Chapter Text
Jungkook can’t stop smiling. Each time they set up for a take, he has to remind himself to tone down his expression a bit. Boy with Luv, the song they’re currently taping for what feels like the tenth music show this week alone, is, admittingly, a happy song, but the performance really calls for more of a soft, flirty feel.
The kind of happy Jungkook is feeling is more of a manic, let-me-sing-from-the-rooftops, tap-dance-in-the-rain, kind of feeling. He has been feeling this way for weeks now, and he often has to restrain himself from throwing his arms around the nearest person and letting the happiness burst out in sound and affection.
Currently he’s pointing his happy energy in laser-like bursts at the Armys in the crowd, which is the perfect outlet. In between takes, he flirts and teases. He gets the energy back ten fold with their laughter and cheers.
“Jungkook-ah!” Seokjin’s voice bursts out from behind him. “Stop hogging Army’s attention! They’re here to see all of us, you know!”
Junkook exaggerates his shocked face for the audience’s benefit and wheels around to face his hyung. “Hyung! I am not! I can’t help it if they like me best.”
“Yah!” It’s Hoseok this time. “That’s not true is it? Army, you love all of us equally, don’t you?” Hoseok makes an exaggerated heart at the several hundred Armys crowded together for the taping.
He is rewarded with a massive wave of cheers. Jungkook scrunches his nose at all the hands covering blushing faces he sees in the crowd as the loudest of his hyungs turns the full force of his energy and affections on them.
Jungkook watches with a grin as his hyungs continue to crank up the antics. Filming for music shows can be a grind, for both them and the Armys who have to wait in line for hours before going through multiple sets and takes. They always do their best to make it an engaging and fun experience for everyone who comes out to support them.
It is undoubtedly one of their busiest comebacks ever. They are constantly on the way to a taping, rehearsing, waiting for set ups, doing several takes, and then packing it up, only to do it all again the next day. On top of all of that, they are in the dance studio, rehearsing for the tour, ironing out wrinkles and reminding themselves of old choreography. When they’re not on group schedules, they’re all working on music for the next album.
And yet, in the midst of the organized chaos, Jungkook has never felt more free. Because in all of those activities there is Jimin. Jimin, Jimin, Jimin. Ever since Jungkook confessed in New York, he has experienced a whirlwind of emotions every single day. And the most amazing thing is that they are all emotions he never thought he would get to experience, not with Jimin.
He’ll look over at him during practise, or when they’re getting their makeup done, and he’ll get a special smile he’s never seen before. He’ll walk close to his side, and their shoulders will brush, and he’ll feel something like the spark you get with socked feet and hardwood floors. It’s a spark that gives every single little thing, even the most mundane task that he’s done a thousand times before, a sheen, like it’s all the first time, all over again.
Because, in a way, it is the first time. Because Jimin knows how he feels and, even if he doesn’t return his feelings to the same degree yet, he still kissed Jungkook back in New York, and he keeps letting him kiss him.
In between the crazed schedules are little moments of peace: Their hands just barely touching in the back seat of a car as they’re being driven home from a taping, a stolen kiss in the hallway of their dorm, Jungkook pressing Jimin a little tighter when he’s giving him the usual neck message on set, letting their bodies rest together a half second longer than usual.
The hours are truly insane during their comeback promotions, and, as a result, they can do little else when they return home but shower and make it to their beds before they pass out. For that reason, Jungkook and Jimin haven’t actually gotten much time alone since that night in New York, and what time they have gotten has been late at night when one would crawl into the other’s bed.
The first time Jimin had slipped into Jungkook’s bed at the dorm, they had shared some kisses, but soon Jungkook pulled away, feeling his hyung’s breathing start to slow. Jimin was practically falling asleep while kissing and Jungkook didn’t blame him, he could barely keep himself from drifting off too.
So, instead, he had manhandled Jimin (easily done in his sleepy state) so that he was cradling him with Jimin’s back to his chest, and they fell asleep within seconds. Since that night, they hadn’t even kept up the pretence of trying to fool around. Instead, they simply crawled into the other’s bed, wrapped their limbs around each other, and let the sound of soft breathing and the smell of freshly washed skin usher them into a peaceful sleep.
They have to be careful too. One thing they had agreed on was to not tell the other members until they had a chance to talk more in depth. Jungkook is a little bit nervous that that might mean that Jimin regrets what happened, but every time they get a moment to themselves, he is met with Jimin’s smile, loads of physical affection, and even some subtle groping, which both makes him blush and look forward to when their schedule calms down and they can have at least one evening when they aren’t both dead tired.
So they both take their time, keeping their focus on their work and sharing furtive glances and small touches. Jungkook is getting the hang of flirting over text. Although with Jimin, it doesn’t take much, flirting is just second nature. The times that they can’t manage to meet up at night, he always wakes up to a selfie from Jimin. It’s either one he took just before he went to bed or when he woke up, each one looking soft and sweet, and often making a funny face into the camera. Jungkook stares at each one before saving it to his camera roll and then sending one back.
The latest selfie he had received from Jimin, however, the one that actually made him a little late to schedule this morning, had not been sweet and soft.
When Jungkook had woken up that morning he had barely wiped the sleep out of his eyes before he reached over for his phone, excited to wake up to another silly picture. The picture had clearly been taken earlier that morning. Jimin’s face was slightly puffy from sleep. The angle was from up high, Jimin's head was resting on his pillow and he was looking straight up into the camera, his eyes laser focused and his lips slightly parted, the rosy pink of his hair highlighting the same colour on his cheeks. The phone was angled to also show his bare chest and stomach, his unoccupied hand resting near his hip where his well-defined v line disappeared into his pajama pants.
The look Jimin was giving the camera was sultry. He looked … well, he looked like he just got done doing something he shouldn’t have. Jungkook's eyes darted down to the message accompanying the photo.
Jimin-hyung
Had a really good dream last night. Woke up thinking about you.
Jungkook took a closer look at the picture, noticed again how pink Jimin’s cheeks were, and how flushed his chest was, how low his pajamas were hanging on his hips.
Jungkook
How much did you think about me?
Jungkook realised he’d been staring at the picture for about five minutes when Jimin’s response came through.
Jimin-hyung
Enough for me to start the day off with some rigorous activity.
Oh god, that was so hot. Jimin had gotten off thinking about him. Jungkook was not surprised to feel himself getting hard at the thought. He glanced at the time. Ok, he could probably spare ten minutes. He quickly slid his hand under his briefs and he kept Jimin’s selfie open on his phone.
He soon sent a picture himself, no message, looking equally as flush and breathless. He barely had time to shower and make it down to the car in time for his pick up. He was the last down, so he got driven alone. When he arrived at their first appointment of the day and sat hastily down for hair and makeup, his stylist tsked slightly at the lost time she now had to make up for, and Jungkook felt a little bad. But then he met Jimin’s eyes in the mirror and got the chance to see him blush, something that is hard to do, given his shamelessness. Totally worth it, he thought, as both their faces broke out into shy smiles.
So if Jungkook is extra happy and hyper on set that evening, he has good reason. He loves his band, he loves his music, and getting to perform. He loves their fans, loves hearing their lilting voices sing along and cheer for them. And he loves Jimin, unequivocally.
The return of his affections the past few weeks has been like a drug to him. He can’t imagine life without it. The thought, intrusive and sudden, sobers him a bit. It’s true that they’ve been attentive and happy with each other so far, but they haven’t yet had any conversation about what the long term looks like. Jungkook is trying to be patient, but he is starting to feel the need to have surer footing beneath him.
Jungkook shakes himself. He has to be patient, and right now, they have to focus on work. They’ll have more time soon. He puts his worries away and focuses on what is in front of him. They’re setting up for Dionysus, one of the most rigorous choreos they’ve ever done.
They run through the performance once, twice, three times. The cheers and fanchants keep him energized as he sets his mind to the sharp lines and complex moves this song requires. Performing in front of a live audience is always thrilling and somehow allows them to reach reserves of energy they never could otherwise, but he can tell that everyone is flagging as they set up for the fourth run through.
They normally wouldn’t need so many, but this particular set piece has a complicated intro and outro, and the director needs one more take to line up the views right. Jungkook puffs out a breath and makes eye contact with Yoongi, who is subtly rubbing his shoulder. Yoongi grimaces at him but then throws him a thumb’s up. They’ll push through, like they always do.
Jungkook can feel himself taking a few short cuts though, his exhausted limbs trembling a bit with the effort. He doesn’t know exactly how it happens, but when they fall forward during Namjoon and Seokjin’s back and forth, his arms give way a bit and his chin connects with the floor. He feels a flash of pain and he bites his tongue a little, tasting the distinct copper of blood.
