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There are good ideas, bad ideas, and then there are terrible ideas.“I mean,” Taehyung offers, “it’s not a terrible idea.”He’s sitting next to Jungkook, who’s fidgeting in the love seat. Across from them, with the coffee table between them, is Hoseok and Yoongi, the former perching on the arm of the latter’s armchair. Seokjin and Namjoon are semi-reclining on the largest sofa, their plastered legs resting on separate footstools.It’s not a terrible idea, Seokjin will give Jungkook that.But...“A companion?” Yoongi furrows his brows. “And what exactly does that entail?”Jungkook sits straighter at that, apparently having done his homework on it beforehand. “Basically they’ll take care of Jin hyung and Namjoon hyung when we’re not around, do the cooking and cleaning, keep them company, stuff like that.”Seokjin can see Hoseok’s already been won over, and from how Taehyung had been first to second the idea, the younger isn’t opposed to it either, hell, maybe Jungkook had even asked for his input before the family meeting.Seokjin wants to protest. That even with his head in wraps, left arm and right leg fractured in more than one place, he’s not an invalid, and he can still kick any of their butts, thank you very much.But he doesn’t. Instead, he opens his mouth to ask: “Why a companion?” Because Namjoon can’t do all that, what with his broken neck, left leg and left hand’s fingers in wraps. He thinks he’s probably heard of the companion system before, in passing, but had never really paid attention.“Well...” Seokjin feels guilty for making Jungkook look so uncomfortable, like there’s something he wants to say but doesn’t want to offend anybody. But it’s a valid question, seeing as getting a companion is much more expensive than getting a normal human housekeeper or something. At least, to the extent of Seokjin’s limited knowledge on the topic.“I’ll answer for him.” Taehyung takes over the reins, one arm wrapped around the maknae’s shoulders. “It’s because of our relationship, right Kookie?” Jungkook nods, looking a tiny bit relieved but still nervous, glancing around the room as if any of his hyungs might start yelling at him. To be fair, Seokjin only yells at him when he’s being a little shit, which is eighty percent of the time, but that’s beside the point.Jungkook’s current concerns are as valid as Seokjin’s question, so it makes sense that he would think of hiring a companion who’d have less a chance for judging them for what they are as a group. “Let’s try for one month.” Misinterpreting their silence, Taehyung starts his negotiating tactics, which is wheedling, pouting, and whining, not necessarily in that order. “We can sign for a trial run first, and if it doesn’t work out, no harm done, right? Besides, all the costs can be covered by the compensation.”“Sure.” It’s Namjoon, who’s been pretty silent throughout their discussion, who answers him.“It’ll be fine, right hyung?” He turns a little to Seokjin, dimpled smile a little faint, but still there.And, well, Seokjin would do anything to keep that smile there. Yoongi, Hoseok, and Jungkook ended up being the ones who did the actual paperwork and talking, Taehyung had wanted to tag along, but seeing as their was an upcoming fashion show, he was desperately needed in the workshop.“There are trial contracts for a month and three months, which would you prefer?”“A month.” Jungkook answered. Although two of his hyungs had come along, it was initially his idea, so he would be the one doing the most talking, along with being the contractor.“All right.” The receptionist said, checking some things on the papers, right before reading through a few clauses.“So that’s about it, sexual activities and violence are prohibited, if there is any evidence that suggests otherwise, it is within our rights to pull our companions out, any binding contract will be considered immediately invalid, have I made myself clear?”“Yes.” They answer in unison, her grave tone causing them to sit that much more straighter.She smiles. “My apologies if this makes any of you uncomfortable, but we try our best to ensure the safety of our companions.” She then proceeds to take out a small stack of forms, explaining that they’re assessment forms.“I’m going to ask you some questions, please reply honestly and to the best of your abilities. Are any of you allergic to animals?” They all shake their heads. “Afraid of certain animals?” Head shakes again. “Alright, then what do you need our companion to do, just a rough outline will do.”“Um, two of our family members were involved in a car crash, but the rest of us all have full time jobs, so mostly normal housework, and just keep them company, maybe chat with them?” Jungkook peeks at his two hyungs behind him, relieved when they both give affirmative nods.The receptionist - whose name tag reads Hyolyn - nods, writing it down on the forms.“Would our companion need to accompany them to the hospital for checkups? Do they require assistance using the toilet and the like? Would our companion need to do any heavy lifting?”They exchanged glances, Yoongi ending up speaking up for them. “No heavy lifting, they might need assistance going to the toilet but not using it. We’ll do our best to attend the check ups ourselves, but we can’t be sure.”“Understood.” Hyolyn appears to be well-versed in her trade, asking the last question: “would you require our companion to live in or otherwise? It is a bit more cheap, but you’ll be required to provide a place for them to rest if you so choose.”“Er, at least not for the trial run.” It’s not something Jungkook’s put much thought into.“That’s all I need for now.” After letting them check everything she’s wrote down and signing it, Hyolyn then adds: “the matching process will take about three to five workdays, we’ll call you when it’s done. Would you prefer us to contact you by landline or either of you?”“Call me.” Yoongi volunteers.“Then that will be all for today, thank you for your cooperation.” Yoongi got the call two days later.He happened to be working from home, though at the time of the call was still lazing around on the living room sofa with Seokjin and Namjoon.It’s perfectly acceptable to rest after having a very filling breakfast, right? Especially since he had prepared all of it himself.“Hello?”“Hello, is this Min Yoongi-ssi speaking?”The person was very soft-speaking, and not someone Yoongi recognized.“Speaking, and you are?” Maybe a new client?“Hi, I’m your assigned companion, my name is Park Jimin.”That immediately piqued Yoongi’s interest. Putting down his coffee, and ignoring the pair of curious glances beside him, Yoongi cleared his throat: “Hi, would it be okay if I put you on speaker? I happen to be at home, so there’s a couple more of our family’s members here.”“No problem.” After gaining the other’s approval, Yoongi puts him on speaker mode, subsequently placing his phone on the coffee table after making sure the volume is at its loudest.“Allow me to introduce myself again, I’m Park Jimin, your assigned companion.”“Hi, I’m Kim Seokjin, you can call me Jin hyung. You’re younger than me right? You sound awfully young.” Seokjin’s the first to initiate conversation, seeming a lot more enthusiastic than when Jungkook had first brought up the idea, much to Yoongi’s relief.It’s a step in the right direction.“Thank you.” Soft bell-like tinkling laughter reaches their ears, lips lifting almost involuntarily to it. “I’m twenty seven.”“Oh my god I feel so old.” Seokjin exaggerates, lying all across Namjoon as best as he can. “I’m already thirty.”“Jin hyung isn’t old at all.” Jimin comforts him, using his preferred nickname, voice soothingly sweet, though Yoongi thinks it’s probably natural.“Namjoon.” Seokjin elbows Namjoon, who’s been silent all this time. “Introduce yourself.”Yoongi finds his facial expression a little strange, yet before he can put his finger on it Namjoon’s already stammering out an introduction, and - oh. “Is it alright if I call you hyung then?”By now Seokjin’s also caught on to the slight red dusting his dongsaeng’s cheek, listening to the latter answer “of course” as he wiggles his eyebrows at Yoongi.“Okay! So I believe you guys didn’t specify when you wanted me to start working when signing the contract? Usually I drop by first to familiarize myself with the environment, and check if I need to bring anything over.”“You could come over now.” Seokjin is quick to answer, earning him a panicked look from Namjoon. “We’d love it if you could start working as soon as possible, you have no idea how sick Yoongi is of us.”“Hey -“Yoongi’s protest was cut short by the sound of Jimin’s giggling, the latter seemingly trying to speak but failing as his giggles erupted in between. Seokjin looks extremely pleased by this, Namjoon covering his own face in embarrassment.Yoongi’ll let it slide just this once.After all, he hasn’t seen them this lively ever since the accident. With Jimin stating that he was just in the neighborhood, after confirming their address, it was decided that he would drop by. Wanting to make a good first impression so to not scare him away, Yoongi took it upon himself to tidy up, putting away everyone’s personal belongings by throwing them in their respective rooms, making their shared space at least a little more presentable.Seokjin was busy spamming the chat, smugly peacocking how they would be the first ones to meet their companion, Namjoon switching between looking at the front door and his phone nervously.“Namjoon-ah,” unable to bear it, Seokjin piped up. “Are you already smitten by him?”His teasing earns him a flustered Namjoon. “N-no, it’s just...”“Just?” Yoongi comes back to gossip, having tidied up to an extent.“His...his voice is perfect for the song I’m working on.” Namjoon mumbles, head low, and so missing the shared glances between the other two.Before the car accident, they were all well aware that Namjoon was working on new songs, but knowing him he wouldn’t allow any sneak peeks, and so none of them prodded further. After the accident, both him and Seokjin had spent a great amount of time resting, songwriting progress naturally suspended in favor of recovering.Hearing him say that Jimin’s voice would fit perfectly for his song now, it’s no wonder he reacted the way he did, because at the end of the day, Namjoon’s the kind of guy who always gives his all to his work and his passion, which happened to be one and the same thing, making music.“Are you gonna ask him then?” Seokjin kisses his temple, right arm snaking around the other’s frame.Namjoon immediately shakes his head. “That would be weird.” And yet his facial expression is that of a kicked puppy. “And we don’t know if that would violate anything within our existing contract.”The doorbell rings before either of them can think of what to say, Yoongi getting up to open the door.“Hi.” Blue beanie with an overly large shirt and jeans, the guy is about as tall as Yoongi, the front of his shirt if not tucked in reaching mid thigh.Cute. This is Yoongi’s first impression of Park Jimin.“Hi.” Jimin raises a hand, Yoongi only just noticing there’s a bag in each. “I was at the supermarket, so I thought I’d get a bit more. Have you guys eaten?”Yoongi shakes his head, a little surprised by his consideration, inviting him in. Jimin beams at the two on the sofa once he’s in, chirping: “You two must be-”“Seokjin and Namjoon.” Seokjin says, pointing at Namjoon when he mentions him. “Nice to meet you.”“The pleasure is all mine.” Jimin smiles. “What would you like to eat? I thought I’d make some japchae, but I’ve got plenty of ingredients for something else.”“You cook?” Of course Seokjin would perk up at that, and Yoongi tries not to be offended, because hey; he’s been cooking all the meals ever since the accident, and he’s not a bad cook, but he’s never seen Seokjin look that excited about anything he dishes out (pun intended).“I’ve been told I make a mean japchae.” Jimin grins, tail swishing behind him, a reddish-brown with stripes.Come to think of it, Yoongi has no idea what kind of hybrid Jimin is. Is it rude to ask?“What about bulgogi? Oh, but Jungkook would want lamb skewers.” Meanwhile Seokjin’s busying himself thinking of this dish and that, Namjoon just staring at Jimin, cheeks a light pink.Ah. Namjoon does have a thing for cute boys, doesn’t he? And he’s been with the five of them for so long, it’s rare that he sees anyone as cute as Taehyung or Jungkook.Hmm.“I can make all of those.” Jimin replies, breaking Yoongi out of his reverie. “Yoongi hyung,” he turns to him, “could you show me the kitchen?”“Um, sure.”He shows Jimin the kitchen, where everything is and how to use the stove. He considers going back to the living room, but ultimately decides to stick around, just in case Jimin needs anything.Jimin doesn’t seem to mind, humming as he takes out the chopping board and knife, along with other stuff.“Do you usually make all the meals, hyung?”“Lately.” Yoongi watches his tail swish behind him, the motion oddly soothing. “Jin hyung used to do most of the cooking, but.” He shrugs.“Can I ask?” Jimin’s obviously referring to why they’re both so battered up. “It’s okay if you don’t want to answer.”“Nah, it’s fine.” Not like it’s a big secret or anything. “Sometimes they take the bus to work, but there was an accident.” Yoongi gulps. “Luckily it’s only broken bones and scrapes.”Luckily they’re both alive.Jimin’s eyes soften, his gaze sympathetic.“That must’ve been terrifying.” He says softly.“Yeah. Can’t imagine how-”“I meant for all of you.” Jimin’s still speaking in that soft tone of his, and yet Yoongi shuts right up. “It must be hard staying strong.”Yoongi’s eyes burn.“I, um,” he stumbles over his words, out of the kitchen, throat closing up.“Bathroom.”Goddamnit. Yoongi’s not sure how long he’s locked himself in the bathroom, but long enough that the aroma of food came wafting beneath the door and for someone to knock on the door.“Yoongi hyung?”Well, so much for not scaring the hybrid.Taking a deep breath, Yoongi opens the door to Jimin, who looks worried, taking in his red, red eyes and blotchy face, “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”“It’s not you.” Yoongi shakes his head. “Like you said, it’s been...stressful.”Even putting it like that makes Yoongi feel guilty, as if implying that he doesn’t want to take care of his two family members, when that couldn’t be further away from the truth.As the second eldest of their small family, and one of the usually more stern hyungs, the moment Seokjin and Namjoon were injured he had immediately took it upon himself to make sure that everyone was well-cared for, listening to the doctors’ reports as the younger ones slept beside their hospitalized hyungs, attending mediations concerning the accident, counting the bills and managing finances, then working way into the night to finish blueprints and models.Jimin nodded, hand reaching out as if to hold his, then tugging it back with his tail as if thinking better of it.Strangely enough, the notion of holding Jimin’s hand, whom he isn’t that familiar with, doesn’t make Yoongi as uncomfortable as it should.Yoongi cleared his throat. “Um, so how’s the bulgogi going?”Smiling, Jimin took a step away from the bathroom, walking towards the kitchen causing Yoongi to follow along.“I decided to go with sundubu-jjigae instead, since it’s still kind of early for lunch, so the tofu can absorb more of the juices and melt with the broth.” Jimin explained, tail still linked with his own hand, the bushy tip almost covering all of it. “I was just going to prepare the rice, but I’m not sure how you guys like yours, stickier or drier?”Yoongi feels his throat dry up for a second.“Drier.” How could the hybrid be so infuriatingly considerate?“Got it.” Jimin hums, like that’s really all he came for, steering Yoongi to go sit as he’ll “join them once the rice was set to cook”.His red eyes and whole demeanor do not go unnoticed.Namjoon’s eyes immediately go wide, Seokjin moving over so that Yoongi can sit between them.“Yoongi? Baby what happened?” Both of them have their arms around him, and though Yoongi usually isn’t that much up for cuddles, this feels nice.The use of that particular pet name is also a bonus, though it also means that Seokjin is more than a little concerned.Still, Yoongi tries to deflect.“Nothing.”“Bullshit.” But Seokjin’s having none of it.Shit. How should he go about this without making them feeling guilty?“Did Jimin do something?” Namjoon asks, Yoongi quick to nip the doubt in the bud.“No, I...” He tries to make light of it. “I was helping in the kitchen, but got some gochujang in my eyes.”Something in their eyes tells him that they’re not buying it, luckily Jimin chooses that instant to appear in the doorway.“I thought I’d get everybody some maesil-cha.” He says cheerily, before taking in everyone’s expressions. “Um, should I...”Yoongi stands up, taking the tray out of his hands. “We were just talking. Take a seat.”“Okay.” He seems more subdued, a little nervous as he sits across from him, tail in his lap. Now that the beanie is off, Yoongi can finally see his animal ears, white instead of red, visually soft and furry.Yoongi decides to jump right into business.“You mentioned somethings you would like to discuss beforehand?”“Yes.” Jimin straightens up. “I know you guys said to start working as soon as possible on the phone, but we’ll have to decide on a date, and my rest days as well.”“What about next Monday?” Namjoon suggests, “And you can rest on the weekends.”“That works for me.” Jimin answers, tail thumping on his lap twice. “Since I’ll probably be cooking for you guys, is there anything that any of you don’t eat or are allergic to?”“This one can’t do seafood.” Yoongi jerks a thumb at Namjoon. “Jungkook - he’s currently out - likes meat, and the rest of us aren’t picky eaters.”“All right.” Jimin’s ears twitch a bit, immediately catching all of their attention. “That’s all that I’ve come up for now, I’m going to check on our lunch, feel free to ask me anything.” He leaves them after that, three on the couch as before.“All right Min Yoongi, stop finding excuses.”Damn it, he thought Jin hyung might’ve forgotten.“I just...I guess I put too much pressure on myself.” Yoongi chooses to say, but he knows that’s not a sufficient enough answer for his lovers, and so he elaborates: “Jimin is very perceptive, and it caught me off guard.” After hearing his explanation, the room was quiet, Yoongi tried to gauge their reactions, yet they both maintained perfectly blank expressions, making it impossible for him to guess what’s going through their heads.Suddenly they were assaulted by Seokjin crushing on top of them, Yoongi and Namjoon going down like dominoes on the couch, Yoongi taking care not to squish the other’s leg and neck cast.“That’s probably why he’s suited to be a companion.” Seokjin commented lightly. “After all, they do have to start working on short notice, it would be quite inconvenient if they can’t gauge the characters of their employers quickly, what if one of us has weird idiosyncrasies?”“You’re the only one with weird habits - ow!” Yoongi was hit immediately after talking back, which in turn caused Seokjin to lose his balance, thus crushing both Yoongi and Namjoon again.“Yoongi-ah, you have to learn to respect your elders, ‘tis isn’t the way to go.” Seokjin faux-cautioned, shaking his head in emphasis, “since Jimin put the effort into making it, now you should serve me my tea, or all that hard work would be for naught.”Grumbling something like “I would have if somebody hadn’t been bullying others with their weight”, followed by some struggling, Yoongi managed to free himself, pouring them a cup each.They took a few sips, talking here and there, it seems that in no time at all Jimin’s poking his head into the doorway, and right on time, as Namjoon’s stomach rumbles so loud all of them could hear it.A blush of red flushes Namjoon’s face, Jimin smiling widely, cheeks bunched up cutely.“Lunch is ready, should I bring it over here, or to the dining table?”“Dining table.” Yoongi answers, as it’s one of the few things Seokjin insists on.Jimin nods, as Yoongi helps Seokjin up before giving him his crutches, then assured that he won’t fall over, walking over to Namjoon’s side of the couch, assisting him in the same manner.It’s just a short hobble down the hallway, so it’s manageable for Namjoon, who’s left leg and neck bones’ are fractured, and so only needs a cane; Seokjin though, with both right leg and left arm in casts, plus a healing head injury, still requires others to help him around a bit.Kim Seokjin is equal parts unwilling to trouble others as he is independent and caring for others, so it’s been a constant struggle for Yoongi to balance between helping the right amount without causing his hyung any frustration.But the eldest hyung of theirs also has a bad habit of masking his troubles behind dad jokes and lighthearted conversation, sometimes even Yoongi can’t tell his mood, not to mention their younger lovers. Lunch is a quick and happy affair, with Namjoon and Seokjin’s nonstop praising of Jimin’s cooking, and even Yoongi, who was more reserved to begin with, has to admit that the hybrid has got some skills.Seokjin told a few jokes, to which Jimin laughed loudly at, and when Namjoon sporadically blurted out comments with a more philosophical touch, Jimin also listened, sometimes coming up with a few points or questions of his own.Yoongi was going to help wash the dishes, but was shooed off to the living room by Jimin, claiming that this is his job, so Yoongi shouldn’t busy himself with it.But right now isn’t technically his work time, is it?“I should leave now, too bad I couldn’t meet everyone else, but I guess I’ll see them on Monday.”Yoongi saw him off at the front door, hugging before shaking hands.They settled for a work time from seven thirty in the morning to five thirty in the afternoon, with overtime expenses covered, but also making it clear to Jimin that if the time doesn’t workout they can come up with a different plan.“Yup, Monday.” Yoongi had both hands shoved into his pockets, deliberating for a moment before saying: “Thank you.”“For what?” The beanie was back in place, yet as he tilted his head Yoongi couldn’t help but imagine those white ears perked up facing him.No no no, he must be affected by Namjoon, Namjoon is the one who likes cute things.(Yoongi pointedly overlook the kumamon plushie on his bed.)“Thanks for coming over today.” Yoongi lets out a breath. “To be honest, it’s been a really long time since the accident either of them have been this happy. So, thank you.”Thank you for doing what we couldn’t do.Though not spelt verbally, Jimin seems to get his hidden message, one hand coming up to lightly grasp his bicep, a small and gentle smile on his lips.“I just did what I can do.”
