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Hoseok knew something was a little off as soon as he entered the door of his best friend's apartment. It was quiet, a little too quiet, as he padded through the rooms to find the special someone he'd been thinking about for the past week.
He opened the door to the second bedroom, the only room Namjoon actually ever used on a daily basis, and found his best friend reading over piles of essays that needed to be graded for his professor.
It wasn't unusual for Hoseok to find Namjoon like this, tired and in a hurry, but this time it stung to see his best friend flinch from him opening the door.
"Sorry, Namjoon, I just wanted to see if you were busy," Hoseok stood awkwardly by the door as a pair of bloodshot eyes stared blankly at him.
And of course he got the message: Namjoon was always busy, always grading assignments and essays, always catching up on writing the book he started back in high school (and he was certain he was going to finish that damn book), barely getting in his own time to study for other classes.
He was always too busy for Hoseok anymore, and it hurt.
He only received a grunt from messy candy-locks as he turned back around to finish his work. Hoseok took the obvious hint to leave him alone, probably until the end of exams.
And this wasn't something Hoseok was able to do easily, no matter how many times he's been ignored and had to leave Namjoon's apartment. It mostly just wasn't fair, to him or Namjoon.
Hoseok would be left to study by himself, which is something he never did until Namjoon became a TA. They always studied together, even if Namjoon was totally prepared and had a few days to help Hoseok review before he bombs his SAT scores, and not the good kind.
Now he had to rely on Kim Taehyung, a Physics and Computer Engineering major, to help him with the majority of his sciences (which are more of than he likes to admit) and a little bit of math.
While Min Yoongi— no one honestly knows what he was majoring— helps him with each of his calculus classes and some of English, because yeah, Yoongi was actually a pretty good writer, too. And Hoseok was starting to regret each time he never pulled Namjoon out of his dorm, despite the threatening abuse he would probably receive if he did, but he didn't care.
He just wanted his best friend back.
Hoseok wandered down the hall to the library, planning to meet Yoongi for their next study session, and found the man asleep on the table (presumably from the all-nighters working on god-knows-what). But since this was his usual encounter with Yoongi, he knew just to tap him softly on the shoulder a few times until his head shifted.
And that's exactly what Hoseok did, with Yoongi's head rising and a very unattractive yawn followed soon after. Yoongi looked over at Hoseok, with three calculus textbooks in hand, and the same question slipping through his mouth, "Why are you taking so many math classes if you're just a History major, Seok-ah? It's ridiculous."
"They're not all math," Hoseok would defend, out habit now more than anything.
"The majority of science is equations and logical interpretation, which is pretty much just math," and a cute little smile to follow soon after is something Hoseok had grown to look forward to every Tuesday and Friday when Yoongi had agreed to tutor him.
Hoseok could only smile back, setting his textbooks across from Yoongi and taking a seat. He barely let out the breath he was holding before Yoongi spoke again.
"You're earlier than usual," he looked down to check his phone, nodding in agreement to himself, because Hoseok was early, "anything unusual happen?"
Hoseok shook his head, sinking in his chair a little as he thought of Namjoon and his candy pink hair with lavender highlights and the amount of fatigue finally catching on to his appearance.
He must've looked upset because Yoongi's entire persona changed as he looked at a very sad Hoseok (which is a Hoseok Yoongi never wants to see, no matter how much of an asshole he is). And it takes a mere two minutes, and a lot of bravery on Yoongi's part, to actually break the not-so-welcoming silence.
"Manjoon— or whatever his name is— is not someone you should be worrying about right now, Seok-ah. You've got other things on your plate to think about, like exams. Let him be an ass until he understands he’s messing up whatever it is that you guys have, because you look more than upset being ignored by him."
"His name is Namjoon," is all Hoseok can managed to say, even after hearing the infamous Min Yoongi speak more than five words at a time.
"Yeah, I know his name. He's in my Music Comp and he makes me look like an idiot when we're asked to preform for the class. Music is the only thing I'm good at, and here he is being a goddamn prodigy because that man doesn't know when to stop."
