Archive of Our Own ^beta

Interviewer: "So, Suga, it’s a pleasure speaking with you today. As a member of one of the most popular bands in not just the country, but internationally, I’d beg to believe that you’re quite sought after for your time."

Yoongi: *Shrugges* "I got time."

Interviewer: "Great…so, tell me, how does it feel—"

Yoongi: "To be a member of Bora?" *huffs* "Pretty fucking great. Also, not the most original question."

Interviewer: *Smirks* "Right, so, let me ask you something else. We know you now as the guitarist of Bora who helped earn your fame, your riches, your love from the public. But where did it start ?"

Yoongi: "Where did it… start …?" *pausing in thought* 

Interviewer: "Yes, where does your story begin? I’d assume it’s when you picked up your instrument? Or met the other members?"

Yoongi: *smiling softly* "Nah, it’s none of that shit. You really want to know where my story starts?"

Interviewer: *nods* “Yes.”

Yoongi: *leaning back in his seat* "Well I hope you booked out the day. It’s a long one."

Interviewer: “I’ve got all day.”

Yoongi: *playing with the guitar pick in his hand* "It starts on a hot July day. Hottest day of the year, the guys and I practicing in this bar that I couldn’t remember the name of—"

“ Hope’s bar .” 

Yoongi scrunched his nose, more focused on tuning the strings of his guitar. “What?” 

“ Hope’s bar .” Jungkook reiterated. “That’s the name of this place so when Hobi hyung comes in here remember that name so you don't embarrass us!” 

Yoongi grinned, knowing it was too easy to mess with the youngest member of the band, “Sure. You got a crush on that kid or something?” 

Jungkook crossed his arms, irritated as he turned around towards Namjoon who was tapping softly on his drum set, running through the songs they were going to practice, always the perfectionist he was. “Joon hyung, where’s Tae?” 

“You sure you’re allowed to be calling him without honorifics?” Yoongi mumbled, pushing. 

“Here!” Taehyung assumed before Namjoon or Jungkook could respond, walking through the doors with his bass in his hand, “Sorry, got stuck in some traffic.” 

“You literally walk here. You live not two minutes from this place.” Jungkook huffed with a frown, “Come on, get set up. I want to be ready for when Hobi hyung gets here so he can hear us play.” 

Taehyung smiled, unbothered. Taehyung was always unbothered, it took a lot to get the bassist to frown. “You okay Kookie? You seem…” 

“Tense?” Jungkook finished for him, “Yeah, I am. Because Hobi hyung is my favorite hyung and I want him to think we’re a good band because he’s really doing a lot for us by letting us practice at his bar!” 

Yoongi raised a brow at that, “What do you mean he’s doing a lot—”

The door opened suddenly again, and the air changed in the room. 

That, or maybe Yoongi was just reading too much into it. 

Yoongi was always a little nervous around new people. 

“Hobi hyung!” Jungkook yelled gleefully, practically skipping off of the stage and rushing up to the new addition. 

Hobi hyung. Yoongi repeated the name in his head, this guy, the owner, he was...not at all what Yoongi was expecting. Not at all a tall businessman who wears an oversized watch and carries a deep voice and power wherever he walked. 

No, this man was...the complete opposite. 

Tall, lanky, long face and dark brown hair. He wore an old t-shirt and ripped jeans. He looked...like a guy in his twenties. Normal. A student, even. 

“Hello~” The man’s voice sang throughout the room, hugging Jungkook with one arm and waving towards the rest of them with the other, “I’m Hoseok, really excited to have you guys practicing at Hope’s bar.” 

Dimples. 

Yoongi looked down towards his guitar, choosing not to focus on the man’s features any longer. 

“We’re happy to be here!” Taehyung responded in a cheer, “Thanks so much for letting us crash your place!” 

Namjoon nodded gratefully, “Thanks, for giving us a chance.” 

Hoseok waved him off, “Don’t mention it, I’d do anything for Jungkookie here.” Hoseok squeezed Jungkook in his arm, “And he showed me your stuff on youtube, you guys are really fantastic.” 

Jungkook’s smile was big enough to light the night sky, “Can we play for you?” 

Hoseok inhaled sharply, hand over his mouth, “You’d play for me?! Really?! The bora playing for me ?! I think I might have to pass away tonight,” He started dramatically, “Jungkook, carry on my memory…” 

Yoongi couldn’t tell if he found Hoseok or the laughter that followed more annoying. Either way, he was ready to either get started or get out of there. 

“Let’s just get this thing over with and go. I’m busy tonight.” Yoongi spoke, souring the mood. 

Yoongi told himself that he didn’t notice the pout forming on Hoseok’s features, or the quiet whisper from Jungkook, “Don’t worry about him, he’s just like that.” 

“Doing what? Jacking off to Mamma Mia?” Namjoon teased, growing more comfortable as he tapped the drums at the end of his joke. 

The others laughed as they assumed their positions, Hoseok moving to sit on an amplifier in front of the stage, “You like Mamma Mia?” He asked, something so kind, so genuine and hopeful in his eyes it would have made Yoongi’s toes curl. 

Would have, if Yoongi would have looked his way. 

“No. It’s a shit movie and Joon just likes to fuck with me about how much I hate it.” Yoongi mumbled, more focused on his guitar and microphone than the conversation at hand. 

Hoseok looked dejected, shoulders dropping slightly. 

Jungkook bumped Yoongi’s shoulders, whispering harshly, “That’s Hobi hyungs favorite movie!” 

“So?” Yoongi scoffed, strumming his guitar, a full sound reverberating throughout the empty bar, the tension melting along with it. Or at least, that’s what Yoongi told himself. 

“So what are we playing?” Taehyung asked, looking towards Namjoon. 

Namjoon twirled his drumsticks in his hand, “Let’s do one of the goblins songs. Maybe that’ll make him less grumpy.” 

Yoongi shot a glare back towards Namjoon. 

“Let’s do Love Lie!” Jungkook grew excited with his suggestion, clearing his throat and fixing his microphone, “Count us off Joonie hyung!” 

And so Namjoon did, counting them off one, two, three, and—

And Bora filled the room. Every corner of the bar was touched by their sound, flowing with their energy, their words, their song. 

This is what Yoongi lived for. This is what mattered, Yoongi thought as he played the guitar, singing the backing vocals in harmony with Jungkook, harmonizing this guitar with Taehyung’s bass, steady to the beat of Namjoon’s drum. 

Yoongi would give up anything for this. 

The last note played and the song stayed resonated in the air, as if an ocean of sound had just washed across the empty bar. Yoongi had his eyes closed, breathing in the last remnants of the song, drinking up it’s sound—

Loud, harsh clapping chopped through the ocean. 

“Wow!” Hoseok was yelling, “That was amazing! Incredible! You guys are—you guys are stars !” 

Jungkook, Taehyung and Namjoon were all preening with the praise. Smiles wide as they thanked Hoseok, relishing in the one man audience applause. 

Yoongi wanted to roll his eyes, maybe he did. “Don’t you have bar shit to do?” 

Yoongi knew his words sliced through the air, much more harsh than Hoseok’s loud clapping. But he didn’t care. He was crass and they all knew it, he didn’t have time for pleasantries. 

Jungkook cursed Yoongi’s name under his breath quickly before Hoseok got up, his eyes avoiding Yoongi completely. “You’re right. I should...get going.” He spoke, something awkward, something hurt in his voice. 

“No, Hobi hyung, wait…” Jungkook tried, shoulders drooping low. 

Hoseok shook his head, waving Jungkook off, “You guys need to practice, I’ll stop by some other time to watch you if that’s okay with everyone. I really do need to run though.” Hoseok smiled a little at Jungkook and the rest before heading out, “I’ll see you guys later!” 

Jungkook pouted as he waved goodbye. Once Hoseok was gone behind the doors, he huffed. 

“Way to be a dick, hyung.” Namjoon nicked Yoongi’s head with his drum stick again. 

Yoongi rubbed the back of his head, “Will you stop doing that?!” 

“Will you stop being rude to our fans?” 

“No.” Yoongi answered simply. 

Jungkook groaned. “Yoongi hyung, you better get used to Hobi hyung being around because he’s a good hyung and I know you’re older but seriously, just be nice to him. He’s your dongsang too.” 

“Like that matters.” Yoongi muttered. 

Taehyung turned his ball cap hat backwards on his head, “You guys wanna play that new song I wrote?” 

“Off topic, but sure.” Jungkook sighed.

“No.” Namjoon answered instantly. “The timing doesn’t make sense.” 

“It makes total sense!” Taehyung argued. 

“Playing the beat whenever it feels right doesn't make any sense, I can’t play in a four four time when you really want me to play in a two for and then a six eight—” 

Taehyung leaned across Namjoon’s drum set to press a finger up against Namjoon’s lips, hushing him, “Shhhh, quiet your inner virgo and let the beat speak to you.” 

“Oh my god.” Yoongi groaned into the microphone, “Joon I swear if you don’t just play this song so he’ll shut up.” 

“Alright, alright fine.” Namjoon raised his hands in defeat, “It still doesn’t make sense though.” 

“Cout us off, Joon.” Jungkook asked as Taehyung cheered in glee, getting his bass ready. 

As the song started, Yoongi found his gaze drifting towards the amplifier in the room where a loud, dimple filled boy once was. 

_____

Practices continued like that, it was much easier to practice in Hope’s Bar instead of Namjoon’s old and hot garage at his family's house. Yoongi liked the vibe a lot better, liked the feeling of them moving up, like they were improving, they were on the right track, taking the right steps. 

Hoseok showed up more to listen to practices. 

Yoongi didn’t mind, Hoseok never talked to him so Yoongi never did either. Hoseok flocked to Jungkook or Taehyung, sometimes Namjoon after their practices, gushing over how good their music was. 

Yoongi could tell Hoseok was trying to keep his voice down, he hadn’t clapped since that first day when Yoongi snapped. 

If Yoongi felt a twinge of guilt in his chest, he ignored it. 

“You should talk to him.” Jungkook started one day as they were setting up for practice. 

Yoongi knew immediately who Jungkook was referring to, “Why?” 

“Because he thinks you hate him.” 

“What if I do?” 

Jungkook’s brows furrowed together, “You know, for as good of a hyung as you are, you’re a real dick, too.” 

Yoongi huffed, a smirk. “Thanks.” 

Jungkook shook his head, “Just suck it up and be nice. I know he’s your polar opposite but—” Jungkook paused, as if he was struggling with what to say, how to word his thoughts. 

Jungkook never struggled with his words. 

Yoongi was about to meet his gaze with a look of confusion when, “But— just, he could use a good hyung like you, okay? So stop being so harsh with him. Please.”

Yoongi was ready to respond with a snappy reply, something that meant nothing but fit his demeanor when Jungkook was suddenly whisked away by Taehyung, something about some chord progression that had Namjoon yelling it’s ‘incorrectness’ from where he sat behind the drums.  

He could use a good hyung like you . 

Yoongi looked down towards his fingers on the guitar, exhaling deeply. As if his breath would wash away Jungkook’s words when the door opened, and the smiling, dimple filled boy suddenly came waltzing in. 

Perhaps waltzing was too graceful of a term. 

“Sorry I’m late!” Hoseok tripped over his feet as he fell down onto the chair in the front row—Hoseok had taken it upon himself to surround the stage with seating and tables, all facing the stage. 

Doesn't matter, is what Yoongi wanted to say, but Jungkook leaned over the stage's edge, eyes filled with concern, “You okay Hobi hyung? We would have waited for you!” 

Hoseok was trying to control his panting breath, nodding, “Yeah, just...had some errands to run. Nothing big, but I’m here now!” 

Jungkook didn’t seem too convinced, and quite honestly, Yoongi wasn’t either. 

Not that Yoongi cared. He didn’t. 

Hoseok’s gaze flickered towards Yoongi before looking back towards Jungkook and the rest, “Sorry for being late...don’t mind me. Keep doing what you’re doing.” 

Jungkook shook his head, “No apologizing! We would’ve waited for our live audience, right guys?” the vocalist asked, Taehyung and Namjoon both nodding in unison. 

Yoongi wished he didn’t see Hoseok’s fond, fond smile as Namjoon counted them off into the song, and the music came to life in the small, empty bar once more. 

It was a fun, upbeat song, a song about love, falling, how you can fall for someone so hard that it changes everything. It’s a romantic, hopeful song. It was no surprise that Namjoon was the one who composed it, the chords progressing in a manner that made sense, that flowed naturally, one note leading into the next, a steady heartbeat. 

Yoongi was lost in the song, lost in the melody, in his guitar and maybe he opened his eyes to see Hoseok staring at him up on the stage, maybe, just maybe, their eyes met during the bridge. Yoongi realized Hoseok had deep, dark brown eyes. 

And maybe, just maybe—

Yoongi yearned to reach out towards Hoseok—

The door slamming open cut through the song like a sharp knife. The song unfinished as tension spilled in the air. 

A new guest, “Jung!” A new voice. 

Yoongi didn’t miss the way Hoseok’s full body tensed. 

“What the hell?! What happened to dinner tonight?!” The man stepped forward, he was angry, his sight set on Hoseok and Hoseok alone. He was larger, broader, with messy blond locks and a sharp jaw. 

Yoongi felt something fire in him with the way he was looking at Hoseok. 

“S-sorry Jun...I thought dinner was at seven—” 

“I don’t think you should be talking to my hyung like that.” Jungkook interrupted, his chest puffed out. His voice, strong, protective. Yoongi had never seen the youngest like that before. 

“Jungkook, please—” Hoseok turned around with a hand out, but Jun was quick to scoff. 

“Hoseok, let’s go.” 

“He’s not going anywhere!” Jungkook snapped. 

“Let Hobi hyung make his own decisions.” Taehyung interjected, Namjoon following, “We asked him to watch us practice.” 

Yoongi felt his throat run dry. 

Hoseok moved to stand up, shaking his head silently towards the band members before smiling something grateful, and sad towards them, “Sorry, I know you guys will do great. Keep up the good work, okay?” He offered an empty thumbs up. 

Yoongi felt sick. He knew he was scowling when Jun grabbed for Hoseok’s wrist, dragging him out of the bar without another word. Their argument heard distantly from beyond the closed doors. Jun’s voice overpowering Hoseok’s easily. 

When their voices faded to the point that nobody in the band could hear anymore, Jungkook turned around to kick a group of music stands harshly, the loud clank of them all falling to the ground splitting the air, “ Fuck !”  

“Hey, Koo…” Taehyung started softly. 

“I hate that guy.” Jungkook shook his head, fists balled tightly in his sides. 

“Is that Hoseok’s boyfriend?” Namjoon asked, his voice was gentle but his expression was a mixture of pity and anger. Something that matched what was flowing in Yoongi’s veins as he listened. 

“I wish he wasn’t.” Jungkook ran a hand through his bangs. 

“Do you...wanna talk about it…?” Taehyung asked, hesitant. 

Yoongi knew the answer before Jungkook even spoke. None of them were the ‘talking’ type.

Jungkook grabbed the microphone, his knuckles turning white around it’s base, “No. Namjoon, count us off.” 

And so Yoongi let the rage in his veins guide his guitar, leading him in song. 

That night, Yoongi fell asleep thinking about the boy with deep, dark brown eyes. 

_____

Hoseok came less and less to practice after that. Jungkook rattled off one excuse after the other as for Hoseok’s absence. Yoongi could tell Namjoon and Taehyung were starting to not believe the excuses. 

Yoongi had stopped believing a long time ago. 

Yoongi tried not to think about the difference with Hoseok not there, how their sound didn’t fill the room the same way, the songs didn’t sound the same. 

Yoongi cursed under his breath as he walked into practice now twenty minutes late which isn’t a lot on his schedule but according to Namjoon and Jungkook he might as well just not be in the band—

So needless to say, Yoongi walked in late, fully prepared to get shit on by his bandmates. 

“Nice to see you finally showed up.” Jungkook quipped from behind the already set up microphone. Namjoon following with a, “Hope you had fun getting down to Mamma Mia.” 

“Whatever. Taehyung’s always late and nobody gives him shit.” Yoongi grumbles as he rushes to get set up. 

“Yeah, that’s ‘cus everyone likes me.” Taehyung preened, practicing a gentle rift on his bass. 

Yoongi rolled his eyes, moving his guitar onto his lap and tuning. Jungkook started again, “Seriously, Taehyung is always five minutes late, that’s why we tell him the actual meeting time is five minutes earlier then what it actually is. But twenty minutes—”

“K-kookie,” A new—now familiar—voice came to Yoongi’s defense, “Don’t be so harsh. I’m sure there’s a reason.” 

Yoongi paused, eyes wide as he looked up to see Hoseok sitting there in his usual spot, smiling up towards him. Hoseok’s voice was timid, hesitant, but he continued quietly, “You’re all here now, and that’s what matters.” 

Yoongi’s heart constricted painfully, hoping he wasn’t the reason Hoseok’s usually loud and confident voice was so small. 

Jungkook pouted nonetheless, teasing lightly, “Yeah, alright. The hope fairy has spoken so we must obey his commands.” 

Hoseok giggled, and the sound did something in Yoongi’s ears. It was loud, yet soft, little bells. Yoongi wondered briefly if he could capture it in a song—

A phone ringing broke Yoongi out of his thoughts. 

And suddenly, Hoseok’s giggles had stopped completely. Replaced by a growing frown. The color in his cheeks fading quickly. Yoongi wished he could call the blush back. 

“I have to go.” Was all Hoseok said as he looked down at his phone, letting the phone ring. Yoongi wondered who it was, why Hoseok didn’t pick up. He wanted to ask, but again, he felt stuck in place, felt a rock logged in his throat, stopping his voice. 

“Is everything okay?” Jungkook asked, worried. 

“Yeah, everythigns great! Good luck you guys, sorry I can’t stay!” Hoseok spoke in that fake cheer that Yoongi had now begun to see more and more frequently the more he saw Hoseok. Something about it didn’t sit right with Yoongi. 

Taehyung reached forward to rest a hand on Jungkook’s shoulder, as if he knew exactly what the boy was thinking, as if knowing that Jungkook needed reassurance watching Hoseok leave beyond the doors once more. 

Jungkook frowned. 

“Do you think it’s…?” Namjoon started, trailing off. Not wanting to finish his question, or maybe he was too afraid to. 

Jungkook shook his head, he wasn’t going to talk to them, not now, at least, “Count us off.” 

As they sang, as they filled the too empty bar with sound, Yoongi struggled with the sinking feeling in his gut. 

He should have never let Hoseok leave. 

Practice carried on like normal. 

Nobody talked about what happened, or why Hoseok left so suddenly. Yoongi considered the band close, his best friends—family, even. 

But each and every one of them were absolute shit at things like this. 

At feelings. 

Yoongi always thought they had their ways, Namjoon and Taehyung in songwriting, and Jungkook with singing. Yoongi dealt with his emotions by closing himself off, avoiding them at all costs. 

And it’s worked thus far. 

Yoongi never asked about his bandmates shit, and they never asked about him. So he was damn well not going to stick his nose out and ask about Hoseok. 

Why should he even care? 

Yoongi squeezed his eyes shut, this was different. It was a different situation and Yoongi could feel it. He never meddled in his bandmates' lives because that was their shit to deal with and at the end of the day, he knew they’d be fine. 

Yeah. 

Yoongi’s heart constricted. 

Hoseok was different. 

“Hey! You’re holding up the line!” Someone from behind Yoongi yelled, impatient. 

Yoongi’s eyes snapped open, as if suddenly drenched with ice cold water, he came back to reality. 

“Sir, I asked if I could take your order.” The bartender stated, most likely repeated. 

Yoongi cleared his throat, stepping forward and ordering his usual black coffee. 

The coffee didn’t cure his thoughts like he’d hoped. 

Instead, walking into the empty Hope’s bar with coffee in hand, guitar in the other, the bar darker than usual, Yoongi found his thoughts only racing back to Hoseok more. Filling in all the questions with possible answers, running through multiple scenarios that could all be true in some way. 

Yoongi was so engrossed in his thoughts, that he didn’t realize when he’d gotten his guitar out, tuned it up and readied his microphone that—

That he was alone. 

Yoongi cursed, pulling out his phone and glaring down at the time. It was their usual time, so why—

Min Yoongi: 

Where are you bitches at 

It’s 7 let’s go 

And you always get on me for being late. 

Kim Taehyung: 

What…?

Hyung what are you talking about 

Kim Namjoon: 

Yoongi hyung it’s 6:15 right now. 

Min Yoongi: 

No, it’s 7:15. You’re all late

Kim Namjoon: 

Did you forget about daylight savings? 

Min Yoongi: 

What the hell 

Jeon Jungkook: 

This is hilarious 

Kim Taehyung: 

At least Yoongi hyung is early for once 

Min Yoongi: 

Shut it Tae you’re always late. 

Jeon Jungkook: 

Taetae get’s a pass

Kim Taehyung: 

Taetae -hyung- Jungkookie!

Kim Namjoon: 

Well anyway, just waif for us hyung, get some practice in or something. 

Yoongi groaned at his phone, tossing it to the side as he brought his guitar up to his lap again, cursing the time change before strumming down on a chord—

The door opening caused Yoongi to freeze. 

“Jungkookie…” 

Yoongi snapped his head up, the bar was unlit, darker than usual. Namjoon usually is the one to turn on the lights. Yoongi couldn’t see whoever it was that had walked in, but one thing was so blatantly clear…

This person was crying. 

“Jung— oh…” The voice trailed off, and Yoongi watched as he slowly walked closer in the dim light. 

Hoseok. 

“I— I’m sorry.” Hoseok was frantic to wipe away his tears, his voice returning to his normal, cheery tone. As if a switch was flipped. A well practiced, manicured, perfected switch. 

It made Yoongi’s stomach turn. 

“I was looking for Jungkook.” Hoseok tried chuckling after wiping the last of his tears, his eyes were still red. Tears still forming there, a new, fresh, heavy tear falling down his cheek, painting his fake smile. Piercing through the facade no matter how hard Hoseok tried. “I was just—it was a sad episode in a show we’re watching. That’s all.” Hoseok tried to explain. 

Yoongi just sat there, eyes wide. Frozen. 

Hoseok was quicker to react, something in his voice failing him as well, “I’m sorry, I know you don’t like me, I’m probably the last person you want to see right now—” Hoseok’s voice cracked, be brought a hand up to cover his mouth, nose, He turned around, ready to bolt. “I should go.”

“I—” Yoongi started, a choked thing that stayed stuck in his throat as he watched Hoseok hurry to the door, “Wait I—” Yoongi started again, when Hoseok reached the door, Yoongi knew he wasn’t going to sit by and wait. He wasn’t going to let himself fall into the same path he’d always fallen into. Silence, minding his own business, suppressing everything. 

Hoseok needed a hyung. 

“Wait!” Yoongi yelled louder, something strong, a command. 

Hoseok stopped. 

And somehow, someway, Yoongi knew that everything would change after this, 

“I don’t not like you.” Yoongi spoke loudly, enough for Hoseok to hear even through their distance. 

Hoseok slowly turned around, sniffing as he wiped away more tears, “Wha...what…?” He asked, a whisper. 

“I said, I don’t not like you.” Yoongi repeated, his own voice softer now too. 

“But—” Hoseok started but Yoongi was quick to cut him off. 

“I’m an asshole.” Yoongi explained, “But that doesn't mean I don’t think you’re cool, or whatever.” 

“Oh…” Was all Hoseok said. Another large, heavy tear falling from his dark brown eyes. So heavy, it landed right onto the wooden floor. 

Yoongi felt his heart drop along with it. “Here.” He moved to sit on the edge of the stage, patting the floor next to him, “Jungkook’s not here but something tells me he would kill me if I left you alone like this.” 

Hoseok huffed, looking down, “Aren’t I just bothering you? You don’t have to be nice to me just because I’m crying.” 

“Who said I was being nice to you just because you’re crying?” Yoongi raised a brow. 

Hoseok kept his gaze down, frozen in place, “It’s just a sad episode in a show—”

“Hoseok.” Yoongi spoke more firmly, the younger man’s shoulders going rigid with the rare authority in Yoongi’s voice. “I’m not an idiot.” 

Silence filled the room, Hoseok didn’t move, didn’t sound a word. 

Yoongi took a deep breath, terrified of the answer, “Hoseok,” He started more gently, asking the question that had been plaguing his mind for weeks now, “Are you in danger right now?” 

There was a moment more of silence, of stillness in the air, and Yoongi was about to repeat his question when Hoseok’s hands began to tremble, his shoulders shaking, his voice, quivering. “I...I don’t know.” He finally cried, hands coming up to hide his face, Yoongi’s heart broke at the sight of him, the usually so cheerful, smiling boy so broken in front of him. So scared. “I don’t know.” 

That was answer enough for Yoongi, and before Yoongi could think—before he could process his body was reacting. Was lunging forward, erasing the distance between them and wrapping Hoseok up in his arms. A steady, sturdy embrace and he felt Hoseok fall against his chest. 

Yoongi had wanted to capture Hoseok’s chime filled laughter in a song. 

Hoseok’s cry, was something completely different. It was broken, and sad. Something deep and hidden finally coming to the surface, the perfectly crafted mask coming undone wholly and completely in Yoongi’s arms. 

Yoongi wanted to cry for the boy in his arms as well. Yoongi was practically a stranger and all it took, all he needed, was strong arms wrapped around him. Was the reassurance that it was okay. It was okay to fall apart. 

And it was. 

It was okay, because Yoongi vowed right then and there, in that dark, empty bar, that he would help pick up all of Hoseok’s pieces, and put him back together again. 

“It’s okay, I’ve got you.” Yoongi reassured, repeating the words over and over again, hoping, praying that he truly was strong enough to hold Hoseok together. The boys cries melting in Yoongi’s shoulder, in his chest. 

“I’m so scared…” Hoseok finally admitted, clutching onto Yoongi, practically burrowing in his shoulder. 

“I’ve got you, I won’t let go. I’m your hyung now, okay? I’ll take care of you. I’ll protect you.” Yoongi promised, he’d never promised such a thing before. But somehow, for some reason, with Hoseok, it felt right. 

The words came naturally. 

“I’ll protect you.” Yoongi whispered again. 

And scariest part, Yoongi meant it. He knew he meant it. He knew that even if he couldn’t he’d beat all the odds. “I’ll protect you, you’re safe.” He repeated again. 

Hoseok calmed down little by little, the room that had so frequently been filled with music, overcome by Hoseok’s hurricane of cries, slowly and steadily faded back to the quiet sea that once was, Hoseok’s breathing coming in steadier waves, his trembles subsiding until he was pliant in Yoongi’s arms. 

But he didn’t let go of Yoongi. 

“Why are you doing this…?” Hoseok asked suddenly, his voice hoarse. 

“Doing what?” 

“Promising things you don’t mean. Holding me.” Hoseok sniffed, “Taking care of me…” 

“I…” Yoongi thought for a moment, he never did have a way with words, “don’t know.” 

“But you hate me, so why—”

“I don’t hate you.” Yoongi restated, patiently, “I’m just an asshole. I don’t hate you, I’m your hyung.” 

“You’re not my hyung, you just feel bad for me.” 

Yoongi exhaled, “Hoseok, let me help you.” Yoongi spoke finally, a plea. 

Hoseok didn’t say anything at first, silent tears continuing to roll down his cheeks. “If I walked in tonight, and I wasn’t crying, would you still have said you’re my hyung?” 

Yoongi was taken by surprise by the question, but the answer came easily. “Yes.” 

Hoseok leaned back, meeting Yoongi’s gaze in shock, “Yes…?” he repeated. 

Yoongi nodded, hand coming up to wipe away the tears still falling heavily, “Yes.” He whispered, “I’ve been worried about you. For a while now.” 

“You have…?” Hoseok’s voice sounded so small, so touched and confused it gripped at Yoongi’s heart. 

“I have.” Yoongi confirmed, taking Hoseok’s hands in his own and walking him back to the stage, leading them to sit on the edge of it.  

“I don’t know why you would worry over someone like me.” Hoseok’s voice wobbled. 

“And you also said you don’t know if you’re in danger or not.” Yoongi moved to reach into his music bag, pulling out a juice bottle and setting it beside Hoseok, “Here. And...if you need to talk…” Yoongi shrugged, averting his gaze. 

Hoseok’s lips upturned ever so slightly in amusement, “ Talk ? You’re saying I can talk about my feelings with you? Jungkookie says nobody in the band talks about their feelings, especially not you.” 

“And you’re not in the band, are you?” Yoongi quirked a brow. 

Hoseok blinked, looking down towards the juice in his hand, playing with the cap, “Oh…” Hoseok’s voice trailed off. 

After a long, stretched out moment of silence, Yoongi decided that Hoseok was either not going to talk to him, or he was too shy to. Both valid. 

“Just know…” Yoongi grunted as he leaned back to reach for his guitar, “That I’m here. And I meant all the shit I said earlier.” 

That, Yoongi noticed, brought a small smile to Hoseok’s lips, his cheeks blushing ever so slightly with color. 

Yoongi absentmindedly played on guitar, strumming a few rifts, plucking a couple different patterns before Hoseok’s small voice squeaked over the sound, “Can I—actually can I ask you something? Kinda personal?” 

Yoongi muted the strings with his palm, turning towards Hoseok. He nodded for the younger to continue. 

Hoseok looked down towards his hands fidgeting with the juice, nervous, “Well, it’s just—you don’t have to answer. I—I just—” Hoseok squeezed his eyes shut, before snapping up to meet Yoongi’s gaze and— “Have you ever had sex before?” 

Yoongi dropped his guitar pick. “Excuse me…?” 

Hoseok inhaled sharply, “It’s just—my ex—well—not my—actually, nevermind. I’m sorry, I should have asked—”

“Hoseok.” Yoongi reached over to hold Hoseok’s hands over his own, steadying them. “It’s okay. You can ask whatever you want, I just...wasn’t expecting you to ask that .” He chuckled slightly. “But yes, I have.” 

“Oh…” Hoseok's shoulders dropped slightly, his expression trained as if not to give himself away, but Yoongi could read him so easily. Anyone could. “How many—”

“Let’s just say I get around.” Yoongi winked, “When you’re in a band like ours, it paves the way for cheap, bar bathroom sex. Or backstage sex. Car sometimes.” 

Yoongi could feel Hoseok growing more uncomfortable, but before he could say anything Hoseok was already talking, “When was your first?” 

“My first?” Yoongi hummed, recalling, “Something freshman year. Went to a party or something. He was drunk, I was drunk—”

“He?” Hoseok focused on one word. 

Yoongi nodded, “Yep.” He set his guitar aside and stretched his arms above his head, moving to lay his back down against the stage, gazing up at the dim stage lights, “I’m a gay top to the bones babe. Had it the other way once, but didn't like it as much. Same with girls.” 

“Oh…” Hoseok whispered, gazing down towards Yoongi from his new advantage point. “Do you...drink a lot when you…?” 

Yoongi quirked a brow again, “Have homosexual intercorse?” 

Hoseok blushed fiercely, swatting at Yoongi’s chest, “You know what I mean! It’s just...your first time you were drunk and all the other times are in bars so...I don’t know…” 

Yoongi smiled something soft towards Hoseok, “Would you call me crazy if I said I’ve never banged it out sober before?” 

Hoseok’s eyes widened, “Really?!” 

Yoongi nodded, “Sex is better when you’re a little out of it.” 

“But how do you know if you’ve never been sober for it?” Hoseok asked with a pout. An adorable pout, Yoongi noted. 

Yoongi shrugged, “Trust the process.” 