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rings right as Hoseok’s alarm goes off, signaling that it’s seven thirty on the dot.They really should get Jimin that spare key.With his room being the closest to the front door and Hoseok being a naturally light sleeper, he’s almost always the one to open the door for the companion.He hears the door open from his spot on the bed.Well, almost every time.He hears hushed conversation, but can’t really tell who it is with Jimin until he remembers -Ah, today is Jungkook’s debut as a full-fledged photographer.His works will be on display at the newly opening gallery down in the Gamgnam district, as one of the few handpicked photographers by the gallery’s owner. It’s a huge honor and a big opportunity for their youngest, and he’s been bouncing around on nervous energy since the previous week.Sleep losing its power over him is just one of the many effects. If it weren’t for that, Jungkook is rarely, if ever, up this early.Hoseok hears the sound of coffee beans being dumped into the grinder, and he sits up just as the piece of machinery gets to work.No point in lying around.They’re all going to attend the opening ceremony wine reception in the evening, though Jungkook will be there ahead of them to finish his preparations. Before then though, Hoseok has to make a quick run to the dance studio to check on his pupils.His dance studio, the rest of them would remind him, and fuck, that’s something to get used to.By the time Hoseok emerges into the dining room, there’s freshly brewed coffee and a fidgeting Jungkook waiting outside.“Morning, hyung.” Jungkook greets him from the table, a cup of coffee between his hands.“Morning Jungkookie.” He bends over to kiss his cheek. “Couldn’t sleep?”“Mmm.” Jungkook gives a non-confirmative hum, leg bouncing underneath the table. “You know how it is hyung.”And he does. Out of all of them, Hoseok and Taehyung are probably the ones who can relate to him the most at the moment. But Taehyung is currently in Milan so it’s up to the former to calm Jungkook’s nerves.“It’s still pretty early.” Hoseok comments, pulling out a chair beside him. “Think you can squeeze in a nap before heading out?”The younger shakes his head, taking a sip from his cup. Now Hoseok’s no expert on caffeine or human metabolism, but he’s pretty sure drinking coffee is not beneficial to inducing sleep.He plucks the cup from the younger’s hands, eliciting a whine from Jungkook that goes straight to his weak heart. Hoseok stands firm, though, “You should at least eat something. Didn’t Joon give you a lecture about this?”Jungkook hangs his head guiltily, a telltale sign that yes, Jungkook did get a lecture that he does remember,but no, he did not listen.Hoseok sighs, the same time Jimin walks in.“Morning, Hoseok hyung.” He greets, them having established during the first week that Jimin should just call them hyung or otherwise (when it came to the younger two only, though Taehyung insisted that since he was born in the same year as the hybrid, he should be able to talk informally to the latter, and Hoseok’s eighty percent sure Jimin only tells Taehyung to call him hyung because the designer’s cute when he whines).“Morning Jiminie.” Today Jimin’s donned a plaid red and black shirt with well-fitted black pants. The red goes well with the natural color of Jimin’s fur, Jimin clearly knows how to dress himself. It’s a tad bit different and more formal than what he usually wears, seeing as he’s attending the reception with them. One of the main reasons being that Seokjin and Namjoon still require attending to, and that Jungkook had explicitly invited him.(Hoseok knows the real reason though. Not everyone can bring someone out of a panic attack, but Jimin had done that for Jungkook, and that’s really fucking something if you ask him.)Hoseok leans forward in his seat. “What do you have there?”“Kimchi and some leftovers from last night.” Jimin answers, but that’s clearly not all, since Hoseok can see a few more dishes in plain sight. “I thought those might be too heavy on the stomach, so I also bought some cereal if anyone wants some, and banana milk.” The last two items are clearly prepared with Jungkook in mind, and with how their youngest has turned an adorable shade of pink, he knows it, too.“Thank you, Jiminie hyung.” Jungkook mumbles, taking the banana milk and giving it a large sip. He then reaches for the box of cereal, while Jimin places a bowl in front of him.Taking a gulp of his stolen coffee, Hoseok opens his mouth just as Jimin places a full bowl of steaming hot rice on the table, along with aforementioned side dishes and utensils, right within Hoseok’s reach.It would be scary how well Jimin knows them in such a short amount of time, except for, well.Jimin smiles at him, chubby cheeked and eyes crescent, slightly pointed ears flicking towards him, and Hoseok’s heart might’ve skipped a few beats.He’s still deciding whether that’s a good thing or not.(If this continues though, he might have to consult the others.) Jungkook is stressed. S-t-r-e-s-s-e-d. Stressed.He’d barely slept the day before yesterday, and he hadn’t caught a wink of sleep last night. He’ll be heading down to the gallery at noon , checking that everything is in place, standing up front for the opening ceremony, and giving people who show interest in his works an introduction, which is a whole other issue all together.It’s supposed to be an exciting event, it’s a great honor, a big step in his career, all of this Jungkook knows, has it memorized like the back of his hand, but that doesn’t mean he won’t panic.He’s grateful that none of his hyungs try to brush his worries under the rug, in turn he tries to not bother them too much because he knows it’s not something that can be helped, and besides, his hyungs have bigger fish to fry.“Jungkookie?” He hears Jimin call fron the kitchen. “Could you go wake Jin hyung and Namjoon hyung?”“Sure, hyung.” It’s a small task, but it’s better than him just stewing in his own nerves.“Thank you!”He can imagine the hybrid’s smile, so, so radiant at this ungodly hour and beautiful? Like, what the heck?Jungkook’s shakes his head, pushing those thoughts to the side as he knocks on Namjoon’s door. Unsurprisingly there is no answer, and since Seokjin has made it a rule that there are no locked doors in their household, Jungkook opens it to closed curtains and a large lump on the bed.Normally, Jungkook’s style of waking someone up consist of tickling or pouncing, but seeing as he can do neither he settles for unraveling the large lump.Namjoon makes a startled “umph” when the covers are suddenly tugged clean off the bed, rolling a bit as Jungkook climbs up next to him.“Hyung, it’s time to get up.” He rests his head on his hyung’s chest, watching the elder slowly crack open his eyes, blinking blearily at him before half twisting to check the time.“Urgh, it’s already eight?” He stretches, Jungkook can feel how his chest expands with a particularly long breath, and wow, it always amazes him how broad his hyung is. It’s not some mind blowing revelation, and they’ve definitely done sexier things, so no, Jungkook is not turned on at all.Except that. He maybe, kind of is.“Is Jin hyung up?” Namjoon asks, and Jungkook has never been more grateful for an excuse to get up and away from his current predicament.“No, he’s next on my list.”Namjoon flaps a hand at him from his position. “I’ll get up in a moment. You can go and get Jin hyung.”Most of his hyungs, bar Taehyung, have pretty good self discipline, so Jungkook’s not worried that Namjoon’s lying to him.“Jin hyung?” He asks, as he knocks on the door. A muffled sound can be heard, so Jungkook opens the door, locking eyes with Seokjin blinking from the bed.“Morning Jungkookie. Care to lend this old man a hand?”Jungkook wrinkles his nose, striding over to Seokjin’s side to pull him into a sitting position. However he doesn’t anticipate being tugged onto the bed, falling with an ungraceful yelp, sprawled across his hyung’s lap like a child about to be spanked.Okay, that’s a really specific kink that he should not be thinking of this early in the morning.“Jimin sent you, didn’t he?” Seokjin asks, a smirk evident in his voice as one hand caresses the maknae’s buttock, and the latter has to hold back a whimper.“Y-yeah.” What comes out of his mouth is half squeak, followed by an undignified shout when his butt gets a slap.“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” Seokjin murmurs, “saw you walking in like that, Joon gave a boner again, hm?”Jungkook nods, breath hitching when he’s hit again. He has yet to tell Namjoon that him doing the simplest things, like scratching his belly or smiling, gives him a boner, literally and figuratively, and it’s so embarrassing that Seokjin had found out almost immediately after they all got together.Although given the circumstances, he supposes he should consider himself lucky that it’s only Seokjin.“Let’s take care of this.” Seokjin says, the knee that’s still mobile bending up, rubbing against Jungkook’s semi, and - oh god.“But you’re gonna have to be quiet, Jimin’s out there.” Seokjin whispers.Fuck. Namjoon bumps into Jimin in the hallway, the latter’s tail swishing as he asks: “Good morning. Have you seen Jin hyung and Jungkook? I sent Jungkook to wake you guys.”Coughing, Namjoon curses the other two for participating in...strenuous activities while the hybrid is still here. “Morning. They’re er...occupied at the moment, no need to worry.”He’s not sure if it’s something about the way he says it, or if it’s Jimin’s much more sensitive ears that flick as they pick up sounds, the hybrid suddenly blushes, a pretty splash of pink high on his cheeks, adding to his natural rosiness: “Oh! Okay, um...breakfast is ready.”The red panda hybrid scurries back to the kitchen, leaving Namjoon in the hallway to slowly make his way over.He loves his idiots, but sometimes he really doesn’t.It doesn’t help that the doors aren’t exactly soundproof, so Namjoon could literally hear those breathy moans and whispered filthy words when he went near.Reaching the kitchen, Namjoon leans on the doorway, admiring how Jimin seems so at home, humming as he prepares toast and jam, tail brushing against the cabinets as he moves about.Of course, that’s when his clumsy ass decides to make a scene, crutch slipping from his hold, clattering on the kitchen floor.“Let me.” Jimin’s already there, picking it up and offering it to Namjoon.“I guess I’d better sit down.” Namjoon says sheepishly, hobbling over to the dining room.He sighs as he sits, neck uncomfortable but nothing he could do about it. He remembers what Seokjin had said when they’d met eyes in the hospital, both battered up and in casts but thankfully alive.“I guess you could say that we’re busted.”It’s been...frustrating for the both of them, in more ways than one. Being temporarily handicapped came with many inconveniences, including not much sex, and the other four out of respect had held back on that front as well. They’re not hypersexual or anything, but going from some to none is definitely a change, that capped with the other changes in their lives, and well - Namjoon can’t very well blame them for getting it on when they can.And Jungkook must be more stressed than ever today; Namjoon has every faith in their youngest lover that he’ll definitely shine brightly tonight, but he knows that’s not enough to calm his nerves, not when he’s always been such a shy bean, to think he still likes to hide behind his hyungs when they go out; aish, Namjoon’s giving himself a heartache in the best way possible.It is at this moment that Jimin walks in, the delicious aroma of fresh toast wafting in with him.“You always know what we want.” Namjoon praises, pulling out a chair for Jimin to sit.Jimin beams, putting down the tray in front of Namjoon.“It is my job, after all.” He replies, and well, Namjoon can’t argue with that.Doesn’t mean he can’t praise the younger if he wants to, and Jimin certainly seems to enjoy it.“Have you picked out your outfit for tonight?” Jimin asks as Namjoon points to the peanut butter jar. He had tried spreading his own toast on the first day, but...let’s just say it didn’t go quite as planned.Namjoon hums. “Yeah. I’m still debating whether to go with a tie or not.” Would it be too formal?“If you don’t mind, I can help you pick?” Jimin offers, “at least give you a second opinion?”“Please.” Namjoon beseeches, “I definitely need someone else’s opinion.”The hybrids smiles and nods, tail swishing in happiness, the same emotion swirling in Namjoon’s heart.Ah, this isn’t good. Namjoon thinks.And he hasn’t even asked Jimin about his song. The Neo Gallery has opened to a successful start, if Seokjin’s years of experience in the industry can count for anything.There are people milling about, Armanis and Guccis and Chanels all blurring together, decent cocktails and refreshments gone in a blink of the eye.It’s a good thing for Jungkook of course, from the glimpses Seokjin got he’s been quite the center of attention, his anxiousness slowly ebbing away as he gets more comfortable discussing the ideas and concepts behind his works.Seokjin has always been the center of attention, ever since he had grown into his too broad shoulders and handsome face, and he flourishes in it, devours it like a man with a bottomless stomach. He’s used to it.Tonight, however, he’s tired.He’s fortunate enough to have a good manager who took care of most everything in the aftermath of the accident, and there’s been a lull in business as modeling goes.Still, he would appreciate if everyone would let him disappear for a quick breather.Luckily for him, someone catches on and assists him on his quest.“Hyung, would you like to go to the bathroom?” Jimin whispers, his designated wheelchair pusher bending over as he navigates them expertly through the crowd.Seokjin almost sighs in relief.“Well,” he smirks, “if you really needed to go that much you could have just said so, Jiminie. But since you’ve asked nicely, I suppose I couldaccompany you.”Jimin rolls his eyes good naturedly, saying “sure hyung” as he pushes them outside, the temperature dropping a few degrees as they leave the warm space behind.The toilets are conveniently empty, Seokjin shooing Jimin to do his own thing once he’s left the confinements of his wheelchair.There hadn’t been much of a debate regarding whether Seokjin and Namjoon were using wheelchairs or not; the gallery was expected to be packed, not a place for clumsy crutches, and there was no guarantee that either of them could stay standing for any number of hours.Last Seokjin checked, Namjoon was being pushed by Hoseok, Yoongi right beside them. The youngest of the three, Namjoon, seemed to be having a good time, and it’s no wonder, being a regular museum and art gallery goer. Now that Seokjin thinks about it, that particular kind of activity - or anything to do with stepping outside the house in general - has been out of boundaries since the accident.Namjoon must’ve been pretty frustrated.Frowning, Seokjin resolves to discuss it with their partners, maybe with Jimin? Seeing as that would most probably require his assistance.“Are you feeling okay, hyung?”He’s not sure how he missed Jimin walking over but he did, the young hybrid peering up at him in concern.“Just admiring my good looks.” Seokjin says, gesturing towards the mirror. He’s been voted as the handsomest man of their generation several times, so it’s not just him boasting about nothing.Jimin smiles, in a way that spells “I know you’re bullshitting me but I’m not calling you out for it”, which means Jimin’s either a very easy to read person, or Seokjin’s spent way too much time with the hybrid.Something tells him it’s the latter.(“Gee ya think?” He can hear Yoongi’s sarcastic drawl in his head.)But he doesn’t call his bluff, switching topics as he swishes his bushy tail: “How have you been feeling tonight?”Seokjin thinks for a moment, if he should continue the bullshit or speak truthfully.“It’s nice to come out.” He confesses. Jimin’s been nothing short of wonderful these two weeks, and he’s shown no signs of blabbing their private lives to the public, which they should have mentioned in the contract.Seokjin makes a mental note to discuss it with the others.“It is, isn’t it?” Jimin’s tail swooshes behind him, and Seokjin has half a mind to tell him to watch the sink. “I jog in the park every morning, and it really freshens my mind.”“Does it?” Huh, that’s something Seokjin hasn’t heard Jimin mention before. So you do learn something new every day.“Yeah.” Jimin looks genuinely happy talking about his jogging hobby, though Seokjin himself was never much of a jogger, he can appreciate it as it is. “Maybe we could go together? With Namjoon hyung of course. Get some fresh air.”“Sure, we can bring it up to him. I think he’ll like it.”“Great!”It strikes Seokjin then, that his first thought had not been asking Namjoon, but asking all of his partners, and his second thought being that they don’t need their permission for everything, right?They just want to go out a bit, stretch their joints and not be cooped up in their home all the time.“Should I tell Yoongi hyung and the others about it?” Jimin suddenly asks, and it breaks Seokjin out of his reverie.“...I guess.” Seokjin acquiesces, then shakes his head, allowing himself a small smile.“Let’s go back, they’re probably missing us.” For the most part, they do pretty well in the communication category of relationships. They share what they’re feeling, they talk it out as a group, they try to resolve things without anything getting too heated and no one has to always be the one stepping back.Because that’s how relationships work, everyone involved has to be willing to compromise and work to make things better.Especially in one as unconventional as theirs, Namjoon reflects, as he watches Seokjin puttering about the living room, Jimin in the kitchen whipping up something for them to sink their teeth into.Their eldest has been acting strangely ever since Jungkook’s exhibit, and it’s not just Namjoon, Yoongi and Hoseok have also noticed.Usually Namjoon would be the one asking questions, but in his current immobile state that has been proven to be rather difficult. Yoongi or Hoseok are both good options, problem being that the former has been swamped with work these past few days, the latter faring not that much better, and so the responsibility falls back into Namjoon’s arms. Besides his fingers, at least those are very much not broken.“Hyung you should sit!” Comes Jimin’s voice, ears twitching in Seokjin’s direction as he walks over to the sofa, tray in hand. From what Namjoon can see there’s an assortment of cookies and tea, from what he can smell there’s...cookies and tea.Wait, is that hotteok?“I saw this cute hotteok stall the other day, so I thought I’d make some.” Jimin explains. “My friend gave me a hotteok spatula a couple months ago, but I’ve never tried making it, so...”“Jimin.” Seokjin interjects, a hotteok in hand already half munched on. “If you’re going to say they’re probably horrible, then you’d be horribly wrong.”The hybrid beams, his mega watt smile making Namjoon’s heart go all fluttery and - nope, stop that line of thought Namjoon.There’s also some yugwa, which Namjoon chomps on, the small snack melting in his mouth.“The weather’s pretty nice today.” Jimin remarks, pattering over to open the curtains, his posture so cute Namjoon can practically hear squeaky sound effects as he goes.Is Jimin really that cute or is it just Namjoon?“We should go out some time.” Jimin suggests, immediately catching Namjoon’s attention.“That would be nice.” Namjoon agrees, then he turns a little to Seokjin: “Hyung, I remember that you’re scheduled for a checkup next week? They’ll be taking off all the bandages and stitches, right?”“Yeah.” Seokjin replies, and something about his voice just seems...off.“That’s good.” Jimin doesn’t seem to notice, or maybe is choosing to ignore the signs for whatever reason unbeknownst to Namjoon. “Will Yoongi hyung or some of the others be taking you there?”“We’re not sure yet.” Namjoon answers, because should Namjoon go too for the sake of not wasting more manpower? And if so, should Jimin go? If Jimin goes, should the rest of them go for the sake of it? Though doing so would completely beat the purpose of not wasting more manpower.Jimin nods like he understands, and Namjoon at first thinks that’s it, but then realizes that...maybe he does. Who’s to say Jimin hasn’t been in this same position before as a companion? Who’s to say that just because he seems so happy and vibrant now, means he’s never been caught in any drama?“Ah, I forgot something in the kitchen.” Jimin announces abruptly, looking a little sheepish as he bounds out of sight.As the hybrid’s footsteps fade out of hearing, Namjoon hears Seokjin audibly sigh, and as he turns around to face him, his hyung says: “I guess that’s my cue to start talking.”Namjoon doesn’t say anything, and Seokjin, after a small pause, continues: “I’ve been feeling a little frustrated.”“How so?”“I don’t know.” He laughs, humorless, sending a small pang of hurt through Namjoon’s heart. Normally his hyung is so jubilant, even in the darkest times, it’s rare to see him like this. “At everything? I can’t do anything by myself, and that they had to hire someone to look after us, that I feel like I have to ask for permission to do the smallest things like taking a walk, and I’m frustrated that I feel frustrated at all of this.”Ah.“Sorry you have to listen to all this.” Seokjin adds.“Hyung.” Namjoon starts, mind racing. “You don’t have to apologize. This is what family is for, we work through things together.”“Yeah.” Seokjin says, a small, rueful smile playing by his lips. “It shouldn’t be a problem though, I shouldn’t feel frustrated because I know everyone’s trying their best.”“That’s fine.” Namjoon takes Seokjin’s hand in his, albeit a little difficultly. “Remember what we agreed on? Baby steps, hyung.”Seokjin nods, and Namjoon thinks about how to express his thoughts.“I feel like that, too.” He confesses first. “Like I’m burdening everyone, that I can’t do anything on my own. But it’s just temporarily, and I still do as much as I can, right? We didn’t think Taehyung to be a burden when he was still an apprentice with no salary, or when Jungkook had to buy filming equipment and we all had to live off of ramen for several months.”“That’s different, though.” Seokjin points out with a frown. “That’s called investment, and it was all necessities. All I can do is spew dad jokes.”“Hey, dad jokes are important, too.” Seokjin looks at him. “What? They are. Hyung, even though we make fun of you, you lift the mood so much when we’re around you. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that you make everything unbearable a little more bearable just by existing. And who says you can’t think of this accident as an investment, too? I mean, sure, I would prefer not getting busted by a bus, but with this unique experience, I’m sure you’ll be able to find ways to mold it into your career, just like I can use it in my music.”Seokjin stares at him for a moment, then thunks his forehead onto Namjoon’s shoulder, causing the latter to yelp.“Why do you always know what to say?” Seokjin almost whines.Relaxing, Namjoon loops a hand around his hyung’s shoulders, mindful not to touch the elder’s cast.“I don’t.” Namjoon says, truthfully because no one possibly can. “I just try my best. Is it working?”Seokjin huffs. “Maybe. You’re gonna make me tell the others about this, aren’t you?”“I won’t make you.” His answer prompts Seokjin to snort. “But you know we’ll have to tell them about going out.”“Fine, I’ll do it myself.” Seokjin harrumphs, though Namjoon knows it’s all just for show, which further reassures him that he’s done the right thing.Snatching up a hotteok, Seokjin practically devours it as he states: “I’m calling dibs on the last hotteok.”“You’re not gonna leave any for the others?” Namjoon laughs, taking one for himself.Seokjin pretends to think. “Hm...maybe one.”“All right.” Namjoon knows a lost battle when he sees one, and hey: he’s secured one hotteok, and that must count for something, right?Truthfully though, Namjoon wouldn’t make his hyung say anything. He knew Seokjin would do it himself.Back when they had first met, Namjoon had thought the elder to always be composed, never once losing his temper or actually raising his voice at others, a feat truly remarkable. Later down the road, he realized it wasn’t that Seokjin never got mad or was constantly in a cheerful mood; he simply prioritized the mood around him as opposed to his own, keeping his own emotions in check and under wraps.The thing about constantly holding back, however, is that those feelings don’t just go away. They build and build until one day it all comes crashing down, as Seokjin did. It still pains Namjoon sometimes to think about it.Since then, and several other incidents, they have prioritized communication as one of the keystones to their relationship, and Namjoon believes that they are getting better and better at it. Somewhere down the hallway, out of human hearing range, there’s a small sigh of relief. Contrary to most people, Taehyung rather likes hospitals.That’s not to say that he likes his loved ones getting hurt; rather, he admires the doctors and nurses who try their best to help their patients, and people come here to get better. And isn’t that what everyone’s trying to do? To become a better person?(Namjoon would probably tell him that’s a different sort of getting better, but it’s the sentiment that counts, right?)Which is why he had volunteered to come with Seokjin, leaving Jimin at home with Namjoon. He really hopes that the latter can muster up the courage to ask Jimin to record a song with him, he imagines Jimin’s singing voice to be just as soothing and beautiful as his normal one.They’d been rather hesitant, seeing as Taehyung had just gotten back from Italy, and what with jet lag and all that, but Taehyung had been insistent, he’d already missed Jungkook’s exhibition (their youngest assured him that it was fine, that it was just opening night, nothing worth of a fuss, but Taehyung knew better), so he was going to try his best to be here, now.“Your stitches have healed up quite nicely, I’d say it’s okay to start washing your hair now.” The doctors finishes after inspecting Seokjin’s head wounds. “The headaches will probably persist, unfortunately, but they will fade eventually.”Headaches? Taehyung blinked.“Thank you, doctor.” Seokjin bowed his head, finally freed of its bandages. Turning toward Taehyung, he quirked a brow. “Did you remember all of that, Tae?”“Uh...” He glanced down at his phone. “I recorded everything?”“Good job.” Seokjin ruffled his hair affectionately, the unsaid “baby” making Taehyung squirm internally.There’s just this certain tone his hyung adopts when saying it that makes it sound extra pretty, and Taehyung loves it.They thanked the doctor once again before taking their leave, Seokjin being pushed in his wheelchair by Taehyung.They’re passing a small park when Taehyung suddenly proposes: “Hyung, why don’t we go through this park?” As he stirs Seokjin in that direction.Seokjin huffs, as if annoyed. “If you were going to do it anyways, why even ask me? Aish, kids these days...”Taehyung knows that he isn’t though, and so he walks down one of the paths where the bushes are blooming beautifully, stopping when he sees a metal bench nestled among the bushes.“Do you want to sit?” Taehyung asks, patting the spot beside him. He moves Seokjin after the elder gives out a confirmative, a satisfied sigh escaping the latter’s lips once they’re seated side by side.There’s nary a soul around, which is something Taehyung thinks both of them cherish. Taehyung isn’t exactly a household name in the fashion industry, but he’s no nobody either. The same can be said for Seokjin, though that would be speaking extremely modestly. The moment word of Seokjin being involved in the accident got out, the media had immediately swarmed the hospital and the their home. Luckily they live in an apartment with state-of-the-art security, and the hospital had been tight-lipped, so after the initial hype had died down, it had been easier to get around.“This is nice.” Seokjin stretches his good leg, wiggling the toes of the other. “I could do with more outings.”“Then let’s do that.” Taehyung answers without missing a beat. “I heard that a change of scenery is really beneficial for your health, and also phyt-phytincide?”“I think you mean phytoncide.” Seokjin raises his brows, amused. “Look at my Taehyungie, using such big words.”Taehyung pouted. “Hyung, I’m not a baby.”“Sure you aren’t, especially not in bed.”“Hyung!”Seokjin bursts out laughing, trademark windshield wiper laugh ringing loud and clear, the infectious sound bringing an involuntary smile to Taehyung’s lips even as he tries to will away the blush he knows that’s there.And maybe it’s just Taehyung, but even the sun seems to shine a little brighter, sunbeams cascading down on his hyung as his full blown laughter quiets down to giggling, kissing the apples of his cheeks.He should have brought his camera, Taehyung reflects, not without remorse.“We should go on a picnic.”Seokjin blinks at him, caught off guard at Taehyung’s sudden suggestion. “Now?”“I mean, later? With everyone else, when both you and Namjoon hyung have fully recovered.” What Taehyung has in mind is something more like a celebratory picnic, on a big grassy meadow or in a park, with sandwiches and juice and all that picnic-y stuff.Nodding, Seokjin seems to like his idea as a small smile starts spreading across his face. “That sounds good. Maybe around September ? That way the weather will be cooler too.”“September would be good.” Taehyung nods, already a little hyped by the prospect of it. Truth be told, becoming a full fledged designer had eaten up much of his time, and though he loved what he does, he still missed his boyfriends, missed the times when they were back in college and he could binge watch dramas with Seokjin or Hoseok, playing video games and get his ass handed to him by Jungkook, quiet, long walks on the street with Namjoon, cuddle sessions on the couch with Yoongi. At the same time he’s glad he can somehow contribute to their small unconventional family. They’ve always been there with him, when his grandmother passed away, then his grandfather, when he’d just started out as an apprentice and had absolutely nothing, they’d comforted him, held him, funded him, and sometimes it feels like all he does is take and take, never giving back.Now that he does have time, he intends to spend most of it with them, helping however he can. Speaking of which...