He is a bit dazed as he jumps up and into the next piece, but he pushes to keep going. He really doesn’t want them all to have to do another take. He manages to keep his vocals up and finishes strongly.
He doesn’t want to give anything away, so he smiles and waves at Army, resisting the urge to rub at his chin until they are safely backstage. He hangs back a bit from the others and makes eye contact with Manager Sejin, who looks like he caught what happened.
As they walk side by side back to the dressing room, Sejin takes his jaw tentatively in his hand and makes Jungkook pause, lifting his chin slightly. “I saw that. Looked like it hurt.”
Jungkook grimaces. “A little, not too bad.”
“Alright, come on, let’s have it looked at, just in case. You did good.” Sejin smiles softly, and Jungkook gives him one back.
As they walk into the dressing room, he sees that Jimin has noticed he’s lagging. He throws Jungkook a curious glance and mouths, “You ok?”
Jungkook gives him a quick nod but then heads over to their medical staff, always available, especially during performances. Hoseok notices and skips over. “Hey Jungkook-ah. What’s going on?”
“Oh, it’s ok hyung.” He half addresses him and the medic. “Just banged my chin off the floor a bit.” The medic snaps to attention, getting Jungkook to sit so he can examine his chin and the inside of his mouth, just in case. He touches and prods a bit, getting Jungkook to tell him how much it hurts.
When Jungkook tilts his head back down he can see Jimin and Taehyung have made their way over, both partially out of their stage outfits. He can see his three other hyungs hanging back across the room, but all keeping an eye over where they are.
They are quiet as the med staff completes his assessment. He pats Jungkook on the shoulder and says, “Looks ok, might just be a little bruised and sore for a few days.” Jungkook nods and smiles before making eye contact with Hoseok and Taehyung. “Don’t worry hyungs, barely felt it.”
Hoseok tsks and rubs his hair before walking away to get changed, and Taehyung glances over to Jimin before giving Jungkook a nudge to his shoulder. “Try to take it easy Jungkook-ah, we can’t have you banging off of every surface just because you think you’re invincible.” It is said with a smile and Jungkook takes it for the light admonishment it is.
“Sure, hyung.” Finally, he turns his eyes to Jimin, not trusting himself to do it earlier with the others watching so closely. Jimin has concern etched across his features but he saunters up casually. He sniffs and then says, “Show off.”
Jungkook is shocked into a laugh, scrunching his nose and forgetting all about the dull throb of his chin. “Huh?”
Jimin sits beside him and throws his arm around his neck. “Showing off for Army just how thick that skull of yours is.”
Jungkook laughs again and he leans into Jimin’s side a little bit longer than he normally would, sharing a warm glance with him.
Jimin stands up, offering his hand. “Come on Jungkook-ah. Let’s get changed.” And then, a little quieter, “We finally have enough time for a full night’s sleep. Let’s not waste it.”
Jungkook reads between the lines and he lets Jimin pull him to his feet. “No, let’s not do that.”
---------------------------------
Later that night, after he has washed up back at the dorm, Jungkook knocks on Jimin’s door, feeling a little nervous. It’s quiet throughout the two story apartment. Most of the guys have their own places scattered throughout the city that double as real estate investments and havens of privacy when needed.
During comeback the dorm is their home base for reasons of convenience and camaraderie, but given the lighter schedule they have tomorrow, several of the guys are taking advantage of some much needed quiet time at their various apartments. Jungkook and Jimin have elected to stay in the dorm tonight along with Seokjin and Yoongi, who both claimed to want to go straight to bed and sleep for a good twelve hours.
He hears a bit of rustling inside, then Jimin’s voice makes its way through the door, “Come in!”
Jungkook opens the door and finds Jimin sitting on the bed, knees up to his chest as he carefully places a bandaid on one of his toes. He’s wearing soft silk bottoms and a tank top, his hair damp from the shower, looking more purple than pink when wet.
Jungkook carefully closes and locks the door behind him. When he turns around, Jimin is still engrossed in his task.
Jungkook takes a seat in the chair Jimin has kitty corner to the bed and runs a hand through his hair. “Can I help, hyung?” he says, just as Jimin seems to finish.
Jimin smiles as he looks up and shakes his head. “Nope! All done. Just a blister.”
“I told you, you don’t have to wear those chelsea boots for every single performance.”
“Yah, I do not!” Jimin smirks good naturedly as he slides his bare feet down to the floor. “Besides, I look hot in them.”
Jungkook blushes slightly. He feels the spark of possibility in the air like a live wire.
He knows they need to talk too. Soon, their korean comeback schedule will be over, there will be the final preparations for the tour, and then they’ll be flying around the world, performing in stadiums for hundreds of thousands of people. Jungkook feels like they should lay down some ground rules before their lives get even more chaotic. But the idea of bringing up something so formal makes sweat break out on the back of his neck.
He focuses back on the present, remembers that Jimin is flirting with him and, while he wants to talk, he also has been desperate to be alone with him again. He grins at his hyung.
“I won’t lie, you do look hot in them. But let’s admit the real reason for the boots.”
Jimin scrunches his nose in confusion. Jungkook holds out his hand in a flat line and then slowly starts raising it.
Jimin makes an outraged face and lunges forward, grabbing Jungkook’s hand. “Yaaaah you brat! I do not wear them for that!”
Jungkook laughs, grabs Jimin’s hand right back and pulls him forward until he is forced across the space between them. He guides him until he’s sitting in his lap, legs sideways across his.
Jimin’s face is suddenly very close to his own.
“Hey,” Jungkook says, quietly.
“Hey,” Jimin says and then leans forward for a kiss, like it’s the easiest thing in the world.
Jungkook relaxes into it, contentment spreading through his limbs, the tiredness of the day washing away as the warmth spreads. The kiss is gentle and sweet, the two boys quietly sharing breath.
Jimin reaches a hand up to cup at Jungkook’s chin and he feels a dull throb of pain. He winces and pulls back. Jimin’s eyes immediately go wide and he pulls his hand away. “Oh! Sorry Kookie! I forgot about your chin!”
Jungkook quickly rubs at it himself, which just causes the pain to flare a little more. Jimin tsks at him, seeing him wince as he rubs at it.
“Sorry, hyung, I can’t stop touching it, which is stupid.”
“Don’t be silly, I do it all the time, you can’t help it at first. Here, come sit on the bed, let me just take a look at it.”
Jimin shifts off of Jungkook’s lap and pulls Jungkook over to the bed, forcing him to sit and look up at the ceiling so he can take a look at the underside of his chin.
This is silly, Jungkook thinks, the medical team already cleared him. But then Jimin’s hands are on his face and neck, tilting his face up. Jimin’s face is so close that he decides not to say anything. Jungkook keeps his eyes angled down so he can look at Jimin’s soft eyelashes and the tops of his full cheeks as he inspects his chin.
Jimin tsks again. “Well, looks ok, just a little red. We really have to change that choreo for the tour.”
Jungkook tries to nod even though Jimin still has a firm grip on his face. “Yeah, Sundeuk-nim actually called me, he’s already choreographed a couple of different options.”
Jimin nods. “Good! I’m glad, that was way too hard to do consistently well anyways. But you do tend to go at things a little too enthusiastically, Jungkook-ah.”
Jungkook can’t help feeling amused, seeing as he’s getting a lecture from his hyung, while said hyung is in his pajamas, and keeping a firm grip on his face and neck.
Jungkook laughs, and says, “If I agree with you, will you let go of my face?”
Jimin looks surprised for a moment, then laughs too, eyes shifting into little half moons. He lets go of Jungkook’s face and throws his head back in laughter.
Jimin stops laughing suddenly and raises a hand to his shoulder, rubbing it a bit. It’s Jungkook’s turn to scold.
“No time for your massage hyung? I thought you were going to make sure to get one tonight?”
“Aigoo, I completely forgot until just now.”
Jungkook scoots back on the bed and pats the spot he has made in front of him. “Here, hyung. Let me work my magic.”
Jimin smiles and quickly acquises, sitting down on the mattress facing away from Jungkook. Jungkook grips Jimin’s torso with one arm, steadying him, and then starts to work on what he knows are his trouble areas with the other. He carefully digs his hand into Jimin’s shoulder and neck, not wanting to hurt him, but knowing that a little pain now will mean less pain later.
Jimin groans a little as Jungkook works on his shoulder, allowing Jungkook to angle him how he needs. At first Jungkook is very focused on working out Jimin’s knots, but once he feels the muscles start to cooperate and Jimin’s back and shoulder start to relax, he gives a little more attention to other areas. He starts to lightly message down to his lower back, being more gentle now that he isn’t rubbing so much for rehabilitation as he is for relaxation.
