under his lip that Taehyung loved to kiss and his large doe eyes that always held endless questions to them, his intense concentration during his volleyball practices accompanied by his excitement when sharing different plays and strategies, his eagerness to learn about the guitarist’s interests and curiosity for anything new he uncovered, his bottomless desire when ravishing Taehyung while simultaneously being the one thing the musician can’t get enough of.

He should’ve known that this would’ve happened; he’s a fucking idiot for thinking it wouldn’t, that he would be unaffected by Jungkook. They made a pact – they agreed not to develop feelings as Jungkook explored being queer; this rule wasn’t one to break. Yet Taehyung did it anyway. He hated himself for it, after all he already came to terms with the harsh reality that Jungkook only saw him as a friend and a good fuck. That’s all they would ever be – they agreed to it after all. Besides, the setter had lines of people practically dying to date and have him as their romantic partner, Taehyung couldn’t compare to them. Afterall, the younger had too much going for him to settle for the elder; so, despite the ache in his heart, Taehyung let his thoughts ruminate before gently shaking the younger awake, recalling how Namjoon wanted him at campus early so they could practice a new combo before next week’s game.

And as the younger’s drowsy eyes pulled themselves open, whining as the sunlight filled his vision while his grip tightened around Taehyung, he knew that he was too far gone and that perhaps… it was time to let go before he trapped himself in a cage he couldn’t will himself to leave.

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“You alright Taehyung-ah?” Yoongi asked as he tuned his bass, fingers twirling his favorite lotus guitar pick as he locked eyes with the younger, noticing an immediate shift in Taehyung’s posture as he walked into the familiar abode.

“‘m fine hyung…” Taehyung trailed as he paced to the other side of the elder’s garage, turning on the loudspeakers and tweaking the dials as they waited for Seokjin and their new drummer to arrive. Their old bandmate had graduated last spring, the frat party being his last gig with the trio before completely breaking ties. Taehyung was grateful for everything he did for them and thankfully they hadn’t been that busy with gigs as the year just started. But being short a member wasn’t exactly ideal, especially since they only had a few hours till their show that night; honestly Taehyung needed his mind to be distracted with his band and the work he put into it – not the bunny-setter that he had unintentionally fallen in love with but his mind kept drifting to him and it frustrated him to no end. And frankly it was difficult to hide.

“Don’t lie to me, you know it never gets you anywhere and it’s clearly written all over your face that you’re not okay. Talk to hyung, you know I’m always here to listen.” The elder reassured as he gently set his bass down, leaning against a nearby table as he waited for Taehyung to say something.

But as Taehyung pulled himself away from tweaking the loudspeakers, cursing as a sharp shock flew through his fingers from the dials, his mask faltered – hating that he couldn’t hide anything from Yoongi. The elder had always being able to read him no matter how many faces he hid behind. It was honestly infuriating.

“There’s nothing wrong hyung, truly there isn’t!” he exclaimed with a scowl, anger boiling into something else as he fixed his posture.

“Then?”

Taehyung sighed, “It’s just my dumb and irrational feelings, nothing more…” Yoongi raised a brow at that before taking a cautious jab at the younger, not trying to force him to say anything he didn’t want to but giving him the space to do so if he wanted.

“It’s about Jungkook-ah, isn’t it?” Taehyung flinched at his name and the sight had Yoongi immediately concerned. He and Seokjin had unintentionally found out about their ‘relationship’ when Jungkook had accidentally left one of his jerseys at Taehyung’s after a hookup. It was painful having to explain everything to his hyungs especially with what could happen if word got out; but he trusted his hyungs to keep it a secret and they did – never mentioning it unless they were alone and away from the watchful eyes and prying ears of their peers.

But lately whenever the pair asked Taehyung about how things were going, the younger had been acting strange. He quickly dismisses the topic, brushes it off with stating that they’re ‘fine’ and that there’s nothing to really talk about; but the two knew better and Yoongi was seeing it once again as his dear friend physically reacted to hearing the younger’s name.

Something definitely happened.

“Tae…” Yoongi began but Taehyung immediately shook his head, biting at his bottom lip that pulled at his snakebite piercings.

“There’s nothing to talk about, hyung. I simply let myself sink into a pit that I can’t escape from – something that I shouldn’t even have done in the first place!” he exclaimed as he turned to his electric guitar, throwing the strap over his shoulder as he began to tune it, knowing that Seokjin would arrive soon.

“You fell for him.” Yoongi stated, making Taehyung immediately stop before a deep breath escaped him, looking at his hyung with intense vulnerability; Yoongi didn’t even recognize Taehyung when he saw the expression he wore.

“Badly. I fell so fucking hard hyung.”

“Oh Taehyung-ah…”

“And you know the worst part?” He questioned with a dry laugh, “No matter what feelings I have for him, nor what I want us to be I know I can’t fucking have him. He’s the face of SNU – the university’s golden child and the best setter the volleyball team has ever seen! He’s got the passion, the looks, the popularity – he’s going places hyung; he even already has drafts scheduled with professional teams for when he graduates! Why on earth would he ever consider being with me?”

“Don’t say that—”

“But it’s true! Ever since I went to that stupid game two years ago and knocked Jiwon’s fucking teeth out for talking shit I’ve been seen as the delinquent of the school, someone people stay away from if they know what’s good for them! What would that do to him – to his future if he decided he wanted me? I can’t do that to him hyung, I don’t want him to risk losing everything he worked so hard for.”

“And what if he doesn’t care about all that? What if he just wants you?”

Taehyung scoffed, “Then he’s a bigger fool then I thought…”

Before Yoongi could counter the boisterous laugh from their lead singer echoed from the front yard, a series of honks reaching their ears signaling that Seokjin and their new drummer had arrived. Taehyung was quick to continue tuning his guitar, shooting his hyung a look that screamed ‘keep your fucking mouth shut.’ And though the bassist merely scowled at the younger, he didn’t say anything – keeping his expression neutral as Seokjin walked in with a familiar face right behind him.

“You’re late, hyung.” Yoongi stated as he walked towards him, Seokjin merely rolled his eyes as he greeted him, throwing his arms around the bassist in a casual embrace before waltzing over and doing the same with Taehyung.

“Hardly, Yoongi-ah! We said meet at 3PM and here I am, right on time!”

“Barely.” Seokjin scoffed before turning to introduce the male behind him, “That’s beside the point! You’re already making a terrible impression on our newest member Yoongi-ah!”

And as the pair continued to argue, Taehyung gently placed his guitar on its stand before walking over to the stranger who towered over him by two inches. But as he extended his palm out in greeting, a sudden wave of recognition washed over his face, making him stop in his tracks. “H-Holy shit! Bo-gum hyung, is that you…?”

Bo-gum gave the younger a surprised, small grin as he chuckled, “T-Tae-ah…! It’s good to see you again.”

Immediately, Yoongi and Seokjin stopped their insufferable bickering, now paying attention to the conversation between their band’s leader and newest member. “Wait— Taehyung-ah you know Bo-gum-ah?”

Tae nodded with a gulp, memories of him and Bo-gum crashing into him like heavy rain. It’s been three years since he last saw him. They were lovers during high school, and they even went to the same private university together back in Daegu. Though their relationship was strong, it had always been Taehyung’s dream to leave his small town and go to school in Seoul to pursue a career in music. And when he finally got accepted to SNU at the start of their sophomore year, they broke up. It was rough, words were said – things they didn’t mean that tarnished anything salvageable of their relationship. The guitarist honestly hated how things ended as Bo-gum was a special person in his life for such a long time, but everything happened so long ago that he barely bothered to remember those days.

Yet now that his ex-lover was standing in front of him, aged beyond what he remembered, everything came rushing back.

“We went to high school together and even university before I moved here from Daegu. W-What are you doing out here, hyung? How are you even here?”

“I uh… actually just transferred to SNU.”

Taehyung’s brows rose as a soft scoff escaped his lips, “Seriously? Last I checked you had no desire to leave Daegu.”

Bo-gum lazily shrugged his shoulders, expression turning soft despite Taehyung’s hard rebuttal, “I wanted a change. Everything back home was a constant drag, and it grew old seeing the same sights, people, and scenes day after day. So, I thought why not go to Seoul? It was always your dream to leave Daegu for this city and make it big with your own band. I thought it was time to finally see what made it so special – what you saw in it, and take a chance for my last year of university.”

Taehyung hated how his hardened expression cracked from Bo-gum’s words, perhaps he still had a soft spot for the elder. After all Bo-gum was his first love and that connection was hard to let go despite the years they spent apart.

The tension between the pair grew thick, easily seen by their fellow bandmates who gawked in disbelief. But despite the unease coated in nostalgia, Taehyung couldn’t deny that he was happy to see Bo-gum, shoulders deflating as he sighed. He could be civil with him – it’s been years after all, and they hardly were the people they were back then.

Perhaps it was time to let himself heal by learning about this new Bo-gum and truly let the old one go.

“Show me what you got hyung. You better not have gotten rusty after all this time.” Taehyung stated, gesturing to the drum set on the far side of the room. Bo-gum gave him a playful grin as he followed and though there was some slight hesitation at the start of his playing, Bo-gum quickly adapted – being just as talented as Taehyung remembered.

“Wow! You’re even more promising than I thought you’d be! And here I was nervous for tonight’s gig.” Seokjin exclaimed as the elder finished, Bo-gum giving the lead singer a bashful smile, not used to the praise.

“You’re a natural, you should’ve transferred sooner.” Taehyung rolled his eyes from Yoongi’s comment as he ordered everyone to get in their positions so they could practice their set list for the evening, not overly fond of the situation.

Despite the sudden surprise trip down memory lane, it was practically seamless how easy Bo-gum adjusted to their group dynamics, quarrels, and musicality; he was the perfect new addition to their little band even if he was Taehyung’s ex-lover. And as they all began cramming into Seokjin’s SUV to head to the venue to set up, Taehyung found himself casually falling into conversation with his ex as they caught up on lost time.

“Wait, wait, wait— since when were you a fan of The Rose? You weren’t quite fond of them when I would show you their music.”

Bo-gum laughed as he they took a sudden sharp turn, Seokjin shouting apologies as Taehyung accidentally landed onto the elder’s lap from the force. His cheeks flared bright red, immediately fixing his posture once the car stabilized. The drummer gave him a fond smile as he answered. “Just after you left. I won’t lie, I got curious about them. Especially since you raved about them and Day6 daily.”

“So now you know how good they are, right?” Taehyung asked with a raised brow, trying to be intimidating but failing to do so with his cheeks still stained pink. Bo-gum chuckled before pulling out his phone and handed the younger an untangled earbud – a silent offer that had Taehyung’s heart racing. And despite his brain screaming at him to deny, to pull away due to their tarnished memories, his heart quickly dove into that familiarity. He sighed as he popped in the earbud, recognizing the tune of You’re Beautiful by The Rose as it filled his ears.

Taehyung gasped as he heard the song, recalling the adventures, experiences, and emotions associated with it. Seated beside one another like this, barely any distance between them, with this song playing between shared earbuds, it took the younger back to those days. Afterall, he’d have the elder constantly play the track whenever they were together – it was their song despite Bo-gum not really liking it that much. Those walls that Taehyung reinforced the second he saw his ex easily crumbled as the song continued to play, the younger missing the shared look his hyungs exchanged as they watched the scene unfold.

“Y-You still remember this song?” He whispered in shock, surprised that the elder recalled the track as both nostalgia and sorrow filled his heart from the memories.

“You only played it every chance you got, Tae-ah! Of course, I do… and like back then, despite the years that passed, the lyrics still hold true.” And as those words fell from his lips, Taehyung’s favorite verse played.