Hoseok didn’t say anything to that, just wordlessly moved to join Yoongi in laying down with his back on the stage, looking up towards the stage lights. “Oh.” He exhaled after a moment. 

“Can I ask why you want to know about my sex life all of a sudden?” Yoongi hummed, amused as he turned to look at Hoseok.

“No.” Hoseok shook his head, turning to meet Yoongi’s gaze as well, “You can’t.” 

Yoongi huffed, grinning. 

Hoseok was definitely something special. 

A fact that Yoongi was coming to realize more and more as their time together became a routine of sorts. Yoongi would conveniently forget what time practice was, every week. And Hoseok would always come in earlier than necessary to open the bar for the night. 

But Yoongi wasn’t complaining, especially not when he started bringing food to their weekly, and sometimes even more frequently than that, meetings. Yoongi learned that Hoseok liked sweet things and kimchi but not cheese. He learned that when Hoseok is excited about something, there is nothing in the world that can stop him from telling someone. Yoongi learned that Hoseok’s eyes light up just a little more, his smile, just a little softer when they’re together in the dim lighting of the bar before practice starts. 

Hoseok never brought up the day he walked in crying rivers, and Yoongi never asked. 

But there was one thing Yoongi would ask, every single time, “Are you doing alright?” 

Hoseok nodded, taking a bite of his cheeseless pizza, “Yeah.” 

“Danger?” Yoongi asked in an attempt to be casual about something that was very much not. 

Hoseok shook his head, “Not today.” 

Not today. 

The answer Hoseok always gave. It left Yoongi with a sense of dread every time. Dread for when it was today. When that would be. What Yoongi wouldn’t stop himself from doing to protect the younger. 

Instead, Yoongi followed up with, “You know you’re a freak of nature eating pizza with no cheese, right?” 

Hoseok giggled, “Hyung! I don’t like cheese though~ It ruins the pizza!” 

“But isn’t that how it’s supposed to be?” Yoongi argued, “The Italians knew what they were doing.” 

“And so do I!’ Hoseok huffed, taking a big bite of his pizza and humming loudly in satisfaction. 

Yoongi could help but to chuckle, endeared as he took a bite of the cheeseless pizza. Because they couldn’t do a half and half, and Yoongi found himself actually wanting to sacrifice such a sacred thing such as cheese for Hoseok. 

He found himself doing a lot of strange things for Hoseok. 

Things he’d never thought he’d do. 

Things like asking for Hoseok’s number—Yoongi never initiated connections like that—and texting him first in the morning. 

Min Yoongi: 

You up? 

Jung Hoseok: 

of course I am!

it’s 7am hyung, I have class!!

Min Yoongi: 

Right. 

The student that owns a college bar. 

Good morning. 

Jung Hoseok: 

good morning uwu

you know you text me a lot for someone who doesn’t like me...

Min Yoongi: 

I don’t not like you. 

We’ve been over this. 

I’m your hyung, Seok. 

Jung Hoseok: 

hehe~ 

i know! i just wanted to hear you say it

Min Yoongi: 

I can say it every day if that’s what you need.

Jung Hoseok: 

i feel like that would physically hurt you

words of affirmation isn’t really your thing

incase you haven’t noticed

hehe~ 

Min Yoongi: 

You’re impossible. 

You’re my dongsaeng and I’m going to protect you.

There, you happy?

Jung Hoseok: 

yeah :3

you know i feel like i hit the jackpot

Min Yoongi: 

Why? 

Are you rich? 

Seok, if you’re rich I hope you know that I am getting half

Jung Hoseok: 

oh really ????

Min Yoongi: 

It’s part of the contract you signed. 

Comes with the package.

How many greens we talkin?

Jung Hoseok: 

when did i sign this contract????

Min Yoongi: 

When you smiled at me.

Jung Hoseok: 

!!!!!! 

really ??? 

omg , i didn’t know !!!!! 

Min Yoongi: 

Sad to say. 

But you’re bound to me now, can’t get rid of this hyung, Seok. 

Jung Hoseok: 

hehe~

aren’t you going to ask why i won the jackpot??

Min Yoongi: 

Why did you win the jackpot, Seokie? 

Jung Hoseok: 

:3 

because i met you~

Min Yoongi: 

Seok...

Jung Hoseok: 

you’re like a whole 

a whole….

like !!! a whole thing !!!! the whole thing !!!!

Min Yoongi: 

I know you’re trying to communicate to me but it’s not clicking Seok

Is this a good or a bad thing.

Jung Hoseok: 

oh hyungie !!!

it’s a good thing :3 

ah, class is starting igtg!!!! 

see you tonight??

Min Yoongi: 

Tonight. 

:) 

“Who the hell are you texting man?! Last time I saw your gums like that was when My Chemical Romance scheduled their tour for Seoul.” Yoongi’s roommate jabbed at him as he made a run for the kitchen, grabbing whatever he could get his hands on—an apple and some bread. 

Yoongi turned his phone over, smile wiped clean from his face and his knowing scowl replacing his features, “Aren’t you late for class Jin hyung?!” 

“Yeah, but when you’re a little bit late you know what I always say—” 

“Go big or go home.” Yoongi rolled his eyes. 

“Exactly.” Seokjin started, taking a bite of his apple, “So, who, what, when, where, why?”

“Excuse me?” Yoongi accused. 

Seokjin gestured his apple to Yoongi’s phone, “The big smile. Who’s coming into town? A new band your into? You finally got the cash for that guitar you’ve been waiting or something? Or—” Seokjin’s eyes grew wide, “Is it a girl—”

“It’s not a girl.” Yoongi groaned into his hands. 

“So it’s a boy …?” Seokjin concluded, walking closer with another bite of his apple. Brow drawn up, intrigued. 

“It’s an it. It’s nothing, it’s nobody.” Yoongi shrugged, sniffed as he tried to look for a distraction. “Just a dongsang—”

Seokjin shrieked, a loud, ear deafening, full body, shriek — 

“ Oh my god !” Seokjin was beside Yoongi in an instant, reaching for Yoongi’s phone that Yoongi only barely was able to get his wits about him enough to keep out of Seokjin’s reach, “Pictures! Details! Oh my god Min Yoongi you like this —”

“It’s nobody !” Yoongi cut through the air, but his aggressiveness flew by Seokjin without a scratch. 

“So a dongsang, you like him, someone new in your life. What’s he like? Is he in your class? Does he like your music?” Seokjin’s voice was going faster than his thoughts. 

Yoongi just shook his head, “He’s nobody, just a guy. Just a dongsang. My dongsaeng.” He moved to stand up, “He’s been through a lot and I’m trying to help him.” 

Seokjin’s expression changes slightly, “What’s he been through?” 

Yoongi paused, not meeting Seokjin’s gaze, “I don’t know exactly. Not yet. I have some ideas.” 

Seokjin nodded, calming slightly as he smiled. “Well just, be careful. And once you’re done helping him and ready to admit you smile when you text him I’m here to listen to you.” 

Yoongi huffed, “Don’t you have a class that you’re running late for?” 

Seokjin chuckled as he moved to get up, “All in due time, Min Yoongi. All in due time.” 

All in due time. 

Hoseok came into the studio bar at their usual time, and Yoongi noticed his red eyes immediately. 

“What’s wrong?” Yoongi sat up straight, skipping the pleasantries entirely as he set his bass guitar aside. 

“Nothing.” Hoseok shook his head, sniffing as he whipped his nose with the back of his sleeve. He moved to sit down next to Yoongi in his usual spot. “Just a...long day.” 

“I know what a long day looks like on you, Seok, this isn’t a long day.” Yoongi started, just a little frustrated. “Are you in danger?” 

Hoseok hesitated, pausing for the briefest of moments before he shook his head no. 

But that hesitation was all Yoongi needed. 

“What did he do.” Yoongi’s voice was low and dangerous. 

The change in tone caused Hoseok to jump slightly, eyes watering, “What…?” He asked in a small voice. 

Yoongi softened his tone, his veins burning more in response as he reached out to lay a hand on Hoseok’s own, “Did he hurt you?” 

Hoseok blinked at Yoongi, something like amazement, something like awe that Yoongi had figured it out. Had pieced all of Hoseok’s little puzzle pieces together and read him like a children's book. 

Hoseok looked down at his lap, at Yoongi’s hand atop his own, “I...don’t know…” 

“Hoseok.” Yoongi’s voice was tired, pleading, “Please.” 

“I’m sorry.” Hoseok sniffed again, something heavy now falling from his lashes, he turned quickly to wipe it away, “I’m sorry, I—I don’t want...I can’t…” He took a trembling breath, as if he was drowning, “It’s just a lot...it’s a lot right now...I don’t…” 

Yoongi pulled Hoseok in. He held him tight, pressed him close to his chest. 

All in due time . 

“You don’t have to tell me anything, you don’t owe me any explanation. You don’t owe me anything, Hoseok. You could go your whole life just telling me that you’re safe and I would be fine, I wouldn’t ask for more. But if you’re in danger, I need to be able to protect you.” 

Hoseok halted his breath, something caught in his throat, something begging to escape but unable to break free. To reach Yoongi. 

All in due time.

Yoongi tried to remind himself as Hoseok cried against his shoulder, caught. The younger carrying something so heavy that he couldn’t even begin to let Yoongi in. To let him help. 

“Seok,” Yoongi started, his voice soft, “Want to get some ice cream?” 

Hoseok sniffed, nuzzling further into Yoongi’s shoulder, “Yeah.” 

“I don’t think I’ll ever understand your eating habits.” Yoongi commented after buying them ice cream at a small shop down the street from the bar. Taking a few bites into his chocolate ice cream, eyeing Hoseok’s mint chocolate one that he was taking kitten licks at. 

Yoongi tried not to focus on the way Hoseok licked his ice cream. 

“You don’t have to understand it, Hyungie.” Hoseok moved to sit down by the river across from the ice cream shop, sighing as the wind played with his hair. “You just have to accept it.”

Yoongi moved to sit next to him, the grass was a little wet, but Yoongi didn’t mind when he was sitting next to Hoseok, the sun setting just beyond the city. “I don’t think I have to accept anything.” 

“Yeah you do.” Hoseok argued, “It’s in the contract.” 

Yoongi chuckled, “The contract? What contract.” 

“The one you signed.” Hoseok answered easily, shrugging, “You signed it when you said you’d protect me. When you became my hyung.” 

Yoongi huffed, looking away to hide his growing grin, “I’ve always been your hyung.” 

“Okay, then the time that I realized you always were my hyung.” Hoseok hummed happily, slowing down suddenly, expression changing, “I’m...sorry. About earlier.” 

Yoongi shook his head quickly, “Don’t.” 

“But I am.” Hoseok looked down at his ice cream, “I always cry in front of you and you just...you pick up the pieces. All the time. You pick them up and hold me until I’m whole again and I just...I feel bad.” 

“I will do that every single time. I will hold you until you’re whole every day, as many times as I can. As many times as you need.” Yoongi insisted, exhaling, heavy, “I just wish I could fix it. Hoseok, you have no idea how badly I want to just fix this.” 

“It’s not something you can fix.” Hoseok whispered, his voice was smaller than Yoongi had ever heard it.

Yoongi turned to look at Hoseok, “Why? Why can’t I fix this for you? Why can’t I help?” 

“Because…” Hoseok struggled, “Because you can’t ...it’s...it’s something that, it’s different hyung I’m sorry I…”

Yoongi shook his head, “No, no more apologizing. I want you to take your time with this. I want you to tell me when you’re ready.” 

“I want to tell you.” Hoseok looked up to meet Yoongi’s gaze, his eyes so vulnerable and open. 

Yoongi reached out to rest a hand on Hoseok’s thigh, something Hoseok used to shy away from, but now leans into. Something comforting. “Then tell me.” Yoongi whispered, encouraging, gentle. 

“I’m scared.” Hoseok confessed. 

Yoongi nodded, frowning, “Is it because of him? Did he do something to make you think you can’t tell anyone—”

“Hyung,” Hoseok inhaled sharply, “I don’t want to cry again.” 

“Right,” Yoongi nodded quickly, “Right, sorry. Okay, sorry.” 

“No, no don’t apologize.” Hoseok shook his head, clearing his throat, “Can I ask you something?” 

“You can ask me anything, always.” 

“Why are you so nice to me?” 

Yoongi raised a brow, “Because I’m your hyung—”

“ Just because you’re my hyung? I mean like...you don’t...want anything from me? You don’t expect anything from me?” Hoseok asked. 

Something in the younger mans expression told Yoongi that this was something that had been on Hoseok’s mind for a while. “Seok, no. God no why would I want anything from you? I just want you to be safe, I just care about you. That’s all. Why...where is this coming from?” 

“Really?” Hoseok asked, as if he truly wasn’t sure. 

“Seok.” Yoongi was concerned now, “I don’t want anything from you and I damn well do not expect anything from you.” 

Hoseok searched Yoongi’s expression for a lie, for the sliver of doubt that he surely had written in his eyes. 

Yoongi felt dejavu at the sight of Hoseok’s unbelieving expression, a pang of something sad tugging at his chest. “I promise.” Yoongi whispered. 

And then, Hoseok had found what he was looking for, or perhaps he hadn’t found it, because his face illuminated into a smile, something bright and cheerful. Something so Hoseok that Yoongi couldn’t tear his eyes away even if he tried. 

Hoseok moved to lean his head against Yoongi’s shoulder, “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, Yoongi hyung.” 

Yoongi smiled too, Hoseok’s smile was contagious. That much Yoongi had learned quickly. “A better friend than your Jungkookie even?” Yoongi asked, wrapping an arm around Hoseok’s shoulders. 

Hoseok giggled, “Of course not!” 

_____

Fall turned into winter rather quickly, and Yoongi found Hoseok falling into rhythm with Yoongi’s life easily. Hoseok coming in to fill the Hoseok shaped hole in Yoongi’s life that Yoongi had never known had been there. The hole Yoongi never knew he wanted to be filled so eagerly before. 

And it was nice. 

Amazing, even. 

Incredible . 

“Hey, hyung.” Namjoon tapped Yoongi’s head with his drum stick rather aggressively, “What are you so smiley about?” 

Yoongi shook his head from his thoughts of Hoseok, “Nothing.” 

“Whatever it is, it's been on his mind for a while now.” Jungkook commented from where he was setting up his mic, “I like this Yoongi hyung, you seem a lot more at ease. It’s nice.” 

Yoongi shrugged, “There’s nothing different.” 

“I’ve got an idea.” Namjoon grinned. 

Jungkook raised a brow towards Namjoon as Yoongi turned his attention back to his bass. 

“I think it has something to do with Hobi-ah, ever since he started staying in for our practices Yoongi hyung as been—”

“Alright that’s enough.” Yoongi cut Namjoon off, “Where’s Taehyung? Late again? Let’s just start without him.” 

Jungkook willfully ignored Yoongi, “Wait, wait. You think Hobi hyung has something to do with this?” He asked, pointing towards Yoongi while gawking at Namjoon. 

Namjoon nodded, seriously, “Think about it, every time Hoseok comes by Yoongi is a little less quiet. He definitely doesn’t dislike him.” 

Jungkook looked at Yoongi then, searching for an answer. 

“That’s ridiculous.” Yoongi huffed, “Seok’s my friend. That’s it.” 

“ Your friend ?!” Namjoon banged down on his drum set for emphasis, “Since when do you have friends ?!” 

Jungkook’s gaze was harsh and hard on Yoongi, “Hyung,” He started, more serious then Yoongi had ever seen him, “What’s going on with you and Hobi hyung?” 

“Nothing. I said it, nothing.” Yoongi quickly stated. 

“We’ve been dancing around the subject,” Jungkook started then, not giving up, “Namjoon’s not the only one who’s noticed how you change when you’re around him. But your reaction now…” Jungkook shook his head, “Look, we don’t talk but just—do not hurt him. I mean it, do not —”

“I would never hurt him.” Yoongi interrupted, serious, heavy. A strength to his voice that left the room echoing after. 

Namjoon took a deep breath, whistling, “So you like him.” 

“I never said that.” Yoongi huffed, turning away from the two. 

“Just don’t hurt him.” Jungkook stated again, quieter this time, “We’re here to talk when you’re ready to tell us about this crush of yours. But—” Jungkook groaned, frustrated, ''but seriously Yoongi hyung. My Hobi hyung?! I said he needed a good hyung, someone like you, but I didn’t mean like...like that !” 

“I think you’re jumping to conclusions there, Jungkook.” Yoongi narrowed his gaze towards the younger. 

“Well I’m not the one crushing on a guy who—” Jungkook almost continued, almost finished his thought before letting his mouth hang open for a moment, shaking his head as he turned back around. “Forget it. Let’s just play.” 

“I’m here!” Taehyung’s voice sang from the door that had just swung open rather ceremoniously, followed in by Hoseok who was giggling behind his steps. 

“Great. You missed all the drama.” Yoongi mumbled with a roll of his eyes. Saving a soft, small smile for Hoseok when they met eyes. 

“Drama?!” Taehyung rushed to the stage, inhaling sharply. 

Jungkook groaned, his frustration only growing as he pulled Taehyung up onto the stage, “I’ll tell you later. Come on, get your guitar up, we're starting now.” 

“Is...everything okay…?” Hoseok asked, moving to sit in his usual spot, his gaze trailing mainly to Yoongi. 

“Everythings fine, Seok.” Yoongi answered, his voice so gentle, his smile so fond. 

“Whipped.” Namjoon coughed from behind the drum set. 

“What’d you say Joonie?” Hoseok tilted his head, doe-like eyes blinking curiously and Yoongi turned to shoot the most deadly glare he could muster Namjoon’s way. 

“He was just saying we should get started. Right Namjoon?!” Yoongi gritted. 

“Sure.” Namjoon chuckled, twirling the drum stick in his hand. 

Yoongi knew Hoseok didn’t buy that, which is why he wasn’t surprised when everyone left after practice, Hoseok finding an excuse to stay and clean a few extra tables off. Yoongi earring eye rolls from the rest when he’d stated he wanted to hang back and practice more. 

Yoongi wasn’t surprised at all when Hoseok sat down next to him on the stage, like usual, bumping his shoulder lightly. Eyes concerned, “You sure everything’s alright?” He whispered, as if it wasn’t just the two of them in the bar. 

Yoongi smiled, wanting to wrap his arm around Hoseok’s shoulder and pull him in close to his side. Wanting. “Yeah.” He nodded, “We just got snippy with each other before you came in. That’s all.” 

Hoseok inhaled sharply, “Snippy?! What happened?” 

Yoongi shrugged, “Namjoon was being a nosey bitch and Jungkook was edging him on.” 

Hoseok pouted, oh god how Yoongi loved that little pout, “Were they picking on you? I can ask Jungkookie to stop. He looks up to you so much he’d never—”

“No, no.” Yoongi chuckled, almost reaching for Hoseok’s hand, almost, “It’s okay Seok. This happens every now and then, it’s okay. Promise.” 

“I bet it happens because none of you actually talk about your feelings.” Hoseok sighed, leaning into Yoongi’s side, and Yoongi couldn’t help but to wrap an arm around Hoseok’s shoulders, “You want to know a secret?” 

“Hell yeah I do.” Yoongi answered quickly and honestly. 

“I think that Taehyung and Jungkook like each other.” Hoseok whispered, and Yoongi knew, just knew the younger man was smiling so big against his shoulder. 

“You think so?” Yoongi responded almost sarcastic. 

“I do!” Hoseok shot up, meeting Yoongi’s gaze with a giggle, “What? Do you think so too?” 

“Oh Seok,” Yoongi chuckled, arm still around Hoseok’s shoulders, “They’ve liked each other for years .” 

Hoseok covered his mouth with his hand, “ No way .” 

“Oh yeah.” 

“But Jungkookie has never said anything before!” Hoseok argued, “And even now! The only way I know is by watching them, I don’t even think Jungkookie knows himself!” 

“Oh god not a chance Seok.” Yoongi shook his head, “They’ve been hopeless since the band started.” 

“Do you think we should...help them out? Say something?” Hoseok asked, looking towards Yoongi for guidance and fuck if Yoongi didn’t love that. 

Yoongi shook his head, “Nah, let’s let them figure it out.” 

“But if it’s been years then…” 

“How about this,” Yoongi grinned, “If they haven’t figured it out by the time they’re thirty, then we tell them.” 

Hoseok giggled, “That’s so far away!” 

“Deal or no deal, sugar.” Yoongi teased, the name rolling off his tongue easily. He would have been embarrassed if not for the way Hoseok’s cheeks quickly burned red. 

“D-deal.” Hoseok squeaked out, smiling big, big, big .

And oh, how Yoongi’s heart leapt in his throat at the sight. Reaching out to connect their hands in a shake, whispering, “Deal.” 

They stayed like that, lost in each other, in the moment, in the gaze only briefly before Hoseok's phone was ringing, and Hoseok broke away, scrambling for his device. 

The way Hoseok’s face washed white upon seeing the caller ID was more than enough for Yoongi. 

“Let me talk to him.” Yoongi growled, the now familiar fire flaming to life in his veins. 

“I—” Hoseok shook his head, looking up at Yoongi, asking Yoongi for guidance again, but it was different this time. This time, instead of causing Yoongi’s chest to flutter, it tied his stomach in knots. “I don’t know why he’s…” 

“I’ll talk to him.” Yoongi held his hand out for Hoseok’s phone, “I’ll tell him to go fuck himself and make sure he never bothers you again.” 

Hoseok shook his head, “No, no hyung you don’t—I…” 

Concern washed over Yoongi’s features when he realized how deeply rooted the dilemma in Hoseok’s features grew. “Seok…” He whispered, “You don’t have to pick up...we can block his number.” 

“I can’t...I…” Hoseok’s hand was trembling, the call on the phone almost fading, almost ending when—

“Hello?” Hoseok’s voice was high pitched as he answered the phone, moving to get up, as if to get away from Yoongi. 

As if to hide. 

Yoongi wouldn't have it, he wouldn't. He wasn’t going to allow Hoseok to come back crying into his shoulder and do nothing about it. 

“I’m...a little busy right now.” Hoseok started walking over to the bar and noticed Yoongi behind him through a glance over his shoulder. “Do you need...something?” 

Yoongi could hear a man scoff on the other line and it took everything within him not to take the phone away from Hoseok and roar what was on his mind. 

“No I—” Hoseok started, squeezing his eyes shut, Yoongi could make out something wet dancing across his lashes. “Jun please...please stop, I—” A tear fell from Hoseok’s beautiful eyes and Yoongi snapped. 

Yanking the phone out of Hoseok’s hand, Yoongi barked into it, “Listen here you bastard you want to talk to Hoseok, you’re going to have to go through me first you piece of shit.” Yoongi growled with viction, “And he’s not available to talk right now, so fuck off.” Yoongi snapped, ending the call all in one breath. 

Yoongi was breathing at a labored pace, the adrenaline rushing through his veins as he turned around, the world suddenly stopping when he met Hoseok’s horrified gaze. “Seok—”

“Why would you do that?!” Hoseok snapped, a tone Yoongi had never heard from the younger who snatched his phone away, “How could you...oh god...oh god…” Hoseok was shaking, his breathing quick and shallow and Yoongi knew right away when Hoseok’s knees began to give out from under him. 

Yoongi, quick to catch him and reassure, “It’s okay, you’re okay. He’s not going to hurt you. I’ve got you, it’s okay—”

“Gi—” Hoseok was finding it hard to breathe and Yoongi felt so powerless, even more so than before. He was fighting a monster he couldn’t see. 

“I’m here, I’m here.” Yoongi rushed to pull Hoseok into his chest, to hold him, to hold him until all the broken pieces came back together, until Hoseok felt whole again, until—

“Danger…” Hoseok inhaled sharply, trying to scrape air back into his lungs, desperately clinging onto Yoongi’s shirt. 

Yoongi hushed him gently, “No, no sugar you’re not in danger, hyung’s got you. Gi’s right here and I’m not going to let anything hurt you remember? I’ll protect you.” 

“No...no Gi he—” Hoseok scrambled for his phone that was discarded amidst the mess, “He has—he could—” was all Hoseok could think to say, rushing through his phone. 

Yoongi was at a loss when Hoseok pulled up his Instagram app, “Seok what—” Yoongi froze, eyes wide. 

The final piece clicked in place. 

Hoseok sighed in relief, a breath so big it trembled it’s way into every inch of his chest before exhaling slowly when Hoseok pulled up the page that Yoongi could only conclude was his ex’s profile. Finding no recent pictures uploaded. 

Yoongi squared his jaw, pulling Hoseok in again, pressing him so close to Yoongi’s chest Yoongi wished he could hide Hoseok away from all of it, all of the pain. 

And by the way Hoseok was nuzzling into Yoongi’s chest, Yoongi could guess he wanted the same. 

A long, stretched out pause breathed between them, an unsung melody begging to be played. 

“I’m sorry.” Yoongi finally confessed when the silence became too much to bear. “I’m so sorry for doing that, I should have never done that without your permission. That wasn’t right. And it wasn’t fair to you.” 

“It’s okay.” Hoseok whispered, muffled by Yoongi’s shirt. 

“It’s not okay, but I promise I won’t do that again. No matter how much I want to, I’ll ask you first if it’s okay.” Yoongi exhaled, “I...I didn’t know…” 

Hoseok took another deep, long breath. This time more sturdy, more sure of himself, fuller. “He has...pictures…” 

Yoongi tensed as Hoseok continued. “Whatever you’re thinking, hyung, it’s not that. I never sent him anything, I never posed or took my clothes off for him. I never once...I...I should have but I didn’t.” 

Yoongi’s brows knit together, pulling Hoseok back to meet his gaze, “Woah, woah, woah.” He shook his head, “What the hell do you mean you should have?!” 

Hoseok’s eyes were so sad, he moved to sit up, wiping away a stray tear. God how Yoongi missed Hoseok’s smile now. “I should start from the beginning.” 

“Hey, you don’t have to tell me everything. Or anything. I know this is hard for you.” Yoongi reached out, hand over Hoseok’s own. Gentle.

Hoseok smiled softly and sweetly, and there, just like that, Yoongi’s world started spinning again, “No, I want to. I owe you as much.” 

“You don’t owe me shit, Seok.” Yoongi argued. 

Hoseok's smile fell down to their joined hands, moving to hold Yoongi’s palm back, “I want to.” 

And so, Yoongi moved so that his back was up against the bar counter on the ground, holding Hoseok’s hand like an anchor, and listened. 

Hoseok took a deep breath, “So,” He started on the exhale, “we met at a bar. I used to go to them a lot, that’s how I wanted to open my own bar. It’s a good place to meet people and just relax. And...and I got dressed up.” Hoseok shrugged, looking down, “I thought I looked really good that night. I’ve never been called pretty before in my life and Jun just waltzed up out of nowhere calling me pretty, hot, gorgeous, sexy, everything in the book.” 

“Seok…” Yoongi started, sounding just as breathless as he felt, “ You’re beautiful .” 

Hoseok’s eyes stayed glued to the ground, a light blush painting his cheeks, “I— I went home with him that night. This is...this is really embarrassing.” 

Yoongi shook his head quickly, “Seok, lots of people go home with other people after bars, in fact most people don’t even make it out of the bar before they start to bang—”

“We didn’t have sex.” Hoseok quickly interrupted, his skin blooming more crimson by the second, “I...I couldn’t. I didn’t even sleep in the same bed as him.” 

“Oh…” Yoongi whispered, unable to think of anything better to say.

Hoseok huffed, “Yeah. So, I don’t know, Jun just thought I was playing hard to get? Maybe?” Hoseok bit his lip before continuing, “He asked me out that morning, and like the love struck puppy I was, I said yes. He was perfect, hyung...he was so perfect. He treated me so well, he listened and I thought he cared. He would cook for me and take me on dates and always called me so pretty…” Hoseok’s voice trailed off, a once precious memory soured by the present. 

Yoongi rubbed this thumb along the back of Hoseok’s knuckles, comforting. 

“It was all a lie.” Hoseok finally exhaled, eyes closed. “It was all a lie. All he wanted was sex.” 

“Seok…” 

“I would avoid it.” Hoseok’s voice was heavy with guilt, “I would avoid it every time. I knew what he was doing and I would act like I didn’t know. He would make a move, kiss me on my neck, try to take off my shirt, let his hands wander and I’d—I—” Hoseok’s hand started to tremble. “I was just so scared—”

Yoongi couldn’t stand another second of it, he reached out and pulled Hoseok in against his chest, holding him there firm and gentle and steady and— “It’s okay.” Yoongi whispered, his voice an anchor, “It’s okay to be scared.” 

“I just...I didn’t want it. I was scared to say no but I was more scared of...I…” Hoseok swallowed, melting into Yoongi, “I’m a virgin.” He spoke in a small, quiet voice. 

“Did he not make you feel safe?” Yoongi couldn’t help but to ask, he needed to know. 

“He...he did but—but he didn’t he—” Hoseok stuttered with his words, “I felt like the love he showed me was gone when he would touch me sometimes. When things started to turn towards that road...if he wanted something more his touch would feel harsh, and he’d be more aggressive, he’d start ordering instead of asking. He’d start grabbing and pushing me instead of just holding my hand and I...it scared me.” 

“So you avoided it.” Yoongi concluded. 

Hoseok nodded slowly, “At first I didn’t put two and two together. I just thought that maybe he was upset with me for something, so I tried to be good for him. I always tried to be so good for him in everything.” 

“Oh Seok…” Yoongi exhaled sadly. 

Hoseok continued, “Eventually Jungkook helped me realize that the only time he would be rough with me is when I would refuse sex or refuse kissing him. I never kissed him longer than a quick peck because I just—it felt weird. And then everything would change. I hated it.” Hoseok brought his knees up to his chest, burying his face in them. And then, in a voice so small, whispered, “I tried to leave.” 

Yoongi hummed, rubbing Hoseok’s back gently, soothingly, “I’m so proud of you. For realizing you were in such a bad place, treated so horribly. I’m so proud of you for leaving that fucked up bastard.” 

“Hyung...I tried …” Hoseok’s voice quivered. 

Yoongi was quiet for a long time before Hoseok finally continued, “I told him I was done. That I couldn't keep doing this, that I wasn’t making him happy and all that I ever wanted was to make him happy…” 

“But?” Yoongi tried to hide the anger in his voice. 

“But…” A deep inhale, “The pictures. He said he had pictures.” 

“If you’ve never done anything more than kiss then how—”

“I don’t know.” Hoseok shook his head, pulling back to look at Yoongi, eyes wide and lost, “I don’t know hyung. He said he got them while I was sleeping. It sounds like an empty threat, how could he undress me, take pictures, dress me again without me waking up?” 

“You’ve never seen these pictures?” Yoongi asked. 

Hoseok shook his head, “Never.” 

“So you don’t know if he actually has them or not?” Yoongi asked, “Because I have a high suspicion that this Jun asshole has no pictures of you and is just trying to scare you right now.” 

Hoseok shook his head, “No, hyung I don’t know .” His eyes started filling with tears, “I don’t know...and I know he probably doesn’t but what if he does…? What if he...I don’t know. What if he posts those pictures or something? What if he shows them to my friends or my family or—”

“Hey, hey,” Yoongi shook his head, cupping Hoseok’s cheek gently, “Breathe, calm down for me. There are no pictures—”

“But how do you know …?” Hoseok’s voice was small, broken. Scared. 

Yoongi hated it. Shaking his head, “Hyung will protect you, I promised you that much, didn’t I?” 

Hoseok nodded, his breath calming ever so slightly at the memory, “When we first became friends…” 

“Right. We were friends before that but that’s besides the point. The point is, that I won’t let anything bad happen to you. There’s not any pictures, but even if there were any? I wouldn’t let them exist without your explicit consent. Jun won’t be able to use them against you, I won’t let him.” 

