Chapter Text
There was no mistaking what kind of establishment they were about to walk into. The music was spilling out into the street from the narrow door, the bass already rattling Jungkook's bones. It matched his heartbeat perfectly.
The line wasn't very long, and in the span of a few minutes they'd already gotten more than half-way to the entrance. Some people stumbled out of the club, leaning heavily on each other, laughing. One of the men stopped by the alleyway beside the building, bracing himself with one hand on the bricks as he released his bladder onto the ground. It was still early in the evening, and yet, here they were, behaving as if it was past midnight.
Jungkook's hands were clammy, and he fumbled as he took Jimin's ID out of his pocket. The edges cut into his skin harshly, but he was afraid he might drop it if he loosened his grip. Taehyung was chattering on beside him, body practically buzzing from excitement, but Jungkook didn't hear a word. Too aware of the people around them. They must be able to see that he wasn't supposed to be there. Taehyung had spent the better part of an hour dressing him up in sexy clothing, and despite the cold currently kicking his butt, Jimin too had emerged from his blanket burrito to style Jungkook's hair and put some light makeup onto his face. Their disguise almost made him look old enough to be there. Almost ...
It was supposed to be Jimin that accompanied Taehyung to the club. Apparently there was a live performance on that night by a rapper Taehyung was a fan of. An alpha he'd set his eyes on, despite saying numerous times that he much preferred betas like himself. But Jimin had fallen sick and no amount of begging could make him leave the comfort of his bed. And when he noticed the futility of trying to convince Jimin, Taehyung set his eyes on Jungkook. So there he was, clutching Jimin's ID in his hand and coating the insides of the leather pants Taehyung had forced on him with sweat.
He almost hoped the bouncer wouldn't let him through. He looked nothing like Jimin after all. The bouncer would turn him away, and he and Taehyung would flee with their tails between their legs, and it wouldn't be Jungkook's fault that Taehyung couldn't see his new obsession perform. But by the time the two beta girls in front of them were walking into the club, another group of people had joined the line. The bouncer barely glanced at Jimin's ID before he waved them through, too busy keeping an eye on the rowdy alphas at the end of the line. And so they were in.
"How does it feel to break the rules?" Taehyung shouted into his ear as they made it into the crowded room, nudging his shoulder. It was probably a large space when it was empty, but with the amount of people currently crammed into it, it seemed oppressive, small, like the walls were closing in. Taehyung's reminder that he wasn't actually allowed to be there at all, didn't help Jungkook's anxiety. Someone bumped into his back and he was sent careening into Taehyung's side.
"Your rapper had the first set, right?" Jungkook ignored Taehyung's question in favor of one of his own. His words would probably have come out as a whine had he not had to shout for them to be heard. He wanted out of there. He'd sensed trouble from the moment Taehyung had texted him earlier in the evening. Since starting college, Taehyung and Jimin never wanted to hang out on Friday evenings anymore. He should've known he was up to no good.
Jungkook turned to find Taehyung looking at him with a worried pinch in his eyebrows. He pulled Jungkook close into his side, hand smoothing down Jungkook's waist. "I'm sorry for forcing you into this Kookie. J Hope has half an hour set starting in a little while, and as soon as it's over, I promise we'll be out of here."
Jungkook sighed, he didn't want Taehyung to feel bad about this. In truth, he probably might've enjoyed the outing, had he not been so paranoid that they'd get caught. "It's fine hyung. Don't worry about me." Jungkook smiled, and though Taehyung still looked a little concerned, he let the matter go.
They bypassed the bar and starting pushing through the throng of people on the dance floor, trying to get as close to the stage as possible. There weren't a lot of people there now, since the live performances hadn't even started yet, but soon people would gather there, and Taehyung wanted the best spot. Neither of them were going to drink. Taehyung because he didn't like alcohol, and Jungkook because he was afraid of the bartender wanting to check his ID. It was a wonder he'd gotten through the door at all.
Taehyung had his wrist in an iron grip, pulling Jungkook along behind him. Jungkook panted as he squeezed between people, getting a little dizzy from the multitude of sensations assaulting him. It was a rare occurence for Jungkook to be amongst so many other people. The pheromones in the air had his knees wanting to buckle. Alcohol, intense emotions and arousal were all things that lowered people's ability to control their scents, so the room was thick with it.
With one last final push, Taehyung and Jungkook made it to the stage, the two of them stopping in a small pocket of untouched space right in front of it. The restriction around Jungkook's chest eased up a little, and though he was still tense, his smile was a little more genuine when he turned to Taehyung.
