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The great and ancient house Park could not even dream of a young member better than Jimin. Second in the line of heritage, he represented numerous features of a perfect nobleman: beautiful looks, kind heart, elegance in manners, wide knowledge in culture and art. He also radiated with some charming fragility, almost like a feminine factor, which made him even more intriguing. His father would always say it came from Jimin’s mother, who had died giving birth to her second son, leaving a part of herself within him, in something as simple and yet ethereal like full, raspberry-colored lips and crescent eyes.Throughout the years Jimin received the best possible education, spoke about four languages fluently, was an excellent singer and even better of a dancer. He had plenty of friends proper for his position, all highborn and just as noble. However, he found himself being the fondest of Jeon Jungkook, the youngest representative of the neighbouring house, brother of Jimin’s own sibling’s fiancé.But there was one thing, hidden in the dark, a deep crack on the perfect, porcelain surface of Jimin’s picture.There was never any female acquaintance by his side.He would always attend all those balls and fancy dinners on his own, hardly ever showing any interest in the dating arrangements and all the social chaos coming with them. He cut the nosy questions off with polite laughs and charming jokes, gracefully refusing any unspoken offers from the fair sex, seemingly oblivious to anything more than pure friendship with numerous women circling around him and his family.It was all because – a shocking secret known only to Jimin himself and his beloved calico cat – he had no interest in women. Jimin was definitely and helplessly fond of other men, for as long as he could remember.He saw an overwhelming beauty in sharp jaw lines, narrow hips and slender backs. Add to that thin, yet strong hands and forearms painted with veins, like a canvas filled with precise paint strokes, and Jimin remained in a never-ending awe of male looks.Just as in the morning, the day it all started.He was sitting on a windowsill, petting his cat, with his eyes caught by a baker having a break across the street. The man was tall, with a daring sparks in his eyes and a tired, yet confident half-smile.“You’ll see, Milo,” Jimin murmured in his pet’s soft fur “not a disease, nor a riot or a plot will be the end of mine, but a man. I swear it would take one gorgeous man to bring me completely down,” he laughed lightly, as he was yet to find out how much of a prophecy his words were.He continued quietly observing the baker, and then, when the stranger ended his break and went back inside the bakery, he was just watching people and horses and carriages and minutes passing by just outside of the palace. He loved those voiceless morning moments, when still no one had found out that he had woken up and would need a proper occupation for the day. But well, nothing lasts forever.“Sir Jimin, what an early bird you are today!” he heard an overly enthusiastic voice of his energetic butler and already knew it was the end of the laziness for the day. "That’s great, because we have a really tight schedule and we don’t want to miss anything in this special, special day!”Jimin brushed off the tiny drop of annoyance and smiled fondly. His butler was a good man, and Jimin was determined to make his demanding job as easy as he could. Besides that, it was a special day after all. His brother was having an official engagement ceremony. And God knew, if anyone in this world deserved whole bunch of special days, it was Namjoon.And that’s how he found himself all dolled up entering the main hall couple of hours later, with fierce attitude of making the evening pleasant and joyful for his brother and all the noble guests.“Good, very good”, his father was walking around nervously, fixing nonexistent flaws in flower bouquets and waiters’ collars. “Jimin, just the time!” the man clapped seeing his younger son, eyed him from head to toe and then nodded fondly, going back to torturing roses he somehow found not perfectly looking.“He’s more nervous about all of these than I am,” Namjoon smiled at him, raising his eyebrows. It was such a pleasant sight for Jimin. His brother was a caring man, too caring sometimes, too engaged in the wellbeing of their house. His young face was often painted with deep concern and sense of responsibility. Father gave him more and more duties as an heir and it gradually erased the last bits of a carefree young man from Namjoon’s soul. This is why Jimin was so grateful and happy, seeing his brother in such a good mood, excited and slightly nervous, with a certain lightness in the movements of his body.“Well, he’s hosting a giant party and you just have to say you’re marrying your girl, seems about right he’s more stressed,” he joked, teasing Namjoon a little bit.In response, his brother just ruffled his hair, an old habit from their childhood, never quite abandoned.“Just wait for your turn kid, you won’t be so smart then, you’ll see,” the heir smirked, but Jimin just blushed slightly, curling his small fingers inside the sleeves of his jacket. He wasn’t that much of a smart man anyway.The thing with posh balls is that they all look about the same. Polite greetings. Official welcoming and explaining the official reason behind the gathering. Even more polite little meal. Painfully polite small talks and then finally, the most polite dances, meaningless conversations and yet another deals and decisions made in between the lines. This is why it took almost two hours for Jimin to finally get out of his social duties and join his friend.“Jungkookie!” he called joyfully, maybe a little too loudly as couple of heads turned at him. He hardly cared however, and just wrapped his arms around the younger boy in a back hug.“Hi, Jimin, good to see you too,” Jungkook laughed at the sudden affection.Jimin put his head on the younger’s shoulder, nodding towards Namjoon and Yeoreum, sitting together at the main table.“So what, we’re about to be like actual brothers,” he said.“I know, it’s so awesome,” Jungkook agreed with a grin.It was even more awesome because Namjoon and Yeoreum actually liked each other. Well, maybe it wasn’t their choice to get married, but Jimin knew his brother was doing his best for their family, and eventually he and his fiancé grew genuinely fond of the arrangement.“Your sister is super pretty,” he stated, looking at Yeoreum. She indeed had charming looks, with large brown eyes, similar to Jungkook’s, but also a certain maturity in her features which her younger brother was yet to gain.“Yeah, she’s the prettiest,” Jimin’s friend agreed with a wide grin.“Oh wow, don’t let your girl hear it,” he smacked Jungkook jokingly.“You mean Hyunjoo?,” the younger raised his eyebrows “Uhm, it’s kinda no longer a thing,” he explained, looking down with embarrassment.“Kookie! When did that happen?” Jimin frowned. His friend had many girls by his side, but just never seemed to keep them around for longer.“I don’t even know,” Jungkook sighed deeply.Jimin put his hand around younger’s shoulder, which was quite a challenge considering their height difference.“How about you tell me about it… let’s say on a ride to the woods tomorrow?” he suggested with a grin.Jungkook suddenly went pale.“I- I’m afraid-,” he tried, but Jimin knew him too well. “You’re going there again, don’t you?” he raised his eyebrows.Oh course. Most young noblemen would let off steam by hunting. Horse riding. Dancing, in Jimin’s case. But Jeon Jungkook just had to visit sketchy fight clubs undercover.“Oh, don’t give me this look!” the young man shook his head at Jimin’s expression.“It’s a look of care, Kookie. You shouldn’t do this,” the older friend said with concern.“I know," Jungkook bit his lip, and was about to add something else, when he was interrupted by sound of an utensil hitting a glass cup, which meant the host had something important to announce. In this case, it was Namjoon.“My dear guests,” he said, using what Jimin called leader voice, “I hope everyone has enjoyed their food and drinks! It’s an honor to have you all here! Now I would like to make our evening even nicer, with the art known from the beginning of humankind, the universal language, in which every soul in born fluent: music!” He raised the toast and all the guests clapped politely, some women gossiping what the performance will be, others still busy with their plates.“What is it today?” Jungkook asked.“I don’t know exactly, some pianist my father has found,” Jimin shrugged. “But he doesn’t do the dancing music apparently, so he’s just here for couple of pieces and then the quartet we hired last time will come,” he explained and decided to go back to his table, maybe finally eat a bit…And then he heard it.Jimin appreciated all kinds of music. Lively dancing songs, melancholic ballads, even the sound of the rain hitting the windows. But there was a certain kind of music which caused his heart to clench and somehow made it impossible not to dance, at least in his head, plan all of the soft and sharp movements, subconsciously absorbing all the feelings hidden in the melody, whether it was joy, pain or love.He didn’t expect to hear such music during any ball.“Sir, you’re okay?” some waiter asked, and Jimin realized he suddenly froze halfway to his seat.“Yes, everything’s perfect,” he smiled fondly, still astonished by the piano piece.He couldn’t help but turn back to see, who was it behind such magic.There was a small frame of a man curled by the piano. He couldn’t see his face from the place he was, only from time to time he was able to catch a glimpse of musician’s hands, when he was reaching out to gently press the keys.It was enough for Jimin to form a slight “o” from his lips. The man’s hands were large and painted with veins, with long, slender fingers, which seemed to fit the piano perfectly.The music they created was still thumbing in his head, full of emotions and some strange hint of sadness. Absolutely captivating.Jimin took a seat slowly, not taking his eyes off the pianist even for a second.“Look who’s in love now,” Namjoon’s joke dragged him out of his thoughts.“It’s just the music,” Jimin lied. “It’s different than usual”.“Yeah, father wanted to turn that guy down because he’s kind of a hobo, but he let him play a piece and thought it’s a nice contrast to the quartet,” his brother explained, with a rather bored expression.“You know his name?” Jimin asked. “The pianist, I mean”.The final piece ended and the man turned around. He had pure concentration still visible on his face, somewhere below his half-lidded eyes, which reminded Jimin of Milo in a very intriguing way. Oh, there were definitely some beautiful eyes in here.“Yoongi, I think,” Namjoon replied. “No last name, from what I’ve heard. Just Yoongi,” he explained. “Why are you asking though?”“I want him to play while I’m dancing,” Jimin said with a small, quiet voice.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jungkook always felt more alive when he wasn’t trapped inside his family’s mansion. It was essential for him to move and breath the outside air in order to function and think properly.
It wasn’t as hard to do as it seemed. As the youngest sibling, the most of family’s attention focused on his older brother, as an heir, and his sister, as the only female child. This way, it wasn’t difficult for Jungkook to sometimes just slip through the sticky fingers of servants and butlers and find himself strolling through the streets, with addicting sense of freedom blooming in his heart.
He remembered very well, the first time he agreed to play with some kids while on one of his secret walks. He was maybe eleven years old and for the very first time in his noble life he got dirty from head to toe. The scolding he got afterwards was unbelievable, but Jungkook forgot about it quickly. Pure joy, on the other hand, remained coded in his brain for a long, long time.
After that, despite being a rather shy kid, he quickly made some friends among the common children. He often wished he could one day get Jimin to know them too, however his friend wasn’t as enthusiastic about it. He perceived Jungkook’s trips to the world of commoners as reckless and dangerous, and even Jungkook had to admit, he couldn’t really imagine his friend playing with sticks in some muddy yard. It was not a Jimin thing.
But then his friends from the streets grew up, and so their games changed. Sticks evolved into fists and yards became dirty basements and sketchy, cheap pubs. Jungkook visited his buddies less often as he was busier, but still there were some events he just couldn’t miss.
Just like the fight between his friend Jaehyun and some bastard from the northern neighborhood.
He walked through streets quickly, after years of practice he knew exactly how to avoid any attention. It was getting dark already, so he picked up the pace, as the fights always started at the sunset.
Sometimes Jungkook wondered whether his older brother knew about his second life outside the mansion. They weren’t really close with Seokjin, but he was a thoughtful man, smarter than most people thought. He would sometimes throw in those seemingly meaningless sentences like “Hey, Jungkook, remember to always be careful,” or “It’s a wild world out there, we need to use it wisely”.
Anyway, it didn’t really bothered Jungkook at the moment, as he was already approaching his destination and Seokjin and his wife had been away in the capital for three long months now.
He smiled widely when he saw Yugyeom standing in front of the entrance.
“Yo, Guk, we already thought you won’t make it!” yes, Jungkook was fully aware it was a bad fake name. He picked it in a panic as an eleven-year-old boy. “Haven’t seen you in awhile, huh?” Yugyeom put his arm around him in a greeting.
“Yeah, you know how it is,” Jungkook grinned. “You never know when those assholes will make you clean some extra horse shit,” he laughed.
It this world Jungkook worked in a stable. For his actual family, to make it funnier.
“Well, you’re here today, and that what matters, come on, the others are down there already,” Yugyeom pointed at the basement stairs and Jungkook just followed him without a word.
He was not as reckless as it might look like. He never took part in any fights, hardly ever agreed on bets, was mostly quiet and stayed out of troubles. This is why, despite the fact he really wanted to have a good view at Jaehyun fighting, Jungkook decided to stand near the wall, hidden from most of the eyes in the room. He quickly went through all the greetings and handshakes, trying to avoid as many strangers as he could. He left giving Jaehyun the pep talk to the other guys.
He knew he was invisible, seeing the way strangers’ eyes passed his face without the second gaze. Average man, in an average clothing, with an average hood covering his eyes when he walked, as he picked up the habit of looking down and stooping, to fit in better with the commoners.
But he wasn’t exactly invisible that night.
It was somewhere by the end of the fight, Jaehyun was bleeding but victorious, when Jungkook noticed it.
A pair of eyes, big and brown, gazing straight into his soul.
The eyes belonged to a young man squatting in the other corner of the room, who was scribbling something in his notebook, just to lift his eyes at Jungkook again.
Did he… did he recognized who he was!?
A wave of pure panic ran through Jungkook’s body and a second later he was by the man, pulling him up.
“What are you looking at?” he asked.
“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable,” the stranger replied quickly, and Jungkook realized he wasn’t much older than himself. “I’m just a painter,” the man grinned and the rectangular smile made him look even younger. “And I just…” he lowered his gaze at the notebook. Jungkook noticed precise lines of charcoal filling almost the whole page. His portrait. The stranger was drawing him. Suddenly, Jungkook felt his cheeks burning slightly.
“Oh”, he just replied.
It took him couple of seconds to get his mind to work again.
“You’ll need to throw that one away,” he said putting his hands into pockets. “There are… there are people who cannot know I am here”.
The stranger didn’t reply, still looking at Jungkook with tilted head, as if he was examining something.
“It’s not because I don’t like it,” Jungkook added. “It’s really good actually”, he admitted, and the other man’s face lighten up with a smile again.
“Thank you,” he said, and then his grin suddenly turned mischievous. “I thought I could never get these bunny teeth right,” he burst out laughing loudly. And Jungkook, no matter how unused to being teased, as he was usually the one teasing, found himself joining him a second later.
“Can I see your other drawings?” he asked slightly shyly.
“Sure, just don’t get them greasy,” the man replied and passed Jungkook the notebook.
Most of the drawings were portraits of all kinds. Women and men, old and young, with serious expression or smiling widely.
“Do you only draw people?” Jungkook asked, not getting his eyes off the portraits.
“Pretty much. They’re the most interesting, I think”.
The nobleman in disguise nodded quietly, still immersed in the art.
“You’re really good,” he said finally, giving the notebook back.
“It’s Taehyung,” the stranger said, grinning.
“Jungkook”.
“Yo, Guk, we’re celebrating Jae’s win, are you coming?!” he heard Mingyu’s calling.
“I guess it’s time for me,” he smiled apologetically. “See you later, creepy painter!”
“See you later, bunny teeth!” he heard Taehyung calling after him and caught a glimpse of a v-like sign. He couldn’t help but joyfully chuckled.
It took him four hours to realize he had given the stranger his real name.
***
“Oh”.
It was all Jimin said when the servant announced that the pianist from the latest ball refused to accompany him during his dance session.
He could have just dropped it at that moment. Move on, go back to what he was doing and forgot about the pianist forever.
But one of the melodies he had played immersed into Jimin’s mind and heart so deeply he just couldn’t let it go. For the past few days every time he was dancing he could hear the piece, but at the same time he couldn’t quite grasp it. It was irritating, like a beam of sunlight, so beautiful yet untouchable.
“Ask him again,” he said. “Double the money we offer, maybe,” he bit the inside of his cheek.
Namjoon mention Yoongi was “a hobo”, maybe a bigger salary would make him more eager?
“Of course, Sir,” the servant bowed his head. “Shall I consult it with your father, Sir?” he asked.
“No, I… I’m sure he won’t oppose,” Jimin sent his servant the most charming smile and went back to vast financial chronicles of his house, book way to heavy for his fragile fingers.
***
“Sir Jimin, I am afraid the pianist refused again”.
This time he didn’t hide his emotions and jumped on his feet. Milo fell off his knees with a hiss.
“Any reasons behind his decision?” he asked.
“Nothing he said about. Just a plain <no>,” the servant explain and left him alone.
Jimin was thinking for a few seconds.
“Maybe I’ll write him a letter personally, huh Milo?” he asked, but the cat just looked at him, still visibly offended. “Oh come on, my friend, it was an impulse!” he called, but Milo was indifferent and gracefully left the chamber.
Jimin sighed, and went to his desk, taking out an ink-stand and a pen.
“Okay, just-Yoongi-too-cool-to-play-for-me,” he whispered to himself. “I really want to dance to that song”.
Dear Sir Yoongi,
No, he was definitely not a nobleman, Jimin thought and crossed out his words.
Dear Mr-
But he apparently kept his surname a mystery. The nobleman scratched out the line again.
Dear Yoongi,
It sounded wrong. Too personal.
Dear Yoongi,
I am deeply upset about your refusal. I respect your choice and I do not intend to be importunate.
I hope you do understand that my repetitive requests are caused purely by genuine appreciation of your music. Ever since the ball, I have found your pieces most astonishing and delightful. As a dancer by heart, it is my great desire to express myself with the accompaniment of your piano.
Please reconsider your decision.
Yours faithfully,
- Park Jimin.
He ended the short letter with a sweeping signature and smiled to himself.
The answer came exactly four days later.
It was written in crooked, small letters, almost like a child’s writing.
Sir Jimin,
No.
- Yoongi.
Jimin let out an angry roar.
“Yo, what is it, little brother?” Namjoon, who was sitting at the desk on the other side of the office, asked with visible amusement.
“Just read that what that insolent excuse of a man wrote back!” Jimin raised his voice and swiftly walked to his brother to show him the paper. Namjoon eyed it and let out a chuckle.
“He’s really stubborn, that pianist of yours,” he shook his head. “You won’t let it go, will you, Jiminie?” he looked at the younger one, who just looked down at his hands.
Jimin thought Namjoon will tease him about it, or at least try to find out his motives, but the heir just gazed at him for couple seconds and then stood up suddenly.
“You know, I guess you’re lucky,” he announced. “You know Seokjin and his wi-, uhm, Seokjin and his wife, yeah, exactly; are coming back next week, and her side of the family is making a small reception. From what Yeoreum has told me, there are no dances or anything, but they’ve decided to hire that Yoongi guy to play a few piano pieces”.
Jimin’s face lightened up immediately.
“Oh my God, that’s amazing!” he said, beaming and then noticed the cat walking slowly into the office. “Oh, look who’s not all angry at me!” he took Milo into his hands and lifted the pet up, nuzzling his nose into a soft fur.
“God, Jimin, you really need someone to hug to, don’t you?” Namjoon commented, laughing quietly.
“Oh come on, how can you not like Milo?” the younger asked, pouting theatrically.
“Because, A. I am super afraid I will hurt that animal if I get any closer that three feet, and B. I always feel there’s something weird about him,” he explained, but Jimin didn’t seem to listen anymore, busy with petting and hugging. “Like he’s holding some secret,” Namjoon whispered and then added with his leader voice: “Okay, that’s it Jiminie, leave the cat and we’re getting back to work,” he commanded and his brother had no choice but to obey with a deep sigh.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It wasn’t like Jungkook was looking for Taehyung.
Not at all.
Well, at least he was looking at him only to get his name back.
How could he be so reckless?
It was dangerous, very dangerous, the fact that some stranger knew his
actual name
and probably also his face, still enchanted in the lines of charcoal in his notebook.
Jungkook had no idea where to possibly find Taehyung, so he just went to the very same fight club they met again, and again, and again. He was lucky Seokjin wasn’t home, otherwise he would probably notice his regular disappearances and scold him for neglecting his responsibilities and stuff like that.
It had taken him nine days before he saw Taehyung again.
It was just like the other days, he was examining dozens of faces walking in an out the basement, men crumbling in the small area, until suddenly-
“Hey, bunny teeth!” he heard a joyful call and turned back. Taehyung was waving at him with his rectangular grin and made that strange v-sign with his fingers.
“Hey, creep!” he replied joyfully, but then recalled why he was there in the first place. “Can we, uhm, go outside for a second?” he asked.
Taehyung looked at him in confusion, but didn’t say anything and left the basement with Jungkook.
“So, listen to me,” the nobleman sighed. “Last time, I gave you my name, right?”
“Yeah, Jungko-”
“Shh!” the younger cut off. “Okay so, there’s this thing, you can’t really use my name here. Or on the streets, or anywhere. In here I go by Guk, okay? Just Guk”.
“Wow, it doesn’t makes much of a difference,” Taehyung replied, with a hint of amusement in his voice.
“Just use it, okay?”
“Okay, okay, calm down bunny teeth,” the painter chuckled. “Wait, I cannot draw you, I cannot use your real name… Are you some kind of murderer?”
Jungkook’s jaw dropped a little. It definitely seemed like he was, when he gave it a second thought.
“I, uhm- I- I assure you I am not a murderer. Or criminal of any sort”.
“Well, that sounds like something a murderer would say,” Taehyung pointed out. “Oh come on, I’m just messing with you!” he laughed lightly, seeing Jungkook’s serious expression. “Maybe I’m too naive, but I can’t picture someone with those eyes of a baby deer murdering anyone”.
Jungkook’s shoulders relaxed.
“Maybe you’re the one being a murderer here, huh?” he squinted at Taehyung.
“Oh, that’s a smart strategy!” the painter let out a chuckle and for a beautiful moment sketchy backstreet was filled with their youthful laughs. “So what, you’re here to watch some fight, or…” Taehyung asked, pointing at the basement door couple feet behind them.
“No, just,” Jungkook didn’t really know what to say. “I’ve kinda been around, I guess, haven’t planned staying there for any longer,” he explained.
Taehyung seemed to think about something intensely for a moment.
“Wanna go for a walk?” he asked.
“Sure,” Jungkook shrugged, trying to sound indifferent.
It was already completely dark, streets seemed strangely abandoned, hollowed even. But it had its charm, with clear sky dotted with stars and fresh wind blowing from the east.
“You seemed to really enjoy my drawings last time,” Taehyung stated. “Have you done something in the field of, you know, art?”
Jungkook grinned.
“I mean, I used to learn some basic drawing and dancing, an instrument of choice as we-”
“You’re noble born!” Taehyung exclaimed.
The wave of curse words flooded Jungkook’s mind. What the hell was wrong with him?
“You bastard, you did it on purpose!” he called, appalled.
Taehyung just laughed lightly.
“I had that feeling the moment I saw you. You’re not hiding as well as you think,” he said.
“My God, I feel so stupid right now,” Jungkook hid his face in hands.
“Don’t, bunny teeth,” Taehyung poked him with his elbow. “Okay, Jungkook, so what happened that you’re here, huh? Your family lost some war on the other continent and went bankrupt? They died at some fancy ball, stabbed by political rivals?” he asked, maybe a little too lightheartedly.
“Uhm, not quite, they still pretty alive,” the nobleman replied, putting his hands into the pockets. At this point, he could just tell it all, couldn’t he? “My name is Jeon Jungkook”.
“Wait, Jeon?” Taehyung raised his eyebrows. “That girl getting married to the Park guy, she’s your, hmm, cousin?” he asked, frowning.
“Sister, actually”.
“Oh my God, that’s so cool!” the painter’s eyes widened. “But wait, that makes my question even more valid. What the hell are you doing here in the streets when you live in an actual palace and stuff?”
Jungkook was thinking about the answer for some time.
“You know, I’ll show you,” he said. “Follow me”.
He grabbed Taehyung’s wrist and dragged him in the opposite direction.
***
They were sitting on a hill, one of many outside of the town.
The half-walk, half-run they made there was definitely a joyful one. Jungkook explained how he started sneaking out of his house, at first by using a rope ladder he made himself, then by bribing few of the servants to be his cover-up and just walking out using the back door. Taehyung talked about how he could climb every tree since he had been four and how he would use this skill to make his paints, or even knock-out a squirrel or two to get the material for the brushes, which Jungkook found especially amusing.
The hill they reached was one of the many, however it was a special one, as it provided excellent view for the whole valley below.
“What do you see?” Jungkook asked, pointing at the town in front of them.
“I don’t know,” the other man replied. “The palaces and mansions… I guess they’re lighter?”
“But?”
And suddenly Taehyung noticed it.
“But somehow motionless,” he said. “On the streets you can hear and feel the people around, even when it’s empty and dark. Because they’re here, crumbling like ants day and night, in their little flats, attics and basements. There’s a certain movement, like a pulse in veins. But palaces aren’t like that at all”.
“Yes. Yes they aren’t,” Jungkook said dryly. “You know, it’s so suffocating down there,” he confessed. “I only have one friend, one single person I actually like. Others are just there, because they’re noble enough to be there. I spend my days doing all those meaningless things that are expected of me, only to fulfill my parents’ desires regarding what man am I suppose to become, always closed in that damned mansion, let out only with those excuses of friends chosen for me before I was even born,” he looked at his hands, which suddenly seemed too big. “They want to make me a military man, you know. They already have a son to be an heir and a daughter to marry off for connections, so my father has this vision I’ll be an officer. First time they sent me to some related to us commander, so I can watch and learn, I was thirteen. I spent five months at war and when I went back I haven’t said a word for half a year. Now I mostly train physically and learn the history and theory of war, but when the summer will come and pass and I’ll turn nineteen, they send me right off to the military academy in the capital. My father wanted to do so last year, but I got terrible bronchitis mid August and was too weak to travel”.
“Wow, and I thought about this life as a paradise,” Taehyung said.
Jungkook blushed.
“It’s not bad, you know,” he explained. “This friend of mine, Jimin, he enjoys it a lot, actually. He is like made for all those fancy balls and official meetings and he finds real joy in all of it, even some arduous work on finances and politics. I really don’t want to complain, we have abundance of everything we need, it’s just… I feel it’s not for me. It’s somehow against my heart, my nature. This is why I escape to the streets. To be myself, I believe.”
A moment of silence fell upon them. Stars shone brightly that night, thousands of them visible to a human eye.
“You know Jungkook,” Taehyung finally said. “Now I am positive you’re not a murderer. Otherwise I’d totally be dead and buried in that hill by now.”
They burst out laughing lightly.
“Maybe it’s an another element of strategy,” the younger raised his eyebrows. “You know, gain your trust, win you over with a cheesy story…”
“Come on, bunny teeth, you aren’t that smart!” Taehyung teased him.
“And you, Tae?” Jungkook enjoyed the way nickname felt on his tongue. “What are you doing in this mess?”
“I work with the fabrics, at that big workshop in the south. Nothing much, mostly carrying the bales in an out, but it’s enough to buy some average food. Or the worse food
and
some art supplies, depends how hungry I am,” he grinned. “Used to work at the bakery when I was younger. I enjoyed it more, but it was more of a kid’s job. Not enough work to make enough money,” he explained.
“So how did you find yourself at the fight club?” Jungkook asked curiously.
Taehyung shrugged.
“Looking for some intriguing faces to draw,” he said. “And you? You don’t take part in fights, don’t you?”
“Nah, my family wouldn’t let me live if I had a slightest bruise on my body,” he replied, brushing his hair back.
“I haven’t seen my family in six years,” the painter confessed suddenly. “I mean, I usually say I don’t have a family, but they still are somewhere out there, hopefully,” he added.
Jungkook didn’t say anything, unsure if the other man will continue.
“They are farmers,” the painter said just slightly above the whisper. “One day our little piece of field became not quite enough to make a living with all the kids in the house. I was the oldest, but my siblings were already old enough to help with the farm, so they just gathered all the money they could and put me in a one-way carriage, so I could, just… try my luck somewhere else. This is how I got to this damned town. I was fifteen”.
Jungkook look at the the painter. His handsome face was radiating some strange strength, something young nobleman couldn’t put his finger on.
“And… how’s that luck of yours?” he asked a little awkwardly.