Jimin lets out another quiet moan and Jungkook takes that as encouragement. He slides his hands up and down Jimin’s back, letting himself take his time as he explores every muscle, every dip and angle. He slows his movements, making them less utilitarian and more intimate.
Jimin’s head falls forward and he lets another low sound escape his throat. It sends a little shiver down Jungkook’s spine. He drags his hands back up to Jimn’s neck and softly kneads at the base, letting his fingers extend to the sides of his throat, feeling the just-showered soft skin on his fingertips.
Jimin reaches up and grabs Jungkook’s hands, pulling his arms forward so that he is hugging Jimin from behind. Jimin keeps Jungkook’s arms against his chest with his own and he leans back into Jungkook, letting his head fall back to rest perfectly where Jungkok’s neck meets his collarbone.
Jimin looks up at Jungkook through his eyelashes, and he says, “Why are you so nice to me?”
Jungkook answers immediately. “Because you deserve it. Because I like you so much.”
Jimin lets his mouth fall open slightly, breath deepening, and eyes blinking rapidly. Oh, Jungkook thinks. Oh. And then he’s leaning down the scant centimetres it takes to place his mouth on Jimin’s.
Jimin responds eagerly and they kiss, softly at first, and then with growing exploration. The angle is a little awkward but Jungkook doesn't let that deter him. He delves his tongue into Jimin’s mouth, tasting his mint toothpaste and the sweetness of his breath. How does he manage to always taste so good?
Soon, kissing isn’t enough, and Jungkook starts to rub his hands along Jimin’s front, at first in small circles underneath Jimin’s own hands. Jimin lets his arms fall to his sides, allowing Jungkook free rein.
Jungkook takes the hint and allows himself to touch however he wants. He keeps one hand firm on Jimin’s lower belly and drags the other one up his chest. Once he reaches the top of his tank top, he dips his hand under the shirt, slowly reaching lower until he feels his fingers rub against one of Jimin’s nipples.
Jimin gasps into his mouth and Jungkook feels his own cock twitch in interest.
Jungkook continues to softly run his hand over Jimin’s nipple, just a gentle teasing as it hardens into a peak. Soon Jimin is hardly kissing back, doing little more than gasping into Jungkook’s mouth.
Jungkook decides to take a different tack and breaks the kiss, using the angle to instead focus on kissing and nipping at Jimin’s neck and shoulder. Jimin lets his head fall back fully onto Jungkook’s shoulder, basking in his ministrations. Jungkook keeps his hand firm on Jimin’s stomach, pressing his body back into his own, where Jimin can no doubt feel Jungkook’s hardening cock.
Jimin keeps his hands at his sides, his body pliant, and Jungkook feels a thrill at the knowledge that he is letting him do whatever he wants. What he wants, he realizes, is to watch Jimin fall apart. He keeps teasing at Jimin’s nipple, being a little rougher now that he is clearly turned on, skin flushed, chest raising and falling rapidly. He even allows himself to gently bite where Jimin’s neck meets his shoulder, before quickly laving over the small marks he made with his tongue.
Jimin lets out a moan, voice almost sounding tired with how low and textured it is, but his body is still relaxed, leaning all of his weight on Jungkook.
“Hyung, want to … want to make you feel good.” Jimin just hums in response, keeping his eyes closed as Jungkook pauses to kiss a wet trail up his neck.
“Want to make you come. Can I make you come?” Jimin’s eyes snap open and he looks up at Jungkook. He finally lifts one arm to wind it in Jungkook’s hair.
“Yes, baby, do what you want.”
Jungkook lets out a shaky breathe, then lowers his head to give Jimin another thorough kiss. Soon he pulls away to look down at his hyung’s body, leaning against his and open for the taking. Jungkook uses his anchoring hand to pull up Jimin’s top, rucking it up so that it bunches under his armpits. He’s too impatient to take it off, unwilling to pull away even for a second.
He can see an erection tenting the blue silk of Jimin’s pants and he decides to waste no time. He slides one hand down his chest, palming at his hardened nipples as he goes, before quickly sweeping over his lower stomach muscles and sliding it underneath the silk of his pajama bottoms.
He’s not surprised but still thrilled to discover that Jimin isn’t wearing any underwear underneath the soft pants. He slowly runs his hand through the soft tufts of hair above his cock before decisively moving further down and lightly running his hand over Jimin’s hardening length. Jimin lets out a gasp, still not doing much with his hands, just keeping the one fisted in Jungkook’s hair, the other immersing itself in the pool of sheets by his side.
Jungkook resumes kissing and licking Jimin's neck, at the same time using his hands to rub his chest and slowly guide Jimin’s cock to full hardness. The silk of Jimin’s pants and the soft velvet of his cock is leading Jungkook into an almost dreamy state, and he hums a little into the crook of Jimin’s neck.
He could do this forever. Just feel his hyung’s body, enjoy the textures and temperatures. Jimin, however, lets out a needy whine and Jungkook realizes that what he’s doing with both hands could easily be labelled teasing. He decides to have a little mercy and firmly grips Jimin’s cock. He starts moving his hand up and down his shaft, changing up the pressure and speed as he listens to Jimin’s sounds, which are so close to his ear that he feels like he might come himself from just listening. His own cock is half hard, pressed up tight against Jimin’s back. He keeps himself still though, focusing on Jimin.
He can’t see what he’s doing, everything still underneath Jimin’s pajama bottoms, but this angle is actually much easier for him to perform from, almost like he’s handling himself. He employs a few tricks that he’s used on himself, his thumb sliding neatly into Jimin’s wet slit at the top, allowing his hands to broaden and take in Jimin’s balls for a quick massage every handful of strokes. Soon Jimin is panting and arching his back, using the levredge of Jungkook’s body to press his hips upward and chase the gentle warmth of Jungkook’s fist.
Jungkook picks up the pace of his hand while also suddenly remembering to give renewed attention to Jimin’s nipples. He pinches one and then the other, eliciting a more frantic sound from Jimin’s mouth, before he spreads his large hand wide and finds he can reach them both at the same time with with his thumb and middle finger.
Jimin is arching his back further, his eyes tightly squeezed shut as he lets out a continuous string of low pitched “ah, ah, ahs.”
Jungkook feels Jimin’s body tense up and he keeps up the pace of his hand. Soon, Jimin lets out a long raspy moan and Jungkook uses his hand on his chest to keep him anchored to his body while he feels Jimin’s cock pulse, quickly followed by the tell tale sign of hot wetness spilling over his knuckles. He looks down and sees that the blue of the silk is growing darker where he knows Jimin’s head is twitching out the last of his orgasm.
Jungkook stills his movements and presses his cheek firmly against Jimin’s, hugging his body tight to his own, pulling down his top and then rubbing his clothed stomach, hoping to be reassuring as Jimin comes down from the high of his orgasm.
Jimin sighs prettily, cheeks pink and chest flushed, and turns his head to nuzzle his nose and lips against Jungkook’s neck. “Hmmmm, you’re so good Jungkookie, so sweet.” A warm glow spreads through his chest at those words but he also can’t help but also let out a quiet snort.
“You’re calling that sweet?”
Jimin lifts his head a bit, still looking a bit dazed but gaze slowly sharpening as he keeps his eyes firmly on Jungkook’s face. Jungkook suddenly regrets his teasing, feeling stuck underneath Jimin’s intense look.
“Yes, that’s exactly what you are. You are a beautiful, sweet boy. Look at your big eyes.” Jimin shifts slightly in Jungkook’s grasp so he can wrap both of his arms around his neck.
Jungkook feels trapped, but also thrilled by the attention, so he just swallows hard, unsure how to respond to the compliment.
Jimin plants a small kiss on his nose. “And this nose. I love this nose. It’s so … you.” He gently kisses a spot high up on his left cheek next. “And your scar, I love it too.”
Jungkook can feel himself start to blush, not used to receiving so much focused attention.
Jimin blinks slowly a few times and then says. “Do you know how beautiful you are, Kookie?”
Jungkook waits a few seconds and then realizes that Jimin is actually waiting for an answer. He clears his throat and then can’t do more than shake his head slowly.
“Well you are, you are beautiful and sweet. And yes, that was the sweetest handjob that anyone has ever received.” Jimin giggles at that last bit and Jungkook just stares unbelieving at the playful nymph he has in his arms.
He manages to tease a little back, “How was that sweet, hyung?”
Jimin tilts his head. “Why don’t I show you what I mean?”
Jimin gets that look then that he gets right before he does something a little bad. Jungkook recognizes it from countless Run tapings and many drunken nights over the years. It’s often followed by some light cheating, or a round of shots.