“By the way, I haven’t really been around lately, how are you guys getting along with Jimin?” He can’t claim to know the hybrid well, just that he seemed fit for the job, has a sweet voice that Namjoon liked, and was the same age as himself.“Extremely well.” Was the answer, and with how Seokjin didn’t hesitate at all, Taehyung knew it was the truth. “It also has to do with the job I guess? But he’s very perceptive, he’s got all of our daily routines down to the t, he also got Kookie out of one of his panic attacks.”“Really?” That’s news. And no one mentioned it during their video calls either?“Yeah.” Seokjin nods, then proceeds to ruffle Taehyung’s hair, the younger leaning into it subconsciously. “We know how busy you were, so we didn’t tell you before. Sorry.”Closing his eyes, Taehyung could feel the slight apprehension leaving him. “It’s okay. I’m glad Jungkook’s all right.”“Mhmm. By the way, we might need to call a family meeting soon.”“Meeting?” Taehyung opened his eyes. “For what?”“Well,” Seokjin says, “it’s almost been a month since Jimin’s trial run started.” It’s almost been a month since Jimin became their companion, and the best Namjoon can come up with is: “WouldyoumindrecordingasongformeImeanitmightnotevenbereleasedbutIreallylikeyourvoiceandIthinkitwouldsoundperfextinmysong?”The bemused expression on the hybrid’s face says a lot about Namjoon’s currently nonexistent eloquence, and it’s honestly befuddling to himself as well as to why words seem to fail him every time he tries to bring up this subject. He’s fine when they’re just chatting, or if he needs something and requires Jimin’s assistance, so why can’t the same apply to this?“Uh-”“Never mind.” He’s way too embarrassed to repeat himself, and Namjoon doesn’t think Jimin would agree anyway.That is, until the man tugs on his sleeve, midnight eyes staring straight at him. Namjoon’s heart skips several beats, not for the first time thinking how pretty Jimin’s eyes are.“You want me to record a song for you?” Jimin clarifies, and Namjoon nods, numbly, dumbfounded when Jimin smiles and says: “okay.”“You’re...okay with that?”“Why not? As long as you’re fine with it.” Jimin’s hand slides down to grasp Namjoon’s in a loose hold, a reassurance. “It’s a demo, right? I’m not a singer or anything, but I think I can hit the right notes with a few tries.”It’s not a demo, but Namjoon feels like this is progress enough, so he nods, a huge weight lifted off his shoulders as excitement settles in.“Do you want to listen to it?”Jimin looks surprised. “Can I?”“Of course.” He drags his laptop from the coffee table onto his lap, thankful that his right hand isn’t incapacitated. After clicking around, he finds the right file, and hits play.Immediately, a soothing beat fills the room, Jimin’s eyes widening as Namjoon’s rap comes in, red furry ears swiveling to attention. He’s a little embarrassed, usually not letting anyone listen to his songs before they’re finished, but for one, there’s no way Jimin can sing a song he’s never heard, and two, he figures he’s embarrassed himself as much, so it wouldn’t hurt to do a little more.Namjoon turns away when the singing comes up. It’s not pretty, certainly not up to average singer level, but that’s what happens when you’re a rapper who can’t sing.The song fades out with the last note, Namjoon turns around when he hears Jimin breathe noisily through his mouth, amazed as he exclaims: “Hyung! That was so good, can I hear more of your songs?”And so Namjoon, ever the softie, pulls up a tab and goes to his homepage on Soundcoral, then clicks play.“Oh! I’ve heard this before.” Jimin surprises Namjoon by proceeding to hum along to the tune, even singing the lyrics here and there, his singing voice every bit as beautiful as Namjoon imagined, and more.There’s a fragility to his voice, almost floating, curling around his consonants, alluring and soft, like a warm blanket on a cold winter night, with a warm color like daffodil or tangerine.“Have you ever considered being a singer?”The question is sudden even to Namjoon himself, causing him to flush all the way down his collar when Jimin looks at him, surprise written across his facial features.Jimin doesn’t reply immediately, nodding his head along to the beat as he thinks. The first song ends, smoothly flowing into the second.“Not really.” He says in the end. “I’ve always liked taking care of people, so being a companion is perfect for me, and hybrids don’t have that many job choices.”“Oh.”Perhaps mistaking Namjoon’s tone for pity, Jimin smiles placatingly. “It’s alright, most hybrids aren’t made for all the spotlight.”“Uh.”“You’re not forcing me into anything though.” Jimin adds hurriedly, as if afraid that he had offended Namjoon when clearly it should be the other way around. “I do like singing, just not as a career.”Namjoon wants to apologize for his insensitivity, for something, yet it feels like he’s lost his chance, another question making itself known as he struggles: “You said you’ve heard my songs before?”“Mhmm.” Jimin sways along to the beat, tail thumping in rhythm as well. “I was listening to whale songs, and one of your songs came on, ‘Whalien 52’ I think? I really loved the vibe and the lyrics, so I’ve been a fan ever since. You make really good music, hyung.”Jimin says it so simply, so easy, yet there’s no mistaking his emotions, and wow? That’s one of Namjoon’s older songs, one he’s actually proud of, Jimin’s heartfelt praise doing strange yet familiar things to his heart.Oh no.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It’s been a while since their last “official” family meeting, Yoongi reflects.Usually it’s held around the dining table, but, with their current circumstance, has been moved to the living room instead. Namjoon and Seokjin are seated on the sofa, with Taehyung and Hoseok on the love seat, Yoongi in the armchair with Jungkook perched on the arm rest. The sun is pretty high up in the sky, though with the spring chill still around the corner, there’s little the sun can do to warm people up, and so they’re all more or less in their winter sleepwear, having just eaten breakfast.It’s irrelevant at the moment, but – they should get a bigger sofa. Scratch that, they should get a bigger apartment. Which is easier said than done, considering they have six people, two of which have reached celebrity status, one on the way, and it’s ridiculously hard to find a place that isn’t overly priced these days.“Okay.” Seokjin starts, leaning forward as he speaks. “Now that we’re all here and awake, let’s get this started. First, opinions: how do you all feel about Jimin? Personally, I think he’s good at his job, and a good person all around.”“Agreed.” Hoseok pipes up. “He’s been nothing short of an angel, and I think we could use the help.”Yoongi nods, as do the rest of them, and he notices how Jungkook looks visibly relieved, no doubt stressing over the fact that it was his idea in the first place, even though all of them had agreed to it and the younger had to have seen with his own eyes how well everything was getting along. Lifting his arm, Yoongi rubs small circles into the dip of their maknae’s spine, a silent comfort and reassurance.Seokjin looks at all of their faces, continuing once he’s sure there’s no sign of discomfort: “since we all agree, there’s another issue: should we ask him to move in for the next year or so, or do you guys think it’s better this way?”None of them speak up at first, so Yoongi takes the initiative: “I think it would be better if he moved in.” All of them turn towards him, to which he elaborates: “he hides it well, but it’s tiring for him to commute from his place to ours.”Jungkook is quick to follow up: “I agree. He leaves our home at five thirty, but gets home at around eight. Jimin hyung says it’s because he buys dinner along the way, but that’s still a lot of time.”“How do you know?” Taehyung inquires, causing a light flush to creep up the youngest’s face, hand coming up to scratch his nape, a well known nervous tick of his. “We text a little.”Well. That’s unexpected.The thought is swiftly put aside as Hoseok interjects: “I agree that it’s a lot of time to commute, but where would we let him sleep?”“Seokjin hyung could sleep with Yoongi hyung.” Taehyung suggests, “or Yoongi hyung could sleep with Hoseok hyung?” He looks to them to check if they’re okay with that, to which they all nod.“I...” Namjoon suddenly speaks up for the first time, his serious expression setting off alarm bells in Yoongi’s head. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”“Why not?” Seokjin catches onto his mood as well, right hand circling Namjoon’s shoulders as support.Namjoon seems to be physically struggling with words, a rare enough occurrence in and of itself.“I think...I think I might’ve developed some feelings for him.”His confession is followed by a heavy silence, Yoongi stares at Namjoon as the younger continues hurriedly: “I’m sure it’s just kind of like a crush, and maybe transference? Because he’s been looking after us so much? So it should go away eventually –”“Joonie –” Hoseok tries to say something but is steamrolled right over Namjoon as the latter gets more and more panicky: “but I think it would be better if he didn’t move in, even temporarily? I mean, the easiest solution would probably be –”“Joon –”“To get a new companion –”“Namjoon!”Namjoon flinches, Seokjin looking apologetic but unwavering after he had raised his voice. Another rare occurrence.From the corner of his eye, Yoongi glimpses Taehyung sagging back into the love seat, Hoseok massaging his nape and planting a kiss on the designer’s temple.“Sorry.” Namjoon ends meekly, eyes downcast and shrinking in on himself, looking impossibly small next to Seokjin, who has Namjoon’s left hand in his right.Jungkook beside Yoongi has sat straight, almost rigid, a mix of emotions in his big doe eyes that Yoongi can easily pick apart.It hurts.First things first.“Seok,” Yoongi calls out, drawing attention to them both. “What were you going to say?”Sending Yoongi a grateful smile, Hoseok clears his throat before saying: “actually, I was going to make the same confession as Namjoon.”“What?” Both Namjoon and Jungkook exclaim, eyes snapping to Hoseok, as do the rest of them, though perhaps not quite as dramatic.“Like Namjoon, I’m also aware that it might be projecting or something like that, but I want to hear what the rest of you think about it, or, how you guys feel towards Jimin? If it’s just us two I’m fine with what Namjoon said, keeping distance and all that.”That’s...something to think about. How does Yoongi feel about Jimin? As they’ve agreed, he’s sweet and caring, cute and soft but also surprisingly strong? Extremely perceptive, as Yoongi himself has firsthand experience, and, well, a whole lot of things if Yoongi put his mind to it.The real question is, does Yoongi see Jimin as a potential partner slash family member?“Yes.”He’s pulled out of his thoughts by Jungkook’s voice, though judging from the youngest’s facial expression, he hadn’t meant to blurt that out loud. Yoongi continued to rub the maknae’s back, moving up a bit for more comfort.Realizing that everyone’s attention was now on him, Jungkook took in a deep breath, “I like him. He makes me feel safe. Like family.”They all nod, Seokjin looking thoughtful as he says: “I suspected as much. Namjoon was enamored from the start –”“Hyung –” Namjoon sputtered, face turning a cherry red.“And Jungkook always looks at Jimin with stars in his eyes –”“Wha – no – wait – that’s – ”“Jokes aside though,” and suddenly Seokjin’s full on serious mode, the contrast a signature of the model’s, something they’re all more or less used to by now, “I’ll admit I feel fond of him to a certain degree, but it’s just been a month. And you two?” He addresses Yoongi and Taehyung.“I’m not against it.” Yoongi says, glancing at the others, “But I agree we need more time to tell. Taehyung?”“Agreed.” Taehyung nods, hand clasping Hoseok’s. “I like him a lot, but I don’t think we should rush into anything, we also have to make sure how Jimin feels towards all of this.”“Of course.” Seokjin makes sure to make eye contact with all of them before going on: “another thing to keep in mind is we haven’t been exactly open to him about the full scale of our relationship, and if we’re going to live with him, I think we should let him know and make his own decisions.”None of them contest that, and so they wrap up the meeting, Namjoon retreating to his room slash studio to slave away, Hoseok off to meet a few friends, Seokjin and Taehyung both claiming that they needed their much sought after beauty sleep (although Yoongi’s pretty sure he saw the elder sneak into Namjoon’s studio slash room, probably to apologize about what happened earlier), leaving Yoongi and Jungkook alone in the living room.“Hey.” Yoongi calls out, startling the younger from his thoughts. “You okay?”When Jungkook fails to answer, Yoongi wordlessly moves to the big couch, pulling the photographer with him. They end up in a rather compromising position, Jungkook practically straddling his hyung, the realization forming a blush high on his cheeks.With a tiny whine, Jungkook smushes his head onto his hyung’s shoulder, Yoongi grunting from the impact.He mumbles something about not playing fair, a snort making its way past Yoongi’s lips at that. As if the maknae had any right to argue about playing fair when it was practically his brand to not play fair.Yoongi doesn’t push further, though, waiting for Jungkook to talk at his own pace. It’s how they had gotten close: neither of them were the kind to open up easily, more so Jungkook than Yoongi, and so by giving each other space, they had slowly, inch by inch, diminished the gap between them, coming to an understanding that is uniquely them.“I was afraid.” Jungkook confesses quietly into his collarbone.Afraid that this was a bad idea after all. Afraid that their small family might fall apart. Afraid that his hyungs would hate him for possibly falling for another person. Yoongi’s mind immediately jumps to a myriad of possibilities, but he doesn’t ask. He doesn’t need to.“We’re all together for a reason, yeah?” He asks, humming as Jungkook gives out an affirmative. “We wouldn’t do anything without discussing it together.”“I know.” Yup, that’s definitely a whine. Smirking, Yoongi ruffles the younger’s hair, to which Jungkook retaliates with a head butt, though not quite hard enough to cause bruising. “I just worry.”“Don’t then.” Yoongi’s simple yet blunt answer has Jungkook lifting his head. “Let your hyungs do the worrying.”“But – ah...hyung!”With Jungkook’s habit of wearing clothing one or two sizes too big, it’s incredibly easy for the architect’s hands to slip into his pants and cup his cheeks from behind, drawing out a surprised gasp from their youngest.“I think someone’s been long overdue some action.” Yoongi murmurs into his ear, skillful fingers kneading patterns as Jungkook quietly pants, hips bucking forward. “You’re too stressed out, baby. Let hyung take care of you.”“Ahh...please...”And that’s all Yoongi needs to hear. There are certain moments in life, certain split second decisions that looking back, you’re sure you could have done better. Like not arguing over the last banana. Not putting your passport in your overcoat’s pocket. Not tossing your phone up and down.Seokjin closes the studio door behind him, the soundproof material effectively cutting him and Namjoon off from the outside world. Namjoon isn’t seated in front of his computer. Instead, the young producer’s sitting on the bed, back against the wall, left leg sticking out of the bed with his right curved in, head raised and staring straight at Seokjin.How long has it been just the two of them?“Hey, how long has it been just the two of us?”The question seems to catch Namjoon off guard, the younger blinking owlishly before replying: “I...don’t know?”Huffing out a laugh, Seokjin moves closer, Namjoon immediately scooting over to make room next to himself. “I have no idea, either. Kind of miss it, to be honest.”A faint smile curves its way up Namjoon’s face. “Me too, hyung.”Yet as nice as this is, Seokjin doesn’t forget why he came here. Taking in a breath, Seokjin looks at Namjoon as he says: “I’m sorry for reacting the way I did earlier.”Namjoon, sweet and considerate Namjoon, actually looks so surprised at his apology. “Why are you apologizing, hyung? I freaked out, there was nothing else you guys could do. If anything, I should be apologizing.”Now it’s Seokjin’s turn to be confused. “Why would you need to apologize? Your concerns were completely valid, and it was totally understandable for you to freak out.”Smiling a bit more widely, Namjoon scratches the cast on his arm before putting his good arm down, “see hyung? We both had our reasons and both are reasonable. So let’s just agree to stop apologizing to each other.”“I...” Seokjin stops, not knowing what to say. Puffing out a breath, he shakes his head, raising his good arm to poke Namjoon: “yah, I came here to apologize to you, why did I end up getting persuaded to not apologize by you?”Smirking (is this little shit really smirking?), Namjoon defends his chest from his hyung’s insistent poking as he replies: “I don’t know hyung, we all have different strong suits, maybe yours is your face and mine is words.”Gasping, Seokjin feigns indignance as he starts hitting the younger: “what do you mean maybe? MY FACE IS LITERALLY THE BREAD AND BUTTER OF THIS FAMILY–”“Ow – OW HYUNG STOP, SO ARE MY WORDS–”“THEN STOP THIS SLANDER –”“OK OK –”Somehow they end up laughing in a heap, tears streaming down their faces as Seokjin absentmindedly wonders, then decides that that’s a mystery for another day.Seokjin laughs a lot; it’s kind of part of his job, to laugh and smile at will, regardless of how he felt inside. Yet he hasn’t had this good of a laugh in a very long time, neither has Namjoon (at least to his knowledge).If there was ever a moment that one would want to store away for rainy days, this would be it. The next week passes by in a blur; Hoseok’s not sure about the others, but for him it’s sleep, eat, dance, cuddle with his partners, rest some more, and repeat, not necessarily in that order.He’s preparing to hire a couple more teachers for his studio, but he has yet to draft up all the necessary requirements and welfare and whatnot. Teaching alone takes out a lot from him, and he actually loves his job; loves to move to the music, to teach others to flow with the rhythm and accentuate the beat. Hoseok’s also been meaning to hire someone to manage the business side of things, or at the very least find someone who can help him with it, yet it’s hard for him to muster enough energy to do all of those things and still retain his usual cheerful demeanor. It probably also has to do that he’s new to all this, and prior to having this whole studio as his own, had merely been a main teacher and choreographer there. Grateful doesn’t cover all of what Hoseok feels for them trusting him to run this show, but it’s been more work than he thought.By Friday Hoseok’s beat, but they’ve told Jimin that they wanted to discuss resigning his contract, so he can’t conk out until dinner.As it stands, the dancer is currently lying on the couch, eyes closed almost all the way when he notices a blur of brown. Jimin is stationed by the coffee table, head tilted to look at him, sunlight pouring in from the balcony creating a halo above the hybrid’s head. His ears and silhouette are also gold tinted, giving Jimin an overall ethereal look that takes his breath away.“Wow.”(So maybe his brain to mouth filter isn’t quite working.)“Hyung?” Jimin leans in further, as if unable to decipher what Hoseok had just said. Which is ridiculous, he can see the hybrid’s ears poking out from his head. “Would you like some coffee or tea?”Or me? Hoseok’s treacherous mind supplies, and yup, he definitely needs to catch up on those zs, Jung Hoseok is not somebody who uses cheesy and outdated pickup lines, thank you very much.Suppressing all and any inappropriate thoughts, Hoseok shakes his head with a smile, “thanks Jiminie, but I think I need sleep more.” As is to prove a point, a large yawn pushes its way out of his mouth, a light giggle leaving Jimin’s lips as he eyes Hoseok, the latter feeling a bit sheepish, but hey, it means something, right?Seokjin, Namjoon, Taehyung, and Jungkook had went out earlier to get some fresh air (Hoseok suspects it’s also a date), to which he had also declined, opting to laze out on the couch while the apartment’s nice and quiet. Don’t get him wrong, he loves all five of his boyfriends, but it’s nice to have some alone time, to wind down after a long and grueling week.“Would you like a massage then? I’ve been told that I’m pretty amazing.”The offer is tempting; god knows how long it’s been since Hoseok got a massage, and he’s in the mood to be turned into putty.But. But they had agreed that since today they were going to have The Talk with Jimin (which they have informed him of beforehand), and it might make the hybrid nervous, it was better if they not stress him out with a bunch of chores today, hence why Jimin wasn’t out with the other four.Seeming to be sensing his dilemma, Jimin adds: “I’d feel better if I’m doing something. You guys are paying me to help, and I feel guilty not doing anything.”Ah. They had kind of forgot about that possibility.“All right then.” Hoseok smiles up at Jimin, prompting the younger’s tail to start curling and uncurling behind him. Adorable. “Let me be the first to try out your massages.” Jungkook’s not sure what they were expecting when coming back from their impromptu date: perhaps Jimin welcoming them from the living room with Hoseok, or Hoseok catching some sleep in his room while Jimin did whatever he wanted to while alone in their home.What they were not expecting, after hearing no response to their I’m home-s, was both said people asleep on the couch, with Hoseok’s feet propped up in the hybrid’s lap, the latter’s hands poised on top of the dancer’s thighs as if mid-massage.As they draw near, Jimin’s ears flick towards the source of the sound, the young man’s eyelids fluttering as he slowly wakes up. They all collectively hold their breaths (or at least Jungkook does), watching with baited breath as he takes in his surroundings, becoming more alert, and upon realizing that they’re all home sits up straight, almost about to stand until he remembers that Hoseok’s still half propped on top of him, caught in an obvious dilemma by the way his ears flatten, lips automatically forming a pout.The whole sequence is unbelievably cute, if Jungkook wasn’t sure if Jimin was okay with it, he would’ve snapped a picture.“Take it easy.” Seokjin whispers, careful not to disturb their light sleeping dancer. “We’ll talk after Yoongi gets home, you guys rest up.”“I’ll go get some tea.” Taehyung offers, Jungkook quickly tagging along after helping both Namjoon and Seokjin sit. Jimin seems to want to argue, but caught between Hoseok and the other two, he has little choice but to watch them walk away.Jungkook wonders if things will go smoothly, wonders how Jimin will react. Best outcome, everyone is happy, and no one gets slapped. Worst case scenario...Jungkook would rather not dwell on that.“Hey Kookie, you okay?” Taehyung pops up in front of him, Jungkook nearly dropping the mug in his hands in fright. Grinning, the designer takes the mug out of his hands and places it on the tray with the other ones, one hand coming up to caress the younger’s cheek.“Nervous.” He squeaks out. It always manages to steal his breath away, the beauty of Kim Taehyung. Of course, all of his hyungs are handsome and good-looking in their own ways, but Taehyung just has this regal beauty that of a sculpture, carved out of the finest alabaster, perfected to the t by god himself. And it’s not just Jungkook who’s thought this, the media, the general public and his fans all agree, have given him complimenting titles, Jungkook would just be one of many if they hadn’t fallen together with their hyungs like puzzle pieces.The maknae’s thoughts run amok, unbeknownst to the person in question, Taehyung then proceeding to nuzzle his nose to his, an undignified squeak leaving Jungkook’s lips as he simultaneously combusts; it’s not just the way Taehyung looks,but also how he treats those dear to him.“Still nervous?” There’s a light smirk in the elder’s eyes, something close enough to a challenge that sparks Jungkook’s competitive nature: “nervous? Nervous who? Never heard of him.” Even managing a smirk of his own.“Good.” Taehyung says, and god damn it, was that part of Taehyung’s plan? “Now let’s finish up this tea and go back to the others.” “So, to put it simply, we want to renew our contract, and there are a few changes we’d like to make, with your consent of course.”They’ve unanimously elected Seokjin as their spokesperson (for now; Namjoon knows just as well as the rest of them that this pseudo-formality won’t last) for this meeting. Hoseok’s still seated next to Jimin, the pair having moved to the love seat, not exactly touching but close enough that there’s a mere hairbreadth between.Yoongi’s just gotten back from work, glasses perched atop his nose, predictably fogging up when he drinks his tea. He’s squished between Seokjin and Namjoon on the couch, leaving the two youngest, Taehyung and Jungkook, to fold themselves into the small sofa.“What would you like to change?” Jimin asks, tail lying neatly in his lap, his face giving away nothing, and it’s strange, because usually he’s not a hard to read person – maybe he’s nervous but doesn’t want to show it? “We’ll still have to go to the facility to sign the papers though; it’s a standard procedure, I hope you guys can understand.”“Of course, we were just hoping to go through some of the details with you first, make sure there are no misunderstandings.” Seokjin agrees amiably, Yoongi and Namjoon nodding along.“We’d like you to move in, if that’s okay.” Taehyung pipes up, shifting everyone’s attention to him. “You’ll have a room to yourself and a key to the apartment, and we’ll do our best to make sure you don’t end up working overtime.”