Thread by @COCOisBabie

YoonJin (Fake) Marriage AU: Part 2

—They say marriage changes people. Whether it is for the better or worse remains to be seen. Yoongi's life turns upside down when he decides to act as Kim Seokjin's husband for a year. Feelings start to develop yet trouble brews on the horizon.

Tags

- Misunderstandings and slight angst cuz they are idiots
- One sided Yoonmin
- Domestic fluff
- Kim Seokjin (25y/o) is the heir to the Kim empire aka super rich
- Final year piano major Yoongi (23y/o)
- Might include smut idk will tag later

▪︎▪︎▪︎

Starting soon 🐱🐹

Part 1 of the #Yoonjin Fake Marriage AU
#Yoongi #Jin
Please read this first if you haven't 💜

https://twitter.com/COCOisBabie/status/1247912057350926336?s=19

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

"We're moving?"

Seokjin nods absentmindedly, too focused on his cellphone. Yoongi frowns. No one told him they would be moving. For God's sake Yoongi has been living here for only a week or two and he was just getting used to it.

"Why?" he asks, kicking Seokjin under the table. The elder grunts.

Just what was so engrossing on his cellphone that Seokjin was ignoring him like this?

Yoongi gets up and goes behind the elder to sneak a peak but he hides it immediately, pretending to be nonchalant about it.

"We've been married for 15 hours and you're already hiding things from me?!" Yoongi pouts, folding his hands in front of him.

It sounds childish to his ears. Of course they are married only on paper. Seokjin isn't bound to tell him everything. Still...a little warning about the

move would have been welcome.

"It's grandfather's wedding gift. I found out just an hour ago myself," Seokjin explains. "Said there's no way he's letting you live in this cramped apartment."

"Cramped..." Yoongi repeats. "Seokjin, this place is larger than my parent's house."

Seokjin shrugs his shoulders helplessly. As soon as his notification goes off, the elder swoops in to check on it.

Suspicious. Really suspicious. Yoongi can't point his finger on what but Seokjin is definitely hiding something from him.

"It arrived!" he jumps up, eyes sparkling

with excitement. Before Yoongi can even ask, he grabs his jacket and pulls Yoongi along with him.

"Come on, hurry up. Oh wait your jacket—" He grabs the one nearest to him. It's Seokjin's and Yoongi is almost drowning in it.

"Wait, let me get my o—"

"No," Seokjin pulls harder.

"We don't have time. The staff will handle our things and move them by today. Now let's go!"

Yoongi furrows his brow in confusion. Seokjin's acting oddly excited for moving into a new apartment. Was it really that great of a place? Did they have celebrities as their neighbours?

Come to think of it...Seokjin is kind of a celebrity too. Yoongi keeps on forgetting that. Especially in times like this, when it looks like Christmas has come early for the elder. He's practically skipping towards the car.

"Are you going to tell me why you're so excited?"

Yoongi asks, already knowing the answer.

"Nope!"

Well, at least he tried. Yoongi is apprehensive but decides to let it be. Seokjin is humming as he steps on the pedal. Yoongi hasn't seen him this excited for anything. It makes him smile. He likes this look on Seokjin though.

The happiness and excitement is contagious. Yoongi can't seem to wipe the smile off of his own face when Seokjin starts whistling. There's just something about seeing him like this that makes Yoongi feel butterflies in his stomach.

They don't drive for long. Maybe half an hour?

Seokjin pulls into the winding driveway. The garden goes on and on no matter which direction Yoongi looks. Just how big was this place?

The building itself, Yoongi notices when Seokjin stops the car, isn't much different from the previous apartment, with just a single exception.

It is at least double in size.

"Holy fuck," Yoongi wheezes out, eyes wide.

Seokjin gets out of the car to stand beside Yoongi. "That old man really went all out huh..."

"You can say that again."

Yoongi takes his time, soaking it all in. He'd be lying if he said the place

wasn't breathing, even if he thinks it's just showing off. Someone waves at them from the balcony on the second floor. Yoongi squints at them. It's Namjoon.

"Took you guys long enough!" A familiar voice calls at them. A voice Yoongi doesn't expect at all.

"Taehyung?"

And it's not just Taehyung who emerges from the house. Jimin and Jungkook are right behind him, followed by Hoseok. Now Yoongi is simply confused.

"What's going on? I thought you guys said you'd be returning from Jeju tomorrow," Yoongi directs his question towards no one in

particular, but Hoseok steps forward to answer with a sly smile.