"Are you excited?" He shouted right into Taehyung's ear, taking the opportunity to inhale a lungful of Taehyung's muted beta scent while he was close, pressing his nose into the crook of Taehyung's neck. It helped make him a bit more clearheaded, smelling something familiar instead of the strange scents washing over him from every direction.
"Oh, you have no idea." Taehyung yelled right back, wide grin stretching his face. Taehyung wrapped an arm around Jungkook's shoulders to keep him close. He'd always been very physically affectionate, but Jungkook knew it was for his benefit this time.
A few seconds later, the music cut out and darkness descended upon the room. A low beat shook the walls, a rythmic pulse making Jungkook's skin prickle. As predicted, people began pressing in towards the stage, the edge of it cutting into Jungkook's stomach as he was pushed forward by the advancing crowd. Taehyung's arm slipped from Jungkook's shoulder, and Jungkook's head whipped around in search for him. He was still there, albeit with a rather short girl inbetween them. She must've slipped past everyone else to get to the stage. Jungkook wanted Taehyung back beside him, but with no room to move, Jungkook was left with no choice but to stay put. He resolved to keep an eye on him throughout the show, trying to quell the rising panic inside his chest.
He didn't have much time to think about it though, because a bright spotlight settled on the center of the stage, and cheers erupted so loud that they cut into Jungkook's ears. He wanted to raise his hands and cover them, but as J Hope stepped onto the stage, he figured that might be rude. He was standing at the very front after all, and he didn't want to offend the rapper.
Whatever he'd expected the music to be, it wasn't what he got. J Hope used his body as much as his voice when he rapped, moving fluidly to the sound like he was a part of his music. Jungkook was starting to understand Taehyung's obsession with him. At one point, Jungkook was pretty sure J Hope winked at him, though that might've just been wishful thinking. Jungkook's gaze would wander over to his friend periodically, to make sure he was still there. Taehyung was jumping up and down in sync with the beat, limbs flailing wildly as he cheered, no doubt annoying the people around him. He'd drifted further away, which caused another clench of worry within Jungkook, but he was still visible.
"Thank you so much for coming here to see me, and to Dionysus for hosting this event." J Hope smiled at the crowd, movements self assured, his presence big on the small stage. "For my last two songs I will be performing together with my friend and fellow rapper, Aguuust D" J hope bellowed into the mike, throwing his arm out in a grand gesture as another spotlight lit up the space beside him.
Jungkook would like to think he wasn't a shallow person. He'd never paid much attention to people's looks before. But he might have to rethink that assumption, because as soon as Agust D stepped onto the stage, Jungkook's eyes were glued to his form. He took big, confident strides across the floor, spitting fire from the get-go, his voice deep and gravelly. Jungkook shuddered, frozen to his spot, slack-jawed and in awe. He might've fallen down, he certainly felt weak in the knees, but there wasn't enough room for him to do so. He'd never considered himself a fan of hip-hop or rap, but this Agust D person might change his mind.
What it was about the alpha that compelled Jungkook so much, he couldn't quite put his finger on. He was short and skinny, and he seemed to have a permanent slouch, and yet there was something enigmatic about him. Jungkook found himself trying to commit the rapper's features to memory. His silky black hair that fell in waves to his shoulders, the plush red lips, and the pointed tongue that kept poking out of them. His slender fingers adorned with silver rings, the fairness of his skin. By every definition, Agust D was rather, well, cute. And yet, that was the last word Jungkook would use to describe him. He carried himself like he owned the place, glaring down with narrowed eyes at his audience, like they'd all personally offended him somehow. He had an intimidating aura that more than made up for his soft appearance. The last time Jungkook had been this attracted to someone was when the music video to Fantastic Baby had dropped, and Jungkook had gotten to see G Dragon with long, red hair. This was somehow better. Sorry GD.
After the two songs were over, J Hope left the stage and Agust D took over on his own. Jungkook barely noticed the difference; he'd been so focused on Agust D that he hadn't payed attention to J Hope's parts anyway. He and Taehyung had been supposed to leave after J Hope's set was over, but Jungkook's feet were rooted to the ground. Nothing could've made him leave until Agust D had finished performing.
The beat switched up as the song changed, something slower this time, more intimate. Agust D crouched down by the edge of the stage, not right where Jungkook was standing, but close enough that Jungkook might've been able to touch if he reached out. He didn't.