And then Jimin is pulling away, sliding down off the bed and turning until he’s on his knees on the floor at the edge of the mattress. Before Jungkook can fully register what is happening, Jimin has pulled him forward easily (sometimes Jungkook forgets how strong Jimin is) until his legs are hanging over the edge, feet on the floor.
He suddenly realises that Jimin is kneeling between his legs with his "I’m about to do something bad" face and his brain promptly short circuits, supplying nothing but an “uhhhhhh?” to pass his lips.
Jimin licks his lips (more short circuiting is happening deep in Jungkook's brain) and says, voice low and teasing, “Let hyung show you the opposite of sweet.”
Jungkook can’t say anything in response as Jimin leans forward, nuzzling his face against the crotch of his sweats, and Jungkook has to close his eyes in shock as he feels Jimin’s hot breath ghosting along his semi-hard cock through the thin fabric. One of Jimin’s hands grips tightly on his thigh and the other dives down to rub at his balls and shaft through the fabric.
Jungkook is rock hard in a matter of seconds. He would feel embarrassed if he could process anything beyond the need for him to keep breathing in and out, in order to survive long enough to let Jimin demonstrate what he wants to.
Jimin smirks a little, but then he’s tapping Jungkook’s side and sliding both his sweats and underwear off in one quick swipe as Jungkook helps by lifting his hips. Jimin takes them completely off his legs, and he is half naked, cock hard and already leaking, resting against his clothed stomach.
Jungkook opens his mouth to say something, he doesn’t know what yet, but Jimin doesn’t give him the chance. He firmly grips Jungkook’s cock with one hand and then lowers his head, taking most of Jungkook’s length into his mouth in one long, wet, hot slide.
Jungkook has to fist his hands into the sheets on either side of himself hard, suddenly feeling the need to pinch himself as he watches, eyes wide and mouth hanging open, as Jimin’s generous lips wrap around him. And then he has to close his eyes briefly, caught up in how good Jimin’s mouth feels. All his brain manages is hot, wet, more.
Jimin doesn’t wait for him to catch up. He’s already building up an intense pace, keeping a light suction going as he bobs his head up and down, sliding his mouth all the way up until Jungkook can feel it just encompassing the tip before he quickly slides back down, not quite deepthroating him, but taking most of him in with each go.
Jungkook suddenly realizes that he’s missing out on the best part: Park Jimin is sucking his cock and he’s not watching every second of it. He snaps his eyes open, watching intently as Jimin’s lips, getting redder by the moment, drag up and down his length.
Jimin looks up and notices Jungkook watching. He takes his right hand and grips it tight at the base of Jungkook’s cock, and when he raises his head this time he lets his tongue flick around and encircle Jungkook’s head. Jungkook lets out the first sound he thinks he’s made this whole time in a fierce hiss.
Jimin keeps eye contact for a few more strokes, and then his eyes are closing again and he picks his pace up, sucking so hard that Jungkook thinks he might be trying to kill him. He feels like a dam is bursting inside him, and he goes from shell-shocked silence to an avalanche of words. “Ahhhh, fuck, hyung, yes, yes, fuck yes, Jimin, hyung, yes.”
Jungkook has had blow jobs before, more than his fair share with his sexual partners, but he has never felt like he’s going to come within a minute before.
Jungkook realizes that that was not just a fleeting thought, he’s really going to come embarrassingly fast. He fights the instinct to wrap his hand in Jimin’s hair and pull him back, and by the time he loses the battle with himself, he realizes he can’t stop it at this point.
Jimin is going to make him come within max two minutes of putting his lips on him and Jungkook just surrenders to the situation. Even if all five of his other hyungs were to walk in at this exact moment, he wouldn't be able to stop what’s about to happen.
The wet sounds of Jimin’s mouth on him get louder as Jimin let’s some of the saliva gathering in his mouth drip down Jungkook’s cock, and it’s the filthy sounds, combined with the incredible tight heat, and the sight of Jimin’s plump lips wrapped around him that has Jungkook suddenly crying out, “Jimin, ah, ah, Jimin, I’m gonna come, ah, yes, yes, yes.”
Jimin doesn’t pull away or let up his pace, his hand now also racing up and down his shaft, following quickly behind his mouth. Jungkook sees white flashes and then he’s arching his back as he feels his orgasm hit him, head thrown back so his face tilts up to the ceiling, cock pulsing his release into Jimin’s mouth.
He quickly snaps his head back down to look, and he can both feel and see the moment that Jimin starts swallowing. His head is still now, but Jungkook’s cock is still deep in his mouth so he can feel his tongue and jaw moving as he swallows his cum.
Jungkook finally reaches forward, winding his hands into Jimin’s hair, not pulling or tugging but just gently cupping his head and wiping his damp bangs out of his eyes. Before Jimin pulls away, he looks up at Jungkook’s face again, eyes slightly watery from the effort, and Jungkook thinks he will never forget this particular mental image.
Then Jimin does the most audacious thing since this began: He pulls off of Jungkook with a slight pop, licks the corner of his mouth, and then he actually looks up at Jungkook with his flushed cheeks and his debauched, red lips, that were just wrapped around his dick, and he actually fucking giggles.
Jungkook can only stare at him, jaw slack, as he says, in a voice clearly slightly abused from, again, Jungkook’s cock, “See? That was not sweet.”
Jungkook lets out an incredulous puff of laughter. He feels a little lightheaded, but he reaches forward to gather his hyung up in his arms and pull him up into bed with him, squeezing him tight and tucking his face into the nape of his neck. Jimin keeps giggling, clearly very pleased with himself
Jungkook pulls away a bit so he can capture Jimin’s mouth, deciding he needs to kiss this silly, incredibly sexy hyung until he can’t giggle anymore. Jimin’s lips are extra soft and puffy from use, and Jungkook loses himself in gently but thoroughly kissing him. He tastes sweet but with a hint of bitterness that he knows come from himself. He can’t get enough of it.
Eventually though, he gently pulls away and finally feels composed enough to say, “Alright hyung, you win. I guess, in comparison with that, my handjob could be called sweet.”
Jimin’s eyes crinkle up in happiness and he pulls Jungkook in again for a quick kiss before settling his head on Jungkook’s chest, listening as his breathing calms.
They stay silent for a little while before Jungkook says, “No, but really, that was the hottest blow job I’ve ever had, which I’m hoping is enough of an ego boost that you’ll promise never to tell anyone how fast I came?” Jungkook deliberately lilts his voice up high at the end, trying to make Jimin laugh.
Jimin obliges with a soft exhale of laughter before he looks up at Jungkook and says, suddenly earnest, “I liked it. I like how quickly you respond to me, to my touch.” He sounds almost shy.
Jungkook follows his lead and allows himself to be a little vulnerable, “Your touch is electrifying -- I’ll never get tired of it.” He pauses, and adds, “but I do hope I build up a bit of resistance, or we’re going to be in trouble.”
Jimin laughs and taps his hand on Jungkook’s chest. Jungkook shifts a little so he can grab his briefs off the floor and slip them back on. As Jungkook settles back on the bed, gathering Jimin into his arms again, Jimin pulls away a bit. “Speaking of embarrassing, I just realized that I technically came in my pants, and I’m not exactly feeling fresh here.”
Jungkook lifts his head up and says, “Second shower? Together?” He knows he sounds a little eager but he can’t help it. He’s been spending down time between shoots daydreaming about all the different dating-type scenarios he can experience with Jimin now, and showering together is one he has to admit he has thought about excitedly once or twice.
Jimin nods and they agree to meet at the bigger bathroom in five minutes. Jungkook leaves first, heading to his room to grab a fresh couple of towels. He takes his time, and once he’s in front of the bathroom door he can hear the shower already going.
He heads inside and locks the door behind him calling out, “Hyung?” just in case. Jimin quickly answers from inside the steamy shower.
Jungkook undresses and slips inside. He feels a few butterflies when he finds Jimin inside, naked of course, and glistening with water droplets under the spray. His hair is slicked back, his features looking bold without the softness of his hair to fill out his face.
Jungkook quickly joins him under the hot water, greeting him with a kiss. They keep the kiss casual, both not quite up to another round, but Jungkook can’t resist reaching down and giving Jimin a quick, wet smack on his ass before pulling away to grin at him.
Jimin looks a little indignant and he says, “You can never resist doing that can you?”
Jungkook shakes his head then gives a little pout and says, “What? I didn’t get to during, you know, and is it really fooling around with Park Jimin if you don’t take advantage of his best feature?”
Jimin puts on a faux shocked face. “Excuse me? I’ll let you know that my best feature is my lips, or my eyes.”
Jungkook stays silent and just raises an eyebrow.
“Fine, yes, I have an amazing ass, everyone knows this.”
Jungkook delights in the sounds of their banter echoing off the tile. It sounds like happiness.