"Well, my cousin here wanted a favour. And I couldn't say no to him now, could I?"

"Hyung, how much longer?" Jungkook shouts at Namjoon. He holds out 3 fingers. "3 minutes," Jungkook exchanges a smile with them.

"Will anybody tell me what's going on?" Yoongi stops himself from stomping his foot like a kindergartner but he feels out of the loop from whatever everyone is keeping a secret.

"Have some patience," Jimin rolls his eyes patronizingly. Hmph. That's the last time Yoongi will fix

Jimin's broken faucet.

"Why are the kids here?" Yoongi asks Seokjin amidst the loud protests from Jimin, Taehyung and Jungkook at being called 'kids'.

"You'll find out soon," Seokjin winks. "Now, close your eyes."

"What?"

Yoongi looks at the five faces pointed at him with the

same look of expectation. "Why? I refuse."

Taehyung sighs. "Told you it won't be that easy."

"Let's go with plan B," Hoseok suggests excitedly.

"What's plan B?" asks Jungkook.

"Plan B," Jimin smiles, his eyes filled with mischief, "is to tie him up and blindfold him."

Yoongi takes several steps back, bumping into Seokjin's chest. His eyes go wide. "You wouldn't dare." He looks up at Seokjin for confirmation. "They're kidding right? You wouldn't do that to me, right?"

Seokjin almost looks crestfallen. "Ah, I'm really sorry Yoongi. But it's a

democratic country and we took a vote. You have two options. Plan A, you go in willingly, closing your eyes. Plan B...well, you heard him."

Yoongi shakes his head at the absurdity of it all. "This is ridiculous."

"Hyung's giving us the signal. Everything's ready," Jungkook says

excitedly. Taehyung, Hoseok and Jimin close in on Yoongi, the wicked smiles on their faces growing with every step.

"Ok, ok fine. Don't you three dare come closer. I'll do it goddammit."

Hoseok and Jimin's faces fall immediately. "Aww plan B was so much more fun though?"

"Stop teasing my husband you two," Seokjin finally steps up. "Go inside. We'll be right there."

Hoseok sticks his tongue out at Seokjin as they leave. Jungkook keeps looking back, eyes trained on Seokjin's hand on the small of Yoongi's back. He doesn't even notice it's there

until he feels Jungkook's stare on them. Yoongi shifts on his toes.

"At least give me a hint," he says once the others have left. "A tiny one."

"Hmm..." Seokjin taps his chin as he looks up, pretending to think. "It has something to do with what you said to me once."

Yoongi furrows his brows. Does Seokjin expect him to recall every single thing he said to him? "That doesn't help at all."

But Seokjin smiles. "Actually, that's the most important hint of them all. Now close your eyes. We've kept them waiting for long."

When Yoongi finally relents, Seokjin takes his hand, guiding him closer to the house. He hears the door open, and then close shut behind him once they enter. Suddenly Yoongi feels Seokjin's palms cover his eyes.

"Don't you trust me?" Yoongi asks, affronted.

"I do," Seokjin answers. "But you see..."

Yoongi shivers when Seokjin's voice comes closer. He feels the elder's breath on his neck. His lips brush the shell of his ear. Yoongi freezes, his heartbeat thundering in his chest. He wonders if Seokjin can hear it.

"...I trust you to sneak a peak as soon as you can."

And damn, Yoongi can't argue against that. Because that is exactly what he was planning on doing.

"Now if you'd rather have the blindfold on I ca—"

"The blindfold isn't necessary," Yoongi answers immediately.

There's no way he can survive Seokjin blindfolding him. "This...this is enough."

He feels Seokjin's lips curve into a smile against his ear. Yoongi remembers the first kiss they shared just yesterday, in front of so many people, solidifying their marriage.

He takes a deep breath. No. Don't go there. He needs to stop thinking about it. The sooner he forgets it the better. It's not like they'll be doing that too often.

"Then, shall we proceed?"

"By all means," Yoong sighs. "Lead the way, my dear husband."

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

They don't go up any stairs, for which Yoongi is thankful. Seokjin's fingers cover his eyes and he lets himself be pushed to wherever the elder wants to take him.

He thinks he should be somewhat annoyed. The Yoongi from even a month ago surely would have, that's for sure.

He has never liked surprises. It just comes with a feeling of uncertainty that Yoongi doesn't like. It makes him feel exposed, vulnerable, out of control.