“I don’t know,” Taehyung fell on his back, looking up at the stars. Suddenly, a smile lot up his face “But just look, how many stars can I count,” he grinned. “Isn’t it enough this very moment, Jungkookie? Isn’t it enough…”
The younger saw no other way than to agree, as it was, indeed, a spectacular night.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Couple years in the business, Yoongi should have been used to those fancy mansions and stupid receptions and rich people in general.And he was, in a way. He didn’t feel disgusted by all the wealth and wasted money anymore, even though there was still a bad taste in his mouth when he recalled hungry children’s faces, with their large eyes looking at him from the corners of the streets.He learned to accept it, in a way. Noble born wasted money, while others fought for bread and a roof above their heads. That’s how the world had been built and how it would reach its end, that one he was sure of.This is why he played for noblemen, even though they didn’t really care about his music, treating it just like a pleasant background. He even grew to like that aspect. When they didn’t notice him, it gave Yoongi that slightest feeling of a delightful singularity. Just him and his piano - how it had always been and how he would probably end.Of course, there were exceptions among the noblemen hiring him.Such as this weird guy he didn’t know for life, Jimin, trying to approach him for a long week, drowning Yoongi with praises and messages sent by servants.Noblemen were strange and often bizarre, but couple years in the business, he learned to accept them the way they were.He still hated using those ridiculous rich people’s restrooms, though.Especially when he couldn’t find them for life in those stupids labyrinths of hallways.He still had more than a quarter until his performance, a good, well-paid job he got thanks to that ball two weeks ago. It was a reception thrown for some absurdly pretty heir of a noble house and his doll-like wife. It wasn’t too crowded, to his relief, only about forty people or so.“Uhm, are you lost, sir?” falsely polite servant dragged him out of his thoughts.“It’s not much of a sir, and I think… a little bit?” he tried his best not to sound angry. “I’m looking for a restroom, actually”.“That way, on the left, and down the hallway,” the man explained, still politely smiling.God, those people were fucking crazy.Yoongi was just about to open the restroom door, when he heard it.Someone was inside.Two people actually.“What, I’m gone for three months and all of the sudden she’s the love of your life!?”It was a man’s voice, desperate and dry.“It’s not like that, Seokjin,” some other, deeper and calmer voice replied. “Your sister is an amazing woman, she's brave and smart and she doesn’t deserve to be treated like that. It is my duty to make her feel happy and loved-”“And us, Joon?”“You have a wife too. And she doesn’t deserve to be cheated on, nor treated coldly by you.”Oh God, that was some prime time rich guys’ drama behind that damn door, Yoongi thought.“So what, we’ll just forget everything that happened?”“Yes, we will. For the sake of our families, our wives and our children to come,” the deeper voice replied, and all of the sudden all Yoongi could hear was loud sobs and gentle whispers somewhere in between.“There you are!” a loud, high-pitched voice made him jump away from the door. There was a young man at the end of the hall and Yoongi decided to approach him quickly to get away from the restroom entrance.“With all respect, but who are you, sir?” he asked frowning. The man… let’s just say Yoongi decided not to think too much about the way he looked. No need to get distracted from his job.“Park Jimin,” he answered, clearly confused.Yoongi’s jaw dropped.“Wait, you’re not some old man?”Jimin frowned.“Why would you think I was an old man?”“You wrote that letter using old men’s words, I don’t know,” Yoongi shrugged.“Well, I am definitely not an old man”, he beamed widely and his eyes turned into those little crescents and God, it just fitted his face so perfectly, he looked like some ethereal creature send from the heav-“So?” Jimin asked. Yoongi realized he had just zoned out hard. “Will you play for me?”The pianist sighed.“I don’t play dance music. Or rather, I don’t let people dance to my music, okay?”A bolt of disappointment ran through Jimin’s face.“Why don’t you?” the noble man asked. “Your music is perfect”.Yoongi wiped his face with his long fingers. That damned kid wouldn’t let him go without some answers, he was sure about that.“You know I just… my music means a lot to me. And with all respect to your absolutely amazing court dances,” he really tried not to sound sarcastically, “I just don’t feel any of them would go well with my compositions”.Jimin’s plump lips formed an “o”.“So these are your compositions?” he asked, clearly shocked.Yoongi looked at his feet.“Yeah, almost all of them,” he admitted.“You know, I don’t do court dances during my dancing sessions,” Jimin said, and this time Yoongi was the one to be surprised. “I mean, not all the time, at least. What I was thinking of with your music… I do this dance, it’s not quite a thing,” the pianist noticed a hint of red on his cheeks, “It’s just… pure expression. No partner, no static moves, no choreography… just me,” he said quietly. “And I’m a good dancer, I swear!”Yoongi exhaled loudly.“I’ll give you one chance, okay?”Jimin’s face immediately lightened up.“I’ll be here tomorrow, at the noon, I’ll play one song, you’ll dance to it and I’ll decide what to do, okay?”“Oh my God, thank you so much!” nobleman covered his mouth and made a tiny jump.“Calm down, Park Jimin, I’m only doing this because otherwise I’d probably found your request letter in a loaf of bread tomorrow morning,” he stated maybe a little too harshly. “And now if you excuse me, I have to do my actual job,” he said and started swiftly walking towards the main hall, before he realized, why he had wandered off there in the first place. He made a few very awkward backward steps towards the restroom, cursing internally.Luckily, two men he had heard before were gone. They must have sneaked out when he’d been busy letting down all his guard in front of that damn nobleman.***Yoongi didn’t really, well, think, about what to play. He never did, he just played.But he was still kind of surprised about the pieces his fingers decided to bring to life that day. They were some important ones. The ones he had composed through sleepless nights, the ones he had titled and played when he was alone. It was a nice job, he thought. People weren’t too noisy, mostly talking quietly with each other. In the room full of men and women Yoongi was blissfully alone with his music, his thoughts and a piano, this one a little too new and shiny for his taste.But he couldn’t suppress the feeling there was at least one person paying full attention to his every move.So when he finished the final piece and turned away from the piano rapidly, he wasn’t surprised to see Park Jimin gazing at him intensely.What was wrong with this man, Yoongi seriously had no idea.“Thank you very much, uhm, Yoongi,” as always, his lack of surname was the source of the most amusing awkwardness. He politely shook hands with the host of the reception and leisurely walked off the platform the piano was situated on.He took his time to take a better look at Jimin. The nobleman was now busy talking with some friends of his, apparently. One of them looked younger, but it might be solely because of his large, round eyes. He was moving constantly in his place, as if he had some ball of energy trapped inside him. Kids those days, Yoongi thought with a sigh. The second Jimin’s acquaintance… oh, he knew that one! He was the son of tonight’s hosts. Ho- Hoseok. Yes, his name was Hoseok.Yoongi had had a very strange first impression of him, and seeing him now, he felt it had been a right one.Hoseok seemed real.He was smiling widely most of the time, but it wasn’t a polite, well-learned smile rich people used. Hoseok’s grin looked genuine, as well as his laugh and expressive moves of his body. He seemed to radiate this aura of authenticity towards others, there was almost none of that awful formal social gathering tension around him.Yoongi thought, that in another life he could have liked someone like Hoseok.And then, when it was already too late to run away, he realized Jimin and his younger friend were approaching him.“Kookie, I’d like to formally introduce you to Yoongi”, he announced. “Yoongi, this is Jeon Jungkook, a great friend of mine”.They shook hands and Yoongi tried his best not-awkward-at-all smile.“I’m really happy you decided to give Jimin a chance, it means a lot,” Jungkook said. Oh, the meaningless rich people’s sentences.“Your music was exquisite today,” Jimin said with a grin.Wait, what was with that small talk and introductions? Was Jimin like… trying to befriend him, in a weird noblemen way?“Thank you, sir, but I’m afraid I still have places to be tonight. Enjoy your evening,” he just cut off and left with a stiff bow. *** Jungkook couldn’t fall asleep for life. Even though the reception for Seokjin and Chaeyoung had been pretty tiring, he still found himself very awake couple hours after it had ended.It was probably because of the previous week, when he had spent every night outside until… until he had found Taehyung again.After their strange conversation on the top of the hill they had spent some more time just looking at the stars. And then Jungkook had realized he really has to go back if he doesn’t want any trouble, so they had just walked down the hill and split.“Don’t worry, bunny teeth, I’ll find you soon”.That’s what Taehyung had said, when Jungkook had asked about where and how they would meet again.It has been six long days, he hadn’t heard anything from the painter and his sleeping schedule had been definitely all over the pla-
Knock.
Jungkook frowned.
Knock.
It wasn’t on the door.
Knock.
Rather on the… window pane?
Knock.
He slowly climbed out of the bed, fixing loose shirt he was wearing and approaching the window.There were a lot of things he could expect at 3 am. Some stray dog making a mess, a confused owl or a drunk. His room was facing the street and wasn’t that far from the ground, he was used to hearing stuff like that. He actually asked for such a placement, it had once been useful while sneaking out.So, there were a lot of things he could expect at 3 am by his window.But Jungkook definitely didn’t expect Taehyung himself, throwing pine cones aggressively towards his room’s panes.There were those solid ten seconds when he seriously considered the painter to be some kind of crazy stalker, but then he recalled he himself was the one to tell Taehyung all the details about where he lived, as a part of a captivating story of his secret life outside.He opened the window.“Hey, bunny teeth, I had this feeling you weren’t asleep!” he heard a whispered scream. “Rope ladder!” Taehyung added.What? Oh yeah, the ladder he made as a kid. He must have mentioned it as well. Just where was it now… Of course, under the bed, how could he forget that one.Without thinking too much (it had never really worked out anyway with that painter around) Jungkook unrolled the old, dusty ladder and threw it out the window.Taehyung’s stories about climbing the trees must have been real as well, because three seconds later he already jumped into the dark chamber.“What’s that shook face, Jungkook,” he chuckled. “I said I would find you soon,” the man grinned widely.“Why in the middle of the night exactly?” the younger raised his eyebrows.Taehyung turned a bag resting on his hip and took out a notebook and a piece of charcoal.“I felt a wave of inspiration all of the sudden”, he explained. “If you could… you have some sort of light in here, don’t you?”To draw. Taehyung invaded his house in the middle of the night to draw.Jungkook quietly lit a small Argand lamp by his bed.“Perfect,” Taehyung grinned. “Actually, I just need a reference sketch, I’m planning a bigger painting based on it. Could you maybe sit a little closer to the lamp?”Oh, he was the said reference. It felt a little awkward for a second, Jungkook trying to sit comfortably and not look ridiculous, and Taehyung humming to himself quietly while trying to find the angle.“You know, you may open your mouth and stuff,” the painter said. “It won’t really bother the drawing,” he smiled with that boxy grin of his.And so they talked. Jungkook told Taehyung about the reception, about Seokjin and his wife, and his sister and Namjoon, and about Jimin and the pianist he was crazy about, and about his favorite horse, and some funny stories from his childhood.Taehyung told about his years at the bakery and all those delicious pastries and baked goods he could make, and about a quirky, but the most generous lady who ran the place, and a little bit about the friends he made there.Jungkook realized that Tae had a very pleasant voice. It was so nice to listen to, deep and calming, he felt soothed by its melody. And when the painter started humming slightly and singing even, the young nobleman thought that he might not be as sleepless after a-“All done!” Taehyung announced. “Thank you so much, it’s gonna be an awesome one, I can feel it!” he eyed the sketch with excitement blinking in his eyes.“The pleasure is mine,” Jungkook replied, yawning.“Aaand…” Taehyung torn out a piece of paper and scribbled something quickly. “This one’s for you, pretty boy,” he smiled and passed the note to Jungkook. The younger ran his hand through his hair absentmindedly and took it.“See you later!” Taehyung exclaimed, made a v-sign around his eye, and all of the sudden he was all gone.Jungkook looked at the paper in his hand.It was a map to Taehyung’s home.He blinked few times, running his fingers through drawn labyrinths of streets.God, it was all crazy. He had met some random guy, then he told him his real name, then they shared the stories of their lives with each other, and now apparently the guy came around in the middle of the night to sketch his portrait.Well, looked like he had found someone just as insane as himself.He smiled slightly and fell on the bed. The memory of a peaceful voice was still gently flowing in his mind.He fell asleep smelling charcoal and gentle wind coming through the open window.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jimin woke up exactly half past six o’clock filled with absolute excitement. Today at noon. Today at noon, Yoongi would come and play for him to dance.He tried his best to use his sudden extra energy to do as many tasks as he could, working with so much passion his butler was visibly shocked.“What’s with your eagerness today, sir? I believe I have never seen anyone so enthusiastic about family’s tax reports,” he said, eyeing him searchingly.“I just want to finish it all before noon,” Jimin answered. “I have my dance session this early today, do you think I’ll make it?”The man lifted the corners of his lips slightly.“With this amount of vigour, I have no doubt about it, sir”.And he, indeed, made it, finishing the last task for the day half an hour before Yoongi’s coming.The pianist was punctual.Jimin was a little surprised, seeing him in simple, worn clothes, but then reminded himself that it was logical for Yoongi to wear something plain on a daily basis.The pianist wasn’t exactly a garrulous type, so they just exchanged a greeting and Jimin led him to his practise room. It was an old bedroom, now emptied and clean, with a big mirror on one of the walls and a piano in the corner. The dancer keyed the door behind them, and as he did, he noticed Yoongi’s stare.“Oh, I might leave them open if it makes you uncomfortable,” he blushed. “I just usually lock them, as I said... My dancing is different,” he could feel his cheeks getting ever hotter. “I’ve never actually danced in front of anyone,” he murmured. “I’m sorry for being so nervous, I swear I-““It’s okay,” Yoongi cut him off. “You may close the door, I mean, I don’t care.”He started walking towards the piano and Jimin sighed heavily. Focus on the music, he thought. The music is the strength and the language without any stuttering.He slowly took off his jacket and unbuttoned his vest, laying it carefully by the door. Then he slipped off his shoes, putting them by the clothing. He was wearing a loose shirt, enabling him to move freely.“Yoongi?” he said, already slowly warming up his limbs in leisure movements. “I was thinking about the piece I want to dance to”.The pianist turned around to look at him.“I don’t know if you remember, but there’s this one you played at the very beginning, at my brother’s ball. It was a little sad, but also powerful, it went like-““I know what you’re talking about,” Yoongi replied and Jimin smiled fondly. “But I won’t play it,” he added harshly.“But Yoo-““I hardly ever play it in public at all, it’s not meant to be listened to.”Jimin tried to read something from man’s raspy voice and cat-shaped eyes, without any success.“Okay, then just play whatever you feel like,” he gave the pianist encouraging smile and nodded.Yoongi seemed to be a little surprised, but didn’t say anything, just stretched his fingers and started playing.***He subconsciously picked the piece he could play without paying a lot of attention to his hands.Or perhaps he did it completely consciously, really wanting to see Jimin dance.There was something very promising in a way the younger man looked and moved when he took off his jacket and vest, barefoot on the wooden floor of the room. Yoongi felt Jimin was a dancer before he even started dancing.But then Yoongi chose the melody and actually got to see his showcase.Jimin was absolutely right.It was something utterly different.His body was way stronger that it seemed, his movements were sharp and perfectly precise, but at the same time he radiated a certain lightness, softness even. He effortlessly jumped above the ground, swirled and slid. Every movement was like planned centuries before, painted by the gods in some ancient palace. Jimin’s body was fluid, but each part of it was very distinct and remained under the full control of his toned muscles: his feet, shoulders, hips and chest; even his fingers had their place in everything the dancer did.However, Yoongi could definitely see, the source of all of it wasn’t in the muscles. It was the heart, yes, Jimin danced with his heart, he seemed to absorb the emotions coming from his piano right into his fragile soul and then forge them into this masterpiece of human body.So Yoongi kept playing. He kept playing like he hadn’t in front of anyone in his life. If Jimin threw out his whole heart, he decided to do so too, immersing with the piano completely, with all the passion he possibly had.And then he hit the final note and the room went silent.Jimin fell on the ground panting quietly and Yoongi just looked at his fingers, which seemed to almost burn.“So?” Jimin asked, still breathing heavily.His forehead was shiny with sweat, but he didn’t look to concerned about that, just brushing his hair back to expose it even more.“Will you play for me?,” the dancer lifted his eyes on him. He was sitting on the floor leaning back on his arms.Yoongi gulped.“How often do you dance?”“Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 2 to 3.30 pm”.Yoongi turned around a little to fully face the dancer.“I’ll do it,” he murmured.Jimin seemed too tired to stand up on his feet, but he let out a joyful noise and threw his head back, exposing long neck, sparkling with tiny drops of sweat.“But you pay me as much as stated it the second letter of yours,” Yoongi added, a little irritated all of the sudden.Jimin nodded energetically.“Plus twenty percent, just to give me some extra motivation to get in here,” he added.The dancer blinked a few times.“I guess it could do,” he replied and Yoongi let out what might have looked like a one third of a smile.“So, what kind of mood do you want the next piece to be in, sir Park Jimin?” he asked, and the nobleman face lightened up with pure joy as he jumped back on his feet. *** From the very first sight Kim Taehyung was positive there was something special about Jungkook.At the beginning, just his face.When Taehyung saw him, in that dark, stinky basement, he knew he just had to draw that kind of face. Round nose, slightly angular chin, sweet smile, blinking, huge, perfectly-shaped eyes, barely noticeable unevenness of the lower lip... Taehyung was an expert in faces, he studied thousands of them in his life, and yet he still found Jungkook’s helplessly captivating.Then, his mind and soul.Jungkook , even if it was partially covered with his confusion and awkwardness, wore his heart on his sleeve. He was so kind and open, self-aware at the same time. Taehyung hadn’t met much people like that in his life, and he certainly hadn’t met anyone he would feel so close to so quickly.He tended to be a reserved one, actually. Maybe not on the outside, he could easily befriend people, tease them and have fun together. Yet internally he would never quite open up, leaving his art and his heart to himself, like a sanctuary locked forever.He thought that maybe he was too pushy towards Jungkook. He hadn’t actually expect the boy to be awake that night he visited him. However, it had happened, and Taehyung was the happiest about it, but now it was Jungkook’s move.They had actually met once more after that night. They just bumped into each other on the street, but the young nobleman was in a hurry to meet his friends, so they just shared a short, but pleasant walk.The walk totally had not ended with them breaking into an abandoned building and messing around and almost breaking their spines on a rotten staircase and then running through like a half of the town because Jungkook was late.Not at all.“I got your map, if you’re wondering,” the younger called when they were rushing through the tangled streets. “Gonna come around as soon as I can!” he said as a goodbye.It took him three days before Taehyung heard knocking on his door. Or, to be more precise, on his floor. Living in the attic might seem uncomfortable, but Tae was used to it at this point, and he grew to love it, despite bumping his head on a sloping ceiling from time to time.The painter jumped on his feet.“Yo, creep, it’s me!”He didn’t expect Jungkook that early in the day, it was still bright outside, and his room was... Taehyung sighed. It was filled with paintings and drawings absolutely everywhere and it suddenly hit him how... personal this space was.“I’m coming, bunny teeth!” he replied and swept some papers off the hatch in the old, wooden floor, opening it with a strong pull.“Hi there!”Jungkook’s face brighten up and he put his hands on the sides of the ladder.“Wait,” Taehyung stopped him. “We’re actually going out,” he announced.The other man looked confused for a moment, but then just moved aside of the ladder. Taehyung smiled with relief and turned back, placing his feet on the rungs. He half walked, half jumped down and closed the hatch with a small key.“Uhm, Tae, I got this thing...” Jungkook said with a hesitant voice.“What is it, bunny tee-““Could you not call me like that, actually?” he asked with more certainty.Tae eyed him carefully and then smiled with his brightest grin.“Of course I could,” he replied.“I mean, I just, I’m not really confident-” Jungkook stuttered.“Come on, I’m a creative man, I’ll find some cooler nickname in a second, don’t worry!” he squeezed the younger’s shoulder. Jungkook smiled with a visible relief.“Now come, cheese roll, this time I’ve got something to show.”Jungkook laughed loudly.“Cheese roll? That’s my alternative?”“I told you how much I loved working at that bakery! And those were one of my favourites, so you better respect them, you breadstick!” Taehyung pouted, pretending to be offended, but Jungkook only burst into laughing even louder.“Come, I want to show it to you before sunset and it’s a long way,” the painter said, when the other man finally calmed down.“So show me!” Jungkook sang deafeningly, his happiness still not leaving him even for a second.Taehyung burst into laughter as well, finally giving up.“I’ll show you!” he screamed back with a hint of crooked melody in his voice. God, his neighbours probably hated him at this point.***It was, indeed, a long way.It wasn’t much of a problem however. Talking with each other made the distance pass quickly. It was the best thing in the world, talking with Jungkook, Taehyung thought. They were laughing like crazy, bringing up serious and trivial stuff, just being there, and not really caring about anything else.“So, it’s outside of the town?” Jungkook frowned when they were getting closer and closer to where the buildings ended.“Yeah, in a way,” he answered. “Not that far from here, though.”After few more minutes, they finally reached their destination. It was near the river which didn’t really reach the town but ran in between the nearby hills.There was a long, gravel embankment, a perfectly straight, grey line reaching the horizon, like a stroke of paint, made by some terrible mistake. And then next to it, the very beginning of what was to become a building. A huge one apparently, situated between the river and the embankment.“What is it?” Jungkook asked, frowning. “I haven’t been in here for a while, when I go for a ride it’s usually in the north, it’s greener and nicer there, so I... wait is this... a railway ?” he opened his eyes widely.Taehyung nodded slightly.“Thought you rich guys know everything about it, but apparently you’re not focused enough during business meetings,” the painter joked, but there was a bad taste in his mouth. “This, butter pie, is going to be a railway from here to the very capital. And this,” he pointed at the construction “is what they call factory ,” he explained.”There was this guy in the town last week. He stood by the market and told people so many weird things, you know. That there’s a new era coming. The era on steam and steel, he said,” Taehyung could feel himself shivering. “The era when a skilful and smart commoner is worth as much as a nobleman. The era or trains and factories, where a machine can do the work of ten men at once,” he whispered. “And he had shown us some drawings he had taken from the capital. There were engines and mechanic looms and chimneys as high as the mountains, and it all was black, black and grey, even though the drawings were in colour, could you believe it?” he could feel his voice crack. “He told us that we would have a job in the factory, a place in the new, wonderful world of progress…” there was a panic in his voice, he was closer and closer to a weep, his whole body was shaking “I know this is stupid to care about it, I know it’s stupid to be afraid of some shit like that, but I just... I have those nightmares of giant steel towers and stifling fumes, and of one of those huge, rushing trains running through my family’s tiny field, and water in the river turning black and thick like a tar-“He could feel strong arms wrapping around him from behind and it was just too much and he could feel a sob escaping his throat then another one and other one.“Shh, Tae Tae,” he heard a soft whisper in his ear. “It’s okay. You’re safe.”He let the warmth of Jungkook’s body calm down his sobs and racing heart, he absorbed his smell and feeling of his hands on him.“I often dream of the end of the world, too,” he finally said, when the wind dried his tears. “I see the earth rising in some kind of a riot against us, a giant force woken from the inside. And then, puff! And we’re all gone. Not one human left. Only animals and rivers, and leaves on the trees with their soft, perfect melodies,” he whispered.The sun began to set, changing to a red circle by the horizon. The sky gained some pink and peach smudges, something so astonishing he could never quite accomplish it on a canvas.“Do you think I’m crazy, Jungkookie?” he asked quietly.“No,” the man answered right away. “I think I am absolutely stunned by your mind, Kim Taehyung”.He was an artist though and through. He felt the pain of the strangers, the beauty of the tiniest things and the fears of the generations. But in Jungkook’s embrace, he didn’t feel fragile in any way. He felt the strongest and most venturesome.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
First few sessions with Yoongi were awkward. Of course, Jimin was very skilled in getting rid of social awkwardness with personal charm and eloquence, but it still bothered him a little bit.
Did Yoongi hate him?
The pianist hardly ever talked, usually just immersed in the piano tiles, or maybe... No, it was a silly thought, Jimin scolded himself. But sometimes he could swear Yoongi was gazing at him dancing.
Anyway, Jimin did his best to make the atmosphere between them more friendly, which was a difficult task to begin with, considering most of the time they were together he was either lost in dancing or trying not to die panting on the floor.
After the fourth session he started getting angry.
How much of a prick that damned man was? Jimin paid him way too much, and of course, Yoongi in exchange played like the God himself, but could he at least show the tiniest bit of sympathy or anything but being a cold rock at this point?
Then, on the sixth session, he saw Yoongi smile for the first time.
For some reason Milo was the most clingy of all cats that day. He followed Jimin everywhere, and the dancer just
couldn’t
throw him out when it was the time for the practice. So, Milo ended up locked in the dancing room with him and Yoongi.
After an hour Jimin was a sweaty pile of rugs. He laid like a starfish on a floor, trying to calm his breaths and
get that hair out of his forehead finally.
And then he felt something stepping on him, exactly four soft paws pushing into his stomach.
“Oh no, Milo,” he panted. “I’ll throw up if you don’t sto- not on my face!”
He had no choice, but to quickly pull himself up, lifting the cat away from himself.
“You know what?” he looked angrily at the pet. “You’re definitely overweight those days and I swear-“
He was interrupted by the loud snort straight to his face and a split second later Milo jumped out of his hands hissing, offended by the audacious fat-shaming.
And then he looked at Yoongi and saw it.
It was the cutest, sweetest, most adorable smile Jimin had seen in his whole life. The line of pink upper gums was enough to prove every suspicion the dancer ever had about Yoongi being the softest human being somewhere in the inside.
“You too, against me?” Jimin scoffed, aware he wasn’t able to suppress his own grin.
“What do you mean?” the leftovers of the smile were still on Yoongi’s face.
“I spend two long weeks trying to worm a slightest bit of human out of you, and all it takes is a cat getting angry at me?!” he called, beaming, and threw one of his shoes in pianist’s direction.
“You see, Milo is way more convincing, Park Jimin,” he replied with pretended seriousness and then just went back to playing, but the dancer could swear, he caught him smiling few more times that day.
They talked more after that. Jimin discovered Yoongi’s savage yet elegant sense of humour, how his nose scrunched cutely when he hit the wrong note or how he actually liked Milo being around them.
Some days were the most joyful. Jimin told Yoongi about his day while warming up, the pianist would tease him about it a little bit, sometimes even throw in something about himself. Jimin learned that Yoongi was at this point pretty known among the noblemen in the town, he performed almost every weekend and taught some kids to play as well. That way he was able to make the both ends meet without working multiple jobs like he did in the past.
But some days were different. Yoongi was cold those days, distant, mean even. He would play differently as well, even if the pieces were the same, and he didn’t look at Jimin, too. Only sometimes when Milo sat on the piano, he would gently rub the cat's ears a couple times, remaining silent.
Jimin didn’t understand Yoongi.
But as long as his body and pianist’s music were able to become one, he didn’t feel like he really had to.
***
Yoongi enjoyed working with Jimin. The dancer was kind and funny, he didn’t get offended even at the most savage of his comments. He sometimes asked Yoongi questions, but accepted it when the pianist didn’t give back any answers. Not to mention the fact the musician felt some deep spiritual connection to that damned calico cat of his.
Yoongi wasn’t the one to like people instantly. He was careful around strangers, especially rich guys. He always tried to keep the distance between anyone else and himself and was very efficient in living this rule.
But somehow, hour by hour, piece by piece and note by note he got closer to Jimin. Maybe it was just the time spent together, maybe crescent eye smiles, maybe the perfect movements of his body. Or maybe it was something else, Jimin himself, with his professionalism, determination, passion, and at the same time thoughtfulness and empathy.
Park Jimin was a good man. Sometimes a little blind, like all those raised spoiled, but his ignorance of commoners’ issues wasn’t really intentional, even though it made the pianist a little angry. Yoongi didn’t really have a heart to enlighten him sometimes about how cruel the world were. Jimin didn’t quite understand why neighbourhood children needed the bread Yoongi bought them every single day, or why their father beaten almost to death didn’t go to the court (that one made the pianist almost chuckle). But sometimes Yoongi explained and Jimin always listened.
The dancer was also strange sometimes, seemed quite harsh to himself. Yoongi had no idea when did that come from, but one time Jimin asked him:
“Yoongi, do you think I’m good at dancing?”
And the pianist could swear, he almost fell off the bench.
“What the hell, Jimin? Of course you are! For the love of god, you’re fantastic, you... you deserve the greatest composers to write the music just for you to dance to! ” he shook his head in disbelief.
And maybe it was just an impression, but the nobleman seem to radiate with pure joy for the next three days.
***
Yoongi had to be honest – after a month nothing could improve his mood as much as accompanying Jimin.
He enjoyed this peaceful routine, going to the mansion, being welcomed by the dancer, sometimes running into a friend or a family member and getting introduced. Locking up in the dancing room, Jimin undressing and warming up and talking about boring and funny things that happened to him. Yoongi commenting it and throwing something in, usually off topic. Playing the piano. Sneakily observing Jimin dancing. Playing some more. Playing absolutely anything he felt like, because he was certain every piece was to be glorified and cherished by the dance performed. And then just leaving, with an awkward goodbye, just to be back two days later.
It was a pleasant, warm day, Jimin was humming something to himself while unlacing his shoes. Yoongi just played a couple notes as a warm up, not quite sure what did he feel like bringing to life today. He peaked at Jimin and suppressed a giggle. The dancer was trying his best to somehow gather the hair from his forehead with a small clip and a moment later a tiny tuft was sticking out on his head, almost like a clump of grass.
“My hair is so annoying sometimes,” he pouted, unaware of Yoongi’s amusement. “But my maid doesn’t let me cut them any shorter”.
And that’s when the pianist lost it.
“You- you have a maid?” he let out in between laughing loudly.
“Of course I do,” Jimin frowned. “She does my hair, and helps me pick my outfits and just look presentable overa-“
Yoongi almost fell off the bench, giggling hysterically like nothing else mattered. Rich people’s hilariousness, combined with Jimin’s confused angel face and a tiny brush of hair... It was just too much to handle.
“Maybe I should get a maid too?” he asked, still laughing. “Would it make me that pretty, too?”
Jimin giggled as well and got up, leaning on the mirror frame, checking out his elaborate hairstyle. He sighed and destroyed it, just brushing his hair back like he usually did.
“I don’t think you need a maid for that,” he said, still looking in the mirror.
And perhaps Yoongi just imagined it, but Jimin nonchalantly lifted the back of his loose shirt exposing everything up to a tiny strip of honey skin just above the trousers.
It make Yoongi very irritated in a way, and even a mischievous smile on Jimin’s face didn’t make him go light on the first
piece
.