"And why does it make a difference if it's one music class? I mean, I hear all the Music majors complain about how they're not going to be able to complete their courses if Namjoon doesn't step down. But you're not— "
Hoseok tilts his head to the side, honestly trying to remember if Yoongi ever mentioned his classes or future interests.
"I am one of those Music majors, Seok-ah. And it's annoying as heck that all he has to do is memorize the notes and basically repeat everything he read in the textbook over the piece, and voila! he's got the professor handing everyone else a crap grade because we don't have the same precision as him," Yoongi brings his fingers up to massage the bridge of his nose, obviously keeping some various thoughts dwelling on his tongue.
And Hoseok is smiling. It probably looks odd and it's not really the best time to be smiling at a worked-up Min Yoongi, but it was nice to known he actually had ambition and something he loved.
Yoongi eventually seemed to notice the way Hoseok was looking at him, curiosity getting the better of him when he didn't receive a snap back about how he was disrespecting Hoseok's best friend.
"You really like music, don't you," Hoseok said slowly, still smiling, just not as much. The twinkle in Yoongi's eye said more than words ever could, even when Yoongi started to talk about how he wanted to be a composer for some of the world's best orchestras.
It was nice to finally know these things. It was nice to know Min Yoongi had a dream.
Exam week passed by quicker than Hoseok expected, receiving grades that looked good enough to make his dad proud (not that he wasn't ever proud, but getting mostly A and B letter scores were definitely something to be extra proud of).
Yoongi took Hoseok out to a celebratory lunch after they both finished their last exams, looking dead as ever when they walked into one of Yoongi's favourite restaurants: a Brazilian Steakhouse. And, of course, no one was complaining, even as the received the too-expensive-for-the-average-university-student bill.
Plus, Hoseok finally got learn a little more about the man with the ink hair and sharp eyes. Like how the Mins were actually one of the most respected family businesses in five major cities across Korea (they distributed several kinds of crops to a variety of companies and restaurants). He has a dog named Holly back in Daegu. He used to work at the music shop down the street from his middle school on the days he wasn't required to help with his family's business. His left shoulder was injured when carrying too many sacked potatoes over it and he collapsed, never being able to fully recover from it. He has an older brother who is working hard to inherit the business once their dad retires. His parents are paying for his tuition, but he has to pay all other expenses on his own.
There's a lot more, but it probably adds up to the amount Hoseok had been telling him over the past semester during their tutoring sessions.
Yoongi didn't seem so cut and dry anymore, he was actually human (because, you know, he finally managed to let his gummy smile take over for once).
Hoseok let Yoongi cover the bill, even with the seven minutes of arguing over who should really take the bill, and they headed back to their dorms. It was snowing when they stepped onto the sidewalk, tickling Hoseok's nose as they decided running to bus stop was a better idea. And despite Yoongi having the world's heaviest pair of boots, he still managed to beat Hoseok to the stop, making perfect time as they rushed onto the bus.
They both sat down heavily into the seats, still out of breath and with Yoongi leaning into the seat in front of him, one hand on Hoseok's knee, the other on his own, but he didn't miss the way the pressure seemed to increase on his knee as he looked at Yoongi continuing to pant.
Maybe Hoseok's chest fluttered a little, just maybe, but he wasn't going to admit that. As much as he started to feel a little spark of something with Yoongi, he wasn't going to give up on Namjoon. Even if he was being an absolute ass and barely sparing a glance his way, Namjoon's still his best friend (even if he sometimes hoped for something more).
Or maybe Hoseok just really liked the Yoongi's hand felt on his exposed knee from the slit in his jeans.
Whatever it was, it didn't matter. It shouldn't matter. Yoongi was his tutor, and now possibly friend, and it shouldn't go beyond that.
Yoongi eventually leaned back in his seat, with his hand still not leaving Hoseok's knee, and Hoseok started to take the time to observe the man beside him.