“Oh.” Jimin seems to consider this. “But what about you guys? If I take one room, where will that person sleep?”“We’ll figure that out.” Yoongi interjects before anyone else can answer. “What’s important is if you are comfortable living with us. There’s something else we would like you to consider though.”Namjoon shifts in his spot, nerves suddenly getting the best of him; in his peripheral vision, he sees Jungkook and Taehyung do the same.“I’m sure you’ve realized that we’re all...very close.” Seokjin chooses to say, slow spoken as if afraid he might spook the hybrid. “Since we intend to renew our contract, we thought it necessary that you know beforehand exactly how close we are.”“Oh.” Already Jimin’s voice sounds several notes higher than usual, and Namjoon’s not sure if he’s nervous or afraid until he says: “are you and Jungkook boyfriends?”The effect is instantaneous. Jungkook chokes on his spit, coughing incessantly as Taehyung whacks his back; Hoseok looks surprised, mouth parted and eyes wide, while Yoongi narrows his, already trying to deduce the reasoning behind Jimin’s question.Namjoon himself feels surprised as well; not that Jimin would think they were something more than friends, but because he specifically singled out those two. Did he witness something to draw that conclusion? Perhaps they had been kissing? Or hugging not so platonically? Or – ah.The answer comes to Namjoon the same time Seokjin prompts: “why would you think that?”There’s a light blush on the hybrid’s cheeks, his tiny hands clasped tightly together, and judging by his reaction, Namjoon would say he must be thinking about the same incident.“That day, when we attended the wine reception with Jungkook, I accidentally heard you guys, um...making out it Seokjin hyung’s room.”They were definitely doing more than making out, but Namjoon’s not about to point that out now. Jungkook looks mortified, blushing all the way beneath his collar line, then proceeding to hide his face behind his hands. Seokjin seems equal parts embarrassed and mortified, one hand covering his mouth at Jimin’s unexpected revelation.“Technically you’re not wrong.” Yoongi steps up to the plate. Glancing at Namjoon, Yoongi continues: “all six of us are in a polyamorous relationship.”“Oh...what’s that?”Somehow they had neglected the fact that it wasn’t a word that was casually thrown around, and maybe as a hybrid Jimin would have even less of a chance of ever hearing it. Namjoon’s not sure whether to be relieved or more nervous, although at least Jimin hadn’t gone running for the hills once he heard that Jungkook and Seokjin were gay.“Simply speaking, it means that there are more than two people involved in a relationship.” Yoongi explains, Jimin nodding his head as he thinks it over.“So you said all of you are in a polyamorous relationship...you’re all boyfriends?”“Yes.” Yoongi nods, one hand lying palm up between himself and Namjoon, before realizing that Namjoon’s left hand is in a cast and starts to pull back. Before he can however, Namjoon catches on and places his wrapped up hand in Yoongi’s, the gesture not going unnoticed by Jimin, who’s tail and ears flick in response.“We didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, so we tried to keep more intimate stuff to ourselves.” Seokjin redirects everyone’s attention back on him. “But that might be impossible for a longer period of time, so no matter if you move in or not, it’s something we would like you to consider before making any decision.”“Okay. Anything else?” Jimin seems to be taking the news relatively well, though it might be because as a hybrid he isn’t quite as confined by their human rules and boundaries. Then again, Namjoon has no clue how a hybrid would be raised: do they have a special school for hybrids? Or are they taught everything in the facility? He can’t believe how he’s never thought of all this, and inwardly vows to be more mindful of these issues.The sound of Seokjin’s voice brings Namjoon back to the present: “nothing else.” Wait, what? “We’re sorry for taking up your time, Yoongi’s already told the facility you’d be staying late, so remember to check your bank account next month.”He can see his confusion mirrored on the others’ faces, Jimin must notice it too, as he pauses after standing up, head cocked to the side. None of them say anything though, and Namjoon, after his initial bemusement, has a pretty good guess as to why his hyung’s doing what he’s doing.“Thanks for telling me all this.” Jimin’s gaze lands on them each, and Namjoon’s relieved to see that he at least looks genuinely relaxed, tail swaying naturally. “So I’ll see you guys on Monday? At the facility? Is nine okay?”“Nine is fine.” Yoongi replies, standing as well. “Come on, I’ll see you to the door.”They don’t speak just yet, not until they hear the front door close, Yoongi’s footsteps drawing near. Then –“I thought we were going to tell him about, um, our feelings?” Jungkook starts, bemused and looking to his hyungs for answers.Seokjin sighs, not at anyone in particular, and gives a faint smile.“Didn’t we all say that we’re not sure how much of our feelings are real, how much is just projecting or something else? It wouldn’t be fair to Jimin for us to spring that kind of information on him just to maybe take back our words a few months down the road. I think it’s better for all of us to at least figure out what we want and come to an agreement.”His hyung’s explanation pretty much sums up Namjoon’s suspicions, and he sees Yoongi and Hoseok nod from where they are.“Oh.” Jungkook deflates, Taehyung pulling him into a semi-embrace. “Yeah, okay. Sorry, I guess I wasn’t thinking that far ahead.”“You’re still learning, and that’s okay.” Taehyung consoles him. “You have five amazing hyungs to guide you, don’t worry.”“Did you just call yourself amazing?” Yoongi asks, amused, Taehyung puffing his chest out teasingly: “yeah, and what about it?”Yoongi merely shakes his head, but there’s a small fond smile playing on his lips. “Jokes aside, who’s signing the papers on Monday?”Frowning, Seokjin puts down his tea. “I was thinking maybe Namjoon, Taehyung, and Jungkook? I know you and Hoseok are busy enough at work, I also have some things that I have to go over with Heechul.”“I’m down for it.” Taehyung is quick to answer, Jungkook quickly seconding.“You’re okay being alone for a few hours?” Namjoon asks Seokjin, earning himself a poke to the chest.“Joonie, we need a companion because we’re injured, not because we can’t handle a few hours of alone time.”“Sorry, sorry.” Namjoon apologizes, a little embarrassed. “I guess I kind of got used to always being with somebody.”Hmm. Perhaps that’s something Namjoon should look out for, though; is he going to have withdrawal symptoms after all this is said and done? Might be worth writing into his songs, too.“Hey, since it’s Friday,” Hoseok raises his hand, a bright smile adorning his features as he makes eye contact with all of them. “Why don’t we watch a movie? It’s been forever since we had a movie night.”Taehyung, predictably, is the first to second it. “Let’s watch Spirited Away!”“Ah, again?” Yoongi groans, well, not exactly without reason, since the younger never grows tired of rewatching this particular Ghibli film. He does look guilty when Taehyung turns his puppy eyes on him, though both ultimately compromising when Jungkook suggests something else: “Tae hyung, wasn’t there this animated movie you wanted to watch? Call Me By Your Name, right?”They all know Taehyung’s probably seen it already based on the gleam in his eyes, extra sparkly when he starts gushing about how much he likes the movie, and, well, not even Yoongi can withstand the power of one Kim Taehyung. (Halfway into the movie, Namjoon sees Yoongi slip his hand into Taehyung’s, the latter not even glancing his way before interlocking their fingers, and pretends he didn’t see the elder blushing.) It doesn’t actually click in Taehyung’s mind that Jimin hadn’t really given them a definitive answer until it’s Monday, all three of them stepping off the bus in front of the facility.He’s wearing his red beret and midnight blue cardigan, the fabric thin enough that he doesn’t feel overheated, but covering enough skin so he won’t shiver at the slightest breeze.“Ready?” He says, even though he’s not sure what they should be ready for. Cracking a smile, Jungkook pushes Namjoon in by the wheelchair, Taehyung following closely behind as the front doors automatically slide open, Hyolyn, who happens to be behind the reception desk, greets them with a polite smile.“You’re here to resign your contract, nine o’clock, correct?”“Yes.” Taehyung answers, impressed that she seems to remember Jungkook, who’s been here once, and know what they’re here for.Hyolyn picks up the phone, dials for someone to take them to another room, then turns back to them: “a lawyer part of our legal team will also be present, and they’ll answer any questions you might have regarding hybrid labour laws among other things.”“Thank you.” Namjoon nods, just as another male hybrid with round and reddish brown ears greets them, leading them to an elevator.They step off at the second floor, and Taehyung catches Jungkook glancing curiously at the hybrid’s ears, his expression familiar enough that the designer knows that he wants to ask what kind of hybrid they are, but afraid that he might offend them. Which is a valid – wait, what type of hybrid is Jimin?He doesn’t get to finish that thought as they reach their destination, the man opening the door for them, then closing it behind them.Jimin and who Taehyung supposes is the lawyer are already inside, the former visibly perking up as they enter the room. The other man seems to be pure human, no other ears or tail peeking out, dress shirt and tie paired with a more serious expression a stark contrast to Jimin in his baggy cardigan and their own casual wear.(Though to Taehyung, they both have body proportions of a designer’s wet dream.)The man rises in one graceful movement, bowing to them as he introduces himself: “good morning, I’m Lee Taemin, a representative of the facility’s law firm.”“It’s nice to meet you, Lee-ssi. I’m Kim Namjoon, this is Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jungkook.” Namjoon half bows from his wheelchair, prior to being pushed nicely into a space between two chairs at the table, Taehyung and Jungkook sitting on either side of him. Taehyung suspects that Jimin probably made them put away a chair, correctly guessing that one of the two hyungs confined to wheelchairs would come, but that’s just his theory.There’s a large teapot in the middle of the table, Jimin busying himself with pouring tea for everyone as they get seated.“Please, just call me hyung.” Taemin says, smiling, dissipating the slight tension in the room. “Jimin here told me that you guys have been getting along quite well, so I’m sure it won’t be too hard to work out something in everyone’s favor.”Huh. Taehyung had been expecting a different reaction, since Jimin might have told the lawyer all about them for the former to properly assess the situation, but maybe not. That reminds him –“We talked briefly with Jimin last Friday, but there are a few things we forgot to mention that would need to be added.” Namjoon almost steeples his fingers on the table before remembering about his broken fingers at the last second and holds those in his other hand instead. “We’d like to add a nondisclosure segment in the contract. It’s more for formalities than anything, because a few of my roommates are public figures, and it’s entirely our fault that we didn’t bring this up before.”When Seokjin had first brought it up at home, the model was quick to clarify that it wasn’t that he thought Jimin to be untrustworthy, it was more of a precaution and something to ease the mind of his management. It certainly wasn’t unreasonable, though awkward to bring up now.Taemin nodded, looking to Jimin, who nodded as well. “I can respect that. What else did you guys want to discuss?”“Er, well.” Namjoon ducks his head a bit, embarrassment creeping onto his face. “We suggested that you live with us for the next year, so we were wondering what your decision was?”Taemin lifts a perfect brow in response, subtle but not unnoticeable. Taehyung takes note as Jimin answers: “As long as it doesn’t inconvenience you guys, I have no reason to say no.” The hybrid laughs a little at himself, and Taehyung sees from his peripheral vision Jungkook shyly smiling along. Cute.Taemin opens the laptop in front of him, looking at them as he explains: “I have a digital copy of the facility’s standard contract, so I’ll just type up whatever you guys agree with, if all goes well the papers can be signed today. How does that sound?”“That would be great.” Namjoon says, Taehyung agreeing with him.It goes on like this for a while, them talking out the details and making minor fixes here and there. Taemin listens to their requests, and in return points out feasible options, laying down complicated laws and proper nouns in a way that all of them can understand. Taehyung might have zoned out once or twice, and when he glances over to Jungkook, the younger’s doe eyes wide yet slightly unfocused, he knows he’s not the only one.Thank god they have Namjoon.“That should be about it.” Taemin announces, fingers finally leaving the keyboard. “I’m just going to go and print this out, I’ll be right back.”There’s a few beats of silence after Taemin leaves, not exactly uncomfortable, but living with five people has made Taehyung accustomed to there always being some kind of sound around, so he does the only sensible thing.“Would you like to have lunch with us?”The question is undoubtedly directed towards Jimin, the hybrid’s ears lying back a little at the question. Oh shit, did Taehyung just make things awkward?Thankfully Jimin doesn’t leave much room for self doubt, eyes forming crescents as he smiles: “really? Are you guys okay with that?”“Why wouldn’t we be?” It’s a rhetorical question, but Jimin answers it anyways: “I mean, I’ve already been staying with you guys a lot this past month, and I’ll be moving in tomorrow, so maybe you guys would want some time to yourself?”Namjoon shrugs, scratching his head with his good hand: “we live together, so we’re actually more concerned if you’d feel uncomfortable being around us for an extended period of time.”Jimin pretends to think about it, expression turning a little playful: “as long as you guys don’t start randomly making out in front of me, I think I’ll be fine.”It comes to no one’s surprise that Jungkook turns a fiery shade of red at the (not so) subtle reminder, Namjoon reaching out to rub between his shoulder blades, not even bothering to hide the embarrassed smile.“We’ll make sure to keep the pda family friendly.” Taehyung promises, prompting the other two to side eye him, to which he shrugs.Hey, sex is overrated anyway. Seokjin met Heechul at a bus stop.It’s the funniest story to tell and a great icebreaker when Seokjin feels like retelling it, which is pretty much all the time.(He has to remember to tell Jimin the tale; just imagining the hybrid laughing himself onto the floor brings a smile to his face.)So, Seokjin and Heechul met at a bus stop, just as the former was about to leave it and his now manager was passing by. Seokjin had been a uni student then, already grown into his wide shoulders with an equally handsome face.(Heechul will insist that he was the one who aided Seokjin into his final form, worldwide handsome, to which Seokjin will always disagree.)In any case, he was already quite the eye-catcher. Heechul had noticed his potential as a star, and called out to him.At which point Seokjin had gracefully walked away.(“Bolted more like.” Heechul would murmur.)To be honest, it wasn’t every day that one would get stopped by a talent scout, and it was definitely more likely for said person to be a pervert or a salesperson. Heechul, however, was not someone to be deterred easily, chasing after Seokjin and finally catching up to him ten minutes later as a result.That was how they met, and how they have been working together to this day.“You know, I really hate it when you make decisions without me.” Heechul states, almost casually, with Seokjin’s feet in his lap, hands massaging his charge’s thighs.“It’s not making decisions without you; it’s before you.” Seokjin snips back, not at all shy about having his manager slash long time friend also being his masseur. “I’m telling you now, aren’t I? You should feel honored to be the first to know.”“Wow, I feel so honored.” Heechul monotones back, pinching Seokjin’s toe and getting a high pitched yelp for his trouble. Then his expression turns into a more somber one. “You’re sure though? I know we’ve discussed it before, but I didn’t expect you to jump so quickly on board.”“Of course I’m sure, that’s what we’ve been working towards, no?” Seokjin reaches out, and – pinches Heechul’s nipple, nearly toppling off the couch as the latter jumps, master of flirting no more as his face flushes lightly. If Seokjin weren’t already committed to his five boyfriends and grossly in love with them, Heechul would no doubt be high on his potential partner list. His manager could easily match Seokjin in every aspect, from looks to shamelessness to work ethic, in a way Seokjin would consider the man to be his platonic soulmate of sorts, not that he’d ever say this to Heechul’s face, lest the guy’s head inflate even bigger than it is now.“As long as you’re sure.” Heechul rubs his chest with one hand, half shielding it from future pinching.They bicker as they work; or rather, Heechul works while Seokjin bickers with him. All of Seokjin’s partners are younger than him, which compels him at times to be the bigger person, to put away his own feelings for the bigger picture. Namjoon, who’s known him the longest, has been trying to persuade Seokjin to let it go, (though perhaps not as drastic as building an ice castle) but so far Seokjin has had little progress, and considering his injuries, wouldn’t he become a huge nuisance if he started acting less mature?“Trouble in paradise?”Heechul’s question has Seokjin raising an unimpressed brow, kicking the man in the chest. Accustomed to his antics as he is, Heechul barely bats an eyelash at it.“You’ve got that constipated face when you run into photographer Song.” He says in lieu of a proper explanation.“It’s reserved for photographer Song.” Seokjin sniffs, “ you must be losing your eyesight to old age.”“And what does that say about me scouting you with my poor eyesight?”“That a gem shines no matter the light.”“That goes against physics.”“So do my physique and looks.”Heechul rolls his eyes so hard Seokjin’s tempted to flick him on the chin, but he’s a good dongsaeng that’s respectful of his elders, so he refrains.“Time for me to go, I’d tell you to keep out of trouble but that’s a lost cause.” Contrary to his dismissing tone, Heechul gently removes Seokjin’s feet from his lap, carefully placing them on a cushion as he makes a face at his cast.Disgusting. Seokjin doesn’t know what he would’ve done without him.“You know I only do what I do with your best interest at heart.” Seokjin blows a kiss to him, winking for added effect, and Heechul, true to character, waves it off with a grimace.(Yeah, Seokjin definitely saw him not so discreetly catch the heart and put it in his pocket. The sap.)“Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night.” He answers dismissively, flapping one hand as he gathers all the papers they had scattered across the small coffee table with the other. Soon he’s stuffing them all into his eco-friendly bag, a gift from Namjoon, showing himself off to the door because, as Heechul had put it, he didn’t want to “damage his goods”, aka Seokjin.(Sometimes Seokjin wonders who’s more tsundere between Heechul and Yoongi, and decides that’s probably why they get along so well.)“I’ll tell you when it’s all sorted out, so sit tight and try not to do extravagant activities.” Heechul says the front door opens.“Oh!” Jimin, just outside the door, flattens his ears at the sight of someone he doesn’t know, brows furrowed and body immediately poised to strike.Uh oh.“Heechul hyung!” Taehyung’s voice rings out behind Jimin, the familiar tone rolling off his tongue, effectively defusing the tension. “Do you want to stay for lunch?”And now that Seokjin is more or less sure Jimin isn’t going to kick Heechul’s ass, he has the pleasure of seeing his manager – who few can succeed in ruffling his feathers – looking literally shaken to the bone, upper body half shielded by his bag, eyes wide and unblinking. His legs are poised as if ready to bolt back into their apartment, one foot bare as he was about to change into his shoes.“Huh? Oh...maybe next time.” It’s gone in the blink of an eye, Heechul almost switching seamlessly back into his usual self, posture going from tense to relaxed in a millisecond, but Seokjin didn’t miss the way he eyed Jimin warily.“But it’s been so long.” Taehyung pouts, while Jungkook pushes past him and Jimin with Namjoon in the wheelchair. “Please? We were about to order some pizza and fried chicken, and you haven’t gotten to know Jimin yet!”If his body language says anything, Seokjin thinks it’s saying “I think the fuck not”, yet before Heechul can put in a word, Jimin is already smiling at him, warm and welcome with no small amount of bashfulness and embarrassment. “I’m Park Jimin, a companion hybrid. Sorry about earlier, I didn’t mean to come off as aggressive.”Jimin’s overall composure and gentle words seem to do the trick, his hand sticking out to grasp Jimin’s. “Kim Heechul, Seokjin’s manager. It’s nice to meet you, is it okay if I call you Jimin? Seokjin’s told me about you.”“Only good things I hope.” They’re still on the threshold, though, the other three have already changed their shoes, Jungkook helping Namjoon out of the wheelchair, Taehyung hovering beside them, smile playing on his face.“Hey why don’t you two come in?” Seokjin interjects, “talk some more over pizza and chicken.”“I’m not sure –” Heechul begins.“Hyung, please?” Seokjin bats his eyelashes, pouts a little, even tilts his head for extra effect, just how Heechul hates (loves). Predictably, Heechul relents, mumbling about dumb models and their stupid eyelashes and perfect skin.(As if Heechul doesn’t have all those qualities and more.)They all settle down in the living room, the pizza arriving not too long after, but not before Heechul and Jimin have gotten in a few words, Heechul taken by the hybrid’s friendliness, Jimin falling over in laughter at his hyung’s wittiness and humor.When Heechul hears of Jimin moving in, he does the most Heechul thing Seokjin can think of.“I can help you then! I’ve got a van.” He offers, charming and smiley, it’s hard to imagine that not so long ago he had been mildly terrified of Jimin.“Oh it’s fine! I can do it myself.” Jimin declines, pizza on one hand, the other shaking in Heechul’s direction.“No no, it’s really no problem, I look after this dummy –”“I resent –”“So as one caretaker to another, I think we should help each other out. Think of it as my thanks for looking after my dongsaeng.”That seems to persuade Jimin, thanking Heechul as they devour the pizza and fried chicken with the rest of them. The conversation turns more casual, even as Namjoon accidentally drops cheese and kimchi onto his leg cast, Jungkook and Jimin guffaw over Seokjin’s chicken jokes, limbs flailing everywhere, the cola barely saved by Taehyung, who tries very hard not to crack a smile at their antics.Food is tucked away into six full tummies, the trash and utensils cleaned up and put away, Heechul and Jimin bid their goodbyes and leave, the former’s hand at the small of the smaller man’s back.Seokjin’s chilling with Namjoon beside him, dozing off, when his phone buzzes.
“This kid’s a keeper.”
Swiping, Seokjin types out a response.