‘Beauty’s just the state of mind. You don’t even have to try. Don’t let them tell you otherwise. You’re beautiful I’ll tell you why.’

Red flared across Taehyung’s face, immediately noticing Bo-gum’s subtle flirting hidden underneath the nostalgia that came with their old bond. Unfortunately, the younger couldn’t do anything about it – not even given enough time to acknowledge it as they arrived at the venue, the bar already beginning to thrum to life as the sun’s setting glow veiled downtown Seoul.

And though their performance was an immediate success, Taehyung’s head refused to let go of Bo-gum’s words; his actions throughout the night didn’t help either. He would wink at Taehyung or give him a soft grin when he turned to look at him as they grooved on stage. He’d marvel at how gravelly his voice had gotten whenever he and Yoongi would do backup vocals for Seokjin. He’d whistle whenever the crowd would praise him as their leader. He’d hover close by when they’d take a short break in between songs and even assist Tae with fixing his eyeliner after being smudged by the heat of the stage, recalling just how the younger loved to have it after years of doing it for him. With each gesture – every touch and expression made toward him, Bo-gum slowly consumed the entirety of Taehyung’s mind, so much so that the arm placed around his waist as they left the bar felt nothing short of natural; the pair easily falling into their dynamic from back when they were lovers. It honestly drove Taehyung crazy. And as they pulled into Yoongi’s garage after the gig ended, Bo-gum effortlessly gave his new number to Taehyung, telling him that he'd love to catch up more before he hopped into his own car, pulled out of the bassist’s driveway, and left.

Taehyung stood there in the driveway, phone screen still lit with the elder’s brand-new contact, with his mouth agape as he watched Bo-gum drive away; brain dizzy from the events of the day. Both Yoongi and Seokjin gazed at the younger in concern as they began cleaning up for the night, “Taehyung-ah? You good?”

“What the fucking hell was that…” Taehyung trailed as he ran a hand through his dark locks, pink already staining the tips of his ears from seeing his ex after years of being separated.

“You two seem oddly close—” Seokjin began only to be interrupted by a loud groan coming from Taehyung, startling the male from its volume.

“You have no fucking idea.” The younger grumbled before making his way back into Yoongi’s garage and grabbing his backpack from the nearby table, face still burning as he pulled out his keys and riding gloves before throwing on his padded leather jacket.

Seokjin smirked at the younger’s words, “Ooh~ so there’s history hm? Do tell Taehyung-ah~”

“Don’t fucking push it hyung, I mean it!”

“You’ll have to share eventually, Taehyung-ah! He’s our new bandmate after all and if you’re not going to tell, we know he will!”

Taehyung merely flipped Seokjin off as his hyungs laughed, “Good night to you too, our fearless leader!”

“See you tomorrow and you better message when you’re home Taehyung-ah!” The younger merely ignored them as he threw on his helmet before turning the keys of his motorcycle and drove through the busy streets back home – hating how his entire life was thrown upside down all within a single afternoon.

The drive didn’t help ease the guitarist’s rampant mind, no matter how much he wished it would. He never thought that Bo-gum would come back into his life after years of them being apart, how could that even happen?! The thought gave Taehyung a headache as he entered his apartment, eager to decompress from the day and try to forget all about it. But as he messaged his hyungs of his safe arrival home and he went about his nightly routine, saying goodbye to his iconic eyeliner for the evening, a sudden string of chimes from his phone caught his attention.

But as he stared at the notifications glaring back at him, he froze when he saw who they were from.

Jungkook 👑🏐(you can’t have him): Hyungie! Did you have a good day? I’m sorry for not chatting much, practice has been insane lately 🥺 Are you free Wednesday night? I want to see youuuu🥺

Bo-gum 🥁🖤 (you already had him): Tae-ah! It was amazing getting to see you again and becoming the newest member of your band. I know it’s been years and despite the rocky ground we left our relationship on, I had a lot of fun tonight. There’s this new record store I saw right by campus that I’m sure you’ll love. If you’re up for it, do you want to explore it on Wednesday before rehearsal? I heard that they’ve got The Rose’s new album in stock, my treat 😉

“Fuck.” Taehyung muttered as he let his head fall forward.

He was royally screwed.

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“Remind me when you transferred again, hyung?”

Bo-gum hummed as they began browsing the record store, the elder sticking close by as the younger eagerly explored, always loving a good record shop and the drummer knew that well. “It was only last month that everything got finalized over.”

Tae nodded as his eyes drifted around the store, “Still a film major?”

“You bet! But I’ve been taking a minor in music too.”

“I figured… it’s been too long for your skills to not have been the slightest bit rusted.”

The elder smirked and raised a brow, “Surprised, Tae-ah?”

Taehyung shook his head, hating the soft blush blooming on his cheeks from the teasing, “Hardly! I expected nothing less from you, hyung.” Bo-gum laughed as they arrived at the vinyl CDs, watching with fondness as Taehyung immediately began browsing through them as he carried the conversation.

“Do you follow any of the university’s sports teams Tae-ah? I know SNU is famously known for our men’s volleyball team, but I personally think our women’s soccer team needs more attention. I went to a game last week and they’re absolutely amazing!”

Taehyung stiffened at the mention of the volleyball team, giving the elder a strained smile as he pulled out a vinyl from the pile. “I-I’m not that into sports these days. Besides, even if I wanted to learn about them, I’m banned from attending any on-campus games so…” He trailed as he gawked at the vinyl of Day6’s album Moonrise now seated in his palms, marveling at how lucky he was to find a copy as it was a rare album to naturally come across.

Bo-gum was quick to pull the vinyl from Taehyung’s grasp, gently placing it in his own as he carried it for the younger, their fingers brushing as he did so and it had the pink coating the younger’s cheeks darken.

“What’s the deal with that anyway? I’ve only heard bits and pieces of it after moving here.”

Taehyung’s lips pulled into a thin line as he recalled the reputation that followed him like the plague, “After moving here a few years ago, I was invited to a volleyball match by Jimin. Remember him?”

Bo-gum nodded, commenting how he didn’t know Jimin attended the university. “I was surprised too; he’s actually the libero on the men’s volleyball team. But that night, in between sets I found myself berated by some bullies under the bleachers. I didn’t think much of it at first, you know how people are. But… then they started saying cruel things about my friends, my bandmates – people I care about, and when they started getting physical, I lost it.”

The elder hummed in understanding as they wove their way deeper into the shop, recalling how profound the younger’s love is for those he cares about; it wasn’t to be messed with, and he knew that from experiencing it firsthand. “I didn’t mean to get so angry, truly, but they kept antagonizing me – pushing me to the point where everything boiled over and I ended up punching their leader, Jiwon, square in the jaw. Broke a few of my fingers from the force of it but I ended up knocking out a few of his teeth too.” Bo-gum whistled making a soft chuckle escape Taehyung from the gesture. “But despite them being the ones who jumped me, I was the one escorted out from the game by campus security and banned from every sporting event – permanently labeled as SNU’s local delinquent. Meanwhile, they got off with a slap on the wrist all cause they all are on an athletic scholarship for the boys’ basketball team.”

“But you were merely defending yourself—”

“Doesn’t matter, hyung. Broken fingers and eyewitnesses didn’t change anything; they twisted the story into whatever they needed it to be and despite me and my friends’ best-efforts, people continued to believe what they wanted.”

“Fucking bastards.” Bo-gum growled as he gently grabbed Taehyung’s free hand, giving it a squeeze that had sent the younger’s stomach fluttering.

“You shouldn’t be suffering due to the cruel actions of others. I’m sorry Tae-ah.” The blush on Taehyung’s face deepened as he broke their locked gaze, everything feeling far more intimate than he wanted it to be.

“It’s nothing hyung, it doesn’t really bother me much anyway – at least not anymore. Besides, despite everything, I’m doing just fine. My band is doing great and I’m on track to graduate in the spring, that’s all I can ask for.” Bo-gum’s expression softened as he gave the younger’s palm another squeeze, firm and gentle, stating how the younger was better than him for looking at the bright side; mentioning how if he’d been around he’d have taught those jerks a thing or two. Taehyung laughed at that painted picture, knowing that Bo-gum would’ve easily followed through with that intention.

The pair continued to peruse through the small record shop as their hands subconsciously remained intertwined, finding more vinyl CDs of their favorite groups, old tapes of shows they used to watch growing up, and copies of concerts their parents would’ve gone to when they were their age. Conversation was easy – Taehyung couldn’t deny that and despite his apprehension with Bo-gum entering his life again, he found himself aimlessly picking up on the mannerisms they used to have back then.

He had to admit, it was nice to be seen again by his first love – even if this new friendship was drastically different than the relationship they once had. They still shared the same hobbies, indulged in the same interests, and Bo-gum remained as attentive as always. Plus, with him just transferring to SNU and not carrying the entire university on his back unlike Jungkook was nice; even if it did come with the baggage that was their breakup. Honestly, Taehyung didn’t really know what to make of the situation. But what he did know was that despite Bo-gum coming back into his life and uprooting it after seeing him a few days ago, his mind still lingered on Jungkook. He imagined how curious the setter would’ve been if he had taken him here – how starstruck he’d be as he threw a million questions a minute at Taehyung, asking about every little thing he’d see as he remained stuck to the musician like glue.

It made a soft smile appear on his face that immediately disappeared as he realized what he was doing.

Despite his best efforts, Jungkook had wormed his way into Taehyung’s heart. And even though Bo-gum once had his love before, there’s no guarantee that he’ll fall into him again – after all, despite the memories they’re different people now. And as the pair stood at the front counter with Bo-gum paying for the vinyl CDs like he promised, Taehyung found his attention drifting to his phone as a familiar vibration played in his pocket.

Jungkook 👑🏐(you can’t have him): Hyungiee! We’re barely fifteen minutes into practice and I’m already so tired!! 😭 Come and save me please!!😭🥺

The younger complained with an accompanied selfie of him spread out on the court, black t-shirt clinging tightly to him as he rested on the waxed floorboards. Taehyung’s breath caught in his throat as he immediately pocketed his phone, cheeks reddening from the younger’s gorgeous selfie. He wanted to respond – yearned to do so but knew he couldn’t as Bo-gum turned toward him and handed the goodies with a soft smile on his face. Taehyung was quick to thank him as the two headed back to campus, Jungkook’s selfie still at the forefront of the guitarist’s mind as the pair made idle chatter.

Though the second they touched campus grounds, the voices were quick to circle them. It was irritating how constant they were, but Taehyung ignored both the stares and the whispers following them as he was spotted with Bo-gum beside him, continuing to chat with the elder like nothing happened. Yet Bo-gum’s cheery expression immediately hardened as he listened to the words people said as they passed them by, hating how they continued to ridicule Taehyung when what happened wasn’t even his fault.

“Let them talk, hyung. It’s fine, I promise.” He muttered, joyous mood now soured by the distaste of their peers as they made their way to the field where Yoongi and Seokjin were waiting for them.

“Well, well~ look who finally decided to join us!” Seokjin teased with a playful grin, making Taehyung roll his eyes as the pair approached the tree the two were seated under, the day beautifully bright. And it seemed all the sports teams were taking advantage of it as multiple groups of athletes were running laps around the school’s massive soccer field.

“Did you hear, Tae-ah, the school’s music festival was just moved up a week.”

“The hell! Since when!?” The younger exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise as he took in the news.

“While you two were away.” Yoongi began, “Wooyoung-ah saw us in the courtyard and let us know that the committee is planning to announce tomorrow that the festival will be moved to the end of this month. But word is already spreading fast.”

“Apparently the change is to add more accommodations to the volleyball team as they’ve got nationals coming up. They want to ensure there’s no ‘distractions.’” Seokjin quoted, making a frown bloom on Taehyung’s face.