Jimin’s smile falls a little and he wraps his arms around Jungkook, pulling him a little further away from the spray for a moment.
“Jungkookie … you know that I’m not just … fooling around with you, right?”
Jungkook feels a swoop in his stomach. “I know hyung, I know you wouldn’t do that.”
Jimin looks a little nervous as he says, “These past few weeks, with you, have been … amazing.”
“I think so too,” Jungkook practically whispers.
“I know we really haven’t had a chance to talk about things. Maybe we take some time after we’re done in here?” Jungkook nods eagerly.
Jimin reaches up and bops him on the nose. “Good. Now, try to keep your muscles out of my way while I clean up. If you recall, I was a mess at the end of all that, while you were kept neat and tidy by yours truly.” He gives Jungkook a salacious wink. As he turns back to the spray, Jungkook gives him another resounding smack on his butt as payback for that comment.
They manage to keep their hands off each other (well, relatively speaking) for the rest of the shower. They talk and laugh as they are drying off and brushing their teeth. Jungkook manages to shake his wet hair like a dog and make Jimin double over laughing. Jungkook has to shush him a little bit. They’re still not being totally open with the hyungs after all, and while communal showers were common when they only had one bathroom, they’re far from the norm anymore.
In no time at all they’re back in Jimin’s room. For a while they just talk about whatever, Jungkook again perched in Jimin’s chair, Jimin leaning back up against the headboard of his bed, knees drawn up to his chest. Jimin tells a funny story about his idol group chat and a misunderstanding between two of the members. Eventually, talk turns to the tour and which cities they are most excited about.
“I think I’m most excited for LA right now,” Jimin is saying. “Mostly because it’s going to be the first show. I can’t wait for everyone to see the new sets. It’s a little hard for me to see past those dates actually. What about you, Kookie?
Jungkook things for a few moments and then says, “Wembley. London. All of Europe, really. I promised everyone I would be back and doing my best this time and the thought that I can make up for all of that ...” Jungkook finds it hard to express himself, but it’s going to mean the world to him to make it up to all those Armys that he couldn’t show his best last year.
Jimin is looking at him carefully. “I don’t think you have anything to make up for, Kookie, but I get what you mean. It’s going to be amazing, we’ll give them a show they’ll never forget.”
Jungkook nods, thoughts far away, thinking about his new set, how he’ll be flying through all those stadiums all around the world.
Jimin snaps him out of it by flopping his legs down wide on the bed and patting the space between them. “Come sit here, Kookie, let’s talk.”
Jungkook heads over, sitting between Jimin’s legs and leaning his back against his chest. Jimin wraps his arms around Jungkook’s torso, making him feel safe and warm instantly. Jungkook can feel the gentle rise and fall of Jimin’s chest, and when he turns his head so that his ear is pressed against it, he can hear his heartbeat, low but steady.
Jimin intertwines their hands. “So,” Jimin says.
“So,” Jungkook responds. He wants to help, but he sort of feels like the ball is in Jimin’s court. Jungkook was almostly painfully honest about his feelings back in New York and what he wanted. Jimin was the one processing everything over the last few weeks.
“So. I guess I’ll start? Well … I guess, I still can’t quite believe everything that has happened in the last few weeks. I won’t lie to you, it’s been so busy that I truly haven’t even had a ton of time to think much further than the next day. But I meant what I said earlier. Having the little bits of time we’ve been able to in between all the usual chaos, it’s been … so … nice. I just hope that …” Jimin trails off and Jungkook, who has been listening to Jimin’s voice slightly muffled by the sounds of his breathing through his chest, lifts his head up so he can glance up at him. He looks worried.
“You hope that …?” Jungkook prompts, squeezing Jimin’s hands a little to encourage him.
Jungkook squeezes back for a few seconds, then continues. “I hope that you can be patient with me. What you did in New York, what you said … it was so brave, Jungkookie. So much of what you said meant so much -- means so much to me. But …”
Jungkook decides to just say it. Better to start with total honesty. “But you don’t love me the same way I love you.”
Jimin rushes to speak, suddenly tense. “But not because I can’t, or I wouldn’t, Jungkook, you’ve made me feel so much in such a short time --”
Jungkook interrupts him. “No, hyung, it’s ok, really, really it’s ok. I didn’t say that because I’m upset about it. I know that you’re not in the same head space that I am. How could you be? I’ve had feelings for you for a long time, you only started thinking about me that way a few weeks ago. I’m just trying to say that I understand, and that I don’t expect you to be in the same place as me yet.” Jungkook squeezes Jimin’s hands again, small in his grasp.
“Besides, this is all new to me too. I’ve been in relationships before, but none that have lasted more than a few months. And with how well we know each other, it kind of feels like we’re starting in the middle, rather than the beginning. I would love to take things slow, figure out what it means for us to be together.” A thought occurs to Jungkook and he swallows hard. “Unless, sorry, are you saying that maybe you don’t … don’t want to…” He trails off.
“Don’t want to what?” Jimin asks, sounding unsure.
“Um, well, sorry, I just assumed you want to keep trying, even though that’s not what you said and I just keep talking. I’m going to stop talking. You talk. Please.”
Jimin quickly presses a kiss to the top of his head. Jungkook is a little scared to look up at him, worried about seeing rejection in his face. “No, I meant what I said earlier. I’m not just fooling around with you. I’m taking this very seriously. I have been really happy with you. Ever since that night in New York, I feel like every day is full of so many possibilities. But I’m glad to hear that you’re ok with taking it slow. I was also thinking about the fact that we’re kind of starting in the middle. The getting to know you period isn’t something we’re going to experience, and I don’t want to get too deep and potentially mess everything up by moving too fast --”
“Hyung, please don’t worry. I’m willing to go as slowly as you want to. We can just do what we’re doing. Make some time for each other, do the things we want to do together, but we don’t have to put a label on it or call it forever or anything. I can be … casual.”
Jimin huffs at that, and he pulls Jungkook up and prompts him to turn in his arms so that they’re facing each other, chest to chest.
Jimin takes Jungkook’s head in both of his hands and says, a little intensely, “Jeon Jungkook. Please really hear me on this. Nothing about this is casual to me. You deserve so much more than casual. You already mean too much to me, even before all of this, to be even in the vicinity of the word casual. I just mean that I would rather take things steady and slow and keep our relationship strong, than rush in and risk anything. Ok?”
Jungkook nods eagerly, suddenly feeling too emotional for words.
“Good.” Jimin takes his hands away from his face. “But we should probably talk about how we want to handle things. We’re going on tour, and there’s going to be staff around us constantly, not to mention Tae and the hyungs.”
Jungkook sinks down again so he’s resting against Jimin’s chest, glad to be able to tackle some less emotionally risky subjects. “Right, ok, well. Why don’t we just think about it like this.” He smiles. “Let’s make a list of the things we want to be able to do, and then talk through who might need to know about us to make sure we can do them.”
Jimin claps his hands together briefly the way he does when he gets excited. “Yeah, ok! Ummmm, I’ll go first. Well, it’s tour, so obviously we’re going to want to be able to share rooms when we want to.”
Jungkook grins up at Jimin. “Going right for the good stuff are we hyung?”
Jimin smacks his chest and blushes a bit. “Hey! We’re not going in any particular order, this is like a brainstorm! No wrong answers.”
“Ok then! Got it, room sharing, when we want. Uhhhhhh, I want to be able to have some meals together, just you and me, and maybe go for some walks, you know, kind of experience the cities together a bit. London, Paris.”
Jimin rubs Jungkook’s chest the way he knows soothes him. “Very good idea. I would love that too. Ok, me next. I want to be able to text you anything I want to and not be worried about who might see.”
“Anything you want?” Jungkook raises one eyebrow. He gets another smack and they continue on, listing all the things they want to be able to do together over the course of the tour. It’s mostly lighthearted and most of it seems achievable, if they are careful.
After one intense burst of laughter over Jungkook making a joke about wanting to be able to pick Jimin up anytime he wants (“You already do that! What would be different?”), they quiet down.
Jungkook is nervous to say what he wants to next, but it feels really important. “I want to be able to hold your hand … in front of the other hyungs.”
Jimin can probably hear the little waver in his voice because he’s quickly reaching down to kiss Jungkook’s forehead. “Aw, Kookie, I want that too. I’m not going to lie. The thought of telling the others … it’s a little scary. But honestly, if we want to be able to do any of these things on tour, they’re going to need to know. We wouldn’t be able to hide from them for long. And also, we’re going to have to hide from so many people, I don’t want to hide you from them.”
Jungkook feels lighter than a feather and he pulls Jimin closer by reaching his arms up and tugging on his shoulders, giving him a quick but firm kiss.