As Agust D stood up, his gaze flickered over to Jungkook, and electricity lit a fire down Jungkook's spine. That tantalizing tongue slipped out to drag across his bottom lip, the moment stretched on for an eternity. And then it was over, Agust D walked further down the stage, and Jungkook gasped, he was no longer sure if it was sweat or slick keeping his leather pants plastered to his ass.
It was when Agust D announced that it was the last song of the night that Jungkook felt it; a presence behind his back. He'd been brushing up against strangers all evening of course, but this was different. The alpha's chest was flush against Jungkook's spine, and he kept rocking forward, causing the edge of the stage to dig even more uncomfortably into Jungkook's belly. Everyone around him were jumping up and down, so Jungkook didn't think much of it, more annoyed than anything.
The next time Agust D's eyes landed on him, the rapper's eyebrows furrowed. He looked almost angry. Jungkook couldn't understand why, until two hands settled low on Jungkook's hips, pulling him back more firmly against what was clearly an erect cock. The man behind him wasn't just dancing, he was grinding against Jungkook, and the realization had Jungkook's eyes widening in panic. He tried twisting around to see if he could catch Taehyung's gaze, but he couldn't find his friend anywhere. He'd been too engrossed in Agust D's performance that he hadn't noticed when Taehyung was swallowed up by the crowd.
Jungkook squirmed some more to try and get away, but the alpha behind him didn't like that, a large hand clamping down on his neck, fingers digging into his scent-gland. Jungkook's muscles relaxed and he turned unwillingly pliant, the man pushing him down until he was practically bent over the stage, increasing the pace of his rutting. With nowhere else to look, Jungkook found himself staring straight at Agust D. He'd stopped rapping at some point, confused murmurs filling the air as the music kept playing in the background. Jungkook hadn't even noticed. One second Agust D was on the other side of the stage, the next, his microphone was on the floor, feedback causing the audience to yelp and flinch, and then the steel-toe of his combat boot connected with the nose of the alpha assaulting Jungkook.
The alpha stumbled back no more than a step before the sea of people behind them interrupted his fall, but it opened up a space wide enough for Agust D to jump into, positioning himself between the alpha and Jungkook. A low growl filled the air swallowed up by the music still playing in the background, but given how close Jungkook was standing next to Agust D, it seemed almost to echo in his ears.
Jungkook felt strange; though the alpha had let go of Jungkook's neck, thus giving back his ability to move freely, he still felt weird and floaty, like he was underwater. He couldn't pay attention to the words the alphas yelled at each other, his mind faraway. He found his eyes fixated on the back of Agust D's head, watching as the strands shifted with each of the rapper's movements.
The other alpha surged forward, his red-speckled face twisted with anger, biceps bulging as he shoved Agust D harshly. Agust D stumbled, his back colliding with Jungkook, sending them both falling backwards. The stage caught them before they reached the floor, and Jungkook cried out as the edge cut into his spine. When the pressure of Agust D's body left his, Jungkook found himself reaching out on instinct, curling his fingers into Agust D's hoodie. He needed something to hold on to if he wanted to remain upright. There was a sharp, throbbing pain in his lower back that had him biting back tears, but at least the pain cleared his head a little.
The aggressive alpha was being held back by other members of the crowd, preventing him from attacking Agust D and Jungkook further. There was a lot of yelling going on, but with the loud music still playing in the background, the cacophany of noise stopped Jungkook from discerning what was being said. Agust D raised his fist as if to punch, the silver of his rings glinting under the flashing lights, but just then, the crowd parted to let two men through. One was the bouncer, the other was a buff beta, also dressed in the black on black club-uniform. Jungkook watched as they dragged the struggling alpha between them through the throng of people. And then it was like nothing had happened at all. Everyone dispersed through the room, people no longer crowding the stage as the last performance of the night was over, going back to the dance floor.
Jungkook peered through the remaining people, trying to catch a glimpse of Taehyung, but with no luck. His friend was nowhere to be seen and Jungkook's heart sank. He was anxious to get home, the events of the night having taken its toll on Jungkook's psyche.
A tug on his arm had Jungkook turning his gaze downwards, seeing that he still held a tight grip onto Agust D's hoodie. Embarrassed, he let the fabric go, stuttering out a barely audible apology, bowing deeply to the rapper. He looked up to find the alpha standing close, eyebrows lowered into a worried frown as he regarded Jungkook. He was even prettier up close, slanted eyes a dark brown and his plush lips cherry red. It was first when he noticed those lips moving, that Jungkook realized Agust D had said something.