It turned out to be a nail in his coffin, as the dance Jimin delivered couldn’t leave his head for months.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
After their trip to a railway, Jungkook realised two very important things about himself.One, he really wanted to spend as much time with Taehyung as is was physically possible.Two, he didn’t really mind being called by the names of random baked goods.So, after that day they met pretty often, at least for Jungkook’s schedule capabilities. They went for walks (he called them walks even though they almost always involved running as well), mostly just wandering around the town. Taehyung showed him lots of places he was fond of or had some funny stories with, part of them Jungkook had already briefly known from his years as an occasional stray.They went to the famous bakery together, and Taehyung introduced him to a charming middle-aged lady, Myunghee, who ran the place, as well as to about thirty people who were either her family, friends, employees or regulars. It quickly became obvious why the painter liked the place so much. It seemed to be more than a bakery, there were many stray kids and young teens running around, apparently working or living there. Myunghee seemed to take care of them, but it was obvious they were not her own children. Jungkook thought of Taehyung and what he confessed that night on the hill. He was once one of those scared, wild kids, founding pieces of love and warmth in the bakery. Jungkook… Jungkook had a tough time with his parents. But they were there. At least he had the safety and stability of an actual home.Seeing the kindness radiating from the owners and joy in Taehyung’s eyes, Jungkook couldn’t help, but decided to flex his image of a poor stable boy and suggested to buy something really tasty for both of them to enjoy.“You old baguette, we really don’t need this food,” the painter scolded him.“Don’t listen to him, boy,” Myunghee laughed. “Apart from those cheese rolls, he also likes the raisin bread,” she informed and Jungkook was more than happy to buy one as well.They didn’t come back to the railway, but visited the river from the other side, one day it got especially warm and dry and they didn’t feel like running through dusty streets. They just laid on a grass, eating some wild peaches Tae had found. Those were some really good peaches, even though still slightly unripe, and a few minutes later they both found themselves in a blissful state of having a full stomach.“The spring looks so nice in here,” Tae stated, throwing the peach stone into the river. “I like the greens and blues involved,” he leaned back on his arms.Jungkook only hummed in response, caught on a straight way to a post-meal nap.“The lack of warm colors is only apparent, the lighting has a yellowish hue.”Again, nothing more than a murmur escaped the younger’s throat.“You know what, Jungkookie? I really need to paint it. Get up, we’re going to my place.”And well, that immediately woke the boy up.***Jungkook would be a liar it he said he wasn’t curious about Taehyung’s attic. He imagined the painter might have been ashamed because it was small or very poor or damp and inhabited by mice. He was prepared for a lot when he climbed through the hatch in the floor, so when he finally was in all he was able to do was to let out a noise of a pure awe.It was enchanting.Small, dark and dusty indeed, but it didn’t really made it any harm.Every piece of the walls, even the slobing ones, as well as the small bed in the corner and half of the floor were covered in art. Paints and brushes, pieces of wood to support the canvas and even self-made easel were all over the place. But of course, the drawings and paintings were the most astonishing.He caught Taehyung in a lie of sort. Lots of the pictures were faces, indeed, but there were more. There were landscapes, some real, some like from the nightmares Taehyung had described, dark and unsettling. There were whole scenes and full-body sketches.There was his portrait as well, on a large canvas, lighting on it was very bright, with lots of whites and light blues. He was smiling on it, his hair were messy and slightly curled, as they probably were, as the reference was taken at night. It was weird, looking at himself like that.Some pieces showed repetitive motives: fields, birds, anatomical hearts and wild flowers, other were just… spots and strokes, unsimilar to anything at all. Every sketch and canvas in this room radiated with so many feelings and thoughts, feelings and thoughts which could be produced only by a soul most wonderful.“Why you didn’t want me to come here before?” Jungkook asked.Taehyung answered quietly, his deep voice filling the attic.“You see all those pieces, don’t you? Some of them are just… just normal, but some of them are weird and dark and sometimes twisted and messed up…” he pointed at the dark landscapes and canvases filled with blobs. “These paintings Jungkook,” he whispered, “these whole walls are made of my dreams and nightmares, this is everything I feel.”Jungkook turned his head to look at Taehyung. His profile itself was a work of art, his honey skin gleamed like a dark gold in the dim lighting.“I like it a lot, Tae,” he said. “It’s really good, all of it. Can I… Can I take a moment to look at them more precisely?”“Of course.” the painter answer immediately. “I’ll prepare some stuff for the river landscape”.So Jungkook walked slowly across the room, wide-eyed and focused. He discovered the most astonishing details and more repetitive symbols.“V?” he asked.“Yeah, that’s how I sign all the pieces. Just the V,” the man replied, busy with throwing some drawer upside down in search of a one specific paint brush.Jungkook just nodded silently and moved on to another painting.“And those?” he asked few minutes later, pointing at the ceiling. It was completely empty, except for five small sketches dispersed across it.Tae looked at him and the place he was pointing at.“Wait, I’ll show you,” he said and put down the paint jar he was holding.“So show me,” Jungkook hummed and earned a small, fond smile.“Lie down with me, you’ll break your neck, mooncake,” the painter said and settled on the floor with own elbow as a pillow. Jungkook quickly did the same.“These,” he pointed at the sketches, “are my siblings. The ones I left back home six years ago. The drawings are bad because I made them long ago, when I could still remember their faces,” he said. ”This is Soomin, she is a year younger than me. Probably already married and with like three kids of her own. This one,” he moved his finger, “is Jiwoong, he was stronger than me even as a toddler, I bet he does the most of the work on the field these days. Those two, with scratched noses, are Hasun and Haewon, the twins, the loudest girls in the world, and this little angel,” he pointed at a portrait of a boy, no older than five, “is Taesoo. The ultimate little Tae Tae, not like me,” he laughed quietly and put his hand down, between him and Jungkook. “I put them up on the ceiling because… they’re like my stars, you know? Sometimes I just lie down there and look at them as if I was watching the sky in the clear, august night. Makes me feel less lonely, this little constellation. Gives me hope”.Jungkook never considered himself good with words.So he just entwined his fingers with Taehyung’s and stargazed with him. *** “No,” Yoongi replied coldly, his fingers still running through the last notes of the melody. It was a bad idea.“Come on, it’s nothing big, just a dinner with my friends,” Jimin whined.“We’re not friends. You hire me, I play for you,” the pianist replied.Milo lying on the piano sent him a judgemental look, but he pretended not to notice, curled on a bench.“Well, and somehow you know almost everything about me at this point,” Jimin protested. Yoongi opened his mouth to reply, but the dancer was quicker, “And it goes both ways, doesn’t it? I know your favorite meal and color, the order you dress in and your bakery of choice, your bad habit of staying up till sunrise when you get really into composing and the railway embankment you go to when you’re stressed… not to mention just two days ago you were talking to me for twenty minutes about your favorite fairy tale character from your childhood!”Yoongi snorted, just like Milo did when he was offended.“Don’t you dare to use my love for Kumamon against me!” he whispered.“Come on, Yoongi, you like talking to me, don’t you?”That God damn brat would kill him one day.“Not that I have much choice, Park Jimin,” he rolled his eyes.“Well, in that case, you do like talking to me, and well, I do like talking to my friends, which means that you’ll probably like talking to my friends as well,” the dancer stood up from the floor and approached him.“Jimin, you really don’t seem to notice that social abyss between us, do you?” Yoongi raised his eyebrows.And Jimin just laughed with his carefree, light laugh, like he always did when the pianist mention something like that. Sometimes the dancer really seemed like he flew couple feet above the ground.“Come on, they won’t really mind. You’re not really a commoner to them, you’re an artist. A guest of balls and receptions, a talented one,” Yoongi could feel small fingers wrapping firmly around his shoulder in assurance.Lately, the pianist began to experience just how much of a touchy person Jimin was.His good stroke of no physical contact since forever was irretrievably lost.“But I won’t fulfill a single piano request of yours for a month if I die there,” he sighed.***The thing was, Yoongi did not die.He felt a little awkward, God, he felt hella awkward. But it turned out that the very first person who arrived at the dinner was Jung Hoseok, and honestly, it was enough to make him ten times less tense.Hoseok was just the way Yoongi suspected after he had observed him at Seokjin’s reception. Genuine and full of energy, loud and expressive. He seemed not to care at all about Yoongi’s social status, however was very curious about his music and composing and his work with Jimin. The pianist was surprised, how easily the conversation between them went, and soon he was sharing almost everything about the process of creating melody, the complex nuances of playing and how the instrument he was using made a difference. Hoseok was an excellent listener, Yoongi's anecdotes were alternated with his loud laughs and chaotic sounds of interest. The pianist was slightly overwhelmed, but it all made him feel actually welcomed among the dancer’s friends.Then he met the others. Jeon Jungkook, the young guy he had been already introduced to, was supposed to come earlier than the rest but eventually ran in just before the dinner.(“Kookie, where the hell have you been?”“Uhm, you know, Jiminie... just stargazing?”“It’s 5pm and you have some paint on your chin!”)Jungkook turned out to be a little more reserved than Yoongi expected, but at the same time he just loved teasing his older friends about absolutely anything. He seemed to be a little intimidated by the pianist’s presence, but relaxed a bit later on. Namjoon, Jimin’s brother, seemed to be intelligent and elegant, but somehow destroyed three different objects during one dinner, and based on the reaction, it was quite a common occurrence. And then there was the oldest one, Seokjin, the one Yoongi had known previously as “that absurdly pretty heir”. He had the most hilarious laugh on earth, which turned out to be the funniest part of the numerous jokes he was telling.(He pretended not to connect the dots between Seokjin and Namjoon and that two men he had overheard the night he had met Jimin. It was definitely none of his business).Apparently, Namjoon was getting married to Jungkook’s and Seokjin’s sister Yeoreum, and Seokjin was already married to Hoseok’s sister Chaeyoung and also like Jung and Park family had some marital connections as well, but it was all too much for Yoongi to process, so he decided to just focus on getting the names right.Yoongi really enjoyed the evening. Even though he was confused by the fancy food and sometimes found himself out of the conversations (no, he didn’t exactly had his favourite breed of hunting dogs), the company made up for that somehow. They were funny and kind, a little weird and noisy, but surprisingly he found himself keen on it.And Jimin.Jimin had this thing, he really radiated when he was around people. It was the time his caring heart could shine, it was visible how much of a great, loving friend he was.Beautiful thing to witness, Yoongi thought.Later that night, when the pianist was lying in his small room, just the bed, the trunk and the piano, he thought how weird it all was.He hadn’t been consciously looking for kindness.And yet he had found it, in the place he expected it the least. Among noblemen.He had learned a lot, lately. He had learned that there were the good ones, like Jimin’s friends and his father. They didn’t really lived by their money and wealth, they just... they just had them and it was all.There were the bad ones as well, of course. Like Jungkook’s father, harsh prick, seemingly heartless.But it wasn’t that much of a surprise to Yoongi.The biggest discovery was entirely different.Poor and rich, commoners and born noble, raised to rule and raised to survive - the young were the same.On both ends of social ladder, they had the same hopeful hearts, thirsty for love and for friendship, the same minds full of dreams and fears, wanting to do things better than their parents and find their individual selves on the way. They were lost and confused, but not broken. As long as they could smile and laugh nothing was able to stop them on their race for life.The spirit of youth was above the entire damned society and it made Yoongi compose beautiful things that night.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“You like that pianist very much, don’t you?” Namjoon asked a couple of days after the dinner. They were sitting together in one of the living rooms, his brother was glued to the window.He involuntarily smiled at the view. Ever since they had been toddlers, Jimin had always found something interesting in occupying window sills and just staring outside. Namjoon often thought how much he would pay to get a glimpse of the dreams forming in the younger’s head in moments like that, when he seemed detached from the world, an almost angelic look of reverie painted on his face.Jimin smiled brightly at his question and turned around to face him.“I do,” he admitted, but his thoughts still seemed to be far away.The older man sighed heavily and pulled himself up on an armchair. He had to go there, he had to make that conversation happen.“You like him more than… more than a friend?” he lowered his glasses to look into the younger’s eyes.Jimin tilted his head slightly, morning sun blinked in his dangling earrings.(They were their mother’s. Jimin wore her jewelry pretty often.)“You know,” he giggled. “I just… I love his smile. It’s just the cutest and most genuine and rare too, you have to earn it, in a way. I love his laugh and how we can laugh together. I love the way he plays and all the wise things he tells me in between. I love how he looks at me and how he communicates with Milo by nose scrunches and little snorts. I love to tell him all kinds of stuff-” his smile suddenly disappeared. Jimin shivered, almost as if he had woken up suddenly.Namjoon tensed, as the younger stood up, leaning against the window sill, his hands gripping the edge of it so tightly his knuckles turned white.“So if you ask me, brother,” his head fell down and his voice lowered to a whisper, “if I’m disgusting,” he hissed and Namjoon could swear his heart cracked a bit, “if you ask if I feel something I should not; if you ask me if I am a bad, wicked man, I say no. I do not feel anything like that”.He sound angry, but his lips were trembling, lashes painted long shadows on his cheeks.He was scared.Jimin had just confessed to him that he had feelings for another man and was absolutely petrified by fear.Namjoon hated when Jimin was scared, it just... it was a bad thing, it was so bad like a sick puppy or a crying child left alone, just what to do, it was just so wro-“I loved a man once too,” Namjoon said. “Two years ago or so.”Jimin lifted his gaze at him, lips parted in shock.“You did?”The older just nodded, taking off his glasses and massaging the templates with his thumb.“And what happened?”Fuck, that was exactly why Namjoon didn’t want to go there. But he had panicked, okay?“He got married,” he sighed, “and I, the man of my word I aspire to be, do not get into other men’s marriages.”Jimin eyed him carefully.“Seokjin got married a year ago and you said it was two years,” he whispered.Namjoon cursed internally. Observant brat, that brother of his. But well, they weren’t exactly very discreet those long summer days of the twentieth year of his life.Seemed like ages now.“I also aspire to me a man of duty,” he said. “I want to take actions which bring prosperity and development to our house. Therefore, I am now getting ready to marry Jeon Yeoreum. It was not an easy journey, however I came to a conclusion I cannot let my feelings affect the family. Before Seokjin and Chaeyoung got engaged I made it clear with him that I do not wish to continue anything more than a friendship between us, so it would not bring any harm to our role as the heirs. We… we failed at keeping it that way lately,” a way too vivid memory of what happened on Christmas ran through his troubled mind, “but after his departure to the capital everything went back to normal,” he explained.Jimin didn’t looked convinced.“And you just… forgot?”Namjoon laughed internally. The very same words Seokjin had used.“You know, first love always feels like it’s going to be the last one,” he smiled weakly. “But sometimes it’s not. And it’s okay. Sometimes the odds are just against you and that other person, sometimes there’s more pain than gain, and you just have to let go. It’s helpless and dark for a moment, but you just… you just get through it and soon you find another door,” his voice was calm, surprisingly calm. “For me it’s Yeoreum,” he smiled, “she’s my door”.Jimin was thinking. He was thinking so intensely Namjoon could almost hear it.And then he just shook his head vigorously.“I am not like you, Namjoonie,” he said. “I am not the heir and I am not like you.”And maybe that day Namjoon was a bad brother, but he didn’t say anything.He just went back to work and failed to notice shaking hands and glassy eyes of his sibling. *** Jimin was angry.He was angry and scared and confused.For the first time in ages he didn’t feel like having a dancing session. The thought Yoongi will just be there and Jimin will think and wonder…For the first time in his life Jimin utterly hated the fact he liked man.Why couldn’t he just be normal? Just get engaged already, finally do something about his life, be useful to anyone.Namjoon’s confession was strange. It made him all tense in a way, even though he didn’t really believe that it applied to himself. He was not an heir. He was not the heir. Those ridiculous rules of having a certain life didn’t apply to him, they never had.And yet he had obeyed them his whole life.He was taking every single action that seemed right for someone his position, fulfilled every wish of his family, worked persistently, learned attentively, even poured his hard into everything, trying to actually like it, to believe in it.But what if he had been in his brother’s place?It hit Jimin hard, a simple truth he was too soft to confront with on a daily basis.No matter how much he tried, how hardworking and smart and polite he was, there was a stain on his image and he was still helplessly and painfullynot enough.Stress had always done strange things to Jimin. It pushed him to the extremes, no, it gave him the absolute inner urge to push himself to the extremes. He was fully aware how unhealthy it was, and yet he did it. That’s how weak he was.“You okay?” Yoongi asked.“What do you mean?” he smiled charmingly.“You’re talking, but you seem distant,” the painter eyed him.“Just can’t wait to sweat out a gallon today,” he joked. “Shall we?” he nodded at the piano.Yoongi observed him for another second, but then turned towards the tiles.“Any requests?” he asked.Jimin knew the answer immediately and the cynical voice inside him laughed.“That old piece of yours,” he said, stretching his waist. “Lie”.And so he danced.He danced out all his aggression and desperation. He screamed with pirouettes and cried with spins and glided through the floor like he did through all his dark thoughts. His limbs were made of strings, pulled by wind.It had been months since the last time he had danced like that.He had to make it perfect, perfect was the only goal, the only way that existed. Perfect moves, perfect steps, perfect face, perfect life.
Perfect lie.
He forgot about the world, it was only him and his body and the thunder of his thoughts. Jimin was a bolt stealing through this thunder, sharp, violent, powerful.But then the last note came and he felt his body riot against him, with a wave of blackness before his eyes and the floor suddenly by his head.Perfect?“The hell, Jimin!?” he heard like a distant scream of panic and then someone lifted him and waved and put water in his mouth, but he felt so heavy, just so heavy…Perfect?“Come on, they’ll think I murdered you and they’ll cut my head off!”Yoongi.It was Yoongi.He slowly, very slowly, went back to full conscience, it felt like a run through a sea of jar.“Oh fuck, what was that?” the pianist asked, sweat blinking on his forehead.“Nothing, it’s okay,” Jimin tried his best to smile weakly and started standing up slowly. Yoongi’s arms stretched out to help him, but he politely put them away. “I’m fine, I really am,” he assured. “I was just too busy to eat today, must have been that,” he explained.Yoongi stood up stiffly.Oh.He was angry.“What the heck?” he said with a low voice, barked almost. “Park Jimin, you realise what food means to some people?”Yoongi wasn’t screaming.Jimin wished he had.His knees were weak again.“I see people die because of hunger, and you, you just almost faint on a dance practice while having a perfect fucking abundance of food all around you, just because you. Were. Busy?”It was too much, it was all too much.“I realise your health may mean nothing to you, but I’m sure even you know someone who died of sickness, how could you even think of something that stupid and and reckless and OH MY GOD JIMIN DON’T CRY I’M SO FUCKING SORRY, “ his voice changed suddenly. His face drowned into pure panic and a second later Jimin was dragged into an awkward tight hug.He couldn’t help it.He couldn’t help it but let streams and streams of tears flow down his face, accompanied by loud, ugly sobs.“I just,” he whispered “I- It was two days actually, please Yoongi don’t hate me.”He could feel a heavy exhale on the side of his head. His body was shivering, as if he was just pulled out of freezing water.“God, Jimin, I don’t hate you,” the man replied. “I just… It’s hard for me to understand you sometimes, okay? It’s hard because you live differently and it’s hard because I care about you anyway”.And Jimin just sobbed there, wetting Yoongi’s shirt through and through, for seconds, minutes, heartbeats.“I was very stressed, this is why I haven’t eaten,” he said with a quiet voice. “I have a secret and it’s been… it’s been very heavy recently,” he wanted to pull away, but Yoongi didn’t seem to approve that idea, still squeezing him.“You know,” the other man gulped loudly. “You know you can tell me, Jiminie.”Could he though?And then a wave of memories ran through his head.The day he saw Yoongi for the first time, the beautiful song he played, the one Jimin hadn’t heard since. The letters he sent, then their meeting at Seokjin’s reception. The first practice together. Yoongi’s first smile. That time Jimin tried a new hairstyle and the pianist just couldn’t stop laughing. That time Yoongi tried teaching Jimin how to play and found out the younger had a helpless lack of talent. That time Jimin taught Yoongi a court dance and they almost died at how hilarious the older looked. That time it got too hot so they went outside to the garden and Yoongi was sneezing every three seconds. That time Milo fell asleep on the tiles and they had to only use half of the piano. That time Jimin took Yoongi too meet his friend and it was the best dinner he had in ages. That time, that time, that time...“The way a man likes women,” it was a whisper just one step above the silence. “I do like other men that way”.Yoongi slowly put his hands away from Jimin’s back and pulled out of the hug.“Park Jimin,” he grabbed his arms just above the elbows and looked straight into his eyes. “it doesn’t make you any less beautiful”.And just like the sun comes up in a moment, to drown the world in sudden brightness, the most wonderful of all smiles blossomed on Jimin’s tear-stained face.Yoongi could feel the tension leaving his muscles in relief. He pulled the sleeve of his shirt, grabbing it with his fingers and gently pressed it to Jimin’s wet cheeks.“Thank you,” the dancer whispered almost inaudibly, his eyes fixed on the floor.“No problem,” Yoongi smiled fondly. “You’ve talked with Hoseok, right?” he changed the subject, wanting to draw Jimin’s attention away from his worries.“Yeah,” the dancer sniffed, wiping his eyes and finally lifting the gaze, visible relief on his face. It was normal between them. It was still perfectly normal, and it was all the younger could ever wish for. He smiled slightly, “actually he was the one to ask about you. You were to meet up… to look at your new compositions, am I right?”Yoongi nodded, still grinning widely.“He promised to help me a bit with couple of pieces I’m struggling with. I mean, they seem okay, but I just can’t grasp the overall feeling I’m aiming at and a fresh point of view could real- Park Jimin, what the hell are you doing?” he frowned suddenly.“Uhm,” Jimin blushed, his right feet thrown over the piano bench, “warming up?”“Oh, hell no, you’ve almost passed out five minutes ago, sit your ass on that floor and listen to me bragging ‘bout my music,” he commanded.The dancer giggled quietly and sat down and Yoongi could swear, the sound of happy Jimin was one of the most beautiful pieces of music he had ever heard.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“You’re going out very often lately,” Jimin said when they slowed their horses down. Of course, Jungkook had done it with one-tenth of the grace of the other man.“Do I?” he replied, trying his best to suppress the grin forming on his face.“It seems like you do,” Jimin said.It was a nice spring day in the woods, gentle wind moved the distant leaves shading the path.“You got more into that fight club?” the question was quiet, but firm and filled with concern.“No, I don’t really go there that often anymore,” he replied, which was actually true. He still met with his friends there a couple times, but it was way more seldom.“So what have you been- YOU BRAT!” Jimin exclaimed, but Jungkook was already far away, galloping up the hill.He laughed loudly, he knew no matter how much grace Jimin had while riding, he could never achieve the speed the younger did.The wind was blowing in his clothes and hair, it was a good feeling, so good.So many things were so good recently.Like the last night.Jungkook had a dinner with some officer visiting the town and he had to stay there ridiculously long and pretend he was invested in the conversation. He had to make a good impression, his father said. He needed to finally make some connections in the military for himself, his father said. He won’t sit there and do nothing with his life forever, he also said.That way, Jungkook wasn’t free until the late evening.He usually just went to sleep on nights like that, but this time he just had to visit Tae. They hadn’t seen each other for four days and the painter was to finish one really good portrait of a middle-aged woman and Jungkook really wanted to see how that ended up. He promised he would.So, ignoring the judgemental looks of his servants (apparently he paid them to be discreet, not polite) he sneaked out via back door and ran through the night.Taehyung was sleeping.He was already sleeping, but he opened him anyway, hair messy and a lazy pout on his face.“Had a really tough day at work,” he murmured. “Made me carry the bales the whole day”.Suddenly, Jungkook felt very stupid.“Oh, wow, I… I’m sorry,” he stuttered.“S’okay,” the man replied, yawning widely.“You know what, just go to sleep, I’ll take a look at the portrait”.It didn’t actually end like that.It turned out Taehyung liked hugging things when he was falling asleep.It turned out Jungkook really liked being that “thing”.“What are you thinking of so hard, Kookie?!” Jimin’s call dragged him out of memories. “I actually caught up with you, you alright?” he laughed lightly.“Yeah, just thinking”.They were already on the top of the hill. Between the trees, one could see a long valley, usually hidden by the elevations around the town. It was green and vivid that time of the year, painted with little roads and a river blinking in the afternoon sun.“Do you know anyone who sells paintings?”, he asked suddenly.Jimin looked at him, confused.“No, I don’t think so, why would you ask about that?”Jungkook look down, at his hands holding the reins.“Just, you know, we have plenty of paintings in our houses and we certainly have paid someone for them, I was just wondering if you know the details”.Jimin shrugged.“Some are painted custom, the ugly ones usually just stick with us generation by generation… but I recall Namjoon going for some kind of auction when he was in the capital, if that’s what you mean”.Jungkook didn’t really know what he mean. *** “Tae, I'm bored,” he heard a quiet whine from the other side of the attic.“I told you I'd be busy today and you came anyway, cream roll,” Taehyung noted unbothered, invested in mixing the dyes.“I hate being at home knowing I could be here,” Jungkook replied and a second later Taehyung heard someone moving on his creaking bed and walking through the room.“I wanted cuddles”, Jungkook added and sat behind him, squeezing his small waist.It was an another wonder of Jungkook Taehyung had discovered recently. Absolute cuddliness.Jungkook hadn’t laughed at him when he had asked him to hug him to sleep. He hadn’t turned him away when Taehyung would literally hang from his neck when they were on a walk. He was okay with snuggles while getting a reference on some not-so-safe rooftop. To sum up, Jungkook had turned out to be just as affectionate as Taehyung.The painter loved it.They didn’t really think or talked about what was between them. There was this something and it was making them happy. They were too young and too high on all those good feelings to ponder on names, plans and fears.It was them, in the small attic with the paintings all over the walls. It was them, running through the town when everyone else slept. It was them, teasing each other and laughing out so loud their stomachs hurted. It was them, sometimes just hanging there in a moments of silence when the words were too much or too little.It was them and it was breathtaking.“What are you doing anyway?”, the younger asked, putting his head on Tae's shoulder.“A sapphire,” he replied, pointing at all the little jars of dyes he had mostly made himself.“What?” Jungkook scrunched his nose like a little bunny.“A paint in a very specific color I desperately need, to add the last touch to the river landscape. Sapphire is a color name”, he explained.“And how is it suppose to look like?” the other man asked curiously.Taehyung was thinking for a second.“It’s a very cool blue, shifting into purple. Intense, intriguing, surreal almost,” he explained.“Hmm,” Jungkook replied and then looked down at Taehyung’s hands holding a jar. “Doesn’t look like that”.“I am aware, this is why I’m working on it,” he murmured.But well, when Jungkook needed his cuddles and attention, he needed his cuddles and attention.“You smell really nice,” he mumbled with his face buried by Taehyung’s shoulder blade. “Let’s go for a walk,” he nuzzled his back.“Just let me get it right, you bagel,” the painter replied coldly, but a shade of grin was already forming on his face.“Tae,” another nuzzle and no reaction. “Tae tae,” warm lips on the side by his neck.Taehyung inhaled sharply.That was something new.“Kim,” a smooch on the nape of his neck, “Tae,” another one where his spine began, “Hyun-”This damn guy, Taehyung thought and turned around at the full speed to finally taste those soft, pink lips.He didn’t care about the sapphire.Kissing Jungkook was way more intense, intriguing and surreal.And when their lips broke apart because they were out of breath and sitting very uncomfortably, the first thing he saw was the most beautiful of all bunny smiles on this planet and huge, round eyes.And they laughed. They laughed out of happiness and euphoria and also because Taehyung accidentally poured the entire jar not-so-sapphire paint on his hands and now it was covering palms and forearms of Jungkook’s as well.“You have it on your cheeks, too,” he noted.“Again?” Jungkook tried to rub it off with his hand, but it only made it worse.“Well, this time there’s at least a good reason behind it,” Tae replied, showing off his best boxy grin.“Yes,” the other man put a chaste peck on the corner of his smile, “Very good”.Taehyung somehow forgot about the painting for the rest of the evening. *** Jimin had his bad days. The days he was visibly frustrated with himself, harsh and unforgiving for any mistakes he would make while dancing.Yoongi also had his bad days.They were there for as long as he could remember, honestly. Irregular, coming to his life without any known order or reason. Sometimes he would just wake up and feelthat he didn’t really feel anything.But he had learned to live with it, learned to get out of bed regardless, to dress up and to go to work. It had been a long journey, but after years it didn’t affect his everyday life as much.Just like that day. He woke up nauseous and empty, but ignored it as much as he could. He had a piano lesson with some noble kids it the morning, then grabbed some cheap food he forced into himself, to finally find himself in Jimin’s mansion for the dance session.Jimin was always so gentle when it came to his bad days. Never nosy, he just somehow ignored them and behaved the same as always. However, the last bad say he got to witness had been about three weeks ago and a lot between them had changed since. Like meeting all of Jimin’s friends and his confession about being fond of men.Yeah, that was some big stuff.So perhaps Yoongi would have been nervous about the session, if he was capable of feeling anything more than one, giant
whatever.
He greeted Jimin, he followed him to the dancing room, he heard about his day and the vocal lessons he decided to pick up again and how he was worried about Jungkook and how they were to pick the outfits for Namjoon’s wedding.Yoongi really, really wanted to care, but he just couldn’t.Jimin noticed he had a bad day. Maybe because of how curtly he responded or how he didn’t pet Milo. Yoongi saw a shift of concern in the dancer’s eyes and he just prayed Jimin would ignore it as he always had.“Any requests?” he asked, not bothering to stretch out before playing.“Just play whatever you feel like,” Jimin smiled brightly.Ugh. He would sell his hand not to play at all on days like that.Something neutral. Something simple and emotionally insignificant.He inhaled slowly and stroke the tiles with his fingertips.Just two hours and he would be able to curl in bed.Just two more hours, and he was determined to make it, so he started playing, even though he hated it.“Yoongi wait,” Jimin interrupted after the very first note.He didn’t even bother to turn around.“Do you… do you feel okay today?” the dancer asked, concern filling his high-pitched voice.“Can we just play?” he replied harshly, oh fuck, too harshly for that wonderful man he was talking to.Just twomorehours.“Yoongi,” all of the sudden a little body sat next to him on a bench, “Are you having one of those bad days you sometimes had?” he asked, voice sweet and quiet.There was something about the proximity of Jimin, something very comforting and warm.“I do,” he said, voice hoarse and deep.“Do you feel like playing?”He slowly took his feet off the pedals.“I don’t,” his eyes were still fixed on his knees. “I am really sorry”.It was like a touch of butterfly when Jimin’s soft hands grabbed his and gently put them down from the piano tiles where they froze.“We can just sit here, you know,” the dancer said.There was something stunning about Jimin’s tiny fingers entwined with his, boney and long. The younger lied down their hands on his knee and put his head on Yoongi’s shoulder.It was a good weight on him, not like a burden but rather an anchor.“You’re not alone, Yoongi,” Jimin whispered and snuggled into his side.And then, the pianist had no idea where did that come from, Jimin began to sing, just to disperse the silence.He sang happy and cheesy songs, some turned out better and some worse, but the flowing voice was enough to put Yoongi in a state he would never imagine on a day like that -peace.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It was unexpected, like a first day of spring or a summer downpour.
Jimin was warming up and stretching, like he always would, chatting with Yoongi and trying not to kick Milo who was circling around him. He nodded at the pianist to announce he’s ready.
And then Yoongi played
the
melody.