So now, when all Yoongi feels is slight apprehension but mostly curiosity, he wonders just what changed for him.

"Ok, we're here Yoongi," Seokjin says softly. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll be," Yoongi heaves a sigh.

"Wait let me get the camera!" Yoongi hears Taehyung's feet patter across the room and then back again. "Ok, now I'm ready."

There's silence for a second. Everyone waits.

"Ummm hyung? This is the part where you uncover his eyes," Namjoon points out.

"Oh..yeah, right..." Yoongi doesn't have to see to detect the nervous hint in Seokjin's voice. It's more apparent when Yoongi can feel the tension radiating off of him.

Maybe it's because he feels

Seokjin is more nervous now than him, or maybe Yoongi's been possessed but he suddenly feels a surge of confidence pass through him.

Keeping his eyes closed (because he doesn't want to ruin the surprise), Yoongi lowers Seokjin's hand from his eyes slowly and presses a soft kiss

on his palm.

"Ugh, get a room," Jimin complains.

Yoongi ignores him as he smiles. "Can I open my eyes now?"

"Y-yeah that...yes of course," Seokjin chokes out, probably taken aback. This was the first time Yoongi had initiated any physical intimacy but he hopes the excuse that

it was an act to convince their audience works. Seokjin doesn't need to know these are the little stolen moments for Yoongi himself. A taste of something he wishes he could have, but can't say it out loud.

Yoongi opens his eyes. His jaw drops.

Off goes the flash of the camera.

"Oh I'm /so/ going to frame this," Taehyung snickers on the side. The rest of them are chuckling at Yoongi's reaction as well. But it doesn't matter to Yoongi. He doesn't even register what they say anymore because right in front of him...

is a grand piano in all its glory.

It's majestic. The wooden polish shine beautifully, contrasted with the pastel shade of the room. The ivory keys beckon to Yoongi as he takes a few hesitating steps towards it.

He trails his fingers on the keys, holding one down. A sharp clear sound rings out.

"Th—this is—" Yoongi stutters, wide-eyed, looking at Seokjin. "What is this?"

"It's a little wedding gift," Seokjin mumbles, rubbing the back of his neck.

Yoongi can see the slight blush of red. Well, the elder isn't the only one embarrassed. Yoongi feels like he'll combust.

"Play it for us hyung," Jungkook immediately comes to grab onto Yoongi's right arm.

"Yeah, you promised you'd play for us one day," Taehyung takes his other arm.

Both of them push him onto the stool. There's no way he can escape. Following Taehyung and Jungkook, everyone

approaches him, requesting for a song.

Everyone except...Seokjin.

Yoongi catches the elder's eyes amidst the crowd around him. Seokjin's leaning against the wall, a small smile on his face as he watches the chaos unfold. Their eyes lock.

"Do you want me to play?" He asks

Seokjin directly.

"You did mention how I've never heard you play even once, didn't you?" Seokjin answers him with his own counter-question.

That's when Yoongi finally understands the hint Seokjin had given him earlier. Of course. He had said something like that when they were

returning from his parents' house.

"But this is really too much. You didn't—" Yoongi begins to protest but Seokjin holds up his hand.

"Just go for it," he smiles. "I want to hear you play."

So Yoongi turns towards the piano and lets the first note ring out.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

It's like a veil falls over them. Seokjin can't remove his eyes from Yoongi. It's like he's transported into a different dimension where nothing exists expect Yoongi on the piano and him, standing, mesmerized by the music.

Seokjin has been taught many skills from childhood, but

a piano isn't one of them. Even though he has always had a fascination for the instrument, he just couldn't sit still long enough to actually master it. So he had given up. After all, being able to play won't help him win contracts.

But Seokjin does have a good taste for music.

From Beethoven to Chopin, Mozart, Debussy, Liszt, Brahms, Schumann, Seokjin has heard them all. Never once did Seokjin think that Yoongi's music would captivate him in a similar fashion.

The sounds weren't perfect. Seokjin could hear the shakiness in Yoongi's playing.

But it doesn't matter to him in that moment. Because Yoongi's fingers were gliding on the shiny ivory keys, like he was gently caressing them. Like he was coaxing the sounds to flow and blend together just as a lover softly kisses their loved one awake in the morning.