“Fucking great.” He cursed, “We don’t even have a new line up drafted yet and we’re already being forced into crunch time! This is the worst!” he exclaimed, pinching his nose in frustration.

“Well hold on – we got that new song you were working on before Bass Player’s Brother, right? What more do we need? And what’s this festival even about?” Bo-gum asked, Taehyung gave him a soft, though stressed, grin, knowing that the elder had no knowledge on their school’s music festival.

“The festival is a time where SNU allows music majors to showcase their skills to the entire university. It’s literally sports day but with music and mainly more for fun rather than grades. It’s a great way to get others to discover you and get community support. Usually, headliners of the festival are the most popular musicians in SNU; they perform for about an hour while the smaller artists take half that across multiple stages that are set up around campus. Since our band is widely known in the university and in the local area, it’s expected that we’ll be headlining again. Out of the newer songs I’ve drafted up, I’ve only got two finalized: Bass Player’s Brother, and Just Pretend. But we’re gonna need more if we want to put on a good show.”

“Can’t we also perform older songs?”

Yoongi nodded, “Of course we can, and we will, but we like to have an even mix of newer and older songs when we perform; as you saw last night Bo-gum-ah.”

“We’ve found that this allows our fans to get excited to see their favorite tracks performed but also hear new ones too. Plus, rumor has it that recruiters for record labels are going to be at this year’s festival, so everyone wants to produce new work to showcase their talents.” Seokjin added making Taehyung’s stomach drop.

“Fuck hyung why didn’t you say anything sooner!?”

“Sorry Taehyung-ah, I didn’t think we’d be talking about this so soon.” Seokjin said with a sheepish grin as Taehyung ran a stressed set of hands through his curled locks, unable to comprehend the pressure that was thrown at him. He was going to have to work overtime on writing and composing at least three new songs for the festival so he can tweak them with Yoongi, rehearse them with the group, and then create the perfect line-up for this showcase.

God he wasn’t ready for the long nights that were sure to come.

“Well… recruiters or not, I think we got this! Afterall, Tae-ah you’re an amazing song writer, leader, and composer, I’m sure you’ll be able to come up some more songs for us soon. And if you can’t a good classic – original or cover – is a great way to get the crowd going.” Bo-gum praised with a wink, making Taehyung nod for he had a point.

Though that didn’t mean he was less stressed out.

“What do you say we all get going then? I’m sure our talented leader would like to get us all, but mainly me, up to speed on our top hits so we can prepare, right?” Everyone laughed at that as they agreed and as Seokjin and Yoongi began grabbing their things, Taehyung turned to Bo-gum and gave him an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry you’re being thrown into the wolves so soon, hyung.”

Bo-gum shook his head as he wrapped a strong arm around Taehyung’s waist, gently squeezing his hip as he did so, having the younger’s face burn bright red from the contact – though he didn’t pull away. “There’s no need to apologize, Tae-ah. I’m honestly really excited about the festival, especially since our leader is so talented. New songs or not, we’ll do great; I already know it—”

“WOAH! Oh my god, Jungkook-ah! Are you okay!?” The band were quick to turn around at the shout, noticing the volleyball team bunched together just up the hill from where they were standing; like the other teams, they were running their laps outside today.

But as Taehyung locked eyes with Jimin who was helping Jungkook to his feet, as it looked like their star player tripped while jogging, the libero’s eyes quickly widened from what he saw. Jimin’s gaze drifted from his childhood friend to Bo-gum and the arm he had wound tightly around his waist. Taehyung’s crimson cheeks immediately darkened as he already knew what Jimin was thinking, immediately mouthing that he’d text him later as Jungkook’s eyes fluttered open and took in the horde surrounding him.

But instead of looking at his teammates and friends, Jungkook’s gaze quickly landed onto Taehyung. The elder immediately shivered as he succumbed to that intense stare he’d come to adore, blush rising to his ears the longer their eyes remained locked. Despite reality continuing to move as Yoongi commented on the walk to the parking lot while Namjoon began assessing Jungkook for any injuries, the pair’s gaze remained glued to each other. And as Taehyung attempted to escape Jungkook’s stare, for they had things to do, Bo-gum was quick to whisper yet another flirt into the younger’s ear, lips brushing the shell of his ear as he spoke; a soft spot he remembered from their younger days. The guitarist was quick to break his gaze with the setter and turn another shade of red, gasping and stuttering as his eyes instead locked with Bo-gum’s; the drummer wearing a cheshire grin from relishing in Taehyung’s familiar reaction.

“H-Hyung! Y-You can’t just do things like that!”

“Why not, Tae-ah? Last I checked, you were quite fond of the attention~”

“Shut your damn mouth—!” Taehyung exclaimed as he shoved Bo-gum, despite still being in his hold, from sheer embarrassment. But the elder merely gave his hip another firm squeeze and pulled him even closer.

Taehyung’s brain short circuited from that, unable to handle how bold Bo-gum had become after all this time; cheeks flaming as a scowl appeared on his face, hating how flustered he had gotten.

“Come on you two! We’ll hit the rush if we don’t leave!” Seokjin exclaimed as they all began to turn toward the parking lot, actually needing to head out now if they wanted to get a decent practice in before the daylight ended.

“We’re coming, Seokjin-hyung!” Bo-gum shouted with a smirk, giving the younger a wink as Taehyung rolled his eyes. The drummer turned the pair around to trail after the elders, arm still wound tightly around the guitarist’s waist with his palm practically glued to the younger’s hip. Taehyung glared at him as they walked hating how easily he let Bo-gum get away with pushing his buttons.

And as his roaring blush began to calm down, he looked over his shoulder and briefly caught Jungkook’s gaze still locked to them, only turning away once Hoseok began speaking to him. Taehyung’s dark eyes stormed over as that familiar ache bloomed within his heart again. He willingly let himself fall deeper into Bo-gum’s touch as the pair strolled, needing a distraction from the pain. Honestly, Taehyung wasn’t so sure if using his ex-lover to get over Jungkook was a good idea. There was always the risk of falling for Bo-gum all over again, but perhaps that’s what he needed.

He’d broken his rule with Jungkook after all, and he had to pay the consequences… even if he hated the thought of pulling away from the golden boy who had stolen his heart.

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“Hyung?”

“Hm?” Taehyung asked as he turned to look at Jungkook, the pair tangled in the elder’s bed after another steamy night together. It’d been a few days since they hooked up and it was clear the pair missed each other from how quickly they jumped one another the second Jungkook arrived at Taehyung’s apartment after both their prior arrangements ended.

“I didn’t think I’d see you by the field today… Who was that with you and the hyungs? Jimin-hyung mentioned he was someone you’re close to, but I’ve never seen him around before.” he asked, turning to stare at Taehyung with those cute yet piercing brown orbs of his.

Taehyung’s cheeks dusted red as he buried his face in the arm propping him up, unable to look Jungkook in the eye as he cursed Jimin for being a gossip. He should’ve known the libero would’ve said something – especially if it was Jungkook who asked. Yet the fear of not knowing what Jimin told him ate at him from the inside. The libero knew that the two used to be lovers – he raved about Bo-gum all the time to him back in high school! And there was no way he’d forgotten about their relationship, especially since Taehyung hasn’t dated since Bo-gum. His anxiety clawed at him as he began to worry.

What did Jimin tell him?

Did… did he tell Jungkook about his past with Bo-gum?

“T-That’s just my hyung, Park Bo-gum. He and I went to high school together back in Daegu. He just recently transferred to SNU.” Taehyung said as he swallowed the growing lump in his throat, trying to calm his nerves by telling himself that Jimin would never do such a thing – at least not without his permission.

Jungkook nodded, gaze still latched to the musician as he digested every miniscule reaction from the elder. He recalled when he saw the pair were practically glued together while he and the team were running their laps around the soccer field. When his eyes had locked onto this stranger’s arm wrapped around Taehyung’s waist, holding him close without any space separating them – something in him snapped. It had him tripping on his feet and taking a light fall, but that sensation remained when he got his bearings; watching as it heightened when he saw how Taehyung reacted as he sat within the stranger’s hold, his pretty face bathed in red that darkened when this guy nipped at his ear which Jungkook had learned was a sensitive spot for the guitarist.

He knew this guy wouldn’t have done that if he wasn’t at the very least familiar with Taehyung and despite Jimin telling him that they used to be close from their younger days, he couldn’t help but be bitter as he watched them.

There was a deep familiarity with the way they interacted with one another – one that seemed far more intimate than what was led on. And that made something ugly curl in Jungkook’s gut.

He couldn’t stop thinking about it all throughout practice, that image of them branded in his brain. It completely took over his thoughts and had him missing more tosses than he would’ve liked. Jungkook didn’t care about the murmurs he got from his teammates due to his mistakes or the lectures he received from his coach afterwards. All he wanted was to see Taehyung. And when practice was done for the day, he sprinted to the elder’s apartment to ravish and claim him for he was the only one allowed to have him in that way. Who cares if he left a few more marks than he should’ve? Or painted Taehyung’s skin in beautiful hues with his tongue? Maybe it’d show that damn guy, Bo-gum – he recalled, that Taehyung was off limits.

“Is he uh in your band now, hyung?” he asked as his tongue pressed into his cheek, irritated by how close this guy already was to his Taehyung.

Wait— he can’t say that can he? They were merely friends – at most – who fucked, nothing more. But… why did Jungkook want them to be more? Why does he want there to be an ‘us’ between him and Taehyung? Crave for it and the domestic nature it’d bring? Would there even an ‘us’ after all they’ve done? Could there be?

He wasn’t sure, but he thinks he wants that – wants to have Taehyung for him and him only but… would the musician feel the same?

Taehyung nodded, Jungkook catching the movement as it broke him from his thoughts, entire being solely focused on the elder as he spoke, “Yeah… do you remember how we’ve been down a drummer since Woo-shik hyung graduated last spring? He’s replacing him. Jin-hyung unironically met him during class as they share a major and bonded over trashy jokes and good music. We got to perform together a few nights ago for the first time in – god it’s been years since the last time we shared a stage… but after that night at the bar, he’s just as talented as I remembered.”

“That’s—” Jungkook began before clearing his throat, that bitter, ugly yet unknown feeling sinking into him again. And unfortunately, it continued to grow as he did his best to be supportive despite everything screaming at him, “I-I’m glad your band is now complete hyungie…! Especially since that open spot got filled by someone you know.” He paused, watching as Taehyung gave a nod, cheeks remaining rosy the longer this conversation went on.

“I uh heard the festival is coming up sooner than expected this year, I’m excited to see you perform…” Taehyung’s expression pulled itself into a thin line at the mention of the festival, untangling their limbs as he sat up in his bed, the marks left on his body from Jungkook’s possessive touch glittering in the low light of the room.

But Taehyung’s eyes barely held any of that glow as they became distant – mind now overrun with the stressors of the festival but also from the emotions refusing to yield; a past lover and one he can’t have battling within his heart.

Nothing about the coming days was going to be pleasant and as he felt a shuffle from beside him, he tried to let himself forget. Jungkook’s soft lips began dancing across his shoulders while his smooth, yet calloused hands settled around his waist, grip so strong Taehyung shivered at the thought of there being bruises in the morning. He knew continuing to fall into Jungkook was a bad idea – knew that it would only cause him more pain and heartache, but how could he pull away when the setter’s touch felt like coming home?

“What are you thinking about, hyungie?”

Tae let out a breathy, bitter laugh, “Too much, Jungkook-ah. Too fucking much.”