"What?" He asked, cheeks warming with shame. They were the same height, but Jungkook felt smaller standing next to the confident alpha.
"Are you okay?" Agust D repeated, frown deepening, gently curling a hand around Jungkook's elbow.
"I'm ..." Jungkook began, just as Agust D took a step forward, the scent of winter and snow washing over him, causing a shiver to run down his spine. " ... fine." Jungkook finished, a beat too late, hyperaware of Agust D's gaze on him, of the hand still enveloping his arm. He'd been attracted to people before, he tried to remind himself, this was nothing.
"Can I buy you a drink?" Agust D asked, taking yet another step forward. They were almost touching now, and Jungkook found himself aching to close the distance, only the crippling shame still coursing through his veins stopping him from doing so.
Jungkook nodded, the thought of leaving long forgotten. Agust D smiled, wide and disarming, gums on display, and he tightened his grip on Jungkook's arm, tugging him along as he led the way towards the bar. Jungkook walked as close as he could to Agust D, almost stepping on the rapper's heels as did his best to avoid touching the strangers all around them. Agust D must've noticed his discomfort, because a moment later he halted, allowing Jungkook to catch up to him, before he wrapped an arm around Jungkook's waist. Contrary to what his wintery scent would suggest, his touch burned, even through the thin fabric of Jungkook's shirt.
All too soon they arrived at the bar, and Jungkook was yet again reminded of why he'd avoided the place before. The bartender was busy tending to other guests, but soon enough her gaze would turn to them, and then Jungkook's deception might finally be revealed. He thumbed Jimin's ID, still carefully tucked inside his pocket and debated his options, rising panic preventing any coherent thoughts.
"What would you like to drink?" Agust D shouted, warm breath tickling the skin on Jungkook's neck. They were so close, Jungkook could feel every twitch of Agust D's body against his side.
"Whatever you're having." Jungkook answered. He didn't know enough about drinks or alcohol to order for himself, and he didn't want his inexperience to shine through.
Agust D smiled at him again, and for a moment, the world around them fell away; Jungkook was caught in the alpha's eyes, body frozen, and yet, more alive than he'd ever been before. Just then, two seats opened up closer to the center of the bar, and Agust D turned to snag them, pulling Jungkook along beside him. Sitting down forced them further apart, and though his hand slipped away from Jungkook's waist, he kept it on the small of Jungkook's back, right where Jungkook was sure a bruise was forming from when he'd been pushed into the stage. Despite the slight twinge of pain, Jungkook didn't want him to remove his hand, if anything, he wanted to press closer into it.
"My name is Yoongi." The rapper said, offering his other hand for Jungkook to shake.
Jungkook accepted it with both of his, bowing his head in greeting before responding. "I'm Jungkook." His voice came out softer than intended, and Yoongi leaned forward to try and hear better. "Jungkook." Jungkook repeated, right into Yoongi's ear, a bright blush no doubt coloring his cheeks.
Yoongi pulled back far enough that they could look at each other again, but still so close that Jungkook could feel each exhale warm the air between them. Yoongi licked his lips again, a slow drag of his tongue that Jungkook couldn't help but follow. That was a dangerous habit the rapper had. Jungkook was mesmerized, entranced. Yoongi cleared his throat and Jungkook snapped his eyes back up again, embarrassment burning hot inside him at the knowing smirk painted across Yoongi's face.
"What can I get you?" A bored voice interrupted, saving Jungkook from further humiliation.
Yoongi turned away from Jungkook, holding up two slender fingers. "Two glasses of whiskey, on the rocks."
The bartender nodded, eyes lingering a little too long on Jungkook, before she began pouring their drinks. Jungkook released a breath, certain that he'd been caught, and releaved that that wasn't the case. His fingers trembled slightly as he accepted the proffered glass, and he immediately took a big gulp to steady his nerves. The liquid burned down his throat and he couldn't resist the urge to scrunch his face up, smacking his lips at the disgusting taste. A laugh brought him back, and he turned to see Yoongi grinning widely at him.
"Not for you, huh?" Yoongi teased, taking a sip of his own drink before continuing. He seemed to savor the taste, eyes closing in bliss a second or two before he looked at Jungkook again. "Want to get something else instead?"
"No." Jungkook hurried to say, clutching his glass of whiskey protectively. "I like it." He said, even though he clearly didn't. It wasn't a complete lie. He didn't like the taste, but he liked that Yoongi had bought it for him, that Yoongi liked the drink. He wanted to enjoy it because Yoongi did. He brought the glass to his lips again, managing to control his facial expressions this time as he swallowed the drink down.