The one Jimin had heard on the ball, the one that was still imprinted in his heart and mind, the one that made him fall in love with Yoongi’s music and chase after him after the ball.
Jimin’s eyes widened in shock, but he didn’t say anything. He waited months to dance to this piece, and now it was his moment.
His body responded immediately to the eagerness of his soul, with so much strength and sharpness and precision he could only imagine being capable of. He captured sadness and love, feeling of desperation and confusion and inevitable lost and tragedy. He captured conflict and passion, fight and wounds.
He knew Yoongi was watching him, but it didn’t made him any shy, only better. He was flying over the floor, the strongest yet the most delicate. It was only him and his body and the music burning in his veins. His heart was on the edge of explosion with all the emotions, he was just like the melody: conflicted, but beautiful, scarred but never broken. That was it, he was about to fly away, in some ethereal ascension of art and magnificence-
the piece ended.
It ended and he was panting and barely standing, but he felt incredible.
Then he noticed Yoongi, his mouth hanging open in a funny way.
“Worth the wait, huh?” he asked the pianist.
Yoongi smiled widely, exposing his pink gums.
“Definitely worth the wait,” he replied, and something was blinking in his eyes, some strange joy and sympathy. Jimin had no idea what it was exactly, but something in his heart loved it anyway.
***
Yoongi was in love with Jimin.
After the man had comforted him for two hours until his voice was hoarse and weak, after he had made “
Fake Love
” into something most marvelous and ethereal, after he had been kind and caring and sweet for everyone in his life – Yoongi was certain.
It was terrifying.
It was terrifying because it made Yoongi vulnerable. Jimin… Jimin could hurt him.
But what was even worse, the biggest nightmare hidden and locked in his twisted mind:
he
could hurt Jimin.
Yoongi just wasn’t meant to love people. He was bad at it, he was never the most compassionate or kind or selfless. He felt so inept when it came to love he was on the edge on crying.
Out of all people – it was Jimin. Of course, Yoongi knew Jimin wasn’t perfect. But he was Park fucking Jimin and that included a significant part of “perfect”.
So, Yoongi was lost.
He never really thought he could love someone. In his mind, he had two scenarios of the future: one involved only him and his piano. As it had always been, and how it would end, he’d always say. The other version included a wife at some point, just for the fact of it, a random housemaid or a laundress, with no strong feelings but rather a mutual will to have an orderly life.
He had never, ever even thought that one day he would meet a beautiful nobleman and helplessly fall for him. God, even now it sounded like some mediocre joke.
But he was, indeed, in love with Park Jimin.
And it was probably the only force that could make him go for an official meeting about some very important issue with Seokjin.
He had no idea why the heir wanted to see both him and Jimin, but it better be important, because Yoongi wore one of the two formal outfits he owed, and God, he hated those damn vests.
“You okay right?” Jimin asked and gently stroke his hand with his fingers. “It’s just Seokjin, I’m sure it’s something trivial,” he assured with a charming smile.
Yoongi didn’t get to answer, as an old butler called them in to the heir’s office.
“Good morning Jimin, you look great, oh Yoongi, thank you so much for coming,” Seokjin greeted them politely and dismissed the servant with a wave of his hand. “Sit down, please”.
They sat on two elegant chair by the desk, Seokjin took the armchair on the other side of it.
“So, Jimin, I am worried about Jungkook,” the man started.
Oh, so that what it was all about.
“I know he’s been sneaking out since he was a kid, but lately… I believe you noticed it too, is way more frequent and he stays out for longer, God, he’s not there even every other night,” the man sighed.
“I know about it,” Jimin replied. “I tried talking to him, but the only thing I found out is that he doesn’t go to the fight clubs like he used to,” he explained.
Seokjin nodded.
“That I know already. I sent some servants to check out-“
“You’ve been following Jungkook?!” Jimin’s eyes widened.
“Oh, don’t look at me like that,” Seokjin rolled his eyes, but Jimin was still gazing at him intensely. “What else could I do!” he exclaimed. “I was worried he goes to a brothel of some sort, or I don’t know, buys hooch from homeless men, and
oh my God Jimin don’t give me that look
”.
But the dancer still seemed appalled. Yoongi thought it looked cute. Like an angry puppy.
“Oh come on…” suddenly a mischievous smile appeared on Seokjin’s face. “Do you want to know where he goes or not?” he lifted his eyebrows.
Jimin eyed him for a moment, but it took him exactly 5 seconds of tense silence to break.
“Okay, I want to know, don’t do this to me!” he exclaimed.
Seokjin laughed with his loud, weird laugh.
“I knew it!” he grinned and then went serious again. “Anyway, he visits someone. The same person always, I know the exact place already”.
“A girl?” Jimin raised his eyebrows, surprised.
“Perhaps,” Seokjin nodded.
“Is anyone else suspicious about Jungkook?” Jimin tensed.
“No, father is clueless so far,” Seokjin shook his head. “I don't really know about Yeoreum. God knows she's the smartest of us, but I haven't really talked to her since I came back... I, uhm, you know how our family is,” he looked down.
Yoongi knew a thing about that. It seemed that despite having a mutual enemy, Jeon siblings had never got really close. Each of them turned out to be rather reserved, keeping things to themselves or occasionally sharing with very few people they trusted.
“And here’s what I need you two for,” Seokjin finally fully acknowledged Yoongi’s presence, “Could you… God it sounds a little stupid, but could you just go there after him one time? Just make sure it really is a girl and not something reckless?”
Okay, that was unexpected.
“And why do you need me to do so?” Yoongi asked skeptically.
“Do you really imagine Jimin alone, in the dark, on the streets, going to some sketchy neighborhood?” he replied.
“Okay, that’s a fair point,” Yoongi admitted.
“And what was that supposed to mean?!” Jimin revolted.
“Nothing, Jiminie,” the pianist grinned and bopped his nose before his common sense would stop him.
Seokjin coughed theatrically.
“Anyway, Jungkook goes out irregularly, but our father has his friends over every Friday, and that’s when Jungkook always leaves,” he explained.
“So, I guess Friday?” Jimin asked, and few seconds of silence later Yoongi realized he was asking
him.
“I guess Friday,” he nodded and the deal was made.
***
Yoongi knew it was coming. Like a inevitable apocalypse, a shadow hidden for two long.
Four days before the planned going after Jungkook, Jimin was stretching out leisurely when he asked, voice light and sweet:
“You know, I’ve always been curious about it,” he fixed the cuffs of his shirt. “You’ve talked about your past a lot, how you were in a very difficult situation, but in every story your piano is already there. How did you get it?”
Yoongi lifted up his head slowly. He knew it was coming, but his entire soul was screaming to escape regardless. He knew it was coming and yet it seemed like a nightmare, he knew it was coming, but he hated it…
“It’s okay, you don’t need to say of you don’t want to,” Jimin said, and Yoongi realised he zoned out for a moment and the dancer was now sitting next to him.
“I don’t want to,” he murmured.
Jimin looked at him with care and stroke his tense shoulder.
“I don’t want to and I’m scared, but I have to,” he added. “I can’t lie to you about who I am anymore,” his voice was raspy and distant.
“What do you mean, Yoongi?” Jimin frowned. “How- how are you lying to me?”
Yoongi took a deep breath. He loved that man and he deserved to know the true. Yoongi was okay with the fact he was to lost him, he never thought he’d find love anyway. Every piece played, every word and every touch - it was already his forever. Even if it was the end of his journey with Jimin, it was a beautiful one.
He took the deepest breath in his life.
“The first time I heard somebody play the piano, I was five,” he started. “My mother was a housemaid in a mansion,” he could feel Jimin tense. Yoongi had never, ever mentioned his family before. “She would take me with her, as I was too small to be left alone, but already useful as some help. I remember we would clean a bedroom every day at noon. The noble women it belonged to was having piano lessons next door at that time. I was… I was enchanted. It was like a dream, a fairytale come true. I fell in love with music once and for good and piano… piano turned out to be my first love, as passionate and as destructive as only first loves can be,” he chuckled cynically. “I heard the piano every day for three years and every day I dreamed more and more about playing it one day. It became like an obsession, I heard piano in my dreams and in my thoughts, constantly. And then… then I became old enough to make money. My father worked at a sawmill outside of the town. I hated it. It was loud and I was too weak and too tired. But I made money, so I had to work there. Every day for seven years of my life. God, I almost went crazy… Almost, because I had something to hold on to. Sometimes, when I wasn’t dying of exhaustion, I sneaked close to the mansions, and sometimes, just sometimes, I heard someone play the piano. It was like a salvation for me, every note I caught gave me strength and will to survive. I was certain that one day I will play. I will leave that fucking sawmill and I will play the piano. I tried saving the money, hiding them from my parents. I grew to be smarter and stronger, so I made more and I hid more, and finally on the exact day of my fifteenth birthday a miracle happened - I was on the market and I saw an announcement. Someone was selling a piano. I remember running through half of the town, just to see it, no, to buy it, to get it, to have it finally. God, I was so naive,” he laughed dryly. “It costed ten times more than what I had. The moment the seller looked at me with pity and laughed at me… I was angry. I was so unbelievably angry, I throw all the money I've brought at him and told him to wait one day. One day and he’ll have all his fucking money,” his voice sounded mad, desperate. “You know what I did, Jimin? You know what I fucking did?! I went home and I took all of my parents’ savings, every single damned coin. I stole it all, took my things and left. I was angry at them, angry at my life, angry at everything. I bought that damned piano,” he laughed. “Would you believe my stupidity? The next day I had a piano I had no idea how to play, no job, no money, no place to live and no family. I… I became a beggar on the streets, I ate literal trash and I cried, I cried every single night. One day, when I was already close to dying from starvation, a woman found me. Myunghee was her name. She told me to get up. She told me she runs a bakery and has a job and food for a kid like me. I was so small she thought I was ten and I didn’t feel like correcting her. She saved my life. I started working, I got a place to live and food to fill my stomach. It was a good place. Full of the other stray and lost kids and warm, fresh bread. I liked it. But I still had my dream. I started learning the piano, I knew I wouldn’t stay with Myunghee forever. It took me a year and a half to gain some strength and learn to play, all by myself, with the memories I had as a reference and rats as listeners. You know the rest of the story, I started teaching the kids, slowly become better, and even though I met the bottom couple more times, I somehow managed to survive,” he said and paused. “But did I really?” He whispered. “You know, I’ve never learnt to live with the guilt,” he spitted bitterly. “I stole from my own parents and ran away like the biggest coward. I was so vain, and so selfish and so dumb and-
You know what that money was for
? In case someone was fucking sick. So we could call the doctor and save their life. This is why I don't have a surname, I don't deserve it, I left and destroyed my own fa- family-”
And he cried.
He cried like never did in his life, tears were staining his face and shirt.
“I hate myself, Jimin. I fucking hate myself, everything I have, these clothes, this job, this piano,” he choked on his words, he felt like dying out of shame, “everything is covered in blood, blood of my mother and my father, I see it, I see this blood when I close my eyes, I feel how sticky it is when I push the tiles, I smell the iron when I fa- fa- fall aslee-”
“Yoongi,”that was all Jimin said, standing up in front of him and pulling his head into embrace, pianist’s body shivering; ugly, desperate sobs loud in his mouth. “Yoongi, Yoongi, Yoongi…”
The sobs were only louder. How could Jimin still be here? How could he pull his trembling head to his chest, how could he not ran away from the disgusting man Yoongi was? He should escape, he should despise him, he should hate him as much as Yoongi hated himself and leave him to die alone as he deserved. A thief. A traitor. A liar…
“
All this is no coincidence
,
” suddenly the sweetest voice reached his ears. Jimin… Jimin was singing?
“
Just, just, by my feeling
The whole world is different from yesterday
Just, just, with your joy,
” the words of the song were quiet, but they somehow made it through Yoongi’s sobs.
“When you called me
I became your flower
As if we were waiting
We bloom until we ache
”.
Peace. Jimin’s voice carried piece and safety and so the sounds of crying were quieter, and quieter.
“Maybe it’s the providence of the universe
It just had to be that
You know, I know
You are me, I am you.”
Yoongi had never heard that song before. But the melody, the words… It was meant for Jimin. It was meant for… him?
“As much as my heart flutters, I’m worried
The destiny is jealous of us
Just like you I’m so scared
When you see me, when you touch me.”
Yes, Yoongi was certain. It was a song meant for them, braided from fear and sympathy and hardships and love.
“The universe has moved for us
Without missing a single thing
Our happiness was meant to be”,
Jimin’s voice hesitated for a second,
“
Cuz you love me, and I love you.”
Yoongi raised his eyes, red and puffy from all the crying, glassy from the tears. Jimin was looking down at him, beautiful, he was so beautiful.
“You’re my medicine, saving me, saving me
My angel, my world
I’m your Calico cat, here to see you,”
a tiny smile appeared on Jimin’s face,
“Love me now, touch me now”.
Yoongi froze completely. Did Jimin… did he really mean what he was singing?
“Just let me love you (let me love, let me love you)
Just let me love you (let me love, let me love you)
Since the creation of the universe
Everything was destined
Just let me love you (let me love, let me love you)
Just let me love you (let me love, let me love you),”
it was a lullaby and an epiphany, Yoongi felt Jimin small hands on his cheeks when the dancer whispered the last verses:
“Let me love, let me love you
Let me love, let me love you”.
And then soft, full lips touched his forehead, then kissed off the tears off his face and it was all Yoongi needed to be certain.
With sharp motion of his arms he lifted Jimin up and put him on his lap, joining their lips finally, finally,
finally.
The dancer giggled sweetly and wrapped his arms around Yoongi’s neck, deepening the kiss.
“I love you too, Park Jimin,” the pianist whispered. “And I promise I’ll do my best letting
you
love
me
,” he added.
There was a scar on Yoongi’s heart.
And the most beautiful of all flowers was growing straight out of it.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Hi there!” Taehyung heard a joyous call and a sound of knocking. He grinned widely and closed the paint jar, approaching the hatch in the floor and pulling it up with quite the strength it required.
“Hi there, honey bun,” he said, and before Jungkook started climbing the ladder he fell on the floor and put a small kiss on his mouth. Jungkook looked cutely confused for a second and the smile was shining bright on his face.
“Honey bun, I like that one,” he hummed. “Now move your fat ass and let me get in here”.
He climbed up swiftly and sat on the floor next to Taehyung, closing the hatch.
“What’d you wanna do today?” the painter asked.
Jungkook grinned.
“Kiss, cuddle and talk about stupid things?” he asked.
Taehyung rolled his eyes.
“We did it last time. And the time before that,
and
the time before the time before,” he said.
“Does it bother you?” Jungkook asked with the usual eagerness in round, deer-like eyes.
Tae
almost
fell for it.
“I'm gonna paint,” he announced after a second.
Jungkook chuckled.
“Well, that's something completely new,” he laughed.
“To be specific, I'm gonna paint
you.
As a part of my current series,” he added.
He saw Jungkook go suddenly quiet and a flame of victory lit up in his heart. His current series. Taehyung called it “the study of a body and flesh tones”. Jungkook called it “a pervert’s indulgence”.
“Does it bother you, honey bun?” he lifted his eyebrows, smirking.
“You wish, creep,” the younger replied and before Tae said something, he jumped on the bed, took of his shirt and sat in a pose.
“What the fuck Jungkook?!” he spitted.
“You said you wanted to paint me”.
“I did, I don't mean, I mean, I thought, what the fuck in your body what the fuck,” Tae let out in one breath.
Taehyung, for the sake of the series, painted half naked people, not half naked fucking Greek statues.
Jungkook blinked a few times and looked down at his toned abs innocently.
“I told you I do physical training for the sake of my future in the military,” he shrugged.
“Well, I thought it was more.. uhm… chill I guess,” Taehyung bit the inside of his cheek.
“Does it bother yo-” Jungkook grinned, but was interrupted by a paint brush thrown in his direction.
“Don’t move,” the painter commanded. “I am getting it on the canvas even if it costs me my common sense”.
***
Two hours later the outline was mostly done and Taehyung fell on the bed, visibly exhausted. Sleep. After the long week of work all he needed was sleep.
He closed his eyes curling up on the bed and a minute later he could feel Jungkook lying beside him. He instinctively wrapped his arms around the younger man.
“Oh, God, Jungkook, could you
please
button up your shirt,” he groaned.
“Does it bothe- Ouch!” a slap in shoulder silenced him mid-sentence.
“It’s already an old joke, think of something new,” Tae yawned and heard Jungkook turn around to face him.
“You know, all those girls I told you about,” he said, voice calm this time. “They were always lacking of something. And I could never grasp it for life, not until I met you”.
The painter slowly opened his eyes, just to face Jungkook’s wide pupils.
“Do you mean… Do you mean I also make you feel
things
?” he asked, voice sleepy and quiet.
Jungkook grinned with his fatal bunny smile.
“Of course you do Tae! I love to hug you and hold you and kiss you, oh God, kissing you is like the best-”
Suddenly Taehyung wasn’t sleepy at all, he grabbed a hold of the younger’s collar and pulled him into a kiss, greedy and rapid. It took him seconds to get the unbuttoned shirt off Jungkook’s body, and they kissed, no, they worshiped each other’s lips with soft touches and sudden bites, with all the love and passion they had within.
“Every work of art in this room has my signature,” Tae whispered in Jungkook’s ear. “Except you,” he said and moved his lips along the jawline, then down the arched neck blinking with sweat. He stopped by the collarbone, yes, that was an exquisite place for a signature, he thought... KNOCK!
It felt like someone just slapped him in his head. KNOCK!
“Who the hell is there that late?” he whispered and unwillingly got out of the bed, leaving beautifully hazed Jungkook alone.
He approached the hatch and pulled it up.
“What is it?” he barked.
Below, there were two men in dark cloaks, one of them had soft, sweet features and earrings blinking in the dim light.
“Uhm, I was looking for-” the man started.
“Jimin!?” Jungkook jumped on his feet and approached the hatch.
“Jungkook?” the stranger frowned, but he looked relieved in a way.
“Oh, so you're Jimin!” Taehyung exclaimed joyously. “And you must be that pianist Jimin’s crazy about,” he said to the other man below.
“And you?” Jimin squinted distrustfully.
“Kim Taehyung, nice to meet you,” he grinned widely. “Now come, Jungkookie’s friend are my friends!” he moved aside and invited the men inside.
“Jungkookie?” Jimin asked climbing up. “I call him Kookie,” he smiled fondly.
“Oh my God, Kookie!? Like a cookie but also Jungkookie!,” Taehyung closed the hatch behind Yoongi. “How did i miss it?! I call him by all those names of pastries but i never thought of it,” he said.
“I call him like that since forever,” Jimin replied “Oh my god, are those your paintings!” Jungkook's friend exclaimed.
“Yeah, all of them,” Tae admitted proudly.
“Wow! They're so good,” Jimin approached the drawings hanging on the wall, but Yoongi's hand on a shoulder stopped him.
“Uhm, Jimin babe, are we going to ignore the whole thing with Jungkook being half naked in some sketchy attic?” he said.
“Oh my God
babe,
are you guys like in love?” Taehyung called.
“Yeah, we pretty much are,” Jimin grinned.
“That's just like me and Jungkookie!”
Jimin giggled like an excited little girl.
“I knew it was about love!” he clapped.
“Anyway me and Yoongi is kinda a fresh thing.”
“Well, me and Guk kinda clicked right away”.
“What the hell-” Yoongi’s eyes followed from Jimin to Taehyung to Jimin again with pure confusion.
“Shh, let them have their bonding moment,” Jungkook approached him, smiling blissfully at his lover and best friend still gossiping enthusiastically.
“Shut up, you brat,” the pianist snorted. “And put on your shirt, you're indecent in front of the elderly”.
***
“Oh my God, I am so happy for Jungkook,” Jimin spun joyfully when they were walking back to his mansion. “And Tae is such an amazing person! You've seen his art, right? It's awesome,” he laughed.
Yoongi just smiled, seeing Jimin's happiness, but then he noticed the bad taste in his mouth and made a face.
“What's that, my love?” Jimin eyed his expression.
Yoongi sighed.
“You know, Kookie still needs to slow down a little bit. His disappearances are too frequent, you know how his father is… I just… have a bad feeling about it”.
Jimin tilted his head.
“He promised to be careful, I hope it'll be enough,” he said, voice sweet and quiet.
“Yeah, me too,” Yoongi dug his hands into pockets.
“You know, I am worried as well,” Jimin added after a second. “I…, I am cheerful about it, because that’s the best I can do, right?” he asked the stars rather than Yoongi. “I can’t tell Kookie to stop liking Taehyung and not to sneak out ever again. There is nothing I can do apart from being happy about him being in love, even though-” he shivered a little. “Even though it’s dangerous.”
Yoongi just hummed quietly.
“This whole thing, it just happened,” Jimin continued. “Me and you. Jungkook and Taehyung. I’ve always known I’d fall for a man, but I never really thought of it actually happening, being a part of my life, with its bright and dark sides. Love is not something you plan or calculate regarding possible consequences and now, when it’s here, with the whole package of fear and joy and confusion, what can we really do, Yoongi? I have to accept it. I cannot throw it away, you are such a beautiful part of my life, and I believe Tae is a beautiful part of Kookie’s life as well. I don’t want to live without it. I can’t,” he whispered. “You remember that time I was, uhm, very stressed out? The day I told you I like men?”
Yoongi nodded. How could he forget seeing Jimin collapse? His heart still clenched when he thought about it.
“I was talking to Namjoon that day,” the dancer continued. “He knew I liked you and he, oh my God, I know he didn’t want to scare me or anything, but he told me a story. He was in love with a man before”.
Yoongi tensed, but his lips remained pressed together. He didn’t know how much Jimin knew.
“They had some sort of a thing two years ago, but then that man was about to get married… Well, okay Namjoon hasn’t told me that but I kinda figured out the facts and he confirmed it. They had a thing, but Namjoon decided they’re the hei- I mean he, yeah, he’s an-”
“I know it’s about Namjoon and Seokjin, Jiminie,” Yoongi could no longer look at how hard Jimin was trying not to say too much.
“What?!” the dancer stopped in the middle of the street.
“It’s not the knowledge I am proud of, I’ve overheard them on accident,” he explained.
“Wait, what did you hear?!”
“Come, we won’t ever make it before midnight if you’ll stand here,” Yoongi murmured. “And not much, just the post-breakup drama, I guess,” he shrugged and started walking. Jimin followed him, frowning.
“Anyway, Namjoon told me him and Seokjin had a thing. But my brother has ended it, because of the whole head of the house thing, and Seokjin marriage and just the
well-being of the families
. And it just… it made me really sad. Namjoon seemed to be okay with it,
too
okay if you asked me. He just moved on and now he loves Yeoreum. It made me angry, it was like he advised me to do the same, even though he didn’t. I can’t love a woman. I’ve never had and I never will be, and I… I felt like there is something wrong with me. Some fatal mistake in my mind and heart. I wanted not to see you ever again, just so I can live normally, but you came again and again, and God, I just cannot,
cannot
resist how amazing, beautiful person you are, Yoongi,” he smiled widely, fondly, lovingly.
Yoongi’s jaw clenched. It was still hard for him to accept it when Jimin complimented him and told him sweet things, the things he didn’t quite agree with. But day by day, word by word… he was on his way to believe him.
“It’s a weird life,” the pianist said. “A young nobleman, unwelcome in his own house, sneaks out every other night and meets a painter. They fall for each other instantly. In an another universe, a dancer, rich and ethereal, meets a pianist, poor and broken. They have their ups and downs, the pianist is a grumpy, stubborn man,” Yoongi’s words were interrupted by Jimin’s giggle, “but eventually they give it a try. None of the four men planned it. None of them really knew what they were doing. And all of them are now just so fucking clueless”.
Jimin burst out laughing.
“I like that fairy tale,” he admitted. “Especially the last part”.
They were almost by Jimin’s mansion. High walls were like dark curtains over the sky.
“I sometimes have this tiny dream,” Jimin yawned cutely. “That there will be a world where no one cares about who you love. You just do. You kiss and hold hands with anyone you find beautiful and precious and the world sees that it is good. That it gives you strength and makes you kind and happy. And everyone just cherishes love for being love,” he whispered.
Yoongi smiled at Jimin and after making sure no one was around, he put a gentle kiss on the younger’s forehead.
“I wish for nothing less for you, babe,” he was still smiling when Jimin nuzzled his cheek, but his eyes were filled with a quiet pain. “Maybe in two hundred years,” he whispered.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Okay, there’s no way I’m dancing today,” Jimin announced when Yoongi knocked on his door as he had every other weekday for the past, like, forever.
“Wow, why is that?” the pianist asked, frowning.
“It’s like milion degrees outside, don’t you feel it?!” Jimin eyed him as if he was some strange creature. Well, maybe it was a little hot. But it didn’t really stop Yoongi from wearing the very same covering, dark clothes he always would, so the pianist just shrugged.
“I guess”.
“Oh God, how don’t you get all sweaty, it’s unbelievable!” Jimin whined.
“Calm down baby, I understand you would like to see me all sweaty, but there’s no need to announce it when we’re in the hallway,” Yoongi replied calmly.
“Oh, shut up!” the pinkish hue crawled on Jimin's cheeks as he hid his face. “Let’s go to the garden, we can just lie down and chill and talk a bit…” he grabbed the pianist's hand, eyes blinking joyously.
“No way, last time I couldn’t stop sneezing for three days!” Yoongi opposed, traumatic memories running through his mind.
“God, you’re such a grandpa sometimes,” Jimin rolled his eyes.
“And you’re a moron,” the pianist replied, unbothered.
Jimin was thinking for a few seconds.
“Okay, let’s just hang out at my place, okay?” he suggested with a grin.
Yoongi raised his eyebrows. He was in Jimin’s room more than a couple of times, but usually just for a second, so the dancer could take something with him or was in search of Milo.
“Can I take a nap there?” Yoongi asked, earning himself a big sigh from his lover.
***
Coziness.
It was all Jimin could feel, when he was lying in bed, slowly going through the pages of a book, while Yoongi was just walking around, curiously discovering more and more things he kept in his room.
It felt so cozy and right Jimin couldn’t believe it, so he solely enjoyed it.
“Wow, that’s your mother, right?”
He raised his eyes above the book and saw Yoongi staying by the wall filled with pictures. He was pointing at a women’s portrait in the very middle. Jimin nodded.
“You look so much alike it’s borderline scary,” the pianist said. “And
oh my God
who’s that chubbiest fluffiest boy in here?!” a wide gummy smile lightened Yoongi’s expression.
“It’s Namjoon, can’t you see,” Jimin replied sarcastically.
“You were like the cutest baby human!” the man exclaimed. “Even though little Namjoon with those dimples is quite a competition for this name,” he teased.
He then got slowly through the other pictures, most were the family ones as they had one painted for them every other year and Jimin always insisted for a copy. The dancer smiled to himself and went back to his novel.
“What is it?” he heard a question after a minute or so. He looked at Yoongi, who was holding a small object in between his fingers, a thing that previously lied on one of the frames.
“Uhm, a seashell,” Jimin replied.
Yoongi frowned at him.
“A shell? Like what snails have?”
Jimin giggled at his confused expression.
“No, not really,” he laughed.
Yoongi squinted at him.
“Could you please not laugh at me, it’s not like I’ve ever gone to school and I literally learned to read at the age of sixteen, only because Myunghee’s husband was teaching all the older kids at the bakery, so if you want to prove me how uneducated I am there’s no need for that,” he murmured.
Jimin really was a stupid man sometimes.
“I’m sorry, Yoongi, I didn’t mean to,” he gave him a best apologetic look.
The pianist sighed.
“I know you didn’t, but it’s still annoying”.
Jimin took a deep breath and put the book away.
“So, this is a seashell,” he began to explain. “ You haven’t ever been by the sea, have you?”
“Are you for fucking real now Park Jimi-”
“Okay, okay, calm down,” Jimin cursed internally at his density once again. “So, you know how there are those small sand beaches by the river? When the kids play sometimes in the summer?” he looked fondly at the pianist and stood up, approaching him.
Yoongi nodded, still slightly hesitant.
“Okay, so by the line of the sea, there’s something similar, but bigger, way bigger,” Jimin made a sweeping gesture. “And there are lots of things you can find in the sand. Like crabs, little animals Namjoon is
obsessed
with, which is the cutest, or colorful stones, or seashells like this one,” he smiled pointing at the object.
“And the sea?” Yoongi asked quietly, examining the shell.
“What?”
“How does the sea look like?” he raised his eyes at Jimin.
“It’s astonishing,” the danced grinned. “A great body of water, reaching the horizon, it seems like the widest thing you’ve ever seen. It can have different colors depending of the weather: blue, grey, silver or black. It can be calm, then it looks like a mirror. Or rough, then there are waves, loud and violent, with white foam on top. And there’s the wind, it’s always windy by the sea. It’s a good wind, fresh and firm. It smells nice, too”.
Yoongi smiled shyly at Jimin’s heartfelt description.
“That sounds… sounds wonderful,” he whispered.
“I’ll take you one day,” Jimin announced quietly.
“What, Jimin, I-”
“Shh,” he put the seashell in Yoongi’s hand and closed his fingers gently. “I’ll take you to the sea,” he smiled, because he meant it. Every single word. “We will walk by the beach and laugh and breathe. I’ll hold your hand as the wind will blow through our hair and clothes. And it will be just us, and the horizon and-”
He was cut off by the kiss.
From the very first time they’d done this, Jimin loved kissing Yoongi. It was more than just an act it was… it had meaning. It told him about love and acceptance and sympathy more than any other words.
He grabbed Yoongi’s collar gently and led him to the bed, their lips still finding their way to each other. The pianist giggled sweetly when they fell on a soft mattress, Jimin’s hair spilling on the sheets. Yoongi threw his leg to the other side of the dancer’s body, pulling himself up so he was above, their noses almost touching.
“God, you’re ethereal,”he just whispered before Jimin reached up for another kiss, tender and leisure.
This. This was his idea of perfect, the nobleman thought.