The younger hummed against his skin as he began leaving hickeys across Taehyung’s neck tattoo that bled into his back piece, coating the deep ink in various shades of red and purple. The guitarist’s breath hitched as Jungkook’s lips moved from the base of his neck to drip in between his shoulder blades before climbing back up and biting at the shell of his left ear. Taehyung gasped from the sharpness of the setter’s canines, relishing in the tremor that flew through his body and the heat that was beginning to re-stick to his skin.

His mind was growing hazy again, with Jeon Jungkook being at the center of it… just like always.

And as Tae turned to indulge the younger in another passionate kiss, swirling his pierced tongue with the setter’s as that cool lip ring sizzled against his burning skin, he let his walls down – inviting the pain and heartache that was sure to come once daybreak arrived.

“You don’t need to think about anything when you’re with me hyung. Let me take all your worries away, okay? I’ll make you feel good… I’ll take care of you.”

“You always do.” Taehyung breathed, and with that Jungkook was attacking the elder’s lips with fervor, them both getting worked up again despite the awkward and somewhat tense conversation they just had. And as Taehyung lost himself in Jungkook – to the pleasure that always came with him, he knew that at the back of his mind, their relationship wasn’t meant for those heavy topics – those long talks that couples or even friends had after their day was done.

Everything between them was transactional; Taehyung gave and Jungkook took, that was it.

That was all they’ve ever been and ever will be.

And he couldn’t help the lone tear that escaped him after arriving at that realization all over again.

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Taehyung’s head pounded as he sat atop his living room couch, eyes pinched in frustration as his hands played at the chords he’d scribbled messily during an earlier class. Despite the need for his creativity to flourish and bring about yet another hit for his band, he found himself stuck as the stresses of his life continued to weigh him down.

He hadn’t seen Jungkook in a few days as the younger was enduring harder drills and practices as preparations for nationals was coming up. And despite his heart hurting from not being able to see him, he was glad that he was given a chance to breathe, his emotions building up like a balloon after realizing his love for the setter and frankly he was afraid of the day when it’d burst.

Taehyung sighed as he adjusted his grip on his acoustic guitar, re-reading the notes he had written and humming the tune, itching to get it just right. It was good – a bit slower of a melody than he normally wrote but he liked it. Perhaps with a few high notes from Seokjin here and there it’d tie the whole thing together? He’d definitely need to play around with it a bit more, but it was a start, and he was grateful for at least that. Yet the more he sat and tried to drum up lyrics he once again found himself at a standstill.

He groaned in frustration, placing his guitar down as he ran a stressed pair of hands through his curled locks. His dark eyes locked with his ceiling as he tried to get his brain to work – to do what he wanted it to do but simply couldn’t. Everything— the life he had found himself in had suddenly grown too uncomfortable in such a short amount of time. His heart growing too heavy with his brain and body barely able to carry it.

He was falling apart right before his eyes.

“Fuck…” he cursed with a shaky breath, growing overwhelmed from it all as slight tears pricked at his eyes. But before his breakdown could crash into him his phone began to ring, filling the deafening silence of his apartment with a familiar tune. Taehyung was quick to dry his tears and pick up the phone, seeing it was Jimin who was calling him.

“Taehyungie!”

“Jiminie? To what do I owe the pleasure—”

“You should know damn well why I’m calling Tae! You don’t talk to me anymore you damn brat! I have to get updates from Jungkook now since you insist on not calling me!”

Taehyung let out a sheepish chuckle as he got comfortable atop his couch, recalling how Jimin had learned about his and Jungkook’s arrangement. It was after a long weekend spent with the younger, deeply molding his body to his and in their shared time together that Tae found his heart beginning to long for something more. It scared him – put him on the verge of a mental breakdown as he felt his heart beat for another after being burned so long ago. He stumbled into Jimin’s dorm after the elder had kicked Yoongi out to console Taehyung, wiping the guitarist’s tears as he let everything out. He couldn’t take shouldering such a heavy secret alone anymore and Jimin was the only person he knew would truly understand. And so, he told him – he shared how he had gotten attached to Jungkook, how his smile brought him butterflies and how being with him made everything in life sweeter. He indulged his dear friend in their arrangement, how he let the setter use him as a sexual experiment to come to terms with his newfound queerness, and the singular rule they had to not get feelings involved. But Taehyung unintentionally crossed that line and it ate him from the inside; he grew overwhelmed with guilt. And though Jimin told him he had nothing to be ashamed of, even now, almost three months later Tae still felt that wicked remorse having its way at his heart.

He didn’t deserve someone like Jungkook, and the setter was better off without him.

Taehyung believed that with his whole chest despite Jimin always trying to convince him otherwise.

“Sorry, Jiminie, I don’t mean to be so distant it’s just—”

“The festival I know, I know… how’s that been going with Bo-gum-hyung? Is it weird having your ex in your band?”

The guitarist groaned as he let his body sink into his couch, “God, it shouldn’t have been such a seamless transition, Chim, but it was! It was too easy for him to fit in. It—” Taehyung cut himself off as he took a breath, only able to let his guard down since Jimin was the only one who knew the full truth.

He knew that he and Bo-gum had dated when they were younger and how strong their relationship had been. He knew of their breakup and how messy it was – how it had badly burned Taehyung and prevented him from pursuing any other relationships once he moved to Seoul. He knew about his situationship with Jungkook and how Taehyung’s feelings had begun to blur the line they drew between them.

Jimin was the only one who could truly see where Taehyung was coming from – his dearest friend.

“It drove me crazy with how uprooted everything had gotten all because he just had to transfer to SNU! It’s so goddamn annoying how he gets along perfectly with Yoongi and Jin-hyung. It’s almost as if he’s been here the entire time! He’s still an amazing drummer; his skills aren’t even the slightest bit rusty! A-And he’s still stupidly attentive to every little thing! He still knows how I easily lose my guitar picks and always knows where I place them when they go missing. He remembers my go to brand of snacks and my love for record shops – he took me to one the other day and it was as if nothing changed! Like why is he still like this?! Why does he still remember all these little things— we’re not even together anymore!” He cried, taking a pause as his frustration shifted into sorrow.

“You know… he’s listening to The Rose and Day6 now? Has been since I left… He still remembers how I like to wear my eyeliner and he always makes sure to keep an extra energy drink on him in my favorite flavor since our practices have been going for longer as we’re preparing for the festival… he’s working extra hard on our songs since he wants to do well despite constantly reassuring me that it’ll be fine since he knows I worry… God Jimin how am I supposed to move on from someone I used to hold so dearly when the new version of them is bleeding into the one I tried to burry?” Taehyung asked, eyes growing tearful again as his heart wept, unable to keep the feelings in anymore.

“Oh, my Taehyungie… I know how special he was to you, and I know how hard it’s been for you to let him go, even after all this time. Your breakup wasn’t exactly pretty.”

Taehyung scoffed, “No kidding…” he trailed, that night resurfacing as he gazed out the window and locked eyes with the setting sun.

That night – that fucking night, Taehyung had left the school library early after being buried in some forgotten English homework after working on song lyrics in between classes; eagerly running to Bo-gum’s dorm after receiving notice from his parents that his acceptance letter for SNU had come in the mail. He was beyond ecstatic that the first step in taking charge of his dream was finally right in front of him, practically sitting in the palms of his hands. And he was eager to have his boyfriend be a part of it. But when he arrived at Bo-gum’s dorm and shared the news with him, the stars that glittered in his eyes quickly died when he saw his lover’s reaction.

Bo-gum grew frustrated that the younger made such a selfish decision without including him, that now their relationship was going to be strained with the distance Taehyung willingly put in between them. Taehyung argued that they could make it work, that Seoul wasn’t that far away and he’d be over to visit constantly so he could see both Bo-gum, old friends, and his parents. But the elder wasn’t having any of it – he was insecure, thinking that Taehyung would find someone else and realize that the time, the love they shared wasn’t what he wanted anymore; that he’d leave Bo-gum behind for someone else and that their almost six-year relationship would just go down the drain – never amounting to anything despite the promises they made to each other.

The elder knew that this opportunity was Taehyung’s dream— he knew from the very first day they met; he effortlessly supported the idea as also shared a fondness of being in a band with Taehyung. But instead of supporting him during the one chance Taehyung was given to achieve it, all Bo-gum did was continue to call the decision thoughtless and inconsiderate even though he knew how much Taehyung hated attending their private university – hated how he wasn’t able to achieve what he wanted, what they wanted. It had streams of tears pouring from Taehyung’s eyes as he tried to get Bo-gum to understand, to see what he was doing wasn’t meant to hurt them. But the elder stood by his words, despite them being born from anger and fear. And from seeing how little the elder cared – how unsupportive he was after all this time, Taehyung’s heart shattered. With eyes lined red with tears and hiccups echoing from his body, Taehyung insisted they break up, tearing the promise ring Bo-gum gifted him the year prior off his finger and throwing it to the floor, shattering it and the vows locked within it.

He fled the dormitory within seconds and drove forty minutes through pouring rain to Busan to see Jimin who was visiting his family for the weekend. Taehyung cried to him about his breakup with Bo-gum after he finally got the chance to achieve his dream, unable to figure out what he should do. He loved Bo-gum, but he loved music too – how was he expected to choose?! And after a long, heartfelt conversation it was with Jimin’s encouragement that Taehyung found the courage to chase after his dream, leaving Daegu and his ex-lover behind. The libero made him realize that he deserved to achieve what he wanted without being held back by people who claimed to love and support you.

“Is… is it bad that despite how we ended things, Jimin, I’ve already forgiven him for everything? For what he did?”

“I don’t think so, love. You two had something special and despite how ugly that night had gotten, your relationship was good. It’s okay to miss what was and forgive despite the sting it left behind.”

Taehyung nodded as he subconsciously played with his tongue piercing, stimming as his brain re-lived through the memories he thought he buried. Yet the more the memories replayed in his mind, the more he found himself thinking about what he has now – what he has with Jungkook. Despite their arrangement only being sexual, there was this connection between them that Taehyung can’t exactly place nor seem to get enough of. Sure, their talks after their intense nights of passion usually get a bit awkward but that’s what Taehyung loves about them. He’s still getting to learn new things about Jungkook, charting maps to uncover how to navigate him, and with each new discovery he’s slowly getting to see more of the person Taehyung has grown to treasure. What they have… it doesn’t feel like what he had with Bo-gum – it couldn’t compare. The bond he and Jungkook had was new and thrilling, yet equally as heartbreaking given who they are to each other and to the world.

Jeon Jungkook is someone Taehyung can’t have and that hurts his heart far more than his breakup with Bo-gum.

Taehyung groaned as his hands ran over his eyes, “I’m losing my damn mind Jiminie… Bo-gum-hyung being here turned everything upside down. But… despite that there’s one thing that hasn’t changed…”

Jimin grew quiet on the other line before a small sigh escaped his lips, already knowing where this was going, “You’re going to have to tell him sooner or later, Tae. You can’t keep those feelings buried forever.”

“I know, god I know! But what am I supposed to do when that happens, Jimin? If he doesn’t feel the same, I think I can live with this heartache even if we keep our arrangement. But… what if he does? He could lose his career, his future if he chooses me! I can’t do that to him; you and I both know how hard he’s worked to get this far!”

“Even so, you still need to tell him! You say you love Jungkook-ah right, Taehyung? That you care about him? Value him as a person? Then shouldn’t he deserve to know how you feel about him?!”

Taehyung’s words sat stuck in his throat; he knew Jimin was right, he always was. But despite his overwhelming feelings, he couldn’t bring himself to tell the younger how much he adored him. It was one thing for his ex to come back into his life after years apart but to lose the one constant – the one person that always brightened his days… that was a reality he feared to imagine.

“You’re right… you’re always right, Jiminie. But… I don’t know how!”

“Maybe you can do it with the one thing you’re good at: making music.”