“How can you promise all this? How can you be so sure?” Hoseok asked, genuinely confused, but Yoongi’s words seemed to work as a comfort. If the lack of tears in Hoseok’s eyes was anything to go by. 

“Trust hyung.” Yoongi leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Hoseok’s forehead. Something soft and fleeting and unlike anything Yoongi thought he would ever do but—

But it felt right. So natural. And so Yoongi did it. 

“Trust me, Seok. I’ll protect you.” Yoongi promised again, a sense of finality to his words. “Now tell me, where are you at now with this bastard?” 

Hoseok blinked up towards Yoongi with wide eyes, breathless. “Do you remember the night you and I became friends?” 

Yoongi nodded, remembering the night with a bittersweet fondness. 

“He broke up with me.” 

“ What ?!” Yoongi barked, astounded. “He tried so hard to blackmail you into staying and he just all the sudden breaks up with you?” 

Hoseok nodded, looking down, “It was my fault. I kept putting off sex and he was losing paitence. I’m—I’m just a virgin hyung I—”

“Two things.” Yoongi interrupted Hoseok quickly, “Firstly, I never want you to ever say, or even think that any of this is your fault. I simply will not allow it. And secondly, you are not just a virgin. You were scared and instead of going at your pace and being gentle, that piece of shit tried to rush you, tried to—” Yoongi grunted, “It sounds a lot like he just wanted you for sex, Seok. I’m sorry but I can’t—I can’t believe that bastard.” 

“That’s what Jungkookie says too.” Hoseok whispered. “But then why does he keep trying to have me back? I...I can’t feel the love I had for him anymore hyung. All I feel is scared around him and he keeps trying to contact me. To come back into my life and the worst part is that if I don’t placate him and return his calls and texts that he’ll do something with the pictures.” 

Yoongi was quiet for a long, long moment, “Seok?” 

Hoseok blinked up at Yoongi, like a lost puppy. So drained, yet still filled with so much innocence, so much hope. 

And that’s all Yoongi needed. 

He just needed a little bit of hope. The rest, he could work with. 

“I want to make a deal with you.” 

“Okay?” Hoseok moved closer, hands on Yoongi’s chest as Yoongi held his back. 

“Anytime that sick excuse of a human calls you, I want you to call me. Right after, I want you to call me, or find me, or text me. Whatever is easiest. The same goes for if he ever texts you, and especially if he ever wants to see you.” Yoongi requested, “I want to be there with you anytime he tries to see you in person, can you promise me that?” 

“But...why?” Hoseok’s shoulders dropped, “Why would you...why?” 

“Because I care about you and I can’t have you in danger. This man...he is not who you deserve or what you deserve. I can’t stand that he’s allowed to exist in the same realm as you and continue this. Frightening you, hurting you like this.” Yoongi’s eyes grew sad, cupping Hoseok’s cheek in his palm again, “I want to protect you, and being there anytime he tries to get back to you is going to be where I start.” 

“You don’t...want anything out of this? You really... really just want to protect me…?” Hoseok asked, unbelieving. 

“That’s all I’ve ever wanted, Seok.” Yoongi rubbed his thumb gently under Hoseok’s eye, “That’s all I’ve ever wanted with you. I just want to see you smile.” 

One final tear fell from hoseok’s eye, “Hyungie...you’re the best hyung in the world.” 

Yoongi smiled gently, pulling Hoseok in close for a hug, a tight, warm embrace, “I’m not hardly the best, but I do care about you. And I will protect you. I swear it.” 

Hoseok sighed into Yoongi’s chest, relaxing against Yoongi’s body, “Hyung?” 

Yoongi hummed, smiling softly into Hoseok’s hair. 

“Thank you.” Hoseok whispered. 

Yoongi shook his head, “There’s nothing to thank me for.” Yoongi smiled, “Yet.” 

“Yet?” Yoongi could feel Hoseok’s smile growing against his collarbone. 

Yoongi chuckled, moving to stand up and help Hoseok up with him, holding Hoseok’s hand for a moment longer than necessary. Lingering.

Yoongi winked, “You can thank me after I buy our ice cream tonight.” 

And Hoseok’s soft, pitter patter laughter that followed, was all Yoongi needed to finally, finally, breathe. 

_____

“Can I be honest with you, hyungie?” Hoseok started one night that they’d ended up back at Yoongi’s place after Yoongi’s practice. Yoongi insisted on cooking for Hoseok instead of feeding him fast food all the time, and thankfully, Hoseok obliged. 

Tonight, with bellies full of rice and kimchi, Hoseok lay sprawled out on Yoongi’s couch with his head on Yoongi’s lap, half watching a movie Yoongi had played. 

“I thought you were always honest with me?” Yoongi teased, hands half brushing, half tangled in Hoseok’s locks. 

“I am!” Hoseok giggled, “I am it’s just...so, when we first started being friends—”

“We’ve always been friends.” Yoongi was quick to correct, only making Hoseok giggle more. 

“Okay, when I realized we had always been friends, I thought you were so scary.” Hoseok confessed. 

“ Scary ?!” Yoongi barked, offended. 

Hoseok nodded, “Yeah, you were totally rocking the whole bad boy, nobody understands me because I’m super hot and deep vibe.” 

“Super hot, huh?” Yoongi grinned. 

Hoseok pushed at Yoongi’s chest, “ That’s the only part you hear!” He couldn’t fight his own giggle and smile to match, “But...really though, I was super intimidated by you. I wanted to be your friend but I also...I thought you were way too cool for me.” 

“Way too cool?” Yoongi raised his brow, “Why would you think that?” 

“I just told you!” Hoseok leaned into Yoongi’s hand, “You’re super hot. And it’s amazing how you’re not just a walking flame.” 

“I do agree.” Yoongi nodded seriously. 

Hoseok giggled, snuggling into Yoongi’s stomach, “I take it back!” 

Yoongi smiled down towards Hoseok, a light chuckle on his tongue, “What made you realize I wasn’t going to bite you with my hotness?” 

“That night.” Hoseok whispered fondly, “When you held me. I felt like...well, I realized you weren’t all that scary. You look scary, but you’re actually really sweet. And gentle. You’re just a bean with a hard shell.” 

“Bean with a hard shell,” Yoongi recited, chuckling, “Well that’s a new one.” 

“You know what I mean!” Hoseok giggled, moving to look up towards Yoongi, something serious, something fond in his voice as he spoke quietly, just above the tv’s hum, “I think you’re really cool, hyung.” 

Yoongi smiled down, his head tugged towards Hoseok, eyes flickering down to Hoseok’s lips, his little mole there and—

And Yoongi wanted to kiss Hoseok. 

Yoongi inhaled, “Cool and a walking flame of fire?” He tried to tease. 

Hoseok groaned, nuzzling back into Yoongi’s stomach, “Hyung! I said that one time!” 

“And one time is all I need.” Yoongi teased, thinking about Hoseok’s lips. 

As the night carried on, the movie had long finished and Hoseok’s soft breathes had turned into a deep, calm sleep on Yoongi’s lap, Yoongi moved to get up, carrying Hoseok to Yoongi’s bed. 

Tucking the younger man in, Yoongi sat there for a moment. Watching Hoseok as if he could etch in every detail to memory, as if Hoseok was a fleeting moment that Yoongi never wanted to forget. That Yoongi wanted to keep safe in a jar, pull out on a rainy day. Keep safe. 

Protect. 

Yoongi’s eyes flickered down towards the little mole on Hoseok’s lip again, he wanted to reach out, to run his thumb over it. 

A slight ping from the distance snapped Yoongi out of his trance. 

After making sure Hoseok was thoroughly tucked in, Yoongi was about to leave when a hand reached out to stop him, “Hyung?” Hoseok whispered, a quiet, tired voice. 

“I’m right here.” Yoongi spoke gently, holding Hoseok’s hand back and brushing his bangs to the side, all soft touches, “Hyungie is right here, Seok.” 

Hoseok smiled, his tired eyes fluttering shut once more. Safe. “I think I’m dreaming.” 

Yoongi hummed, thumb moving gently across Hoseok’s knuckles, “Is it a good dream, Seok-ah?” 

“The best.” Hoseok’s voice sounded far away, so peaceful, “The best dream. You’re here...you make...me so...happy…” 

Yoongi couldn’t stop himself from leaning down to press a kiss on Hoseok’s forehead once he was sure Hoseok was finally asleep again. “You make me the happiest, Seok-ah.” Yoongi whispered, pressing one last kiss to the back of Hoseok’s hand before slipping out of the room. 

Yoongi moved back to the couch, sighing once he’d settled in. The stiff cushions became much more durable when Yoongi knew Hoseok was resting soundly and safely on his feather light bedding. 

Moments from sleep, a ping brought Yoongi back to reality again. 

Opening his eyes begrudgingly Yoongi found Hoseok’s discarded phone lighting up on the coffee table. 

Reaching over to silence Hoseok’s device, Yoongi couldn’t help but to read the name of the sender. 

Immediately, Yoongi’s blood began to boil. 

Jun: 

Hoseok. 

I don’t know who you think you are trying to avoid my texts like this. As if I haven’t given everything up for you. 

As if I’m not trying. 

Look, this is me trying. 

You don’t even have to apologize, I’m passed it. Just meet me at your bar tomorrow night at seven, come home with me. We can go back to the way things were. 

Yoongi was seeing red. 

Hoseok being the trusting, innocent man that he was, didn’t have a passcode on his phone which led Yoongi to open his device and access everything easily. There was no hesitation before Yoongi was sitting on the couch and the phone was ringing in his ear. 

The line rang at a steady rhythm for longer then a beat before—

“Hoseok—”

“You shut the fuck up.” Yoongi snarled at the man on the other line. “You don’t get to text him and call him like that. You don’t get to blackmail Hoseok like this you bastard fucking count your days because the second I see your ugly face I—”

“Who the hell are you!?” Jun snapped with just as much venom in his voice, “Where the hell is Hoseok!?” 

“What’s it matter to you?! You’re not his boyfriend anymore, last I heard.” 

Jun scoffed, “Oh, and you are?! Listen, Hoseok loves me. So you can just give up whatever game you’re trying to play here because it’s not going to work.” 

“I’m not playing a fucking game right now this isn’t a fucking tug-a-war bitch show with Hoseok as the pawn!” Yoongi’s knuckles turned white against the phone, “If I see your name show up in his phone one more time, you’re done. If I see your fucking face in the same room as him? You’re counting your breaths, do I make myself clear?!” 

Jun chuckled, unamused, “Oh wow, you really came in with the threats, didn’t you? You really think you’re some big hot shot? What, did he tell you some kind of sob story where he’s the little victim and you’re trying to play the knight in shining armor card and protect him?” 

“And he’s not the victim here?” Yoongi mocked, “Because last I heard you were lying to him, blackmailing him with pictures that don’t even fucking exist.” 

“Who said they didn’t exist?” Jun countered, and Yoongi could hear a deadly smirk in his voice. 

Yoongi gritted his teeth, “Don’t fucking pull my leg right now asshole. You can fool him but you can’t fool me.” 

“All I’m saying is that you don’t know what I have and I will do whatever I have to do to bring Hoseok back to his senses.” Jun spoke in a smug voice. 

“You only want him for sex.” Yoongi scoffed. 

“He’s a virgin.” Jun answered easily, as if it was simply, “Who wouldn’t want to fuck a virgin like him? Be his first? He’s so submissive already, once I get him in bed I bet he’d do anything I—”

“ Stay the fuck away from him !” Yoongi growled, loud and intense before ending the call before he could say anything more he’d regret. His tongue was on fire, teeth glued together, his fingers twitching with rage as he made quick work of deleting Jun’s messages on Hoseok’s phone. 

Yoongi couldn’t stop himself from blocking Jun’s number completely. 

“Fuck.” Yoongi left Hoseok’s phone back on the coffee table, running a hand through his bangs, tugging at the hair there. It had been so long since he’d felt something so deep it carved rivers into his veins. “Fuck…” 

Yoongi looked off to the side, towards the parted door to his room. Towards Hoseok who had moved to Yoongi’s side of the bed, safe and asleep. 

Yoongi took one trembling breath in, and on the exhale, he found an old notepad on the coffee table, a pen, and wrote. 

_____

“Are we ready?” Jungkook asked once Taehyung was situated finally behind the microphone. 

Namjoon set his sticks on the drum, creating a slight, gentle rumble through the air, “I don’t know what we’re waiting on.” 

“Where’s Hoseok?” Yoongi asked Jungkook, feigning disinterest. 

“What’s that got to do with you getting your guitar tuned up so we can start practice?” Jungkook raised a brow, pulling his hair back into a ponytail. 

Yoongi shrugged, “He always comes to watch.” 

As if on cue, Hoseok came walking through the bar doors, smile big and eyes crinkled at the corners. 

Yoongi found himself in awe at the walking ray of sunlight, a man who hardly needed to walk fully into a room to light up every corner with something brighter. Something warmer. 

“Hi guys!” 

“Hey, Seok.” Yoongi grinned, throwing the guitar strap over his shoulder. 

Jungkook raised a brow at Yoongi, “ Still ?” 

“Still what?” Yoongi lightly snapped back, more interested in the soft rift he was playing with his guitar than in the conversation. 

“Hyung’s in deep Koo.” Taehyung commented, right into the microphone. 

“Deep in what?” Hoseok sat up straight, alert from where he sat on his usual table. “Is everything okay…?” 

“Everythings fine, I don’t know what they’re talking about.” Yoongi jumped to reassure. 

Jungkook groaned, “Hyung, I know my best friend is pretty and funny and just all around perfect but, seriously, you’re not doing a one night thing with my bestie.” 

“What the hell are you talking about?!” Yoongi snapped with slightly more grit to his tone. 

“What the hell is a bestie?” Namjoon whispered over towards Taehyung. 

“A best friend. It’s gen Z talk.” Taehyung shrugged. 

“Is Jungkook…?” Namjoon eyed the lead singer. 

Taehyung nodded, “Oh yeah. Technically since he was born in 97 he’s the cusp between millennial and gen z. He’s like, extra powerful.” 

Namjoon feigned a shiver that had Taehyung chuckling. 

Hoseok smiled at the not so secret encounter, but Yoongi could tell there was concern swimming still in his eyes. 

“There’s no crush and there’s no one night stands or anything like that. So you can get out of your little dream land, Jungkook.” Yoongi huffed, “I’m just a decent human being and Seok is going through a lot, that’s all.” 

Jungkook readied to reply but Hoseok beat him to it, “You’re more than just a decent human being, you know.” Hoseok started quietly, “You’re a good hyung. The best hyung I’ve ever had.” 

Yoongi looked out towards Hoseok then with wide eyes, and something didn’t sit well with the way Hoseok said that, with the look in his eyes. Something was hurt. 

Namjoon whistles from behind Yoongi, “Wow.” 

“You sure are just a good hyung alright.” Jungkook commented, something passive aggressive in his voice as he took hold of the microphone, “Alright, enough talk, let’s get started. Joon hyung, count us off!” 

Yoongi couldn’t respond, but he could sing, he could play. He could watch Hoseok listen, watch them, listen to them, could see the way he averted his eyes away from Yoongi. 

Perhaps Yoongi was the reason practice ended early. He knew he wasn’t keeping tempo, his chords a little slower than usual, vocals a little off beat, off pitch. 

If the boys noticed, they didn’t say anything. 

No matter how much Yoongi could feel Jungkook wanting to say something. 

But nevertheless, Yoongi was grateful when the group left, leaving minimal snickering comments when Yoongi mentioned he’d stay back to practice some more. Hoseok also conveniently stated he’d stay back to clean up. 

“How are you?” Yoongi asked once his bandmates had all left, leaving only the two of them. 

“I’m okay.” Hoseok shrugged, still averting his attention away from Yoongi. 

“You don’t sound okay?” Yoongi commented, setting his guitar back in his case. 

“Do you want me to leave?” Hoseok asked suddenly. 

Yoongi froze, eyes wide, “No…?” 

“I mean, sorry, I just…” Hoseok was fidgeting now, nervous, “I just don’t want you to think that you have to be here or that you have to pity me in any way or anything...I can handle myself. I—”

“Hey, hey I know.” Yoongi jumped down from the stage, moving forward to hold Hoseok’s arms in his own, “I know, Seok, you are so strong, I want you here and I want to be here with you.” 

Hoseok looked down, “But you said…you’re just here because you’re a decent human…” 

Yoongi shook his head, “I was just trying to get Jungkook off my back.” 

Hoseok looked up then, meeting Yoongi’s gaze through his lashes, “You really don’t mind it? Like, it’s okay? Being together? Like this?” 

“Yes.” Yoongi breathed, so easily, like the answer was as easy as the air that Yoongi used to breathe, “ Yes Hoseok I want you here and this is okay and there is nowhere in this world that I would rather be right now then right here with you.” 

Hoseok smiled a little, that hope that Yoongi had come to adore sparkling back to life in Hoseok’s eyes, “Promise?” 

Yoongi held his pinky out in front of Hoseok, “I pinky promise you. Now come on, I’m going to make you something new tonight.” 

“Oh?” Hoseok hummed, connecting their pinkies together, “What’s on the menu?” 

“Chefs special.” Yoongi took the opportunity to connect their hands together, a holy palmers kiss, “Fried rice, it’s a Min’s speciality.” 

Hoseok giggled, a light blush dusting his cheeks at the hand held embrace, “I like it.” 

“Good.” Yoongi slung his guitar over his shoulder, leading them out, “Because I like you.” 

“I like you too.” Hoseok whispered, shy, yet a giggle blooming in his voice, “I also like your apartment. It’s cozy.” 

“Good.” Yoongi chuckled, “because it’s either that or the 7Eleven down the street.” 

Hoseok giggled more at that, “I’d take your couch over the 7Eleven stools anyday!” 

Yoongi led the two of them out into the chilled fall air, his heart warming, filling him fully, when he found that Hoseok’s laughter late at night under the dim streetlights, cheeks dusted red and eyes sparkling at the prospect of food—

Yoongi found this Hoseok, this Hoseok was beautiful. 

This Hoseok, was who songs were sung about. 

And Yoongi felt something shift in his chest, not for the first time. 

Not for the last, either. 

_____

Interviewer: “That is...quite the story.”

Yoongi: “Is it?” *Chuckles, looking off into the distance* “Well, he is, I suppose.” 

Interviewer: “It sounds like...well, I asked for your story, but it sounds a lot like this Hoseok character is the main attraction here.” 

Yoongi: “Oh he is. Always was, always will be.”

Interviewer: *Quiet pause* 

Yoongi: *Raises brow in question* 

Interviewer: “Did you love him?”

Yoongi: “I do.”

Interviewer: “Oh, wow. So you’re currently together?”

Yoongi: “That, I will not answer.”

Interviewer: “Because the story is not finished?”

Yoongi: “Because you don’t need to know everything about my life.” 

Interviewer: *Clearing his throat* “Fair. So, you loved, and still do love, this Hoseok character. Are your songs often written about him?”

Yoongi: “Every love song I’ve written, sang, or produced has been about him, wholly, and totally, about Jung Hoseok.” 

Interviewer: “You really...really love this man?”

Yoongi: “I always will.” 

Interviewer: “How long ago was this story? When is this all taking place?”

Yoongi: *Humming in thought* “Maybe 20 or so years ago.” 

Interviewer: *Eyes wide* “So you were about 25 years old then, correct?” 

Yoongi: *Nodding* 

Interviewer: “Wow, well. That is some time, especially to still love one person. Your band has seen success mostly when everyone in the band was in their late 20’s, so it makes sense if this is the origin, that this was that long ago. When you were in your mid twenties.” 

Yoongi: *Flicking a guitar pick in his hand* “Give or take a year or two.” 

Interviewer: “Now, I know this story is about you, Mr. Min. However I can’t help myself but to be curious. Does Hoseok’s ex resurface in this story? Because I haven’t read anything about the band's past involving anything like this. This is news to me and I’m sure many of the fans as well.”

Yoongi: *Shrugs* “What’s there for you and the fans to know? It happened a while ago. He’s out of the picture now and that’s what matters.” 

Interviewer: “But I take it he’s not out of the picture in this story yet?” 

Yoongi: *Silence* 

Interviewer: *Exhaling* “Well then, Let’s get back to it, shall we? Tell me, Mr. Min, how did you start learning guitar?”

_____

“So,” Hoseok asked Yoongi one late night at Yoongi’s apartment, cheeks stuffed full with ramen, the air outside was getting cooler but Yoongi’s apartment was warm enough to paint their cheeks in pink. 

Or maybe, that was due to the soju bottles that painted the table's surface. 

“How did you learn the guitar? Like what made you want to start?” Hoseok asked, slurping a long noddle that bounced up to boop his nose. 

Yoongi smiled fondly at the scene. “How’d I learn guitar?” He took a swig of his soju bottle, “Well, I got a guitar, played a chord, and here we are—what?” Yoongi chuckled, noticing Hoseok’s vibrate giggles spilling into the air. 

“ Really Gi! How did you learn guitar?” 

“Well,” Yoongi started, humming in thought, “Funny enough, I was in math class.” 

“Math...class?” Hoseok quirked up a brow in amusement. 

Yoongi nodded, “Yep, some kid brought his guitar in and was playing it at the beginning of class. Everyone was flocking to it, wanting to play their own shit. The one song they knew on it, you know how it is. But it was the first time I’d heard it in real life, that deep, rustic sound. I knew I needed it. Knew that I was meant for whatever that was.” 

Hoseok lowered his empty bowl, smiling fondly towards Yoongi as he listened. 

“So, I worked hard, saved up, and got my very first guitar. It was an old piece of shit really, hardly worked, but I got the guy at the music shop to help me tune it up and get her in shape. He gave me some old printed papers with some chords on them that he was gonna throw away so I took them, went home, learned them all in one night and here we are.” 

“Wow…” Hoseok whispered, in awe, “And you met the others after that?” 

“Yeah,” Yoongi shrugged, “Namjoon heard me playing guitar and asked me to join a band. Something about being a drummer he has to be in a band or else he has no purpose in life, who knows. But then Jungkook saw Namjoon was in a band and practically begged the man to join. Then Taehyung followed Jungkook.” Yoongi finished the last of his ramen, wiping his face with his sleeve when he noticed Hoseok’s soft gaze, he smiled, “What?” 

“Where do you hide it?” Hoseok asked. 

“Hide what?” 

“That big heart?” Hoseok giggled. 

“My god.” Yoongi huffed, chuckling, “What am I going to do with you?” 

“What am I going to do with you !” Hoseok giggled more, “You’re so cool, like, so cool!” 

“What are you talking about?” Yoongi shook his head, unable to hide his smile. 

“You learned guitar all by yourself! And you’re in such a cool band!” Hoseok cheered, “You’re like, the coolest, most badass, hottest—”

“Okay that’s enough soju for you.” Yoongi chuckled, trying and failing to hide the red tint in his cheeks as he reached across the coffee table to pull the soju away from Hoseok. 

Hoseok pouted, “But it’s true.”

“You think I’m hot?” Yoongi raised a brow, teasing. 

“Yes.” Hoseok nodded, “Is that bad?” 

Yoongi paused slightly, taken aback by the quickness of Hoseok’s reply. The confidence in his tone. “Oh...well, um.” 

“Do you not think you’re hot?” Hoseok tilted his head, “Hyung! You’re like, a walking wet dream!” 

Yoongi chuckled, pinching his nose to hide his now deeply crimson cheeks. “Alright no more soju nights, noted.”

“You don’t believe me!” Hoseok sputtered, “I only had a little bit to drink hyungie, I’m only slightly tipsy! It’s true! You help me realize things about myself even, I mean look at your arms! And your smile! You have really pretty eyes too, and your shoulders?” Hoseok rested his cheek in his palm, “Oh and your hair, you always style it to cover your eyes just slightly and it’s the hottest thing ever. Oh and don’t even get me started on your hands —”

“Alright, alright.” Yoongi held a hand up, “Come on, let’s get you to bed.” 

“I have to go…?” Hoseok pouted again.

Yoongi chuckled, stacking the dishes to wash later before walking over towards Hoseok, holding a hand out for the younger to take. “There is absolutely no way in hell that I’m letting you go back to your apartment like this.” Yoongi nodded with his head, smiling, “Come on.” 

Hoseok held out his hands for Yoongi to pick him up, “I get to stay with Gi?” 

Yoongi hummed, unable to resist the urge to pick Hoseok up, holding him bridal style as he carried him to the bedroom, “Yep, let’s get you all tucked in, Gi will take care of everything.” 

Hoseok cuddled close to Yoongi’s neck, as Yoongi gently settled Hoseok down on the bed, bringing the covers up over his shoulders, “I’m really not drunk Gi, or tipsy—” Hoseok hiccuped, “Just...just a little tired.” 

“I know Seok.” Yoongi whispered, smiling fondly. Wondering momentarily how he ended up with such a beautiful man in his bed. Wondering how he’d allowed himself to grow as soft as he had for such a man. “You should get some rest.” 

“Yeah.” Hoseok was blinking slower and slower, eyes heavy. “That’s a good idea I think.” 

Yoongi had the intense urge to kiss Hoseok’s forehead—something he was adamant about not allowing himself to do. It was something that felt so right between the two of them, but at the same time, so—so different. It would have meant more to Yoongi then what it would have meant to Hoseok. 

And that scared Yoongi. 

“Well,” Yoongi started awkwardly, moving to stand up, “Goodnight.” 

Hoseok’s eyes grew wide and fearful, suddenly fully awake, “Wait! You’re leaving?!” 

Yoongi raised a brow in question, “I always sleep on the couch when you stay the night.” 

Hoseok pouted, “But…” 

Yoongi moved to sit back down on the bed, eyes filled with concern, “What?” 

Hoseok hesitated before— “Is there a reason you don’t want to be with me…?” 

Now it was Yoongi’s turn for his eyes to grow wide and fearful, “What?! What are you talking about?” 

Hoseok fiddled with the edge of the blanket, “Well...you never sleep here. And your bed is big enough...at first I thought you might not like me...but, I mean, I don’t kick or anything. I promise I’ll be good and you can have all the covers—”

“Hoseok,” Yoongi cut Hoseok off, chuckling, relieved but also still concerned, “Why would you think that? Seok, I like you, I’m not not sleeping in my bed with you because I don’t want to.” 

“So...you do want to…?” Hoseok’s eyes illuminated slightly with hope. 

Yoongi sputtered, “I—well, I—” He started and then stopped and then started again, “It’s just that, well—” He shook his head, averting his gaze as he ran his hand through his bangs, “Yeah. I mean, it would be nice.” 

“To sleep with me?” Hoseok pried. 

“To sleep in my bed.” Yoongi corrected quickly, and then, quietly, “With you.” 

“Then why?” Hoseok was now smiling, his eyes confused. 

“Well I guess I just kinda figured that you…” Yoongi shrugged, “You know, I just wanted to give you your space. I didn’t want you to think that I wanted anything more from you then you were already giving me. I...you’re my friend, Seok. My dongsang and I want you to feel safe here with me.” 

Hoseok smiled softly, reaching out for Yoongi’s hand, “I do feel safe with you.” He whispered, “I always feel safe with you.” And then, after a beat, “Stay.” 

And who was Yoongi to deny Hoseok anything. 

But of course, not without complaint as he pulled back the covers on the other side of the bed, “You’re on my side you know.” 

Hoseok just giggled, moving on his side to face Yoongi, “It’s comfier over here.” 

“It’s all the same.” Yoongi huffed, amused as he pulled the cover up over himself. 

“It smells like you.” Hoseok snuggled further into the pillow. 

And that, Yoongi found himself smiling. Endeared, “You like the way I smell?” 

Hoseok nodded, humming for a moment in thought, “You smell like...coffee.” 

“I do drink a lot of coffee.” 

“And a little bit of sweat.” 

“Hey!” Yoongi barked, laughing which caused Hoseok to spill endless giggles into his pillow. 

When their laughter had calmed, Hoseok added after a moment, “You smell like home, hyung.” 

“Like home, huh?” Yoongi asked, smiling. The urge to run his fingers through Hoseok’s hair once more overcoming him. He curled his fingers into the sheets. “You know,” Yoongi tried steering the conversation towards a topic that would not cause his heart to clench in fondness, “neither of us brushed our teeth.” 

Hoseok giggled again, “I don’t have a toothbrush here.” 

“I’ll get you one.” Yoongi said too quickly, too easily, too honestly and he couldn’t take it back, not with how Hoseok’s smile grew more at the suggestion. 

“Okay.” Hoseok whispered, moving closer to Yoongi, “You know, you being in a band makes you so cool.” 

“Oh yeah?” Yoongi chuckled trying not to think of the way Hoseok’s breath lightly fanned his skin, how their noses could touch if Yoongi moved ever so slightly forward.

“Yeah.” Hoseok continued, “I just think it’s so cool, you, your band, all of it.” 

Yoongi hummed, “Well, it’s not as cool as you might think.” 

Hoseok pouted, “Why not?” 

Yoongi shrugged, thankful for the distraction to how kissable Hoseok’s lips were—

“We—uh, we just, it’s hard. You know, being in a band is time consuming and it doesn’t pay off. Especially when you have the band members that I do.” 

“Hey, Jungkookie is in your band!” Hoseok defended. 

Yoongi sighed dramatically, “I know.” 

Hoseok giggled, “Okay, but seriously , what do you mean? What’s going on?” 

Yoongi took a deep breath, “We’re just not sure how much longer we can keep this up. It’s fun now, sure, but what is the band going to look like down the road? In a year? Two years? Five? I just don’t know if we have what it takes.” 

Hoseok moved so that he was leaning up on his elbow then, “Well, what do you want the band to be?” 

“Rich and famous.” Yoongi answered easily, “Isn’t that the goal of every music act?” 

Hoseok shook his head, smiling, “No, some people just want to make good music.” 

“Right. And what’s the fun in that?” Yoongi teased, earning a playful push from Hoseok. 

“I’m serious here! I mean, you’re having fun now, but what if you stop having fun when you start looking at where things are going?” Hoseok argued, “Maybe you should just keep having fun now, and when things start to suck, then start worrying about where the band is going and if you're wasting your time you're not.” 

“What if I regret being in this band in the future though? Wasting all this time for nothing?” Yoongi asked. 

“What if you regret not?” Hoseok countered, grinning broadly when he knew he’d made the winning point. 

Yoongi huffed, grinning, “Alright, fine.” 

Hoseok hummed and giggled in victory as he moved to lay back down into bed, moving to cuddle close to Yoongi’s chest, pressing his body up against Yoongi’s own fully. 

Yoongi froze, eyes wide, “I…” 

“Is this okay?” Hoseok asked, nuzzling further into Yoongi’s chest, “We’ve done this before so I just figured, why not?” 

“Um...yeah…” Yoongi cleared his throat, wrapping his arms around Hoseok hesitantly. 

“You smell so good. And I can’t sleep with someone without cuddling them.” Hoseok reasoned, sighing happily. 

“You’re...sure this is okay?” Yoongi asked, worried. 

“Yes.” Hoseok whispered, “Only if this is okay with you…?” 

Yoongi wrapped his arms tighter around Hoseok, sewing their bodies together through touch alone. He could feel Hoseok’s heartbeat, his breath fanning against Yoongi’s chest, “Yeah, it’s okay.” He whispered, attempting to commit to memory how warm Hoseok was, how good he felt pressed up against Yoongi. 

“Goodnight, Hyungie.” Hoseok whispered, sleep painting his soft voice. 