“Oh, look who’s jealous!” Yoongi giggled when Milo jumped on the bed and tried to snuggle in between them. The pianist rolled to the side, grabbing the cat with him.
“You know what, you grimalkin,” he looked into Milo’s yellow eyes. “I think I actually like your owner more than you at this point”.
“Wow, what an honour,” Jimin giggled, turning around, so he lied on his side.
His cat seemed to find the peak of happiness on Yoongi’s stomach, curled into a fluffy, purring ball. Jimin ran his fingers through the soft fur.
They just lied like that, in their own tiny universe, the most delicate mikrokosmos, and after a moment he noticed Yoongi’s eyes were closed.
He pulled himself up and put the lightest kiss on the corner of his lover’s mouth. Yoongi hummed quietly.
“What is it?” Jimin asked, nuzzling his shoulder.
“Nothing,” a shadow of smile ran through the pianist’s face. “I’m just happy”.
***
“And this one?” Jungkook asked, pointing at the canvas.
Taehyung, curled to his side as they were sitting on a bed, stroke his shoulder with his cheek.
“It’s about impatience,” he explained what seemed like a collection of random paint strokes. “A need to rush in life. Wanting things to happen faster, more rapidly. An urge to move the universe”.
Jungkook nodded slowly, his eyes still on the painting.
“I think I understand that feeling”.
Taehyung smiled to himself and pressed his lips to younger’s shoulder blade.
“I swear I could have you here forever, but it’s late, Jungkookie,” he said quietly.
The younger man closed his eyes. He hated those moments, when it was the time to go.
Luckily for him, Taehyung had a very good sense of time, because for Jungkook every hour with the painter passed it a second.
“I have to go to work tomorrow,” the man added and the younger frowned.
“They don’t pay you enough for this shit”.
Tae laughed quietly.
“They don’t pay anyone enough. But luckily, I have one very annoying brat who brings me a good dinner sometimes,” he grinned and earned himself a smack in the arm.
“So… see that annoying brat on Monday?” Jungkook turned his head and kissed Taehyung slowly.
“See you on Monday,” the painter nodded.
And maybe,
just maybe
it took Jungkook couple more kisses to get up from the bed, and couple more to reach the hatch, but he eventually did it, sinking into the night with a blissful smile still somewhere on his lips.
***
Jungkook knew exactly how to walk through the hallway not to wake anyone up. The joy of meeting with Taehyung was still flowing through his mind, like a refreshing breeze on a summer day. He took quick, deft steps, ground floor, then the first floor, one more hall-
“Jeon Jungkook,” a sudden voice stopped him.
His heart froze and he could swear all the joy suddenly dispersed.
It was the voice of dread. Trembling, low, filled with a threat.
“Father,” he replied, turning around.
“Where were you?” the man hissed, clenching his fists.
“I went for a walk,” Jungkook tried his best not to show how terrified he was.
“YOU WENT FOR A FUCKING WALK?!”
And so it began.
“YOU DAMNED KID YOU WANTED SOME FRESH AIR, HUH? SO EVERY SINGLE FUCKING THING WILL KEEP ON FLOWING OUT OF YOUR STUPID MIND?”
It was weird, what always happened with Jungkook in moments like that. He would just… turn off. His father was yelling and yelling and he did nothing, he felt nothing, he almost heard nothing. Almost as if he was detached from himself, watching some blurry nightmare from afar.
“...JUST LIKE THE WHORE YOUR MOTHER IS…”
Oh yeah, he knew that one.
“...I BET THAT’S THE CASE WITH YOU… YOU’VE BEEN FUCKING SOME COMMON BITCH, HUH?...”
The words were passing and the clock on the wall was tickling, his father got angrier and angrier, and when he started throwing objects off the cupboard, Jungkook wondered, if he’ll eventually throw something at him or not.
He tilted his head, examining the situation. A tea cup on a wall. Bang! A plate on the floor. Bang! A table lamp on a cupboard. Bang!
“...YOU’LL SEE, YOU’LL NEVER LEAVE THIS GOD DAMN HOUSE UNTIL YOU BECOME ANY WISER, YOUR UNGRATEFUL,” another tea cup, “PATHETIC,” a vase, oh, he liked that one, it was pretty, “STUPI-”
“Dad?”
Yeoreum looked almost surreal in that strange surrounding, Jungkook thought. In her nightgown, all white and silky, with shattered pieces of glass and porcelain all around. Like a fairy.
“WHAT DO YOU WANT?”
The man turned at her, his face still flaming with anger.
“I’ve heard screams and I got scared, dad.”
Jungkook knew it was not true. Yeoreum never got scared. And she never thought of their father as “dad”. She was the bravest and the most intelligent and also happened to be the father’s favourite.
And now she was his saviour.
“I…” the man sighed, voice finally quieter, thanks to his daughter’s innocently concerned expression. “I am so sorry, honey, it’s just your brother. Look what he made me do,” he wiped his face with hands. “I didn’t want to scare you”.
“It’s okay, dad,” she smiled sweetly and Jungkook could clearly notice how she got nauseous at how fake it was. “Just could you
please
not scream again? It stresses me out
so
much,” she said sweetly and Jungkook tensed. It was a daring request, they both knew it. Very risky, even for Yeoreum.
The air thickened for a moment.
The clock was still tickling furiously.
“Of course, honey,” their father nodded and leaned on the cupboard, massaging his templates. “Go to sleep, everything is fine,” suddenly he seemed very tired. “And you,” he waved at his son without raising his gaze. “Don’t leave this house for as long as I please. Not. Even. A step. Out,” he barked and started moving down the hall. “They’ll teach you some manners in the army, you’ll see for yourself,” he hissed quietly and left, steps heavy, loud and echoing.
“You okay?” Yeoreum whispered.
But Jungkook didn’t reply, focused on how white pieces of porcelain gained a weird, bluish hue in the moonlight.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Hi there, session cancelled, we're going to Jungkook’s”.Even before Yoongi knocked on Jimin’s door, the dancer was already out, quick words escaping his mouth.“What happened?” the pianist frowned. “I’m already scheduled with Hoseok afterwards, to take a look at my newest compo-”“I'll explain you on the way, the carriage is ready, come,” Jimin grabbed his wrist and led him. And before Yoongi realised what was going on, they were already in a carriage, on a short, maybe 10-minute ride to Jeon's family mansion.“I got a message from Seokjin today,” Jimin said when they sat inside. “Through the post, not the servant, meaning he wanted to keep it confidential, but also took four days to deliver,” he snorted angrily. “Anyway, Kookie had been caught by his father on Friday night. I… I don't know the details, but he's forbidden from leaving his house and basically cut off from the outside world. And Seokjin… Seokjin is very worried about him, Jungkook has some full time breakdown and he told me to come as soon as I can,” Jimin's voice was shaking, Yoongi instinctively grabbed his small hand and caressed it gently.“It's gonna be fine, Jiminie. You said yourself, Jungkook is way stronger than it seems,” he said.The dancer didn't say anything, biting the inside of his cheek with glassy eyes. *** Walking through the mansion, they had to pretend everything was fine. Officially, they were there for a casual meeting with Seokjin and nothing more.But as soon as the door behind them close, Jimin lost his shit again.“What happened?! Is Kookie safe?! Where is he?!”“Breathe, Jimin, he’s safe,” Seokjin put his hands on dancer’s shoulders and led him to the armchair. Yoongi slowly took place next to him. “And regarding what happened,” Seokjin wiped his face with hands, “I am not certain. Me and Chaeyoung were in the other wing, in our rooms. All I know is from Yeoreum. She heard father’s screams and went out to see what was is about. Father was yelling some… pretty bad things and breaking stuff and Jungkook just stood there, I don’t know, completely frozen,” Seokjin struggled to find the right words.“I know what you mean, he does it in… extreme situations,” Jimin nodded.The heir sighed heavily.“Anyway, Yeoreum managed to somehow calm father down, you know she’s his favourite. God, how brave this woman is… But he has still forbidden Jungkook to leave the mansion. And all his belongings have been moved to another room, I think my brother told he sneaked out through the window. He… it all hit him hard. I don’t think he has even left his new chambers since Saturday”.Jimin seemed very small, smaller than usual. He was eyeing Jungkook's brother with pure worry.“Can… do you think I can go to him?” he asked quietly.“I really hoped you would,” Seokjin smiled weakly. “I’ll show you the way”.The heir stood up and a moment later they left Yoongi alone with his thoughts.He hated seeing Jimin worried like that, he really did, but surprisingly he also found himself deeply concerned about Jungkook. Damn, he really liked that kid. Maybe even found a little bit of himself in him.Jungkook deserved to be happy, out there with Taehyung, not in here between those stupid walls.“I left them to talk”.Yoongi turned around and saw Seokjin walking through the door.“Good, Jimin will know what to do,” the pianist answered.Among all people, his lover undoubtedly had a gift to approach people in a delicate way.The heir took his previous seat. It still bothered Yoongi how pretty he was, even know, when he was visibly exhausted and tense.“You know, I’ve never approved his secret life outside,” he said. “But since you two told me about Taehyung… I talked with Jungkook about it, or at least I’ve tried to. He really cares about that guy and it brings him so much joy. I had this hope… Maybe delusional,” he smirked sadly, leaving the sentence unfinished.“Nothing is lost,” Yoongi shrugged. “I guess your father won’t be a controlling asshole forever”.Wow, the wild time had come if Yoongi was the one to be an optimist.“You and Jimin are happy?” Seokjin asked suddenly. “Oh, come on, you’re way too obvious,” he rolled his eyes at Yoongi’s shocked expression.The pianist let out a crooked half-smile.“We are,” he admitted.“That’s good,” Seokjin nodded. “We need love and joy in this world, you know. As much as there can be,” he turned his head to look through the half-opened window.The summer seemed to finally come, it was green and bright. They remained in silence, waiting for Jimin to return, immersed in own thoughts and a hum of leaves. *** “How are you holding on?” Jimin opened the door to Jungkook’s new room slowly. The younger man was sitting on the bed, with some book in his hand, even though he didn’t seem to be invested in reading.The younger man raised his eyes at him and shrugged.“It wasn’t the worst. He just yelled”.Jimin sat on the bed next to him and snuggled to his side, trying to bring some comfort to his friend.“I don’t mean your father. I mean being closed up,” he said.“It sucks,” Jungkook just replied, voice indifferent. Jimin could feel him slowly relax under the embrace.“Is there anything, I can do to make it suck less, Kookie?” he asked sweetly.The man nodded silently and reached under the pillow.“Give it to Tae,” he passed the other man an envelope.A letter.Jungkook know they’ll come, he was waiting for them.“Go with Yoongi, both of you. He really likes you, it’ll make him happy,” he smiled weakly.Jimin eyed his friend carefully. No tears, no anger, no desperation. Just a strange fatigue in the way his shoulder curled. It was weird seeing Jungkook like that.“Okay,” the dancer smiled warmly. “I’ll go today,” he promised. “And know move, I need to cuddle the heck out of you”. ***
“My loveliest Tae Tae,
also known as the creep, but this letter is a sad one so let’s keep this one aside,
You’re probably losing your mind right now. Yeah, I haven’t been around on Monday. And when you came around by my window, which I believe you probably did, no one answered you. God, maybe you even climbed the wall, just to see that the room was empty. No Jungkook inside, total zero, windows closed, furniture carried out.
I told my father I sneaked out of the window, so no servant would be punished. I live in an another chamber now.
Locked up.
I don’t want to write about feeling bad, because I know you’re probably crying like crazy right now and I want to make you feel better. I barely cope with no Tae around, I couldn’t bear with Tae-not-around-and-crying.
So I won’t write about what happened. I am not hurt or anything, I’m just not able to see you for a while.
Instead I’ll write about good things, my loveliest, prettiest, most talented Tae. I’ll write you about birds in my garden and my brave sister and how beautiful evenings are those days.
Have I ever told you how Jimin fell into a giant pile of horse shit? (...)”
***
“HONEY BUUUUN!!!
I knew it! I knew you weren’t a heartbreaker!
You were totally right about climbing the wall. I regret nothing, even though I scraped my elbows and got a very judgmental look from a stray cat.
You were right about crying, too. But it’s okay. You have to cry sometimes, it makes things a little, tiny bit easier.
I feel so bad, imagining you in a cage. You’re a wild spirit, you know that, we both are. (...)
I keep dreaming of beautiful things, despite all the struggles. I dream of us together. I dream of your lips and your smile, every time I hear some movement I imagine it’s you, whining about being bored, just like that evening I was looking for sapphire. I paint it. I paint my every dream, so when you’ll be free, you can see it all for yourself, like you always do. I love when you examine my paintings. It’s like listening, but more, deeper. (...)
Oh no, cheese roll, I am getting way to emotional! I swear, I start sobbing again and Yoongi is sending me judgmental looks. So, in exchange for your brilliant story of Jimin and horse shit, I have a story for you too. To smile and to make your day good. I want you to have good days, Jungkookie, even if you feel like a prisoner.
So, when I was still a kid, I went for a walk, just straight ahead to the horizon. Everything would be fine, if not one very mean herd of cattle. If you think that cows are slow - it’s the biggest damn misconception in the universe, and eight year old Tae was soon to find it out (...)”
“You sure it’s okay with you? Being the postmen?” Taehyung asked weakly.Jimin smiled warmly.“It’s perfectly fine. You know, my father is nothing like Jungkook’s. I just told him I went for a walk with Yoongi,” the dancer shrugged.“He knows Yoongi?” Taehyung raised his eyebrows.“Duh, he wanted to know who is that guy he pays way too much money to play for his son,” Jimin laughed, earning himself a poke in the ribs.“It wasn’t even that awkward, he really is a good man,” Yoongi admitted.Taehyung sighed and folded the paper. A weak smile was blinking from his tear-stained face, tired, but hopeful.“How’d you even know how to read?” Yoongi eyed him suspiciously when he handed the letter to Jimin.“They thought me at the bakery I used to work at,” he shrugged, his thoughts still with Jungkook.Yoongi’s jaw dropped.“Wait, that’s not fucking possible,” he murmured. “Myunghee’s place?”Taehyung frowned.“What about it?”“I were there for eighteen months!” the pianist explained, smile lightening his face. “When were you there? How long?”Taehyung counted on his fingers for a few seconds.“Six years ago, for two years, I joined in… November I think?”“Oh my God! I left three months before yo-” Yoongi was cut off by a tight hug.“So we’re like brothers!” Taehyung exclaimed, finally focusing on something else than missing Jungkookie. “Wait, it can’t be, you’re the piano guy she told about?” he connected the dots.Yoongi raised his eyebrows.“She… she spoke about me?” he asked quietly.“Of course she did! You know how she cherishes every one of her strays!” Taehyung laughed.“I just never thought I was the part of it,” the pianist shrugged.“Oh shut, up! And now tell me, the real question," his voice became dead serious, "cheese rolls or cream buns?” the painter squinted.“Cream buns,” Yoongi answered immediately.“Oh, no, your boyfriend is a traitor of humankind!” Taehyung exclaimed attacking Jimin with a sudden embrace.And they just laughed, as if none of them were scared or anxious, fearing the upcoming day. ***
“Dear Tae Tae,
I loved your story. Now I’ll remember not to ever cross my roads with a herd of cows.
I’m also so happy Yoongi and Jimin made you a little more joyful. It’s so important for me, that you stay hopeful. I am working on a solution, I really do.
I miss you very much. It’s been a little more then a week, but it feels like more, like the whole age without you. And the fact I don’t know when we’ll see each other again... It makes it feel like an eternity.
Anyway, let’s just pretend I’m here okay? Let me tell you about my days. They're pretty challenging, but I try my best to find good things in each of them. I do it for you, Tae Tae.
So, yesterday I saw this thing from my window (...)”
***
“Honey bun!
Don’t worry, I don’t cry as much. At least I try to, you know I’m a crier!
I went to the bakery yesterday. Memories of the old days I brought up with Yoongi made me go there almost subconsciously. My legs just led me there, as they always led me to you.
Myunghee was so happy to see me, greeted me with cheese rolls and all her warmth. She asked about you, too. I told her a bit, I hope you’re not mad. I think she understands. She told me to be strong, to hold on, to believe our tough situation will soon be solved. I trust her in that one. I really do. (...)”
***
“Tae,
I miss you so much today it’s unbearable. Your smile, your art, your whole you. The way you tilt your head when you’re focused on painting, the sound of your voice lulling me to sleep...
Sixteen days. Sixteen days without you.
It feels I’m going crazy sometimes, and God, it began to show. Even Seokjin noticed there’s something odd about me those days. He knows about you. I think Jimin told him and I’m not mad, I’m really not. But still… I didn’t want to talk with him about you. I find myself deeply attached to all those memories we have made, I hold on to them so desperately… I want to keep them only to myself, as close to my heart as I can, like the biggest treasure.
I wish of nothing, but for you to be here. (...)”
***
Jungkookie!
My heart beats from one letter to another one, and each one brings me so much joy, I want you to know that. You still make me happy, honey bun, even now. Isn't it that absolutely fascinating?
Yes, I still refuse to write sad letters. We won’t be broken. We’ll survive.
Jimin and Yoongi are making my grey days a little brighter. Every time they come, even if it’s just a moment, I am not alone and it’s enough to keep on going. I hope you talk to someone too. I don’t want you to feel alone, God, it breaks my heart just to think about it. Remember that Jimin and Seokjin love you very much. Yoongi too, even though he’s a different kind of person about it. And if you don’t feel like talking to them, I mean, you can always chat with birds or house plants.
(I hope this part made you smile. The world is right as long as you smile). (...)
***
Tae,
It’s so weird that it’s summer, don’t you think? The world is full of life to the very edge and us… We should enjoy the summer, just as in those dreams of yours. Together, doing all those crazy and reckless and beautiful things, just being… us. Yes, I like us very much, you know?
(...)
I started dreaming about you, too. But these are not good dreams, God, they are nightmares. I dream of us never seeing each other again. I see the day when I leave for the military academy, my father still as cold as stone. And then they keep me there, then in the army, then they throw me to some foreign land to fight for things I don’t believe in... And I just flow away from your life, no, I’m ripped out of it, and when I come back home, after long years of war… you’re not there. And it’s too late.
I am really scared Taehyung.
It’s six weeks until my departure.
(...)”
***
“My love,
my heart,
my dearest,
Stay strong. I beg you to stay strong, I know it seems to be so soon, but please, have faith we’ll see each other. Please have faith it won’t end up like your nightmares.
I can feel your broken heart deep in my bones. I think of you constantly, at work, when I paint and when I fall asleep.
I asked Jimin to stay with me a little longer tonight. Don’t worry about me, he’s here to listen to me and comfort me. Of course, cuddling with him is nothing like with you, but it still makes me more peaceful. I don’t know what would I do without Jimin those days. Please, show him all the gratitude for how he takes care of me.
(...)
We’re not giving up, Jungkookie. Not yet.
I realised something, you know. It’s a weird thought, like a spark at first, but then it grows into a flame. It gives me strength and hope. It makes it all worth it.
I love you, Jeon Jungkook.
Yours,
Tae.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
If Jimin had to describe his summer days… bittersweet. The only word that seemed fitting.For the sweet part, there was Yoongi. Their dance sessions, still just as frequent and important. It was a great relief for Jimin, he could release all his emotions, forge them into a form more beautiful than his heart or mind. The closer they were with Yoongi, the better they understood each other through the music. The pianist somehow gained the skill of subconsciously picking the pieces Jimin felt like dancing to at the moment. And the nobleman felt too, that he was getting better and better and his art, despite the common... distractions he experienced (from Milo wandering around, of course. Not from Yoongi, of course. Jimin had absolutely no ignoble intentions involving the pianist and the surface of the piano, of course).But naturally, there was more than the dancing. He managed to finally convince Yoongi to go outside together. Luckily, it turned out the pianist’s sneezing attacks were a spring thing, so now they could peacefully enjoy long afternoons and evenings in the garden. Those never-ending walks and long conversations, naps in the grass and suppers between the roses were Jimin’s fuel, the ultimate source of joy and peace.(He also really tried to make Yoongi learn riding a horse so they could visit nearby forests and hills Jimin loved so much. The one and only try ended up with the pianist getting close to the animal, stating this monster is way too huge and terrifying, and never wanting to do this ever again).So, that was the sweet part.But God knows, there was a bitter one, too.Jungkook was becoming a shadow of himself.Jimin had known it would affect him severely but… he hadn’t expected the extent of it. It all had just piled up on his young, once lighthearted friend: missing Taehyung, staying in his house constantly, upcoming departure to the academy, more and more duties given to him… Yes, but the vision of leaving soon was probably the worst. Jungkook hated the life planned for him, and yet he was to sacrifice everything for the sake of it.Taehyung was also almost broken by all of this. Jimin, who had found himself instantly fond of the painter from the moment they had first met, couldn’t leave him alone. He had spent many evenings in the dusty attic, with or without Yoongi, just making sure Taehyung was fine, sometimes comforting him or cuddling when it was needed. He knew the painter was trying to be hopeful and strong in the letters he wrote to make it easier for Jungkook, but he was also just a human. A very delicate human who needed someone to bring him peace and to wipe his tears.The pain of the two young lovers made Jimin worried about his own story.The world was very brutal, for people who loved the way they did. Him and Yoongi were so happy, of course, but how long until it would collapse? How long until some apocalypse would strike them, like the latest events had struck Taehyung’s and Jungkook’s blossoming joy? Or maybe they’ll have to give up on it themselves, like Namjoon and Seokjin had?He thought about it a lot, almost obsessively analyzing every person he knew and their stories, his friends and relatives, close and distant.Eventually, there was only one person left.“Do you think true love can survive?” he asked his father one summer day. “Despite the hardships”.The man raised his eyes at him from the book he was reading and slowly put it aside.Jimin knew that look. It meant his father saw the mother’s face is his.“You are really fond of that pianist, aren’t you?” he asked.And Jimin just froze, a cold wave of exposure running through his body.“Don’t be ashamed, my son,” his father smiled, warmth radiating from his eyes.But he was still paralyzed, not knowing what to say or how to react. The older man sighed.“You’re not the first one in this family to fall for a pianist, anyway,” he said. “You take from your mother more than you believe me you do”.“You mean... her… you?” Jimin frowned.“I would play a lot when I was young,” the man smiled. “I… you know I loved your mum very much?”Jimin nodded.“Well, it was not quite required at first. We were an arranged to married of course, and I was way more happy about it than she was. She was intelligent, extremely sharp, didn’t like the idea of any man making decisions for her. But I took my time, I played for her, God, how much I played for her… I don’t know if it was the piano she fell for, but eventually, somewhere between yours and Namjoon’s coming to this world… she grew to like me. It was beautiful”.Jimin smiled at this story. Maybe that was what he needed to hear. About love not easy, but victorious at last.“Anyway, when you were born and we already… we already knew she wasn’t going to make it… they let me in to see you two. She was holding you in her arms, a little, sleeping bundle, and she told me, I remember to this day,” his voice cracked for a split second “ this boy will have a vast, but most fragile heart. Take a good care of it ”.Jimin could feel the sun on his skin, like a kiss sent from the sky. His mother earrings were dangling happily in his ears.“So, my dear son, I have her words in mind every single day. Go, love who you love, as long as they care for your heart and your soul. As long as they’re good for you”.“They are,” Jimin nodded, his voice quiet, but confident. “Yoongi is”. *** The sound of music was filling the hallway. Jimin walked quickly towards its source, captivated by the melody he had never heard before.After his session with Yoongi the pianist stayed for a little longer in the dancing room, wanting to practise some new pieces of his.It seemed to be going excellent, based on what Jimin was hearing.He finally reached the room, opening the door quietly, not to distract the pianist. His steps light and agile, he managed to approach Yoongi unnoticed.It was a powerful piece, full of threat, fear, but a will to fight as well. Fiery.Yoongi was so beautiful while playing, focused, almost frozen in time, with slender fingers flowing through the tiles. Passion was radiating from his eyes, even though his body seemed calm and at peace.He noticed him eventually, throwing a side glance and smiling slightly, but still remaining focused on playing. Jimin came closer, standing right behind the pianist.The music ended, Yoongi relaxed his fingers above the tiles. Jimin put his arms around a thin body, his head lied down on Yoongi’s.“What is it about?” he asked, having the new melody in mind. Yoongi put his hand on Jimin’s arm which was hugging his chest.“You know,” he said. Jimin walked above the bench and sat next to him.“I know,” the dancer confirmed.A moment of silence fell upon them. Yoongi was just as worried about Jungkook and Taehyung as Jimin. He cared deeply, even though he showed it differently.“You know, love, I talked with my father yesterday,” Jimin said, wanting to turn their thoughts towards something joyful. He snuggled into Yoongi’s side, nuzzling his neck. The pianist smiled with his gummy grin at the affection. “He’s okay with… us. Being in love,” Jimin whispered in soft skin.“Are you kidding me?!” Yoongi suddenly pulled himself away, hand covering his mouth.Jimin giggled at the surprised expression.“I am not,” he replied, beaming.“Oh my God!” Yoongi squealed cutely in pure joy and threw his arms around Jimin, who laughed loudly.“God, you’re so soft,” he teased, kissing Yoongi’s nose.“I am not,” he murmured, still squeezing the dancer. “I want to reincarnate as a rock,” he stated, his voice raspy and low.“That’s only so you could do nothing the entire day,” Jimin squinted.“Shut up,” Yoongi just snuggled his head into the crook of his lover’s neck, smile still wide on his face. *** Seokjin was trying his best. This was his life and he was determined to make it better, slowly and persistently, step by step.Recently, he had started having dinner with his wife.It might seem trivial, but it made a difference. After three weeks they actually started talking with each other and Seokjin considered it a great victory.And this is how he found himself in a situation like the current one, in one of the smaller dining rooms in the mansion, alone with Chaeyoung. He was taking his very last bite, when a peaceful meal was interrupted by Yeoreum, running into the room with an attitude of a battering ram.“I am so done with this shit!” she yelled.Seokjin threw a side glance at Chaeyoung.“It’s all right, I’ve finished eating anyway,” his wife smiled politely and stood up. Seokjin nodded at her and watched the woman leave.“Okay, what is going on?” he sighed at Yeoreum.“What do you mean what is going on?” she sat on a chair next to him. “Jungkook is fucking dying”.Oh.“Listen, I know we don’t exactly have that sibling bond or anything, but since father has locked him up… he doesn’t leave his room most of the time, only lets the young Park and that pianist guy in, he basically stopped doing anything more than the absolutely essential minimum of existence and father’s orders, and like that. Is not. Right,” she spitted.Seokjin didn’t really know how to reply. His sister was quite intimidating sometimes.“He has someone out there, right?” she asked suddenly. “That’s why it hits him so hard”.The young heir nodded slowly.“He met an artist guy somewhere in spring. Kim Taehyung”.Yeoreum sighed heavily.“God, that only makes it all more messed up”.“Tell me about it,” Seokjin murmured almost inaudibly.“Anyway, we need to do something,” she said. “You know, I’ve been thinking about it a lot… You’ve already fulfilled father’s wishes, you’ve married Jung Chaeyoung, he’s off your ass, practically not bothering you as long as you appear on some events from time to time. When it comes to me, I’m marrying Namjoon and God knows, once I’m outta here I ain’t coming back to this excuse of a household any time soon. But Jungkook… father will really send him to the capital, Seokjin. He’ll have his whole damned youth stolen, if not his whole life, who knows what they’ll do to him in the army. The thought that he’s being forced to leaving everything…”“We can do nothing about it,” Seokjin said coldly, pain painting his face with wrinkles. “That’s the plan since he was born, almost a month till the date is a little too late to change the things, don’t you think?”The woman put her head down.“But we have to do something ,” she insisted. “At least… at least allow him to meet with that guy before he's gone,” she suggested.Seokjin was thinking. He looked into Yeoreum’s brown eyes. She was right, she was painfully right about everything, just how, with father constantly breathing over Jungkook’s neck…“The day of your wedding,” he said. “The ceremony is in the afternoon, right?”The woman nodded.“I planned to go to Parks’ mansion in the early morning, to help Namjoon and Jimin with getting ready. I’ll call it some sort of bachelor’s thing and take Jungkook with me, father will allow, you know how he is with Parks, he owns them too much money. I’ll take Jungkook, and Hoseok too, so it won’t be suspicious, and we’ll arrange Taehyung to be there, it’s a safe ground. Half of the day… it may be so short, but it’s all we can give him”.Yeoreum smiled.“I can’t wait to see him when he finds out,” he laughed.“Easy, it’s just a brief plan,” Seokjin calmed her enthusiasm down. “But if it works out…”“Our little brother will have a moment of happiness”.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