His posture was lazy underneath the black hoodie, the one he always seems to wear even with the obvious rip by the hood exposing his collarbone 24/7, an old leather jacket over the hoodie that looks warmer than it should, black jeans with rips and cuts and frays in every direction, thick orange socks over his jeans and peaking from sturdy boots.
His appearance was not the usually for a Music major, at least not a classical Music major (even though Yoongi argues that the baroque orchestras are not the same thing as "classical" music). The piercings lining up on each side of his ears definitely would tip anyone in the wrong direction of what Yoongi likes to do. Maybe they would think he's in a rock band or smokes too many cigarettes for his own good.
But that's not at all who Yoongi is. He may look like the kind of person to slam a guitar on stage or sleep with half the school just because he can, but he's not that person. He's got a brain, an incredible one at that, and his goal is to be able to conduct an orchestra for The Royal Family before the queen actually manages to die. He wants to go big in music industry and make people change their mind about the music that helped start it all.
He was probably lingering a little too long on Yoongi's lips, because if he were being absolutely honest, he wouldn't mind having them on his own right now. And the way Yoongi is stroking the exposed skin of knee isn't making things any better.
Hoseok's cheek flare up when they finally make eye contact, quickly turning his head away from Yoongi, which only made him chuckle softly and stick his thumb under the hole in his jeans. This made Hoseok tense, sitting up straighter has he out his hand over Yoongi's, squeezing it just enough to let him know that he was skeptical, and possibly interested.
And then Yoongi did this thing where his voice was low and rough and still as sweet as honey as he spoke, "We don't have to do anything, Seok-ah, but I'm kind of turned on." When Yoongi stood up as the bus halted to their street— he wasn't lying, judging by the restricted bulge in the front of his jeans— and maybe Hoseok was too, but he couldn't quite tell until they managed to get off the bus with Yoongi's crotch just a little too close to his ass.
Just as they were about to be on university grounds, Yoongi grabbed Hoseok's wrist and lead him to the cruddy apartments that were lucky enough to still be in tacked. The complex wasn't necessarily bad, it just needed a little love and less cigarette butts that cover almost every inch of where there used to be grass.
They rush up the old stairs, probably about to break any second, all the way up the sixth floor where is wasn't so dangerous and old looking. The hallway Yoongi lead him down was clean, despite the dusty rose carpet leftover from the 80s and the doors smelling like cedar.
He stopped in front of a door, 647A, and unlocked at a speed Hoseok didn't know was possible. He didn't open it, quickly looking Hoseok in the eye as if asking Are you sure you don't mind? But they both know it's too late now.
Hoseok's cheeks were flushed a pretty pink (which is most definitely not from the cold) and both of their cocks throbbing against their jeans. And since Yoongi was a gentleman, he had to make sure this wouldn't be the biggest mistake of Hoseok's life if he had sex with his calculus tutor.
Hoseok responded quickly by tugging Yoongi by the neck hard into his own face, their lips smashing together at an uncomfortable angle, but quickly recovering as Yoongi grabbed both sides of Hoseok's jaw and pushing him against the door. With a thigh between a his legs, Hoseok started grind against it, both of them making the most ungodly (but still hushed) moans and grunts.
They eventually pulled apart, realising that if they continued they would probably end up naked in a hallway for the rest of the residents to witness (which Yoongi thinks would be the hottest thing ever).
Yoongi opened the door, pushing Hoseok through, and locking the deadbolt as he pulled off his boots. Hoseok was already waiting in the lounge room, shoes and coat already left by the front door, looking around at all of the music history books stacked on shelves and various music sheets with scribbles notes over the spinet piano tucked by the window.
And if Hoseok didn't believe Yoongi was a Music major earlier, he definitely did now.
"Hey," Yoongi called out softly, wobbling over awkwardly from the boner in his jeans, "do you mind if I write a piece about this after?" And the way Hoseok shifted from dazed out to freaked out, Yoongi quickly backed himself up.