Yoongi responded in a quiet, “Night.” Polished by a kiss to the top of Hoseok’s head. 

Once Hoseok’s breathing had slowed, and Yongi was sure the younger was fast asleep in his arms, Yoongi brought his hand up to run his fingers through Hoseok’s hair, pulling his bangs back, and pressing a kiss there. 

_____

Yoongi was late to practice the next day, running into the empty bar with his guitar case barely latched and his jacket on inside out. 

“Well, nice of hyung to show up.” Jungkook muttered under his breath, his face conveniently close to the microphone that was conveniently turned on. 

Yoongi cursed under his breath as he made his way up to the stage, unlocking his case. “Fuck off.” 

“Even I got here before you. I think that’s a first.” Taehyung teased, sucking on a lollipop close to Jungkook. 

Before Yoongi could retort with a witty comeback Namjoon was clapping his hands together, “Alright! Glad we’re all together. I have an announcement.” 

Jungkook raised his brow, “Is it good…?” 

“Should Hobi hyung be here for this?” 

Yoongi tried to will his mind not to imagine the version of Hoseok he’d seen that morning. All bed hair and puffy cheeks and sweet, tired smiles as he left his apartment. 

“It’s good. It’s really good.” Namjoon was getting excited as he spoke, “And actually, Hobi-ah was the one who told me the news.” 

Jungkook and Yoongi turned fully towards Namjoon then. 

“We’re having a big show on Friday. Biggest show we’ve had yet. Here at Hope’s bar.” Namjoon spoke, his dimples carving canyons into his cheeks. 

“A show?!” Taehyung squealed, “Here?! On Friday ?!” 

“Did Hobi hyung set this up?” Jungkook’s eyes were bright and excited. 

Yoongi felt his fingers grow numb. 

Namjoon nodded, “Sure did. He called me before practice and asked me to tell everyone—well speak of the devil!” 

“Hey guys! You haven't started yet, right?” Hoseok was rushing into the bar, looking a lot like what Yoongi looked like mere moments ago. Yoongi wanted to kiss him. 

“Hobi hyung!” Jungkook leapt off the stage and jumped into Hoseok’s arms, “You’re the best hyung in the world !” 

Hoseok was giggling at the affection, grabbing ahold of Jungkook in his arms and soon after Taehyung too who was crying praise after praise and thank you after thank you. 

“I take it Joonie told you the news?” Hoseok giggled, ruffling Jungkook and Taehyung’s hair affectionately. 

“You know you don’t have to do this for us! Just letting us practice here is more than enough!” Jungkook insisted. 

Hoseok shook his head, waving the youngest off, “It was always the plan to ask you guys to play at my bar, I just needed to do some budgeting so I can pay you guys what you’re worth.” 

Namjoon dropped his drum sticks onto the ground, “You’re paying us?!” 

Yoongi’s eyes grew wide, meeting Hoseok’s own. 

“Of course.” Hoseok smiled without waver, “You’re the best bad in the city, nobody can compete with you guys. I would be crazy not to compensate you all accordingly, and I would never ask you guys to play for free.” 

“You really don’t have to!” Jungkook insisted. 

Hoseok cupped Jungkook’s cheeks, squishing them slightly to make Jungkook’s lips purse together cutely, “Yes, I did!” He cooed. 

“Are you sure it won’t be too much…?” Taehyung asked hesitantly, “On your side of things, I mean?” 

Hoseok shook his head, “Of course not! I just pulled a few strings and managed a promotional budget for you guys—”

“We’re going to be promoted ?!” Jungkook shrieked. 

“All over!” Hoseok grinned proudly, “At every nearby college campus, online, on social media, in grocery stores, everywhere!” 

“I’m going to faint…” Taehyung grabbed Jungkook for support. “We’ve played in so many shitty bar shows but this ...we’re being promoted and we’re playing on a Friday night ….goodbye slow weekday nights, hello fame!” 

“This is...it’s happening. It’s real.” Namjoon whispered, as if convincing himself what was really happening, “We...we’re doing it. We’re making it. It’s real …” 

“This band was always meant to be big, I fully believe in that. From the first time I heard you guys, I know you’d make it big.” Hoseok praised, his gaze meeting Yoongi’s once more who could do nothing but gaze at Hoseok in complete and utter awe as Hoseok whispered, “You’re meant to be a star.” 

Practice resumed quickly after that, the group deciding that they needed a setlist and they needed to perfect it quickly. 

The hour went by in a breeze and when the group all filed out with Namjoon promising to practice more and Jungkook and Taehyung heading to the store in search of concert outfits, Yoongi stayed behind. 

“You didn’t have to do that for us.” Yoongi spoke after the door had closed, taking his time to put his instrument away, Hoseok swinging his legs back and forth from where he sat on the table watching. 

“I know.” Hoseok whispered, something so genuine and kind it made Yoongi’s toes curl with affection. 

“We don’t need a promotional budget.” Yoongi reasoned, unable to look up, “Jungkook mentioned the other day that the bar struggles sometimes.” 

Hoseok froze slightly, “Oh...did he…?” 

Yoongi looked up, his gaze gentle, “He just alluded to it in passing one day after practice. I inferred as much.” 

Hoseok looked down to avoid Yoongi’s gaze, shrugging, “It—I mean, it’s a struggle sometimes. Yeah, sometimes to make ends meet it’s...it makes me wonder why I’m even doing this. Putting so much into this place on top of being a part-time student already.” 

“Seok…” 

“ But ,” Hoseok looked up, “This is going to be a good thing.” He smiled, and there it was again, that genuine kindness, that love. “It’ll get people to come in.” 

“There’s other ways that you can get people to come into the bar. More cost efficient ways. Happy hour gets people in, an unknown band playing on a Friday night doesn’t.” Yoongi argued, hopping off of the stage and walking over towards Hoseok, “That’s not why you did this.” 

“No,” Hoseok whispered, smiling more now that Yoongi was close, “It’s not.” 

“Then why?” Yoongi grinned. 

Hoseok hummed, looking down, “I wonder why…” 

Yoongi stepped closer, leaning his hands on either side of Hoseok as he leaned in towards the table, moving to chase Hoseok’s gaze with his own, “Why, Seok?” 

Hoseok hid his face in his hands, “Don’t make me say it!” 

“But how will I know why if you don’t say it?” Yoongi teased, completely, and utterly endeared. “Why, Seok? Why did you do all this? Was it for the money or for the band?” 

“Neither.” Hoseok’s cheeks ran red now. 

Yoongi was taken aback by that, brows heightened slightly, “Neither? Then why—”

“You.” Hoseok whispered, still averting Yoongi’s gaze, and then—

And then with a muster of confidence, meet Yoongi’s dark brown eyes. And Yoongi felt breathless, like a sailor at sea met with the beauty of the vast ocean. Hoseok whispered once more, “Because of you—”

Yoongi kissed Hoseok. 

Yoongi kissed Hoseok quickly and fiercely before leaning back slightly into a more gentle first kiss, a touch of the lips, a question. 

One that Hoseok answered after a moment, eyes fluttering, his lips tasting of peach, opening for Yoongi, dancing with him, against him, warm and wet and absolute ecstasy against Yoongi’s own lips. Hoseok’s hands fisted in the front of Yoongi’s shirt, and Yoongi moved his hand from the table to the small of Hoseok’s back, the other coming up to cup the back of Hoseok’s head. 

When they parted, meeting each other’s gaze, Yoongi found himself freed of words. Awestruck by Hoseok, by the brown eyes so full of love and life and stars that Yoongi could—would— begged to count, to admire, to draw constellations of. 

“Was this...did you—mean to do that…?” Hoseok whispered, unsure.

If Hoseok wasn’t so serious, Yoongi would have chuckled, and would have kissed him again. But he regarded Hoseok with the seriousness reflected back to him, “Seok,” Yoongi started gently and earnestly, “I meant to kiss you, I wanted to kiss you—for so long now.” He sighed, “And I...I want to kiss you again, if that’s alright.” 

“I…” Hoseok started, and stopped, “I should— I should go.” 

Yoongi...wasn’t expecting that. 

Yoongi’s heart stopped beating altogether. 

“I’m sorry. I just…” Tears started to well in Hoseok’s eyes, constellations drowned by an angry sea as Hoseok quickly jumped off of the table, “I should go.” 

Then Yoongi’s heart started beating quicker, faster, harder than it ever had before and his fingers were numb and his ears were ringing, “Wait, Seok—” He called out, feeling so desperate not to let Hoseok leave—to fix this—to stop this— “ Wait— ”

The door closed heavily behind him. 

Yoongi let the quietness of the room consume him, a hand coming up to rub against this temple as a knot grew in his throat. “Shit.” 

_____

They didn’t talk after the kiss. 

Hoseok came to practice after it had started and left before practice ended each day. 

Hoseok never answered any of Yoongi’s calls or texts. 

Yoongi felt his world return to what it was before Hoseok had created such an impact on him. 

He hated every moment of it. 

But what he hated more was seeing the dark circles under Hoseok’s eyes, how his cheeks had hollowed more in just a week, and how his smile never reached his eyes. 

Yoongi’s heart was breaking, his mind replaying every single moment he’d shared with Hoseok up until that point. Searching for the error, for the moment that caused Hoseok to pull away. For the clue that Yoongi had missed. 

“Man, you look like shit.” Namjoon said from where they were backstage, twirling his drum stick nervously in his hand. 

Yoongi rolled his eyes, re-tuning his guitar for the hundredth time that evening. “Fuck off.” 

“Are you nervous?” Namjoon raised a brow. 

“He’s not nervous.” Jungkook spoke up then, fixing his hair, “Something went on with him and Hoseok.” 

Yoongi’s eyes grew wide, alert suddenly, “You talked to him?” 

Jungkook threw a look Yoongi’s way before returning to his hair, “No.” 

“Then how do you know something happened?” Yoongi asked, lost, his chest tight. 

Jungkook shrugged, “There’s just things that I know about my best friend and his sad, heartbroken mopping is one of them.” He added after a beat, “Sadly.” 

“Did you break up with Hobi hyung…?” Taehyung asked from beside Jungkook, the calmest of the bunch. 

“N-no I—” Yoongi started. 

“They weren’t dating. Hobi hyung would have said something.” Jungkook cut Yoongi off, turning to look at Yoongi again, “But I hope you know I’m going to kill you after this show.” 

Yoongi huffed, upset and frustrated, “You should have done it before.” 

“Too bad we need you for the set.” Jungkook argued, equally as upset. 

“Hey, hey, let’s be more positive here, this is the biggest show we’ve done yet! Yoongi hyung will figure it all out with Hoseok, I’m sure.” Namjoon tried to reason. 

Taehyung pointed with his thumb towards the black, makeshift curtains, “Did you guys take a peek out to see the crowd yet? I’ve never seen so many bodies in one place.” 

The excitement of their first show was what should have been going through Yoongi, the adrenaline of playing in front of a crowd and sharing his music should have been running through his veins but instead—

Instead all Yoongi could see when he closed his eyes was Hoseok. 

His heart ached. 

“Hey!” Namjoon waved suddenly, “Hobi-ah!” 

“Hi.” Hoseok gave a weak smile and an even weaker wave, “Are you guys ready?” 

Jungkook was by Hoseok’s side in a matter of seconds, Yoongi was praying Hoseok would look his way and see his gaze. 

“We’re ready when you are boss.” Taehyung offered gently, smiling towards Hoseok. 

Yoongi could just barely make out what Jungkook whispered into Hoseok’s ear, “You sure you’re okay?” 

Hoseok nodded, pulling Jungkook in for a heartfelt embrace, “You guys are going to be amazing. I know it.” Hoseok opened his eyes in the middle of the hug, meeting Yoongi’s own, “You’re meant to shine.” He whispered. 

Yoongi took a step forward, about to speak when—

“Everythings ready for you guys, play as long as you like.” Hoseok leaned back from the embrace, grabbing a microphone and heading for the curtains, “I’ll go introduce you, and don’t be nervous. It’s just like a practice, but with more people.” Hoseok encouraged. 

“The first song is for you!” Jungkook called back just before Hoseok disappeared behind the curtains, earning a big, eye crinkling smile from the man. 

“The first song…?” Namjoon raised a brow, “Isn’t that our angsty break up song?” 

“Are you breaking up with Hoseok too…?” Taehyung’s eyes grew wide and his shoulders dropped. 

Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head, “No—” He stopped mid sentence, his breath caught in his throat. 

“What?” Taehyung was grabbing hold of Jungkook’s arm, “What is it? What? Why do you look like that?” 

Yoongi was still looking at the curtain where Hoseok had left. 

“I wrote a song and I forgot to give it to you guys.” Jungkook spoke slowly, before all at once jumping into motion and launching himself towards his backpack. Digging through the contents of math and music for three sheets of a song. 

“No.” Namjoon spoke quickly, shaking his head, “No. Absolutely not. No. No —” He was cut off by Jungkook shoving the papers into his chest. 

Jungkook passed a sheet of music out to Taehyung and then Yoongi next, “It’s easy! You guys can learn it really quick—” 

“Okay! You guys are on!” Hoseok appeared once more, opening the curtains for them with a smile. 

Jungkook gulped, “Or sightread.” 

“Oh my god.” Namjoon looked down at the paper. 

“Well this’ll be fun.” Taehyung took one look at the music before taking Jungkook’s hand and leading them out onto the stage, Namjoon following begrudgingly behind. 

Yoongi was the last, he couldn’t look at the song, not when Hoseok was in front of him. 

“Seok—” Yoongi started, he wanted to say something, he wanted to explain himself to apologize to do something because Hoseok was right here, so close and yet he felt so far away—

“Yoongi hyung! Come on!” Namjoon whisper shouted behind him towards Yoongi, breaking him out of his trance and causing his feet to stumble forward. 

“Good luck.” Hoseok whispered as Yoongi passed by, his eyes glued to the ground. 

Yoongi stopped in front of him, “Hoseok,” He whispered, unable to leave Hoseok alone, unable to leave them at that, “Please...I’m sorry I—”

This time, it was Hoseok’s phone ringing in his pocket that interrupted them. Hoseok met Yoongi’s eyes briefly before reaching for his phone. 

Yoongi could swear all the blood in Hoseok’s cheeks diminished the moment the man read the name on his phone. 

Yoongi’s heart fell to his stomach, “Who is that?” He asked, frustrated, “It’s him, isn’t it?” 

“It’s no one.” Hoseok’s voice sounded far away, and Yoongi felt the distance grow even further between them. 

“Yoongi!” Namjoon whispered again, this time a little more forceful. Yoongi looked towards Namjoon for only a moment, but it was a moment that allowed Hoseok to escape his presence. And Yoongi turned back to watch Hoseok just before disappearing behind the curtains. 

“Hyung, come on!” Namjoon reached over to drag Yoongi to his usual spot on stage, his instrument feeling like an anchor on his shoulder. 

And Yoongi was met then, with the crowd of people swarming the bar, some cheering for them, some disinterested. There was so much life, so much movement. They’ve played shows before but this— this was so much more. 

Yoongi wanted to say he was nervous, but when Namjoon counted them off and they sight read Jungkook’s new song, the crowd suddenly grew quiet. Entranced. It was exhilarating, adrenaline rushing, amazing, it was—

It was everything that Yoongi wanted to share with Hoseok. It was everything that made his heart yearn and ache more for the boy who laughed too loud in a too quiet room, and whose smile illuminated the darkest of nights like the sun. 

Yoongi realized quickly that this, the crowd, the music, the rush, none of it was worth anything without Hoseok. Jung Hoseok. The boy who changed everything. 

_____

The gig which turned out to be more like a concert was a smashing success. More of a success then any of them could have ever dreamed or hoped to ever achieve in their lives. It was a fire of hope that relit inside of them, something more fierce even than when they’d all come together to form the band. 

As triumphs usually go, celebrations are usually in place. 

Which is how the group of them had ended up at Jungkook’s house—seeming his family was out of town—to celebrate. 

Yoongi wasn’t going to attend, truthfully. 

Yoongi’s version of celebration was more aligned with returning home to his apartment, binge watching a television show that would help him forget about the hurt in Hoseok’s eyes when he’d kissed him and when that didn’t work, sleeping. Maybe. If sleep was so kind as to find him. 

But where Jungkook goes, Hoseok isn’t far to follow. 

Which is how Yoongi ended up at Jungkook’s family house at one in the morning with too much to drink, a broken heart and the man who was the beginning and end of his world standing just across the room from him. 

Yoongi knew Hoseok wasn’t much of a drinker. He knew the other bandmates were. Namjoon putting down bottle after bottle, Jungkook much the same and Taehyung not too far behind. 

But Hoseok stayed nursing his first soju. 

Yoongi also knew that Hoseok was on edge. The color hadn’t returned to his cheeks since the phone call. 

“Do you think we could be big? Like big big?” Jungkook asked, starry eyed as he took another drink, “Like, tonight was just the start? Just a taste of what we could have? What we could be ?!” 

“Slow down their tiger, I think you’re getting a little too ahead of yourself there.” Namjoon chuckled. 

“I don’t!” Taehyung piped up, “I actually think Jungkook’s right, what if this is just the start? I mean, we’ve never promoted before, and now all those people know our names so promoting will be a lot easier!” 

“ And everyone was so not ready for us to play tonight!” Jungkook giggled, “They were way more interested in the beer Hobi hyung was serving then in the music.” He shrugged, smug, “Until we played my opening song, of course.” 

“Oh my god.” Namjoon groaned, his head falling into his free hand, “Don’t remind me. I can’t believe you made us sightread a song that you wrote like an hour before.” 

“Hey, it was gold was it not?” Jungkook argued. 

“It was the best song we’ve ever played.” Taehyung nodded seriously towards Jungkook. 

“Yoongi hyung, what did you think?” Namjoon asked, “You’re taking my side in this, aren’t you?” 

“I think that was a dumbass move to give us the music literally seconds before.” Yoongi agreed with Namjoon, shrugging as he took another drink, “But, eh, I don’t care either way. I’m good at what I do.” He paused, hesitant, “Did...you like it, Hoseok?” 

The attention turned suddenly to Hoseok who froze slightly under the attention. 

“I loved it! I thought it was amazing!” Hoseok was quick to praise, “Jungkookie you did such a good job.” 

Namjoon frowned this time, “You sure everything’s alright, Hobi-ah?” 

Hoseok nodded adamantly, as if everyone wasn’t alright but he so desperately wanted it to be, “Yes! Promise!” 

Jungkook knew instantly, moving to sit closer to Hoseok, wrapping an arm around Hoseok’s shoulders which had Hoseok instantly leaning into Jungkook’s warmth. 

Yoongi’s chest flared with jealousy. 

Taehyung set his bottle down and offered a new one to Hoseok, “Drink up hyung! We’re celebrating! No more sad smiles!” 

“Tae.” Yoongi’s voice was heavy, a tone he used often with his bandmates when they crossed the line. 

But to Yoongi’s surprise, Hoseok took the second bottle of soju and poured it back in one go. 

“That’s it hyung!” Taehyung cheered, “We’re celebrating!” 

“Sometimes all you need is a little alcohol.” Namjoon raised his own bottle, taking a drink. 

Hoseok made a face as he set the empty bottle down onto the table, sighing and wiping his lips with the back of his sleeve, “For the band!” He cheered, and tried to smile. 

Taehyung inhaled sharply, clapping his hands together, “I know! We should play a game!” 

“What?” Namjoon raised a brow. 

“Never have I ever!” Taehyung explained, setting the empty bottle in the middle of the table then. 

“You sure you’re okay? I don’t think you should drink anymore.” Yoongi heard Jungkook whisper to Hoseok. 

Hoseok playfully pat Jungkook’s leg, “I’m fine. You worry too much Jungkookie!” He smiled, ruffling Jungkook’s hair with his hand. Yoongi knew it was a lie, and by the looks of it, so did Jungkook. 

“How do we play this again?” Namjoon asked, leaning forward in his seat. 

“You haven’t been to a college party?” Taehyung raised a brow. 

Namjoon shrugged, “It’s been a minute. And it’s confusing me that you put the bottle in the center of the table like we’re playing truth or dare, don’t you use your hands for never have I ever?” 

Taehyung chuckled, “ My version involves the bottle! Whoever it lands on has to say something they’ve never done before!” 

Jungkook nodded, “Sounds easy enough.” 

“The best part,” Taehyung spun the bottle, smiling, “Is that we can make it sexual!” 

Jungkook and Namjoon both laughed at that, but Yoongi was acutely aware of the way Hoseok didn’t laugh as the bottle landed on Jungkook. 

“Alright, baby first!” Taehyung cheered. 

“I’m not a baby.” Jungkook pouted, earning a poke on his cheek from Hoseok, “You’re the cutest baby!” which had Jungkook’s resolve breaking into a smile. 

“Alright, alright. Does it have to be sexual?” Jungkook asked Taehyung. 

“Absolutely.” Taehyung nodded, “I don’t make the rules.” 

“You literally just made the rules.” Namjoon chuckled. 

Jungkook hummed in thought, “Never have I ever…” He trailed off, cheeks growing red, “This is embarrassing.” 

“Can’t be any more embarrassing than having to drag this love sick puppy everywhere.” Namjoon commented, pointing with his thumb towards Yoongi who barked out a defensive, “Hey!” 

“Fine.” Jungkook huffed, his skin tomato red as he spoke all in one breath, “Never have I ever had a blow job!” 

Taehyung gasped instantly. “ What ?!” 

Yoongi noticed Hoseok move away slightly, sitting upright again. 

“You sure you didn’t black out after one of our bar gigs and get a blow job?” Namjoon questioned. 

Jungkook shook his head quickly, “No! I never get that drunk after one of our shows.” 

“Jungkookie.” Taehyung started seriously, meeting Jungkook’s gaze and reaching across the table with his hand, “I can take care of that for you.” 

“ What ?!” Jungkook's eyes grew wide as he looked at Taehyung unbelievingly. 

Taehyung nodded, “I can make you see stars—”

“Okay that’s enough of that.” Namjoon reached across the table to spin the bottle again, “Be gay on your own time please and thank you.” 

Jungkook and Taehyung’s gazes lingered on each other as the bottle stopped in front of—

Hoseok. 

“Um…” Hoseok fiddled with the bottle in his hand, “Never have I ever...and it has to be something sexual?” 

“No—” Yoongi was quick to answer, cut off by Taehyung's louder “ Yes .” 

Hoseok cleared his throat, clearly nervous, “Never have I ever…” Yoongi thought he could see tears welling in Hoseok’s eyes, “Had sex before…” He finished in a whisper. 

“What?” Namjoon leaned in to hear Hoseok. 

“I’ve never had sex before.” Hoseok said a little louder, squeezing his eyes shut, “Or...had anything . I’ve never even been properly kissed before...like kiss kissed before.” 

Yoongi felt a wrench in his chest, remembering the kiss the two of them shared. 

“But…” Hoseok continued as the room fell silent, a heavy tear falling down his cheek. One that Yoongi wished he could reach out and wipe away, Jungkook beating him to it, “But the worst part is that I’ve never wanted sex before.” 

“That’s okay, there’s nothing wrong with that.” Jungkook was quick to reassure Hoseok. 

Hoseok shook his head, “No, Jungkookie you don’t understand there’s something wrong with me.”

And just like that, Yoongi watched, and felt the damn that Hoseok had build for all too long, finally come crumbling down. 

“I don’t want it the idea of it doesn’t make me feel good and I’m never going to find anyone who will want to wait until I am ready or anyone who will be okay with never having sex and I’m going to disappoint everyone I meet once they find out I’m a twenty four year old about to be twenty five and I’m still a virgin who doesn’t know how to please anyone I—” Hoseok inhaled sharply, as if suddenly realizing his place, as if realizing that he was speaking everything out loud and everyone was listening to him. 

“Seok…” Yoongi started, just as Hoseok moved to get up. 

“I should go.” Hoseok quickly weaved his way out, “I have to go. Have a good rest of your night and congratulations.” 

“Seok, wait.” Yoongi called out again, “ Wait !” Jungkook moved to stand up as well, shocked by the sudden confession. 

“I…” Jungkook started sadly, “I didn’t know...he never told me any of that…” 

“I should apologize to him.” Taehyung curled into himself. 

“He needs time.” Namjoon stated then, looking sadly down towards the table. 

Yoongi looked towards the closed door where Hoseok had left. 

He let Hoseok go once. 

Yoongi moved to stand up, grabbing his jacket off the back of his chair and heading for the door. 

He wouldn’t let Hoseok go again. 

“I’m going to get him.” Yoongi murmured quickly as he ran out. 

Yoongi ran down the apartment stairs when he realized Hoseok wasn’t anywhere in sight. Silently cursing the younger's long legs as he sprinted out of the building into the street. It was getting colder. The chilly wind nipped at Yoongi’s nose and burned his chest as he called out, “Hoseok?!” 

Yoongi scanned the area, it was a dark street illuminated only by a flickering warm streetlight. Yoongi paused, his heart hammering in his chest, desperation clinging to his skin like a parasite. “ Hoseok —”

Yoongi’s eyes widened when he found him, or at least a man—no, it had to be him. Walking away quickly in the distance down the street. 

Yoongi was running, “Seok!” he yelled. 

“Leave me alone. Please.” Hoseok sniffed miserably as Yoongi grew closer. 

Yoongi almost tripped over himself as he moved in front of Hoseok, stopping him, “Hoseok.” 

“Please. I don’t want to talk right now.” Hoseok’s head was ducked, his voice wrecked as he tried to move past Yoongi. “I already ruined your night I don’t want to mess anything else up.” 

But Yoongi wouldn’t let him, moving in front of Hoseok each time, “No, Hoseok, please.” He latched onto Hoseok’s arms, steadying him like an anchor. “We need to talk.” 

“You don’t want to talk to me.” Hoseok whimpered, “You don’t even want to know me, I promise you. You’re just going to regret it.” 

“No, I won’t.” Yoongi stood his ground. “I won’t regret it. I don’t regret anything involving you.” Yoongi continued on steadfast, ducking slightly to try and meet Hoseok’s gaze, “I don’t regret knowing you, I don’t regret our late nights and after practice meetups, I don’t regret being your friend, I don’t regret holding you when you’re upset and I don’t—” Hoseok looked up to meet his gaze, finally, “I don’t regret kissing you that night.” 

Hoseok’s expression was so heartbroken still, “But...you know now…” 

“Know what?” Yoongi huffed, shaking his head, “That you’re not into sex? That you’re actually something along the lines of aesexual and demisexual?” 

Hoseok’s eyes grew bigger than Yoongi had ever seen them. “How…” He started in complete shock, “How do you know those terms…?” 

“Hoseok,” Yoongi released one hand to cup Hoseok’s cheek. The streetlight was illuminating Hoseok gently and beautifully, it would have been a lovely night if not for the cold. “I know you’ve been hurt and misunderstood before. I know that asking you to trust me is a lot, and more than what I’m worth to someone as beautiful as you.” Yoongi prayed that his words would reach the younger, “But please, please listen to me when I say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with you.” 

“Yoongi.” Hoseok, whose eyes were already so red, fighting back even more tears, “What are you talking about.” 

Yoongi smiled, and exhaled as he watched a tear fall down Hoseok’s cheeks. However something in him knew that this was different then the rest. A cry of relief. 

It’s also when Yoongi noticed the first snowflake fall from the sky, and onto Hoseok’s bangs. 

“You’re perfect to me, Jung Hoseok.” Yoongi whispered sincerely, “And I want you, just the way you are.” 

“You mean that?” Yoongi could see the flickerings of realization spill onto Hoseok, “You really... really mean that?” 

“I do.” 

Hoseok tried to wipe away his tears quickly, “But I said—”

“And I don’t care about any of that.” Yoongi shook his head, “I care about you .” 

“Even if we never have sex…?” Hoseok whispered. 

“Even if we never have sex for the rest of our lives.” Yoongi confirmed. 

Hoseok shook his head, “No, there’s no way. Hyungie, you’ll...you’ll be stuck with me and you’ll want that and I won’t be able to give it to you so you’ll leave me. I know it. That’s—”

“What he did.” Yoongi finished Hoseok’s thought, stepping closer, “But I’m not him, am I? Seok, I’m asking you to trust me. That’s all I’m asking, I’m not asking for anything more, I just want you to trust me. As your friend or—” He swallowed, continuing, “Or as something more.” 

Hoseok just blinked, hands falling feather light on Yoongi’s chest. Snow was cascading down around them softly like in a dream. “You’re serious…?” 

“There’s nothing in this world that I would be more serious about, then this.” 

Hoseok inhaled, tears and snow falling and Hoseok was throwing his arms around Yoongi’s neck, locking their lips together in a sudden kiss. 

A kiss that knocked Yoongi breathless as he quickly recovered and wrapped his own arms around Hoseok’s middle, unable to stop himself when he heard Hoseok’s giggle peeking through the kiss. Yoongi picked Hoseok up, spinning him around under the streetlight. 

Hoseok was smiling even more, the tears falling easily and light now, Yoongi reached up to dust the snow out of Hoseok’s hair and wipe his tears away. Hoseok breathed, “I think you’re my angel.” 

Yoongi chuckled, “Seok, it’s the other way around, trust me.” 

“No, really.” Hoseok insisted, his smile heart shaped and putting all of Yoongi’s shattered heart back together piece by piece. “You don’t think I’m weird, or crazy. You don’t think there’s anything wrong with me.” 

“I don’t think that, because there isn’t anything wrong with you.” Yoongi insisted. 

Hoseok just smiled more, Yoongi could tell if he was blushing or cold as he continued, “I...I don’t know how you know what demisexual and asexuality is...but it’s—”

“Asexual, where you are somwhere along the scale of not craving sex—at least that’s not how you communicate affection. And demisexual, where you have to have that strong emotional bond first before sex becomes something you’re into?” Yoongi quirked a brow, grinning. 

Hoseok looked at him in wonder, “How…?” 

Yoongi shrugged, “I think a lot of us google ‘am I gay?’ at the beginning of all... this and you could say I fell down a bit of a rabbit hole.” 

Hoseok’s eyes widened again, “Wait, so does that mean…that you…?” 

Yoongi shook his head, “No, no I’m not any of them. But that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with being either one.” 

Hoseok looked at Yoongi with such open vulnerability it had Yoongi’s toes curling in his shoes. “I know I’m one of them…” Hoseok’s cheeks were burning with red now, “But...I’m not sure...which one…” 

“And you don’t have to know all the answers right now.” Yoongi soothed, cupping Hoseok’s cheek. The younger man’s skin was cold now, “We can take this one step at a time. We can figure all this out together.” 

Hoseok smiled, leaning into Yoongi’s palm, “Hyungie?” 

Yoongi felt breathless all over again, seeing the apple of Hoseok’s cheek cupped in his palm, “Yeah, Seok-ah?” 

“Can I kiss you again?” 

“So polite~” Yoongi hummed before pressing their lips together again, slotting their skin together in a way that he craved, but careful to allow Hoseok the room to breakfree when he needed. To back out and catch his breath. 

When they parted, and Yoongi had felt like his whole world had turned to its color, the axis of his world reset again, he noticed the snow piling up around them, “You want to come to my place? Warm up a bit?” 

Hoseok nodded, pausing. 

“What?” Yoongi grinned. 

“Will there be cuddling?” Hoseok asked seriously. 

Yoongi fumbled over his answer, “I—well, if you want? I mean, yes, but if you want. Only if you want.” 

“So you want to?” Hoseok pried. 

Yoongi rubbed the back of his neck, looking away, “Hell yeah I want to cuddle with you.” 

“Good.” Hoseok giggled, reaching for Yoongi’s hand to hold. “Because I do too.” 