When Yoongi saw Jungkook, he felt like a giant burden suddenly was taken off his shoulders. For the first time in five weeks the younger’s face wasn’t reminding him of his own during the darkest days.There was pure excitement blinking in the deer-like eyes, fiery anticipation and joy. Finally, the long lost joy.“Woah, Kookie, looks like you’ve arrived somewhere too early for the first time if your life,” Jimin greeted the boy with a wide smile. The dancer also gained some lightness seeing Jungkook like that, he shared quite a bit of excitement with his younger friend.It was a warm, but fresh August day, a perfect one for a wedding. Or a reunion of two young helpless lovers. Or, in their case, both.The atmosphere in Park’s mansion had been tense for the past weeks, with all the preparations, planning the reception and the formalities, basically everything from something as trivial as the colour of the flowers, to the financial aspect of the martial union of the two houses. Parks and Jeons were busy as never before, but when the day finally came everything was ready.Therefore, they could relax for a second before the storm and focus on something entirely different.Seokjin’s plan was crazy, but not impossible. And considering how much each one of them loved Jungkook, it was not a surprise they managed to make it all work.They gathered in one of the sitting rooms in Jimin’s mansion, at the absurdly early morning hour, scattered around the armchairs and sofas. Somehow, each of them had showed up a little before the time, so now they were just waiting for Taehyung. Jungkook was cuddling with Jimin and they were chirping about something joyously, Namjoon was reading a book, clearly enjoying a break in his wedding hustle, Seokjin was sitting next to the younger ones and throwing something in their conversation from time to time. Yoongi picked a place next to Hoseok, eyeing the whole strange gathering.“What is this guy like?” Hoseok asked suddenly. “I mean Taehyung”.Yoongi smirked. For the past weeks he saw the painter in so many different ways. He was a weirdo and a brat, a boy, but a man too; emotional, strong, full of empathy…“He’s an artist,” he answered. “God knows he’s as crazy as these two,” he pointed at Jimin and Jungkook who were in a middle of tickle fight somehow, “but he has also has something, like, mature about him, I guess? I don’t know, you’ll see for yourself,” he shrugged.“Kookie has changed during these weeks,” Hoseok frowned. “Have you noticed it?”Yoongi looked down. Maybe he had. Maybe he saw something in the round, brown eyes, that hadn’t been there before. A bolt of pain and experience, a mark on once carefree expression. Something he had once gained himself, after he had almost died on the streets.“Oh, stop with this melancholic bullshit,” he laughed, partly at Hoseok and partly at himself. And the other man just beamed, as always amused with his grumpiness.Suddenly, a servant entered the room.“I’d like to announce that you have a visi-”He didn’t even manage to finish the sentence when Jungkook sprinted through the door. Jimin laughed loudly, but didn’t stood up. No one did, it was their moment. Yoongi’s eyes met with the dancer’s and he smiled fondly at him. I love you Jimin mouthed, and the pianist could swear, it still made him blush. *** Jungkook’s heart exploded. He was barely breathing for the past week, God, he had been suffocating for almost two months, but now… He didn’t know how he had even found himself in the hallway, but he was there, and suddenly Taehyung Taehyung TAEHYUNG was there too.It was a split second and they found each other, tangled in the tightest possible embrace, Tae’s body all shaking and crying loudly, his tears wetting Jungkook’s shirt. It was his Tae. Emotional, warm, smelling like wood and paint. Jungkook wasn’t crying, he… he entered some completely different state, a perfect happiness combined with disbelief, after weeks of tears and pain it was an otherworldly experience, to hold Tae, to be with Tae, to run fingers through his hair and kiss his head gently. It was his salvation, his epiphany.“I- I love you so much Jungkookie,” he heard a whisper between the sobs. “I- I thought I’d die without you”.“Shh…” his own voice cracked. “I’m here, Tae Tae. We’re together, we’re back together”.And so they stood like that, what felt like an eternity, measured with heart beats and breaths. Eventually, Taehyung was the one to pull away, looking at him with those beautiful, almond eyes, reddish from the tears.“God, that was a hell of couple weeks, m’right honey bun?” his face suddenly lightened up with a giant, square smile and Jungkook couldn’t help but join their lips in a kiss, chaste and joyous.“Don’t even tell me,” he murmured, nuzzling Taehyung’s cheek.“I have soooo many things I have to tell you about!” the painter called, entwining their fingers. Jungkook laughed lightly, because that was just the right state of the universe - two of them, side by side, sharing trivial and serious thoughts. “Do you think the others will be angry if we take a small walk around before joining them?” Tae raised his eyebrows.“I definitely like your way of thinking,” the younger replied grinning and they turned around, choosing the way towards the mansion’s gardens. *** “Okay, I’m starting to think two of them died of a heart attack when they saw each other,” Namjoon announced, putting his book aside.“It’s been like an hour, they either ran away or I don’t know what they’re doing at this point,” Jimin sighed, stretched out on a couch.Yoongi smirked.“Oh, you should definitely have some idea about what they may be doing, Park Jimin”.“Yoongi!” the younger squealed, pulling himself up. The red blush crawled on his squishy cheeks.“Oh my God, the puppy love,” Namjoon teased his brother, laughing quietly.“Excuse me, we’re nothing as disgusting as Jungkook and Taehyung,” Yoongi snorted.Jimin smiled mischievously.“That’s not true!” he giggled. “ Yoongi’s just trying to cover how much of a soft, fragile, whipped for my charms-”“Okay, what the fuck am I witnessing?! ” Hoseok interrupted suddenly with a shell shocked expression. Jimin froze.“Wait, don’t tell me you haven’t told him,” Yoongi raised his eyebrows.“I thought you have told him!” Jimin blushed again.Hoseok looked at Yoongi, then at Jimin, and then at Yoongi again.“Oh my God, you damned brat!” he called suddenly attacking Jimin with a very violent cuddle. “We’ve been friends,” slap on his shoulder, “for twelve years,” suddenly Jimin laughed loudly under a wave of tickles, “and you haven’t told me you’re in love!” the dancer’s squeals filled the room and somehow Yoongi didn’t really feel like saving his lover.“Uhm, guys?” the chaos was interrupted by a quiet voice. Hoseok and Jimin immediately untangled themselves, Namjoon pulled up on a chair and Seokjin just stood where he was, frozen. “This is Taehyung,” Jungkook grinned widely, pointing at the painter standing next to him.And so an another chaos occurred, this time with greetings and introductions and loud laughs, finally including Jungkook’s. The youngest was like glued to Taehyung’s side and they were looking at each other with pure adoration, which, as much as he wouldn’t admit it for life, melted Yoongi’s heart a little bit. Soon, they found themselves scattered around the room again, with the younger lovers squeezed on a couch and Jimin cuddling Tae, just to a moment later be thrown on the ground by Hoseok, who really wanted to sit next to the new friend. He let out an annoyed noise, but gave up eventually, taking the equally comfortable place, on the armrest of Yoongi’s chair, snuggled to pianist's side.Taehyung, being the crazy loud brat he was, quickly acclimatized to the strange gathering seven of them created. He shared a lot about his art (with Namjoon, who turned out to be quite into paintings), recent days of his life (with Jimin), embarrassing stories including Jungkook (with Seokjin), and eventually a series of weird anecdotes and chaotic jokes (with Hoseok). Yoongi could see, how it felt natural to have Taehyung among them, almost as if he had always belonged with them.And suddenly it hit Yoongi. He himself felt like he belonged here.It was a strange feeling, very warm and nice.“Look at how happy Kookie is,” he heard Jimin’s soft whisper by his hear.The youngest boy was grinning widely, his side pressed against Taehyung’s, he was listening attentively to Namjoon’s story about how he had almost destroyed a painting worth half a house while transporting it from the capital.Yoongi just hummed in agreement, putting his arm around Jimin’s small waist, caressing dancer’s ribs with his thumb.“Hey, Tae, you have never heard Yoongi playing, haven’t you?” Hoseok asked the painter, who shook his head in response. “Oh my God, you have to! His compositions are everything!” he exclaimed.“That’s true, I’ve got a tin ear and still adore them!” Seokjin agreed.Yoongi felt a little embarrassed by the sudden praises.“Oh, come on, I’ll play on the wedding today,” he mumbled.“But Tae won’t be there to listen!” Hoseok opposed. “Just a few pieces, pretty please,” he pouted theatrically.“We could go to the practice room, I know you like that piano better,” Jimin suggested, pulling himself a little away to look at Yoongi.All the eyes in the room looked at him in anticipation.“Okay, but I don’t promise anything, it’s still before noon and I’m sleepy,” he murmured.“Yey!” Taehyung clapped joyously and a moment later they left the room, walking (in case of Namjoon, Seokjin, Yoongi and Hoseok) or running (Jungkook, Jimin and Tae) towards the practice room.It was bright and fresh that time of the day, Milo was lying on the piano, warming himself in the sun beams. There were still two pairs of Jimin’s shoes and one coat lying by the door, Yoongi’s bag he forgot thrown under the bench.“So, this is the Yoonmin sanctuary?” Taehyung asked, looking around.“ Yoonmin ?” Jimin frowned.“Yeah, Yoonmin, like Yoongi and Jimin,” Jungkook grinned. “We’re Taekook, but there’s also Migi for Milo and Yoongi, the ultimate love story,” he laughed lightly.“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the pianist snorted.“Of course you don’t, it’s not like you ran towards that cat the moment you saw him and you’re literally petting him right now,” Jimin teased and everyone burst out laughing loudly, even Yoongi, caught red-handed.“Okay, so what do you want me to play?” he asked, sitting on a bench and stretching his fingers, smile still wide of his face.“Not anything from the wedding, I don’t want any spoilers for what Yeoreum has chosen!” Namjoon announced, covering his ears.Soon the cacophony of voices erupted, everyone suggesting a certain mood or piece, Hoseok wanted a dancing piece, Jungkook something happy, Jimin felt like “Spring Day” or “Run”, Seokjin cried for a ballad…“Okay, I have something in mind, be quiet!” he hushed the noisy company and pointed at the floor for them to sit down.It was the one he had composed after he had first met Jimin’s friends, and it seemed so fitting. Bitter and sweet, filled with the will of life and passion.Everyone went silent, music filled the room. Six pairs of ears listened attentively, charmed and touched. Taehyung clung to Jungkook, hugging him tightly, Hoseok was beaming, Jimin was swinging his head and Yoongi knew he was planning dance moves in his head. Seokjin was looking down, but when he raised his head, his eyes met with Namjoon’s and he gulped nervously.Yoongi hardly ever smiled when he was playing, but today he did. Taehyung and Jungkook were together. Jimin was his and he was Jimin’s. They were still lost and a little crooked, but maybe, just maybe, the world wasn’t that much of a bad place after all. *** “Hey, Joon, can we, uhm, talk for a second?” he heard a quiet voice by his ear.He looked around the dancing room. Everyone except him and Seokjin was scattered on the floor, chatting and laughing.“Yeah, sure,” he replied and soon they were walking towards the door, leaving the happy company behind. Suddenly, they heard a loud thump coming from the room and then a wave of loud laughter.“Oh my God, these kids gonna blow this place up,” Seokjin giggled, a hint of nervousness in his voice.“Yeah, somehow they’re even crazier with Taehyung,” Namjoon nodded, smiling.“Let’s be real, he adds like the half of their craziness,” the older one noted, shaking his head. They laughed lightly. Both of them were more than happy to see their younger friends and siblings so cheerful.“What is it that you wanted to talk about, huh?” Namjoon asked, looking at Seokjin fondly. Even if he had no feelings for him anymore, he still admired and cared about the older deeply.The heir looked down.“I’m sorry about the last time. During my welcome reception, when I… I got angry at you.”“It’s okay,” Namjoon let out a half-smile.“No that’s not what I mean,” Seokjin shook his head, “You were right, you know? All along. I… I decided to fight for my marriage since. And after this whole thing with Jungkook and my father… I cannot be like him, Joonie, I need to be better. I got to be a good husband and father, someone who creates a home based on love, not on fear and cold calculations. It… him and my mother never loved each other, he never even tried to. And it’s a scar on us, on me, Yeoreum and Jungkook, something we need to cope with every day and it hurts like hell once you realise it. I see you’re happy with my sister, and God knows, she’s absolutely ecstatic with you and it… it makes me happy too, deeply and genuinely. I tried really hard for the past months, I’ve been making so much effort... and now the things are better between me and Chaeyoung. I feel like we may actually live a good life with each other. One day.”Namjoon eyed his former lover. His eyes were glassy, but filled with confidence.“I am really proud of you, Seokjin,” he smiled and a moment later they were in a tight embrace, the older one crying at his shoulder, arms put firmly around his back.“You were my first love, Joonie,” he whispered. “And I just wanted it to last longer than it was meant to.”“I know,” he replied quietly, caressing Seokjin’s back. “You were my first love, too.”They pulled apart, the older wiping his face with a sleeve carefully.“Now, you have to get married to my sister and be the best,” fist on his chest, “husband,” another hit, “ever,” he poked him one last time to emphasise his words.“I will,” Namjoon grinned widely. “And you have to be happy too, do you hear me?” he could feel his own eyes filling with tears. “You’re one of the kindest, most beautiful people on this earth and you gonna rock this life,” he looked into Seokjin’s eyes, now calm and peaceful.“We gonna make it, Joonie,” he nodded energetically.Suddenly, a loud screech was heard from behind the door.“I guess we have to go back if we want to keep the body count low,” Namjoon giggled, wiping his face with hands.“I am gonna loose my mind with those brats, I swear to God,” Sookjin announced loudly as they opened the door. And maybe it was just an illusion, but for both of them the room seemed strangely brighter than it had been before. *** As the day passed, Jimin noticed it. Jungkook began to tense.No, it was the bad word. He was literally disappearing into the shadow with every minute.“What is it, Kookie?” he asked quietly, frowning, when the rest of the seven boys were busy with laughing at some joke Taehyung had said. They were walking through the gardens, enjoying the weather and the good company.“It’s already noon,” the younger replied, gulping.And then it hit Jimin. It was a mere hour until the wedding and it meant it was a mere hour before his friend and Taehyung would be separated again. For… another weeks? Months? Years? He knew all the worries Jungkook had now returned to him, precious time slipping through his fingers at an abnormal speed.It was a terrible sight, his friend knowing he approaches another heartbreak, an inevitable wound on his young, already deeply scarred soul.So Jimin was thinking. He hadn’t ever been the smartest one, but when it came to his friends he was willing to break his mind in order to find a way to help them.“Okay,” he stopped Jungkook and put his hands on younger’s shoulders. “Listen to me, today’s evening will be crazy, am I right?” he asked, looking into the big, brown eyes.“Yeah, I guess,” Jungkook frowned, confused.“Well, some guests will sleep here, some at your mansion, some will get drunk or involved in some social scandals, God knows your father will certainly be wasted by midnight, and I ensure you at least ten thousands wild arguments will occur, with so many houses meeting at one event,” Jimin explained.“What do you mean by all tha-”“What I mean, is it will all be chaotic. Let’s just say… Let’s say it will be so chaotic your father will lose sight of you somewhere throughout the night. And let’s say the next day he’ll find out you actually slept at my place and will return home for the dinner. Let’s say I’ll confirm it all. And let’s say you’ll accidentally find yourself in an entirely different place”.Jungkook opened his mouth. Then he closed it. And then he opened it again.“You mean… you’re willing to cover for me?” he asked, unsure.“Jeon Jungkook, I’ll took a bullet for you, silly,” Jimin grinned with his brightest smile. “Now go, tell ya man you’re coming around”.And all Jimin could do was watch the younger sprint through the garden paths with pure joy in every single step. *** Jimin loved summer weddings. Especially when it was his beloved brother getting married.The large, bright orangery was filled with flower bouquets and elegant chairs, each of them occupied by one of the most noble people of the town, all in their best clothes, most of them with anticipation painted on their faces. The sun was almost giving the feeling of being outside, which was intensified by the waterfalls of roses above the center place, when Namjoon and Yeoreum were too stand. His brother was already there, the most elegant, silver vest blinking under the black jacket, a radiant smile on his face. He didn’t seem to be nervous at all, even with so many important people having their eyes on him. For him it was a day of love and happiness.But despite the undoubtful handsomeness of his brother, Jimin’s eyes were drawn helplessly towards Yoongi.His lover was sitting by the piano, of course, stretching his fingers in preparation. He was dressed in white from head to toe, it was a completely new outfit bought by Jeon’s family, who made sure every servant at the wedding looked perfect and classy. And Yoongi certainly radiated with both those features, the flawless white combined with his pale skin gave him an almost angelic appearance, especially with the focused expression on his face.Jimin smiled to himself and then looked around. He spotted Seokjin in the front of the other row and Jungkook by his side. The older was busy whispering something to his wife, but the younger noticed his gaze and waved at him, smiling. Then, he turned his head a little back and spotted Hoseok, exchanging a wink with him.And then it started and everyone went silent.Yoongi started playing, his fingers confident on the keys. Jimin knew he was preparing the piece for the entrance for weeks now, wanting it to capture everything that mattered in a moment like that.And it did, the melody was truly beautiful, just as Yeoreum when she entered the room in a long, caramel gown blinking in the sun. The veil was falling around her slim, smooth shoulders, her steps were self-assured and even.And when Namjoon revealed her face, Jimin could swear, he had never seen so much love in anyone’s eyes. He might have cried a bit throughout the whole ceremony, with Yoongi’s music and everyone’s joy, and the vows, and the kiss and everything. But that’s just the way he was. Every kind of beauty touched his heart very deeply, and in moments like that it was a true blessing, despite the constant need to wipe his face.It was a perfect symphony, the atmosphere of the place, the joy, his friends, his family, the music brought to life by his beloved… That was it.Then, everything happened so quickly. The ending of the ceremony, the walk to the ballroom, the speeches, the toasts, the dances and the laughs and for Jimin it was all like a dream spinning around him. He luckily still managed to enjoy every second of it, having the best time with his brother, dancing as much as he could, drinking with Jungkook and joking around with Hoseok. Of course, he couldn’t let himself be too close to Yoongi with all the people around, but they shared countless looks throughout the evening, each of them filled with unspoken words they somehow managed to understand.As the night progressed, it got a little wilder, like it always would on the events of this scale. Two noble ladies almost fought with fists over a stained dress or something, one bachelor was found heartbroken in the kitchen, an old man threw a plate at his own nephew, couple more people passed out due to the abundance of booze, served with the generosity only the two richest houses in the town could afford. The newlyweds sneaked out somewhere around the midnight and no longer than an hour later Jungkook’s father lost at a drinking game with Jimin’s grandmother (Park Changmin hardly ever left her residence, but when she did, she was unstoppable), escorted out of the mansion by his servants. Jimin quickly found Jungkook and informed him about the occurrence, saying goodbye to the younger friend, as he left in the biggest hurry, disappearing into the dark streets.Finally, after two windows were almost broken, the host of the event, meaning Jimin’s father, decided that’s the high time they start taming the gathering, and soon exhausted, but happy dancer was dismissed from his social duties. He quickly found the way to his room, his legs weak, slightly because of the wine, but mostly from all the dancing.“Took you longer than I thought,” Yoongi, lying on his bed, commented once he entered. The pianist’s duty ended a couple of hours ago, but apparently he had decided to stay at the mansion.“Oh my God, it was amazing!” Jimin sighed and fell on the bed, his legs giving up completely. He buried his face in sheets, inhaling its fresh smell.Yoongi chuckled.“I know, I’ve seen you in there,” he caressed his hair gently “I was afraid you’ll fly away with all those joy”.“I just,” Jimin turned his head so he could speak, “Namjoonie is so happy and Kookie and Tae too, and Hoseokie and Jin too, and you were playing so well and just there’s so much love in the air tonight,” he let out in one breath.Yoongi grinned.“Oh baby, you’re truly and angel on this earth, you know that?” he stroke his shoulder blades gently.Jimin pulled up on his elbows, arching his back.“Am I, though?” he brushed his hair back with a mischievous smile.“Oh no, Park Jimin,” Yoongi opposed. “ It’s three in the morning and we’re both exhausted and you need to have a healthy amount of sleep”.“But Yooooongi,” Jimin whined, rolling onto his back and stretching his neck.“No. Sleep”.“Yooooongi,” he sat up, his back facing the pianist and his shirt as always accidentally pulling up.Only a muffled groan replied him.“Yoongi?” he turned his head towards his lover, a sheepish look on his face.“You’re gonna be the end of me, Park Jimin,” the low, heavy voice replied and the dancer smiled widely at his triumph. *** Taehyung was never the one to be very patient. Of course, he was nothing like Jungkook who couldn’t stand anything above fifteen minutes of waiting, but still, in the given circumstances, he found himself almost going insane.Jungkook was supposed to come somewhere around midnight. Meaning, from the very moment the bells of the town rang twelve even times, Taehyung was more than ready and more than impatient. He had washed himself, changed his clothes, God, he had even tidied up the place more or less. Naturally, it was still his attic, filled with hundreds of paintings and objects related to them scattered around chaotically, but now at least the floor was partly visible.Taehyung was never the one to have good hearing. But in the given circumstances, he could literally hear Jungkook opening the door three floors below.“HONEY BUN!” he opened the hatch immediately and called, completely ignoring the concept of having neighbours and the late night hour.“I’m coming!” a happy voice replied and a minute later Jungkook was climbing the ladder to find himself ins the attic. “Oh my,” he sighed deeply, looking around as he closed the hatch, “it’s been a while,” he grinned, his eyes fixed on the interior of Taehyung’s sanctuary.“Certainly too long,” said the painter, standing up next to his lover. He slowly rested his head in Jungkook’s shoulder, his palm finding its place between the wide shoulder blades. “What are you so fixed on, huh?” he asked, nuzzling.“These are the paintings made from the dreams you had, right?” Jungkook asked quietly.“Oh, I, uhm-” Taehyung cleared his throat and stood up straight. They indeed were. His every dream from the long weeks of separation, exposed on canvas. Smiling Jungkook, laughing Jungkook, Jungkook by the river, two men walking down the hill, abstract landscapes all in sapphire, all the places they had been together, random frames and fragments or the world, seemingly meaningless, but somehow connected to both of them…“I love you too, Tae”.“What?”Jungkook blushed.“Uhm, I just- I figured out I haven’t really said that back after you told me in the letter, and just kinda looking at all those paintings I can really feel that, I mean, not that I haven’t said it, I mean I can feel that you love me, and like yeah, I am pretty much very sure I love you too” he let out on one breath.“Oh my God, Jungkook, are those TEARS in your eyes?!” Taehyung gasped theatrically.“Shut up, they’re not!” the younger opposed, but it didn’t convince the painter.“You’re totally crying, my God, you literally never cry-”“Look,” Jungkook stopped him, taking a step back and then threw his head to the side rapidly, “see, I’m not crying anymore,” he pointed at his face, grinning.“Okay, it actually worked , what even?!” Taehyung burst away laughing.“It’s my overwhelming masculinity pushing the tears back when they belong,” announced Jungkook, initiating another wave of giggles.“Well, I guess we’ll examine that overwhelming masculinity later, now come and tell me everything about that wedding,” Taehyung smiled fondly at his lover and led him to sit down on the bed.And so Jungkook did. He told about the ceremony and how touching was Yoongi’s playing, how Jimin was crying all the time and everyone looked so pretty. He described the reception in the smallest details, not even exaggerating while mentioning how much fun he had had with his friends. He was very proud of his older sister, she was beautiful and classy and seemed so happy throughout the night. Jungkook was relieved that she was leaving home, he knew she would be safe from now on. He told how he trusted Namjoon to take the best care of her. He was also proud of Seokjin in a way, he noticed how much closer he was with his wife these days, and she slowly seemed to reveal her personality to the family. From what Jungkook had briefly seen, Chaeyoung was charming and kind, funny even. He told about the dances and the hilarious dramas between some noble ladies. It was so refreshing and comforting, telling Tae everything while scattered on his old, small bed, for the first time ever knowing he doesn’t need to end his story anytime soon to go back home. Because he wasn’t going back home that night and it was the best feeling in the world.“You know Jungkookie, I cannot believe you’ll still be there when I’ll wake up,” Taehyung sighed to himself, when the night progressed and they had been talking for what seems like second and eternities at the same time.“I know,” the younger giggled, falling back on the bed, dark hair scattering on the sheets. “It’s the best perspective in the world, waking up to you. In here,” he closed his eyes, a blissful smile on his youthful face.“Better even that what can we do before?” Taehyung hummed in a low voice.“Hmm, let me think…” Jungkook frowned, his eyes still closed. “Yup, still better,” he nodded enthusiastically.The painter giggled quietly and fell on a mattress next to his lover.“What?” Jungkook asked, looking into his eyes, a fond grin on his face.“I don’t know, that might have been the sexiest thing you’ve ever said,” Taehyung admitted.“You mean how I prefer waking up to the man I love, possibly squeezing me to dead in his sleep, being all cute and perfect and beautiful, rather that getting all steamy in the middle of the night?” he raised his eyebrows, internally cooing and just how lovable Taehyung was.“Yeah, it might have been that,” the painter confirmed, earning himself a tender long kiss. “But you know, Jungkookie, we might want to test the both scenarios to find the overall winner,” he noted, his slender fingers diving into the younger’s hair and pulling him into another kiss.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
A Sunday morning suddenly found its way under his eyelids. He stirred slightly, still immersed in dreams, as his senses were slowly returning to consciousness. Jungkook slowly, very slowly realised a few things. First of all, he was being held, warm arm thrown around his waist. Second of all, said waist was completely bare. Third of all, he was certainly not in his own bed and an he could feel an even breath on the back of his neck.
The realization of the events of the past twenty four hours hit him eventually and he could feel the wave of bliss filling his heart.
He was there with Taehyung in an ethereal Sunday morning.
He hesitantly turned around, causing a low grumble to escape the painter’s lips.
“Shh, baby,” he gently brushed Taehyung’s hair back to see his face. In response, the older just pulled himself closer to Jungkook in an even tighter embrace.
To say Kim Taehyung was a cuddler was a huge understatement.
“Y’re ‘ere,” the painter murmured sleepily in his collarbone, now blooming with red and purple marks.
“I’m here,” Jungkook confirmed, smiling warmly.
“Good,” Taehyung just mumbled in response, falling back into a peaceful slumber. The younger couldn’t force himself to disturb his lover, so he just enjoyed the given moment, slowly caressing painter’s hair and the smooth, slender back; his fingers absentmindedly running down and up the spine.
They remained like that for countless lazy minutes, frozen in their own universe.
“Okay,” Taehyung yawned loudly, eventually waking up fully, “I wouldn’t say it’s better, but let’s say it’s just as good, “ he announced, rectangular grin crawling on his face.
“Yeah, I can settle for that,” Jungkook confirmed and kissed the painter’s lips tenderly. “Morning”.
“Morning to you too, Jeon Jungkook,” Taehyung smirked. “I thought you’d sleep longer than me, considering how tiring was your
overwhelming masculinity
”.
“Shut up, you bagel!” the younger smacked his shoulder lightly.
“Never!” Taehyung opposed, putting his arms around Jungkook’s head and pulling it to his chest, “And it’s my job to use pastry-related names, breadstick!”.
Jungkook’s muffled giggle tickled his ribs, as they both started laughing uncontrollably.
“So…” the painter eventually released his victim, “how much time do we have today?”
No, NO,
God no,
Jungkook’s mind was floated with the flame of this one word. Time. Time stolen from them, time now given just to later be taken back?
“All of it,” he replied curtly.
Taehyung frowned.
“What do you mean, bun, I thought you had an agreement with Jimin-”
“Listen to me, Taehyung,” Jungkook took the painter’s face in his hands. “Listen to me carefully. I suffered unbelievably for the past weeks. From being away from you, as well as from being locked in this hell I live in. You give me strength and love and everything worth living for and I
cannot
think about leaving right now. I am aware I am being unreasonable and foolish, but after everything we’ve been through I’ll literally break into pieces if I am forced to count time again. I’ll leave when I leave. And then I’ll return to you very quickly”.
It was weird, seeing Jungkook so serious, so open about his emotions without embarrassment, so assured.
Taehyung was thinking about it for a moment, trying to find the solution in the big, chocolate brown irises.
“Okay,” he said eventually, “I trust you. Even though it worries me, what will happen if you don’t come back”.
Jungkook kissed the painter’s forehead.
“Thank you,” he smiled gently. “We’ll be fine. I know it,” he assured. “Hey, what are you laughing at?” he frowned and Taehyung’s muffled chuckle.
“You’ve changed, Jungkookie,” the painter smiled fondly. “For the better, but you did”.
“Agh, don’t even tell me,” Jungkook groaned into a pillow, “Yesterday Seokjin talked to me for eternity about how I am really mature those days and he’s proud of me and blah, blah all this shit,” he rapidly lifted his head back up, “It was nice though,” he grinned.
“Wow, did you just admit to appreciate something Seokjin said to you?” Taehyung gasped theatrically.
“Shut up,” the younger giggled and then pulled himself up to sit, combing his hair back with hardly any result, “so, what do we do?” he yawned one last time that morning.
Taehyung stretched his tanned arms.
“I guess getting dressed would be nice,” he laughed. “Then, you make breakfast and I get ready to paint something helplessly stuck in my mind right now”.
“Last night struck you with inspiration, huh?” Jungkook raised his eyebrows.
The painter smirked in response.
“Endless”.
***
Yoongi wasn’t a morning person. First warm sun beams, birds singing melodically, feeling fresh and well-rested? Bullshit. Mornings were about being hardly conscious, wanting to disappear into the sheets forever and general suffering.
Miraculously, those days he had someone to ease his nuisance.
“Hey hey, Yoongi love, I’ve brought you some tea,” a resonant voice chirped somewhere above his heavy head.
He mumbled something that might have been thanks and used all his inner strength to open his eyelids again.
It was
blinding
bright inside the room, it must have been almost noon already. He could hear many voices and steps outside the bedroom, servants and some leftover guests all awake and alive, what seemed to be the exact opposite state to his current one. Jimin’s wide chamber was pretty messy, their clothes and other memories of the previous day were scattered around chaotically. Apparently, the younger one decided to tidy up a bit, because he was walking, or more like dancing around, humming something quietly and folding his shirt to put it in the wardrobe.
“Drink it, it’ll get cold, honey,” he smiled fondly at the grumpy-looking pianist, nodding at the cup of tea by the bed.
Yoongi sighed and pulled himself up, reaching out for the warm drink. Luckily, Jimin was well aware that his lover was not the most talkative and joyful one just after waking up. Somehow, according to what he had once confessed, he found it even cute.
“How long have you been up for?” Yoongi asked eventually, after half of the cup of the finest black tea was already warming his stomach pleasantly.
“Two or three hours,” he replied. “It’s past eleven, I’ve already eaten breakfast, checked on the guests with father, informed Jungkook’s family that he stayed the night here and seen Hoseok half way to his house,” he enumerated quickly, interrupted by knocking on the door, “oh, and that would be,” he grinned and ran to open the room’s entrance, “breakfast for you”.
He let in the servant, who was carrying a shining tray filled with various bowls and plates, steaming and smelling deliciously. An old butler bowed stiffly and put the meal on a desk, leaving them immediately.
Yoongi blinked a few times.
“I don’t fucking deserve you,” he said, his morning voice low and hoarse.