Yoongi's smile softened and he reached out to Jungkook, brushing a strand of hair away from Jungkook's face. "Alright then." He said, something almost painfully fond in his eyes as he gazed at Jungkook.
They were quiet for a while after that. Jungkook didn't know what to say, but the silence wasn't awkward. Yoongi was humming slightly under his breath, only audible to Jungkook because they were so close together. It was easy to forget that they were inside a club, despite the loud music and the crowd of people, they seemed to exist in their own little bubble. Then a drunk man came stumbling forward to order a drink, careless as he bumped into Jungkook's back, causing the bar stool Jungkook was sitting on to wobble precariously. Jungkook fell forward, the whiskey sloshing inside the glass, spilling over and wetting his hand. He couldn't think about that however, because Yoongi had caught him with an arm around his waist, and suddenly they were pressed chest to chest. Jungkook let go of his drink, the glass landing on the bar with a clank.
"Careful." Yoongi chided, yanking Jungkook's bar stool closer and helping Jungkook right himself. "Wouldn't want you to hurt yourself."
"Right." Jungkook said. They were still so close, despite sitting securely again, Yoongi kept his arms wrapped around Jungkook. If Jungkook tilted his head just so, their lips would brush together. "Thanks." He said, simultaneously desperately wanting and wholly terrified. "I liked your set." He blurted out when the tension grew too thick.
"Oh, yeah?" Yoongi asked, ducking his head down slightly, suddenly bashful. "You a fan of hip hop?"
Jungkook shrugged, not thinking before answering. "Not really." It took a few seconds of no response before Jungkook realized what he'd said, and he froze, quickly backtracking. "I mean, I haven't listened much to hip hop. I've only ever heard the most popular songs, and they're all bragging about themselves. Their money, their fame, their talent. It just never appealed to me." Yoongi's face was completely expressionless, carefully neutral as he waited for Jungkook to finish. "But your music ..." Jungkook exhaled sharply, a whoah sound leaving his lips. "It was so good. I mean, it both sounded good, but also, the meaning left such an impact. Your lyrics are so raw, so honest. I loved the songs were you rapped about yourself and your struggles, but I especially loved the one where you discussed societal issues and politics. It was a very brave performance. I didn't like hip hop before, but I might now. You convinced me."
Jungkook held his breath, waiting for Yoongi's reaction to his ramblings. For a few tense moments, Yoongi was silent. Then he chuckled slightly in disbelief, leaning forward to rest his chin in the palm of his hand, a dreamy look painted on his face.
"With the risk of sounding entirely too full of myself. Can I just say that I love hearing you talk about my music."
Jungkook's heart skipped a beat. They were so, so close, and yet, seemed to be getting closer by the second. Was this it? Where they going to kiss now?
Jungkook caught movement in his peripheral vision, and when he turned to look he found that a man had climbed up onto one of the bar stools on the other side of the bar, eyes scanning the crowd as his head swivelled from side to side. It was Taehyung.
Guilt and shame churned within him as Jungkook rose to his feet. He'd completely forgotten about his friend, too wrapped up in whatever was going on between him and Yoongi. "I've got to go." He said, moving on autopilot as he took a step away from his seat.
A hand wrapped around his wrist in a loose grip, and Jungkook halted, eyes finding Yoongi's again. The alpha looked nervous, hesitant.
"I'm sorry." Yoongi said, causing Jungkook to frown. "Have I done something to make you uncomfortable?"
"What?" It took several seconds for Jungkook to process the words, uncomprehending of what Yoongi could possibly mean. "What?" He repeated, a bit more horrified once he understood what had brought Yoongi to that conclusion. Of course he'd think Jungkook was uncomfortable if he just up and left in the middle of the conversation. "No! No Yoongi-ssi, of course not. I saw my friend; we got seperated in the crowd earlier. I should get to him, I'm sure he's worried sick." Jungkook pointed to where Taehyung was still standing. His friend had yet to notice him.
"Oh." Yoongi's shoulders slumped, a bit more relaxed now, but he looked kind of dejected as well. His fingers slipped from Jungkook's wrist. Jungkook mourned the loss of Yoongi's hand almost immediately. "You should get going then. It was nice talking to you Jungkook." Yoongi smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Can I get your number?" Jungkook blurted out, eyes widening when he realized what he'd said. He bit his lip, taking another step back. Stupid ... he was so stupid. He'd loved talking to Yoongi, yes. But this couldn't go on no matter how much he wanted it to. Jungkook was only sixteen, he'd lied to get inside the club at all. He didn't know how old Yoongi was, but he couldn't be younger than twenty. Once Jungkook left this club, he'd need to put everything that happened here behind him. And yet ...