“We know.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Yoongi walks into the kitchen, sleeves rolled and mind a million different places when he stops, jaw drops, and stares.There, in front of the stove, tail half curled around one leg, is Jimin.And now Yoongi’s questioning why he hadn’t smelled the stew boiling, nose immediately greeted by an alluring waft of spiciness.That and the fact that he had completely forgotten that the young man was now living with them.Jimin quickly notices him standing by the door, lips breaking into a cute smile that has Yoongi’s heart doing weird free-styling.Flustered, Yoongi copes with his fluttery feelings the way he usually does.“Yah, Park Jimin.” He says, hands on his hips, “it’s past your working hours, what are you doing in the kitchen?”The hybrid’s eyes widen in shock for a fraction of a second, before mimicking Yoongi’s stance, going so far as to puff out his chest and plant his feet wider for added effect.“I need to eat too you know?” He huffs, “besides, I could say the same for you hyung! Haven’t you just got off from work?”“I’ll have you know that I’m the head of this kitchen.”“No you’re not, Seokjin hyung is.”They stand there, a meter apart, faux glaring at each other until Jimin breaks away with a giggle, and – yup, there goes Yoongi’s heart doing weird free-styling again.“I thought since we ate a lot for lunch, I’d make something simpler.” Jimin says, turning back to the stove.“Kimchi jjigae?” Yoongi guesses, stepping closer, because that looks about it.Jimin hums an affirmative, “but really hyung, it’s okay. Go and sit with the others.”The idea is tempting; Yoongi would be lying if he said he wouldn’t enjoy some down time after spending hours on his feet trying to make a particularly stubborn client see sense. And he knew his partners would immediately swaddle him in affection at the slightest hint of his fatigue. But...“Be that as it may, I’ll sleep better knowing we aren’t overworking you from day one.” Yoongi states, sidling next to Jimin, opening cupboards and cabinets to get all the eating utensils necessary, “don’t expect me to believe that you’ll be able to carry all of this by yourself.”Eyes narrowing, Jimin stares at him as if considering whether he should rise to the challenge or not before shrugging, going back to his stew. Yoongi exhales internally, mentally noting that Jimin is the competitive type for further reference.“Could you tell the others that dinner’s ready? I’ll be out in a second.”Nodding, Yoongi walks out the kitchen, and, before he can stop himself, calls out to Jimin: “just fyi, I’m definitely cooking tomorrow.”There’s an unmistakable lilt in Jimin’s voice when he answers: “we’ll see about that.”Yoongi couldn’t wipe the grin off his face even if he tried.Oh, it’s on. It’s strange, Hoseok thinks, to see Jimin at dinner time. Weirder still is that said meal is also made by Jimin.According to Yoongi there had been an epic battle between who should get down to business, but Hoseok knows his hyung like he knows the back of his dance studio, and so he’s ninety nine percent sure that is definitely not what happened.It’s been a good day, he’d like to believe. The new accountant has been doing well, and the other dance teacher hit it off splendidly with the kids. He also got a few calls from parents and university students asking if he’s still accepting new pupils, so all in all tiring but productive.And the food is delicious, which is always a bonus.“Wah Jiminie this food is so delicious.” He praises, never one to be stingy about showing his appreciation. Jimin preens under the attention, the rosy glow to his cheeks made more apparent by the light yellow above their heads.“Hey, I make good food, too.” Yoongi pouts, dumpling cheeks pushing out slightly. “How come you praise Jimin but never praise me?”It’s not true of course, and Yoongi is as much aware of this fact as Hoseok. He indulges his elder though, as a good dongsaeng should.“Yoongi hyung makes good food, too. Ah, seriously what would we do without you?”“I don’t want your pity praise.” Yoongi grumbles, refusing to look in Hoseok’s direction, instead ladling up some jjigae for Jungkook right next to him.Ah, seriously, a person with such pale complexion shouldn’t be allowed to lie. To people who don’t know his hyung, he may seem cold or uncaring, but once you do, Min Yoongi is actually quite a transparent person.Sniggering, Taehyung pilfers kimchi from the maknae’s bowl, “Yoongi hyung must also not want his hands held.”Jimin looks a little bemused at this, though he doesn’t comment on it, instead asking Namjoon and Seokjin if they need anything. Seokjin doesn’t, but Namjoon does, so Jimin takes his bowl and helps him to a serving of jjigae, Namjoon quietly thanking him, blushing still even after a month of being in constant care of the younger.Cute, Hoseok thinks, a warm fluffy feeling expanding inside. It’s familiar and nice, though something he never thought in a million years he would be capable of feeling outside of his current boyfriends.Love, it turns out, is not something that can be easily quantified.After dinner Jimin volunteers to wash the dishes, only stopped by Hoseok and Yoongi by way of snatching them all up before the hybrid can claim even one.They don’t really have an order for showering, though it was an unspoken rule nowadays to let the two patients first, with one of the other four lending a hand. Since Yoongi and Hoseok had already taken up dish washing duty, that particular task was left to Taehyung and Jungkook, the former locking the door behind himself and Seokjin.Under Namjoon and Jungkook’s request, Jimin had settled onto the couch beside Namjoon, the maknae curled up at their feet as they watched whatever was on the tv.“Hey.” Hoseok nudged Yoongi with his hip, “been a while since it’s just been you and me on dish duty.”Rolling his eyes, Yoongi shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “You could always volunteer to do it every day, I’m sure the others wouldn’t mind.” Even as a small smile formed, amused and a little playful.“Nah, and rob the others of such important bonding time?” Hoseok grinned, cheering himself on for making Yoongi smile. Not that the elder hadn’t been smiling during dinner, but it helps to know that he can make his partners happy, no matter what shape or form.Yoongi snorts, piling the dripping wet dishes into their dish dryer. “Keep your hands in the sink, don’t drip soap all over the floor.”“I’m not –”“You just did!” Living with Jimin is surprisingly...easy. In fact, Jungkook would dare say as easy as breathing (when his nose isn’t working up).Jimin wakes earlier than the rest of them, and sleeps at the same time. What he does around their home hasn’t changed, and they don’t treat each other differently.There are, of course, small differences here and there. Small things, like an extra toothbrush and towel in the bathroom; a mug with an adorable red panda on it in the kitchen; more shoes on the shoe rack among other things.And then there are the more significant changes.They now have one person more at dinner; Taehyung sleeps with Jungkook, his room now Jimin’s; how slowly, yet surely, Jimin lets down his inhibitions, getting more and more playful and affectionate with them, and how Jungkook becomes more and more confident in his feelings.It’s not a fleeting thing, nor is it something akin to crushing on a celebrity.At least Jungkook’s never found himself wondering what it would be like if some random celebrity stayed with them forever.Rhythmic chopping sounds can be heard from the kitchen; Jimin’s cutting up some fruit as dessert, the rest of them having dispersed after dinner. Lying horizontally on the couch, Jungkook has enlisted Yoongi’s legs as his makeshift pillow; and grumble as he might, his hyung neither outright told him to scram, nor push him away.Long fingers comb through Jungkook’s hair in a soothing motion, scratching lightly at his scalp, and he finds himself dozing off to the small sounds permeating the apartment.It’s been a nice lull between work; after the exhibition, there were a few people who contacted him, inquiring his services, and Jungkook had been all too happy to accept a few cases, glad that he might finally be able to earn his own weight in won.Sighing, Jungkook turns to bury his head in Yoongi’s soft tummy.“You okay?” Yoongi asks, because he knows, he always knows, even when Jungkook himself doesn’t really know.Humming out an affirmation, Jungkook just...lies there. Soaks in the essence that is his hyung, soothing and comforting and just so...Yoongi.“Just work.”He knows Yoongi would get it, and he does, mumbling as his eyes leave the book he was just reading: “cut some, okay?”Grinning, Jungkook repositions his head on the elder’s lap, earning himself a light grunt in return.“That’s the plan, isn’t it?”“Brat.” It’s fond.There’s light padding and then –“Dessert’s ready.” Jimin says. The hybrid has taken a liking to walking around barefoot, though Seokjin nags at him about it. Jungkook sits up and starts munching on the fruit, before even Yoongi can snag a piece.“Slow down, it’s not going anywhere.” Jimin says, amused, reaching out to muss Jungkook’s hair a little.This is also new and different, though Jungkook can’t say he minds at all.“Leave some for the others.” Yoongi chides, so Jungkook slowly, deliberately, pinches a piece of apple between his fingers, and maintains eye contact with both his hyungs as he puts it in his mouth.Jimin shakes his head, smiling. “I’ll go tell them.”Jungkook follows Jimin with his eyes, only to see Yoongi looking at him fondly as the companion disappears around the corner.“What?” A light flush creeps its way up his cheeks and ear tips, never quite immune to the power his hyungs have over him.(And now there might be one more to add to the list.)“Nothing.” Yoongi replies innocently, then: “you’re cute.”“No hyung is.”“This isn’t a competition.”“Then don’t make it out to be.”Jungkook holds his gaze, ignoring the heat that’s gradually taken over his whole face, until Yoongi turns away first, reaching for an apple slice.Footsteps sound from around the corner, so naturally Jungkook turns his head in that direction – only to feel soft lips press against his own.Jeon Jungkook exe. has ceased function.Smirking, this time Yoongi actually does get a slice of apple.Though not before mouthing a “cute” at Jungkook. The two month mark passes by in the blink of an eye, which implies that they’ve also been living with Jimin for a month now.Which, for Namjoon and Seokjin, means that they’re up for another checkup, and that they can finally, finally remove the casts.According to the doctors who had been in charge of their surgeries that fateful day,they were heaing up very nicely, and it looked worse than it was, with the casts and all.“You’ll feel some stiffness and you won’t be able to move those joints as freely as you used to, which is all normal.” Doctor Kim, who’s currently taking off Namjoon’s casts explains patiently. “I would recommend starting rehabilitation immediately, maybe once a week in our center, plus at home.”She’s rather petite, well put together and professional, the twinkle in her eyes softening the sharp look accentuated by her makeup.They all nod – well Namjoon tries, though with his freshly healed neck all he can manage is a slight inclination.“Jimin here knows most of the techniques, but I’ll teach you some massages and small exercises to do at home just in case.”At the mention of the hybrid, all eyes go to said person, Jimin blushing a little at the attention. “That’s okay, I need to refresh my memory too, since it’s been awhile.”Nodding, the doctor then goes into a long list of dos and don’ts, Jimin asking questions here and there further clarifying possible misunderstandings, sounding incredibly well versed in it all, and Namjoon can’t help but stare, because, well, he’s always found people who are serious about their jobs attractive.Doesn’t help at all that he was already harboring something more than a crush on their companion.“That’s everything, of course you can always call the hospital’s rehabilitation center if you have anything questions.” Doctor Kim concludes, smiling at them.With a start, Namjoon realizes that he had been zoning out a bit, face reddening even more once it’s abundantly clear that he had been caught by Seokjin, side-eyeing him in amusement.“Thanks Chungha.” Jimin shares a hug with her, the doctor reciprocating before shooing them off.Taehyung, who had went out to take a call, meets them outside the door, apology written all over his face as he opens his mouth.“Taehyung-ah, come push hyung’s wheelchair.” Seokjin beats him to the punch, awkwardly gesturing towards his backside, “Jimin’s good at his job, but even he can’t push two at once, and I am far from able to walking any distance right now.”“O-of course.” Cut off from whatever apology he had been ready to serve, Taehyung hurries to comply.“Ah, I should show you my leg once we get home.” Seokjin continues on conversationally as they get ready to leave the hospital. Jimin leaves them momentarily to pay the fees, so they wait near the elevators to go to the underground parking lot where Heechul was waiting.(“Can’t let the paparazzi get what they want.” Heechul had said on the way.)Namjoon tries bending his fingers experimentally, with meager success. The bout of disappointment that swells up is hard to tamp down, made even more difficult by the fact that the same could be said for his leg, a mere bone where there used to be meat and muscles.They’re currently covered by a blanket, courtesy of Jimin, but Namjoon has merely to touch his left leg to reaffirm what his eyes had seen.Though perhaps that’s the byproduct of him only thinking of the negative; like he had told Seokjin a few weeks ago, this is part of a hopefully once in a lifetime experience, so he should make the most of it, instead of focusing on the downsides.“Let’s go.” Some time when Namjoon was brooding Jimin had come back, so he tries to shake off the feeling of helplessness, not wanting to bother the others about this. Some people, like Jungkook or Namjoon, have their hearts on their sleeves. Especially Jungkook; his heart of gold practically shines from within, gaze always genuine and honest, even when being a little shit to his hyungs.Then there are people like Yoongi; he’s not easy to read per say, but he will dish out the facts and his opinions as they are, more than likely to when someone needs to be put in place.Seokjin and Hoseok are of a special type. You think you know them, they let you believe you know them, but then you turn around and come to the realization that actually, you know next to nothing of them.Then there’s Taehyung, who tries his best to separate work from his private life with small success, who wants to be there with his family, with his partners, yet can’t not take a call from his employer, which in turn causes him to miss the whole conversation with Seokjin and Namjoon’s doctor, and wasn’t that crucial part the main reason he was even there at all?Jimin had, of course, along with his hyungs caught him up with everything, and Taehyung had taken notes when needed, so that they could all tell the rest of them what to do going forward, and he didn’t have to feel like he was neglecting the people that mattered the most to him.Only, he does.Which is how he finds himself unable to sleep that night, tossing and turning until finally getting up, quietly, so as not to disturb the others, sliding open the doors to the balcony.It’s more or less just a small jutted out piece of concrete made to rise the apartment prices, fit for standing but not so much sitting, so that’s what Taehyung does, looking out on to the cityscape. Seoul rarely sleeps, something or someone always moving, thrumming with energy, the dark tranquility of the night doing little to quench it, an unseeable force vibrating at a frequency familiar to Taehyung.A tap disrupts the steady hum in his head, and he turns, half expecting it to be Yoongi.It’s Jimin.Taehyung opts to go back in, the balcony too small for two grown men, leading Jimin to their couch.They sit, Jimin a warm presence beside him. He looks sleepy; his eyes are puffy and so is his face, hair mussed up, strands of reddish brown sticking out haphazardly as he blinks at Taehyung, and – it’s nice, Taehyung realizes.He thinks he should explain himself, or maybe apologize for waking Jimin up, yet there’s also a small part of him that just knows that Jimin doesn’t expect anything from him.Call it instinct or intuition or just wishful thinking; or maybe it’s in the hybrid’s body language, how he acts around them. Taehyung isn’t an open person, not anymore. He doesn’t trust as easily as he used to, nor does he spill his guts to any random person he meets.But Jimin.He’s not exactly sure how it happens, just that at some point his head had ended up in Jimin’s lap, soft fingers combing through his hair as he quietly confesses his insecurities and fears to the hybrid, Jimin never interrupting him, bushy tail gently brushing down his thigh.And it’s...therapeutic, almost, Taehyung thinks he could fall asleep like this, only just noticing that Jimin’s humming, and it sounds like one of Namjoon’s songs but softer, slower.“It’s stupid.” Taehyung finishes quietly, at which point Jimin speaks.“It’s not.” Jimin disagrees, guiding Taehyung to look at him. “Everyone has different fears and different worries, yours are just as valid as anyone else’s. And if I’ve learned anything from the bond you share, none of them would think so, either.”“But doesn’t that make it even more stupid?” Taehyung can’t help but argue. “I know that’s what they’ll think but I still lose sleep over it...”“It just means that you care.” Jimin soothes a thumb under his eye, “sometimes our hearts don’t agree with our brain, but that’s what makes us human. Talk to them about it, it’ll make you feel better.”For a second, Taehyung thinks Jimin might give him a forehead kiss – then the moment is over, the red panda hybrid merely tucking a strand of hair behind Taehyung’s ear.“How about we go to sleep for now?” Jimin suggests, “if you want, I can be there with you when you guys talk about it.”“I...” Taehyung’s suddenly overwhelmed by a rush of affection and gratitude for Jimin, because none of this is in his paycheck, he doesn’t have to be here or listen to Taehyung’s rambling or give him any advice at all, Jimin could have pretended to not hear Taehyung or just minded his own business.His voice comes out hoarser than intended. “I’d like that.”Smiling, Jimin coaxes him up, taking his hand and leading Taehyung back to Jimin’s room. He lies down as Jimin pulls up the covers, and, unable to help himself, Taehyung blurts: “stay with me.”...so his crush on Jimin may be bigger than he thought.“Please?”He would ask Jimin to cuddle with him, but he’s afraid Jimin might misunderstand, and Taehyung doesn’t want to screw this up, whatever this ends up being.Jimin threads their fingers together, slowly, giving Taehyung a chance to pull away, answering in an even softer voice: “go to sleep Taehyungie.”The nickname erupts into a swarm of butterflies in Taehyung’s tummy, and his face must be red from how cool his pillow suddenly feels.“Thank you.” Taehyung whispers. Jimin squeezes his hand in return.“Good night Taehyungie.”“Good night...Jiminie.” As the one person among their small love group who has a company (it’s so weird to think of his studio as such still) to run, Hoseok is always the first up. No, scratch that; Hoseok has almost always been the first up, period, because he’s a guy that sticks to schedules and likes to keep his life orderly and simple.Falling in love with five people had been the biggest variant in his life to date, including choosing to pursue dance as a career and he doesn’t regret a second of it.They’ve pretty much settled into their relationship now, but there had been a long stretch of time where Hoseok wasn’t entirely convinced that they would actually make this work.He loves them all of course, but he’s not naive; love doesn’t conquer all, and it’s not always enough.Hoseok’s glad they did though; stick through everything together and worked to make this a permanent thing.Ah, must be the morning light making him sentimental again.Hoseok shakes his feelings off, getting ready for the day.The apartment is cloaked in pin drop silence, the sounds of Seoul filtering through the walls and windows. It’s nice, and most of the time Hoseok treats it like white noise.Today, though, it’s different.Over the past few weeks, he’s gotten used to another presence awake at approximately the same time as him, quietly bustling in the kitchen before most of them are stirring. To a certain bushy-tailed hybrid lolling next to the slide doors, sunlight streaming through the curtains, golden hues flecking the tips of his fur a lighter tone.Today, though, Jimin’s not there.Instead Hoseok is greeted by Taehyung, which is a rare enough occurrence that the former blinks a few times, just to make sure this isn’t an elaborate illusion.“Good morning.” There’s a mug grasped between Taehyung’s fingers, steam rising out suggesting some sort of hot beverage. The younger’s in his sleepwear, a slightly oversized pair of silk white pajamas dotted with a cute heart headed alien.He’s adorable, sporting puffy eyes and an equally puffy face from sleep, so Hoseok certainly isn’t complaining.“Morning. You’re up early?” Hoseok plants a few kisses on Taehyung as greeting, the latter leaning into him for more, for which Hoseok is happy to oblige.Taehyung shivers a little when Hoseok kisses behind his ear, but is otherwise pliant in his hyung’s hands. “Mm, I have a meeting this morning.”Humming, Hoseok lets go of him to prepare his own breakfast, a large one mixing Korean and western, knowing that the calories will be burned off soon enough.“I slept with Jiminie yesterday.” Taehyung suddenly blurts, voice uncannily loud scaring Hoseok into nearly spilling his milk.“You – wait, what?”Taehyung seems to suddenly realize his mistake, following up with a panicky: “not in that way! I mean, when I fell asleep he was by my bedside, and now he’s sleeping in my – er, his bed.”That’s – well, at least it explains why the companion isn’t up as usual. Hoseok quickly puts together his breakfast, bringing it out to the dining room to see Taehyung, face beet red, clutching his mug like a life line, eyes flitting everywhere but on Hoseok.Alright, first things first.“Why was he by your bedside?”Taehyung curls into himself, immediately setting off alarms in Hoseok’s head. Shit, did something happen at the hospital yesterday? He had asked about it of course, yet can’t recall that there was any bad news at all. In fact, both Seokjin and Namjoon had understandably been in higher spirits than prior months, the prospect of finally, literally being able to get back on their feet boosting their moods considerably.“I, um...” Taehyung falters, expression shuttering at the same time Hoseok hears footsteps behind him.“Jimin?” Hoseok’s pretty sure he’s not imagining the relief in Taehyung’s tone, which sparks more questions than answers. “You should be sleeping...”“Biological clock.” Jimin shrugs when Hoseok looks at him, small but genuine smile puffing up his face even more. “Good morning.”“Morning.” Minutely distracted by a third person, Hoseok turns back to Taehyung once Jimin’s disappeared into the kitchen. There’s a pitter-patter of footsteps behind him, cupboards being opened and closed. A familiar rhythm to an unfamiliar tune, soon accompanied by Taehyung’s explanation of why he had been up last night.During that time Hoseok has pulled over one of the chairs, holding one of Taehyung’s larger hands in his.“If I can’t even be here when they need me, what kind of partner am I?”Hoseok doesn’t hesitate before gathering his dongsaeng into his arms, chin pressed against the top of Taehyung’s head, and feels the younger take in a shuddering breath.“Hey hey.” Hoseok soothes, planting soft kisses along his forehead and temples. Honestly, he’s not the most well-spoken person among their group; not even close to being the most open about feelings. It’s an ongoing effort, and it’s not that Hoseok doesn’t trust or love them enough, it’s simply how he’s always been. Falling in love is a scary thing, essentially placing a most fragile piece of you in someone else’s hands, and, at least on Hoseok’s part, it took a lot of effort to not constantly be afraid.To love.But.“Remember what you said when Yoongi was working at his first job?”Taehyung lets out another shudder, though for an entirely different reason.Those were dark times, Hoseok recalls with unwanted clarity. When most of them had still been in school, with only Seokjin and Yoongi making money. When Jungkook had came out to his parents, only to have them sever all ties with him, cutting off financial support, and of course Seokjin and Yoongi had jumped in to cover for him, even though Yoongi was working at minimum wage, and Seokjin’s model career still unstable. The rest of them pitched in when they could, but it was still a tight fit, resulting in several breakdowns and more than a few tears.On a particularly bad night, Yoongi had broken down on a date with Taehyung and Hoseok.He wasn’t making enough money, his boss was a dick, colleagues piling their workload onto him, and was he being too distant from them? He couldn’t recall the last time he’d been present during Hoseok’s dance recital or Jungkook’s photography exhibition, not to mention actually exchanging more than a few words with Seokjin, both trying their hardest to make ends meet.They had known graduating and leaving school behind would be a big transition, they just hadn’t anticipated what an enormous impact it would have on all of them.Back to present time, Taehyung nods, the tip of his nose a bit pink though no tears have made their presence known.“Other’s hardships and struggles don’t cancel out your own.” Taehyung recites from memory, voice quieter than usual. “And being in a relationship means we’re here for everyone, not matter the good or the bad.”“Exactly.” Hoseok murmurs, fingers rubbing circles between his partner’s shoulder blades. “Do Jin hyung and Joon need more care than usual? Absolutely. But that doesn’t mean your struggles are less or trivial. We want to be here for you, too, okay?”“...okay.” Taehyung sniffles, but at least he doesn’t sound quite as torn up as he was, which counts as a small victory in Hoseok’s book.They stay like that for a while, Hoseok rocking them in his chair, hand splayed across Taehyung’s back and head, pressing butterfly kisses sporadically. It occurs to him that Jimin’s been taking an awful lot of time in the kitchen, which probably means the companion is purposefully giving them alone time to talk. Warmth blossoms in his chest, settles into his heart, with a shape that oddly resembles a certain someone not in his lap.But hopefully, maybe someday.“Jimin said the same thing.” Taehyung says abruptly.“Ah, really?”Nodding into Hoseok’s collarbones, there’s something a little shyer, a little more hesitant to Taehyung’s tone now.“I think...I think I might like him more than I thought.”There’s some shuffling noises coming from the kitchen, presumably Jimin getting ready to come over for breakfast.The warmth’s still there, prominent as the brightly shining sun and twice as warm.“Me too, baby.” Hoseok holds Taehyung tighter. “Me too.” Recovery is...harder than Seokjin thought.Albeit having stood and walked on his own in short periods while all bandaged up, he soon discovers that his body has seemed to forgotten how to walk properly on both legs, besides his muscles being weaker and his whole person less balanced.At first they had started simple: practice walking around the house while leaning on the walls; then walking on their own two legs for as long as possible. After a week, Jimin had lugged some children’s building blocks, the soft, light, kind of squishy kind that couldn’t hurt people unless aimed at the eye, over, piling them into stacks of fives and sixes as obstacles for an obstacle course.“It’s not about speed, hyung, it’s about precision.” Jimin is telling Namjoon, who had knocked over the first set of blocks in his haste. “This exercise is meant to help you guys regain your balance and sense of navigation.”“Sorry.” Namjoon says sheepishly, helping, and not helping, to put the blocks back in place only to have his arms or legs accidentally knock them over again.Well, Seokjin reflects, at least he’s doing marginally better than Namjoon.And by marginally better, he means that he hasn’t had a chance to knock over anything yet, since Namjoon had volunteered to go first.“Let me help.” Jungkook volunteers, walking over from where he had been watching.Jimin briefly instructs Jungkook what to do before handing off Namjoon to him, a gesture that from Seokjin’s point of view seems rather wedding ceremony like, but that may just be the drama queen in him.Then Jimin turns to him.Seokjin makes sure to give out a particularly dramatic sigh before standing, proud that his right leg doesn’t wobble like a new born fawn quite as much.As if sensing his nonexistent trepidation, Jimin gives him a reassuring smile, “don’t worry hyung, I’ll catch you if you fall.”