Jimin giggled quietly.
“Come on, let’s say it’s for taking
such a
good care
of me
last night,” he raised his eyebrows.
Yoongi choked on his tea suppressing a chuckle of laughter.
“You’re impossible, Park Jimin,” he shook his head, amused.
The danced smiled and sat on the edge of the bed.
“You know how I like to make little favours for others,” he said more seriously.
“I know, baby, you’re an angel,” Yoongi took one last sip of his drink.”C’mere, let me give you a proper good morning kiss, huh?” he reached out to his lover, who stood up rapidly in response.
“Oh no, if we start making out now, you won’t
ever
eat your breakfast and it’ll get all cold. And I’ve even ordered you pancakes!” he opposed.
Yoongi groaned quietly and eventually threw his feet on the floor, standing up with quite an effort.
“You’re so lucky I love you,” he murmured, earning himself a quick peck on a cheek.
“The luckiest,” Jimin responded, beaming.
***
His playing
was calm that day, filled with… filled with things he couldn’t find words to say.
Maybe just as always, he thought, when Jimin was gently swinging to the melody, snuggled to his side. The younger was a little too tired to dance after the wedding, but he was still more than eager to hear Yoongi play a bit.
“I like it,” he commented the new piece after he had finished, “but it’s a bit… there’s a hint of melancholy in it,” he frowned.
Yoongi slowly took his hands off the piano and lowered his gaze.
“You know, I’ve thought about a couple things,” he started, his best emotionless face on display, “I just figured out, uhm,” he inhaled with a hiss.
“What is it, Yoongi?” Jimin’s frown deepened.
The pianist played with one of the keys absentmindedly.
“I want to give the money I took from my parents back,” he said eventually. “I mean, I have enough now,” he shrugged.
Jimin froze for a second.
“Wow, Yoongi, that is really-”
“I don’t think I’m ready to face them yet, though,” he added. “Just, I don’t want to have any debt. Maybe let them know I’m alive, too,” he said dryly, still looking down.
“That’s a really big step,” Jimin put his small hand on top of Yoongi’s. “I am proud of you,” he smiled lovingly.
“I want you to come with me,” the pianist whispered.
Jimin suddenly pulled his hand back.
“Are you sure?” he frowned, voice hesitant. “I mean, of course if you want to, but isn’t it, just… such a personal thing to you?” he asked.
“Jiminie,” Yoongi finally looked at the dancer, who eyed him. The pianist’s face was… bare. Naked with emotions and regrets. Just like the day he confessed about his past Yoongi knew his eyes were filled with pain and vulnerability he never showed anywhere else. “Jiminie, you are the only one who knows. You are my home and my stronghold and I won’t have fucking guts to do it if you aren’t there with me,” he shook his head, letting out a dry laugh.
“Okay,” Jimin said eventually. “Where do you plan to do it?”
Yoongi shrugged. The thought alone was a huge step, he hadn’t really figured the logistics quite yet.
“We’re going tomorrow then,” the dancer grinned.
“WHAT?” Yoongi looked petrified.
“Well, the sooner the better, if you want my help then you won’t now sulk about it for weeks before actually making it”.
The pianist hid his face in hands hands.
“Geez, I guess you’re right,” he sighed, curled on the bench.
Jimin put his head on his lover’s hunched back.
“It’s gonna be fine,” he assured sweetly.
“I know, I just, ugh, why is dealing with the past so damn hard?” Yoongi groaned angrily.
“Come on, honey, it’s all worth it,” Jimin smiled widely. “Tomorrow morning then?” he asked.
The pianist sighed one last time and straightened up.
“Tomorrow morning,” he nodded, determination blinking in his cat-shaped eyes.
***
Yoongi wouldn’t admit
for life
that he was embarrassed to see Jimin at his own home. But he was. It was the first time in almost half a year they had known each other, just because he was always avoiding it as much as he could. It wasn’t even about the financial status anymore, it was obvious that Jimin was rich and he was not, but just… Jimin was beautiful, filled with elegance and well-mannered. Gentle, sweet and colorful. His place… his tiny apartment was ugly, terribly cramped, grey and dark. It was not a place for Jimin.
It was also a kind of a symbol of his isolation and loneliness, his dark past and unhealthy habits. Small space, one tiny window, formerly usually covered in cardboard when it was colder, old bed, old chests, old piano. His whole life
before
Jimin.
He himself grown to ignore it, he didn’t perceive it that bad, actually. He felt good there, it was a well-known, safe ground when he could enjoy solitude and recharge peacefully. With the money he had recently made at the noblemen’s banquets he had even managed to get a pane in his little window and now he was praying no one would break it until the winter.
But still, when he opened the door to let Jimin in, he could feel his cheeks getting red.
“So, uhm, that’s where I live,” he mumbled.
Jimin hesitantly walked inside.
“It’s… cozy, I guess?” the pianist didn’t really know what to say.
“Oh, come on, it’s an old hovel,” Yoongi rolled his eyes.
“Listen, you know what kind of places I was raised in, the closest living space to this I’ve seen was at a monastery and I’m pretty sure it was called a cell”.
Suddenly, Yoongi burst out laughing. Appalled, pouty Jimin in the middle of his tiny flat was one of the cutest occurrences he had ever witnessed.
“Thank you for your honesty,” he chuckled, “That’s a pretty good simile”.
Jimin smiled, feeling the atmosphere ease. He nonchalantly fell on the bed.
“I’m glad you don’t live like a monk, though,” he smirked, earning an another wave of laughter.
“You brat…” Yoongi shook his head. “What were you doing at a monastery anyway?” he frowned.
“My father sent me and Namjoon there one summer for some lectures and stuff. They had books unavailable anywhere else, on history and nature” he explained. “It was sooo boring though, they had those prayers like, seven times a day and we had to sit through it all,” he yawned, as if to confirm his words.
“Okay, sleepy princess, I have everything I need,” Yoongi said, weighing a small bundle of coins in his hand. Counted perfectly, he remembered the exact amount he had stole all those years ago. That wasn’t something to forget. Not when it haunted him so badly.
“Wait, let me see your piano,” Jimin jumped on his feet and approached the instrument. It wasn’t all polished and decorated like the ones in mansions, the paint was flaking and the colour of the wood was dimmed and grayish. “So that’s the one?” he whispered, running his fingers through the keys.
“Yup,” Yoongi confirmed. “I know it’s old and ugly, but the sound-”
“Yoongi,” Jimin interrupted, “you need to stop”.
The pianist frowned, eyeing the younger questioningly.
“Just… your home, your piano, your life when you were poor, just everything you do and how you live outside of my mansion… you perceive it as less, so you try to avoid it, I feel like separate me from it even,” he said, voice serious and concerned.
Yoongi felted exposed, his gaze running away from Jimin’s face.
But he had found it anyway, of course, small, gentle hands cupping his cheeks.
“Please, don’t do it,” the nobleman whispered, lifting his face so their eyes met again. “It’s all a part of you, Yoongi. And I love you, I like you, I adore you, I want to know all the parts of you, all the pieces of your life, I want to learn about your memories, about things big and thing trivial, just… you. Everything connected to you for me is interesting and important,” he smiled fondly. “Just like how you’ve always liked to hear my rambling about my boring noble days at the dance sessions, do you remember?”
Yoongi let out a gummy smile.
“From the very first day,” he grinned and leaned it to connect their lips and
God
, it was so strange, but so
right
to kiss Jimin here, in his dark, poor home, by his old piano, letting out a single high note as the dancer pulled him even closer, taking a step back.
“Don’t get needy, baby, we’re here for a mission, right?” the pianist teased quietly.
Jimin straightened up suddenly.
“Oh my God, you’re right, I’ve almost forgot,” he put a last quick peck on Yoongi’s lips and pushed him back. “Let’s go then,” he smiled fondly. “To pay your debt”.
The pianist nodded silently, the weight on the words heavy on his chest.
***
“Hello?” Yoongi called into the empty backyard. Couple of hens were running around, few children played some game by one of the doors. “Mrs Seong?” his loud voice filled the area.
Suddenly, they could hear some movement behind one of the walls, followed by some muffled curses and a person rapidly walking out to the yard.
“Who the hell is calling me?!” an old, grumpy-looking woman looked at them angrily.
Yoongi was completely unbothered by her intense gaze.
“Kyongho and Eunmi still living there?” he asked.
“Well, they sure do, what about that, huh?”
Yoongi could feel the wave of absolute relief filling his heart.
“I have something for them. I know you’re the most honest woman Mrs Seong, and I’ve once trusted you with my life-”
“Who the hell are you agai-”
“-so I’m positive you’ll give it all to them,” he reached out and passed the bundle of coins to the woman. She eyed it, suddenly speechless. “Tell them their son pays his debts”.
“Their son?! What are you talking about young man, their son- wait, it can’t possibly be-”
She called after them, but Yoongi already turned around, dragging Jimin with him towards the street. His steps were quick and sharp. The place, the woman, it was too much, too much memories, too much of the life he had lost. He needed to get away and he did so as fast as he could, not stopping until they were couple of streets away, no, just to the other neighbourhood, no, just outside this whole fucking town-
“Yoongi, wait!” it was Jimin’s voice that stopped him.
Was he running?
“Yoongi, you did it!” the panting dancer approached him and put his hands on Yoongi’s shoulders, his face lightened up with a smile.
And then it hit Yoongi, through the crescent eye smile of his lover.
He did it. He paid his debt, he gave all the money back. His parents were alive and they’ll get all the money he had once took.
He was no longer a traitor.
“Min,” he whispered suddenly.
Jimin eyed him questioningly.
“I’ve always said that I didn’t have a surname because I didn’t deserve it. I’ve betrayed my family and I run away and-” he stopped. “But now I’ve paid my debt. It’s Min, my surname,” he looked straight into Jimin’s eyes.
The dancer’s plump lips were parted beautifully, hair wet from running through the streets sticking a bit to his forehead.
“Min Yoongi,” Jimin whispered.
And said Min Yoongi was positive, he had never felt so loved.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“But we’re really doing this?” Jungkook asked hesitantly, standing in the middle of Taehyung’s attic.“Yes, we do,” his lover smiled at him. “We’ve been talking about it for so long now, if you’re sure then I’m sure, okay?”The younger bit his lip. He had that last moment of doubt before making the big decision. A choice he had never thought he would even have.“I mean, you don’t have to, obviously” Taehyung reached out for his hand and squeezed it. “As I said, I have no right to demand it, and I’m still kind of shocked, just don’t view it as any form of declara-”Jungkook silenced him with a long, tender kiss. Oh God, there were so many kisses throughout those three days. And yet he was so far from not being astonished by each one of them.“I want it,” the nobleman said, now way more confidently. “That’s everything I want,” he added.Taehyung closed his eyes with a blissful smile on his face.“Just don’t get hurt,” he whispered.“I won’t,” promised Jungkook, “I’ll just slip in and out and be right back to you, m’right?” he laughed, a hint of nervousness throwing a shadow on his cheerful voice.Taehyung didn’t reply with words and instead just pulled him into a tight hug.“We’re really mad, aren’t we?” he chuckled.Jungkook pulled away and finally reached for the hatch in the floor, pulling it open.“I prefer audacious,” he let out a half smile and with last quick goodbye, disappeared from the attic.Taehyung couldn't stop smiling. *** Yoongi wasn’t a morning person. But Park Jimin had quite some ways to make him a least a tiny bit fond of the early hours of the day.He looked absolutely gorgeous like that, pinned under him, fluffy hair spread on the sheets, eyes smiling, harmonious, perfect lines of his body…A knock on the door interrupted the glorious moment right before the kiss, but Yoongi gave absolutely no fuck about it and connected their lips anyway.He ignored the second knock as well, too busy with the trials of the spine, the even lines of ribs and the arch of neck, filled with quick breaths and muffled sounds...“Three knocks means it’s a matter of urgency,” Jimin let out when their peaceful bubble was brutally broken another damned time .Yoongi groaned angrily and rolled off, falling on the bed beside his lover.“How urgent?” he barked.Then came the fourth knock.“Very,” Jimin bit his swollen lip.“Fine, I’ll take it, stay here,” the pianist replied grumpily, standing up and approaching the door. “What?!” he asked the servant harshly.The man clearly didn’t question his ruffled shirt and messy hair (or he was paid well enough not to show it) and just gave Yoongi a sealed letter.“From Sir Jeon Seokjin,” he said. “He made it very clear it is a matter of the highest urgency”.The pianist just took the letter without a word and closed the door before the man could bow. He broke the seal with his nails, making quite a mess around and finally took the paper out of the envelope.He wasn’t a very efficient reader, but a few quick glances at the elegant letters made everything perfectly clear.“What is it?” asked Jimin, now sitting on the edge of the bed.“Jungkook haven’t got back home yet,” he said.“What do you mean Jungkook is not home yet?!” Jimin rapidly stood up and tore the letter from Yoongi’s hands.“Well, that’s what Seokjin wrote. He made up some story about a horse riding trip or something-”“THREE DAYS LONG?!” the dancer put his hands around his head in panic.“Jiminie, calm down,” Yoongi tried to somehow comfort his lover, whose widened eyes were studying the letter.“I won’t fucking calm down!” Jimin screamed, his high-pitched voice emphasising the weight of the curse. Jimin had never, ever cursed. “How can he be so reckless?! I need to go the- no! Maybe somehow his father bought this horse trip fairytale?!” he eyed the letter again. “What am I talking about, he obviously didn’t, he’s not an idiot,” he whined, running around restlessly. “Just what the hell am I supposed to do right now!? How could- What eve- It is my fault!” he cried, “It was my stupid idea and now his father will be so furious, my-”“Jimin, for fucks sake!” Yoongi barked.The dancer suddenly froze at the outburst.“Sit down,” the pianist commanded dryly. “Breathe,” he added, “and hand me that shit,” he pointed at the letter.A few muffled sobs escaped Jimin’s lips as he obeyed the words.“We’ll go there,” Yoongi said.The dancer raised his eyes at him questioningly.“He’s obviously at Taehyung’s so now we will calm down, get ready and go there as soon as possible to kick his insolent ass, okay?” his voice was a little more tender.“Okay,” Jimin mumbled and then another loud sob uncontrollably escaped his throat. “I just-” he stuttered, hiding his face is hands.“I know, baby,” Yoongi kneeled in front of him and pressed his lips to dancer’s frowning forehead. “Come on now,” he brushed back Jimin’s hair. “It’s gonna be fine”. *** Taehyung was slowly walking around his home, humming some unknown, incoherent melody. Well, if he declutters this part of the attic, he will be able to move the bed this side, and there will be a perfect place for Jungkook to-An unexpected knock from above the floor interrupted his train of thoughts.For a split second he thought it was Jungkook, that he decided to back up, tell him he doesn’t want it, apologize…“Open, you idiots!” Yoongi’s raspy voice dispelled his speculations. He immediately walked to the hatch and opened it, to see the pianist and Jimin, panting a little bit and frowning at him.“Yo, what’s up?” he grinned at them.“Where’s Kookie?” Jimin asked, voice serious and dry.Welcoming smile flowed away from Taehyung’s face.“Come in, I’ll explain everything,” he said, inviting them in. “But he’ll be back very soon,” he added.Jimin and Yoongi swiftly climbed up to the attic, clearly used to the old ladder after so many visits they had paid him during the time of his and Jungkook’s separation.“So?” Jimin put his hands on his hips. His face was shifting somewhere between anger and concern.“Okay, I’m really sorry he pulled out this whole shit with no coming back,” the painter sighed. “I’ve tried to convince him to inform you, but he was not sure about his final decision until the very last moment and he… I don’t know, he just needed a break after those hellish weeks. I didn’t have the heart to tell him to go away,” he bit his lips. “Not when he was finally happy and careless,” he added. “But he’s actually making everything clear and right at this very moment. He’ll leave the information that you had nothing to do with his disappearance as he left your house the morning after the wedding”.“Wait, what the hell is going on, I feel I’m missing some context,” Yoongi frowned at him.Taehyung took a deep breath.“Jungkook is not coming back home,” he said. “Like in, ever”.Jimin couldn’t stop himself from gasping loudly.“Listen, it’s not my job to explain it, I know it sounds crazy and stupid, but we have the whole plan and a job and everything…” Taehyung struggled a bit with his words. “He’ll have to tell you himself, okay? He wanted to do it personally, he actually wanted to meet with you tomorrow. But well, I guess you’ll have a chance sooner, he ran home to grab some essential and his money and he’ll be right ba-”“What do you mean he ran home?” Jimin’s voice was suddenly filled with liquid ice.“Uhm, his father at this meeting at Hoseok’s home right? And with servants he-”“The meeting was cancelled yesterday,” Jimin said.Taehyung could feel his heart drop on the ground with the loudest thump, echoing in his ears.“His father is home”. *** Seokjin was having a peaceful morning.Or at least, as peaceful as it could be, given that his brother was still not home. “You’re so worried about him?” his wife asked, as he groaned angrily when he couldn’t button his shirt due to shaking, tense fingers.“You know I am,” he sighed heavily, giving up and leaving his shirt open.“Here, let me help you,” she suggested quietly, shyly even.He smiled gently as Chaeyoung approached him, effortlessly buttoning up the clothing, and hesitantly smoothing out the fabric on his shoulders.“He’ll come back,” she assured.“I’m not afraid that he won’t,” he exhaled deeply, “I’m way more scared of what will happen once he wi-”And that very moment he heard it.A scream. His father scream. Somewhere in the mansion.“Fuck,” his eyes widened.“Do you think it’s-” he didn’t hear the rest of what his wife was saying as he run out of his bedroom.Another scream, a whole wave of them and then some other noises, so disturbing, but still so far…“Where the hell are you,” he murmured angrily to himself, running through the labyrinths of hallways. The servants he passed looked at him, disoriented, but he didn’t even see them focus on the noise and more and more audible shouts.Fuck, he heard Jungkook, it was certainly Jungkook, wait, by the back entrance?! He changed the direction immediately, just a few more metres-They were there.And Jungkook fell on his knees due to the force of the punch to his face.“YOU PIECE OF SHIT” his father yelled throwing his fist again.There was an open bag with Jungkook’s things scattered on the floor, his brothers face was swollen and red, blood pouring from his lips and sticking to his eyebrows. The insults and screams were diving through the air, Seokjin felt petrified, helpless, frozen in the hallway. The biggest nightmare of his life, right there in front of his eyes… His father was the pure fury.Jungkook fell on the floor, his saggy limps giving up to gravity, brown hair spilling on the cold tiles.Seokjin heard the tiniest steps in between the wrathful cries and turned around, just to in the last moment close Chaeyoung’s mouth before she could scream.“Go back to our bedroom, close the door from the inside, don’t let in anyone who isn’t me,” he commanded.She nodded, his hand still over her mouth, her eyes big with pure fear as she tried to look away from Jungkook’s beaten body.“THEY’LL MAKE YOU A REAL MAN IN THE ARMY,” his father let out, kicking his youngest son in the stomach, as Chaeyoung was running away. Jungkook was already too weak to even curl up to protect himself.‘TILL THEN YOU’RE NOT MY FUCKING SON!” with one last hit, the gentlest deer eyes in the world closed shut.His father let out a one last angry bark, seeing the body beneath him was no longer responding. The man was panting heavily, recovering from the fury. He spitted on the floor and walked over Jungkook, finally noticing Seokjin’s presence.“Enjoying the show, retard?” he muttered at him. “I swear to God, if you had anything to do with his absence your pretty wife will be the next woman in this family-”“Don’t you dare,” Seokjin let out finally, his eyes getting foggy with threat.“Excuse me?” the man lift up his eyebrows, drying the sweat from his forehead.“Don’t you dare even think you made mother that way,” he said, voice surprisingly cold. His father, now no longer blinded with ire, tired and panting, seemed smaller, much much smaller. “She is not sick. She was never sick and she will not be sick. She started pretending to be crazy when you became too much to handle, just so she could get away from you” his confident words caught the man off-guard, he looked like someone slapped him in the face. “She’s living her best life in that damned convent, and we’re only pretending like she doesn’t exist, not because we’re hurt that she left us, but because she knows hell well what you’re really like,” he looked into his father eyes, now lost and confused. And then he looked at Jungkook, now a pile of clothes and blood, reddish and motionless, “Monster,” he spitted.Then, something improbable happened.The pile started moving, very slowly, with little moans escaping it quickly.Seokjin blinked a few times, not quite understanding what was going on.Jungkook stood up.It was a terrifying picture, his shaking, beaten body, dump hair falling over his eyes, face swollen and pale and and a trace of dark blood flowing from his lips.Seokjin looked at his father, he looked shaken and scared. He didn’t expect that. He didn’t expect his words, he didn’t expect him to mention his mother and he certainly didn’t expect Jungkook to stand up.“What do you think you’re doing!?” he barked.Jungkook just lifted his gaze up at him, flames filling his eyes and some weird strength radiating from his crooked silhouette. He opened his mouth, voice raspy and low:“ Though made of flesh, I do not
hold on by tendons and bones,
but by the each of my heartstrings,
pulled solely by kindred souls”.
It was a quote of some sort, but sounded dark and heavy in the swollen lips. Their father remained speechless, looking terrified at the strange words of his son and the scorch in his eyes. He too had never seen something like that, a pure ire and thirst for blood on usually mild and sweet face.Jungkook looked like some terrifying ghost of war, Seokjin thought. A veteran.And then his brother just turned around and started walking slowly down the hallway, visibly limping and hissing quietly with every step. No one dared to stop him, servants turning their backs at his monstrous appearance, and father petrified completely.The silence was eating Seokjin alive and it wasn’t disturbed even long after Jungkook disappeared behind the corner, just to never return again.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jimin was running like his life depended on it.But it was even worse.It was not his life, but the life of his best friend.Yoongi tried to keep up with him, but he was way less fit than the dancer, so Jimin quickly lost sight of the pianist.He didn’t even know what he was doing or what action would he take once finds Jungkook, but…. He needed to find him. He just needed to.He maneuvered through the streets, passed and ran into people, lost his way a couple of times, and suddenly-“Jimin, he’s here!” He heard Yoongi’s voice.He turned around rapidly and froze in place.It was like a scene from a sculpture, a sorrowful pietà, surreal and heartbreaking at the same time. In Yoongi’s arms there was Jungkook, on the edge of consciousness, covered in blood and bruises, loose limbs falling on the ground. What happened? How is he here? It was all like a strange dream, lacking of logic that he would be able to grasp.“You were running so fast you haven’t noticed him,” Yoongi said, his voice breaking. “He was barely walking, people avoiding him. He collapsed when he noticed us, I think”.It all seemed distant all of the sudden and he knew he was in shock, the sight of his friend beaten and wounded too much for him to handle. He couldn’t move and couldn’t speak, people were passing them as if they didn’t see them, cold, meaningless, detached…“Come on, Jiminie, lift him up with me, we’re taking him to Taehyung’s,” Yoongi commanded.Jimin wanted to agree, to argue, to say anything, but he couldn’t, so he just obeyed his lover’s orders, sticking to his assured words like to his only connection to sanity.He didn’t remember the way to Taehyung’s, just Yoongi’s voice and orders and the rush, and the panic in his head, and eventually lying Jungkook down on the bed and Taehyung’s loud wailing.“Okay,” Yoongi said. “He’s losing and regaining his consciousness constantly, Taehyung, bring some water and a clean cloth, Jimin, help me undress him”.Everyone moved swiftly, and soon Jungkook's face was clean and his chest bare.“Fuck,” the pianist muttered seeing the giant red bruises on the young man’s stomach. “Jimin, you,” he bit his lip, “if we called for the doctor, you’d pay for it, right? I know this is so damn expensive, but I’m worried that fucker might have hurt his entrails or something”.“Of course,” Jimin confirmed.“Wait, that fucker ?” Taehyung asked in between the sobs.“I mean, he was obviously beaten by his father,” Yoongi said, eyes Jungkook, “Couple hits on the head, some slaps, a few kicks on the stomach-”He was interrupted by a sorrowful sound escaping the painter’s lips.“Hey, Taehyung, listen to me,” Yoongi approached the younger and took his face in his hands. “I know it’s scary as fuck and looks awful, but I’ve seen way worse. He’ll be fine, okay? He was walking for God’d sake!”The painter didn’t look too convinced.“Now, Jimin said he’ll pay for the doctor. I know you don’t want to leave Jungkook, but you’re the fastest and you know the streets like no one else. You’ll run for him and bring him, okay?”A very small “Okay,” replied him. And then something very strange happened. Yoongi just pulled Taehyung towards himself and hugged him tightly, caressing his shaking back.“He’ll be fine, kiddo,” the pianist whispered. “Jimin is with him,” he nodded at the dancer curled by the bed, busy with gently washing his friend’s face with a wet cloth, “And now run like never before”.He didn’t need to say it twice.“Will he really be okay?” Jimin whispered, when he was alone with Yoongi and unconscious Jungkook.The pianist sighed.“I’ve lived on a streets. I’ve been beaten countless times, trust me, I know when it’s dangerous, I know when it’s minor and I know when it’s not serious, but better call the doctor just in case,” he explained calmly. “Not that I’ve ever had the privilege to do so,” he added.Jimin looked back at his wounded friend and he could feel his lip trembling, eyes filling with tears once again.“Hey, baby,” Yoongi threw his arms around him, trying to calm him with the tender touch.“I just…” Jimin stuttered. “We’ve been friends since forever, you know? I had many, but Jungkook… he only had me. He have never really opened up to anyone else, before Taehyung, of course. That’s what made me treasure him so much, amongst other things. How he is such a precious soul, so hidden, only making it more valuable,” he let out a crooked half smile.Yoongi looked at Jimin as the dancer gently took Jungkook’s hand is his.“I am really glad you have each other,” the pianist said.Jimin smiled weakly.“Look at you, Min Yoongi,” he said. “What a sap are you after all”.The doctor finally arrived after what had seemed like ages and the pianist immediately threw Taehyung and Jimin out of the attic, so the man could work in peace and also so the dancer could help calm the painter down. They didn’t go far, sitting on the floor just by ladder, so in case of any news, they could hear it as soon as possible. Jimin found it easier to stay strong when he had someone to show support to and after some sincere cuddles, words of assurance and his other top comforting moves Taehyung was finally relatively calm.“Did it… did it happen often?” he asked hesitantly, snuggled to Jimin’s side. “His father being violent?” he gulped.“No, not really,” the dancer replied honestly. “Maybe when they were younger, but his father calmed down after Jungkook’s mother left,” he explained. “You know about his mother, right?”“Just that she’s not with them, but she’s alive. He has never mentioned more,” Taehyung said, voice matte and quiet.“Well, that’s a conversation you two should have one day,” Jimin sighed. “But you’re wise not bringing it up. Seokjin was thirteen then, Jungkook eight and Yeoreum eleven. I only know because we were already friends back then,” he explained.“You know, it’s so funny, I really thought that he was a careless brat when I first met him,” Taehyung shook his head.“Well, we all make our mistakes,” Jimin smiled sadly. “But it’s because how he is. No matter what he has going on inside of him, he’ll always smile and joke and be the light for others anyway. Even when he doesn’t see it,” Jimin’s eyes blinked.They were sitting for a moment in silence, muffled voices and steps reaching them from above, their even breaths comforting each other.“He really didn’t want to go to that military thing,” Taehyung said eventually. “Like, really. He felt like it was against everything within him, like it was gonna destroy him. So we came up with a plan. Stupid and idyllic, but God knows, once this madman is healthy we’re still going with it,” he smiled. “I’ll ditch my job and we’ll work at the Myunghee’s bakery together, we’ve already talked about it with her. The money will be barely enough, but I really want to pursue my painting through some rich guys you two may know… And also Jungkook was supposed to bring his own money, but that kinda didn’t work out. If we’ll have it hard we can always go to this new factory for a month or two, the job is awful but they pay well…”“And you’ll live happily ever after in your attic?” Jimin looked at him, raising his eyebrows.“I know, I know, you don’t need to…”“I don’t,” Jimin opposed. “I really think you’re make it,” he smiled fondly. “It’s very brave and I… I kind of had a feeling he’ll run away one day, you know?” he bit his lip. “Ever since he started sneaking out as a kid,” he nodded. “He has always belonged here, not in that mansion. Not after everything he’s been through there”.“It scares me so much,” Taehyung whispered. “How much we can be scarred and wounded by the others,” he looked down at his knees.Jimin looked at him.“But it always works the other way, too,” the dancer said. “As much as we can be scarred we can be supported, blooming, shining our brightest light, if we’re with those who love us genuinely”.The painter wanted to reply, but at that very moment the hatch in the floor opened.“You may come,” Yoongi said from above them. “The doctor has finished”.They immediately jumped on the ladder, their steps echoing-“Shh,” the pianist silenced them. “Kook is asleep”.“Wait, is he conscious?” Jimin asked enthusiastically.“Yes, he came round a few minutes ago, but his body is exhausted so he fell asleep almost right away,” Yoongi replied.Indeed, the youngest looked more peaceful, clean and bandaged.“He has no evidence of internal damage,” the doctor said finally. “I stitched the cut superciliary bridge and left some ointment for the bruises, the ones on his stomach will probably be quite painful for some time. He should lay down and rest for at least a couple of days, you should also pay attention to any signs of possible brain damage - problems with speaking, shaking hands, nausea - though I do not suspect anything like that to occur”.Jimin could feel a wave of relief running through his body.“So now….?”“Just let him sleep and he’ll be fine in no time,” the doctor smiled and ten tones of tension left the room immediately. *** Jungkook was having the most peaceful nap in the world. No dreams. No sounds reaching him. No stress about waking up eventually. He felt safe and calm, and safe and calm, and safe-Suddenly there was pain. Dimmed at first, distant and foggy. But then it was approaching him, closer and closer, his head, his stomach, his legs, his neck, ache thumping under his skull and violently disturbing his every thought-He woke up.It was like reaching something through a thick jar, but eventually his heavy, fatigued eyelids opened. He blinked slowly, trying to recall where is he, what’s going on, but above all why everything aches so damn much. “Hello there,” he heard a rough voice and after a moment noticed a small silhouette sitting by his side.“Yoongi?” Jungkook whispered weekly.“That’s right, kiddo, now here, drink it”.He was passed some water and the moment he realised how thirsty he was, he drank it all in one sip.“Hey, hey, slowly,” Yoongi chuckled, passing him another portion.“Where is Tae?” he asked, struggling to from words through the horrible headache.“He fell asleep with Chim,” the pianist nodded at the corner of the attic where the two were napping in each other’s arms. “You remember when the doctor came?”Jungkook was thinking for a second and then nodded slowly.“Well, you’ve been sleeping for good eight hours since then,” the pianist smiled at him. “Want me to wake them, or you want to rest some more?” he asked.Jungkook bit his lip.“They’re probably worried even in their sleep,” he whispered.Yoongi let out a half-smile.“I guess you’re right,” he said and approached two snuggling men. “Hey sleepyheads, Kook’s awake,” he announced loudly and God knows, none of them had ever woke up so quickly.“Jungkookie?!” Taehyung jumped on his feet rapidly and ther froze, seeing his lover looking straight at him.“I’m sorry,” the youngest lowered his gaze. “I know I promised not to get hurt and to come back and God, maybe- OUCH!” he called when the painter hugged him with all his love.“Oh My God, did I hurt you?!” Taehyung exclaimed, pulling away immediately.“No, it’s fine, just the bruises,” Jungkook grinned, expression crooked on his swollen face. “So you’re not angry at me?” he asked hesitantly.“Of course I’m not!” Taehyung, sitting on the edge of the bed, took his hand, and kissed it softly, “I’ve just thought I’d die out of worry”.“Excuse me, me too !” Suddenly, Jimin fell on the bed next to Taehyung. Jungkook couldn’t help but chuckle at his pout. “I don’t feel comfortable yelling at you when you’re wounded, but once you’re okay, I’m going to arrange the biggest lecture of the generation, Jeon Jungkook,” he crossed his arms on his chest.“Love you too, Jimin,” he murmured, rolling his smiling eyes.“You need anything? An extra blanket? A pillow? Are you hungry? How do you feel?” Taehyung asked, still holding to his hand firmly.“Right now, everything just hurts, ” he admitted and a bolt of pain ran through the painter’s face.“Yeah, the doctor said you’ll have to deal with severe headache and your stomach will be sore for a while,” Yoongi informed. “You have to rest for a couple of days”.Jungkook sighed deeply.“It was like a nightmare,” he whispered. “I didn’t think he’d actually hit me,” he looked down, embarrassed. “He took me by surprise and then he just kept punching, and kicking and then,” he frowned, trying to recall the events, “I think Seokjin came, but I passed out,” he explained quietly.“Wait, but we found you on a street,” Jimin raised his eyebrows.Jungkook shrugged.“Well I couldn’t exactly stay here, so I stood up and left,” he said.The pianist blinked a few times.“Wait, you were fucking unconcious, wounded and beaten like a bag of potatoes, and you’ve just woken up yourself and started walking !?” Yoongi asked, shocked.“Uhm, kinda”.“You’re fucking impossible,” the pianist scoffed, but his eyes were filled with pure admiration.Maybe Jungkook was quite a soldier after all. *** Three days after Jungkook’s accident a few things became clear. First, him and Taehyung were still determined to make their plan work, now even more than before. Second, the youngest, as much of a superhuman as he had always been, was recovering unbelievably quickly. Third, the news of what happened spread across their friend circle and there was no force that would stop all of them from visiting their youngest.So, on the third day, Jimin and Yoongi reached Taehyung’s attic with Namjoon, who brought about hundred different kinds of medicine and herbal tea for the pain, Hoseok, with a giant bag of sweets and other treats, and Seokjin, who smuggled as much of Jungkook’s possessions as he could, as well as the money the younger brother had saved.He was more than happy to see them all, even though it was a little bit overwhelming. Jungkook could already sit without getting nauseous with pain, so they were crumbled around him, chatting, cheering him up and eating all the snacks Hoseok brought, even though he yelled at them for “barely leaving anything for Kook himself!”He didn’t mention the traumatic events, he knew all of them were already aware of what had happened. It didn’t make him uncomfortable in any way, but he wanted to keep their time together happy and carefree. Taehyung helped with it significantly, snuggled to his side, putting playful pecks on his shoulders and cheeks from time to time. Yoongi was sitting on Jimin’s lap, ready to skin anyone who would make any remark about it, especially Hoseok, who was more that eager to tease him. Seokjin was glued to Jungkook’s side and they were somehow connected with this silent weight of the events only two of them have seen.“I’m planning on moving out with Chaeyoung,” he whispered to him at some point, when the others were busy laughing at something Taehyung had said. “Just to make sure she’s safe”.The youngest didn’t reply, just nodded slowly, trying not to think too much about it all.“Okay, but there’s no way you haven’t gone to any art school!” Namjoon exclaimed suddenly, studying the paintings on Taehyung’s walls.(Or more like, their walls now, Jungkook thought).“Dude, I barely read and write, I tell you, I’m all self-taught,” the painter laughed.“That’s just,” Jimin’s brother shook his head. “You know from when we talked before my wedding, I know the thing or two about fine arts, and you…. Your techniques are impressive. Like, for real, the quality of it is way better that what you see with the first glance, the layering, the brush work…”“Could you sell them?” Jungkook asked, knowing Taehyung would probably lack the audacity to do so.Namjoon’s eyes widened.“You mean… could I?” he looked at Taehyung questioningly.The painter laughed nervously at the sudden praise and attention.“Well, we are pretty damn broke right now and I could let go of most of them,” he replied.“Just leave the river landscape!” Jungkook pouted.“Of course I’ll leave us the river landscape, honey bun,” he grinned. “Aaand Jungkook’s portraits. Aaaand two of those abstractions. And the sketches. You can sell the rest”.Namjoon smiled widely.“That’s a damned gold mine in here,” he laughed in disbelief, looking around. “You’re one beautiful soul, Taehyung”.The painter blushed slightly with embarrassment and then looked at all of them, gather in his stuffy attic.“Aren’t we all?” he asked quietly.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Yoongi’s playing that day was gentle, uplifting, like the calm sunbeams reaching them through the curtains. It was one of his new pieces, something he had written with Jimin already on his mind. Playing it gave him the same peaceful feeling his lover radiated with, certain warmth and calmness Yoongi had always found himself craving.