"Yeah." Yoongi's smile widened, holding his hand out for Jungkook's phone. He looked genuinely pleased at the prospect of talking to Jungkook again. Jungkook shouldn't. But he was selfish, and he'd never wanted anything more.
When Yoongi returned his phone, there was a new number added to his contacts, and Jungkook felt a nervous excitement begin to grow within him. "I should go." He said, though his feet stayed rooted to the ground.
"Take care of yourself Jungkook. I'll look forward to hearing from you." Yoongi grabbed his hand and squeezed it once.
Jungkook really should go. Taehyung was looking for him; he should go. Jungkook took a step closer to Yoongi. And then another. Before he could change his mind, Jungkook leaned forward and pressed a quick peck to Yoongi's cheek. His skin was soft beneath Jungkook's lips, and he could feel the way Yoongi's breath hitched. Despite wanting to, he didn't linger, stepping away again all too soon. "Goodbye Yoongi-ssi." He whispered, though he doubted Yoongi could hear him over the music. Then he turned and started walking towards Taehyung. His friend had jumped down from the chair, but Jungkook could still see his blonde hair in the crowd.
Taehyung saw him when Jungkook was half-way there, surging forward to wrap Jungkook in a crushing hug. "Jungkookie. I've looked everywhere for you. Are you okay?" Taehyung shouted, right into Jungkook's ear. Jungkook winced, bringing his own arms up to wrap around Taehyung's waist.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Jungkook answered resisting the urge to look over his shoulder at Yoongi. "Did you enjoy yourself?" He asked to turn Taehyung's mind to something else.
Taehyung squeezed him tightly, rubbing his cheek affectionately against Jungkook's shoulder. "Yes. J Hope was so sexy. Did you see the way he danced? And his voice ..." He gushed, practically vibrating as he grinned widely at Jungkook. "But I'm so sorry Jungkook. I got so caught up in his performance that I didn't even notice we'd been seperated until after it was over. I was so worried something had happened to you."
"I'm fine." Jungkook reassured him, returning Taehyung's smile. "You were right, hyung. He was really good. I'm glad I came."
Taehyung relaxed against him, his grip loosening. "Thank god. When I couldn't find you, I kept imagining the worst. I thought I'd have to call your dads and tell them I'd lost you." Taehyung shuddered, and Jungkook's own mind filled with horror.
"Hyung?" He shouted, aghast. "You wouldn't!" If his parents ever found out that Jungkook had snuck into a club, he would never be allowed to leave his room again. He'd be grounded for life. But that wasn't the worst part. The worst thing would be their disappointment in him. Jungkook wouldn't be able to bear it.
"It's not like I wanted to. Your parents would kill me." Taehyung defended himself, beginning to lead Jungkook over to the exit. Jungkook snuck a final glance over his shoulder, desperate to catch sight of Yoongi. He didn't see anything though, the rapper swallowed up by the crowd. He turned back disappointed. "But what choice did I have? You were gone Jungkook. What if you'd died? I couldn't have that on my conscience."
"You're lucky you didn't call them." Jungkook pinched Taehyung's arm, ignoring his pained yelp. "I would've blamed it all on you anyway. It's your fault I'm here."
Jungkook slipped out of Taehyung's grasp, hurrying forward and out into the cold air. It was late now. No traffic, the streets silent and dark. Jungkook felt tension bleed out of his body, and he closed his eyes, breathing deeply. He knew he was being ridiculous, but he felt different now from how he'd been before entering the club. Like he'd grown. Like he'd become someone different.
"Yah." Taehyung yelled behind him, and then he slammed into Jungkook's back, pushing them both forward in an awkward stumble. "You came of your own volition. You can't just throw me under the bus like that."
Jungkook laughed, throwing an arm around Taehyung's shoulders as they walked towards the bus stop. "If I told my dads that you coerced me into coming here, they'd believe me. I'm their one and only son after all." Jungkook poked his tongue out at Taehyung. "Besides, it's the truth."
Taehyung punched him lightly in the side, but there was no anger behind the action. They joked and laughed all the way to Jimin and Taehyung's dorm, cuddling close together on the bus. Jungkook's fingers itched to fish his phone out of his pocket, to send a message to the number saved there. But he wouldn't. Not in front of Taehyung. This was a secret he was not willing to share.