“Well thanks for your faith in m–”Seokjin’s barely turned the corner before he lands his foot weirdly, which results in his literal downfall.Jimin manages to cushion his fall, letting out a soft oof with his arms wrapped around Seokjin’s torso, tail curled protectively against his waist, which makes Seokjin feel. Things.Alright then.“Hyung, are you okay?” Brows furrowed, Jimin roves his eyes over Seokjin’s person checking for any visible signs of harm, “did it hurt?”Unable to stop himself, Seokjin replies with almost knee jerk reaction: “you mean when I fell from heaven?”He can feel Namjoon and Jungkook looking at them, Jimin’s eyes wide, mouth slightly agape, frozen for a beat too long (did he overstep?)...before bursting out in full-blown laughter, loosening his grip on Seokjin in favor of sinking onto the ground, keeling over as his whole person shook with the force of his laugh.Namjoon looks on, the picture of unamused, while Jungkook has to visibly fight to keep off the smile that’s threatening to split across his face.“Hyung, that was such a bad joke!”Seokjin gestures to Jimin, who looks like he might be sporting tears of joy. “Yah, that’s because none of you have my sense of humor! See Jimin here has a great sense of humor.” Though he can’t really keep his own grin at bay.It’s probably a good minute or two before Jimin regains his composure, though the twinkle in his eyes doesn’t leave. Namjoon has managed to slowly make his way with few mishaps further down the obstacle course, with Jungkook hovering nearby encouraging him.“Okay.” Jimin says before promptly bursting into a small fit of giggles. “Let’s try this again, okay?”Clearing his throat, Seokjin looks ahead, sees the small obstacles ahead; sees Namjoon and Jungkook, almost at the finish line; sees Jimin waiting for him, patient as ever.Then he looks down, and sees the little muscle he’s managed to grow back already.“Okay.” Namjoon stretches his left hand fingers, still not quite able to make a fist, before clumsily picking up his chopsticks and trying to get a piece of the omelette.“Namjoon-ah,” Yoongi, slightly bemused, decides to voice out his concerns, “why are you trying to use your left hand to use chopsticks?”It’s a Saturday, so most of them are sleeping in; most of them excluding Jimin, who said he had some friends to meet, Yoongi, because his job demands that he sometimes work on weekends, and Namjoon, as according to the younger, “inspiration had suddenly struck, so I had to hyung”.Having successfully managed to place both sticks on either side of the omelette, face scrunched in determination, Namjoon mumbles out his reply: “Jimin said that I should practice using my left hand to do more complicated and coordinated moves, so I thought this would be a good opportunity.”He then squeezes the omelette between his chopsticks and lifts, nearly succeeding in putting it into his bowl before it slips out of his hold and plops onto the table.Yoongi doesn’t want to interfere, lest discouraging Namjoon from trying; but he also can’t stand the look of disappointment on the younger’s face, for something that arguably was never a skillset of his to begin with.“I think it might be better to start at something less ambitious.” Yoongi suggests as Namjoon’s eyes flickers in his direction. “Why don’t you start on the kimchi? It’s about precision, not weightlifting.”“...okay.” Namjoon seems to accept his proposal, which Yoongi takes as an initiative to pluck the sad omelette from the table and pop it into his mouth.“Hyung!” Namjoon gasps, whines, which only serves to make Yoongi smirk, munching on the delicious morsel courtesy of Jimin.“Learn to use your chopsticks and maybe you’ll get a piece.” He bites, watching as Namjoon switches over to his right hand, having immediate success with the omelette afterwards.Harrumphing in triumph, Namjoon grins at Yoongi before he freezes, “hyung...did you just –”“Well, it’s about time, I should get to work.” Yoongi stands, cleaning away all the dirty dishes before a very much flabbergasted Namjoon, smirking to himself at a job well done. “I think we should tell him.”“So do I.”Jungkook blinks, not expecting Hoseok to agree so readily with him.“What, didn’t think I’d agree just like that?” Hoseok grins, stretching his legs out on the bed, toes wiggling next to where Jungkook sits. Although it’s Monday, Hoseok doesn’t have dance classes until mid-afternoon, so they’ve taken to laze around in bed for a bit. “I mean, obviously everyone has heart eyes for Jimin, but I think he’s starting to notice.”Nodding, Jungkook automatically reaches for Hoseok’s calf, fingers kneading a steady rhythm as Hoseok honest-to-god moans, sending shivers down Jungkook’s spine that have nothing to do with the air-conditioning.“Hyung...” Jungkook trails off, cheeks hot and mouth dry.“I can’t help it when you do that to me.” Hoseok wiggles his toes again, now in Jungkook’s lap before continuing in a more serious tone. “But really, I don’t think we should keep him in the dark any longer, if we’re all sure of what we feel for him, then it’s only fair to let him know and make his own choices.”Jungkook breathes out, though not daring to massage any other part of his hyung’s body in case of...accidents. “What do you think he’ll say?”Hoseok hums, head pillowed in his arms while he thinks.“Truthfully? I don’t know. He’s fond of us, but being romantically with so many people is challenging, and who knows, maybe he only likes one of us or a few of us, wouldn’t blame him really.”The tone in which Hoseok speaks sounds wrong to Jungkook’s ears; purposefully light and nonchalant, it’s almost like...“What do you mean?” Jungkook doesn’t want to make assumptions; hopefully Hoseok will answer him honestly.Hoseok shrugs, still in that faux relaxed way. “I mean, all of you are such catches, who wouldn’t fall in love with you? And have you seen the way Jimin looks at Taehyung? Or Yoongi, or any of you really, not to make assumptions but, um.” He shrugs again, as if that proves his point.Which proves what Jungkook thought to be true, and if there’s anything he’s bad at it’s words, but he’ll be damned if he doesn’t try his best.He climbs onto Hoseok, straddling his clothed legs in the process, prompting a confused noise out of his hyung.“Hyung, don’t you know how attractive you are?” Not waiting for an answer, Jungkook goes on: “you say that we’re all catches, like we’re perfect, but you, you’re so...” he flounders for words. “You can dance, you can cook, when you smile it’s like the sun shines, you’re hardworking and so good to all of us, you make sure everyone’s happy and try to be there whenever someone needs a shoulder to lean on, and you’re – so you!” He finishes lamely.He tries not to squirm under Hoseok’s gaze, however that turns out to be futile once the latter takes his face into his hands, planting a sweet kiss on his lips that has Jungkook melting like putty.“Thanks JK.” Hoseok says softly, “I’m glad I have you to remind me how wonderful I am.”“A-any time.” Jungkook mumbles, still very much a cherry tomato, though for the smile on Hoseok’s face? Definitely worth it.“Let’s talk to the others, see what they think.”Jungkook nods, lying down parallel to Hoseok, arms and legs gravitating towards his nice smelling hyung. Like, no offense to his other hyungs, but hugging Hoseok is like lying in a pile of freshly washed clothes, minus the guilt of dirtying the laundry plus points because Hoseok likes tactile affection, which Jungkook is happy to oblige.Point in case, Hoseok responds in kind by pulling Jungkook closer, small kisses making their way to the latter’s hairline and forehead.“I think they’ll agree.” Hoseok continues softly. “It’s time.” It’s decided that they’ll tell Jimin today, three months after meeting him, two after he moved in. Are they moving too fast? Namjoon can’t help but wonder, though if compared to some of his acquaintances who move through different partners like changing clothes, they’re probably considered slow.They tell Jimin that since it’s a Saturday, and none of them had any other obligations that day, that they should just order pizza and fried chicken for lunch, and the hybrid had agreed happily, unsuspecting of their ulterior motives, which definitely made it sound a lot more sinister than a love confession.(Although if Namjoon thought about it, love confessions gone wrong could also be extremely sinister, but he shouldn’t be thinking about that.)Was pizza romantic? Was it weird to confess over fried chicken? Jungkook and Taehyung would disagree, the norms would say otherwise. Then again, they were never in a conventional relationship to begin with, so it’s a moot point at best.The seven of them dig into the food once it’s delivered, whole pizzas devoured in a blink of the eye. No one talks at first; though because they’re stalling or they’re really that hungry Namjoon couldn’t tell.Surprisingly, it’s Jimin who speaks up first.“Did you guys have something you wanted to tell me?”They collectively freeze, pizzas half way to mouths and half chewed, so Namjoon, the only one without something in his mouth, coughs, “what makes you think that?”Jimin’s lips twist, not quite a smile. “I have been living with you guys for the past two months.” He points out, “it’s not that hard to tell when you’re keeping secrets.”Namjoon shares a look with his boyfriends, “you’re right, there’s something we need to tell you.”Jimin nods, putting down his slice of pizza, still a complete triangle. Hands folded neatly in his lap, Jimin looks just like when they told him about their relationship two months ago, with his tail close to his person, not touching any of them.His ears are flat against his head, spine straight and eyes sharp; Namjoon takes a deep breath before telling him: “we like you.”“...that’s it?”The confusion in his tone is a clear indicator that Namjoon might have skipped too many parts into the main plot line, but Seokjin beats him to it. “Remember how we told you that we’re in a polyamorous relationship?”Once Jimin nods, Seokjin goes on: “we didn’t start out with all of us in a relationship, it was more of, of, we had more love to give, so me and Namjoon agreed on having an open relationship, but we always talked to whoever we were interested in before that it wasn’t just about sex or a convenient shoulder to lean on when one of us wasn’t present.”“To put it simply, we had to all at least like each other and be willing to communicate so there were as few misunderstandings as possible.” Yoongi continued. “We like you, and would like to know how you feel about that.”“No pressure of course.” Hoseok is quick to add. “It’s not our intention to make you feel trapped or obligated to say yes because you’re currently working for us, but it didn’t feel right to hide something this big from you, and if you don’t feel comfortable being with us anymore,” he takes a breath, “we’d understand.”They’re all looking at Jimin intently, whether with anticipation, anxiousness, or hope, or a mix of everything Namjoon’s currently feeling. Like Hoseok said, he – they – don’t want to give him more pressure than he’s probably feeling, yet it’s impossible to not observe his every move, looking for any possible giveaways that he might storm out or yell at them or something.Jimin does none of those things. His posture hasn’t changed, at least not drastically, but he hasn’t bolted for the door, and that should count as something, right?“So...you guys want to be with me?” Jimin clarifies, going on once all of them nod their affirmation. “Even though I might turn out to be a terrible person? I mean, I don’t think I am.” His tail twitches, “but you’ve only known me for about three months, and like Yoongi hyung said, I work for you, this nice person you guys like may just be my working persona.”“We understand.” Namjoon answers, “we’re not proposing that you say yes now or jump head in.”“Then what are you proposing?” Reddish ears still flat down, eyes narrowed and shoulders squared, Jimin gives off the aura of someone much bigger in size, not unlike a cornered animal though less helpless.Namjoon’s still thinking of how best to articulate his words when Taehyung speaks up, “dates.”They all look toward him, with various degrees of surprise. This is not something they had discussed beforehand, though in hindsight they probably should have.“With your permission, I propose that we all go out on dates with you.” Taehyung elaborates, gaze settling on Jimin once he’s made eye contact with every one of them. “You mentioned personas, but the same thing applies to you, right? We could also be trying to be people we aren’t, but I think with time as you’re living with us and going out on dates, you’d have a better assessment of our personalities and how all of this would potentially work.”Jimin might not want to live with them anymore, but Namjoon chooses not to bring it up, since it’s ultimately Jimin’s choice. “You don’t have to give us an answer now, but we thought it only fair to let you know.”Shaking his head, Jimin lets out a long breath, his ears perking up slightly, body posture a bit more relaxed, “that’s fine. I think I’m okay to go out on dates.” He smiles then, picking up his slice of pizza, “let’s eat, then? We can talk more about these dates as we eat.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jimin’s been in two relationships before, one with a human, one with a fellow hybrid. Neither had lasted long, one in part because of his long working hours and how it sometimes needed him to live in house, the other was for more...personal reasons.“If you have anything you’re uncomfortable of us asking, or things you don’t want to do, tell us.” Namjoon had said, eyes earnest and betraying nothing than genuine concern. “The key to healthy relationships is communication and respect, so if you have any concerns or doubts at all, please don’t hesitate to voice them out.”And now, thirty minutes into his date with Taehyung, Jimin wonders if he should tell him. Tell them.It hadn’t been a concern while working or living with them, simply because it wasn’t something job related. Jimin had thought about it, of course, especially on that day he had accidentally heard Seokjin and Jungkook going at it (or starting to). And he had reflected even more on it as he got to know them better, later learning the full nature of their relationship.Jimin wonders if it would work. He wonders if they’ll regret their decision once they know.“Jimin?”They’ve reached their destination, the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, and now Taehyung’s looking at Jimin, a slight furrow to his brows.“It’s nothing.” Jimin smiles at him. “Let’s go.”Taehyung doesn’t seem convinced, but he doesn’t push, “can I hold your hand?” He asks instead.Blinking in surprise, Jimin can’t help but glance around. The weather’s nice enough, so there’s plenty of people out and about, and the fine dust isn’t too bad, though most, including them, still donned face masks. Taehyung’s wearing clothes of his own design, a trench coat of royal purple and matching checkered wide-leg pants, with a black beret completing the look. It’s a peculiar look for sure, but one Taehyung seems to pull off effortlessly, his glasses merely the cherry on top. In comparison, Jimin had opted to wear one of his long-sleeved shirts and skinny jeans, well worn Chelsea boots probably the most expensive piece of footwear he owned.“You’re sure? Won’t you be recognized or something?” He’s not exactly sure how famous Taehyung is, just that he’s a rising artist in his own field and trying his best to make it.“Nah, people know the models better than the designers, unless of course they’re in the fashion industry.” Eyes twinkling, Jimin can tell there’s a boxy grin under the face mask to match it, and, unable to stop himself, squeezes Taehyung’s hand just that bit tighter.They buy their tickets and enter, going slowly as Jimin admires the different art pieces and Taehyung explains their different meanings, always asking Jimin what he thinks of them before adding his own opinion.“What about this one?”They’ve stopped in front of a sculpture of sorts, its full height slightly higher than the both of them. It depicts a person escaping from a blob of clay, their face a look of pure terror, and something about it. Something about it strikes a chord in Jimin.“He’s escaping from the mold.” It sounds right, but there’s something more to it that Jimin can’t quite place his finger on, other than the fact that the man is stark naked.He wonders if he should point that out. If Taehyung will look at him and think, ‘what an uncultured animal’, as he had once been told.Taehyung wouldn’t, at least Jimin doesn’t think so.And he doesn’t.“I believe that art is up to the interpretation of the individual.” Taehyung explains, eyes sparkling as he leans into Jimin’s space, hands clasped tightly around the hybrid’s. “Of course to every art piece there is the artist’s own story and message, but art in and of itself is very subjective, so long as you aren’t purposefully mocking them or disrespectful, I think every opinion is valid.”Skipping ahead a few steps, Taehyung opens his arms, wide smile emphasized by the nearby spotlights, almost like he’s glowing.“The world’s too big for people to be narrow-minded, don’t you think?”There’s a slight fluttering in Jimin’s chest, like someone just brushed the furry tip of their tail against him in affection, and he thinks to himself: he should tell them. The brunch place Taehyung picked out is nestled in between two three-story buildings, a narrow pathway leading to its front door. A waiter greets them by the door, taking them to a vacant table and handing them their menus.Jimin decides to wait until they’ve finished ordering before telling Taehyung. Partially because he doesn’t want to be overheard or interrupted by strangers, but he’s not above admitting that he’s nervous.It’s hard to anticipate other’s reactions to these sort of things, but he’s hoping with how unorthodox their relationship is, they’ll be more accepting of his asexuality.Bagels and pancakes seem to be this restaurant’s specialty, so they each settle for one, thanking the waiter as she leaves.“There’s something I need to tell you.” Jimin blurts as soon as she’s out of earshot. He cringes at how squeaky his voice sounds, but it’s not like he can help it.Taehyung made a welcoming gesture, eyes fixated on Jimin, waiting for him to speak.“I, um, I,” Jimin wracks his brain for ways to convey his message, and ends up settling for the simplest of them all, “I’m asexual.”He waits, with baited breath, as Taehyung blinks, mouth popping into a small ‘o’, then his brows furrow, tone a bit unsure, “just to be sure, that means you don’t like sex, right?”“Not...I’ don’t feel sexual attraction to other people.” It’s more than simply not liking it, and Jimin watches Taehyung nod, not showing much more emotion other than concern, though that may be Jimin not knowing the other as well as he might in a few years.A few years. Jimin shouldn’t get his hopes up too much, but he wants to.“Could you tell me more about asexuality? I think Namjoon hyung might’ve explained it to me before, but my memory isn’t the best.” Taehyung confesses sheepishly, a light pink tinting his cheeks.“So asexuality is more of a spectrum than a single definition...”So Jimin tells him, at first slowly, about the ace spectrum and his personal boundaries. That he likes kisses with no tongue, and platonic cuddling and such, sex is fine as long as he isn’t directly involved —“So you mean you’re fine if we watch you jerk off or vice versa?” Taehyung interrupts, before clamping a hand on his mouth, face turning an endearing shade of flaming red.Jimin himself is probably no better, if the heat on his cheeks and how his shirt suddenly feels suffocating is anything to go by. His tail thumps on his lap, and he’s glad it’s not too visible over the table.“Yes.” Jimin used to worry whether he was ‘ace enough’ to be considered asexual, if people would judge him for not completely annihilating sex from his life. But he’s read up on it and talked to people in the community, so he knows that it’s a wide spectrum and hey, it’s okay to be unsure or label yourself as something if you think it fits.He says as much to Taehyung, to which the latter immediately agrees.The conversation naturally flows into likes and dislikes, to hobbies and dreams, Jimin doesn’t even know when the food had been served and how they seemed to devour it all without his conscious thought, mind and eyes constantly on Taehyung as he tells Jimin how he doesn’t like the taste of coffee or alcohol, that he was incredibly lucky to have caught the eye of his current boss slash mentor, and that when Yoongi scrunches his face at skinship he doesn’t actually dislike it.In turn Jimin tells him how he grew up, about his exes, how he decided to be a companion, and that he may have been crushing on them before.“But you weren’t going to do anything.” It’s not a question, nor is it an accusation. Taehyung reaches out to Jimin, palm up, and the latter barely has to think before he places his hand in Taehyung’s bigger one.Threading their fingers together, there’s a reverence to Taehyung’s tone that sends tingles up Jimin’s spine, “I’m glad you said yes.”Then: “Jimin-ah, I really, really like you.”“Can I kiss you on the cheek?”And it’s the softest, sweetest kiss Jimin has ever had the pleasure of receiving. Once Jimin’s told Taehyung, it’s a lot easier telling the rest of them, and they don’t judge him, or look at him differently. Namjoon asks about his boundaries, and they all agree to them.This is the first time he’s ever told so many people (people who are potentials romantic partners, his brain supplies), and yet it’s so easy, so much more easier than when Jimin had told his ex.“Seungheeeeee.” Jimin whines to his dear friend, upper body splayed on her dining table, minding the banchan set up near him.“I think I’m falling in love.”A young woman pops up around the corner, high ponytail swishing behind her like a tail. Idly, Jimin thinks that Seunghee would make a very cute squirrel hybrid.“I think you’d be a very cute squirrel hybrid.”Seunghee huffs, bringing two bowls of kimchi stew with her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, I’m already cute.”Smiling, Jimin scoops a mouthful and groans in appreciation. He wouldn’t say that Seunghee taught him all that he knew about the ins and outs of the kitchen, but she had definitely been a big help experience-wise, as there was only so much cookbooks could tell.“Those six guys right? Isn’t that a good thing then?” Seunghee asks, digging in to her own portion, continuing their conversation with ease. “You like them, they like you, and they’re pretty understanding, right?”“I guess it’s just strange that things seem to be working out so smoothly.” Jimin scrunches his nose. “That sounds weird.”“Sounds like you want things to go badly.”“No.” Jimin sighs. “I guess I was anticipating a lot more fuss.”Chewing on her kimchi thoughtfully, Seunghee makes a small noise before swallowing.“Think of it this way; they’ve known each other for almost ten years, been together for almost half of that, so it’s most likely that they’ve worked out a lot of problems before they met you.”“Fair point.” Jimin smiles, “thanks Seunghee-ah.” “Told you, I’m an energizer incarnated.” Seunghee huffs, though Jimin knows her well enough to recognize that she’s pleased. He makes a mental note to hang out with her more, though a slightly difficult feat every time he has to live in-house as a companion, he enjoys his best friend’s company and their playful banter.“So, you mentioned a woman last time? Hyojung, right?” Switching the focus of attention to Seunghee, head in the palm of his hand, Jimin watches with growing amusement as his normally shameless friend turns a light pink. “How’s that getting along?”Seunghee lets out an exaggerated groan, face slamming into the table with a resounding thunk, though thankfully her hands are there to soften the impact.“She’s so cute, you don’t even know.” She whines in fondness. “But I’m either doing something wrong or she’s super dense, there’s no way she doesn’t notice that I’m flirting with her.”“You’re sure she’s into girls, right?”Seunghee nods, lips forming a pout. “I met her ex, super pretty by the way what the fuck,” Seunghee pauses mid-rant to sneeze, “maybe she only likes woman with big boobs? Or are super pretty.” She pinches her own cheeks, a downward tilt to them as she frowns.It’s an often brought up topic between them, or by Seunghee specifically. Appearance-wise Seunghee leans more towards the typical cute side, and as she herself had pointed out to Jimin countless times, she has ‘practically no boobs to show’. To Jimin, his friend is a cute, adorkable and loving person, deeply caring and witty with a healthy sense of humor. But he knows there are people out there who’ll only judge people on a superficial level, and as much as Seunghee tries to shake it off, there will always be those days that callous looks and careless remarks stick like sweaty clothes to one’s body.“If she only likes people for their looks, then she isn’t worth your time.” Jimin holds up a hand to stop Seunghee from rebutting. “But from what you’ve told me, she’s not that kind of person, is she?”“No.”“Besides, pretty and beautiful are overrated, cute is definitely the way to go.”“Yeah right.” Seunghee swats at him, hand falling midway to pick up her chopsticks. “And don’t think I didn’t notice you changing topics. Your boyfriends still have to be verified by me before you’re official.”“Verified?”“Yes, as president of the Protect Jimin Squad,it is my duty to verify your possible husbands.” Seunghee says this with a completely straight face, and Jimin tries to hold it in, he really does, but —“Wha —” he squeaks, then Seunghee loses it too, laughter bouncing off the walls like speckles of dust dancing in the sunlight as she bends over the table, body shaking and face flushed a light red.Jimin probably isn’t faring too good himself, what with how his stomach’s already aching and his eyesight has blurred. It shouldn’t be this funny, yet with Seunghee everything always seems so bright and full of color, it’s more of a feat to try not to smile in her presence.“Okay, okay.” Jimin says once he’s calmed down a bit. “If we do become something, I’ll introduce you.”