Taehyung’s eyes widened as he stuttered, “A-Are you… suggesting a write a song for him?”

“I don’t see why not! He’s going to the festival, right?”

“Y-Yeah but that’s—”

“What better for him to learn of your feelings then through a song – a performance dedicated just to him!? Oh, I can see it now! It’d be perfect and no one would know any better!”

Taehyung’s head spun as Jimin began to ramble, already laying the groundwork for how they’d do it: mapping out where Jungkook would be from the stage, how Taehyung would make eye contact with him throughout the song to signal it was for him – leaving out no detail as he insisted on bringing the image to life.

“Oh, it would be even better if you sang it and not Jin-hyung! That would really seal the deal! Taehyung, you need to do it!!” Jimin exclaimed with a gasp and the thought of taking up the position of lead singer for a song dedicated to Jungkook had Taehyung’s cheeks burning red. Yet despite the absurdity from Jimin’s notion, Taehyung had to admit that it was a good idea. He was right on how the guitarist had a way with words – after all most of their songs were written by him and it was obviously a talent well loved by both his members, friends, and fans.

Using such a gift to woo his crush in front of thousands of his peers and recruiters on the biggest night for SNU’s rising musicians? He had to admit it had a nice ring to it.

“I-I’ll uh think about it, Chim…”

“Think about it all you want, Kim Taehyung, but you and I both know that the second we get off this phone call you’re going to start drafting up lyrics for your golden boy. You’ve been entertaining the idea since I started to ramble and don’t you dare lie!”

Taehyung rolled his eyes as he chuckled, “Good night, Jimin!” He lightly shouted with playful sarcasm, not letting the elder get another word in before he disconnected their call. And as he sat there in the silence of his apartment with Jimin’s words ricocheting in his head, he felt that tingle of inspiration slowly taking over. Hours flew by as his hands worked rapidly to spill everything onto paper – everything he thought of Jungkook, everything he felt for him, and everything he wanted with him; it was beautifully endless.

Taehyung was shocked by how easy the words came to him, filling up the pages of his notebook in an instant and as he eyed the melody he drafted earlier something clicked. He was quick to dial Yoongi as he began packing up his guitar, music sheets, and notebook, needing to see the elder immediately. “Yoongi-hyung!” he exclaimed when the elder answered, already moving to the front door to grab his keys as he rushed out the door.

“Taehyung-ah, I know I’ve said before to call me whenever, but do you see the damn hour?! It’s fucking late! And hey it’s not nice to hang up on Jimin when he—”

“Hyung, I just got a breakthrough. I’m coming over!” he said, not hearing a damn word the elder said before ending the call. And as he barely got his apartment door locked before running through the halls of his apartment complex to the garage, something unwavering settled deep in his gut. The feeling was thrilling, igniting every nerve as Taehyung drove wildly through Seoul’s half-empty streets, eager to perfect the track gifted to the bunny-eyed setter he fell in love with.

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“F-Finished…! Oh, my fucking god, hyung, it’s finished! They’re finished! W-We did it!!” Taehyung breathed as he stared at the screens in front of him, eyes wide with elation as he turned to look at Yoongi. His hyung mirrored the younger’s exhaustion but within that fatigue lay a spark of pride as the tracks were finally completed.

It’s been two weeks since Taehyung broke into Yoongi’s house way past midnight with the groundwork of his song for Jungkook. And though the bassist was beyond peeved that his rest was interrupted, when he read Taehyung’s passionate lyrics and listened to the melody he had drafted earlier that day the intoxicating itch to create flooded into him. The pair worked tirelessly that night – adding subtle changes to the lyrics, recording the base melody, uploading it into their mixing software, and fleshing out the track as the hour grew late. Despite the pair looking like death the next day when they arrived on campus, there was a fire burning within them – fueling the need to create that also sparked the birth of the remaining singles they wanted for the festival.

Taehyung had to admit, it took much longer than he would’ve liked to finish the tracks, wanting— needing everything to be perfect. And despite the long nights, the exhaustion plaguing his veins, and burning itch to craft beautiful works of music he finally got what he wanted: utter perfection. His confession to Jungkook and the songs for the festival were finally ready. And just in time too.

“Perfection with the festival being this weekend— we cut it so fucking close Tae-ah.”

The guitarist laughed as he slouched in his chair, curls wild as his tired gaze drifted from the finished tracks on screen to lock eyes with Yoongi. “Well excuse me for the delay, hyung. I’ll make a note to be more thorough with my time.” He exaggerated, the bassist snickering at him as he lightly kicked at the younger’s chair, making Taehyung laugh as he rolled a bit away from the force.

“Brat. How do you want to categorize them? Singles? Or album?”

“Everything can be in an album – but this one,” Taehyung pointed, “This one stays by itself.”

Yoongi raised a brow before nodding, moving the tracks into their designated folders, “Okay… Got a name in mind?”

“The album… we can call it Layover.”

“And the single?”

Taehyung took a breath, heart thudding wildly in his chest as he thought about the person he made it for – what the song entailed and the deeply personal message it held. And as he swallowed the lump in his throat, mouth suddenly growing parched, the word quickly flew from his lips, “Friends…let’s call it that. B-But put parenthesis around the ‘end’ and have it all capitalized.”

Yoongi hummed, liking it as he made the changes. The morning sun’s rays were slowly peeking through the dark sky, hues of pink and purple filling the bassist’s studio as the pair finally realized how late the hour was. “Fuck hyung we stayed up all night.” Taehyung laughed, Yoongi mirroring him as he began shutting everything down.

“Thank god it’s Sunday and we don’t have practice till noon. You did good Tae-ah, I think it’s time for a well-earned rest.” Taehyung gave his hyung a soft smile as the pair left the makeshift studio, bidding their farewells for the night— or morning. And as Taehyung lay in cuddled in the guestroom, he sent a text to Jungkook, brain high on the thrill of getting everything finished – mind filled with thoughts of how the younger will react once he gets to see him perform.

‘Be prepared for the festival, bun, I’ve made something special for you’

The guitarist let his eyes close as he turned off his phone off and just when it felt like his rest was merely beginning a shrill voice echoed loudly in his ear. “Taehyung-ah! Get your damn ass out of bed! You’ve got a practice to lead!” Seokjin shouted through the closed door, stirring Taehyung awake from the slumber he grasped but never nestled in. He groaned, muttering five more minutes before burying himself deep into the covers, the fatigue shadowed by that creative spark now engulfing him – he just wanted to go back to bed.

“Oh no you don’t, Tae-ah!” Bo-gum exclaimed after not receiving a response, the entrance being thrown open with haste. The elder was quick to dive for Taehyung, scooping him out from the covers and watching as the younger hissed from the bright rays of light filling the room.

“Put me down, hyung!” Taehyung whined and though Bo-gum did so with ease, a light palm remained nestled on the younger’s waist, keeping Tae steady as he got settled onto his feet.

“Jesus you two are insane.” He breathed as he wiped the exhaustion from his eyes.

“I’m right there with you Taehyung-ah.” Yoongi muttered as he appeared in the doorway, equally tired as he nursed a cup of black coffee.

“Hey now! We didn’t tell you both to stay up till dawn finishing our new… album was it?” Bo-gum asked as he turned to look at Seokjin who nodded.

“A new album and lead single finished in a sole evening after two weeks of work. You two are the ones who are insane!” the lead singer exclaimed, as Taehyung rolled his eyes. “Masterpieces take time hyung, you’ll see what we mean when we show you.” He said with a smirk, watching as pride also etched its way onto Yoongi’s face.

“We’ll see about that, Taehyung-ah. For now, get changed and come downstairs. We’ve got a long practice ahead of us and frankly I don’t want our leader and bassist kicking the bucket before it even begins.”

“Copy that, hyung.” Taehyung saluted before straightening his posture, moving a bit out of Bo-gum’s hold as he began to stretch. The elder watched as the younger’s shirt rode up from the movement, spying faint stains of red littering his golden, inked skin. Bo-gum, subconsciously, leaned closer and pressed atop one of the marks settled just above the small of Tae’s back. Taehyung jumped from the touch, moving away from the elder so fast it was as if Bo-gum had burned him. His expression, now void of sleep, frowned in disapproval as he lowered his shirt and stared at the elder who gulped from the hardened look Taehyung gave him.

“Hyung—”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry Tae-ah, I-I uh didn’t mean to overstep… there was just— I just— I wasn’t thinking…” Taehyung’s mind flashed back to when Jungkook had fucked him earlier that week, the younger’s possessive touch still branded onto the elder’s skin even after all this time. It had Taehyung flushing red at the thought of Bo-gum seeing the evidence.

“I-It’s fine,” he stuttered before clearing his throat, “I’m going to change, I’ll see you downstairs.” He said before turning toward the bathroom, missing the disheartened expression Bo-gum wore as he walked away. And as Taehyung changed into a spare set of clothes he brought, his phone thrummed to life.

Jungkook 👑🏐(you might be able to have him): Something special? What do you mean, hyungie? :o

Taehyung’s lips curled into an endeared smile as he told him he’d have to wait and see, already imagining the pout Jungkook would wear after seeing the message and it just made that warmth settle in his heart. Just as he began to throw on his new shirt, Taehyung’s cheeks flushed as he saw the sheer number of marks that remained from when the younger ravished him. Just how many did Bo-gum see? The question had Taehyung’s gaze glossing over with heat as the memory from their recent, intoxicating night flashed into his mind.

Without thinking Tae let the shirt in his hands fall from his grasp as he snapped a pic. His dark head of curls was gorgeously messy, tan and inked skin still painted in hues of red from Jungkook’s possessive touch as his sweatpants hung low on his hips. He looked hot and he knew it, sending the thirst trap to the setter and commented on how he may need to refresh those marks soon. His heart fluttered from rereading what he wrote but there was no taking it back now, pocketing his phone in his pants before finally throwing his top on and moving through the empty guest room down to the garage where his hyungs were waiting.

“Just in time Tae-ah, you ready?” Yoongi questioned as he tossed the guitarist an energy drink, the younger catching it with ease. Taehyung easily snapped open the can as he hummed, nodding as he watched the bassist open his laptop and begin playing the songs for his band. Taehyung watched intently as Seokjin and Bo-gum took in the tracks – digesting every expression and reaction they wore with pride.

By the time Friends began to play a soft blush dusted Taehyung’s cheeks as he listened to his voice fill the garage. Both members immediately looked to Taehyung with surprise on their faces, “T-Taehyung-ah, that’s you!?” Jin exclaimed as the younger nodded, clearing his throat as he avoided their gazes suddenly growing shy.

“I-I thought we could do something different for this one…” he trailed and almost choking on his energy drink as Yoongi praised him for the suggestion, commenting how it’s a different direction they never thought to take and though Taehyung doesn’t usually sing he’s got amazing vocal cords.

“His range is insane, hyung, just wait till we get— wait here it is!” Yoongi exclaimed as a high note from their leader echoed within the garage, whistles of awe joining it as Taehyung grew even more bashful.  

“After all this time, your voice is still as phenomenal as ever Tae-ah…!” Bo-gum breathed, stunned into awe as Taehyung gave him a soft smile.

“Don’t flatter me, hyung, I’ve barely improved.”

“No, you’re even better! Your vocal range was amazing back then but now? You couldn’t even hit notes like this years ago then but look at you now!” Both Yoongi and Seokjin eyed Taehyung, the younger flinching upon feeling their gazes on him.

“You’ve been making me sing the entire time we’ve been a band when you’ve got pipes like those on you Taehyung-ah!? What the fuck!” Jin complained as Yoongi laughed, making Taehyung nervously rub at the back of his neck as he tried to come up with an excuse. But there was no stopping Jin’s rampage, the singer going off on how he’s worked his voice to the bone to get it trained throughout the years when Taehyung has effortlessly been a talented singer.