“So we agree? We tell everyone before we leave?”
“Yes, that feels like the right first step.”
Jungkook thinks a little more. “What about Manager Sejin? I obviously don’t think telling the staff is what we should do, but we can trust him, right? If he knew, he could help us with some of the logistics --”
Jungkook breaks off to look up at Jimin and stops at the look on his face.
Jimin sighs, and then says, “I don’t know. I do trust Sejin-nim with all my heart. I actually think he would be happy for us, and you’re right, it would be really helpful to have someone in management who could help us. But … but I also know he’s super concerned with protecting all of us, protecting the band and everything we’ve worked for for so long. I’m worried he might feel like he has to tell Bang PD-nim.”
Jungkook’s heart sinks at the implications. “And you think Bang PD-nim won’t want us to be together --”
“No, it’s not even that. I’m not totally sure how he would react. I know he certainly wouldn’t object because we’re too men, you know how progressive his views are. I just mean … well, in the spirit of taking things slow, that just opens up a whole big discussion about how we would be together long term. Ah, please don’t be sad, I just don’t think I’m ready to have that discussion with the company yet.”
Jungkook gathers himself up. “No, no, I completely understand. Slow and steady. Besides, we’re going on tour! I don’t think we would even want to have that talk until we were back in Korea. Actually, the perfect time would be to talk to him when we’re back in June. Festa time! Far enough ahead of our comeback in October to deal with anything big. Gives us enough time to take it slow. What do you think, hyung?”
Jungkook twists a bit to get a good look at Jimin’s face. He’s quick enough that he catches something strange cross Jimin’s face. He thinks it might be … unease? But then Jimin is quickly smiling and saying, “Sounds like a good plan,” and the expression passes.
Jimin pushes on quickly. “Ok, so, telling the other members. We have a bit of time, but not much.”
Jungkook feels himself suddenly nervous as he realises they are really doing this. “Ummm, maybe at the group dinner we always have the week before we leave? The one where we talk about our intentions?”
Jimin smiles down at him. “Perfect.” He giggles. “Because I intend to make out with you as much as possible and they are just going to have to deal with it!”
Jungkook’s mouth drops open and he says, “That’s not how you’re going to tell them is it?”
Jimin laughs, and says, “Maaaaaaybe, what are you going to do to stop me?”
Jungkook huffs, and says, “Well maybe I’ll just start making out with you at the table and we let them figure it out on their own?”
Jimin giggles. “Ok, but now that I think about it. Namjoon knows already, yes?”
“Well, yes and no. You know I talked to him about my feelings and that I was going to tell you. And I’m pretty certain he figured out the morning after that we talked about it. But I guess he doesn’t know for certain how it went. Still, I’m fairly certain this will be zero surprise to him. And I told you that I think Yoong-hyung figured things out somehow. So that just leaves Taehyungie-hyung, Hobi-hyung, and Jin-hyung.”
Jimin suddenly looks extremely guilty. “Well … actually …”
Jungkook realises where this is going and he sits up abruptly, spinning to sit with his knees up, facing Jimin.
“Wait -- did you tell Tae?”
Jimin immediately covers his face with his hands. “I’m sorry! I couldn’t help it! I know I should’ve told you but then I got kind of nervous how you would react. I didn’t really mean to. It’s just that …”
Jungkook is panicked for a moment, but then remembers that the goal is for his hyungs to know. He reaches forward and peels Jimin’s hands from his face. “Hey, it’s ok. I just wish you had told me --”
Jimin looks a little pained. “I know, I know! It’s just Tae has this thing with me, it’s kind of embarrassing but he can somehow tell instantly when I’ve gotten laid and --”
“Wait, what? How could he tell that?”
“I don’t really know! It’s a soulmate thing he says, he just looks at me the day after and bam! Without fail, he knows. So … he kind of figured it out in New York.”
“Woah, ok, that was weeks ago.”
“I know! I’m sorry. He figured out I had slept with someone, and then he thought it was one of the staff and I couldn’t let him think that. So I told him. I made him promise not to say anything to anyone else. He was surprised, but then he was actually thrilled for us. I had to physically restrain him from immediately going to find you for a high five.”
Jungkook can’t help it. The image of Taehyung coming to high five him because he had had sex with Jimin makes him burst out laughing. Jimin’s worried pout turns up into a small smile, and then as Jungkook can’t stop laughing he starts too, and soon they are leaning into each other as they struggle to contain their mirth.
Jungkook finally stops laughing. “Ah, hyung, I know you and Tae are close. I should have realized you wouldn’t really be able to hide anything.”
Jimin lets his smile fall a bit. “Is that ok? I kind of tell Tae everything, like really everything. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to stop …”
“Hyung, of course. I wouldn’t want you to stop having Tae to rely on in that way. That’s part of the reason I’m glad everyone will know. We’ll need to be able to have other people to talk to about each other … and I mean, I already talked to Namjoon-hyung. I don’t think I would have been able to confess without his advice. So yes, of course you can talk to Tae about what you need to.”
Jimin breathes a sigh of relief, and then gives Jungkook a big hug, practically leaping forward in his eagerness.
Jungkook has a thought. “But you’re not going to tell him how fast I came from that blow job are you?”
Jimin leans back and it’s his turn to raise his eyebrows (bless his heart, Jungkook thinks, he can’t do one at a time). “What’ll you give me if I don’t?”
Well, the only way to respond to that kind of threat is with a tickle attack, and Jungkook promptly launches a level five aggression, digging his fingers into Jimin’s sides and stomach until he has tears running down his face from laughter. Only then does he have mercy and let up, now lying firmly on top of Jimin on the bed, caging him in a little bit.
“Look, you muscle pig,” Jimin says, still catching his breath, chest rising and falling fast as he looks up at Jungkook, cheeks flushed pink and eyes sparkling. “You can’t use your physical power over me to get everything you want all the time. That is not how this relationship is going to go. I’m still the hyung here.”
This only prompts Jungkook to use his muscles a little more, to roll and flip them over so that their positions are reversed and Jimin is perched on top of Jungkook, their bodies lying flush against one another. “Better?” he smirks.
Jimin pretends to be indignant for another few moments, but then quickly softens, relaxing his body and pressing his face into Jungkook’s chest.
“Hmmph, as long as you know who’s boss.” Jungkook smiles into his hair, breathing in deeply to smell his hyung’s familiar scent.
“You can be the boss of me, hyung, I just thought you liked to be scolded.”
“Well … sometimes, but only when I want, which still makes me the boss.”
Jungkook decides to leave the teasing at that, and starts to rub Jimin’s back, sliding hands up and down as Jimin’s breathing slows.
Jimin’s voice comes out a little muffled as he says. “So just really Jin-hyung and Hobi-hyung that might be caught off guard.”
Jungkook stops his hands. Jimin sounds weird.
“Right. Are you … worried about them?”
Jimin answers quickly. “No, no, not really. Just thinking …” But Jimin falls uncharacteristically silent at that. Jungkook suddenly feels awkward. Even though Jimn and he know each other so very well, their relationship is new, and Jungkook isn’t certain how to ask what might be bothering him.
Although he worries this might be the wrong instinct, he decides to let it go. They’ve already talked through a lot. So instead of prying, he shifts them so that they are on their sides together and he presses Jimin’s back to his chest tightly.
He wants to whisper in his ear that he loves him, but he holds back, not wanting Jimin to feel pressured. So instead he says it inside his head and nuzzles the back of his neck, just enjoying the feeling of stability he now has with their plan sorted.
They talk a little more but they’re both tired and they quickly settle in and fall asleep, limbs intertwined and breath slowly but surely synching in time.
-----
`
Their group dinner ends up being chaotic, even more so than usual. Hoseok and Yoongi are caught up at the studio, both working on separate projects, Taehyung is still on his way back from a quick trip home to Daegu to drop off Tannie. Namjoon had decided at the last minute to take one last bike ride along the river, the pastime that he misses the most when he’s on tour.
As a result, they all end up at the restaurant at different times. Jungkook and Jimin arrive together, both nervous and eager to get things over with, having talked through how they were going to do this ahead of time at the dorm and wanting to be there on time.
As the two of them are settling into the private room, two of their bodyguards setting up shop outside the entrance, assured by the fact that NDAs have been signed by all the staff working tonight, they see messages spamming the group chat as the excuses pour in for why almost every single one of them is going to be late. They both laugh. They should have known it all wouldn’t go to plan, nothing ever quite does when it’s the seven of them. Too many variables.
But they don’t stress about it. Seokjin arrives shortly after them and the three determine not to wait to order food and drinks. So a steady stream of drinks and food keeps being brought to their table as Jin does what he does best: orders generously and often, always knowing the best food and drink pairings, and loudly proclaiming that tonight is on him. Jungkook grins, knowing that the company always shells out for their pre-tour group dinners.