“You better.” Seunghee huffs, this time seemingly determined to make a dent in her bowl, “I’m your best friend for a reason you know.”And Jimin, of course, doesn’t fight her on that. So maybe when Taehyung proposed dates, Jimin had assumed it would be one on one with the six of them, which he admits is kind of foolish, thinking back.However, that doesn’t mean he’s complaining. In fact, it’s nice to have Namjoon on one side, Hoseok on the other, walking down the Han river with both arms linked with either of them. Not the most convenient way to walk, but it made Jimin feel warm inside, and they were in no hurry to go anywhere.Going out with Namjoon and Hoseok is different from with Taehyung, not that Jimin was expecting it to be. Taehyung is loud and full of energy, playful, probably more so because Jimin is the same age as him. If Jimin thinks too hard about it, he wonders how they seemed to immediately click, despite Taehyung perhaps being the one he had previously spent the least time with. Maybe it’s Taehyung’s charm? Or maybe their personalities just happened to match like puzzle pieces.With Namjoon and Hoseok, especially Namjoon, Jimin had the time and opportunity to get to know him better as he took care of him and Seokjin. He knows Namjoon likes having an iced americano every morning, that his brain is constantly buzzing, that he has so many ideas and thoughts, at times it’s hard to contain them by himself.Hoseok is opposite; he moves his body more than his brain, but that’s not to say he’s a mindless busybody. It simply comes with his profession and who he is. Hoseok prefers to keep his body busy, even when he isn’t dancing, he’s doing something or other, most days preplanned schedules kept perfectly in sync with what he actually does, and Jimin respects that. It means Hoseok is rarely, if ever, late or forgetting to do something, he’s trying to live his life as best he can, which isn’t something many can boast about.And now, walking by the riverside, Jimin gets to know them even more.“You’re sure you’re okay with this?” Namjoon asks for the third time since they’ve set off, looking adorably anxious, though Jimin probably shouldn’t think of his anxiousness as such. “I know just walking and doing nothing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea—”“Namjoon hyung.” Jimin’s words have Namjoon immediately stopping, “I like going on walks like this. And I really appreciate that you and Hoseok hyung are here with me.” He smiles, just for good measure, hoping to quell the nerves in the other man’s stomach somewhat. It seems to work, to some extent, as Namjoon’s body visibly relaxes, the crease between his brows loosening somewhat.“Okay. That’s good.” Namjoon smiles then, before his eyes land on a small vendor up front, and he swears on the Han river that they sell the best tteokbokki on this side of the river. With both Jimin and Hoseok’s approval, he (“no running!” Jimin calls after him) walks off to buy some for them, leaving the other two alone.They’re quiet at first, something Jimin had immediately picked up once their date started. They’re understandably more comfortable and in tune with one another, and Jimin is a wild card. Contrary to Hoseok’s normally louder behavior, he’s a careful person, and he tries to look out for everyone, sometimes rendering himself invisible when deemed needed.But that’s not what Jimin wants, and that’s not what a date’s supposed to entail.Slipping his arm out of Hoseok’s, Jimin quickly grasps the other’s hand in his as Hoseok makes a sound of confusion, curling his tail to gently brush up against his date’s backside.“Is this too much?”Hoseok shakes his head, letting out a little laugh. “Sorry, we’re not usually this awkward. Namjoon — we really want to impress you.”“You don’t need to impress me though.” Jimin points out. “I’ve literally seen you all in pajamas and bedheads.”Laughing again, this time brighter, Hoseok gives Jimin’s hand a squeeze. “I think that’s the point though. You’ve seen us at our most unruly, so we want you to see the best now.”“I guess.”“Could you tell me more about yourself? I’m not very knowledgable about hybrids, so I’m sorry in advance if I ask or say something insensitive.”“No worries.” Jimin squeezes his hand in a reassuring manner. “There’s not much to talk about really. As you know, I’m a red panda hybrid, which means I retain some of its traits, but also more than half human? Not sure what the scientists who made the first of us were thinking, but here we are.”He makes a general gesture towards himself, just as Namjoon returns with three helpings of tteokbokki.Jimin takes out his wallet but is immediately assaulted by “we’re your hyungs” and “let us pay this time”, and so he gives in, only after making them promise to let him pay next time.“What were you guys talking about?” Namjoon bites into his midday snack as they resume their walk. The weather is just on this side of warm, enough that none of them had bothered with overcoats, Jimin in a fluffy sweater and jeans, Namjoon with hoodie and sweatpants while Hoseok had donned a shoulder-less long tee and jeans. A bolder fashion piece than the former of the three, but not so out there that it would look out of place.“Not much. By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask, Jimin-ah, is your red panda part the reason why you like to stay in the sun so much?” Hoseok asks.Surprised, Jimin turns to Hoseok just as Namjoon says: “I’ve noticed that, too. You always pick the sunniest spots to sit, even when there are more shaded seats vacant.”Jimin can feel his mouth dropping open a little, caught off guard by how observant they were.“Umm...” he blinks, trying to find his voice. “I’ve never thought too much about it, but I guess? It just feels nice and warm with the sun on my skin and fur, so that’s what I usually do in my spare time.”He knows there are many hybrids out there that retain characteristics of their animal counterparts that severely limit what they can and cannot do, but for Jimin it’s mostly small things. Like how he enjoys sunbathing, he’s noticed that he does tend to stand taller and widen his stance when threatened, as Seunghee had once shown him a picture of a red panda doing as so. Jimin used to be more of a night owl (hah), but due to his job he had to make himself a morning person.He’s heard some say that there were several reasons that different hybrids were created, exoticness, aesthetic, scientific, and maybe a couple other ones. Jimin supposes red pandas land somewhere in the latter two.It’s never been much of a problem before (except when he needs to buy new clothes), and he hopes it isn’t a problem now.“How about we go biking sometime?” Hoseok suggests, pulling Jimin out of his reverie. “Namjoonie really loves biking, and there are some pretty neat places we can go and just sunbath.”“Really?” Jimin perks up at this, ears standing tall above his head. “That sounds fun!”“Of course.” Namjoon reaches out as if to ruffle Jimin’s hair then backtracks, hand falling to his side. With both hands full of food, Jimin can’t hold his hand, so he makes do by brushing his tail against the older, cheering a silent victory when Namjoon’s dimples show.They stop to sit on a bench not long after, Namjoon not able to take long walks quite yet. Freckles of sunlight dance along the river, shining and shimmering like stardust sprinkled from the heavens.The nice weather’s brought everyone out into the open, families and couples and friend groups alike flocking to the riverside, taking pictures and eating food, shrieks of laughter floating through the air.Jimin wonders what other people think they are, if they look like they’re on a date or just friends walking along the river.Or maybe just two friends and their hybrid companion.“You okay?”Namjoon leans over, inquisitive gaze locking Jimin into place.“You can tell us anything. Communication is sexy, remember?”Hoseok sits close to him, hand almost touching but not quite. Sandwiched between the two, Jimin feels small, but in a good way. Cared for, yet not patronized.Jimin lowers his empty cup of tteokbokki, trying to find the words that won’t come out wrong.“I guess I was just wondering about us. This,” he gestures to the three of them, “and what other people would think.”It sounds way more depressing than when in his head, but it’s out there now and Jimin doesn’t know how to take it back.Namjoon hums, considering his words, but it’s Hoseok who answers first.“I used to think the same things.” He says, smiling at the look of surprise on Jimin’s face. “What? It’s totally normal, you know, especially at the start of a relationship.”“Especially when you consider how unique ours is.” Namjoon adds, dimples faint but there.“I used to think of relationships like equations; when there’s two people, they each bring what the other doesn’t have to the table, and so it’s like combining two halves of a ball into one. But when there’s six, you start to wonder what can you bring to the table that any of them don’t have?” Hoseok explains, stopping when Namjoon makes this noise somewhere between a whine and a protest.This is a side of them Jimin’s never seen before; even compared to when they were sleep-crusted or goofing around in the apartment, it feels rawer, more vulnerable.It opens up a space in Jimin that he never knew was there, and fills it with something warm, like holding a small animal up to one’s chest and listening to it purr.Hoseok continues, after exchanging a glance with Namjoon that seems to hold galaxies worth of meanings.“And I’m actually really bad at talking about this stuff...I mean my own feelings.” Even now, Hoseok looks vaguely uncomfortable, but he doesn’t stop, powering on through his short speech. He pats Namjoon on the thigh, “Namjoonie here actually helped me a lot. He’s the one who pushed us all to talk as a group when any of us have problems.”“Well, to be fair you’re not the only one with communication problems.” It’s a wry smile tinged with a bit of sadness, and despite no name-dropping, Jimin immediately thinks of Seokjin, who always puts on a happy goofy front, and Taehyung, crying in the middle of the night.“But back to what we were saying,” Hoseok picks up seamlessly, “we get what you’re saying, and don’t hesitate to talk things out with us, even if you might think they’re silly or unnecessary, ok?”“And as for us and what strangers might think,” Namjoon picks up where Hoseok left off, Jimin having to turn around to look at him. Smiling, Namjoon extends his hand, palm up and open, as Hoseok puts his hand in Namjoon’s, gangly limbs and person stretching across Jimin, their position making all three of them laugh. Carefully, almost casually, Jimin puts his hand on top, and feels the warmth coming from both of them.“Hopefully after these dates we’ll get to know you better, and you us, and maybe we can be something more.”“But it’s fine if you just want to be friends, too.” Hoseok adds, “I know we’ve said this before, but just in case you feel pressured in any way, we really won’t mind.”“I know.” In truth, Jimin’s...not that sure. Of his two past relationships, neither had ended in any long-lasting friendship, and as much as he enjoys their company, he doubts anyone is able to be good friends after being rejected or broke up with.However, these are worries for another day that hopefully won’t come to be.“Lastly, to quote Yoongi hyung.” Namjoon takes on a serious face, scrunching his eyes and mouth as if to imitate an irritated Yoongi: “fuck strangers.”The peals of laughter that leave Jimin are unexpected but welcome, mirth bubbling out of him not so much because of the words but for the man that said them, made even more pronounced once Namjoon and Hoseok join in, their laughter infectious, no less sparkly than the rays of sunlight reflecting off the river.“He really said that?” Jimin asks, once he’s able to keep his chuckles to a bare minimum.“The context may have been different, but the sentiment stands.” Namjoon grins, twin dimples poking out, and Jimin, unable to contain himself, reaches up to poke one, yelling when Namjoon tickles him in return.Strong hands support Jimin from behind, Hoseok joining in on the tickle fight, and the three of them end up at the foot of the bench, breathless after two consecutive laughing fits.Looking up to the sky, tail thumping a little rhythm of its own, Jimin closes his eyes, ears picking up the twin pair of labored breathing and sounds around them effortlessly.“For the record,” he starts, not opening his eyes, “I’m really enjoying this date.”He hears an audible sigh of relief from Namjoon, while Hoseok quips back playfully: “we’re glad to have been of service.”Something touches Jimin’s ear abruptly, causing it to flick involuntarily, Jimin realizing belatedly that it was Hoseok’s lips. He opens his eyes to Hoseok pulling back, apology and panic written all over his face, “sorry, I should have asked for your permission, I’m really sorry, I — ”“It’s okay hyung.” Jimin smiles, touching his ear with one hand. “My ears and tail are more sensitive, so they naturally react to things touching them, but I don’t mind.”“Oh, okay.” Hoseok looks relieved, corner of his lips turning up into his trademark heart-shaped smile. “I wasn’t sure if I was overstepping any boundaries or something, and with your, you know...”“Asexuality?” Jimin doesn’t fault Hoseok for faltering, it’s not something commonly talked about after all, Jimin himself had stumbled across it entirely by accident way into adulthood. “It’s different for everyone, but for me I like platonic touches and kisses with no tongue, including my ears.” He adds playfully, leaning into Hoseok when it seems like the latter feels guilty.“Ah, you said that last time when we talked about boundaries, right?” Namjoon chimes in, Jimin nodding.“Sorry, I — ”“There’s nothing to be sorry about. Really.” Jimin tacks on for emphasis as Hoseok frowns. “I’m happy that you respect my boundaries, but I promise that you didn’t make me uncomfortable.”“You’ll tell me if I do though?”“Of course.”That seems to appease Hoseok, and they lapse into a comforting silence until one of them brings up a new topic and they start talking again, discussions flowing freely between the three as the afternoon flies by, accompanied by the many sounds around them.(Perhaps, though it’s still too early to say, this could be some form of forever.) The next Saturday sees Seunghee at Jimin’s place, his dating schedule set to continue the following weekend, since Yoongi has some urgent blueprints he needed to finish this week and for some reason he and Seokjin had insisted on doing a date lunch together, absolutely not budging. Jungkook was also busy doing commissions, often out of the apartment with equipment in tow, his excitement of work picking up palpable from the shine in his eyes and spring to his step.Jimin could have slept the whole weekend off or hang out with some of the other guys, but Seunghee had been asking about his dates, and he was not one to keep many secrets from his best friend.(He had to keep some, since cliental confidentiality was essential to the whole system’s integrity.)This time around, it’s Jimin preparing lunch for the both of them, and since they have the whole day to themselves, Jimin’s gone all out; not that any of them are difficult to make per say, but it’s rather time consuming especially if done all by oneself.“Wow, what’s with all this food? Is this bribery? Have you broken my eomma’s fine china?” Seunghee exclaims, voice pitching up comically as Jimin brings out dish after dish of banchan and soup, finally finishing the set with two steaming bowls of rice.He huffs. “What? Am I not allowed to be nice to my best friend? Do you want to be demoted?” Jimin makes to take away a few of Seunghee’s favorites, which is met with immediate resistance.“That’s not what I said.” Seunghee harrumphed, having managed to snatch several morsels into her bowl. “But when someone is acting uncharacteristically nice to you, it pays off to be a little suspicious of their motives.”Gasping, Jimin places a hand over his heart, putting on his best offended face. “Are you saying that I don’t treat you well?”“Maybe.”Sucking in a breath, Jimin holds the facade for all of five seconds before he breaks out in giggles, Seunghee right there with him, heads down on the table as it shakes with the force of their mirth, their laughter only dying down once they’re able to compose themselves.“Seriously though,” Seunghee starts, somehow already on her third helping of steamed eggplants, “is there something on your mind? And don’t try to bullshit me.” She wags her chopsticks in the air, looking about as menacing as a new born chipmunk, “I know you better than you know the back of your ears.”“I’ll have you know that I wash behind my ears every day.” Jimin pouts. Seunghee is unwavering however, and well, wasn’t this part of why he made so much food?While it’s true that Jimin wants to take care of his friend, the fact that he tends to stress cook also stands true. Seunghee knows this of course, had seen it firsthand multiple times since teaching him the ins and outs of the kitchen.Namjoon and Hoseok’s words from their last date sit on his chest, not exactly uncomfortable, but weighted, like a breath of air stuck in his lungs, waiting to burst at the worst possible moment.“Am I weird?”Though not conveying his feelings exactly, it’s what Jimin settles for.“Weird? How so?” Seunghee tilts her head, chopsticks and bowl put down at his seriousness.“I mean, I’m dating six men? And it’s consensual but also maybe weird? And maybe unethical since I’m technically still working for them, but I don’t think there’s any clause in our contract that bans dating between employer and employee so legally maybe not?” Jimin takes a breath, well aware that he’s rambling. The floor somehow looks extra interesting today, and wow, is that a scratch? He’ll have to find time to smooth it out.Seunghee waits until she’s sure that he’s finished before answering, emitting a small hum while she considers her answer. Jimin fidgets, fingers automatically going to his right hand’s middle finger before stopping himself.When he lifts his head, Seunghee’s looking at his hands thoughtfully.“I mean, was I totally on board with you dating six men at once? Not really. You know this.” She says truthfully. “But that’s because I’m your friend, and I worry about you and if their intentions are as pure as they said they were. And I personally have no problem with your asexuality, but you even take off your ring when working, and so I worry if that might be a problem.”Jimin’s ace ring was something he had been wearing around ever since identifying as such, the metal around his middle finger a comforting weight that grounded him.He never wore it to work though; though the majority of people probably wouldn’t know what it meant when they saw it, it wasn’t something Jimin particularly wanted to talk about at work, opting to steer clear of related topics to keep his own piece of mind.Seunghee’s words remind him that he has yet to put it on, and since his six dates already know that about him, there’s no point in keeping it off now.“But,” Seunghee puts emphasis on the word, “but seeing how happy you’ve been these days, I can tell that they’re good people. Is it unusual? Definitely. But it’s not weird. Though they’ll still have to get past me for my seal of approval.” She adds unabashed.Perhaps sensing Jimin’s hesitance, Seunghee then says: “think of it this way: light moves in waves but also in particles, so some of us love one person romantically, and some of us can love many at once.”Jimin blinks. “I...don’t think that makes sense?”Seunghee sits back, looking entirely too pleased with herself as picks up her eating utensils.“And neither does love.” The next date, with Seokjin and Yoongi, takes place in the apartment.To say that Jimin is surprised would be accurate. Not an understatement, since logically he knows date-ins are something people do, it’s just him that never really experienced it.He’s just. Surprised.Not exactly what he imagined when Seokjin and Yoongi had told him they wanted to go on a date with him together, though come to think of it their exact words had been more along the lines of they wanted to do it together, as opposed to going somewhere.So maybe he shouldn’t be quite so caught off guard by the both of them in the kitchen, the aroma of homemade food wafting out already.“Hey Jiminie.” Seokjin says, dicing away at the green onions while Yoongi beside him takes care of the pork. “You just sit down and wait, hyungs will be ready very soon.”That simple sentence somehow manages to make Jimin feel fuzzy and warm all over, cheeks heating slightly at the notion of them taking care of him.“Yah yah, what did hyung say?” Yoongi chides as Jimin comes closer, the tip of his tail brushing against Yoongi’s hip. “Go sit down, the kitchen is small enough with two people inside.”Jimin pouts, ears flattening slightly for added effect. “But we’re on a date, aren’t we supposed to be together?”Yoongi visibly wavers, though he refuses to relent just yet. “We will, just in a moment.”“Then I’ll stay here.” Jimin bargains, standing in the doorway, “it smells so good I can’t resist it.”No one is completely immune to compliments, at least of Jimin’s knowledge, and sure enough, he’s sees Seokjin’s ears steadily getting red as he answers nonchalantly: “all of my food is top notch, of course it smells good.”Grinning, Jimin leans his weight on the door frame, watching as his hyungs efficiently work together to put together a delicious meal.It’s honestly kind of like magic, how they work together seamlessly, when Seokjin calls Yoongi’s name he’s already there with oven mittens or a spatula, and Yoongi merely has to utter “hyung” for Seokjin to turn around and help with whatever Yoongi requires assistance with.Hoseok is out shopping for the day, and Namjoon is “Namjooning”, which according to what the others said, means people watching, listening to music, biking, or some combination or other of the three alone. Jungkook is busy finishing some commission or other that he couldn’t show them, and Taehyung—There’s footsteps and noise coming from the bedroom Jimin more often than not shares with its original owner, said person packing up to rush to his workshop.“Do you guys cook together often?”To Jimin’s surprise, the answer is a firm no.“Usually it’s just one of the hyungs plus some takeout.” Taehyung appears beside Jimin, giving his shoulders a light squeeze as he slides past him.“Usually some of us are busy, so we don’t need to make that much.” Seokjin elaborates, craning his neck to share a light kiss with Taehyung. “And it’s more convenient that way.”“Hyung.” Having successfully acquired a goodbye kiss from the eldest, Taehyung drapes himself all over Yoongi with his larger frame, engulfing him octopus style. “Where’s my kiss?”“You just got it.” Yoongi grumbles, “get off, you’re heavy, I’m cooking.”“I’m not leaving until I get my kiss.” Taehyung pouts, arms circling Yoongi’s waist from behind, puppy eyes zeroing in on his hyung.Yoongi seems to debate with himself momentarily before letting out a weary sigh, a convincing front of resignation right up until he kisses featherlight at the corner of Taehyung’s mouth, eliciting the softest smile from both Seokjin and Taehyung.Jimin doesn’t even notice that he himself is smiling as well until Taehyung turns around and lands his eyes on him. There’s a question there, in his brows and his eyes, that Jimin hopes he isn’t projecting, and he notes dimly that Seokjin and Yoongi are trying to not so discreetly watch the both of them.“Jimin-ah.” Taehyung takes his hand, having stepped away from Yoongi. “Can I kiss you?”It sounds loud, despite the background noises of oil sizzling, water boiling. It feels monumental, though it shouldn’t be, right? It’s just a kiss, after all. Besides, Hoseok had given him some kisses several weeks before, and Taehyung has kissed him, too.Never on the lips though.“Okay.”It’s soft, like that first kiss. There’s no heat behind it, simply a short farewell and warm feelings curling at the edge.Opening his eyes, Jimin sees Taehyung pull away, lower lashes framing delicate shadows beneath both eyes.“Was that okay?” He whispers, voice low and comforting, his timbre and tone resembling that of ASMR, lulling Jimin into a sense of comfort and memories of warm blankets.Humming, Jimin feels his face break into a smile on its own, heat rising to his cheeks and heart under Taehyung’s unwavering gaze.“Okay lovebirds,” Seokjin cuts in, both of their gazes snapping over to their hyung, “Tae, you should get going, Jimin, can you help set the table?”Mood effectively broken, Jimin can’t help but chuckle at the forlorn pout on Taehyung’s face, and in a small bout of bravery, stands on his tiptoes to kiss.“You really should get going.” Jimin says as Taehyung turns to look at him, mouth slightly agape. “Don’t wanna be missing important meetings now.”“...fine.” Taehyung grumbles, and Jimin suddenly finds himself being carried out of the kitchen by the armpits, eliciting an involuntary squeak from him as they move towards the doorway.“Oye oye,” Yoongi calls from the kitchen, half amused half exasperated, “don’t kidnap our date, Taehyung-ah.”“I’m not kidnapping him, I’m borrowing him for emotional support!” Taehyung defends himself, which just makes Jimin laugh, throwing his head back and nearly causing them to lose their balance.Looking deadly serious, Taehyung puts Jimin down by the door, sighing as he takes both of the hybrid’s hands in his own, completely engulfing them.“Fare thee well, my love, alas I have been summoned, perhaps it fate shalt have, dare we meet again?”It takes all of Jimin’s willpower to hold back his smile, yet even then he fails to keep out the mirth in his tone: “my beloved, neither heaven nor hell may keep us apart, here shalt I wait, until the day you are in my arms once again.”His response blossoms one of the biggest smiles Jimin’s seen on Taehyung, lips stretched impossibly wide and rectangular, eyes twinkling brighter than the Northern Star.Heart fluttering, Jimin leans in at the same time Taehyung closes in for a second kiss, somehow, impossibly, even sweeter than the last. Of course, Jimin does not go to Taehyung’s workshop with him, but he does manage to set the table before his hyungs have finished their cooking.“Let’s eat.” Seokjin says once they’re all seated, Yoongi beside him with Jimin sitting across from them.“Jimin-ah, hyungs didn’t cook any seafood, I remember you’re not a fan of it, right?” Yoongi asks, chopsticks already busily distributing food among them, unaware of the flurry of feelings he’s stirred up in Jimin’s heart.It’s these small things, these things they seem to do without even thinking twice, these things they remember about Jimin that he’s never really brought up; it blindsides him in the best ways possible, something he’d never thought he’d say, or think for that matter.