“Hey, hey I’m not effortlessly talented! I had to work at my voice too, hyung! I just don’t like singing that much, that’s all!” He counteracted which only riled Seokjin up more, both Yoongi and Bo-gum laughing at the chaos the song created.

And as the morning’s mayhem bled into the early afternoon, the band were eager to begin their practice after taking a listen to their newly completed album. Rehearsal of their new songs quickly eased off any remaining tension and with each intermission to tweak a few live chords or adjust ease-ins they began crafting the perfect line up for SNU’s festival that coming weekend. Despite the strain in his voice and the ache in his back after a long day’s practice, Taehyung had never felt so alive. Standing there in the garage, surrounded by his bandmates, creating beautiful melodies that he helped to build reminded him of how much he loved music – how much he loved his passion and what he did. Though his decision changed a lot of things after he left Daegu he wouldn’t have changed anything.

He lost one love to find others – one through music and the other in a golden setter that he couldn’t wait to see that weekend.

And as Taehyung finished his shower after returning to his apartment earlier that evening, his phone buzzed.  

Jungkook 👑🏐(you might be able to have him): Fucking hell hyung

Jungkook 👑🏐(you might be able to have him): You’re so hot it’s unfair

Jungkook 👑🏐(you might be able to have him): You can’t just send things like that when I can’t even come see you!

Jungkook 👑🏐(you might be able to have him): I don’t think I can wait till this weekend hyung, I need you now

Jungkook 👑🏐(you might be able to have him): Can I come over? Please hyungie, need you so bad!

Butterflies swarmed Taehyung’s stomach as his face flushed bright red. He had completely forgotten about the message he sent Jungkook earlier that day. His tease and yearning for more of the setter had riled up the younger just in the way he wanted him to, even if the response was delayed from the younger’s training. And as much as he wanted to invite Jungkook over and indulge in the desire already beginning to bead atop his skin, he couldn’t.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to see him – he could be glued to Jungkook forever and never tire of being around him. It’s the fact that he wanted their next meeting, face to face, to be at the festival when Taehyung was professing his love for him. He wanted the moment to be charged with anticipation, desire, and – hopefully – a reciprocation of feelings. If he were to see Jungkook now, it’d be hard to keep those feelings locked in after spilling them into his music. He simply wouldn’t be able to hold back, and he wanted their next moment together to be special.

Even if it could be for the very last time.

So, with remorse clinging to his tongue, he replied – letting the setter down easy implying that he can’t see the younger as he’s still working on finishing some songs for the festival. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t help the setter with his… predicament.

“H-Hyung…!”

“Shh, I’m here, hyung’s here~” Taehyung purred as he plopped atop his bed, phone on speaker as Jungkook’s breathless yet needy whines filled the other line.  

“Are you alone, baby?” Tae asked, the pet-name easily falling from his lips as a whimper from the setter answered his query, accompanied by some shuffling and the click of a lock. He raised a brow, asking for words as he let his senses tune into Jungkook.

“Y-Yes, I’m alone hyung. I-It’s just me at the dorm tonight.”

“Good, don’t want anyone else hearing you. Did hyung’s picture turn you on that badly, baby?”

“H-Hyung’s too hot, of c-course it did…!”

Taehyung hummed, a smirk appearing on his lips as he got comfortable atop the mattress, running his free hand through his damp curls as he imagined Jungkook’s flushed face pinched in need. It set a fire in him – a blaze so hot he almost considered going back on his word and insisting the younger come over.

Almost.

“The marks you gave me are fading…” he began, listening as Jungkook’s breath hitched, already picturing the dark gaze the younger wore whenever he’d start coloring his inked skin; treasuring the act as if it was sacred. “I’m going to be missing my favorite accessory soon, baby.”

“I’ll give you more, hyung, love marking you and seeing my touch on you.”

Taehyung’s face flushed, a visible tent now laying hidden beneath the towel he wore, not bothering to change after he got the younger’s frantic and naughty messages. “Such a sweetheart you are, baby. Hyung can’t wait to have your marks on me again. Your touch always paints me in the prettiest shades. The others almost saw them at practice today—”

“Did he see them?”

Taehyung’s brows furrowed in confusion as he eyed his phone from Jungkook’s interruption, the roll play suddenly being put on pause as reality crept in. “Who, Jungkook-ah?”

“No don’t call me that!” the setter whined, making Taehyung roll his eyes with fondness.

“Sorry, baby, who are you talking about?”

“Y-Your other hyung. Did he see how prettily I painted you?”

“Bo-gum?” Taehyung gawked making Jungkook mutter a yes as he grew even more needy, begging the elder to lead him— tell him what to do to ease the desire burning within him. But Taehyung’s mind was running a million miles a minute. Why would Jungkook ask him if Bo-gum saw the marks? Did he want Bo-gum to see them? Jungkook was aware of them being close in the past, but why ask such a question? Was— was he wanting for Bo-gum see, to know that Tae’s off limits? The thoughts had heat swirling in his gut, a new spark of pleasure burning within him as he instructed Jungkook through his pleasure, dominating him from afar as the younger effortlessly obeyed, falling into Taehyung like he always did.

“When you come to festival, bun,” Taehyung began as he panted, skin damp with sweat as his body twitched from the ghost of pleasure’s faint touch, “There’s one thing I need you to do for me.”

“Anything hyungie.” Jungkook panted, equally breathless from his orgasm but eager to please as a smirk appeared on Taehyung’s face.

“Keep your eyes on me and don’t you dare look away.”

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SNU was bustling with life as students of all years, families, friends, mentors and more began filling the campus grounds. It was Saturday afternoon, the sun beginning to descend as time flew by as everyone wove their way through the school festival. Taehyung’s palms began to sweat as he and the others traversed with their instruments backstage of the biggest venue nestled in the heart of campus.

Today was the day; today was where Taehyung would bear his heart for the world to see and confess his love for the school’s golden boy Jeon Jungkook. And fuck was he nervous.

“You’re shaking, Tae-ah.” Bo-gum commented as the younger tried to touch-up his eyeliner using the greenroom vanities, palm visibly trembling as he held the pen near the crease but never dedicating himself to dotting the ink. Taehyung sighed as he put the liner down, unable to hide the quiver running through his bones.

Everything changes today and though Jungkook has never given Taehyung a, clear, sign that what they had didn’t matter – that it couldn’t evolve into something more, he worried of what would happen if he didn’t feel the same and even more so if he did. He’s never been so frazzled before a performance in his life! Unlike other shows where the crowd knew nothing and there were no stakes within the concert, today held the very future of his situationship and the unknown of what could happen terrified him.

He was nervous, excited, and on the verge of throwing up his lunch.

“I-I’m fine. Just some last-minute jitters…” Taehyung trailed as he took in a deep breath, trying to get himself to calm down. He was their guitarist— their leader, A Muses Influence couldn’t exist without him and now more than ever he needed to get his shit together and act like one.

Bo-gum easily saw through the mask Taehyung tried to force himself to wear, recognizing it as the younger always wore it when he was trying to be strong. It hurt to see it again. Gently, he turned the younger around to face him, caging Taehyung to the mirror as he picked up the eyeliner. With steady hands, Bo-gum carefully filled the wing Taehyung tried but failed to finish, silently supporting as he cradled the younger’s face. And though the Tae wasn’t too fond of the position they found themselves in, he allowed Bo-gum to help him, using the drummer’s familiar touch to settle his nerves as the seconds passed.

“There!” He exclaimed, as he pulled away from Taehyung. He grinned at his handy work, taking a small step back to give Taehyung some room but still being close enough to confuse an unknowing onlooker. Taehyung returned the elder’s smile before taking the pen from his hands, stuffing into his pocket as Bo-gum’s firm palm gave his bare shoulder a supportive squeeze. “We’re going to kill it out there tonight, Tae-ah, there’s no doubt about that. Those recruiters are going to watch us perform and be itching to have us join their labels, you’ll see.”

“It’s not them I’m worried about.” Taehyung muttered as he began walking toward center stage, catching the ‘last minute to showtime’ call exclaimed by university staff. He wove his way through the backstage techs with Bo-gum close behind, expression twisted in confusion as he watched the younger make his way to his electric guitar, the stage veiled from the crowd.

“Then… what are you worried about?”

Taehyung threw a soft smile at him as he tossed the strap of his guitar over his shoulder, “What comes after.” And with those final words the curtain was pulled back, the roar of the crowd filling Taehyung’s ears as the announcer introduced them, taking a deep breath to lull his nerves.

It was time.

With cheers bouncing off his earpiece, Taehyung kicked off the show with a sick riff of his guitar, the group immediately jumping into their most popular song: Pretty Please. The crowd easily chanted the lyrics and screamed their names during Yoongi’s bass solo towards the end of the song. Despite the reputation that followed Taehyung, seeing so many people showering them in love all stemming from the music he created once again reminded him that labels can be damned. It didn’t matter what others thought of him or how they perceived him from an incident that happened years ago; so long as he could keep doing what he loved he didn’t care. And as the song ended, Taehyung caught sight of Jungkook – the setter’s doe eyes glittering as he stood exactly where Jimin promised he’d be. He noticed how his childhood friend along with Namjoon and Hoseok were standing close by, coming by to share their support. Tae flashed his friends a smile as they transitioned to their next song, keeping his gaze tied to the crowd, his bandmates, and the golden boy who stole his heart.

And just as Taehyung asked him a few nights ago, Jungkook refused to tear his gaze away from the guitarist, watching him with awe as he came to life atop the stage. He was stunning – Taehyung commanded attention when he was in his element, engaging with the crowd despite the plague that followed him all while looking straight out of Jungkook’s wettest dreams. He wore nothing but leather – tight elastic shorts sat high atop his thighs as chunky leather boots delicately traveled up his legs. An open-back muscle tee with their band name sat atop his chest, revealing the elder’s work in progress sleeve along with his intricately designed back piece that bled into his neck. Silver jewelry coated his skin – accenting his long, painted fingers, wrists, neck, and ears while the pant chains caught every eye as they swayed with the music.

Taehyung was stunning and even if the elder didn’t tell him to keep watch of him during their call, he would’ve kept watch regardless.

To Jungkook, Taehyung held the world in his hands. And all he wanted after spending so much time together – after getting to learn about him and grow to care for him as more than a fuck buddy to explore his sexuality, was to simply have the honor of keeping him as something more.

Two souls yearning for each other danced to the music of the concert, spinning in the air as the day eased into night. And as the cheers continued to fly from the crowd, the group arrived at their final song of the evening. In an unpredictable turn of events, Taehyung and Seokjin traded places atop the platform, the bystanders hanging around Jungkook beginning to murmur as the guitarist took center stage.

But the setter didn’t dare look away, especially since Taehyung was now a mere six feet away from him. He could practically feel the elder’s breath on him and that alone sent a shiver down his spine.

“SNU! Let me hear you make some noise!” Taehyung began, cheers and whistles ricocheting from the crowd as the guitarist’s smile grew blinding, ignoring the confused stares from his members as he struck up a conversation with the crowd – something he never really did due to his reputation.

“Thank you for coming to our show tonight, it’s been an honor performing for you! As most of you know this is our last performance for SNU as we’ll all be graduating this coming spring. And though we’d love to keep going all night long, unfortunately we are nearing the end of our set. To end off the show, I’ll need your help with something. This last song is for someone very special to me,” he paused, casting his gaze to Jungkook, the setter’s heart skipping a beat from their locked gazes, “And I hope that with your help the message that resides in it can reach them. Think you can do it?” the crowd, despite the wave of murmurs cheered in excitement, all of them eager to not only hear the new song but uncover just who had captured Kim Taehyung’s fancy.