Taehyung arrives next, shucking his light coat off and throwing himself into the chair beside Jimin, leaning into his soulmate in apology (he, of course, knows what they’re planning to do tonight). He digs into the food and starts talking about how hard it was to say goodbye to Tannie this time, catching them up on his family. Every once in a while, he’ll look over at Jungkook and give him a knowing smile.
Jungkook has found it a little strange to know that Tae knows, but he’s also found it a bit of a relief. They haven’t talked one on one about it, but they’ve hung out the three of them, and Jungkook found it immensely refreshing to not have to hold back his affection for Jimin around someone else. Taehyung, for his part, kept talking about how disgustingly cute they were, making Jimin blush until he tackled Tae and made him promise to stop, all the while sneaking glances at Jungkook that gave away how much he secretly loved the praise. Jungkook doesn’t doubt that Taehyung knew exactly what he was doing.
Either way, Jungkook is immensely grateful for their friend who knows both him and Jimin so well, and who is clearly on board and excited for them.
Next to arrive are Hobi and Yoongi, having caught a car together from the studio. Hobi screeches excitedly when he walks in and sees the spread. He and Yoongi immediately dig in, Hoseok talking loudly around bites of food, Yoongi much more quiet. He looks tired from some long nights trying to get some things done before tour.
Finally, Joon arrives, all bluster and excuses about how he got lost on his way back and had to call for a car to pick him up.
Seokjin cackles, and points across the table at Namjoon as he settles in. “How did you get lost? Don’t you bike that trail all the time?”
Namjoon looks embarrassed. “I got turned around in the dark! Anyways, it’s fine, I called a car, I’m here. Pass me some samgyeopsal!”
Seokjin obliges, but another thought occurs to him as he passes the food. “Did you bring your bike with you, then, in the car?”
Namjoon freezes, hand out with the plate of food as a shocked look spreads across his face.
Seokjin immediately starts windshield-wiper laughing. Everyone else looks a little lost. Jin manages to say, in between laughs, “You left it by the river, didn’t you?”
Namjoon hangs his head in shame. The rest of the group erupts in laughter, Hobi smacking him on the back in disbelief, Yoongi scolding, and the three youngest teasing.
From there the food quickly disappears, the drinks just keep coming, and the talk is loud, at least four conversations happening at any given time as they catch up with each other. It’s actually pretty rare that they are able to get together for a meal with all seven of them.
Schedules are often impossible to figure out and preferences and moods vary wildly within the group. They always make time at the start and end of tours though, it’s important to bookend the insane project that a world tour is. It keeps them grounded and ensures they check in with each other. It’s been a tradition since Wings and they have never missed one.
Finally, as the food becomes scarcer and chairs are pushed back, Namjoon starts to look around. Hobi notices he’s trying to get the more formal part of the evening started, and he whistles helpfully. Six pairs of eyes focus on Namjoon, giving him the lead as is his role.
Namjoon clears his throat. “So. Our first stadium tour. Before we do the usual thing, I just want to say, cheers to that!” He raises his glass and they all give a quick cheer and drink.
“No, but seriously guys. A stadium tour, pretty much sold out, two nights in every city. Wembley! Think how crazy that is. I still can’t quite believe it.” Around the table are proud nods as everyone lets it sink in.
Namjoon pauses and looks a little bit more serious. “But, it’s still a tour. It’s still going to be hard, probably the hardest tour we’ve ever done. Those stadiums are big and we’re going to need to be big to fill them up. So let’s do our usual thing and talk about what we want to focus on. I’ll start.”
Namjoon takes a sip of his beer. “Ok, this might sound silly but I spent a lot of last tour working on Mono, as you guys know. I wouldn’t change that, but I also kind of feel a little freer this time. There’s still lots of music to work on, but I want to focus on staying physically and mentally strong in between shows. So I want to work out more and really take some time in each city to do at least one thing -- an art show, something -- that will make me feel mentally fulfilled.”
The boys murmur back at him, telling him what a good idea that is. They keep going around the table, most of them talking about projects they want to keep working on, or smaller things, staying more connected with family or friends.
Jungkook is working hard to try to stay focused on each of the members as they talk. Part of the reason they do this is so they can help each other. Remind each other of what they wanted to accomplish, or help them change what that is, depending on what is happening along the way. But he’s finding himself getting more and more nervous the closer it gets to his turn to talk.
He doesn’t realize it until Jimin puts a steadying hand on his knee for a moment, but he’s shaking his leg nervously. He takes a deep breath and tries to be patient.
He realizes that he’s lost the thread a bit when he looks up and sees that all eyes are on him.
“Sorry, what?” He says, feeling slightly sweaty.
“Your turn, Kookie.” Namjoon prompts.
Jungkook’s mind promptly goes blank, just totally empty. Everything Jimin and he had talked about before they rode over together is gone. All he can remember is the reassuring kiss he got before they left the dorm, and Jimin saying, “Don’t worry Kookie, soon it’ll be over and the worst of your problems will be how to deal with everyone teasing you all the time.”
Jungkook looks over at Jimin now, a total deer in the headlights expression on his face. Jimin quickly catches on that not only can Jungkook not seem to say anything about the two of them, he’s not going to be able to say anything at all. Jungkook had been determined earlier that he wanted to start them off, especially since all of this started with him and his feelings, he was adamant he should be the one to begin. But all that is clearly out the window.
Jimin gives him a single nod before turning to the rest of the team, all of whom are very focused, some slightly confused by Jungkook’s reaction to being put on the spot, others starting to figure out what might be coming.
Jimin catches eyes with Namjoon. He looks relieved and he gives Jimin an encouraging nod.
“Ok, well, I feel like there’s no perfect way to do this, so I’m just gonna rip the bandaid off.”
He surprises Jungkook by simply reaching over and entwining their hands. Hobi raises an eyebrow.
“Some of you know this already --” He glances quickly over at Tae, who gives him a little smile. “But for those who don’t. Jungkook and I are …”
He hesitates for a second, quickly glancing at Hobi, but then he quickly smooths over his pause. “Together. We’re together. We, ummm, we like each other. We figured it out, in New York actually. And we feel really good about it, we’re going to take things slow and just you know, be ourselves, but we needed you all to know. Because we know the decisions we make affect all of us, affect what we do. And we wanted to make sure you know how seriously we take all of this, the risk of it, I mean. And we wanted to talk out what it means, for everybody and how … well, how you all feel about it.”
Jungkook is watching Jimin closely, and he feels his heart speed up at how many “we’s” there were. He feels a warm pride at how mature Jimin is. He then turns his attention to the rest of the guys. Tae is nodding encouragingly, but no surprise there. Yoongi is looking down into his lap, hand over his mouth where Jungkook sees he is trying to hide a small smile. Namjoon looks happy, eyes flicking between him and Jimin.
Seokjin looks a little more serious, his brow furrowed. Hoseok … well, his other eyebrow has joined the first one in surprise and his mouth is doing the little triangle frown, which is usually not a good sign.
Hobi turns his eyes from Jimin to Jungkook and he says, “Kookie?”
Jungkook realises that he has kind of left Jimin alone in this and he takes the prompt. “Yes, yeah, everything Jimin just said is right. Except he’s leaving a bit out.” He throws a thankful glance over to Jimin, who is taking in a shaky breath. He’s playing it cool but Jungkook can see how nervous he is.
“But I guess this is my part to tell. I think you guys kind of know this already but … well, I’ve liked Jimin for a really long time actually. Since debut. I think some, or all, of you figured out I had a crush back then.” Jimin gives his hand a reassuring squeeze and he glances over for some quick strength before he keeps going.
“And, you know, I was so young and I was kind of confused, and didn’t really think he would like me back, and there’s so much risk, especially when we were just starting out. So I just … didn’t make a big deal of it. And it kind of went away, except it didn’t really, I think I just got better at dealing with it. But anyways, the point is, that this isn’t just like a spur of the moment thing that happened, not for me, it’s been a long time coming and we just happened to figure it out together in New York … and … well …” He looks at Seokjin then, he’s not sure why. “I’m really happy … and I hope you will be too … happy for me, for us.”
He stops then, having said what he wanted to say after all. Jimin lets go of his hand, but only to reach out and give him a reassuring rub between his shoulders.
Surprisingly, Yoongi speaks up first. “Good for you.” Jimin and Jungkook both whip their heads over to him, eager to hear any reaction, having imagined a thousand ways this might go.
“Really. Do you know how hard it is to find anyone to have a real connection with in life? And then add us being idols on top of that, add being queer on top of that, and I feel like your odds are infintesimal. I, for one, am not really surprised and I am, Jungkook-ah, I am happy for you two.” He ends this magnanimous speech with a nod.