“Jimin? Is the food okay?” Misinterpreting his silence for discontent, Seokjin and Yoongi both pause to look at him, Yoongi’s words effectively bringing Jimin out of his thoughts.“Yes! Sorry, I just thought of something.” Picking up his chopsticks, there’s already a formidable amount of food in his bowl, Jimin doesn’t have much choice but to start from the top, which happens to be a delicious piece of fried eggplant that explodes with spices in his mouth, every chew flavorful and delightful, fried to the perfect ratio of crisp on the outside juicy on the inside, so he’s definitely not complaining.“Speaking of which,” Seokjin starts, having swallowed a morsel of his own, “is that a new ring on your finger?”Surprised, Jimin lifts his right hand, not expecting anyone to notice right away. It’s a simple black ring, nothing flashy, nestled perfectly on his right hand’s ring finger.Before he can say anything though, Yoongi beats him to it, again surprising him: “is that an asexuality ring?”“...yeah. How did you know?”“Ah, our Yoongi-chi here has extensive knowledge on lots of things. You can ask him anything and he’d probably know it.” Seokjin smiles beatifically, almost as if he’s the one who said it.“I don’t know everything hyung.” Yoongi pinks considerably, though still valiantly trying to feign nonchalance as he eats. “Stop telling lies.”“Alright, maybe you don’t know everything.” Seokjin amends, before quickly tacking on: “but you’ll try to find everything if I ask, right?”“Sure hyung.” His flush has crept all the way down his neck, a sight Jimin has never seen. It doesn’t matter that Yoongi refuses to look at them both, seemingly busy shoveling food into his mouth, his face and demeanor says it all. “Whatever you say.”Seokjin turns to wink at Jimin, digging in to his own portion of food, and Jimin almost forgets how this whole conversation came to be.He thinks Seokjin did it on purpose; no, he knows Seokjin did it on purpose.And it simply serves to make him the more fonder of the both of them. Whether it be Yoongi quietly looking up things about asexuality, or Seokjin diverting everyone’s attention to fluster Yoongi, even this outrageously luxurious meal that they had on insisted on making, Jimin has no doubts about their intentions.The warmth that has been steadily enveloping his heart takes residence inside, growing and pulsating along his heartbeat long after they’ve finished their meal, the three of them curled up on the couch once the dishes (“Sit your ass down Park Jimin, we’re not letting our date wash the dishes”) have been washed and set out to dry.There’s a movie playing on the TV, something Yoongi had picked out, the plot easy enough to follow but still keeping up a cohesive narrative and character development. Jimin has his tail in his lap, body only slightly leaning onto Seokjin, Yoongi on Jimin’s other side, legs folded beneath him.Jimin’s mind wanders a bit, glancing up at Seokjin to see him watching the movie intently. With his good looks and ability to compartmentalize his emotions, Jimin thinks he’d make a great actor.He tells the elder as much, which earns him a chuckle, strangely tense which immediately causes alarm in the hybrid as Seokjin’s focus shifts to him.“Hyung?” Yoongi, who had been quietly listening, leans over as well, concern laced into his tone.“Actually...” Seokjin clears his throat, clearly uncomfortable with both of their attention fixated on him. “I’ve been meaning to tell you guys. Starting from next month, I’ll be taking part in a small drama.”“Oh.” Jimin blinks, “congratulations! That’s good, right?” He turns to Yoongi, only to find the other’s brows furrowed, troubled in a way Jimin can’t quite understand. If he’s not mistaken, this would mark Seokjin’s debut as an actor, a small departure from his modeling career, which doesn’t seem like a bad thing at all.Letting out a breath, the tension in Yoongi’s shoulders bleed out as well as he sits up, no longer leaning in.“Hyung, I support your decisions no matter what path you take.” There’s this quiet earnestness in his tone, gaze unwavering as he looks at Seokjin, “but you haven’t told anyone about this, have you?”Seokjin lets out a strangled sound somewhere between a laugh and a cough, lips lifting into a half smile half grimace.“And when did you find the time to audition? Heechul hyung only came by that one time. Hyung,” Yoongi narrows his eyes, expression the most serious Jimin’s ever seen, “you didn’t go out when you were still injured did you?”“Of course not.” Seokjin rebukes, huffing as if the notion is entirely unthinkable. “I told you, it’s a small role, they want me more for my fame than my skills.” The last part is added so casually one might’ve missed the self-degrading nature of it if not paying attention.At this point Jimin’s started to wonder if he should be here for this conversation at all. Willingness aside, it feels like a conversation meant for the six of them, not someone who’s only just started dating them and will maybe-but-not-so-sure become a permanent part of “them”.But he’s here now, and it’s not like Jimin can slip away with no one noticing, him being literally in the middle of it all.So Jimin does what he knows best.“Don’t say that about yourself hyung.” Grabbing Seokjin’s attention, Jimin swallows down his own feelings, then turns to Yoongi, the elder looking at them with an unreadable look on his face. “Yoongi hyung, you’re upset because Seokjin hyung didn’t tell any of you, right?”He’s relieved when Yoongi nods, glad that he hadn’t interpreted the situation wrong. The latter’s shoulders slump, hunching into himself with a quiet mumble: “we don’t want to influence your choices hyung. We just want to be a part of your life, just like you’re a part of ours.”The way Yoongi says it, a little sad a little resigned, physically wilts Seokjin before Jimin’s eyes.“I know.” He rubs his eyes, red rimmed and just as sad. “I’m sorry Yoongi-chi.” Seokjin half turns to Jimin, lips attempting at a smile before he gives up, one hand coming up to cover half of his face. “Sorry Jimin-ah, this was supposed to be a happy date and now I’ve ruined it.”“No you didn’t.” The response comes without thinking, though when Seokjin looks at him incredulously Jimin’s quick to add: “if I’m going to be with you guys, that means I’m here for all of you, not just the funny and humorous, but also the sad and the hard and everything in between.”Jimin tries his best not to fidget under both of their gazes, tail curling protectively around himself as he waits for whatever their reaction might be.A puff of a laugh makes its way past Seokjin’s lips, smile a teensy bit bigger, yet no less genuine or warm, a hint of disbelieving, but when Jimin blinks, also looks like wonder.“I’m sorry, too.” Yoongi speaks up, expression a little softer, leaning into them, one hand stretching out. Jimin doesn’t notice it at first, but Seokjin does, hand outstretched to meet Yoongi’s in the middle, his slightly crooked fingers interlocking with long, paler ones. They’re almost perfectly situated on top of Jimin’s lap, a mere hairbreadth away from touching his tail, making it so so tempting to just lay his hand on top of theirs.But should he? Isn’t this a them moment, not—“Ah for fucks sake.” Yoongi grumbles, suddenly grabbing Jimin’s hand, adjoining all three of them together. It makes for a stark contrast, both of their hands much larger than Jimin’s, and the hybrid’s never known himself to be a hand person, yet the mere touch of their hands with his make his heart go aflutter, which he totally fails in squashing as soon as Seokjin leans in to stage whisper: “Yoongi has a thing for handholding, he insists it’s reserved for for quelling fights, but don’t believe a word he says.”“Shouldn’t my opinion count for something?” Yoongi comments drily, though there’s a slight teasing note to it, hand still not letting go either of them. Light pink dusts his cheeks a pretty blush, belying his true feelings.“Not when you’re wrong.” Seokjin refutes, already looking back to his normal self, none of his previous vulnerability in sight. It’s mind boggling to Jimin how someone can bottle up and mask their emotions at the snap of the fingers, something he has never quite got the hang of, as much as his job beseeches it.“We’re still telling the others though.” Yoongi’s quick to bring up, completely bypassing Seokjin’s comment. “I’m serious hyung, we just want to know, we want to support you in whatever way we can.”“I know.” Seokjin seems to want to say something but thinks better of it, instead groaning comically loud, the sound flattening Jimin’s ears in compensation. “Aish, we’re gonna have those group talks again aren’t we? Namjoon loves those.”Not able to contain his giggles, Jimin uses his free hand to cover his face, while Yoongi wastes no time in exposing his partner and hyung: “don’t pretend you don’t like them hyung, you just don’t like to be the sole focus of attention.”“And you’re the complete opposite, hmm?” Seokjin blows Yoongi a kiss, utterly flustering the latter as his face and neck take on an even darker red than before.“Let’s watch the movie, you two are making me miss everything.” Yoongi grumbly diverts, settling back into the couch next to Jimin, much closer than before, seemingly unintentionally holding on to their hands.Interesting.So maybe the date hadn’t been what Jimin was anticipating, nor as chill as what the beginning had implied.But with cuddles and handholding, wonderful company and a full heart in the equation, Jimin’s certainly not complaining with how it turned out. As Seokjin had predicted, there was a family meeting of sorts held that night, with Yoongi gently nudging his hyung to say what he had to say, never letting go of his hand as he spoke. With it ending with everyone hugging and kissing (and maybe sex that happened behind closed doors that weren’t quite soundproof enough for Jimin’s ears), Jimin would venture to say that it had ended well, perhaps marking a new page in their relationship.It’s also the first time Jimin’s been included in their more official gatherings, seeing how they work out chinks and problems in their relationship as a whole close up and personal, also participating in the conversation.Communication makes the heart grow fonder, not Namjoon’s precise words but something along those lines. If Jimin hadn’t before, after that day he certainly stood by those words now. Seokjin had also looked relieved after their talk, an invisible burden lifted off his shoulders once he no longer needed to hide this from them. Of course, he couldn’t very well tell the what and the how of the drama he was to participate in, but at least now Seokjin could more freely talk to Heechul about it, which, speaking of said manager —“Seriously, I told him to tell you guys ages ago, can’t believe he waited this long to spill the beans.” While visiting a couple days later, Heechul had not hesitated to tell on his charge, earning himself a punch from Seokjin and a mock serious handshake from Yoongi.“Our condolences for having to take care of this hyung in our stead.”“Likewise likewise.”And now —“Jiminie hyung let’s go!” Standing by the threshold, Jungkook hollered for Jimin as the hybrid checked one last time that he had brought all his essentials prior to making his way to the front door.“Stay safe and don’t do crimes!” Hoseok pokes his head out of his studio to shout at them, having been enlisted to help Namjoon in something or other of his track, Jungkook replying without missing a beat: “don’t know what you’re talking about hyung!”“You hid under a food cart trying to stay at an amusement park after hours.” Yoongi reminds him from the kitchen, a story that Jimin hopes he’ll hear about some time in the near future.“That was one time!” Jungkook, Jimin has noticed, is totally shameless when it comes to whining at his hyungs to get his way. “And I was six!”“You also nearly gave your eomma a heart attack.” Seokjin is splayed out on the couch, phone in hand, presumably playing a mobile game. “And it was two times.”Jungkook pouts, cheeks puffing out adorably, Jimin unable to resist the urge to pinch them. “I was underage.”“Keep using that excuse, see where that’ll get you.” Seokjin is relentless, laughing when Jungkook makes to go over only to be stopped by Jimin, having laced his boots together.“Let’s go, weren’t you just telling me to hurry up?” Jimin asks, amused, then turning confused when Jungkook ceases all movement, head tilted slightly down to gaze at Jimin, expression just on the side of shy.Then he looks down — to where his hands are currently placed on Jungkook’s pecs.“Oh, sorry, sorry —” Jimin retracts his hands only for Jungkook to grab onto them, both of his larger ones engulfing Jimin’s. He moves to place them back, thinks better of it and simply holds them, apples of his cheeks gradually turning rosier as he realizes what he had attempted and what he’s currently doing.“Oh god, get out of the house, don’t you two have a date to get to?” Seokjin comes over to bodily shoo them out the door, “come back before dinner or JK’s doing the dishes.”“What? Why me?” Jungkook whines, physically pushing back against Seokjin, the eldest huffing as he slaps Jungkook’s bicep, “because you rarely do the dishes, unlike Jimin here.”The door shuts behind them just as Jungkook pouts: “but I do the laundry!”Seokjin doesn’t deign to answer, leaving Jungkook to harumph outside the door before leading Jimin out.They quickly get onto the subway, coats draped over their arms despite the warm weather. Jungkook had insisted on bringing them, though refusing to tell Jimin what he had planned for their date, so Jimin can only guess that it’s somewhere cold. It’s still relatively early in the morning, though not drastically so that there aren’t other people traversing with them.Jeon Jungkook, as Jimin has learned, is not always the most talkative person, much more comfortable in showing and not telling.Though he had been the one to first start texting Jimin, sending messages asking how his day was, replying in funny and often times meme-ish ways that had Jimin in stitches, and perhaps had been the first one to touch Jimin’s heart.
“Hyung, what if you move in with us?”
(Pancakes, as Jimin had learned, did not go particularly well with heavy questions.)The text had come out of the blue, on a nice late winter morning.Jimin had mentioned feeling tired the previous night, though just lightly touching on the subject, since technically Jungkook was also his current employer, and complaining to your boss how taxing work was is generally a bad idea.Jungkook hadn’t said much out of the ordinary, and Jimin had swiftly moved on to some other subject, asking about his commissions and life as a whole.It’s not an outrageous notion; Jimin did have experience working in-house as a companion, and he knew when accepting the job that there was a possibility he might have to, depending on what his clients required of him.However, this would mark the first time any client has asked him to move in because Jimin had mentioned being tired.At the time, Jimin had brushed him off, telling Jungkook not to worry, that it had just been a series of unfortunate events leading him to feel a tad bit fatigued, nothing noteworthy. That conversation had ended there — or so Jimin thought, until they brought up renewing the contract.“We’re here.” Jungkook says, rousing Jimin from his thoughts. People mill about in the streets, while Jungkook takes him straight to one of the malls, beelining for the elevator.Once Jungkook presses their destined floor button, Jimin knows where they’re going.“Ice skating?” Jimin smiles at Jungkook, eyes crinkling when Jungkook nods his confirmation. “Are you going to teach me?”“Of course.” Jungkook answers without the slightest bit of hesitation, his sincereness speeding up the beat of Jimin’s heart, the hybrid winding both arms around his date’s waist, “wah — is Jungkookie going to catch me if I fall?”“Of, of course.” Noticeably stuttering, Jungkook’s cheeks redden for the second time that day, seemingly unable to handle Jimin’s sudden closeness, and he hasn’t even used his tail yet. Cute.Not wanting to tease Jungkook too much, the rest of their short ride passes in companionably silence, Jimin letting go of Jungkook’s waist in favor of lightly grasping one shoulder, letting Jungkook spearhead their movement forward.The rink has only just opened, not too many people from what Jimin can see, and even from the front desk Jimin can feel the chill of the ice, hastily putting on his coat while Jungkook manages the front as he had insisted.Once they’ve paid their fee and have been fitted for their skates, Jungkook takes Jimin’s hand, ignoring the looks they get from other patrons and workers, whether at two men holding hands or Jimin being a hybrid, Jimin couldn’t care less.“Oh, is this a new ring?” Jungkook asks, flipping Jimin’s right hand up to take a good look at his black ring. Right, Jimin hasn’t really told the rest of them about his ring.After his date with Seokjin and Yoongi, Jimin had taken to wearing his ring like he normally would on the weekends if not at work. Seunghee had been all aboard his decision, and his two hyungs either didn’t notice or made a point to not bring it up, leaving the explaining and discovering to the respective dongsaengs.“It’s actually an old one, I wear it when I’m not working.” Jimin explains, letting Jungkook flip his hand this way and that as they slowly move towards the changing area. A few people are there, some ready to brave the rink, others still adjusting their skates.Jungkook hums, letting go of his hand so they can sit down and start changing. Jungkook had also got Jimin some protective gear, which he uses to cover up his knees, elbows, and hands. According to the young photographer, he himself never falls, and though he had promised to catch Jimin if he did, there was no guarantee that there would be zero accidents, and if someone were to bump into Jimin or if the hybrid suddenly lost his balance, the result could be on the disastrous side.“Ready hyung?”They’ve made it to the rink, Jimin gripping Jungkook’s hand for safety, the chill even more prominent here. Maybe it’s his hybrid animal survival genes talking, the apprehension to step onto a flat slippery platform that could possibly result in a gruesome accident was strong at that moment, Jimin eyeing his blades then the ice, almost sure that he would fall face flat at his first foray.“I’ll catch you hyung.” Sensing his hesitance, Jungkook reassures him again, adding softly: “if you really don’t want to, we can —”“No,” Jimin cuts him off, “I’m just nervous; but I don’t have to be, right?” Shooting a smile towards Jungkook, he tries for something lighthearted: “after all, Jungkookie will catch me, right?”He fully expects the younger to reply in meme, laugh it off bashfully, or some variation of the two, yet Jungkook surprises him by nodding, completely serious when he answers, “I won’t let you fall.”Affection makes itself known in Jimin’s heart, heartstrings thrumming at the warm emotions swimming in Jungkook’s eyes.The latter which widens minutely, Jungkook’s voice lowering to an almost whisper: “hyung, are you...purring?”Blinking, Jimin feels his face aflame when he realizes what Jungkook’s referring.“No!” He whispers in a totally not whisper appropriate voice, causing a few people to glance their way. Jimin tries lowering his voice, while simultaneously finding the words to explain what just happened. “It’s like, twittering? It’s a sound that red pandas make when, um...”There’s a shit-eating grin nearly in full form on Jungkook’s face, the photographer finishing his sentence for him, “when they’re happy? Or in love?”“Shut up.” Jimin punches Jungkook’s arm, warmth flushing all the way down to his chest, upper body unnaturally hot, “don’t tell the others, okay? It’s embarrassing.”Jungkook tilts his head, much like a puppy would, made all the more convincing with his round wide eyes and longish hair brushing beneath his ears. “Hyung, why would making you happy be embarrassing?”“Okay, now you’re just doing it on purpose.” Jimin pouts. Technically, red pandas nor humans purr, but red pandas do communicate in higher pitches, which for hybrids that are neither here nor there, ends up as sounds that come out mostly reflexively. Jimin used to do it when he was little, a habit he broke himself out of for the sake of fitting in and his emotional privacy.Or at least, he thought he broke himself out of it.“I’m serious.” Jungkook whines, has the audacity to pout right back at Jimin before lowering his voice, “I want to make you happy, hyung.”The abrupt change of tone is enough to give Jimin whiplash, the intensity of Jungkook’s gaze making it hard for Jimin to maintain eye contact.“Thanks Kookie.” Jimin thumps Jungkook with his tail, Jungkook letting out a satisfying squawk effectively breaking the mood.“Now, are you gonna teach me ice skating or not?” Jungkook does end up teaching Jimin the basics, but as fate would have it, Jimin takes to the ice as naturally as fish to water.“Hyung, are you sure you’ve never done this before?”His tone and facial expressions fully adopt Jungkook’s overwhelming skepticism, yet all Jimin can do is shrug, gliding gracefully beside him.“What can I say? I’m a natural.”Scrunching his nose, Jungkook pushes himself forward, doing a full circle around Jimin as he answers: “must be your tail, it gives you better balance.”“Maybe.” Jimin’s never been one to deny that his hybrid traits do have their perks, his tail most certainly one of them (besides when he has to buy clothes). “But I’m also not doing super complicated moves, unlike a certain showoff.”“Hey!” Jungkook puffs out his chest, indignation evident in his posture. Jimin giggles, unable to keep up his facade, “I’m kidding Kookie, I know woah —”Someone zooms past them without braking, spooking Jimin as they cut close enough for Jimin to momentarily lose his balance, Jungkook by his side in a second, both stopping at the outer ring.Whoever it was doesn’t even bother to look back, and while Jimin catches his breath, he sees Jungkook glaring at the person, strong arms looped protectively around him.“Jimin hyung, are you okay?”“I’m fine, just surprised.” As a complete newbie, it’s more of a miracle that Jimin hasn’t sustained any minor injuries yet, so after a beat they start skating again, mindful of keeping to the outer circle.“What do you want to eat after this?” Now seems as good a time as any to ask, since they’ve been skating for a while, and Jimin’s starting to feel his stomach grumble.At the mention of food, Jungkook immediately brightens up, eyes taking on a shine that’s entirely too cute and adorable for Jimin’s poor heart.“There’s a really good mandu restaurant nearby that Tae hyung really likes, and there’s actually a wildlife photography exhibit too, so maybe we could go see it after eating?”“Sure.” Jimin agrees easily, feeling his heart light up at Jungkook’s obvious enthusiasm for his passion. “So besides you, do the others ice skate, too?”Jungkook skates behind Jimin for a brief moment, letting a couple skate past them. “Not really. Seokjin hyung and Hoseok hyung are scaredy-cats, and Yoongi hyung doesn’t like sports except basketball. Namjoon hyung is,” Jungkook pauses, confliction on his face clear as day, “he almost broke a finger once so he’s sworn off it, Tae hyung can, but I think he prefers solid ground.”Jimin nods, “I can skate with you if you want to.”It’s comical how fast Jungkook zeros in on Jimin, big eyes sparkling prettier than the clearest night sky. “Really?”“Really really.”Jungkook laughs at that, loud and carefree, nose scrunching so adorably Jimin is tempted to plant a kiss there, except he’s afraid he might fall.They go around the rink a few more times before deciding to leave, by then both of their stomachs having made protests about the vacancy within. The mandu restaurant is a mere few minutes away, Jimin ordering one serving whereas Jungkook gets two.There aren’t too many people, midday encroaching into afternoon, their food served relatively quick, both of them immediately digging in, all talk ceasing in favor of stuffing their mouths.“We can take the bus to the exhibit, or we can walk, it’s...” Jungkook checks on his phone, “two stops away.”“Let’s walk then.” Jimin suggests. There’s no harm in taking a short walk after a meal, and the pleasant company is definitely a huge bonus.Sunlight peeks through thick clouds high above the skyscrapers, both of them putting on face masks to combat against the afternoon smog, walking close enough to touch shoulders yet not bump frequently into each other.They talk a little here and there, from the exhibit they’re about to see (apparently the photographer is someone Jungkook really looks up to as a wildlife photographer, or a photographer in general) to whether they should pick up some groceries on the way back.It’s as Jungkook is texting the group chat, asking if they should pick up anything from the supermarket, that it suddenly hits Jimin how extremely domestic this all is.I think I’m falling in love. That’s what Jimin had told Seunghee nearly two months ago, and he’s faced with the reality that maybe, just maybe — “Hyung?”He already is.A face shows up incredibly close to him, Jimin instinctively taking a step back, only to retrace said step when something akin to confusion and hurt flashes across wide doe eyes.He’s really screwed, isn’t he.Lifting both hands, Jimin gently cups Jungkook’s face, thumbs swiping against the latter’s cheeks, feeling the warmth radiating beneath his palms.“Hey, Jeon Jungkook,” Jimin begins. Licks his lips, starts again, “I think I might be falling in love with you.”Love confessions should be terrifying, and Jimin’s never been quite so straightforward, but something tells him that it’ll be okay, because —Jungkook smiles, cheeks bunching up in Jimin’s hold, eyes a galaxy of emotions twinkling down at him.“Hyung,” Jungkook replies just as soft, “I think I already did.” (Later, when they get back to the apartment, Jungkook makes a show of opening the front door and asking, all serious: “would you like to stay for dinner?”And Taehyung from deep within hollers, “WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY FOREVER?”Jimin, barely holding himself up if not for Jungkook’s arms around his torso, tries his best to answer: “dinner, would be great.”)