Every note flows with such finesse and passion that Seokjin is transported to a garden filled with plum blossoms and roses, bees humming near the sunflowers, dancing to the melody. And he sits on the patio, mesmerized by the sight of Yoongi, wearing all white in his imagination,

the gentle breeze fanning his hair, accentuating the softness that Seokjin wants to feel between his fingers.

The spell breaks when an applause rings out. Seokjin blinks rapidly as he is torn from that moment. He feels disoriented.

Taehyung and Jungkook are practically drooling

on the floor. Jimin seems equally shocked as well. Namjoon and Hoseok are impressed and patting Yoongi's back. Seokjin locks eyes with Yoongi.

/How was it/ Yoongi's eyes seem to ask.

And Seokjin doesn't know how to answer. So he does the lamest thing he can do at that moment.

He gives Yoongi a thumbs up. Later that night, Seokjin would scream into his pillow for that move, berating himself for hours on end. But right now he knows he'll be in trouble if he opens his mouth. He hopes Yoongi won't be too disappointed with his response.

He hears the others requesting another piece. Fuck no. There is no way he can keep himself composed if that happens.

"I think that's enough for now," Seokjin interjects quickly. "This is a housewarming party right? I'm hungry. Who wants to help me in the kitchen?"

"Ah, I can—"

"Hobi, how about you? Jungkook too? The others can help in decorations and drinks and stuff," Seokjin interrupts Yoongi quickly, avoiding his confused look.

"I wanted to listen to Yoongi more," Taehyung pouts slightly.

"Later," Seokjin says, mayhaps a bit sharper

than he intends. "We have a lot to prepare and we need all hands on deck. Chop chop."

That ends all piano conversations for now as everyone groans but follows Seokjin's instructions. He notices the slight drop of Yoongi's shoulders and his strained smile. That gives him a pause.

Did he say something wrong? He feels Namjoon's gaze on him as well. As well as...Jungkook's. Suddenly he feels like he's being scrutinized. He's not used to feeling like this.

"Taehyung, Namjoon, want to help me set up the tables?" Yoongi asks, saving Seokjin from the glares.

"Righty ho hyung!" Taehyung answers enthusiastically.

"Sure," Namjoon goes to Yoongi's side, after sparing Seokjin a scathing glare. Holy shit Namjoon scares him sometimes. His brother isn't far off. Jungkook looks like he's about to choke him and not in the kinky way.

Perhaps Hoseok senses something because he drags Jungkook to the kitchen to start the prep.

"I'll start on the decorations," Jimin announces before diving for the balloons.

Seokjin still feels the warmth from the sunshine in his imagination as he was bathed in Yoongi's music.

Burning. Warm. Passionate. Moving. Those were the words he would use to describe the notes that Yoongi played.

Seokjin feels a strange mixture of awe...and fear. Yoongi is fearsome. He needs to be careful not to get swept up in him. For his own sake.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

"So, how's married life going? Is it everything you imagined it to be?"

"Yes, grandfather. Yoongi is a wonderful husband," Seokjin smiles politely.

Hyun-ki nods in satisfaction. "I knew it. The day I saw the kid I knew he was a good one. Don't mess it up kid. Your generation is

too quick to give up on relationships when things don't go your way."

Seokjin's answering smile is strained. He hopes the old man doesn't go down the memory lane to boast about his own marriage. As much as Seokjin loved his late grandmother, he doesn't want to listen to how his

grandfather courted her for the thousandth time.

As he takes a bite of the jaepchae, Seokjin thinks back to the one cooked by Yoongi a few days ago. Now that was delicious. He wonders if Yoongi could teach him the recipe.

"—and so I told him there's...are you listening to me?"

"Huh? Oh yes," Seokjin takes another bite. Yup. Yoongi's is definitely better.

"You need to work on lying better," his grandfather scoffs, rolling his eyes at him.

Seokjin has to restrain himself from laughing at the irony of that. If only the old man knew his whole marriage is

a lie. Won't that be fun.

"So, when are you two off for the honeymoon?"

Seokjin groans. "You've asked me this every day for the past week. It isn't going to make time go faster. We can't go until I meet with the investors for our new hospital wing. Also, Yoongi has exams two

days from now. The earliest we can go is next week."

"Alright alright no need to get snappy with the elderly." Hyun-ki leans back, wiping the beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Seokjin glances at the air conditioning. It's set really low. "Grandfather, how did your monthly

check-up go?"