Jungkook would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious too, but he was far too distracted by his heart running rampant to even begin considering who the elder could be referring to. And before Jungkook could recover, a softer melody flooded his ears, turning his attention back to the stage. Taehyung’s plump lips grazed the mic as he serenaded the crowd with a smooth harmony, instantly hooking the audience with his velvet voice as he sang.

The setter’s entire world froze as he was graced with Taehyung’s unfiltered, beautiful vocals for the very first time. He was so starstruck by how that gravelly voice he’s come to love created such gorgeous hymns that he almost forgot to pay attention to the lyrics. And as he crash landed onto planet Earth, he turned his gaze back to Taehyung only to find the elder already staring back at him. Red flooded Jungkook’s cheeks as the guitarist kept his gaze on him, never wavering despite him both playing his guitar and singing.

Jungkook was enchanted, heart beating a million miles a minute as his face remained painted scarlet. Was all of this really happening? Was Taehyung – his fuck buddy that he yearned to be his lover serenading him in front of this crowd? Was this song for him? The more the setter thought about it, the more the pieces seemed to click into place.

‘You and I go back to like ’09, it’s like forever’ – they began their arrangement within the ninth room in the frat house, that memory feeling like forever ago despite only a few months ago. But no matter how much time has passed, their connection feels so deep and intimate. It was almost overwhelming.

‘You were there on my lonely nights keeping me together’ – they both always ran to each other when life beat them down, always finding immense comfort in the other no matter if they were in the sheets.

‘Yeah, but friends don’t say words that make friends feel like more than just friends’ – they’ve been doing a lot of that lately haven’t they? Jungkook couldn’t help but be jealous of Bo-gum whenever he was around Taehyung. He wanted the intimacy that the pair had, the familiarity they shared. But he wanted it for himself— he wanted the guitarist for himself and that was far more than what ‘friends’ should be. Bo-gum may have been a thorn in his side since he saw him that day at the soccer field but despite the envy he held for him, he had to thank him. He was the catalyst Jungkook needed to realize his feelings and he’d be forever grateful.

“And you could call me your baby?” Taehyung sang as Jin followed up with his backup vocals, the crowd swaying as the song continued, the guitarist’s gaze only breaking to send Jungkook a wink after chanting that line.

Baby. Such a simple word, a pet name that Taehyung often uses for Jungkook during their intimate nights together. But now? That word has evolved into something else hasn’t it? Something deeper, passionate and yearning; like a key perfectly fitting into its matching lock. Jungkook craved for more and as the chorus bled into the setter’s favorite lyric of the night, the younger realized that his feelings weren’t as one-sided as he made them out to be. And as the crowd chanted that lyric, that final line of musicality that signaled for the end of the song, Jungkook already knew what he would do next.

“Now I’m over pretending so let’s put the end in friends!”

Sponsorships, drafts into professional teams, his future – all of it can go to hell. All he wanted, all that he needed was the handsome guitarist singing his heart out six feet away from him. How could he ever want something more? And as the final chord was strung, with screams from the crowd filling his ears, Jungkook found his legs moving with haste, cutting through the crowd as he tried to get around to the stage.

“Jungkook!” Jimin called, but the younger didn’t stop, leaving his friends as he raced behind the makeshift venue. He needed to tell Taehyung how he felt – he couldn’t wait anymore; he had to tell him! The elder bore his feelings to the world with his music, Jungkook needed him to know that he felt the same. He wouldn’t dare waste another second. That mantra screamed loudly in his ears as he wove his way backstage, startling the staff members with his presence as he raced to centerstage. And just as the curtain was beginning to close with the band giving their final goodbyes, Jungkook locked eyes with Taehyung as he turned, watching how the elder’s breath hitched from seeing him. But before the guitarist could react, Jungkook ran over to him, possessive hands wrapping tightly around Taehyung’s waist and pulled him close as he smashed their lips together in a searing kiss just as the curtain sealed shut.

Startled, Taehyung scrambled to recover— cheeks flaming as he realized his bandmates and the stage techs were watching while the audience they just said goodbye too caught a glimpse of the intimate act. He was overwhelmed. But as Jungkook’s grip on him tightened with his tongue swiping at his bottom lip, Taehyung found himself caving, eyes fluttering close as he swatted his guitar to the side so he could press himself further into Jungkook. His arms, damp from the heat of the show, locked behind the setter’s neck, deepening the kiss with a desire to mold himself to the younger. With equal fervor, Jungkook slid his tongue into the elder’s mouth, muting the moan Taehyung yearned to release, making the elder dizzy from how greedy the setter was.

Looks like his message was well received.

And just when things were about to fall over the deep end a sudden strings of wolf whistles and cheers echoed from around them, making the pair recall the audience watching them. They – reluctantly – pulled apart, Jungkook growing bashful as he realized what he did, face bathed in red as he hid in the crook of Taehyung’s neck, loving how the guitarist’s chest rumbled with fondness as he cooed at the younger.

“It’s about damn time!” Seokjin exclaimed with a laugh, Yoongi nodded as he gave the pair a mischievous grin, commenting how they’d been dancing around each other for ages which made Taehyung roll his eyes at the bassist before flipping him off.

But as Taehyung’s gaze traveled to Bo-gum, his heart suddenly ached as he saw the downcast expression he wore. He knew it must’ve been difficult for the elder to see that Tae had moved on after everything they’d been through. Truthfully, if Jungkook had never entered the picture perhaps he and Bo-gum would’ve gotten back together once reunited. But that’s not how the cards ended up playing out and though Taehyung felt guilty for the pain he was now causing, he didn’t regret anything. Jungkook brought light back into Taehyung’s life when things were bleak, he became someone he could rely on and turned to when times grew tough. Sure, their relationship started out as a one-night stand turned transactional, it quickly evolved into something more; together they weren’t the star player or delinquent of SNU, they were merely Jungkook and Taehyung and that was something that Taehyung would endlessly treasure.

So, with soft remorse painted on his face, Taehyung gave the drummer a gentle smile before turning to the setter still nestled in his neck. Tenderly, the guitarist gave Jungkook a soft kiss atop the crown of his head, whispering that they had to go as the next group to follow was set to arrive soon. Jungkook, begrudgingly, pulled away from the elder, giving him a bashful peck before interlocking their hands and leading the pair away from the stage. Jin yelled after them to not do anything stupid whereas Yoongi was encouraging the birth of any mayhem all while Bo-gum stayed silent, watching with bitter nostalgia as the couple left them behind.

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Taehyung gasped as Jungkook caged him to the closed door of his apartment, lips desperately running to each other after being apart for so long. The setter’s hands were quick to settle atop Taehyung’s hips, squeezing them with such force the guitarist couldn’t hold back the moan that fell from his lips. God he loved it when Jungkook manhandled him. His hands, still lined in silver rings and bracelets, ran through the younger’s dark locks, fingers lightly tugging the strands as he pulled the setter closer. Jungkook growled from the pull, pressing himself deeper into Taehyung as his leg settled in between the elder’s, knee rubbing at Tae’s clothed crotch and the sensation had the elder’s breath catching in his throat. But despite the pleasure already burning his fingertips and the tips of his ears, his brain couldn’t stop thinking about what comes next.

Sure, Taehyung’s feelings have been reciprocated by his golden boy – the one he’s been yearning to have. And that above all else felt surreal, truthfully he couldn’t believe it. But now the question of ‘what’s next’ loomed over him like a toxic storm cloud. He knew his bandmates weren’t the gossip type— they’d never think to expose the pair for their display of public affection after the show. Yet he couldn’t say the same for the staff working the festival nor the audience who caught a glimpse of it as the curtains shut. He was positive that come the next morning their relationship would be all over campus news. And it had his gut twisting in guilt as he knew exactly what those tabloids would say.

‘Kim Taehyung has corrupted SNU’s star volleyball player Jeon Jungkook after being seen intimately together at SNU’s music festival!’

‘Jeon Jungkook caught smooching with campus delinquent Kim Taehyung – has the golden boy fallen from grace?’

‘Rising athlete Jeon Jungkook tainted by college bad-boy Kim Taehyung, is his future career over before it’s begun?’

Taehyung’s heart sank at the thought and despite desperately wanting to fall into Jungkook yet again, he couldn’t – not until he could figure out where things go from here. He’d never forgive himself if everything Jungkook worked so hard for came to naught all because he’s associated with Taehyung’s soiled name.

“K-Kook—!” he cried, trying to get the younger to slow down, to pull away so they can talk but just as the younger is in his games, Jungkook was annoyingly persistent. The younger’s cool lip ring grazed Taehyung’s burning skin as his lips moved to the elder’s neck, all restrain thrown out the window as he began freely marking Taehyung’s skin. Now that Taehyung has reciprocated his feelings, why should they continue to hide?

But Taehyung fought against that freedom, hands moving from Jungkook’s locks to push back against the younger’s sculpted chest. And though the younger loved when the elder resisted him, when he’d push back during their roleplay to make the sweet release of pleasure even more rewarding, something in this touch felt different. It had Jungkook gingerly pulling away from the elder’s neck only to lock eyes with Taehyung’s who were slowly filling with tears.

“H-Hyung?” Jungkook asked, voice stuttering from shock at seeing the elder in such distraught. He’s never seen Taehyung like this before, and it had his heart breaking. “Hyung what’s wrong?” he questioned, hands that were settled atop the guitarist’s waist slowly moving to cup his cheeks and wiping away the tears slowly staining them.

“I love you, Jungkook.” Taehyung began, heart hammering in his chest as he finally said the words out loud. And though he loved seeing Jungkook’s cheeks flood in the prettiest shade of pink, it still didn’t undo the insecurities wrapped around his heart. “But… where does this leave us?”

“What do you mean, hyungie? You know I love you too, right? I thought that was obvious.” Jungkook exclaimed in a breathy chuckle as his lips pulled into a gentle smile. And though the reassurance eased Taehyung’s heart a bit, what the opinions of others would do to Jungkook’s career still loomed over him.

“I know but Jungkook-ah but what are people going to say—”

“I thought you didn’t care about people thought?”

“I don’t but—” Taehyung huffed as he tried to get the conversation back on track, “What about your career? Your future? We’re both aware of the reputation that follows me, the dark cloud that taints everything it touches. I would hate it if by simply loving me everything you worked so hard to achieve was put in jeopardy…” he trailed as his gaze casted downward, letting those insecurities free after holding onto them for so long.

“Hyung, respectfully, who gives a fuck?” Startled Taehyung’s eyes fluttered frantically as he tried to make sense of what the younger just said. The expression had Jungkook release a deep laugh as he placed a soft, gentle kiss atop the guitarist’s lips.

They were stupidly sweet, just like always.  

“I don’t care about what people are going to say or what they’re going to do once word gets out. If they can’t handle their star player being in love then they’re not real fans or people I’d want to work with. At the end of the day my relationship status and who I choose to love simply is none of their business and frankly I’m tired of hiding who I am and who I adore. You’re all I want, hyung, and I know we’ve gone about things all in the wrong order in the time we’ve been together, but I love you and you love me. Isn’t that worth fighting for?”  

“It is Jungkook— god it is!”

“Then there’s nothing you should be afraid of, hyung. Let them talk, so long as you’re by my side nothing else matters.” Taehyung sighed as he nodded, still feeling a bit uneasy but being with Jungkook – being loved by him made heart soar. He needed to stop letting others get in the way of what he wanted. And in the end, Jungkook is right; so long as he has the setter by his side, he can tackle any challenge that comes his way – and they can do it together.

“I love you, Jungkook-ah.”