Yoongi couldn’t help but to chuckle holding Hoseok’s hand back. 

“Hey,” Yoongi started after they’d walked not ten feet forward, stepping out in front of Hoseok and crouching down, “Get on.” 

“What?!” Hoseok barked, alarmed. 

“I’m going to give you a piggyback ride, you’ve been through a lot this week and are probably tired.” Yoongi answered easily, waiting patiently for Hoseok. 

“But—but—”

“All aboard the hyungie express!” Yoongi declared, making a ‘chew, chew’ sound. 

Hoseok’s initial shock was taken over by giggling, “Oh my, hyungie!” 

“Hyungie express leaving in three, two…” 

“Okay, okay!” Hoseok couldn’t stop his giggling as he climbed up on Yoongi’s back, “You promise I won’t hurt you? You have to tell me if I’m too heavy.” 

“There’s no way you’re too heavy, Seok-ah. In fact I need to be feeding you more .” Yoongi answered easily, Hoseok’s giggles spilling into his shoulder edging him on to continue, “And besides, as a certified hyungie, I was quite literally built for this.” 

“Oh~” Hoseok hummed happily, playing along as he nuzzled his nose in the crook of Yoongi’s shoulder. 

After a moment when they’d grown quiet, and the streets danced in a blanket of solid white, Yoongi asked, “What’s on your mind, Seok?” 

Hoseok swallowed, taking a deep breath, “How do you always know when something’s on my mind…?” 

“Because you’re always thinking about something.” Yoongi answered easily. 

“And you’re not?” Hoseok countered playfully. 

“I got two brain cells in my head, Seok. One for music, and the other for you.” Yoongi explained, “So I’m always either thinking about you or music, or sometimes they rub together and it’s both.”

“What happens when it’s neither?” Hoseok questioned. 

“TV static.” Yoongi answered, causing Hoseok to giggle again, and oh, how Yoongi loved the sound. “Come on, Seok.” Yoongi encouraged gently after a moment, “What are you thinking about?” 

Hoseok grew quiet once more, holding Yoongi tighter around his shoulders, “Was I okay? At kissing? Like, was that okay?” 

Yoongi had to fight with himself not to bark out with laughter, “ Yes !” He answered quickly and easily, in a breath, “Seok, you were incredible, fuck. I want to kiss you all the time.” 

“You do..?” Hoseok asked, hopeful. 

“Fuck yes. Hell yes. I want to write symphonies about how good it feels to kiss you.” Yoongi explained. 

Hoseok giggled, “You’re silly.” Was all he said, but Yoongi could feel the outline of Hoseok’s smile against his neck. Could feel the way Hoseok held on just a little bit tighter. 

And Yoongi realized, under the falling snow in the middle of the city well past midnight, with Hoseok on his back giggling into his skin and pressing little kisses to his shoulder—

Yoongi realized so easily and gently, like the snow falling, that he was so, undeniably, irrevocably, and incomprehensibly in love, with Jung Hoseok. 

It wasn’t until much later that Yoongi realized, once the two of them had tucked themselves under a blanket with mismatching cups full of hot chocolate, that Yoongi remembered the phone call from earlier. 

“What?” Hoseok asked, a little shy as he hid his smile behind his mug, “Why are you looking at me like that?” 

“What?” Yoongi grinned, “Like you’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on?” 

Hoseok giggled, snuggling closer, “You’re a tease.” 

“I’m just honest.” Yoongi hummed, his voice growing softer, “But...there is something I want to ask.” He took a deep breath when Hoseok leaned back again to face him. “You don’t have to answer, but I just...I can’t help but to ask.” 

Hoseok nodded, lowering his mug with a curious and slightly tense gaze. 

“Who called you earlier?” Yoongi asked, laying a hand atop Hoseok’s own, “Right before the concert. Who was that?” 

Hoseok bit his bottom lip, “You’re not going to like it, Gi.” 

“I have a feeling I already know who it was.” Hoseok’s reaction eradicated any last bit of hope that Yoongi had, “What did he want?” 

Hoseok looked down, trailing a finger around the top of his mug, “He just wanted to know what I was doing.” 

“That’s it?” Yoongi’s brows knit together, “That’s all he asked?” 

“That and…” Hoseok shrugged, “I don’t know, just small talk things. Just...things so that I stay in contact with him, or something.” 

Yoongi squared his jaw, nodding once before opening his arms for Hoseok, “Come here, I don’t want you to feel scared when you’re with me.” He reassured, holding Hoseok impossibly close without spilling any hot chocolate, “I know why you feel you need to pick up his calls and texts, but he can’t hurt you any more, okay? Not with Gi around.” 

Yoongi felt Hoseok relax slowly in his arms, whispering happily, a calming hum, “Not with my Gi around.” 

“Thank you for telling me, Seok.” Yoongi pressed a kiss to the top of Hoseok’s head. 

“I want him to leave me alone…” Hoseok exhaled, “I just want you to take up all my time, I want you to be the only man I see, ever.” 

Yoongi brushed Hoseok’s hair back, pressing a kiss there, “I know, Seok. Hyungie wants that too. But you know the second I see that mother fu—”

“Gi!” Hoseok cut Yoongi off with a giggle. 

“What? It’s true!” Yoongi defended. 

“But that’s not very nice.” Hoseok nuzzled further into Yoongi’s chest. 

“Well he’s not very nice.” Yoongi huffed, “Nobody hurts my Seok and gets away with it.” 

Yoongi could feel Hoseok’s smile against his skin, “Your Seok…?” 

“Yes.” Yoongi agreed without hesitation, “ My Seok.” 

Hoseok hummed happily, “I really like being your Seok.” He added after a beat, quietly, “I like it a lot.” 

Yoongi smiled, still upset about the phone call from a certain ex, but here was Hoseok, smiling and cuddling into Yoongi’s chest. Yoongi squeezed the man comfortingly in his arms, “I really you.” 

“What do you think the others will say?” Hoseok asked absentmindedly. 

Yoongi chuckled, “Oh, I can only imagine.” 

And in fact, it was what Yoongi imagined. 

Next Friday when Yoongi showed up to practice at Hope’s Bar, holding the hand of the owner, there was immediate upheviel from the group. 

“Oh...my god.” Taehyung whispered, eyes wide as he looked at Jungkook. “Are you seeing this?” 

“I’m going to kill him.” Jungkook murmured, starting to roll up his sleeves. 

Namjoon started whistling, banging the drums in effect, “Atta boy I knew you could do it hyung!” 

Hoseok ducked his head, loosening his grip on Yoongi’s hand which caused Yoongi to hold him even tighter, “Don’t be nervous, Seok, Gi is right here.” Yoongi whispered, smiling softly and pressing a kiss to Hoseok’s soft cheek. 

Hoseok blushed fiercely but smiled nonetheless, holding Yoongi’s hand back. 

“Hobi hyung!” Jungkook rushed forward first, “Are you alright? You didn’t answer any of my calls or texts after the concert!” 

“Sorry Kookie,” Hoseok leaned forward and pulled Jungkook into a one arm hug, “Yoongi hyung was taking care of me.” 

“But are you alright? You never told me about any of that stuff at the party…” Jungkook frowned, leaning back to meet Hoseok’s gaze. 

“I didn’t want to burden you with things like that.” Hoseok explained, cupping the youngests cheek, “I’m sorry Kookie. I shouldn’t have done that at your celebration party.” 

Jungkook shook his head, “Not the point hyung.” He exhaled, “I’m just glad you’re alright. We were all worried.” 

“I took care of him.” Yoongi stepped forward, giving Hoseok’s hand a reassuring squeeze. 

Jungkook knit his brows together when he looked at Yoongi, “You didn’t take advantage of him did you? He’s in a vulnerable state right now because of—”

“Jungkookie.” Hoseok interrupted, “I love you, you’re my platonic soulmate best friend, but I can take care of myself, okay? I don’t need you to fight all my battles for me. Jun may have messed me up and made me weak for a little while, but Yoongi hyung is helping me find my strength again. He’s a good man. He would never do something like that.” 

Jungkook blinked, shocked at first before recovering quickly and lowering his shoulders, “Right, sorry hyung. I know you can fight your own battles I just...I don’t want to see you get hurt again.” 

Hoseok pouted, “Oh Kookie…” 

“And I just need Yoongi hyung to understand that you’re not a game of hard catch to play or a one night stand.” Jungkook continued, this time directed towards Yoongi. 

Yoongi met Jungkook with the same level of seriousness, “That’s not why I’m here right now. When have I ever walked into practice holding someone's hand?” 

“Oh that is a good point…” Taehyung whispered from where he sat on the edge of the stage. 

Jungkook crossed his arms, “You swear?” 

“I swear.” Yoongi nodded. 

Hoseok pulled Jungkook into another hug, “Kookie, I love you. But you’re crazy.” 

Jungkook finally relaxed enough to chuckle into Hoseok’s shoulder, holding him back, “That’s why you’re my best friend, isn’t it?” 

“Wouldn't have it any other way.” 

The drums sounding broke them all from the moment, “So are we gonna sit here and have a little love fest or are we gonna sing about it?” 

“Ha, good one.” Taehyung chuckled, hopping up from where he was sitting. 

Jungkook rushed to the stage quickly after, leaving Hoseok and Yoongi for a moment. 

“Good luck.” Hoseok leaned forward to press a kiss to Yoongi’s cheek, mirroring Yoongi from earlier. 

“I’ll sing for you.” Yoongi winked, stepping regretfully out of Hoseok’s hold as he headed up toward the stage. 

Practice went without a hitch. 

A new energy seemed to consume them after their first concert and talks of another soon. Yoongi could tell the energy between them all shifted, it was more serious, the time they had to make music more precious now. 

And watching Hoseok, their lone, single audience member, cheer and clap for them after every song…

Yoongi’s heart swelled with something akin to unconditional fondness. 

Once practice ended, Yoongi was ready to make a beeline for Hoseok who had been swarmed by Jungkook and Taehyung, no doubt for questioning on the recent developments. 

“So,” Namjoon started from behind Yoongi, “You’re dating the owner then? Jungkookies bestie?” 

Yoongi fought not to glare at Namjoon from behind him as he put away his guitar, “Yeah, so what—I mean no.” Yoongi quickly corrected himself, realizing he’d never asked Hoseok that very crucial question. 

Were they boyfriends? 

“I’m getting some mixed signals here chief.” Namjoon raised a brow. 

“We’re not dating. I haven’t asked him.” Yoongi answered. 

Something like concern flashed across Namjoon’s gaze as he lowered his drum sticks, “Do you... want to date him…?” He added after a moment, “Cus it sure looks like you do chief.” 

“Stop calling me that.” Yoongi huffed. 

“Evading the point. I’m right.” Namjoon quipped. 

Yoongi thought for a moment, imagining himself asking Hoseok that very question. 

The boyfriend question. 

Yoongi couldn’t remember the last time he had an actual boyfriend let alone when he actually wanted one. And oh, how he wanted Hoseok. 

But did Hoseok want him…? 

“Earth to Min.” Namjoon waved a drum stick in front of Yoongi’s dull expression, “I asked you a question.” 

“What?”

“Are you going to ask him?” 

Yoongi looked over towards Hoseok, their eyes meeting briefly, Hoseok smiling something so bright and beautiful and—

And how could something so beautiful want to be his. 

“No.” 

“ No ?!” Namjoon gawked. 

“I’m just teaching him, he needs a trial run. This is just...help. With that. That’s all.” Yoongi muttered under his breath. 

“What? Help with the sex stuff? You know he was probably drunk and didn’t mean all that stuff he said at the party—” Namjoon started before Yoongi cut him off. 

“And what if he did.” Yoongi swung his guitar case over his shoulder. “Would that change anything?” 

“I…” Namjoon looked caught off guard. “I guess not…” 

“Right.” Yoongi shoved his hand in his pocket, “I’ll see you tomorrow— woah —” Yoongi inhaled sharply, jumping back when he turned to find Hoseok standing so close. “Jeeze, make some noise Seok…” he panted, catching his breath. 

Namjoon’s absolute boisterous laughing echoed brightly throughout the bar. 

“Sorry, are you alright?” Hoseok asked, his expression crestfallen. 

“Yeah I—” Yoongi’s brows knit together, “How long have you been standing there?” 

“Long enough.” Hoseok looked down, unsure, “Do you...still want to hang out after…?” 

“ Yes .” Yoongi reached for Hoseok's hand, “Of course I do. Come on, I think I promised you some homemade bibimbap did I not?” 

Hoseok smiled softly but said nothing, just allowing Yoongi to lead them out and far, far away from Namjoon and his insistent questioning. 

Much like the practice, dinner went without any problems. Bibimbap was one of Yoongi's specialties and he was absolutely delighted to know that it was one of Hoseok’s favorite dishes. Reminded him of home. All the more reason for Yoongi to fill Hoseok’s belly with his cooking. 

During dinner though, as the two ate out of bowls on the couch, not really watching the show they decided to play, Yoongi couldn’t help but to ask. 

“How much did you hear, really, earlier?”

Hoseok paused slightly in his eating, muttering, “Enough.” 

“How much is enough …?” Yoongi asked, worried. 

“The fact that you have to ask me is proof.” Hoseok answered, his voice quieter than usual, “I heard enough, Gi. Let’s just leave it at that. Please.” 

Yoongi made a mental note to never open his mouth around Namjoon for the rest of his mortal life. 

“I’m sorry.” 

Hoseok looked up, confused, “You have nothing to be sorry for, why are you apologizing?” 

Yoongi didn’t know how to answer that, he truly didn’t know how much of the conversation Hoseok had heard, he didn’t know how—or if —it would change their relationship or not. 

To his relief, Hoseok continued, “How about I ask you a question since you asked me one.” 

Yoongi looked up, “Yeah? What do you want to ask?” 

“Well,” Hoseok started, taking his last bite of food, “I’m just... curious. You’re so good at kissing, hyungie. Like, so good. Like so good to the point where I am just a noodle and you do all the work but it just feels so good and maybe I like being a noodle when you’re the one kissing me.” 

Yoongi couldn’t help but to grin proudly, “Oh?” 

“But I’m sure you weren’t just born with that ability to take a man's breath away with your lips.” Hoseok regarded him seriously, setting his empty bowl down on the coffee table, “So, how did you learn?” 

Yoongi tried not to choke on air, “ What ?!” 

Hoseok retracted slightly, growing shy again, “You know...how did you get so good at it…?” 

Yoongi reached out immediately to lay a hand atop Hoseok’s own, squeezing reassuringly and waiting until Hoseok had leaned back in again towards him. Yoongi sighed, “Are you sure you want to know?” 

Hoseok nodded seriously. 

Yoongi ran a hand through his face, “Just...the normal stuff.” 

“Like what?” Hosoke edged him on to continue. 

“Like, you know, practice.” Yoongi shrugged, “Just the normal things. It’s all about practice. Figuring out what you like and what other people like.” 

“So...you’ve had a lot of boyfriends before…?” Hoseok tilted his head curiously. 

Yoongi chuckled, “Not hardly. I’m more of the type to have...one night stands. That kinda thing.” 

“Oh…right.” 

“Yeah.” Yoongi cleared his throat, “Not so much anymore, of course. But back in the day when I got around that’s how I got so good at it. I guess.” 

Hoseok bit his lip like he wanted to ask Yoongi something more, and although Yoongi was scared of the question, he wanted them to always be honest with each other, “What is it, Seok?” 

“Are you still a virgin?” Hoseok asked suddenly. 

Yoongi rubbed his thumb across Hoseok’s knuckles gently as he whispered softly, “No, I’m not.” 

Hoseok looked down at their hands, “Oh…” 

“Does that make you uncomfortable, Seok?” Yoongi couldn’t help but to ask. 

Hoseok shook his head, “No, no it doesn’t it just…” He inhaled deeply, “You just have a lot more experience with all this than I do.” 

Yoongi leaned forward, unable to stop himself from pressing a kiss to Hoseok’s forehead, “It’s not about what you do, whether it’s right or wrong or not. It’s all about who you’re with, Seok-ah.” 

“Who you’re with…?” 

Yoongi nodded, “And right now, I’m with you. And that’s all that matters to me.” 

Hoseok’s features slowly illuminated into a soft smile, like a gentle fire burning to life. 

And god, how Yoongi was falling for this man. 

Yoongi then noticed the phone vibrating on the coffee table, turning slightly, “Is that Jungkook spamming you again?” 

“Let me see.” Hoseok hummed, reaching forward to pull his phone into his lap, resting with his back up against Yoongi’s chest. 

Yoongi didn’t see much, but he could see enough before Hoseok inhaled sharply, flipping the phone over in his lap. 

“It’s just Jungkook.” Hoseok fake chuckled. 

“Hoseok.” Yoongi used the younger mans full name, his heart dropping, “I know it wasn’t. You don’t have to hide from me. You know that.” 

Hoseok bit his bottom lip. Fiddling with the phone in his lap. 

“You don’t have to tell me.” Yoongi rephrased, “But at least talk to Jungkook then. I can’t stand the thought of you being alone in all of this.” 

Hoseok ducked his head low, “I…” He took a deep breath. “I don’t know what Jun sent.” 

Yoongi ran a hand comfortingly up and down Hoseok’s arm, “Then we can read it together.” 

The younger man looked up at Yoongi, searching for any hesitancy in Yoongi’s eyes. 

When he found none, he exhaled, flipping the phone over. 

Jun: 

Hoseok, where are you tonight? 

I think you need to come over. I have dinner for us. 

It’s rude to ignore messages you know. 

I didn’t think you were like this, but I guess you’d stand up anyone who makes you dinner. 

“Why is he saying that about dinner?” Yoongi’s brows knit together in confusion, “Are you supposed to read his mind or something? This wasn’t planned was it?” 

“No.” Hoseok shook his head, “He always does this.” 

“I’m pretty sure that’s what’s called manipulation, Seok.” Yoongi frowned. 

Hoseok sighed heavily, “That’s just how he talks.” 

“I don’t like it.” Yoongi frowned. 

“I know…” Hoseok whispered, pulling up the messages to reply. 

Hoseok: 

I’m busy tonight. 

Sorry. 

“You didn’t need to say sorry.” Yoongi huffed. 

Hoseok sunk deeper into Yoongi’s chest as Jun replied. 

Jun: 

Rude. 

You’re with that one guy aren’t you? 

Yoongi glared, “So he knows?” 

Hoseok nodded quietly, answering, “He knows.” 

Hoseok: 

It’s none of your business who I'm with. 

He’s good to me. I like being with him.

Jun: 

You know, it's hilarious that you think he likes you back. 

I gotta do the dumbest shit to make you realize you’re meant to be with me. 

“I’m going to kill him.” Yoongi sneered. 

“Hyung.” Hoseok nudged him slightly as he continued. 

Hoseok: 

What are you talking about?

Jun: 

He’s in a band right? The one with that annoying friend of yours? 

Hoseok: 

He’s not annoying. Jungkook is my best friend.

Jun: 

Sure.

Their band sucks, I heard people had to leave the bar when they played last friday. 

Hoseok:

That’s not true!

The bar was more full than I’ve ever seen it! We beat our record numbers that night!

You don’t know anything about them or anything about my hyung! So stop this and leave me alone.

Yoongi could feel Hoseok’s frustration as he kissed the top of Hoseok’s head, “I’m so proud of you, Seok.” 

Jun: 

Alright, sure. 

Remember who has control of those photos, Hoseok. 

You better be nice to me, pretty boy. 

Hoseok:

Please...just delete them...I’m begging you…

Jun: 

Hmmm. 

No. 

I don’t think I will. 

You haven’t been nice and I’ve got to run, I have my own band practice to attend. 

Hoseok and Yoongi locked eyes then, shocked and confused. 

Hoseok:

What are you talking about…? You’re not in a band…?

Jun: 

Says who? 

I told you, I have to do the stupidest shit to remind you of where you belong. 

Hoseok shut off his phone and threw it to the other end of the couch. “I hate him.” 

“Say the word. Say it’s okay and I’ll leave right now and kick his ass.” Yoongi stated, frustration and anger rising in his voice. 

Hoseok moved in his hold, resting his head on Yoongi’s shoulder and holding him close, “No...I don’t want that.” 

“He can’t talk to you that way.” Yoongi argued. 

“He can, and he will.” Hoseok exhaled, “He has the photos.” 

“I’ll break his phone.” 

“No, you won’t.” Hoseok nuzzled further into Yoongi’s chest, “I didn’t know he was in a band…” 

Yoongi held Hoseok, trying to focus on simmering down the growing fire in his veins, “We need more shows.” 

Hoseok pulled back slightly, “What…?” 

Yoongi cupped Hoseok’s cheek, “The reason he’s trying to get into a band is because he knows that you and I...he knows that I’m a threat to his place in your life. And he’s trying to challenge me.” 

“Are you sure…? Maybe he just thinks I’m into people in a band?” Hoseok tried. 

Yoongi shook his head, “Either way, we need our band to surpass his. We need to be better in every way. I’m not going to let him have any satisfaction over you or the band.” 

Hoseok nodded seriously, “We could make it a regular thing? Friday nights? I meant what I said there, it really was record breaking with the numbers the bar brought in that night.” 

Yoongi pressed a kiss to Hoseok’s forehead, “It’s not too much work for you? I know running the bar and an event like that is a lot on your plate.” 

“For you?” Hoseok hummed happily, laying down on Yoongi’s chest again, “It’s never too much.” 

“Then it’s settled.” Yoongi tucked Hoseok in close, “We’ll keep building up our reputation and play on Friday nights at your bar. And we should start looking for help for you too, at least on those nights.” 

“I can put out a few applications.” Hoseok smiled, “Hey Gi?” 

Yoongi hummed, letting his eyes flutter shut with Hoseok’s comforting weight on his chest. 

“When you’re famous one day, will you promise that you won’t forget about me?” Hoseok whispered seriously. 

Yoongi chuckled softly, “Oh Seok.” 

“What?” 

Yoongi exhaled, “I won’t be famous without you there with me, for every step.” 

_____

Life was...good. 

Yoongi found himself happier than he could ever remember being now that he was able to kiss Hoseok and hold him at any moment's notice. Relishing in the quiet glances the two of them shared during band practice, or the happy sounds Hoseok would make after, while eating whatever it was that Yoongi cooked that night. Especially with the nights growing colder, when Yoongi was able to hold Hoseok, he found himself counting his blessings, every night. 

When Friday came, the band was ready. Taehyung had worked on a new song that they had all practiced the day before and were excited to share with the crowd. 

Back stage, Namjoon peeked out of the curtains first, inhaling sharply, “There’s more people here today.” 

“More? How much more?” Jungkook and Taehyung moved under Namjoon to peer through the small curtain crack. “ Dang .” 

“That’s a lot of people.” Taehyung echoed. 

Namjoon turned back towards Yoongi, nodding towards the curtain, “Dude the crowd doubled from last night.” 

“Is Hoseok out there?” Yoongi asked, distracted by his guitar. 

“I’m sure he is somewhere out there…?” Namjoon asked with a raised brow. 

“Then that’s all I care about.” He moved to get up, setting the guitar strap on his shoulder, “Come on, we better get out there.” 

Taehyung whistles, “When did Hyung become so cool?” 

“When he fell in love.” Namjoon teased, earning a glare from Yoongi. 

“Let’s go.” Jungkook nodded for the stage, the four of them immediately surprised by the sudden cheering that erupted from the crowd when they’d walked out. Taehyung looking behind him until the group realized—

“They’re cheering...for us …” Namjoon whispered, wide eyed. 

“Our fans…” Jungkook breathed. 

The cheering crowd threw Yoongi off guard momentarily, before his gaze finally, finally found the one he’d been searching for. 

Hoseok. 

Yoongi smiled, winking towards the man who was holding an absurd amount of drinks in his hands. Hoseok smiled, blowing a kiss up towards the stage. 

They played great that night. 

Better than the last Friday show even. The crowd loved them and Namjoon still couldn’t get over the fact that their fans were singing along...they actually knew the words to their songs. 

Yoongi didn’t stay for long backstage in the overwhelming fest of joy that the four boys were going through, talks of fame and making it at the surface. 

The second Yoongi had his guitar packed away, he was running out into the bar again, searching for those dark brown eyes—

“Hey there,” The familiar voice came from behind him, “Are you the famous Min Yoongi?! Can I have your autograph?” 

Yoongi spun around to find Hoseok, he was glowing, beautiful and happy and Yoongi couldn’t stop himself from pulling him into a deep and chaste kiss. One that Hoseok melted into, arms coming to wrap around Yoongi’s shoulders. 

“How's that for an autograph?” Yoongi teased, his lips still brushing up against Hoseok’s own. 

Hoseok giggled, “I think it’ll do.” 

“So, you’ll kiss him, huh?” A new— not— familiar voice called out.

Feeling the way Hoseok tensed in Yoongi’s arms, Yoongi didn’t need to turn around and find the owner of such a voice to know who it was. 

“What do you want.” Yoongi turned, an arm snaking around Hoseok’s middle as he brought him in close. 

“Oh, nothing.” Jun crossed his arms, leaning against the bar, “Just came by to check out the competition . That’s all. Just checking out Bora.” 

“My hyung has nothing to do with this. Please, leave him out of his Jun.” Hoseok pleaded. 

Yoongi pressed Hoseok closer, “No, I think I actually have everything to do with this.” Yoongi argued, glaring Jun down, “What’s your band?” 

“Jet Blues.” 

“Never heard of ‘em.” 

“ Yet .” Jun corrected, “And technically, you have now.” 

“Cut the shit and just tell us what you came here for.” Yoongi snapped. 

Jun grinned, stepping closer to Hoseok, “I just came here to talk to Hoseok.” 

“I’m busy, I don’t want to talk right now Jun.” Hoseok stood his ground. 

Jun reached out to hook a finger under Hoseok’s chin, forcing their gazes together, “Remember who has those pictures, sweetheart—”

Yoongi snapped, reaching forward to grab ahold of Jun’s wrist and shove it away from Hoseok’s face, “ Don’t touch him!” 

The sudden outburst left Jun with wide eyes, “What the hell?!” 

“I said ,” Yoongi re-stated, “ Don’t touch him.” 

Jun narrows his eyes, “Why are you so upset right now? You haven’t even known him as long as I have!” 

“Why are you still here?! Your thing with Hoseok is over. Done . It’s in the past.” Yoongi argued. 

“We’re still friends.” Jun shrugged, crossing his arms again. “What’s it to you?” 

“Everything!” Yoongi yelled. 

“Hyung…” Hoseok tugged on Yoongi’s shirt, noticing the attention Yoongi’s upset voice was starting to draw in. 

But Yoongi couldn’t bring himself to stop once he started, “You make him so fucking uncomfortable can’t you see that?! He doesn't like you nor want to be with you!” 

“What’s it matter to you what he wants!” Jun barked. 

“ Because he’s my boyfriend !” 

Yoongi hadn’t realized what he’d said until the silence started to settle around them. Until he realized Hoseok was holding his breath beside him. 

Jun squared his jaw, “Fine. You want a challenge? A battle of the bands. Here. First Friday of next month.” 

“I can’t afford that!” Hoseok rushed to interrupt, “That’s too many people to pay, the bar does well on nights with shows but having more then—”

“Just pay the winner.” Jun shrugged, “Losers get no pay.” 

“I…” Hoseok started, looking back towards Yoongi with wide eyes. 

Yoongi was glaring down Jun, a predator against predator. And Yoongi vowed he would never let Jun touch Hoseok ever again. 

Yoongi held out his hand for Jun to shake, “You’re on.” 

Jun grinned as he shook Yoongi’s hand, sly and slick, “May the best band win.” 

“I look forward to you congratulating Bora on our win.” Yoongi growled.

Jun huffed, turning towards Hoseok, winking, “The winner gets a kiss from you too, pretty boy.” 

“No they don’t.” Hoseok frowned. 

Jun chuckled, waving his hand off as he turned around to leave, “Well see about that.” 

Once Jun was out of ear shot, Yoongi growled, “I swear Hoseok the second he walks out say the word and I will just beat the—”

“Why did you say that?” Hoseok interrupted Yoongi, turning to face him fully and out of Yoongi’s grasp. 

Yoongi blinked, “I...sorry. I should have asked you about the band thing first. But we can get you help before then and the guys can help out too—”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” Hoseok frowned, shaking his head, “Why did you call me your boyfriend?” 

“Oh…” Yoongi was caught off guard again. “I just...I...uh…” 

“Did you mean it?” Hoseok asked, and there was something hopeful in his eyes and Yoongi couldn't stop himself from freaking out, from growing anxious and blurting out—

“No. Of course not. That’s not—I mean, we’re not—”

“We’re not real.” Hoseok finished for Yoongi. “It’s just fake. Practice. ” There were tears swarming in Hoseok’s eyes then, “That’s what you told Namjoon, isn’t it? That you’re just helping me? I’m just a charity case to you to make you feel better for fucking around all the time or something?” Hoseok sniffed. 

“Hoseok, that’s not true. You know that’s not true—”

“Then why did you say it?” Hoseok begged, “Why did you tell Namjoon when you thought I wasn’t there, that I was just practice?” Hoseok wiped away the spilling tears with the heel of his hand, moving away when Yoongi reached out to wipe them. “ No .” Hoseok cried. “No, don't touch me.” 

“Seok…” Yoongi’s heart was breaking, he didn’t know what to do, how to fix this. 

“You saw me crying, and you’re such a good person that you decided to help me. Well Min Yoongi. You’ve helped enough. You made me feel—you—” Hoseok inhaled sharply, “I have to go. Goodbye Min Yoongi.” 

“No, Hoseok please. Wait.” Yoongi begged, following behind Hoseok. 

“I can’t do this anymore.” Hoseok shook his head, walking out of the bar. 

Yoongi followed him, the winter air biting his skin harshly, if he could see anything but Hoseok’s tears, he might have been able to see his breath. “Please, wait. Let me explain everything, let’s talk. Let me make you dinner again and we can—”

Hoseok pulled out his phone, typing something as he spoke, “I’m not going to sit down and have a conversation with you about why you won’t date me because I don’t want sex the way a normal person should.” 

Yoongi shook his head, “That’s not it. That’s not it at all that’s so far from the truth.” 

“Then why did you say that?” Hoseok cried, a car pulling up in front of them. 

“I don’t know—I don’t—Hoseok please—” Yoongi was growing desperate as Hoseok got into the car, Yoongi tried to hold the door open before Hoseok closed it. “Please, just let me explain.” 

“There’s nothing to explain that I don’t already know.” Hoseok sniffed, prying the door from Yoongi’s hands, 

“I thought you were different, Min Yoongi.” 

Were the last words Yoongi heard before the car door slammed shut, and the car sped off down the road. Leaving Yoongi alone in the cold, under the flickering street lamp, with the ground covered in too many broken pieces of his heart, to walk. 

_____

Interviewer: “Shit…” 

Yoongi: *A deep heavy breath* 

Interviewer: “You loved him.” 

Yoongi: “More than anything in the world. He was everything to me, he was my world god...I loved him so much. Even then.” *Sighing* “I lost myself after that. Not with drugs although if my bandmates didn’t keep a close enough eye on me I definitely would have touched those. I went for alcohol. Anything that would numb the pain in my chest.” 

Interviewer: “So...what did you do? What happened? Why did you tell him you didn’t want to be with him like that if you loved him so much?” 

Yoongi: *Leaning back in his chair* “Well you know, I was young. And sometimes when you’re young you make stupid decisions.” 

Interviewer: “I can tell, in the way that you talk about this man. Hoseok. That he was a person that…that...” 

Yoongi: “That my world revolved around?” *Chuckling* “Simply put, of course.” 