"A music piece, like me composing a song over how this felt, even if this might be some not-so-great sex, which I doubt," and Hoseok chuckled, because the possibility was high that it would be great regardless and he wasn't just about to blurt out he was virgin if it meant some good sex, "but I kind of want to remember this, even if it only happens once."
Yoongi laced his fingers in Hoseok's, observing any hint of I really don't want to do this from the man before him. And since there was none, Yoongi slowly lead Hoseok to the only other door in the room, a warm rush of apples and cologne quickly making Hoseok on edge.
Yoongi closed the door behind him, the sound of him taking off his hoodie and unzipping his pants followed soon after. Hoseok felt cold fingers slide under his shirt, roaming across his stomach and chest, bringing the clothing over his head and onto the floor. Yoongi pressed his chest against his back, kissing his shoulder and neck softly and he slipped his hands under Hoseok's jeans (conveniently unbuttoned as Hoseok made his way through the door).
"Just let me know if it's too much, yeah?" Yoongi grazed his teeth over the shell of Hoseok's ear, goosebumps rising all over his neck and chest and he leaned back.
Maybe this wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, even if it was once or several times, he just wanted to feel good. And that's exactly what Yoongi had been planning to give him.
Namjoon was screwed.
Over 200 essays sat on top of his desk that needed to be graded, all by midnight. He calculated how fast he would need to read all the essays, correct the (ungodly) grammatical errors, call some bullshit when at least ten of the essays are the exact same piece, and still make suggestions and comments in the next five hours. This was the life he chose. And he was an absolute idiot for it.
He ran a hand over his face, seemingly regretting the decision of being a TA, probably hoping the internship at the law firm downtown was still available. It took a good few minutes for Namjoon to coax himself to sit down, grabbing the red glitter gel pen Hoseok gotten for him a few months ago, and starting to breeze through the first paper sitting on the stacks of essays that will be haunting him for the next few hours.
He managed to find time for a small break after the one-hundred-and-twenty-third paper, setting his pen down and rubbing his face in every direction possible.
He needed to wake. He almost fell asleep after seeing the same paper for the twelfth time, writing 0/100 on the top before throwing in into the finished pile of papers. Then he started to wonder where Hoseok was. It was unusual for him to be out so late on a school night.
He wondered if he should call his best friend, maybe even try to go and find him before he gets himself into some trouble.
Namjoon’s ringtone started blaring through the small room, making him jump and rush over to answer, not even acknowledging the caller id.
“Hello?”
“Kim Namjoon, I need a favour from you.” Professor Seong mumbled through the phone. Namjoon almost groaned because he knew what he was about to be asked, and he didn’t want to say yes.
“I have done more than enough favours for you and have received nothing in return, Professor. I really don’t appreciate you calling me at this hour,” he was just about to end the call when the professor yelled wait! loud enough for the neighbours to complain.
“I really need help editing these essays. You’re the best student this university has had so far. Please, Namjoon.”
“No, professor. I will pay you to not make me do this for you. I really don’t need your disturbance right now,” Namjoon heard a loud sigh from the other line, already knowing that he doesn’t actually have a choice on whether he has to do this.
He wanted to refuse, to stand his ground and not accept all the promises of the unreturned favours. So, he told the professor that yes, yes he will help him edit the essays once he’s finished grading the ones sitting in front of him.
He did finish grading the essays on time, having at least a good hour to deliver the papers to the professor’s mail slot before heading over to help out Seong and his poor ass. Namjoon alphabetized the papers, like he always does, and put them in the different folders the corresponded.
Hoseok always teased when Namjoon would organise his filing cabinet and rearrange his folders. It was nice when they used to do that, not even a year ago, when Namjoon didn’t wear the asses of his professors for a hat.
He quickly gathered up the folders, shoving his phone in his pocket in the process, and left his apartment. His complex was less than a block to the university, Hoseok’s dormitory building being the closest connection to the English and Literature wing. He always cut through the hallway where Hoseok stayed, even when he knew his best friend wouldn’t be there.
It just made him feel better, the sense of familiarity. He misses it.