Namjoon bursts out laughing, surprising them all. He waves his hands widely, trying to dispel any worry, and he finally says, through his laughter, “Hyung, acting all cool. You already knew.”
Yoongi looks scandalized at first, but then he cracks a smile. Seokjin looks really confused, but he’s smiling now too. “What?” He says. “How?”
Namjoon suddenly looks a bit guilty. “Well, I kind of told him part of it.”
“What??” Hobi exclaims. “You knew too?”
Jungkook speaks up. “Yeah, sorry hyungs, I forgot to mention. I kind of asked Rapmonie-hyung for some advice. Before we went to New York. So he knew then that I still had feelings for Jimin and that I was planning to tell him . He just didn’t know how it went after that.”
Namjoon smiles. “Well, I guessed, based on how happy you two have been lately. I’m really happy that things worked out and that you two brought this up tonight. I was a little worried we were all going to find out by walking in on you two one day.”
“Well ...” Yoongi says, a small, mischievous smile on his face.
Taehyung’s eyes widen. “What? You walked in on them?” He whips his head over to Jimin. “Not fair! I wanted to be the first to accidentally see you guys all making out and sexy.”
Jungkook feels his face go instantly red, like a ripe tomato. Jimin smacks Taehyung in the chest. “Yah! What are you talking about? Why would you want to do that?”
Before Taehyung can answer (and god, Jungkook is a little terrified of his answer), Jin interrupts again. “Wait, wait, Tae, did you know too? What is going on here, somebody tell me who knew what when, and why I’m the last to know, I’m the oldest and I demand clarity!” Jungkook still feels in shock from Tae’s outburst, but he’s relieved to hear that he can tell that Jin is only half serious. His playfulness is a good sign.
Namjoon is laughing, but he speaks up. “Well, Yoongi I can kind of explain. Jungkook was being a nervous wreck on the flight over to New York, and I could tell Yoongi was about to hit him over the head with his carry on just to get some peace, so I texted him. I’m sorry, Jungkook, I didn’t quite tell you the whole truth that day before we left. It’s true that no one really talked about your feelings for Jimin … except hyung and I.” He glances over at Yoongi quickly before continuing. “We talked about it together every once in a while. Not a big deal, just wondering if you still felt the same way, hoping you were ok.”
Jungkook would get redder at that if he thought he possibly could.
Yoongi speaks up, face crinkling a bit in advance apology. “Yah, Jungkookie, don’t worry. I was always rooting for you.”
“So yeah, I guess I didn’t feel like texting him was totally new information. And I knew he would be encouraging, just like I was.”
Jungkook smiles a little. The plane makes more sense now. But … “What did you mean though, hyung, when Namjoon was talking about walking in on us?”
Yoongi has the courtesy to look a little ashamed at that. “Well … the room that Jimin had in New York … it was … well, it was next to mine.” And then he stops talking, taking a big swig of his beer.
All the blood drains from Jungkook’s face in an instant. Jimin is rubbing his own face with both hands and lets out an embarrassed groan. Tae is smacking him on the back, grinning.
Seokjin starts laughing, loud and joyous, and Jungkook starts laughing too. He’s embarrassed, that’s for sure. But these are his hyungs, he knows they won’t use any knowledge to hurt him. He does desperately wish they had thought a little bit more in retrospect that night -- actually, no, he doesn’t. He wouldn’t change a thing.
He turns to Jimin and drags his hands off his face and he just decides, well, they already know, and he gives him a quick peck on the mouth before saying. “Well, hyung, you were worried they would be shocked and it turns out we already practically shouted it down the hallways of our hotel.”
Jimin looks at him with a pout on his face, but he laughs a little bit before turning to grab his glass of wine, knocking the remainder of it back in one smooth swallow. “Ok, alright, I guess I can handle this information,” before looking a bit apologetically at Yoongi. “Sorry, hyung, we’ll be more careful.”
“Ah, Jimin-ah, I couldn’t give less of a crap about it. That’s what noise-cancelling headphones are for. But, we could maybe think about the hotel layout a bit more … thoughtfully, this tour.” He looks to Namjoon who nods enthusiastically, probably thinking he doesn’t want to hear anything like that from the person he still occasionally refers to as “the little one.”
Hosek speaks up then, and Jungkook realises how quiet he’s been. “Ok, so that explains Yoongi and Namjoon. Why does Taehyung know already?”
Taehyung chirps in. “Oh, they didn’t stand a chance. I figured out something was going on with my soulmate and he can’t lie to me. Can you Jimin-ah?” He tousles Jimin’s hair, which gets him a scowl.
“Figures!” Seojin exclaims. Jungkook turns his attention to him.
“Sorry, hyung. We didn’t mean to make it seem like we told everyone but you. You too, Hobi-hyung. We really did want to talk to everyone about it together, you know, as a team.”
Seokjin gives a good-natured guffaw. “Ahh, Jungkook-ah, you two definitely made this a night to remember.” He pauses and gets a bit of a far away look in his eye.
“I remember back then, you know. When we noticed you had that crush. It was adorable, actually. You were nothing but a pair of big eyes in that very round head, and you followed Jimine around everywhere off camera, and couldn’t stop shoving him away on camera. I guess I just assumed when you matured you would grow out of it, and I thought you did. But if you’ve really felt that way all this time ... “
He pauses, and Jungkook holds his breath a little. He feels Jimin at his side doing the same. “Then I’m glad that Jimin finally got his head out of his ass and realised what a catch you are.” He gets a bit more serious. “I’m really happy for you. And don’t worry. Hyung will protect you two. We all will.”
Jungkook’s face breaks out into a huge bunny smile, and he feels Jimin’s hand intertwining with his again. He looks over and Jungkook sees intense relief written across Jimin’s face. Huh. He guesses Jimin was even more worried than he had let on. Jungkook was also nervous, but he guesses that, deep down inside, he knew his hyungs would be happy for him.
Jungkook suddenly realises that Hoseok has yet to say anything, nothing substantial anyways. He can tell Jimin has noticed as well, because he keeps glancing in his direction. Yoongi, who is sitting beside Hoseok, clears his throat before picking up and downing the rest of his beer, knocking his elbow into Hoseok’s side in the process.
Hoseok seems to snap out of it. “Hey, Jungkookie, Jimin-ah. You know I only want what’s best for you guys, what makes you happy. If this is what you want, Kookie --” He’s looking a little intensely at Jungkook but then flicks his eyes over to Jimin.”-- if this is what both of you want, you know I have your back, all the way. Sorry, hyung’s just a little surprised.” Hoseok does look a little dazed, his face that deep red he gets when he drinks even a little bit.
Jungkook rushes to reassure him. “Of course, hyung, we completely understand. We’re springing this on you all of a sudden. We get it.” Jimin is silent beside him. He turns to look at him and notices he’s chewing on his bottom lip and staring at the floor. “Don’t we, hyung?”
Jimin’s eyes snap up. “Yeah, yeah, of course.”
From there, Namjoon actually takes charge. They talk through that they’re not ready to tell any staff yet. Jungkook hints that they’re going to talk to Bang PD when they’re back in Korea in June. Hoseok flicks his eyes between Jungkook and Jimin at that point, and then nods his head, saying it sounds like a good plan.
Namjoon takes them through some scenarios and cautions where they might have to be most careful. Jungkook can feel Jimin tensing up a little bit beside him, but he knows this type of planning is exactly what they need to make sure they feel safe enough to explore what they have together, so he just rubs his leg with his hand, hoping to be reassuring and doing most of the talking.
Once they’ve talked through a bunch of details, Jungkook and Jimin promise everyone that they will ask for help if they need it, and come to them if they are worried.
“Seriously, you two, we know you understand the risks better than anyone, but you’re going to have to let us help you. I’m not going to lie about the fact that it’s a risk, for all of us. But you know we all agreed to continue doing this only if we could all figure out a way to be happy. And we promised each other we would find ways to help each other in that. So let us help you.” Namjoon finishes.
Jungkook feels himself tearing up, and when Jimin turns and notices, he covers Jungkook’s ears with his hands and exclaims, “Aigooo, Namjoon-hyung! You’ve made the maknae cry! How could you?” And he giggles, sounding very happy.
Taehyung piles onto their hug from one side, and suddenly six bodies are piling onto Jungkook, all of them forming one giant, half-drunken, laughing and poking pile of limbs. He feels several arms reach through the mess to rub the top of his head and pinch at his cheeks.
He laughs so hard that the few tears he was trying to hold in roll down his cheeks, and, for the millionth time in the last few weeks, he is immensely grateful for his found family.