Interviewer: *Chuckling* “Well, yes. He’s got a much bigger plot in this story then I would have first assumed.” 

Yoongi: “Bora wouldn’t be here, at the very least, I would not be sitting in this chair today if not for Hoseok.” 

Interviewer: *Nodding* “So why ?” 

Yoongi: *Grinning* “You’re a good interviewer. You caught me trying to deflate there.” 

Interviewer: “It is my job.” 

Yoongi: “Well, I was scared. Scared of what might happen if I made it official, if I asked him out. I just remember that I kept thinking...over and over, that he was too good for me, you know? What if I couldn’t treat him right or ever made him upset? I would have to kill myself if I ever made him cry.” 

Interviewer: “That’s a bit extreme.” 

Yoongi: “When I say I love him I don’t mean it lightly. So to think that he would choose me...I just couldn’t believe it. It didn’t make any sense to me so I couldn’t ask. I wouldn’t ask. I was too afraid of rejection or worse, I was afraid I would fail him. That I would be good enough for someone as good as him.” 

Interviewer: “I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume that that is not what Hoseok thought about you.” 

Yoongi: *Chuckling* “Let me tell the rest of the story.” 

_____

“What’s wrong with you.” Seokjin started, coming in hot as he walked through the apartment, cornering Yoongi on the couch. “You’ve been sitting here in the same clothes for three days now. You just keep picking at the leftover pizza on the counter and you’re starting to smell .” 

Yoongi just turned his head slightly, trying to move so he could see what was playing on t.v. instead of Seokjin’s accusatory face. 

“No, you’re not going to ignore me right now.” Seokjin crossed his arms, moving to stand in front of Yoongi again. 

Yoongi sighed in frustration, “Will you please move out of the way.” 

“Will you please get a shower?” Seokjin countered. 

“No.” 

Seokjin huffed, “Then I’m not moving.” 

“I’m going through something so unless you want to knock me out so I can not be in this shitty realm of existence anymore then I would very much so appreciate it if you would get the fuck out of my way.” Yoongi argued. 

“Oh, okay.” Seokjin rolled his eyes, chuckling sarcastically, “Let me just get out of your way then.” 

Yoongi exhaled, “Thank you— hey !” 

Seokjin twirled the now unplugged t.v. chord around in his hand, “What? I moved out of the way?” 

“That’s not fair.” 

“What’s not fair?” Seokjin played innocent, “The fact that my roommate that I already have to chase for his half of the rent and clean up after himself has now taken up residency on our shared couch and is now starting to smell ?” Seokjin shook his head, “Aren’t you supposed to be famous or something now? Is this how famous people act.” 

“You sound like a mom.” Yoongi groaned. 

“Then make better choices so I don’t have to act like one.” Seokjin crossed his arms. “What’s going on? Why are you being a complete ogre right now?” 

“I’m not being an ogre.” 

“Is exactly what an actual ogre would say.” 

“That’s not true.” Yoongi argued. 

Seokjin pinched the bridge of his nose, “You know you’re being a real pain in the ass and if you keep this up I’m going to call your bandmates and that guy that you like—”

“ I got fake dumped !” Yoongi snapped loudly, “Alright?! You happy now?” 

Seokjin blinked slowly, “ Fake ...dumped…?” 

“ Yes god how much more do you want from me.” Yoongi turned away from Seokjin. 

Seokjin took a moment to process Yoongi’s words, “So…you weren’t actually dating?” 

“No.” 

“But...you broke up, still?” Seokjin raised a brow. 

“Way to rub it in asshole.” Yoongi murmured. 

Seokjin moved to sit down on the couch with Yoongi, a respectful distance away. “What happened? Is this with the guy?” 

“Yeah.” Yoongi huffed, unbelieving, “The guy. Him. He was once mine and now he’s just the guy …” 

“Wow there are a lot of emotions going on over there.” Seokjin waved his hand around, “So? Are you going to tell me what happened or am I going to have to fight you to tell me?” 

Yoongi exhaled, “He’s too good for me, so I didn’t ask him formally to be my boyfriend. I messed up, and now he thinks I don’t want to be his boyfriend because he’s asexual. Or demisexual. One or the other he doesn’t know yet.” 

Seokjin nodded, “Okay, I’m following. Except...why does he think it’s because of that? You don’t care that he might be any of that? Do you ?” 

“Fuck no.” Yoongi answered quickly, “He’s...he’s my guy...my Hoseok. I don’t care if he never even wanted to kiss. Just to be with him is more than enough for me.” 

“Did you just say... Hoseok ?” Seokjin raised a brow. 

“Yeah? Why?” 

“What’s his last name?” 

“Jung…?” Yoongi answered, confused. 

Seokjin’s eyes grew wide for only a moment before regaining his composure quickly, “‘kay cool. Noted. Continue, why did he think that?” 

Yoongi hesitated, regarding Seokjin for a moment before his shoulders dropped even lower, “Because I fucked up and told Joon we were just... practicing . Hoseok and I, that I was just helping Hoseok.” 

“Wow.” Seokjin whistled. “Nice one. And I’m assuming he heard you say that?” 

“Every word.” 

“Nice.” Seokjin nodded, taking a deep breath, “Well, that is some shit you’ve created for yourself.” 

“Thanks. You’re so good with words.” Yoongi leaned his head back on the couch, closing his eyes as he continued sarcastically, “Wonder why I don’t come to you for all my problems.” 

“Yeah.” Seokjin continued, “So, you created a shit storm because you got insecure all of the sudden, right?” 

Yoongi exhaled. 

Seokjin took that as confirmation enough, “And I’m sure you tried to apologize before wallowing away in your filth on the couch we share .” 

“I tried but he didn’t listen. He really does think it’s because of his orientation. I just...I can’t even imagine thinking something like that about him and I want to make it right but he won’t answer any of my texts or calls. I already know Jungkook is with him right now. If I go to try and see him, you know what would happen?” 

“What?” 

“I would either come back with no hands, no head, or no dick.” Yoongi groaned, “Probably all of the above.” 

“I’m glad we’ve got the dramatic part of this breakup—sorry, fake breakup—checked off the list.” Seokjin mumbled. “And it concerns me that you think you’ll be coming back here with no head and getting blood on the carpet. I’m still trying to get our deposit back on this place you know.” 

Yoongi opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling, “Jungkook would kill me. I don’t even know how I’m going to show myself at the competition next month. I can’t even bring myself to go to practice.” 

“You have to get out. You have to go and do something .” Seokjin encouraged. 

“What’s the point…” 

“ Because mr. dramatic, you have a responsibility to your band. Your bandmates are counting on you.” Seokjin explained, “And you’re going to get eaten alive by Jungkook. It sounds like that's going to be unavoidable no matter what option you choose. So might as well get it done and over with.” 

Yoongi looked over at Seokjin, a rare vulnerability in his gaze, “I miss him so much, hyung.” 

Seokjin exhaled, “Oh Yoongi.” 

“And I want him back, but he won’t let me back in...I can’t even try…” Yoongi spoke, emotion building up in his voice. 

“Well,” Seokjin’s voice was gentle, soft, “You’re not going to win him back by sitting here in your own filth. You have to get up, take care of yourself. You need to get a shower, and eat a vegetable. Then you need to go to the studio or the bar practice thing and write the best damn dramatic show stopping love song for that man.” Seokjin grinned, “ That is how you’re going to win him back.” 

Yoongi paused for a moment, “You think that’ll work…?” 

“I know it will.” 

Yoongi’s brows knit together, “How do you know ?” 

“Yah!” Seokjin waved Yoongi off, “I’m older than you! I know how these things work.” 

“And if it doesn’t…?” Yoongi whispered. 

Seokjin sighed, “If it doesn’t, and you’re showered, then I’ll be here for you. Okay? You’ll get through this and make your career on writing the best damn breakup songs of the century.” 

Yoongi bowed his head, “I’m not writing a breakup song after this.” He spoke, a hint of determination coloring his tone as he continued, “This’ll be the best, the last, and the only breakup song I ever write, and it’s going to work .” 

“That’s the attitude I want to see!” Seokjin cheered, “Make sure you add all that sappy shit that people like—” Seokjin’s watch buzzing interrupted him. “Shit, I’m going to be late for class. Um...so, I would hug you after all the vulnerable emotion stuff but…” Seokjin bit his lip, “You do kinda smell.” 

Yoongi chuckled slightly, nodding, “I’ll get a shower.” 

“Thank you!” Seokjin sang, springing himself up and off the couch, “And when I get back I better see at least a verse of that love song you’re going to win him back with!” 

_____

Jung Hoseok. 

Seokjin kept replaying the name in his mind. 

The man that Yoongi liked, that he had fallen in love with was Jung fucking Hoseok . 

Seokjin walked into his lab class at the usual time every day, and today was no different. The only difference was one that was to be accepted. 

The usual smiling, cheerful boy in the back corner of the classroom had his head held low, eyes downcast and deep, dark bags under his eyes. “Little Seok!” 

Hoseok snapped up immediately, a smile plastered upon his lips. One that didn’t reach his eyes. “Hi big Seok.” 

Seokjin set his bag down, taking the seat beside Hoseok, “You okay?” 

Hoseok nodded enthusiastically, as if to cover up for how not okay he looked, “I’m perfect, never better! But, hey, did you do the lab questions last week? I um...didn’t have a chance to do them…” 

Seokjin grinned, pulling out the papers, “Usually it’s the other way around. You too busy to work on the homework or something?” 

Hoseok chuckled, making quick work to write down the answers. “Yeah, I guess. Busy.” 

Watching Hoseok write his answers, Seokjin didn’t need any more evidence. He was sure there were only so many Jung Hoseok’s in the world anyway. 

“So…” Seokjin started. “I’m told by a little bird that you know someone by the name of Min Yoongi?” 

Hoseok’s eyes grew wide, his body frozen. Tense. “I...why…?” 

Seokjin shrugged, “I just...heard that you’re close with him. That’s all. He’s getting more and more popular with that band.” 

Hoseok finished copying the last answer quickly before handing Seokjin his papers back, “Oh really? I didn’t know…” 

“So you’re not that close with him?” Seokjin raised a brow. 

Hoseok swallowed, his voice quiet, “Not anymore.” 

Seokjin regarded him sadly, resting a gentle hand atop Hoseok’s dainty wrist. “What happened?” 

Hoseok looked up at Seokjin with wide eyes, “I…” 

“You can talk to me. If you want.” Seokjin gave a reassuring smile, “I just want you to know that I’m here for you.” 

Hoseok relaxed a little more at that. “You know, before this semester I only had Yoongi hyung as my hyung?” Hoseok exhaled, “But now that he’s gone I’m...I’m grateful to have you, Jin hyung.” 

Seokjin smiled encouragingly, his eyes tearing up as he tried to blink to fight any from falling. “Oh little Seok…” 

“I’m...not normal when it comes to things like...kissing, and touching, and...and…” Hoseok whispered, “... sex …” 

Seokjin nodded, squeezing Hoseok’s wrist reassuringly. 

“And he...I thought he liked me. I’m not normal with those things but he made me feel normal with all that. He made me feel so good, and I thought wow, this is what a real relationship is like. This is why people fall in love.” Hoseok chuckled sadly, “But I was wrong.” 

“What were you wrong about?” 

“He felt bad for me. I was just some pity party case for him. Charity work.” Hoseok frowned sadly, “He never cared. And I knew he didn’t. I just…” Hoseok sighed, heavy, “I just...he called me his boyfriend in front of someone else, but then as soon as it was just us again, he couldn’t call me his anymore. I can’t handle that, you know?” 

Seokjin nodded, making a mental note to give Yoongi hell for not sharing that part of the story after everything passed over, “That is so shitty.” 

“But he’s such a good person.” Hoseok sighed, “I think the worst part is that I actually don’t hate him at all. I actually...it’s actually quite the opposite.” 

Seokjin took a deep breath, noticing the professor walk into class then. He turned towards Hoseok, “Little Seok, why don’t you let me take you out for drinks this Friday? Nothing too crazy, just a little Big Seok, Little Seok bonding time. It’ll take your mind off of all this.” 

“I don’t know…” Hoseok hesitated. 

“Please? For me?” Seokjin pleaded. “I’ll do the lab questions for the rest of the semester and let you copy every single one.” 

Hoseok giggled, “You don’t have to do that!” He shook his head, smiling towards Seokjin, “Alright, alright, I’ll go.” 

_____

Hoseok found it odd that Seokjin was so persistent about going to a bar. They’d only recently become friends at the beginning of the semester. But, Hoseok decided, he was happy to have a hyung in his life still, and wouldn’t take it for granted again. 

“What are you thinking about?” Jungkook asked from where he was laying on Hoseok’s couch, running his fingers through Hoseok’s hair. 

Hoseok shrugged, “Just...you know. This and that. Nothing.” 

“You’re not thinking about him, are you?” Jungkook raised a brow. 

Hoseok took a deep inhale, “Not really.” 

“You know you can talk to me.” Jungkook tried. “You’re my best friend hyung, you know you don’t always have to be okay when you’re around me. You can let loose of the persona here when we’re like this.” 

Hoseok frowned. “But then I’ll just be a crying and blubbering mess. And nobody wants that.” 

“I’d much rather have that than a Hobi hyung who’s trying to cover up his emotions, only to be a crying and blubbering mess all alone when I leave.” Jungkook countered. 

“How do you even know that?” Hoseok moved to lay his head on Jungkook’s chest, exhaling, “You have no proof of any of that.” 

Jungkook hummed, “I think being your best friend for the last twelve years gives me a pretty good insight into how you deal with your emotions. “And as much as I love you, Hobi hyung, you really don’t know how to deal with them. Especially the bigger they are, the more you try to cover them up.” 

Hoseok’s shoulders droop down low, “You don’t know that.” 

Jungkook smiled softly, admitting, “We can just play the next Harry Potter movie, all I’m trying to say is it’s okay if you’re not okay.” 

Hoseok was quiet for a long, long moment before whispering, “I miss him…” 

Jungkook hummed, continuing to run his hand through Hoseok’s hair, “I know you do.” 

“I miss him so much. And I know that I shouldn’t.” Hoseok sniffed. 

“It’s okay that you miss him.” 

Hoseok shook his head, “No, it’s not. It’s not okay, he’s not who I thought he was. I miss the man I thought he was, not the one that he really is.” 

Jungkook nodded, “And that’s okay.” 

“I should have never fallen for him. I knew he was too good to be true.” Hoseok’s voice started to tremble as he hid his face in Jungkook’s chest, “But I thought I could let myself believe...I thought maybe he didn’t mean what he said to Namjoon but of course he did.” 

“He’s a dick.” Jungkook whispered, allowing Hoseok to vent and cry onto his chest. 

“I’m so upset with myself.” Hoseok sniffed, lifting his hand to wipe away tears, “I’m so upset that I let myself fall for him. That I still don’t hate him...that I still miss him so much…” 

“Hyung…” Jungkook suddenly started, “I...can I be honest with you?” 

Hoseok sniffed again, leaning up to meet Jungkook's gaze, “Of course Jungkookie. You can always be honest with me.” 

“I’m thinking of quitting.” Jungkook whispered. 

Hoseok inhaled sharply, “What?! Why?” 

Jungkook’s expression was serious, “You’re my best friend. And I can’t work with someone—let alone sing with someone who did this to you.” 

“You can’t let me come in between you and your band.” Hoseok shook his head. 

“You’re my best friend.” Jungkook restated, “Just the idea of having to play with him again, let alone practice or perform ...after knowing what he did it makes me sick to my stomach.” 

“Jungkookie…” Hoseok’s heart fell. 

Jungkook offered a small, bittersweet smile, “It’s okay Hobi hyung, I’ll find a new band. A group with better people.” 

“But these are good people…” Hoseok argued. 

“Yoongi hurt you.” Jungkook stated simply. 

Hoseok pouted softly, unable to argue more as Jungkook sighed, “Besides, if this is who he really is, then I would have much rather known now then later.” 

Hoseok ducked his head. 

“This is a good thing, I promise.” Jungkook pulled Hoseok back into him, the two friends holding each other close, “Better now then later.” 

“I just…” Hoseok whispered, “I don’t think that’s a good enough reason.” 

“I beg to differ.” Jungkook huffed, “You’re the best reason there is Hobi hyung.” 

Hoseok bit his lip, “Will you at least wait until the battle of the bands? At least follow through until that show and then you can decide? You can even look at the other bands and get a feel for them before making any drastic decisions.” 

“That’s in a few weeks…” Jungkook trailed off. 

“They’ll fly by, it won’t be long!” Hoseok tried, “Please? For me? Hold out just until then. I just want you to be one hundred percent sure about this before you do anything.” 

Jungkook paused for a moment, thinking it over. “I already am a hundred percent sure...but, alright. I’ll wait. If that’s what you want.” 

Hoseok sighed in relief, “Thank you Jungkookie, you’re the best, you know that?” 

Jungkook chuckled softly, “I know.” 

“Did I tell you I finally found some help for the band nights?” Hoseok hummed, “It was hard to find someone because I can’t pay a lot yet, but...I mean they were the only one that interviewed for the positions and they’re perfect !” Hoseok explained, “They even offered to be the announcer for the band nights so I can focus on the drinks!” 

“That’s great Hobi!” Jungkook smiled, “I was starting to get worried there that it would be too much for you soon.” 

“Oh, it was too much for sure. But I think Jimin will help out a lot.” Hoseok hummed, “I have a feeling you and Taetae are going to really like him too. He’s exactly your guy’s type.” 

“Really?” Jungkook smiled, “Well, I’m excited to meet this Jimin person then.” 

“You should be.” Hoseok giggled. 

A moment passed, and Jungkook couldn’t stop himself from asking, “Hobi hyung, can I ask you something now?” 

“Of course, you don’t have to be so formal, you know.” Hoseok teased. 

“Why didn’t you tell me that you were asexual? Or demisexual?” 

“Oh…” Hoseok tensed slightly, “That. Well, um, I was afraid that might bother you? You’re just so far on the other side of that, I just thought…” 

Jungkook chuckled, “Just because I like sex doesn’t mean that you have to too. There’s lots of people out there that have different relationships with sex. To some people, it’s more of a fun activity, to others it’s a release, to some it’s a really intimate thing.” Jungkook reassured, “I would never judge you for how you think of something like that or how you identify yourself, you know that, right?” 

“Of course I do.” Hoseok pouted, “You’re Jungkookie. You’re my perfect little dongsaeng.” He sighed, “I think I was just...scared. Scared of your reaction but more than anything...I think I was scared to admit it myself.” Hoseok shrugged, “If I said it out loud to someone else, then that would mean that it’s real.” 

“You wouldn’t be able to mask it anymore.” Jungkook concluded softly. 

Hoseok nodded, humming. “And with my experience with Jun...I was just... scared of how people might react.” 

“Can I ask you another question?” Jungkook tried after a beat. 

“Of course, Jungkookie.” 

“When did you realize that you were something... different ?” Jungkook asked, slightly hesitant. 

Hoseok hummed in thought, “How did I know…” He bit his lip, “I think in a way, I’ve always known.” He continued, “Sex was never something that I sought out before, the idea of it never really did anything for me. And when I was with Jun...that’s when I realized how different I was.” 

“What do you mean?” Jungkook asked. 

“Like…” Hoseok thought for a moment, “Like normal things like kissing and touching, ways that you show affection. Jun was so ready to jump into all of that, and it made me uncomfortable the whole time because all I could think about was how I didn’t know him. I didn’t know if I could really trust him or not, you know?” 

“I never liked Jun.” Jungkook huffed, “I knew from the start I didn’t like him.” 

“I know.” Hoseok whispered, “But, it was helpful. I wouldn’t know what I know now without having gone through what I had to with him. When I started to avoid the kissing and the touches, he started to get upset. I told him I just wanted to get to know him more and he would...well, let’s just say he wouldn’t take it well.” 

Jungkook frowned, listening. 

Hoseok sighed, “And then there was the sex part of it all. I wasn’t ready, and thankfully I found enough courage to put my foot down on that at least. But he was ready on day one. He kept calling me weird and different and saying there’s something wrong with me for not wanting to have sex at that point in our relashionship. So...I looked it up.” 

“Did you really believe all that stuff he said…?” Jungkook asked sadly. 

“At the time I did, of course. I thought he was the one at some point in my life, so if he thinks there’s something wrong with me, then of course I would want to fix it or get help.” Hoseok exhaled, “I was really so stupid back then.” He chuckled, “And it feels like nothing even changed.” 

“Hey, no, don’t say that.” Jungkook countered. 

Hoseok nodded, continuing, “Well, after that I found out what aesexual and demisexual was, and I thought for sure that I was aesexual. But I knew I could never tell Jun that, and I was too nervous to tell you, so I kept it a secret.” 

Jungkook’s brows knit together, “Then...how did you know you were demisexual?” 

Hoseok smiled sadly, whispering. “When I met Yoongi hyung.” 

Jungkook was quiet for a long moment, neither of them moving to speak. The weight of Hoseok’s confession simmering in the air. 

Jungkook took a deep breath, “Hyung, just so you know, I would never judge you for anything. Ever.” 

Hoseok leaned back, giggling, “Promise?” 

“ Pinky promise.” Jungkook held up his pinky finger. 

“And I promise to never judge my sweet little dongsaeng for anything.” Hoseok connected their pinkies together, “Even his destined crush on my new employee.” 

Jungkook chuckled, “You don’t even know if I’ll like him yet!” 

“Oh, he is so your type.” Hoseok teased, moving to cuddle close to his best friend again, “You’re going to love him.” 

_____

Namjoon was pretty sure none of the band members were coming to their usual practices, which gave Namjoon a pass not to attend either. 

But a restless night with thoughts of the upcoming battle of the bands and their lack of practices brought Namjoon to Hope’s bar during their usual practice time. If anything, he figured he’d practice himself. 

Walking in, Namjoon quickly realized he wasn’t alone. 

“What are you doing here?” Namjoon asked, walking up to the stage. 

“It’s practice.” Yoongi murmured distractedly from where he was sitting on the stage, crossing something out in a notebook. 

Namjoon dropped his bag beside the drums, stretching, “Yeah, but I don’t see anyone else here. Have you been coming to practice this whole time?” 

Yoongi didn’t answer, leaving Namjoon to walk over curiously, moving to sit down next to him, “Whatcha writing?” 

“The redemption arc to my love story.” Yoongi answered plainly. 

“Nice.” Namjoon chuckled, leaning back on his hands and looking up towards the flickering lights on the ceiling, “Oh Min, what’s happening to this band.” 

Yoongi looked up then, “What are you talking about?” 

“We haven’t had a practice in weeks. We have our first major competition coming up, and we haven’t even seen each other since that Friday night.” Namjoon explained, looking over towards Yoongi, “I knew that you were lying, by the way.” 

Yoongi frowned. “What are you talking about?” 

“When I asked you about Hoseok.” Namjoon explained, “The whole boyfriend thing? You were lying through your teeth. And you’re lucky I know you well enough to also know it was your own damn insecurities holding you back from saying what you really wanted.” 

Yoongi looked down towards his notebook again, “Did you know Hoseok heard what I said?” 

Namjoon was quiet for a moment, before whispering, “Yes.” 

“And you didn’t tell me?” 

Namjoon shrugged, “One, I don’t know if it’s my place to step in. And two, I figured you two had talked about it. You were both fine afterwards.” 

Yoongi scratched something else out of his lyrics. “He thinks I didn’t want to be his boyfriend because of his orientation.” 

“The aesexual thing? Or was demisexual?” Namjoon questioned. 

“Both. He’s not sure which one.” 

Namjoon raised a brow, “Why would he think that…? You don’t give a shit about any of that?” 

Yoongi swallowed, exhaling, “Think about his ex, Joon. And then ask me why he would think that.” 

Namjoon opened his mouth to speak, but felt the words die on his tongue. “Oh…” He said instead, “Right…” 

“Oh,” Yoongi chuckled sadly, “And you know what the best part is? Jun, his ex, he’s in a band now. And we’re supposed to beat his band in the battle next week.” 

“What?” Namjoon’s brows knit together, “When did that happen? Was that always a thing?” 

“That’s why we’re doing the battle.” Yoongi scratched another lyric out of his notebook, harder this time, “To show that bastard he’s a piece of shit that doesn’t deserve to even look at Hoseok.” 

Namjoon’s shoulders dropped slightly, reaching out a hand to rest lightly on Yoongi’s shoulder. Yoongi jumped at the sudden touch. “Hey man, it’s alright. We’re going to win. We’ve got Jungkook and Tae. There’s no way we’re going to lose.” He continued, “And, you’ve got a reason to sing right now.” Namjoon gestured with his eyes towards Yoongi’s notebook, “I can tell you right now that that guy doesn’t have the fire you do right now to get Hoseok back.” 

Yoongi squared his jaw, “We need to win, Joon.” 

“And we will.” Namjoon squeezed Yoongi’s shoulder. Nodding towards the notebook again, “I’m guessing that’s the song that’s gonna get us first place?” 

Yoongi exhaled heavily, looking back down towards the lyric page he had been writing and rewriting over and over again. “It’s going to be my first, last and only breakup song.” 

“That’s...oddly specific.” Namjoon started, “What makes you say that.” 

“Because it’s going to work.” Yoongi answered easily. “It’s going to lay everything out, if he won’t give me the time to explain, then he’ll hear when I play this song. When I sing this to him, he’ll understand. I’m going to get him back.” 

Namjoon grinned, “You know, I think I’m going to have to agree with Taehyung on this one.” 

“What?” 

“You are pretty cool, hyung.” Namjoon smiled. 

Yoongi huffed, grinning as he looked back down towards his lyrics. Rereading them again. 

“I miss him so much.” Yoongi whispered after a quiet moment. “This has to work.” 

Namjoon clapped Yoongi’s shoulder gently, “It will.” He smiled, “Hey, I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you and I go out for drinks or something this friday? Get drunk like the old times and forget about all this shit?” 

Yoongi chuckled, “Too bad I already have plans so I can’t just down right turn you down.” 

“Wow. You have plans already?” Namjoon whistled, “Is the world turning on the right axis now?” 

“Oh fuck off.” Yoongi rolled his eyes playfully, “My roommate is forcing me to meet him for drinks that night. Notice I said focing me. This is an activity that I will be held against my will to attend.” 

Namjoon couldn’t stop himself from laughing, “Oh that’s good. I love that. I gotta meet this guy.” 

Yoongi mumbled, “Yeah, I’m sure you two would get along just great.” 

_____

Yoongi vowed to never let Namjoon and Seokjin meet. He decided while walking to the bar he was supposed to meet Seokjin at on a cold Friday winter. A sheet of snow covering the ground still. 

If Namjoon and Seokjin were to ever meet, they’d be too powerful. 

Yoongi nodded to himself, mentally making notes of a plan to ensure they never do. 

“Yoongi…?” 

Yoongi froze, his heart stopping in his chest as he looked up with wide eyes, that wasn’t—

“Hoseok…” He whispered, because oh, how it was him. 

“What are you doing here…?” Hoseok asked, stepping back a little, holding his arms a little. The way he did when he was shy or uncomfortable. 

Yoongi’s heart twisted in his chest. “I…” He looked up to find the name of the bar above their heads. “I’m here to meet my roommate.” 

“Oh…” Hoseok bit his lip, “Is it...a…” 

Yoongi had to strain to hear, “What did you say Seok-ah?” 

“A date?” Hoseok repeated louder, his cheeks flushing red. 

“What?!” Yoongi’s eyes grew wide, “With him ?!” Yoongi laughed, “No, absolutely not I would never date him. I might actually die if I ever considered it.” He shivered, “No, it’s not a date. Not even close.” 

Yoongi thought he saw a hint of relief flash across Hoseok’s features, if only briefly, “What are you doing here?” Yoongi asked. 

“Oh, I’m here to meet my lab partner.” Hoseok answered. 

Yoongi nodded, “Is it…?” 

It took a moment for Hoseok to realize what Yoongi was insinuating, before quickly shaking his head, hands flying up in front of him, “No, no it’s not a date. He’s just a friend.” 

“Oh.” Yoongi felt a wave of relief wash over him. And then, a sea of silence. 

Yoongi could feel the cold biting harshly at his nose, his ears, but neither of them made any move to go inside. 

“Hoseok, I—” Yoongi started but Hoseok quickly interrupted, as if he could sense what Yoongi was going to say and pulled his phone out, “Let me text my friend and see where he’s at. He’s probably just late.” 

“Right.” Yoongi nodded, taking a deep breath as he watched Hoseok’s hands shake slightly as he typed something. Yoongi could see the way Hoseok’s breath fogged up in front of him. “Well?” 

“He...um.” Hoseok hesitated, “He said he can’t make it.” 

As if on cue, Yoongi’s phone pinged with a notification. Pulling out his phone, he quickly scanned the text. 

Kim Seokjin: 

Ay Min

Surprise! I’m not coming :p 

But I hear a certain FRIEND of yours is there, so maybe you can find something else to do with that one. ;3

Yoongi stared at his messages with wide eyes for a moment, reading, and rereading the messages over again before looking up towards Hoseok who looked just as conflicted as he was, “Seok, who’s your friend that you were supposed to meet tonight…?” 

“Kim Seokjin.” Hoseok answered, “Why?” 

“Shit.” Yoongi shoved his phone back into his pocket, shaking his head, “He set this up.” 

“What are you talking about?” Hoseok asked, brows furrowed. 

Yoongi sighed, looking back up, “He set this all up. He was never going to come because he made plans with you and with me. Kim Seokjin is my roommate. It’s all a set up.” 

Hoseok blinked once, twice, “So...you’re saying he’s trying to get us to meet up again…?” 

Yoongi bit his bottom lip, “Well…” He shrugged, hesitating, “It worked…you’re finally talking to me...” 

Hoseok looked down immediately. Embarrassed. “You hurt me.” 

“I know.” Yoongi nodded, “And I’ll never forgive myself. But please, all I ask is for you to hear me out. Let me tell my side of the story, and then I’ll never bother you again. If you want me out of your life still, I’m gone. And if not…” Yoongi tried to fight the emotion that was spilling into his voice, “If not then you would make me the happiest man in the world. But that’s your decision, Seok-ah.” 

Hoseok was quiet for a moment, searching Yoongi’s expression for any kind of distrust, any kind of dishonesty. When he found none, he ducked his head, whispering, “Okay.” 

Yoongi couldn’t fight the smile that threatened to take over his features even if he tried. “Really?” 

Hoseok nodded, “Yeah, okay. Really.” 

Yoongi smiled, gums and all as he looked back towards the bar, hesitating, “Do you…” 

“Not really.” Hoseok shook his head, finishing Yoongi’s thought, “I know that I own a bar but...it’s not really my scene.” 

“Right.” Yoongi nodded, looking back behind him, “It’s not a far walk out to my house if you want? We can get warmed up, I can make you some hot chocolate.” 

Hoseok nodded, whispering again, “Okay.” 

Yoongi smiled as they started walking in the direction of Yoongi’s apartment, “Thank you.” 

“I haven’t heard your side yet.” Hoseok reminded. 

“I know but...just, thank you.” Yoongi started again, “For allowing me too.” 

Hoseok didn’t say anything to that, continuing to walk in silence. 

Yoongi took a deep breath, somehow, with the absence of Hoseok’s voice and smile, the winter air seemed even colder. 

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry.” 

Yoongi’s eyes grew wide when he heard Hoseok say the same thing at the same time as he did, turning to face him, “What? Why are you sorry?” 