Hoseok was possibly a little too happy when he strolled up to his dorm room, his face glowing and a smile that didn't seem to be leaving anytime soon. He couldn't help but think of all the ways Yoongi would touch him, taking his time on prepping him since he was (virgin) tight and needed a little extra love and attention.
Yoongi was sweet and rough and did everything Hoseok asked for (even the weird thing with his toes and Yoongi's thumbs). And Yoongi seemed just as pleased, cuddling up next to Hoseok after an hour's worth of sex before they both decided it was late time for Hoseok to head home.
And when his key was turning in the lock, Kim Namjoon just so happened to be walking down the hall, several manila folders threatening to fall out of his arms. Hoseok still smiled, even though his heart faltered a little at the sight of a confused Namjoon holding all the work he had been doing for the past week (or possibly just hours ago).
He didn't smile back at Hoseok, if anything he frowned more because he couldn't help but recognise the glow over Hoseok's cheeks (even if it was the first time appearing on Hoseok).
Namjoon didn't want to move, he didn't want to look away from smile on his face, no matter how much pain was hidden behind his eyes. But Hoseok broke the eye contact first, opening his door and disappearing behind it, making Namjoon realise that he did that. He did that to his best friend, the pain and the need to leave the hallway as soon as he could.
Namjoon made Hoseok uncomfortable, and he was starting to realise that.
He eventually moved from his not-so-cozy spot in the hallway, needing to deliver the folders to the professors he stupidly agreed to grade papers for. He couldn't let Hoseok distract him from such a simple task, even if Hoseok showing up to his dorm at such a late hour was unusual. He couldn't let that keep him from doing his job as a TA. It just wasn't a good time.
But Namjoon did start to notice Hoseok keeping his distance, and hanging around the only kid who had a chance at achieving their dream (cough, cough, Min Yoongi).
To say Namjoon was jealous may have been an understatement, because usually after exams, he and Hoseok would pack up and go to Japan for the rest of their winter holiday. They had been doing that for the past two years, anyway, but it didn't seem like it was happening this year.
Just go talk to him, Namjoon thought, just go apologize and hope everything will go back to how it was.
And that's sort of what he did, with his arms hugging himself tightly as he nervously approached his best friend. Yoongi and Hoseok were laughing, probably at something stupid like cat whiskers or why goat's milk tastes so awkward.
It was probably more awkward once Namjoon was standing in front of them, looking guilty and asking if he can talk to Hoseok, which took a little more convincing than he wanted.
Yoongi waved them off and smiled, walking in the opposite direction as Namjoon leaned against the wall (he hadn't thought this far ahead).
"So," Hoseok cleared his throat, looking everywhere but Namjoon's eyes, "what did you want to talk about?"
"Kurashiki— I wasn't sure if we were going to do that this year since, you know," Namjoon shrugged, gazing off to the side. It wasn't the way he wanted to ask about it, but he wasn't sure there were going to be many opportunities in the next few days.
And Hoseok just kind of laughed, like it was absurd to think their plans would still be carried through.
"I mean, you've been busy, and Yoongi hyung invited me somewhere for the weekend. I don't know, I felt like you were kind finished with me this term," and that stung Namjoon straight in the heart. His best friend saying something like that.
"I love you, hyung. You're my best friend, you always have been, even when I act as ridiculous as I have been. And as much as it may have seemed like I was annoyed, it honestly was the best part of my day when you sit down and talk about everything and nothing while I graded essays. And then you stopped."
Hoseok nodded, smiling a little at the memories of an energy-drained Namjoon rushing to grade hundreds of assignments while he babbled on about his day. He didn't mind doing that, but Namjoon just got busier and less responsive.
Then this gorgeous little smile started to spread across Hoseok's cheeks, "I still love you, Joon-ah. You're just an idiot."
Namjoon received a genuine hug from Hoseok, something he hadn't realised he'd been missing as the older chuckled down his neck (and the faint whisper of you're still my best friend as they hugged tighter). And maybe, just maybe, going to Kurashiki for holiday wasn't out the question.