And he had it, he had it in so many different ways, just like at that moment - with long, lingering gazes at Jimin’s silhouette, moving most gracefully with every note. He was dancing lightly; sweeping, joyous steps throwing him across the wide room. A joyful smile was plastered on his face, and Yoongi knew, he loved that melody as much as its author.
“I adore this ending!” Jimin exclaimed happily once the piece was done. “It just makes me think of flowers and friends and everything good in this world,” he grinned at Yoongi. Jimin’s hands were resting on his hips, he was breathing deeply and a few lost, sweaty strings of hair were falling over his forehead. The pianist sent him a heartwarming smile.
“I’ve always had this feeling, if someone could read my art properly it would be you, Park Jimin,” he shook his head.
“No, you haven’t, it took me
weeks
to even convince you to play for me!” the dancer scoffed.
“That’s only because I didn’t even know how you look!” Yoongi replied, giggling.
Jimin gasped theatrically.
“So it’s all about my looks?!” he exclaimed, approaching his lover sitting by the piano. “Min Yoongi, have you seduced a nobleman into the most ungodly acts?!” Jimin threw himself on the pianist’s lap, like if he was fainting.
Yoongi muffled his loud laughter and scrunched his nose.
“No more ungodly acts if you don’t wash yourself. You definitely don’t smell peaches and cream right now,” he said, deadpan.
Jimin sent him his heart-melting eye smile and pulled himself up.
“Okay, give me fifteen minutes. Do you have everything for the way?”
Yoongi nodded quickly.
“Meet me by the front door,” the dancer put a short, sweet peck on the other’s lips and left the dancing room, humming something almost inaudibly.
Once the door behind him closed, Yoongi laughed loudly, unable to suppress his inner joy.
“Oh, don’t look at me like that,” he petted the cat, resting on the piano and shooting him a judgemental gaze. “It’s all because of your owner,” he mumbled and returned to the keyboard. Milo didn't look convinced, but once the vibrations of the melody filled the piano again, he just went back to his lazy, purring slumber.
The fifteen minutes passed quickly with the music and comforting solitude and soon Yoongi found himself by the front door, side by side with Jimin, now all fresh and ready, hair still a little damp.
“Look at you, fancy,” the pianist murmured, smoothing his lover’s elegant jacket.
“Am I overdressed?” Jimin frowned with a hint of worry.
“What? No, of course not. I like the way you dress, it suits you,” Yoongi smiled fondly, his pink gums showing.
The dancer grinned at the compliment.
“By the way, have you heard about Jungkook’s father?” he asked.
Yoongi shook his head.
“Well, of course it would harm his pride and reputation to admit his own son ran away from him, so he’s spreading the rumors than Jungkook left to the military academy right after Namjoon’s wedding”.
The pianist scoffed.
“Of course, that motherfucker”.
“Well, that’s quite convenient,” Jimin shrugged. “Anyway, let’s go,” he pecked the pianist’s nose quickly as they tangled their hands for a second, before letting go and leaving the save household.
***
“Jungkookie, they’re here!” he heard Taehyung’s voice from the counter. He checked on the loaves of bread in the oven, making sure he has some time before they’re ready.
“I’m coming!” he called, wiping his hands, covered in flour.
“Oh my God you look so good in an apron!” That was the first thing his best friend Park Jimin said, visiting him on his tenth day of work at the bakery.
“Well, I sure do,” he sing-sang, grinning widely. He joyfully greeted Jimin and Yoongi, while Taehyung got busy with some other customers next to him.
“How are you doing, huh kiddo?” Yoongi asked, smiling at him fondly. Jungkook felt his heart getting warm. There was something deeper, more sincere between them since he literally collapsed into his arms and the pianist was the one who took care of him right after, when Jimin and Taehyung were still too shaken.
“I’m good,” he said curtly, but he was positive Yoongi knew the genuineness and weight of these seemingly small words. “I like working. It’s tiring, but rewarding. And I’m never bored with Tae around,” he smiled.
“Don’t get tired of him, Kook,” the pianist smirked. “God, I haven’t been there in ages,” he sighed deeply, looking around and then Jungkook recalled, that he had once worked here as well. Yoongi suddenly got distracted by the kids running around and the pictures on the walls, leaving him alone with Jimin.
“Are you sure everything’s fine?” his friend asked tenderly, taking his hands.
“What can I say, this life is different,” he shrugged. “I miss desserts. And having water warmed for you when you want a bath. And
oh my God
I really miss horse riding,” he sighed, brushing his hair back, “but just this feeling… I end my work and I can do whatever I feel like. Go wherever I want. I’m in touch with my old friends again, Yugyeom and Jaehyun and Mingyu… We hang out a lot and also Tae teaches me how to paint and there’s this stray dog in our building we feed with leftovers, and
geez
both of us are terrible cooks, but we somehow manage to eat-” he stopped himself. “So yeah, it’s a whole different world. But I feel like it’s meant to be mine,” he smiled shyly.
Jimin grinned. He needed no more confirmation.
“I am proud of you, Kookie. Very, very much,” he said, voice quiet and sincere.
***
“Brings back memories, huh?” Taehyung said, when Yoongi was observing the kids, peeking from behind the counter, tattered clothes and eyes big.
“Saved my life,” he replied simply.
“Mine too,” the painter said. “Strange place, I’ve never thought I’ll be back here and now well, I keep on staying after hours to talk to the kids and teach them the alphabet,” he chuckled fondly.
“How’s Myunghee?” he asked, the place bringing back the memories of the most generous woman who had once picked him from the streets.
“I mean, you can ask her yourself,” Taehyung raised his eyebrows, “knowing these little brats they’ve probably already told her-”
“YOONGI, MY DEAREST, SWEETEST BOY!” he heard a call from the inside of the bakery and a moment later a plump, slightly intimidating woman walked out of the backroom. “Namsun, Sangeun, Sol, don’t tangle up in my legs, go check on the bread and help Jungkook, tell him to stop this chitty-chat with that posh princess boy,” she ordered the kids around with a harsh look on her face, just to a second alter sent Yoongi and Taehyung her most loving smile.
“Look at you, all grown up, but still, face just as grumpy,” she laughed. “You never visited,” she noted.
The pianist looked down, ashamed.
“I didn’t thought you’ll remember me,” he mumbled, “I was here so short and it was so long ago-”
“Of course I remember you, I’ve healed you from the severe malnutrition,” she scoffed, slapping him with a cloth she was holding. “How are you doing anyway, huh?” she asked.
“I’m great,” he replied, still a little unused to this sentence being his honest answer. “I play the piano for the living,” he said.
“Oh thank Lord, you’d rather die than do something else, wouldn't you?” she rolled her eyes. “Wait, you two know each other?” she looked at Taehyung, who was watching their conversation with his face painted with amusement.
“Met through mutual friends,” the painter grinned.
Myunghee sighed, throwing a side glance at Jungkook, still chatting with Jimin.
“This big one with baby eyes is crazy,” she shook her head. “I swear to God, it’s not normal to be this enthusiastic about baking bread, and I’ve been loving it my whole life!” she exclaimed. “The kids adore him, though, you too, Taehyung. But you spoil them too much, with all those treats and fairy tales you feed them”.
“You’ve never failed at keeping things down to earth” Yoongi said, weak smile still flowing through his face.
“This world is cruel,” she replied. “You two know it damn well, even that Jungkook guy knows it, I see it in him well. These kids need to survive first, above all. Then, maybe one day, they’ll be able to truly live,” she sighed sadly, “like you managed to”.
“We really did, didn’t we?” Yoongi smiled at Taehyung.
“Stray kids making i- OH MY GOD MY CHEESE ROLLS!” the painter exclaimed, running to the back of the bakery.
“You’re really blooming, Yoongi,” Myunghee said quietly, something akin to nostalgia blinking in her eyes. “You look healthy and happy and that’s the two things I’ve never seen on you. I need to admit, it suits you just right, though”.
And it truly did, he felt it deeply in his bones, so young and so old with all the things he’s been through.
***
“Sing me, Jiminie”.
They were lying in bed, covered in blankets, adamant rain behind the window, bodies tangled and warm.
“
All this is no coincidence
,” he started barely audibly, and he didn’t need to be any louder, their faces just centimeters apart, Yoongi’s fingers buried in his hair. “
Just, just, by my feeling / The whole world is different from yesterday / Just, just, with your joy / When you called me / I became your flower / As if we were waiting / We bloom until we ache
…”
Jimin had sung him this song countless times since he had used it to confess his love, and every time was so special, so magical, so filled with love.
“You know you are my serendipity,” the pianist whispered. “I’ve never even dared to dream about you and yet you’re here,” he felt lost in these eyes, this smile, this whole person Jimin was. And yet he had never felt less lost his entire life.
“Why am
I
always assumed to be a soft one out of the two of us?!” Jimin pouted suddenly, breaking the atmosphere.
Yoongi burst away laughing.
“I mean, come on,” Jimin continued, “you’re the biggest damned softie with those sappy lines and gummy smiles and pouting and whining-”
“I don’t
ever
pout in public,” he deadpanned.
“Well, exactly, you only shoot those death glares of yours and then everyone underestimates your cuteness!” the dancer exclaimed.
Yoongi couldn’t stop another wave of giggles.
“I love you so fucking much,” he shook his head.
“That’s exactly what I’m talking about!” Jimin replied, now laughing as well.
“Would it be, like, unbearably sappy if I kissed you right now?” Yoongi asked.
“Oh come on, get your shit together!” the dancer called and connected their lips greedily.
***
Yoongi wasn’t nervous.
Okay maybe a
little bit
. So little, he came to Jimin’s mansion only fifteen minutes before the time. Just to rehearse it once or twice more, to make sure everything is perfect…
What he didn’t expect is that Jimin will be at the dancing room even earlier than him.
“What are you doing here?” they both asked at the same time, clearly surprised with each other's presence. Jimin was holding the cat and a box in his hands, hardly managing to keep the balance with both.
“I have a surprise for you,” the pianist said. “That’s why I’m earlier, I’m sor-”
“Wait, no,
I
have a surprise for
you
!” Jimin exclaimed, frowning.
“What?”
“I am earlier, because I have a surprise for you,” dancer explained. “But as I see we’re just as chaotic as always and we both have our very special surprises scheduled for today,” he said, still shellshocked.
Yoongi opened his mouth, then closed it, and then opened it again.
“Okay, go first,” he replied. “You look hella uncomfortable with the cat you have in your arms for some reason, and I don’t really think Milo is having it either,” he chuckled at the clearly annoyed cat.
“It’s so you won’t get angry at me,” Jimin mumbled. “I know how weak you are for Milo so I’m using it as a human shield. Cat shield,” he stuttered nervously, “okay just take it,” he nodded at the box, embarrassment painting his face pink.
Yoongi took the object from Jimin’s arms and opened it carefully. There was just a single piece of paper, filled with words. God, he hated those elegant, posh letters, they were so hard to read-
“Holy shit,” he murmured, “Holy motherfucking shit, Jimin, drop this damned cat I need to hug you,” he felt his voice breaking, tears flowing from his eyes. It couldn't be happening. It couldn't be happening. This is not how this fucking world even works. He was sobbing uncontrollably, crying out of happiness and gratitude and love.
“Do you like it?” Jimin whispered into his ear, arms wrapped around his shaking torso.
“Do I- what- I-” he pulled away to look at Jimin, “How could you think I’d be angry at you?” he asked, still sobbing a bit.
“I mean,” the dancer looked away, “It’s stressful playing in front of such an audience and you’ll have to leave with me and Namjoon to the capital…”
“How did you even did that?! A recital at the embassy?!”
Jimin giggled.
“Okay, so as you know Namjoon and Yeoreum are leaving for the capital at the end of October, they’re taking Tae’s paintings and stuff,” he started. “Namjoon got invited to this ball there, and me too, apparently they assumed I’d be travelling with him. Seokjin made some connections at the embassy the last time he was there, and he recalled they were looking for some good musicians to give recitals, to make their balls less repetitive. Soo… I might have gathered all the possible human contacts I have, got the recommendation letters from my father, and Hoseok’s family, and some other people, and those whose children you were teaching, and you’ll still have to go through the rehearsal so they could make sure you’re good enough-”
“Jimin, your incredible,” the pianist interrupted him. “I can’t believe you did it for me, I…” he could feel his eyes getting watery again, “it’s my biggest dream coming true. They have to be so many important people…”
“Well, the ambassador, one or two ministers, the rest will mostly be business people, connected with the industry and logistics-”
Jimin was once again interrupted, this time with a long, tender kiss.
“Thank you,” Yoongi whispered. “I don’t ever have the words to say how much it means to me. Thank you, thank you so much, my love, my angel,” and so he was sobbing again, God damn it.
“Hey, Yoongi love, don’t cry,” Jimin laughed lightly, lifting his chin and wiping his tears. “What’s your surprise, though?” he asked.
“Oh, no,” the pianist shook his head. “It’s a piece of shit compared to yours,” he chuckled.
“I mean, duh, I arranged you a piano recital at the embassy!” Jimin lifted his eyebrows cockily. “But you may show it to me anyway, I’m dying to know!”
“Nope”.
“Yoongi”.
“Nope”.
“Hoooney”.
“It’s embarrassing”.
“Pretty please”.
“Jimin, stop”.
“Really pretty”.
“I warn you”.
“Really, really,
pretty
”.
“Okay, get your hands off me, you molester, I’ll do it, but only because you’re literally making my dreams come true and stuff,” he scoffed, walking towards the piano.
“Oh, so it’s music!” Jimin exclaimed.
“But before you’ll die out of an utter disappointment, you should know it was a pain in the ass to compose the right way. Hoseok helped me a ton, bless him for that, and it’s still not perfect-”
“Just play, baby,” Jimin smiled at him fondly.
Yoongi took a deep breath and put his fingers on the keyboard.
The sounds were soft, gentle, flowing in the air like summer butterflies. He really managed to do it. He captured the weightlessness of Jimin’s song, the one he had heard so many times, always just his voice and know he caught it in the piano notes.
The dancer looked stunned, lips parted, eyes focused. It was their very song. He listened silently. It was always the other were around, he was giving the song to Yoongi, but now, when he was on the receiving end… It was such a great gift, such a big message. With words or with piano tiles, the piece was just as filled with love and peace.
“It’s perfect,” he whispered. “It’s a great surprise, Yoongi,” he smiled warmly. “You are a great surprise in my life, now when I think about it," he giggled.
“Just like-”
“Oh no, don’t say it, it’ll be so cheesy,” Jimin whined.
“You love cheesy”.
“Okay, I do love cheesy a little bit-”
“Just like a serendipity”.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Taehyung had been independent since the age of fifteen. He had took numerous different jobs to make the ends meet, often more than one at the same time. However, he had never done anything as rewarding and pleasant like working at the bakery. Might have been the respect for basic human rights, or the kids, or Jungkook.
He cleaned the last square inch of the counter, making sure everything was polished and ready for the customers tomorrow. He was humming something quietly, his mind already in the attic, planning the next moves with the painting he was currently working on. It was a large, peaceful autumn landscape, realistic, even though focused on colours rather than specific shapes. Jungkook was the one in charge of dinner today, so he would be able to paint as soon as they’re home. His lover was going out later, Taehyung hadn’t yet decided if he would join him, but probably not. Jungkook treasured his time alone and he needed it, the painter loved how the younger was blooming with freedom after a refreshing evening walk God-knows-where.
When every single surface was in perfect condition, cleaned and shiny, Taehyung hummed with approval and went to the back of the bakery. Jungkook was there, obviously, kids literally hanging from him. He looked so deeply beautiful like that, his teeth showing in a wide grin, sparkles in his eyes, hair a little curly and messy.
“Hey, Hongjoo!” he giggled, unaware of Taehyung's eyes on him, when one of the younger kids tickled his side. They were playing some game the painter didn’t understand, but it was clearly focused on the kids attacking Jungkook with their whole force. Taehyung was telling them stories and teaching them rhymes and songs. Jungkook was
wrestling
them.
Another wave of laughter filled the air when Yejin and Namsun jumped on the nobleman at the same time, causing him to eventually collapse on the floor.
Sometimes Taehyung suspected that the kids enjoyed wrestling way more than fairy tales.
“Oh, hi Tae,” Jungkook finally noticed his presence. He shook the kids off him quickly. “You’re all done?’
The painter nodded, unable to suppress his own grin.
“What?” Jungkook asked, approaching him, once he had told the kids to go find Myunghee.
“You look hella cute,” Taehyung replied and reached for the kiss.
“How was your day?” the younger murmured, nuzzling his cheek. “I’ve lost the sight of you during the afternoon wave”.
“That strange lady came again, I had to explain her we don’t sell veggies once more”.
Jungkook chuckled.
“What about the ovens and kids?” Taehyung asked, pulling away. Jungkook kept his hands on the nap of his neck, playing with the tangled strings of the apron.
“All good. They all have written their names today!” he beamed. “Even Sangeun, you know how much he struggles with writing”.
Taehyung nodded. He was one of the youngest, maybe seven. They didn’t know how had he found himself in the bakery, but he had quite a hard time adjusting sometimes.
“Well, that’s an educational success,” the painter smiled. “We’re going now, right? We have to see off the guys”.
Jungkook bit his lip.
“Just let me say goodbye to the kids”.
“Oh my God, you’re so whipped!” Taehyung laughed.
“Aren’t you too?” Jungkook raised his eyebrows approaching the door.
“Okay, wait for me, I need to hug Yejin!”
***
Life has a great sense of humour, Jimin’s father would always say. So maybe that’s why it all wrapped up just the way it started - with a young nobleman, sitting on a windowsill and petting his beloved calico cat.
The autumn established its full reign throughout September, long downpours and cloudy days spreading over the town. October was even more harsh, it brought the cold and violent winds and even silver lines of frost covering everything in the early morning hours.
Jimin was hugging Milo to his chest, pleasant warm spreading from the purring animal. Outside the window, leaves were thrown around and into the air, dried and brown, some still gleaming with orange and reddish hues. They were leaving today, him, Namjoon, Yeoreum and Yoongi, a long way to the capital where so many thrillings things were waiting. The pianist was still packing, adorably nervous and confused before his first journey outside of the town and to the big city. Jimin was waiting for him patiently, lost in lazy, warm thoughts.
“Sir, I have a letter for you, from Sir Jeon Seokjin,” a butler suddenly interrupted his utter peace.
Jimin slowly put Milo down.
“What is it?” he asked, shifting, so his legs were now hanging from the sill and he was facing the servant.
“He wants to share his great joy and blessing. His wife is expecting”.
“Oh my God!” Jimin jumped on his feet. “That’s… great. And scary. And so awesome”.
“What is great and scary and awesome?” asked Yoongi, who had just come into the room. He was wearing his new clothes and an elegant hat, leather suitcase in his hand.
“Seokjin is going to be a dad!” Jimin exclaimed.
“Oh wow,” Yoongi replied, shocked. “That is indeed great, scary and awesome,” he nodded, a little shell shocked. “Thank God they don’t live with that asshole anymore,” he added.
“Anyway,” Jimin sighed, “You have everything?”
“Probably not,” the pianist admitted. “But packing for a six-week-long trip is way above my mental capabilities”.
The dancer laughed lightly.
“If you forgot anything, I’ll buy you a prettier version in the city,” he grinned. “Come on then, my things are already in the carriage”.
Turned out that their departure was a big event after all. On the courtyard they found not only Namjoon and Yeoreum, but all of their other friends as well.
“Careful with that!” Taehyung exclaimed at the servants who were packing his paintings into the carriage. “No, no, put it the other way! Oh my God, my paintings, my babies,” he whined loudly.
“Suck it up, dude!” Yoongi called, laughing loudly.
“Here they are!” Seokjin clapped. “We came to see you off and we already thought you won’t come here!”
“Yoongi took ages to get ready,” Jimin explained.
“Fake news,” the pianist murmured.
“...oh and I got your letter!” the dancer said and then immediately looked around at clueless Hoseok, Jungkook, Taehyung and Namjoon.
“It’s okay, you may tell them. Hoseok knows already, she’s his sister after all,” Seokjin nodded.
“Oh my God I’m so happy! Congratulations!” Jimin jumped up and hugged the oldest one tightly.
“What’s going on?” Taehyung frowned.
“Chaeyoung is pregnant,” Hoseok said, grinning.
They all burst into hugs and “congrats” and wide smiles except-
“I AM YOUR BROTHER AND YOU HAVEN’T TOLD ME!” Jungkook called.
“It’s not my fault you live in a hole and the post takes days to arrive!” Seokjin replied.
“Oh, fuck,” the youngest hold his head, “Oh my God, I’m going to be an uncle”.
“The coolest one,” Taehyung added.
“The most annoying one,” added Yoongi.
“The best one,” assured Jimin.
“This is wild,” Jungkook sighed.
“Isn’t life as a whole for the past months?” Namjoon laughed.
“Don’t even tell me,” the youngest grinned.
“So what,” Jimin sighed. “Six weeks isn’t that long, is it?” he looked around his friends.
“Take care,” said Taehyung, pulling him into a tight embrace. “You too, good luck on your recital!”
“Yeah, Yoongi, show them your goddamn genius!” Hoseok called, hugging him tightly and patting his back. “Watch over him Jimin, don’t let him pull all-nighters by the piano,” he laughed.
“Stay safe!”
“Have fun!”
“Please sell my paintings”.
They all exchanged kind words and hugs and eventually only one pair was left.
“Don’t get into any trouble, Kook,” Yoongi said. “I won’t be there to scrape you off the pavement for a while”.
“Okay” the younger replied. “And you show them your best. You can do it”, he assured, fond expression on his face. Everyone around nodded with agreement.
“Oh, my God, you guys-” Yoongi mumbled.
“He’s going to be soft,” Jimin gasped.
“Jesus Christ, I am not going to be fucking-”
“Oh come on, just go for it, love,” the dancer giggled.
“I love you guys,” Yoongi said, looking down.
“Oh wow”.
“My heart!”
“We love you too”.
“You know I just love all of us”.
“Come on, group hug, I repeat group hug!” Hoseok commanded.
“Aw, so cute!”
“Jungkook, you smell”.
“I don’t have anyone to warm a bath for me”.
“Valid”.
And so they hugged once more, and threw a few more words of encouragement, and eventually Yeoreum was ready to fight anyone who would make her wait for them any minute longer. And so they left the mansion, one carriage Namjoon and his wife, one Jimin and Yoongi, and one their luggage and Tae’s paintings. Their friend waved at them as long as they could see each other, eyes filled with love and pride.
“Look at you!” Jimin laughed at Yoongi, sitting across him, his cheeks still a little pink.
“If you ever mention this again I’ll throw you out off the bed, and now I am going to sleep,” he announced.
“Good night,” Jimin grinned and closed the curtain of the carriage.
***
“Yoongi! Hey, Yoongi!” he heard a soft whisper. He slowly woke up from a peaceful slumber, limbs stiff from sleeping on a carriage bench.
“Whahiset?” he mumbled, mind foggy with sleepiness.
“Look outside!” Jimin called joyfully.
Yoongi slowly rubbed his eyes and peeked behind the curtain. It was already dark outside, only blurred silhouettes of trees visible, but wait, there was something in the air…
“Look here,” the dancer pointed at the specific point at the window frame, wide grin on his face, eyes smiling, “a snowflake”.
Yoongi frowned.
“It’s still October”.
“And yet here it is,” Jimin eyed the snowflake as if it was the most precious thing in the world.
Yoongi looked at his face filled with the sun itself, eyes forming a little crescents, small fingers wrapped around the frame.
“I love you,” he said quietly.
Jimin turned his gaze at him, eyes wide, plump lips parted.
“I love you too, Yoongi,” he smiled widely. “I will trust and love you for a long time,” he said.