Hoseok looked at him with a mirroring, “I...I’m sorry I didn’t let you share your side of things. I just cut you off...and I made you upset...I’m so sorry…” 

Yoongi shook his head, “No, don’t apologize. I’m the one who messed up, quite frankly I don’t deserve the opportunity to be sharing my side of things.”

“You do.” Hoseok pouted, “And I’m sorry I didn’t give you the chance earlier.” 

Yoongi’s heart hurt, “Seok-ah…” He took a deep breath, turning to continue walking, “Seok-ah, I’ve wanted to be boyfriends, I think since the moment I met you.” 

“That’s not true.” Hoseok murmured. “You didn’t like me at first.” 

“No.” Yoongi started, “I’m just an asshole, remember?” 

That made Hoseok giggle. 

Oh, how Yoongi missed that sound. 

“But it’s true, when I got to know you more and more, I...I wouldn’t imagine my life without you. When we started to get closer and you started opening up more about yourself, when you let me take care of you and when you made me laugh on countless stressful nights...I fell for you. I fell for you hard.” 

“Hyungie…” Hoseok whispered, breathless. 

“It’s true.” Yoongi continued, “It’s all true.” 

“Then why…?” Hoseok’s brows knit together in confusion, “Why did you say you didn’t want to be boyfriends? That I was just practice ?” 

“Because I got scared, Seok-ah.” Yoongi explained, “The more I got to know you, the more I realized how good you were. The more I realized just how much out of my league you actually are and I...my heart couldn’t take the breakup if it were to happen. I couldn’t handle losing you.” Yoongi exhaled, “and little did I know that by trying to keep you in my life, I ended up pushing you away.” 

“Why didn’t you talk to me?” Hoseok asked, “Why didn’t you just talk to me about how you felt? You know I would have listened to you, I could have told you that it’s actually the exact opposite. That in my eyes, you are the one that’s too good for me .” 

Yoongi chuckled, “Not hardly, beautiful.” He smiled towards Hoseok, “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I can’t imagine losing you, and these past few weeks where I did lose you? The hardest weeks of my life .” Yoongi continued, “You know your lab partner Seokjin? He had to force me to get a shower because I couldn’t find the strength or motivation to get up and take care of myself.” 

“Oh hyungie…” Hoseok’s shoulders fell, eyes gaze sad. “I...I’m so sorry…” 

Yoongi shook his head, “It’s okay, you let me share my side of the story, and that’s more than what I deserved for saying what I said.” Yoongi stopped then in front of his apartment, turning to Hoseok, “Seok-ah, you are so much more than just practice to me. You are so much more than a friend, so much more than my favorite song or any fame the band brings. You are everything to me.” 

Hoseok’s eyes started to tear up, taking a tremble filled inhale, “Oh Gi…” 

“I know I have no right to ask for your forgiveness.” Yoongi started, getting down on one knee in front of Hoseok, “Let alone this, but I have to ask…” 

Hoseok inhaled sharply, hands flying up to cover his mouth, “Hyung!” 

“Jung Hoseok,” Yoongi reached out to hold Hoseok’s hand. Hoseok held Yoongi’s back, “Will you please make me the happiest man in the world and give me the absolute honor of being your boyfriend?” 

“Gi…” Hoseok whispered as a tear fell heavily down his cheek, he pushed Yoongi’s shoulder with his free hand, “You absolute idiot!” 

Yoongi blinked, “Uh…” 

“You can’t just get on one knee and ask your boyfriend to be your boyfriend! I thought you were going to ask me for my hand in marriage!” Hoseok reprimanded. 

Yoongi’s features slowly illuminated into a smile, “Did you just say my boyfriend?” 

Hoseok huffed, averting his gaze with tomato red cheeks, “Yes. I did.” 

“You—you want to be my boyfriend ?!” Yoongi had to ask again, this time with more enthusiasm as he got to his feet. 

Hoseok ducked his head, ears burning red. “Yes—”

Yoongi couldn’t stop himself from holding Hoseok close and spinning them around in the snow. Hoseok’s shy expression melted away quickly to one filled with laughter as he held onto Yoongi’s shoulders. “Gi!” 

“Jung Hoseok is my boyfriend !” Yoongi explained joyously. 

Hoseok couldn’t stop his giggling when Yoongi placed him back down on the ground, “You know you have to seal the deal with a kiss, right?” 

“Oh, don’t mind if I do.” Yoongi hummed, pulling Hoseok in close with his arm, his other hand coming up to cup Hoseok’s cheek, pressing a chaste, sweet and longing kiss to his lips. 

Hoseok giggled against Yoongi, “You’re so cheesy.” 

“Forgive me for being absolutely smitten with my boyfriend .” Yoongi teased, nuzzling his nose against Hoseok’s own. 

Hoseok hummed happily, sighing in Yoongi’s arms, “Thank you for not giving up.” 

“I’ll never give up on you.” Yoongi leaned back, holding Hoseok’s hand in his own and leading them up the steps to his apartment, “You, Jung Hoseok, are worth fighting for.” 

Hoseok smiled behind Yoongi, sure that the blush would fade once they’d made it into the apartment. 

But of course, the blush stayed, as if permanent. The blush stayed as Yoongi made them hot chocolate, kissing Hoseok every spare chance he could. The blush stayed as he fell onto the couch, blankets thrown onto their tangled, embraced forms. 

The blush stayed, as Yoongi pressed sweet kisses to the top of Hoseok’s head, humming softly against Hoseok’s ear. “I had no idea Big Seok was your roommate.” 

“Big Seok?” 

“Seokjin hyung.” Hoseok giggled, “I call him Big Seok and he calls me Little Seok since we both have Seok in our name.” 

“Oh, I see.” Yoongi hummed. “My teeny tiny little Seok.” 

“Hey!” Hoseok giggled, “I’m not that little.” 

“Oh, you are microscopic.” Yoongi teased. 

“I’m pretty sure I’m taller than you hyungie.” Hoseok countered. 

“Mmmmmmm, pretty sure you’re not.” Yoongi argued. 

Hoseok giggled, “Hyungie!” 

“What?” Yoongi smiled, wishing he could capture Hoseok’s laughter and put it in a jar for a rainy day. 

“Anyway, I do think it’s crazy I’ve never seen Big Seok here, I never even knew he was your roommate until now!” Hoseok stated, “I feel like I’m always over here.” 

Yoongi nodded, “Jin hyung takes most of his classes at night. He’s only got that one during the day, the one lab that I think both of you have. Sometimes he spends nights over in the library and doesn’t come back till the early morning or afternoon.” Yoongi shrugged, “He’s definitely more of a night owl.” 

“Oh…” Hoseok put the pieces together, “So that’s why we’ve never crossed paths yet.” Hoseok hummed, taking a deep breath, “Hey Gi?” 

“Yeah?” 

“Can I be honest with you about something?” Hoseok asked, quiet, but with a gentle kind of confidence. 

“Of course, Seok-ah. You can always talk to me, you know that.” Yoongi pressed a kiss to the top of Hoseok’s head. 

“I don’t think I’m asexual.” 

Yoongi’s eyes grew wide, “Oh…” 

“I think I…” Hoseok hesitated, fiddling with a stray string at the edge of the blanket, “I think I’m definitely...demisexual. Definitely.” 

“This is...big, Seok-ah.” Yoongi ran a comforting hand up and down Hoseok’s back, “What made you realize that you’re Demisexual and not asexual?” 

Hoseok ducked his head, cheeks and ears burning red again, “You.” 

“Me…?” Yoongi echoed, his heart racing in his chest, “I’m the one who made you realize?” 

Hoseok nodded shyly. 

“Does that mean…? That you want something more than what we’re doing right now?” Yoongi asked, careful with his words. 

Hoseok bit his bottom lip, “It does. I...it means that I’ve been thinking about you. In other ways. In that way and I...it’s actually something that I want to try.” Hoseok inhaled sharply suddenly, “Sorry, is that too much? Is this too much? Just let me know if this is too much and—”

“No,” Yoongi reached out to cup Hoseok’s cheek, “No, it’s not too much Seok-ah.” He started softly, “It’s not too much at all. It’s perfect, I’m so glad you told me.” 

“Really?” Hoseok blinked, looking vulnerably up towards Yoongi. 

Yoongi smiled, so fond, “Really.” 

Hoseok’s shocked expression slowly melted into a small, fond smile. 

“What things did you think about, Seok?” Yoongi asked, rubbing his thumb gently under Hoseok’s eye. 

“I…” Hoseok swallowed, biting his lower lip, “Are you sure you want to know?” 

Yoongi chuckled, “ Yes , Seok. Only if you’re comfortable telling me, I would love to know.” 

Hoseok exhaled, “I...I’ve never really thought of these kinds of things before.” Hoseok’s hand lightly touched Yoongi’s on his thigh, tracing the veins on Yoongi’s larger hands with a featherlight touch, “It’s usually at night. Before I fall asleep, and it starts with your hands.” 

“My hands?” Yoongi grinned with an excited, yet patient expression. Loving. “What are my hands doing, sweet Seok?” 

“They…” Hoseok took a breath, “They touch me.” 

Yoongi nodded, moving his hand to Hoseok’s own thigh, but not touching, hovering over and asking with his eyes for permission. 

Hoseok nodded. 

“Like this?” Yoongi asked, caressing Hoseok’s thigh lightly. 

Hoseok stilled, nodding, “Yeah. Like that. Well—it starts like that.” 

“And then what do they do?” Yoongi asked, inching closer to Hoseok’s hip. 

Hoseok inhaled sharply, eyes fluttering back up to meet Yoongi’s own, “They…” 

“Yeah, sweet Seok?” Yoongi reassured. 

“They touch me.” Hoseok answered, taking Yoongi’s wrist and guiding him gently to hold Hoseok’s ass, “Here.” 

“Oh?” Yoongi had to bit his lip to keep his smile from flooding his features. “You like my hands on you like this?” 

Hoseok had to bite back a whimper, nodding. 

“This help you fall asleep at night?” Yoongi asked, squeezing Hoseok from behind a little harder. “You’re so pretty like this, you know that?” 

“Gi…” Hoseok whispered, eyes so fond and so wanting, “Gi please…” 

Yoongi paused momentarily, as he leaned his forehead against Hoseok’s own, “Do you want this, Hoseok?” 

Hoseok whimpered, nodding. 

“I need you to tell me, love.” Yoongi spoke gently, “This is your first time, you have to tell me how you feel, okay? I’ll walk you though everything, but if something hurts you have to let me know, alright?” 

Hoseok nodded, and then whispered, “Okay.” 

“You promise you want me to take care of you?” Yoongi asked slightly squeezing Hoseok’s ass again. 

Hoseok closed his eyes and moaned, “ Yes ...Gi please...I want this. I want my first time to be with you.” His eyes fluttered up to meet Yoongi’s own again, “There’s no one else, I want it to be you, Yoongi hyung.” 

Yoongi brought their lips together in a chaste and loving kiss, allowing his hands to travel and explore Hoseok. Asking with his lips against Hoseok’s own, “This okay?” 

Hoseok hummed softly, “Yeah, yeah more then okay. Really okay.” Another kiss, “Don’t stop.” 

And so, Yoongi didn’t. He didn’t stop as he tossed his shirt to the side, gently helping Hoseok out of his own and tossing it with Yoongi’s. “Oh Hoseok.” Yoongi whispered, leaning down to kiss every inch of Hoseok’s chest that he could, hands wandering down his stomach and sides. 

Hoseok whitered under Yoongi, becoming pliant and needily grasping onto Yoongi’s hair to steady himself, singing little moans and whimpers as Yoongi spent time on his nipples. Kissing and licking and sucking on the pink buds. 

“Did you imagine this, Seok?” Yoongi asked in a low voice against Hoseok’s sensitive skin. 

Hoseok shook hi shead, “N-no…” 

Yoongi’s eyes grew wide as he leaned back quickly, “Sorry. Sorry was that too much? Are you alright?” 

“No, no!” Hoseok was quick to respond, “That’s not what I meant! I...I like it I just…” His adorable, shy expression slowly returned, “I just never knew it could feel like that. When it’s you…” Hoseok’s cheeks were heating up, “Things like that feel good when it’s with you, hyungie.” 

Yoongi’s shoulders relaxed, “Oh, good.” He chuckled, kissing a trial from Hoseok’s chest down to his stomach, “Becuase hyung dosen’t want to ever stop touching you. You’re so beautiful, Hoseok. You’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen.” 

Hoseok whimpered under Yoongi’s praise as the elder undid Hoseok’s buttons, slipping his pants off slowly, “This okay?” 

Hoseok froze, “Y-you first, hyung.” He bit his lip, “You will take your pants off too, right?” 

Yoongi chuckled, moving up to press a kiss to Hoseok’s temple, “Of course, Seok. I want us both to be naked, I want you to see me just as much as I can see you, okay?” He reassured, moving to slide his belt and pants off. 

Hoseok nodded, smiling as he watched Yoongi, “Okay.” 

Yoongi slipped his boxers down then, tossing them to the side before moving back to the couch, hovering over Hoseok again. 

“Wow…” Hoseok exhaled, eyes wide, “Hyung…” 

“What?” Yoongi chuckled, brushing Hoseok’s bangs back. 

And damn, if Hoseok didnt’ know any better he would have been drooling right there on the spot. 

Maybe he was. 

“You’re so... hot .” Hoseok insisted, eyes flicking back up to Yoongi’s own as he whispered this time, “And so big ...how is that going to fit…?” 

Yoongi chuckled, nuzzling his nose with Hoseok’s own, “We’ll use lube baby, Gi will stretch you out nice and good. If it hurts at all we stop immediately, okay?” 

Hoseok nodded, running his hand down Yoongi’s chest, “I trust you.” 

Yoongi smiled gently, “And I trust you.” He kissed Hoseok once more, “Can I undress you now, beautiful? Would that be alright?” 

Hoseok nodded, blushing fiercely. “Yeah, you can.” 

Yoongi made quick work of pulling Hoseok’s pants down the rest of the way, tossing them to the side and staring at Hoseok with wide, fond eyes. “Oh Hoseok…” 

Hoseok’s immediate reaction was to hide himself, covering himself with his hands and bringing his legs together as he whimpered. 

“Hey, hey.” Yoongi whispered gently, laying a hand atop Hoseok’s legs, “Let hyung see you, okay? I think you’re so beautiful, I want to see you.” 

Hoseok blinked shyly as he allowed Yoongi to move his hands and spread his legs, Yoongi’s breath caught in his throat. “Seok…you’re so…” His eyes flickered back up to Hoseok’s own, their gazes locking together again, “ beautiful .” 

Hoseok exhaled, something so fond. 

Yoongi dipped down to kiss Hoseok’s hip bone, trailing his kisses down Hoseok’s thighs and eventually to his cock. “My beautiful Seok.” 

“Hyung…” Hoseok whimpered. 

“Want to worship your body, you are so beautiful, so sexy. Breathtaking.” Yoongi continued to praise, spreading kisses everywhere and making Hoseok’s breath quicken more with every one. 

“Gi—” Hoseok inhaled sharply, “Please... please ...I need more...I need…” 

“What do you need, sweet Seok?” Yoongi asked, “I need to hear you say it, want to know what you want.” 

Hoseok bit his bottom lip, “I need you.” He whispered, “I need your cock, I need it in me. Please...I want this, I just want you …” 

Yoongi leaned forward, capturing Hoseok’s lips in a sweet and loving kiss, “So good. You’re so good, you know that?” 

Hoseok whimpered in response, eyes growing wide and fearful when yoongi moved away from the couch, “Where—”

“I need to get lube and a condom, beautiful.” Yoongi answered with a gentle smile, “I gotta work you open and then I’ll need protection. Gotta keep you safe, sweetheart.” 

“Where is it?” Was all Hoseok could think to ask, feeling all too vulnerable for Yoongi to leave. 

“Just in the other room, beautiful. I’ll be right back, alright?” Yoongi pressed a kiss to the top of Hoseok’s forehead, “I’ll be back before you count to ten.” 

“Okay.” Hoseok whispered, “One…” 

Yoongi’s eyes grew wide when he realized Hoseok was already starting the countdown, pressing another quick kiss to Hoseok’s forehead before dashing off towards his room. Leaving Hoseok giggling on the couch. 

And Yoongi kept his promise, just as Hoseok counted to seven, Yoongi showed up, bare and grinning with a bottle of lube and condom in hand. “How’d I do?” 

“Too slow.” Hosoek giggled. 

“I was not!” Yoongi teased, “There’s no way you counted to ten already.” 

Hoseok reached out for Yoongi, begging with his eyes for Yoongi to come back, to feel him against his body again. “You’re right, I only got to seven.” 

“See?” Yoongi whispered softly, settling back down on top of Hoseok, spreading the younger mans legs apart. “Sweet Seok, have you ever touched yourself down here?” 

Hoseok bit his lip, shaking his head. “No…” 

Yoongi paused, “Do you…” He hummed, thinking, “This is going to feel weird then, if you want, we can try it the other way first. It’s not the way I prefer but it might be easier for your first time—”

“No I...I want it this way.” Hoseok insisted. “I want to feel you inside me, hyungie. I…” His voice dipped into a whisper, “I don’t care if it feels weird, I want to feel you …” 

“Seok…” Yoongi sighed, breathless as he uncapped the lube while leaning down to press a kiss to Hoseok’s lips, “You’re the most beautiful man in the world, you know that?” 

Hoseok giggled, “So I’ve been told.”

“Oh? Who else is telling you that, hm?” Yoongi nuzzled his nose against Hoseok’s own as he poured the lube onto his fingers, warming the liquid up. 

“I wonder who~” Hoseok hummed right back, nipping at Yoongi’s lips before Yoongi leaned back again. 

“You have to tell me if it hurts you, okay?” Yoongi waited for Hoseok’s response, gently touching Hoseok’s ass with the lube. 

Hoseok tried to to flinch away from the colder sensation, nodding, “Okay, I will. I promise.” 

Yoongi smiled fondly towards Hoseok, moving his fingers inbetween Hoseok’s cheeks, circling his rim. “That feel good?” 

Hosoek spread his legs more for Yoongi as Yoongi pushed a finger in. “It...it feels— different .” 

“Different.” Yoongi chuckled, pressing a kiss to Hoseok’s stomach, “I’ll take it. Relax, sweet Seok. Relax your muscles for me, Gi has you. I’ve got you and I’m going to take care of you, you just gotta let me.” 

Hoseok took a deep breath, focusing on relaxing his muscles, especially his lower body. When he felt Yoongi weave another finger in past his tight rim, Hoseok tried not to tense at the pulling sensation. 

“It’s alright, you’re doing so good for me,” Yoongi praised as he worked his fingers in and out of Hoseok. “You’re so good. So perfect, look at you. You’re so sexy, Seok. You turn me on so much, you know that?” 

Hoseok whimpered, relaxing himself even more when he felt Yoongi slip his fingers in deeper, Hoseok could feel Yoongi’s knuckle catching on his rim with every take, and then, he felt Yoongi start to curl his fingers—

“ Oh —” Hoseok inhaled sharply, moaning as he arched his back, searching for the sensation again. 

Yoongi grinned, “That feel good, baby?” 

“Hyung...hyung…” Hoseok begged, and Yoongi curled his fingers again, working the pad of his fingers up against the sensitive, pleasure filled spot inside of Hoseok that Hoseok never even knew he had. 

Yoongi made him feel things he never thought it would. 

Because it was Yoongi there with him. 

It was Yoongi, who was whispering quiet praises, sweet affirmations into Hoseok’s ear, against his thigh, kissed onto his skin. 

It was Yoongi, who was curling his fingers and working himself into Hoseok at such a slow and sweet pace, undoing Hoseok completely and utterly by the seams. 

It was Yoongi, who was gazing towards Hoseok with the fondest gaze Hoseok had ever had the pleasure of knowing. 

It was him, who made Hoseok feel loved. 

And it was him, who Hoseok loved. 

“You ready for me, beautiful?” Yoongi asked, slowly slipping his perfect fingers out of Hoseok’s throbbing hole. 

“Hyung...hyung please …” Hoseok begged. “I need you, I need all of you, please hyung…” 

Yoongi bit his lip, pausing for a moment before, “Do you trust me, Seok?” 

Hoseok’s brows lifted in surprise, “I...of course I trust you…?” 

“Then, hang onto me, okay?” Yoongi whispered as he leaned down, pulling Hoseok up into his arms bridal style and walking him into his room. “I don’t want your first time to be on that shitty couch. I want you on my bed, I want you comfortable and warm.” 

Hoseok blushed, sensing Yoongi’s love through the way he cared about him. “Thank you…” Hoseok whispered as Yoongi laid him down, so gentle and making sure Hoseok's head was properly supported by the pillows. 

Yoongi crawled back ontop of Hoseok, ripping the condom packet open with his teeth. Watching Hoseok watch him as he did it. He chuckled, rolling the condom onto himself, “You like that, beauitful?” 

Hoseok swallowed, nodding. 

“Hands too slippery with lube to open it.” He explained, grinning, “But now that I know that you like it…” 

“Hyungie…” Hoseok begged, reaching for Yoongi again. 

Yoongi moved to hover Hoseok again, “I’m right here,” He kissed Hoseok, “I’ve got you, I’m gonna bring your legs up like this, okay?” He asked as he looped his arms under Hoseok’s knees, bringing his legs up to Hoseok’s shoulders. 

“Okay.” Hoseok whispered, blushing fiercely. 

“You’re so flexible, beautiful.” Yoongi praised, kissing Hoseok again, “So good.” 

Hoseok smiled, wrapping his arms around Yoongi’s shoulders as Yoongi lined himself up with Hoseok, pressing the tip of his cock up against Hoseok’s stretched hole. “You sure you’re okay? You can tell me no, Seok. Gi won’t be upset at all, I just want this to be good for you.” 

Hoseok looked up towards Yoongi with all the fondness one could harbor for another, and more. “Yes.” Hoseok’s eyes started to swell with tears, tears of wanting, tears of love, tears of uncertainty—melting into something so sure. So confident. “I want you.” 

Yoongi kised Hoseok deeply, whispering against his lips as he pressed into Hoseok, feeling him everywhere, the warm wet heat of Hoseok welcoming him eagerly, “I want you too.”

Once Yoongi was fully pressed into Hoseok, he could feel the younger tensed under him, “Sweetheart,” Yoongi moaned, cupping Hoseok’s cheek, “Breathe for me, relax, you’re doing so good.” 

Hoseok whimpered, “You’re so big…” he bit his lip, his blush burning across his skin. 

“I’m not hurting you, am I?” Yoongi asked seriously, “Do you want to stop, Seok?” 

Hoseok shook his head quickly, “ No ...no, don’t pull out, don’t you dare…” he hummed, “You’re so big, you feel so good hyungie…” 

Yoongi let out a breath, leaning down to nuzzle his nose against Hoseok’s own, “Can I move, beautiful? Want Gi to make you feel even better?” 

Hoseok nodded and Yoongi moved in slow, shallow thrusts, a gentle rhythm that had them both moaning into each other’s lips. “Seok you feel so good—” Yoongi moaned, trying to keep his pace slow and steady, trying not to let his hips do what they want and take Hoseok’s so ready and welcoming heat. “Take Gi’s cock so well. So good for Gi.” 

Hoseok whithered under Yoongi, moaning and sighing Yoongi’s name, asking for more and more with his whispers, his body begging Yoongi for more, for deeper, for— “Faster.” Hoseok eventually whispered. 

And who was Yoongi to deny him? 

“Fuck—” Yoongi cursed, thrusting deeper, longer strokes into Hoseok, feeling the tip of his cock catch at Hoseok’s rim, losing himself in the feeling of Hoseok, in his heat and warmth and those dark brown eyes that looked up at Yoongi with all the stars in the night sky. “You’re so good, Seok— So wet and tight for me.” 

Hoseok preened under the praise, arching his back when Yoongi angled his thrusts into that spot and Hoseok was sure that his nails were digging lines into Yoongi’s back but he couldn’t bring himself to care, not when Yoongi was making him feel like this . “Gi...you fill me up so good...want your cock forever Gi...want you forever…I—” Hoseok inhaled sharply, feeling a warmth pool at the base of his stomach, his toes starting to curl, “Gi I—”

“You’re going to pull such a big load of cum out of me beautiful.” Yoongi moaned, kissing Hoseok all open mouthed and wet and loving and loving and loving . “Want to make you cum with me. Want to see you all painted white with your cum.” 

Hoseok’s back arched more at the idea, his breath caught in his throat as his body tensed again, “Gi I—” Andother sharp inhale, “I—”

Yoongi leaned down crashing their lips together in a kiss as the warmth that pooled at the base of Hoseok’s stomach exploded into his veins, making him tense at the impact that coursed through him like a heartbeat. Like a melody. 

Like their, melody. 

Hoseok struggled to catch his breath, feeling then how Yoongi’s cock had grown that much warmer inside of him. 

“Seok…” Yoongi started, his voice labored and so in love, “You’re so beautiful. You made me cum so hard...fuck I don’t think I’ve ever cum that hard before…” He whispered, pulling out of Hoseok slowly, “Oh Seok, you’re so beautiful…you’re breathtaking…” Yoongi praised, taking a finger to swirl the cum on Hoseok’s stomach before bringing it up to his mouth, moaning at the taste, “And you taste so good…” 

Hoseok whimpered, “Gi…” Was all he could think to say. 

And truthfully, it was all he needed to say, becuase Yoongi was smiling gently at him before quickly taking off the cum filled condom, tying it and tossing it away, taking an old shirt from the floor to wipe the cum off of Hoseok’s stomach. “You were amazing, Seok.” Yoongi whispered, tosing the shirt aside and pulling the blankets over Hoseok. “That was the best sex of my life just now.” 

“No it wasn’t.” Hoseok couldn’t help but smile. 

“It was.” Yoongi held out his arms for Hoseok to fall into, which of course, Hoseok happily did, burrowing himself in Yoongi’s chest. Yoongi held Hoseok tight, kissing the top of his head, “There he is.” 

Hoseok hummed happily. “You’re so good to me.” 

“Well, I would hope so.” Yoongi chuckled, “I am your boyfriend.” 

Hoseok giggled, nuzzling closer, “Thank you.” 

“For what, sweet Seok?” Yoongi gently combed his hand through Hoseok’s hair. 

“For being so sweet to me, for going slow with me.” Hoseok explained, “For being my first.” 

Yoongi pressed a long and loving kiss to the top of Hoseok’s head, “Seok, it is an honor to be your first, we can go slow every time, I can be sweet to you every time. That’s all I ever want to be to you is kind and sweet and gentle.” 

Hoseok smiled into Yoongi’s chest, “Gi?” 

“Yes, beautiful?” Hoseok hummed. 

“I...I really, really really…” Hoseok took a deep, quiet breath, and whispered, “love you.” 

Yoongi paused, his eyes watering instantly. “I…” Yoongi held Hoseok closer, holding the back of Hoseok’s head with his hand, as if Hoseok would slip away at any moment, “I love you too. I’ve loved you for so long now. I love you so much.” 

Hoseok grabbed handfuls of Yoongi’s shirt in his hands, sighing, happily. 

Oh, how Hoseok was so, so happy. 

_____

The days until the battle of the bands at Hope’s bar went by quickly. 

A little too quickly for Yoongi’s small band who—

Who hadn’t practiced together in over a month. 

“Well this’ll be fun.” Taehyung showed up to the small, makeshift dressing room that Hoseok and his new assistant made up in the morning for each band. “Am I not the last one here?” He asked, raising a brow when he walked in with bass. 

Namjoon was pacing back and forth, twirling the drum sticks in his hands. “Yeah.” He shook his head, “No. I mean no. We’re waiting on Jungkook. Don’t know where he’s at.” 

Yoongi rolled his eyes from where he sat on the couch, “He’s been like this all day.” 

“Well excuse me if I’m a little nervous here.” Namjoon argued, stopping suddenly, “We haven’t practiced all together in over a month, Jungkook hasn’t even responded to a single message from any of us. Not even direct messages! And we’ve never played that song you wrote for us all together.” 

“I didn’t write it for you guys.” Yoongi snapped, “I wrote it for Hoseok.” 

Taehyung raised his hand awkwardly, “Um...Jungkook has been messaging me directly…?” 

“He has?!” Namjoon’s eyes grew wide, “Why is he messaging you but not us?! What’s up with him, is he coming tonight?” 

Taehyung shrugged, scratching at the back of his neck, “I mean...I think so?” 

“You think so. Great.” Namjoon tugged at his bangs, “Why do I put up with all this.” 

“Relax, we’ll be fine. He’ll show.” Yoongi reassured. 

“Oh, by the way Yoongi hyung, do you have a copy of that song you sent us? I forgot the lyrics.” Taehyung asked. 

Yoongi chuckled as Namjoon groaned, “ We’re doomed .” 

_____

“I really don’t know, hyung.” Jungkook bit his bottom lip, crossing his arms as Hoseok led him through the bar. 

“Jungkookie, I know it’s been a rough past couple of weeks, but I promise things between Yoongi hyung and I are fixed, we’re great now—better then we’ve ever been! You don’t have to worry.” Hoseok reassured. 

It was getting more and more crowded as they weaved their way to the back of the bar where the makeshift dressing rooms were. “I just have a hard time believing it’s fixed. Forgive me hyung, but you ‘forgave’ your ex a number of times when he didn’t deserve it.” 

Hoseok stopped in front of their dressing room, turning to meet Jungkook’s gaze. Reaching out to hold Jungkook’s hands in his own, “I know, but Jun is not Yoongi. He’s not even close to Yoongi. Yoongi is sweet and he cares and he…” Hoseok blushed, but he knew he needed to tell his best friend sooner rather then later. “He loves me.” 

“He what ?!” Jungkook tried not to yell. 

“Not so loud.” Hoseok tried to hush Jungkook. 

“Hobi hyung! A week ago you were crying in my arms because of how heartbroken you were, and now you’re happily in love with him?” Jungkook raised a brow, “I just have a hard time believing it.” 

“I know.” Hoseok sighed, “And maybe I’m trusting him too easily, but he explained everything. The whole conversation he had with Namjoon? It was because Yoongi hyung thought he didn’t deserve me !” Hoseok giggled, unbelieving, “Can you believe that?” 

“Yes.” Jungkook huffed. “Look, Hobi hyung, I just don’t want you to get hurt again. Maybe you should take things slower, get back into things with him a little—”

“We had sex.” Hoseok’s face was burning bright red as he confessed that small, simple fact. 

Jungkook held his mouth out open, shocked. 

“There you are!” Taehyung’s voice rang suddenly from beside them, “Why didn’t you come in? Come on, Yoongi hyung has a new song for us to learn. Oh, hi Hobi hyung!”

“Hi Tae.” Hoseok waved numbly, watching for Jungkook’s reaction. 

“Hyung…” Jungkook shook his head to snap himself out of his shocked trance, “I’m going to need all the details on this later.” 

Hoseok giggled, nodding, “Okay.” 

“Seok?” Yoongi appeared suddenly, smiling when he laid eyes on Hoseok. 

“Oh no.” Namjoon’s voice came from behind them all, “This is the first time we’ve all been together in weeks you’re not going to go flirt with your boyfriend—”

“Let them talk for a second.” Jungkook waved Namjoon off, looking back towards Hoseok, giving him a reassuring smile. 

Namjoon groaned, “Five minutes.” 

Yoongi nodded, disregarding Namjoon’s rule anyway as Jungkook and Taehyung stepped into the dressing room and Yoongi stepped out with Hoseok. “Seok...how are you? You look beautiful.” 

“Ah, you think so?” Hoseok was still blushing, looking down at this outfit, “I just threw something on, I thought red might be pretty tonight. And I wasn’t sure about the pearl necklace but I just thought—” Hoseok’s sentence was cut off by a chaste and sweet kiss from Yoongi. 