"Everything's perfect. The doctor couldn't believe how healthy I am for my age," Hyun-ki chuckles. He must notice Seokjin's doubtful expression.

"Stop worrying for nothing. You aren't getting rid of me that easy. Not to mention, your uncles are still

a menace to deal with. They're lying low for now. But you know how they are."

Seokjin chews the steak slowly. Yes. He knows exactly how his uncles are. "My marriage must have come as a shock. I didn't see them at the wedding."

At this, his grandfather's eyes twinkle.

"Idiots. The whole lot of them. Thank heavens I have you, my boy. Just thinking about entrusting the empire to my sons if you weren't there is enough to send me to an early grave."

"I know how important it is for you. Thank you for believing in me," Seokjin bows his head.

He pretends not to notice how his grandfather's hands shake slightly. How he still sweats, even though the air conditioning is at its lowest setting. The old man won't tell him the truth anyway.

Once they are done, Seokjin bids his grandfather goodbye and heads back to office.

In a sense, nothing has really changed in Seokjin's schedule much. He knew this whole fake marriage idea would work out. Living with Yoongi is like living with the perfect roommate. Yoongi isn't invasive. He knows how to respect boundaries. Most mornings Yoongi wakes up early to

prepare breakfast. Seokjin helps out if he wakes up first.

That time in the kitchen, both still dragging their feet while mumbling sleepy good mornings and bickering about who Jjanggu likes more based on whom four legged ruffian goes to first, is probably one of Seokjin's

favourites. Needless to say, Jjangu runs up to Yoongi four days out of seven. The little traitor.

Now that Yoongi has left his part time jobs, he doesn't have to rush in the mornings. So, everyday without fail Yoongi would practice on the piano for his upcoming exams.

If Seokjin wasn't in a hurry, he would always find an excuse to stay back and listen to Yoongi play. Sometimes Yoongi would even humour him and would take requests. Said it was good revision. Seokjin wants to believe that's not the only reason.

It's Friday. Seokjin is flipping through some documents, preparing for the last meeting of the day when Namjoon props his head into his office.

"You have a call."

"I told you I don't want to be disturbed Kim-sshi. Isn't that the whole reason i asked you to man the lines today?"

Seokjin's eyes doesn't leave the papers. He needs to be meticulous with this. It's a sensitive document and he doesn't want there to be any loopholes anyone can abuse from the contract.

"Uhh yes but," Namjoon hesitates. "It's Yoongi. He wan—"

"I'll take the call, thank you.

Please forward it to my line, Namjoon."

"Oh now it's Namjoon," the other rolls his eyes before disappearing. Five seconds later, Seokjin's landline rings.

"Yoongi." Seokjin greets.

"Hey. Sorry to disturb you. Namjoon said you were busy..."

"Oh don't worry about that.

Why didn't you just call my cell?"

"But I did. I think you might have it on silent?"

Seokjin glances at his cellphone on the table. Ahhh right. He did put it on DND mode for the meeting.

"Yeah sorry I completely forgot about it," Seokjin apologises as he unlocks the phone.

5 missed calls from Yoongi. Damn it.

"So...the thing is..."

Seokjin hears the hesitation in Yoongi's voice. He always does that when he wants to ask Seokjin for the barest minimum things. Like that time Yoongi wanted to change his mattress because he couldn't sleep if it was

too soft.

Seokjin waits, without pushing Yoongi to hurry up.

"So, the thing is...today was the last of my exams and the kids want to have a sleepover. Is that ok? You know how loud they ca—"

Yoongi's voice cuts off and Seokjin hears shuffling and muted curses and giggling.

"Hello...? Yoongi, you there?"

Another voice answers him.

"We're gonna have a party. Invite Namjoon hyung and Hoseok hyung. Oh and bring some chicken. And booze. Lots of booze. Put that money of yours to good use." Seokjin can swear that's Jimin's voice on the phone.

He recognises Jungkook's quiet laughter and Yoongi's muffled screams in the background.

"What are you doing to Yoongi?" Seokjin asks, a tiny hint of irritation flaring inside him.

"He's too nice to ask properly. So we're doing it for him," Jimin replies smugly.

"You—"

"Anyway," Jimin cuts him off. "Don't be late. Or else we'll finish all the food Yoongi hyung will make. Goodbye."