“And I love you Taehyungie hyung.” Taehyung snorted at how the younger pronounced his name, making a smirk pull at Jungkook’s mouth before capturing the elder’s lips in another gentle kiss. But what started out as tender and loving quickly turned heated as the pair easily fell back into the sexual tension that’s been bubbling within them all week; insecurities snuffed all for love to fill the holes it left behind.  

“F-Fuck hyung!” Jungkook whined as Taehyung palmed at the younger’s clothed dick, teeth tugging at the younger’s bottom lip as Jungkook’s hands retook their rightful place back on the elder’s waist, squeezing tightly as his lips stuttered from the elder’s touch.

“You did so good listening to me baby,” Taehyung began, velvet voice low and alluring just like Jungkook liked it – he felt it in the way the younger’s cock twitched at the praise, “Such a good boy for keeping your eyes on me during the festival like hyung asked.”

“A-Always good for you hyungie, w-wanted to be good!”

“Mm you were, baby, and you earned your reward~” Taehyung cooed, lightly pushing Jungkook away only for the elder’s hands to quickly latch onto Jungkook’s waistband with a teasing grin.

“Wanna suck you off so bad.” he purred into Jungkook’s ear as a soft whine fell from the younger’s lips, feeling how Taehyung’s fingers unzipped his pants and began stroking him through his dark trousers.

“Hyung, d-don’t tease… w-want you— need you!” Jungkook cried, making Taehyung hum as his touch turned precise, gentle fingers running over veins that made the younger go crazy. And as the grip on his hips turned bruising, Taehyung nipped at Jungkook’s neck only to slowly descend to his knees, watching with dark eyes how the setter’s gaze began to match his in heated pleasure.

It didn’t take long for the younger’s briefs to pool at his ankles and Taehyung’s pierced tongue to roll over Jungkook’s leaking cock. Precum coated the cool metal as the elder’s spit glazed the member, cupping the tip with his lips as his hands wrapped around everything else he just couldn’t reach. A tatted palm settled atop Taehyung’s curls, tenderly pulling at them as the elder picked up the pace, swallowing more of the younger’s thick cock before feeling the tip settle in the back of his throat.

God Taehyung loved deepthroating Jungkook, loved how full it made him feel. It was his favorite thing next to riding him.

“F-Fuck!” Jungkook moaned as his hips began to piston into the elder’s throat, loving the squelches that fell from Taehyung’s mouth, the friction from his piercing, and how every time the elder moaned or swallowed around him it only made Jungkook go faster – chasing his high as the elder let him use his mouth however he saw fit. But just as Jungkook was on the brink of pleasure, of spilling inside of Taehyung’s throat, suddenly the elder released the younger from his mouth, making Jungkook cry at having his orgasm taken away from him.

“H-Hyung!!” Jungkook whined, eyes now glassy with unshed tears of pleasure that the elder had forcefully taken from him. Taehyung merely cooed at the sight, kissing the younger’s cock that jumped from the touch before rising and capturing Jungkook’s lips with his own; them both adoring the taste of each other on Taehyung’s tongue. But Jungkook needed more and as the greedy setter he was, he quickly scooped the guitarist into his arms as he kicked off his fallen pants and undergarments, loving the laugh that fell from Taehyung’s lips as he carried him deeper into the apartment.

“Eager aren’t we, baby?” Taehyung questioned as Jungkook hurriedly carried him to his room only to be caught by surprise as the younger nipped at the shell of his ear, making a gasp fall from the elder’s lips before being thrown onto the plump mattress.

“You tease me with a thirst trap selfie.” Jungkook began as his lips trailed from Taehyung’s ear to his neck, hands expertly undoing Taehyung’s clothing as he spoke. “You demand I not see you again till the festival. You write and perform a song made just for me. And now you’ve become mine.” He stated with a large bite to the elder’s bare shoulder as his hands pumped the elder’s free member, making Taehyung let out a moan, “Of course I want to officially claim what’s been mine from the very beginning.”

Oh, Taehyung was already beginning to see stars. He loves when Jungkook bosses him around despite him being the sub in their relationship – it made his skin tingle in anticipation. “Then do it, baby. Claim me like you’ve always wanted to, I’m yours – yours only.”

Jungkook was quick to begin coloring Taehyung’s skin, eyes dark with lust as he marked the elder’s golden and inked skin in those hues of red and purple that Taehyung adored. But now he didn’t need to hold back, tongue swirling around Taehyung’s plump nipples and devouring the moans that fell from the elder’s lips; after all he knew just how sensitive he was there. And as his lips traveled downwards, placing hickeys beside the bruises atop Taehyung’s pelvis, Jungkook eagerly began fucking Taehyung’s hole open with his tongue, piercing doe eyes locked with the unfiltered expression coating the elder’s face. Taehyung’s eyes were rolled back, cheeks flushed red, and mouth open as stuttered moans fell from his lips each time Jungkook’s tongue circled his rim or curled inside him in just the right way. He loved the way Taehyung’s hands pulled at the sheets all while his legs itched to crush him with each shock of pleasure that ran through him. It had him seeing stars as he devoured Taehyung’s delicious hole, strong arms wrapping around the elder’s beautifully long legs to dive deeper.

“J-Jungkook! Fuck you’re in so deep!” Taehyung exclaimed, eyes brimming with those tears again but this time they were full of pleasure and Jungkook loved the way they began smearing Taehyung’s eyeliner with each thrust.

“Can never get enough of you hyungie… taste so good.” He trailed, biting at Taehyung’s inner thighs as he pulled away from to catch his breath. Jungkook watched as Taehyung’s hole fluttered after being stuffed with his tongue, dark gaze now hooded in desire as he captured Taehyung’s lips with his own before lining up his cock as the elder pulled him closer, their bare chests now touching as the Tae wraps his legs around Jungkook’s enviously slim waist.

“Be a good boy, baby, and fuck me already.” Taehyung demanded as he once again nipped at Jungkook’s bottom lip, enjoying the whines that fell free from those plump lips. Afterall, the younger was never one to be quiet during sex.

“Gonna fuck you so good, hyungie, will take care of you – make you feel good. My lover, my boyfriend, mine.” He accented with another brutal kiss to Taehyung’s lips.

“You always do, my beloved.” Taehyung cooed, drowning in Jungkook’s lips as the younger pushed into him, bottoming out in one fast, fluid motion. Taehyung moaned as he felt the younger’s cock slide into him, loving the burn of the stretch as though Jungkook didn’t properly stretch him out the slick of his spit did the job. He hissed as Jungkook relentlessly pounded into him, giving him no time to adjust as he was eager to dive into his pleasure; Taehyung did deny him his first orgasm after all.

“Ah- ah- Jungkook! F-Fuck!” Taehyung cried as tears of pleasure fell from his eyes, eyeliner staining his cheeks as Jungkook practically bent the elder in half as he pounded into him with such force it made Taehyung’s vision grow dizzy.

“F-Feels so good hyungie!” Jungkook whimpered, hips stuttering as the pleasure grew overwhelming, Taehyung immediately taking notice before biting at Jungkook’s neck before flipping them over and easily taking over. As always, Jungkook’s hands settled atop Taehyung’s waist as the elder began bouncing on his cock, tearstained eyes rolling back in pleasure as he felt the younger’s cock reach deep inside him.

“Love bouncing on you like this b-baby.” Taehyung exhaled as he felt Jungkook thrust into him with the same rhythm, hitting his prostate with intense accuracy as Taehyung grinded into him.

“You look so pretty like this h-hyung— ah!” Jungkook cried, soft whines falling from his lips as he watched the beauty that was Kim Taehyung ride his cock like his life depended on it. He could never tire of the sight; it was almost as if Taehyung was made to ride his cock or better yet that they were made for each other.

And as Taehyung’s legs began to grow tired from riding Jungkook, the setter gently shifted their positions to reach their high together, thrusting deep into Taehyung as their shared grunts, moans, and whines filled the room. “C-Close hyung, I’m close!” Jungkook breathed as his pace turned brutal, hooded gaze flying to Taehyung’s flustered expression as he awed at his boyfriend’s beauty.

“N-Not yet, baby, don’t come just yet.” Tae demanded, making Jungkook’s hips halt as he did his best to obey, submitting as he let Taehyung roll his hips and milk every nerve of pleasure flooding through him.

“B-But hyung!”

“Are you defying me, Jungkook-ah?” Taehyung asked, breathless as Jungkook’s face pulled into a pout, itching for release but unable to defy the elder, he loved him too much to disobey – not like he wanted to anyway.

“N-No, hyungie…”

Taehyung smirked as he pulled him into a soft kiss, “Such a good boy, baby.” Jungkook’s frustration easily faded as he molded his plump, bruised lips to Taehyung’s, relishing in the taste as despite being locked together from heated intimacy the atmosphere quickly turned soft and gentle. And as they swirled their tongues together, the ball of Taehyung’s tongue piercing having Jungkook’s cock throb from the sensation, the elder pulled away only to pepper the younger’s face in rosy kisses. Jungkook giggled as he let Taehyung kiss him, loving the affection as Taehyung was never really one to outwardly shower Jungkook with it. He was fond of the change, knowing that their confessions to each other were at the heart of this.

And as Taehyung finished his shower of affection he lovingly placed one last kiss atop Jungkook’s lips, sighing into them as the younger easily reciprocated the deep pleasurable touch. “Go ahead, baby, finish hyung off. Fill me up like you always do.” Taehyung stated with unfiltered ease, chuckling at how red Jungkook’s face grew only to moan seconds later as the younger’s hips spurred back to life.

With rapid speed and brutal force, Jungkook’s cock hammered deep into Taehyung’s ass, taking every moan – every inch of Taehyung and sparking it into pleasure as he yearned to see the elder unravel from his touch. And with one final thrust, Taehyung had reached his high, eyes fluttering close, mouth open in a guttural moan, and coming untouched as Jungkook began filling him up at the same time, grunting at how Taehyung’s walls clenched around him, bleeding him dry as he painted the elder’s walls white. The ghost of their orgasms lingered as the pair remained locked together, refusing to pull away as they caught their breath, so in love and so in tune with each other that being apart after falling into each other yet again was utter torture.

Jungkook carefully fell atop Taehyung, the elder’s arms softly wrapping themselves around the younger’s damp skin as he held him close, loving how they breathed in time as their hearts beat as one. The younger chuckled from the intimate hold as he lazily kissed Taehyung’s neck, loving the shiver that ran through Taehyung’s body from Jungkook’s touch as they remained locked to each other.

“Love you hyungie, love you so fucking much.” He said as he kissed and bit at his skin, eager to mark him up and color Taehyung just the way he liked.

“I love you too, baby. Thank you.”

Jungkook raised a brow as he pulled away from Taehyung’s neck, looking at him with endless curiosity that it made Taehyung chuckle.

“What, baby?”

“Why’d you thank me? There’s no need to…” he trailed as Taehyung’s smile grew fond, watching how it grew ten times in size as he pulled the younger into another slow, tender kiss before whispering the answer against those plump lips he had fallen for from the very first night he touched them.

“For having the courage to answer and turn us into something more. Thank you, baby for gifting me the honor of loving you.”  

Though Jungkook had barreled his way into Taehyung’s life after an unplanned one-night stand, he didn’t regret anything that had happened afterward. Despite the heartache, the ups and downs, the reputations that followed them, and their arrangement, the growth of his feelings for the golden boy who shined like unlike any other had granted him the best thing that he could’ve ever asked for. And even though he was scared for the future, he knew that with Jungkook by his side he could overcome anything.

A wallflower musician and a rising star athlete, he couldn’t wait to see what the world had in store. Afterall, they finally put an end to friends and that’s all Taehyung could’ve ever asked for.