“Sorry, I just had to.” Yoongi whispered, kissing Hoseok once more, “You’re just so beautiful, and I am a weak, weak man for you, Jung Hoseok. Please continue.” 

“I...um…” Hoseok stuttered, clutching onto Yoongi’s shirt, eyes flickering down to Yoongi’s lips again. 

“So, you’re little band actually showed up.” 

Yoongi could feel Hoseok’s shoulders drop and he wanted to growl at the man who stood as the cause. “What do you want.” 

Jun crossed his arms, “Oh, nothing too crazy. Just taking inspection of my—” He hiccuped— “competition.” 

Hoseok’s brows knit together, “Are you drunk right now?” 

Jun grinned, “Maybe.” Another hiccup. “Figured I’d get started, since you and I are going to have some fun tonight.” Jun winked at Hoseok. 

Yoongi moved his arm out in front of Hoseok, his hand on Hoseok’s hip protectifly as he guided the younger behind him slightly, “I don’t know what you think you’re insinuating right now but it’s not going to happen.” 

“Oh, it’s not?” Jun grinned, stepping closer, “I believe we had a bet, did we not?” He leaned in, and both Yoongi and Hoseok could smell the alcohol, “Winner gets the boy.” 

Yoongi sneered, “He’s not a fucking trophy you sick piece of shit.” 

“Then what is he?” 

“Jung Hoseok.” Yoongi snapped. 

Jun whistled, looking behind Yoongi’s shoulder towards Hoseok, “Really got yourself a fighter there don’t ya, baby.” 

“Jun, go away. Please.” Hoseok mumbled. 

“Wishing me away so soon?” Jun sang, and to Hoseok and Yoongi’s relief, the announcer started speaking. The room around them quieting, the lights dimming and brightening onto the small stage. 

“I think you’re up first, Jun.” Hoseok spoke, void of emotion, “Go to your own band.” 

Jun sent a glare Hoseok’s way, and oh, how Yoongi wanted to just—

“Hyung,” Hoseok tugged on Yoongi’s arm, bringing him out of his aggressive thoughts, “Let’s go.” 

Yoongi sent a deathly glare one last time towards Jun before turning around, hand secure on Hoseok’s back as he led them into his own bands dressing room. 

“I want to absolutely rip him apart.” Yoongi growled under his breath. 

“Who?” Jungkook’s eyes grew wide as they walked into the small room, looking up from his guitar, “Are you guys talking about Jun? Are you beating him up?” He looked at Yoongi, “I get the final punch if you are.” 

“Says who?” Yoongi snapped, already fired up. 

“Hey, hey,” Hoseok reached up to cup Yoongi’s cheeks, “It’s okay. You’re going to win.” 

Yoongi held Hoseok’s hand under his own, “I’m walking out of this bar with you whether we win or not, Seok.” 

Hoseok smiled, whispering, “I know.” He kissed Yoongi, quick and chaste, “But you’re going to win, too.” 

“Right.” Namjoon agreed. 

When the first sound of the band started to filter through the air, Hoseok inhaled, “I better go and get drink orders. Will you guys be okay?” 

“We’ll be alright.” Yoongi held onto Hoseok’s hand as the younger backed away, pressing a kiss to the back of his smaller hand. 

“We’re the last act, right?” Taehyung asked. 

“Bora will be last on the setlist. Of course I had to save the best for last.” Hoseok winked, sharing one last loving glance Yoongi’s way before disappearing behind the door. 

“Great so now that he’s gone and my ears are bleeding,” Namjoon started, pinching the bridge of his nose. “God...why is this first band so bad… ” 

“Who is it?” Jungkook’s brows knit together, “They’re off...I can’t tell if they’re off key or time…” 

“I think both.” Taehyung chimed in. 

“It’s Juns band.” Yoongi mentioned, “Fucker showed up drunk. Thinks he’s going to win and take Hoseok as his prize.” 

“What the fuck?!” Jungkook snapped. 

Yoongi huffed, grinning as he handed Jungkook a paper, “Don’t worry, I set ‘em straight. Now memorize this. It’s gonna be our last song in the set.” 

Jungkook regarded Yoongi carefully before looking down to read the paper. 

Namjoon went to help Taehyung with his bass while Jungkook read over the lyrics. Yoongi moving to sit next to him. 

“You wrote this for him.” Jungkook stated quietly once he’d finished. 

“Yes.” Yoongi looked down at his hands. 

Jungkook took a deep breath, “You wrote this before you two got back together.” 

Yoongi nodded, “It was mean to be a...getting back to gether song. That was the plan, at least.” 

Jungkook was quiet for a moment, before whispering, “You really love him?” 

Yoongi looked up, meeting Jungkook’s gaze, “Yes. I do.” He breathed, “I love him more then anything.” 

Jungkook pursed his lips together, considering it, “You hurt him a lot, you know.” 

“I know.” Yoongi nodded. 

“But you promise to treat him right? Please?” Jungkook asked, his eyes begging. 

Yoongi regarded Jungkook seriously, “I love him more then I’ve loved anyone or anything in my entire life. I promise, I will do everything in my power to make him the happiest man in the world.” 

Jungkook searched Yoongi’s gaze for any lie, any misstep. 

But there was none. 

All Jungkook saw, was the unconditional love that Yoongi had for Jungkook’s best friend. 

“It’s good.” Jungkook exhaled, looking back down towards the lyrics. “Think it might be our best song yet.” 

Yoongi smiled, shrugging, “I had every intention on making in the last breakup and get back together song we did.” 

A knock at the door had the four boys looking up, a new face peering through. 

Two of the members inhaled sharply. 

“Hi, sorry to interrupt. I just wanted to let you know that after the next band, Bora will be on deck to go next—”

“What’s your name?” Taehyung rushed to ask, walking closer, Jungkook getting up from the seat to follow behind. 

“Uh...J-Jimin…?” The man raised his brow in confusion, caught off guard. “Why?” 

“Are you the new guy? Hobi hyungs assistant?” Jungkook asked earnestly. 

“I am.” Jungkook tucked a hair behind his ear, “Why? Is there something you need—”

“You’re beautiful.” Taehyung cut Jimin off. 

“Yeah.” Jungkook nodded, “I second that.” 

Jimin blushed furiously, “Um...well,” He turned back to the door, then back towards Taehyung and Jungkook, smiling as he whispered through his blush, “After the show maybe you two can find me in the crowd. What are your names?” 

“Jungkook!” Jungkook rushed to answer, “Jeon Jungkook and Kim Taehyung.” 

“Nice to meet you both.” Jimin held out his hand for them to take, Taehyung taking his hand and quickly pressing a kiss to the back of it, making Jimin smile brighter, “I’m Park Jimin.” 

“Park Jimin.” Jungkook echoed, something fluttering in his chest, he could tell Taehyung felt the same. 

“We’ll find you after, so don’t go too far.” Taehyung pleaded as Jimin started to head back out. 

Jimin winked once more before disappearing completely behind the door, “I’ll be waiting, boys.” 

“Wow…” Jungkook and Taehyung breathed all at once. 

“What did we just witness?” Namjoon looked over towards Yoongi, shocked. 

“I think we just witnessed the beginning of another love story.” Yoongi grunted as he moved to stand up, stretching. 

“Another?” Namjoon raised a brow. 

Yoongi slung the guitar over his shoulder, patting Namjoon’s shoulder as he walked by, “Mine was first.”

“I know who I’m singing our love song about now.” Taehyung whispered. 

“Well don’t get too cocky now I’m singing to him too.” Jungkook nudged Taehyung’s shoulder with his own. 

Yoongi pushed the both of them from behind, “Alright enough with the romances, we have a show to put on.” 

Yoongi wasn’t nervous. Truthfully. 

Were the other acts—aside from Jun’s Jet Blues band—any good? Yeah. Absolutely. Really good, in fact. 

And has Yoongi’s band practiced since that slight falling out a month ago? No, they haven’t. 

Did they just receive the last song in their set minutes before? Yes, yes they did. 

But was Yoongi nervous? Well—

“Okay, maybe we should be a little nervous.” Yoongi started, noticing the crowded bar from the small slit in the curtains. He’d have to try harder to find Hoseok in a crowd like that. 

“That’s what I’ve been saying. Welcome to the club.” Namjoon mumbled. 

“We’ll be fine.” Jungkook waved them off. “Bora will win.” 

“We better. Jimin is going to be falling into our arms at the end of this.” Taehyung cheered, earning a fist bump from Jungkook. 

“Oh boy.” Namjoon sighed. 

“Has anyone seen Hoseok?” Yoongi asked, searching the crowd through the small curtain opening. 

“Hey,” A new voice whispered, Jimin appearing from the curtains suddenly, “You guys are on!” 

Namjoon cracked his knuckles, “Alright boys, lets do this.” 

Jungkook and Taehyung both rushed to take a hand of Jimin’s, pressing a kiss each on the back of Jimin’s hands, “Watch us, Jimin.” Taehyung whispered, Jungkook followering, “We’re singing for you tonight.” 

Yoongi was the first to make it out onto stage, the bright lights were the first thing he registered. The lights much more blinding then their usual Friday night shows. And it really was a full house. People crowded in every corner. 

With the bright lights and crowded bar, Yoongi couldn’t find his sweet Seok in the sea of people. 

“Hey, you ready?” Jungkook asked from beside Yoongi, holding the cord up for Yoongi to connect to his guitar. 

Yoongi cleared his throat, connecting the cord and strumming to make sure it worked. “Yeah, yeah.” 

Jungkook grinned, pointing to the bar, “There.” 

Yoongi followed Jungkook’s direction, finding Hoseok there behind the bar, leaning against the counter with his head resting in his hands as he watched them. The fondest smile, the sweetest dark brown eyes—

“Three,” Namjoon started counting them off, “Two,” Yoongi locked yes with Hoseok, “One,” Yoongi blew a kiss, a wink, “And—”

“And the first note of their set rang through the bar like a storm, like thunder and they were the lighting demanding everyones attention. 

It was liberating. 

It was breathtaking. 

It was exhilarating. 

Yoongi felt alive when they performed, he felt the energy from the crowd, the vibrations of the sound from his guitar and now, he felt Hoseok’s loving gaze. And oh, how that changed everything. How it made everything so much better.

The first song was an upbeat pop song, something that Namjoon wrote back in the day. It was a classic to them, simple, and good. Brought the crowd in. 

The second song, was a love song. One that Jungkook and Taehyung wrote together. Some would say—Namjoon, Yoongi and Hoseok—that they wrote it for each other. But of course, the two would never admit such a thing. 

Nevertheless, Yoongi’s eyes were on Hoseok’s the whole time. For every word. 

The third song, was when Yoongi took the mic, “We hope you’re enjoying the show tonight.” Yoongi started, the crowd erupting into a cheer. 

He smiled, finding Hoseok easily, “This last song here, I wrote just the other day. In fact the guys just got it.” He chuckled, fondly meeting Hoseok’s gaze, “But it’s dedicated to the most beautiful man I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.” 

The crowd was silent until Namjoon’s drum softly created a canvas, Jungkook’s voice and Taehyung’s bass setting the colors. And Yoongi, blending the sounds together. 

Yoongi never took his eyes off of Hoseok as he sang. Every single word, poured out from his heart in a song for Hoseok and only Hoseok to hear. The rest were just lucky. They were all lucky, Yoongi thought, to be able to witness their beautiful love story. 

When the song came to an end, Yoongi knew Hoseok was crying even from the distance there were at. Quickly, Yoongi gave his instrument to Namjoon before jumping off the stage and weaving his way through the crowd of people who now all had their eyes on him, as he made his way to Hoseok. 

His light. 

“Gi—” Hoseok cried, rushing out from behind the bar towards him and Yoongi caught him in his arms. Holding him, pressing kisses to the top of his head. Loving him. 

“Seok…” Yoongi whispered. 

Hoseok held on tightly, as if Yoongi would fly away if he didn’t, “It was beautiful, Gi. I can’t believe you wrote that…”

“It was for you.” Yoongi whispered against Hoseok’s ear, kiss it, “It was how I was going to beg you for another chance, to at least have you in my life still. In some way. Any way.” 

Hoseok leaned back, smiling towards Yoongi with tear filled eyes, “I love you.” 

Yoongi cupped Hoseok’s cheek, “Oh Seok.” He breathed, “I love you so much—”

“Excuse me, I need to borrow him for a second.” Jun appeared suddenly, a hand on Yoongi’s shoulder. 

Yoongi shoved Jun’s hand off, “Whatever you need to say to him you say here in front of me .” 

“Oh, that’s funny.” Jun huffed, “Becuase in a few seconds, you’re going to be a little too preoccupied. Told some new fans that you’re open for photos and autographs.” 

“What are you talking about—”

“Min! Min!” A group of fans came up suddenly, it was a small group, maybe nine fans, but growing, Yoongi could see out of the corner of his eye how more people were growing intrigued. “We need an autograph and a picture!” 

“Wait.” Yoongi started, turning back towards Hoseok. 

“It’s okay, talk to your new fans. I can handle myself.” He smiled. 

“No, Seok—”

“ Please !” A fan moved in front of Yoongi, holding a Bora album for him to sign. 

“Uh—” Yoongi couldn’t react fast enough, one second, he was looking into Hoseok’s deep brown eyes and the next he was seeing a growing group of aggressive fans. “Wait. Hold on, I need to—” Yoongi’s eyes grew wide when he noticed Jun leading Hoseok away, towards the door. 

“It’ll only take a minute!” One fan yelled, another snapping picture after picture with the flash on. Blinking Yoongi. 

“Hey, cut that out!” Yoongi squeezed his eyes shut. He had to get out. 

_____

Hoseok allowed Jun to lead him outside. Truthfully, Hoseok was grateful for the change of scenery. He loved his bar but he was more the casual, spread out kind of bar guy, not the packed, battle of the bands night kind of bar guy. 

Either way, Jun was not the one he wanted to step out for a breath of fresh air with. 

“What is it you want?” Hoseok asked, crossing his arms. It was colder without Yoongi. 

Jun grinned, “What’d you think?” 

“Of what?”

Jun chuckled, “ My band .” 

Hoseok shrugged, “I’m not the one judging.” 

“But you’re the one we’re playing for.” Jun stepped closer. Hoseok stepped back. 

“I’m not. I don’t want to be.” Hoseok shook his head, “If this is what you wanted to talk about then we can go back inside.” 

Jun chuckled, “You’re so cold now that you met that guy. Is he making my sweet Hoseokie into a little brat?” 

“We’re done here.” Hoseok huffed, turning to head back for the door. 

“I still have those pictures.” Jun threatened, and Hoseok stopped in his track. “They’re on my phone right now. Can post them on social any time. Can send them to your friends,” Hoseok could hear Jun stepping closer, and closer, “Your family.” Jun’s voice lingered against Hoseok’s ear then, Hoseok could see the fogginess of his breath as Jun held his shoulders, “Min Yoongi.” 

“Stop.” Hoseok’s voice failed him, feeling so helpless. “Please...I’m begging you. I’m not who you want, Jun. Don’t do this.” 

“I think you are, pretty thing.” Jun spoke in a low voice that was nothing compared to Yoongi’s low and raspy voice. A voice that made Hoseok feel loved and safe. 

Jun’s voice, made him feel quite the opposite, in every way. 

“Stop. Please. I’m serous.” Hoseok felt a lump begin to form in his throat as Jun’s hands started to wander lower. “Stop.” 

“I know you like it, pretty thing.” Jun whispered against Hoseok’s neck, making Hoseok’s skin crawl. Hoseok felt paralized in the worst way. 

“ Stop …” Hoseok tried again, trying to move away but Jun’s grip was to strong, causing fear to strike through Hoseok’s instantly. 

One second, Jun was invading Hoseok’s space, a warmth too intense and unwelcoming covering Hoseok’s body. 

The next, the cold winter air was greeting Hoseok again. A breath of relief. 

“ He said —” A familiar voice yelled, pulling Jun away from Hoseok forcefully by the shoulder, “ stop !” 

“What the hell?!” Jun spat, just as Yoongi pulled his fist up from behind him, and punching Jun square in the face. 

“Gi…” Hoseok’s hands flew up to cover his mouth, his legs feeling week. 

Jun was quick to react, throwing a punch of his own straight into Yoongi’s stomach. Making Yoongi double over slightly in pain, “Fuck.” 

“You take my bitch and then fucking come at me like that?!” Jun sneered, wiping the blood dripping down his nose with the back of his hand. “What the hell is wrong with you?!” 

“Call him a bitch again.” Yoongi threated, eyes dark. 

Jun huffed, “What? He is a bitch—”

Yoongi swung his fist into Jun again, this time sending the man stumbling backwards. But Yoongi wasn’t done. Following Jun and landing another hard punch, causing the man to stumble down onto the ground. 

Yoongi kneeled down next to him, grabbing a fist full of Jun’s hair to force their gazes to meet, “Where are the pictures.” Yoongi asked darkly. 

Jun spit at Yoongi in response. 

Yoongi growled, listing his left hand now for an attack. 

“His phone.” Hoseok answered softly from the background, “I think...Gi I think they’re on his phone…” 

Yoongi kept his left hand there in the air, a threat, until finally moving to pull an old phone out of Jun’s jean pocket. Lifting Jun’s face and pointing it towards the phone to unlock it. Searching through photos. 

“Do you see them…?” Hoseok asked nervously from behind them. 

“No…” Yoongi’s brows knit together, his grip on Jun’s hair tightening. “I don’t.” 

Jun was silent. 

“You never had them, did you?!” Yoongi barked. “You blackmailed Hoseok this whole time with no actual threat.” 

“Look.” Jun sneered, “I did what I had to. He’s unpredictable. I had to control him somehow—”

Yoongi didn’t let him finish, another attack that had Jun holding his nose and cursing. 

Yoongi looked back down at the phone, quickly issuing a factory reset just to be sure before dropping Jun’s head to the pavement, throwing the phone down beside him. “Don’t ever talk to Hoseok again. I don’t ever want to catch you looking at his direction. And if I ever do?” Yoongi continued, “You can expect this, every, time. ” 

“Is he...going to be alright…?” Hoseok asked nervously from behind Yoongi. 

Yoongi moved his hand open and closed, his knuckles already starting to bruise with a good kind of pain. The kind that reminded him that Hoseok was safe . “He’ll be fine, come here, sweet Seok.” Yoongi opened his arms for Hoseok. 

Instantly, Hoseok was falling into Yoongi’s arms, allowing the elder to wrap his arms around him, the comforting warmth that only Yoongi could provide now coursing through Hoseok. Making him feel safe and so, so loved. 

“Thank you.” Hoseok whispered. 

Yoongi pressed a kiss to the top of Hoseok’s head, “Let’s get you inside, beautiful. I don’t want you out here with him a second longer.” 

Hoseok nodded as Yoongi laid a hand on the small of Hoseok’s back, leading them back inside. 

Hoseok looked behind him to see Jun moving to get up, spitting something red into the nearby snow. Cursing as he he held up his phone. 

“You think he’ll leave us alone now?” Hoseok whispered. 

Yoongi grinned, humming, “He’s got nothing to hold against us now. I’d like to see him try and bother us or you ever again.” 

Hoseok smiled towards Yoongi as they walked back into the warm bar. 

“Hey, Gi?” Hoseok asked, moving closer to Yoongi as they walked in. 

“Yes, my love?” Yoongi pressed a kiss to the top of Hoseok's  head. 

Hoseok smiled, “I love you.” 

Yoongi exhaled, so fond, “I love you so, so much.” He teased, “I think I might love you more, in fact.” 

“No way.” Hoseok giggled. 

“Oh, I think there’s a way.” Yoongi moved his hand from the small of Hoseok’s back to his hip, pulling him that much closer, secure. 

Hoseok shook his head, “There’s no way, I love you more then anything in the universe.” 

“Well,” Yoongi said simply, “I love you more then even that.” 

“No you don’t.” Hoseok couldn’t stop the giggles from spilling past his lips. 

And Yoongi couldn’t stop himself from kissing each sweet giggle off of Hoseok’s lips, whispering against him, “Yes I do, I love you so much.” 

Jimin’s voice broke them out of their trance, the lights around them dimming suddenly, the crowd quieting around them. 

Hoseok’s eyes grew wide, “It’s time for the awards!” 

Yoongi nodded, keeping his eyes on Hoseok, “I think I already won, sweet Seok.” 

Hoseok giggled, biting his bottom lip before kissing Yoongi again. 

“As you all know, every band we’ve had here on this stage tonight has blown us all away. Each band has their talents and charms. But of course,” Jimin smirked, holding up the trophy in one hand, “Only one can be the winner tonight.” 

The crowd cheered, and Yoongi could swear he heard Jungkook and Taehyung’s cheers in the distance, louder then the rest. 

“Who was the judge, love?” Yoongi asked Hoseok, “I thought you were going to be picking the winner?” 

Hoseok hummed, “If I was the one picking the winner then you know who I would pick.” 

Yoongi chuckled, “You’re biased.” 

“I am.” Hoseok smiled, leaning his head on Yoongi’s shoulder, “I asked Jimin to pick.” 

“So, without further adieu,” Jimin stated, “The winner of tonights battle of the bands is...” 

The crowd was silent, the air stilled as everyone held their breath. 

“ Bora! ” 

Yoongi’s eyes grew wide. 

“That’s you!” Hoseok squealed, the crowd cheering instantly. 

“That’s...that is us.” Yoongi looked back towards Hoseok who was smiling, so proud and loving towards him. 

Yoongi wanted the rest of the songs he ever wrote to be love songs for Jung Hoseok. 

“Well go on, accept your award.” Hoseok nudged Yoongi. 

“Come with me.” Yoongi whispered, the crowed gaining attention on them. 

Hoseok’s eyes grew wide as Yoongi reached for his hand, interlocking their fingers and leading them both up to the stage. Weaving through many new fans, all wanting to touch Yoongi, to talk to him, flashing phone lights blinding the both of them as they finally made their way to the small stage. 

Jungkook and Taehyung were already there, one on either side of Jimin, flirting unashehembly with the pretty blonde. Namjoon was walking up onto the stage too, with—

“Jin hyung?” Hoseok and Yoongi both said together with shocked gazes. 

Seokjin waved towards them, “Hey you two. Glad to see my plan worked.” 

Hoseok blushed furiously, Yoongi spoke, “It did. Thanks for that. But what’s going on here.” Yoongi nodded with is head towards Seokjin’s arm wrapped around Namjoon’s own. 

Namjoon smirked, “Did I just hear Min Yoongi say thank you ?” 

“I think you did.” Seokjin gasped, “I need to write this down, the date and time of the sighting.” 

“Seriously.” Yoongi rolled his eyes, making Hoseok giggle. 

Seokjin smiled, shrugging, “We’ve been together for awhile now.” 

“You never told us!” Hoseok smiled back, happy for his friends. 

Namjoon looked down towards Seokjin, smiling fondly, “Well, now we’re telling you.” 

“Min!” Jungkook barked from beside Jimin, “You should take the award and do the speech.” 

“ Me ?!” Yoongi’s eyes grew wide as they handed him the trophy in his free hand. 

“None of us want to say something.” Taehyung whispered, pushing Yoongi from behind up towards the microphone. 

“But—”

“You can do this.” Hoseok encouraged from beside him. 

And one look into Hoseok’s deep brown eyes, a deep breath, the heavy weight of the trophy in his hand, Yoongi looked back out towards the crowd of excited fans. 

“Uh...well,” Yoongi cleared his throat, “Where do I start.” He chuckled, “I guess I should start here with this. Thanks.” He raised the trophy up higher, “This is our first award. And It won’t be our last,” He grinned, “I can promise you that.” 

The crowd cheered. 

Yoongi looked back towards his bandmates, “It’s really thanks to these guys. And—” Yoongi turned towards Hoseok, “And I wouldn’t be here, standing on this stage right now if it weren’t for Jung Hoseok.” 

Hoseok’s eyes grew wide as Yoongi pressed a kiss to the back of his hand. “Gi…” 

“I think we ‘ought to sing the last song again.” Yoongi smiled, announcing the name, “One and Only.” He spoke into the mic but looking at Hoseok. “The song dedicated to the most beautiful man, I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.” 

The crowed cheered as Namjoon smiled towards Sekojin, “I think Yoongi’s right.” Namjoon led leading him over to sit with him by the drums. 

“Rodger that captain.” Jungkook hummed as him and Taehyung readied their mic and bass with Jimin still between them both. 

Yoongi grabbed his guiatar from beside Namjoon’s drums, reaching out to cup Hoseok’s cheek as Namjoon started the beat of the drum, Jungkook humming the first words of the song, Taehyung painting the depth of sound with the bass. 

And Yoongi leaned in, kissing Hoseok deeply, and fully. 

A kiss that held the warm melody, a quiet, soft confession. 

A kiss, that sang a gentle, I love you , between their lips, infront of the whole world. 

_____

Interviewer: “Wow that…” *Pausing* “That was beautiful…” 

Yoongi: “Well,” *Shrugging* “That’s the story.” 

Interviewer: “I can see that...this—well, it makes a lot of sense. That last song you played, the last breakup song you said you’d ever write, because it would work in getting you and Hoseok back together...was that…?” 

Yoongi: *Grinning* “Our debut song with stream line entertainment? Yep. After a couple more shows at Hope’s bar, agents started showing up. Got word of some band really making those numbers. Creating a fan base. Of course they wanted a piece of that pie.” 

Interviewer: “So stream line entertainment wasn’t the first agency to contact you?” 

Yoongi: *Chuckling* “Oh god no. They weren’t the first by far. But they were the one we liked the best. The had a good contract, would let us do what we needed to, wouldn’t over step or try to sink their claws into the music we made. And the deal breaker was really their privacy policy.” 

Interviewer: “Go on.” 

Yoongi: “They promised us security. Not just for us, but for our loved ones and family. And we were already starting to run into... trouble . Loved the fans but we didn’t have the resources to ensure that our private and public life stayed separated. It was fine for the bandmembers, we chose this life. But when fans started harassing Hoseok, Jin hyung, and Jimin. That’s when he had to look at other options. And it worked out, in the end.” 

Interviewer: “So,” *Chuckling* “I’m sorry, It’s just amazing that the debut song, the same song that your band has been known for for years now, internationally, the song that many critics are calling a classic, a song of the time. It was written in a dark, empty college bar over this Hoseok that you were so in love with.” 

Yoongi: *Smiling* “Sometimes great art comes when we’re least expecting it. But I would do it again, every time. He liked the song and that was reason enough for me to keep singing it, even after we got back together.” 

Interviewer: “That’s amazing...truely.” 

Yoongi: “Yep.” 

Interviewer: “And so that’s how the famous Jimin came to play into the trio, huh? Jungkook and Taehyung just saw him one night at the bar and decided that that was the one for them?” 

Yoongi: *Nodding* “Yeah, the rest of us didn’t have much say, and Hoseok liked him so there for I didn’t mind. He turned out to be a pretty great manager in the end. Helped Namjoon out a lot with events.” 

Interviewer: “And Kim Seokjin and Kim Namjoon, that’s incredible that they’ve been together for so long now. Many news outlets today are calling them the happiest married couple in the country. They’ve been invited to countless shows and interviews to talk about their marriage and share tips on how to have a healthy, loving relahsionship like they have last.” 

Yoongi: “Yep, and they met during those days too, apparently, they’d been dating for awhile. And those late nights Jin hyung told me he was staying at the library? Yeah, well, I’m sure you can guess where he was actually stay on those nights.” *Chuckling* “They’re good people. We really enjoyed their wedding.” 

Interviewer: “Right…” *Exhaling* “I’m...sure you can’t be shocked to know my curiosity when it comes to you and Hoseok. Are you both still together—”

Yoongi: “Look if this is going to be another interview asking who I’m with right now then we can end it right here.” 

Interivewer: *Shocked* “I...well, I am curious. You’ve been with someone, that’s certainly clear but while Namjoon and Seokjin advertise their relashionship and Jimin, Jungkook and Taehyung don’t shy away from the media regarding theirs, you Min yoongi, are the one that has kept quiet.” 

Yoongi: “And maybe I like it better that way.” 

Interviewer: “You surely can’t keep your loved one a secret forever.” 

Yoongi: *Shrugging, frustrated* “I can. This is our wish. When the media started invading out lives, and the paparazzi wound’t leave my partner alone, we decided it was best to keep it hidden behind closed doors. What the media doesn’t know won’t hurt them, and my partner prefers the normalcy of it all.” 

Interviewer: *Humming* “So, there will not be any media content of your partner.” 

Yoongi: “No, there absolutely will not be. Ever. If there ever is, it will be my partners decision.” 

Interviewer: “Well, if there’s going to be no media coverage, the very least you could do is share if you’re still together with Hoseok. Was there a falling out? Are you with someone new? Your fans will want to know.” 

Yoongi: “I never said we were still together, or that Hoseok was in my life at all now.” 

Interviewer: “But—”

Yoongi: “I think we’re going to be done here if you have no other questions.” 

Interviewer: *Pausing* “Right. My apolgoizes for prying. If it is your wish to keep that side of your life a secret, then you have every right.” *Leaning up to shake Yoongi’s hand* “Thank you for taking the time to tell your story, Min Yoongi. You’re one interesting musician.” 

Yoongi: *Nodding, shaking the interviewers hand* “Sure.” 

_____

Yoongi was thankful when the black van finally pulled up to his secluded house in the woods. The interview went on longer then he’d liked, much longer, in fact. And he still had a bitter taste on his tongue with the way the interviewer had tried to pry more information out of Yoongi. 

But, Yoongi thought as the he closed the door behind him, thanking the driver and walking up to the door, the trees around their home were beautiful in fall. 

Opening the door and setting his bag down, toeing his shoes off Yoongi was greeted by the sound of the record player. A soft gentle tune filling their home, Yoongi recognized it immediately. Their debut song, the one he sang for Hoseok.

The one he will always, sing for Hoseok. 

Yoongi was also greeted by the sweet smell of brownies, or cookies, maybe cinnamon buns? “I’m home, love.” Yoongi called into the house as he followed the scent and sound. 

“Welcome home!” His lovers voice chirped from the kitchen, humming to the song under his breath as he pulled a pan of brownies out of the oven, “You’re home late!” 

Yoongi chuckled, walking into the kitchen and holding his arms out, and like nothing had changed at all, Hoseok fell right into Yoongi. Holding him close. “Sorry, interview when longer then expected.” 

“That’s okay, I made you some brownies, Gi.” Hoseok hummed. 

“I see that.” Yoongi swayed them gently from side to side, feeling like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders with Hoseok finally in his arms again. “And you’re listening to that old song again.” 

“It’s not that old.” Hoseok giggled, swaying with Yoongi. 

“It’s almost twenty years old now, love.” Yoongi hummed. 

Hoseok gasped, “No.” 

“Oh yeah.” Yoongi chuckled, “I know. It’s crazy to think it’s been that long.” 

“It doesn’t feel that long at all.” Hoseok confessed softly. 

Yoongi leaned back, cupping Hoseok’s beautiful cheek. Oh, how they’d aged together, grown together over the years. How Yoongi had fallen deeper, and deeper in love with Hoseok, every day. “Time flys when you’re with the one you love.” 

Hoseok smiled, teasing, “And I’m the one you love?” 

Yoongi leaned down to kiss Hoseok fully, and lovingly, “The one and only.” 

Hoseok hummed into the kiss, letting his arms wrap around Yoongi’s shoulders as Yoongi held him close, “I love you too,” He whispered, so in love, even after so many years,

“My one and only.”