The line goes dead before Seokjin can even blink. Now, Seokjin has gotten to know Yoongi's friends a little more during the wedding. And the only word he would

associate with them is— chaos. Complete and utter chaos. Jimin and Taehyung were like mini hurricanes. Jungkook surprised him as well. He remembers the kid from when Namjoon began working with him— all doe eyes and innocent smile.

Well...that phase certainly didn't last long.

Seokjin still has four hours at hand. The meeting should be starting soon.

"Namjoon-ah," he calls out as he speed walks towards the meeting room. "Call up Hobi. We can't let those little gremlins gobble up Yoongi's dishes before I get my share of them."

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

"Any requests?" Yoongi puts on his apron before rinsing his hands. "I'll make what you want today."

"Chicken!"

"Kimchi udon!"

"Bibimbap!"

The requests keep coming as the three stooges surround Yoongi with hopeful eyes. "Fine," Yoongi sighs. "Let me check what we have."

They let out a cheer before skipping around the kitchen, opening drawers and cupboards like kids on their first house tour.

"I can't believe the size of this place," Taehyung exclaims with wide eyes. "You can play baseball in here."

"Rich people are on a whole other level,"

Jimin nods in agreement.

Taehyung nudges his side, making Jimin yelp and take a swipe at him. Taehyung ducks just in time. "Fancy coming from you, rich boy."

Jimin pouts, mumbling, "I'm not this rich."

Their bickering continues on as Yoongi starts on dinner. It comforts him.

After a while, Jungkook comes to stand beside him and takes up the onions to chop. "I'll help, hyung."

Yoongi nods, touched by the younger's consideration. They work in silence while Jimin and Taehyung decide to battle it out on the ps4. While they scream at the zombies in the

game, Jungkook comes closer to Yoongi and whispers, "So...how's married life going hyung?"

"Better than I expected honestly. Seokjin's a great roommate."

"Roommate," Jungkook pauses, turning to face Yoongi. "Is he really just a roommate hyung?"

"Yes. He's just a roommate."

Yoongi's voice is steady. But his heart is anything but that. Just a roommate? Who is he kidding? Every second spent with Seokjin makes Yoongi's resolve to ignore his feelings weaker. That day Seokjin had surprised Yoongi with the piano, he almost blew his cover.

How is he expected to act like his relationship with Seokjin is strictly business when he goes and does something like that? Yoongi didn't even know they were supposed to prepare any wedding gifts for each other. When he had brought it up with Seokjin the next day, the elder had

reassured him that he had done it because he wanted to. Because he wanted to hear Yoongi play. And the wedding gift was just an excuse.

"If you say so." Jungkook drops the subject, and Yoongi is grateful. Maybe if he keeps lying to himself, he'll actually believe it one day.

Jjanggu, who had been resting by Yoongi's feet, suddenly perks up, wagging his tail. Yoongi strains his ear and he hears the unmistakable sounds of a car pulling up. He looks at the clock. That can't be Seokjin, right? Yoongi wasn't expecting him for another hour.

But Jjanggu rushes to the front door and soon enough, Yoongi can hear three familiar voices floating in. Seokjin pops into the living roon first, taking off his blazer and dumping it on Jimin's head.

"Hey! What was that for?"

"Shoes off the couch shorty. Yoongi hates that."

Jimin throws Seokjin's blazer back at him, grumbling, but takes his feet off the couch. Seokjin catches Yoongi's eyes and throws him a triumphant smile.

Goddammit heart, stop it already. "You're back early," Yoongi says instead.

"He sped through the meeting," Namjoon comes into

the living room next, closely followed by Hoseok. "I'm not even kidding. He literally fast forwarded a presentation."

"And then he almost ran four red signals on his way back. Jesus Christ I was fearing for my life," Hoseok chirps in, dropping beside Jimin, rubbing his temples.

"What?!" Yoongi looks accusingly at Seokjin. "That's dangerous!!"

But Seokjin puts up his hands and makes the most innocent expression he can. "They're exaggerating. Lies. It's all lies."

Behinds him, Namjoon and Hoseok both shake their heads at Yoongi, glaring at Seokjin.

"I get the feeling that you're the one lying here Seokjin," Yoongi narrows his eyes.

Seokjin gasps. "You're believing them over your own husband?"

"Oh great, do we get to witness their first fight as husbands? Neat!" Taehyung and Jimin high five each other.

"No one's fighting," Yoongi sighs, getting back to cooking before the food burns. "Whoever is free, set up the table. Dinner will be ready soon."

He ignores the disappointed groan from Taehyung and Jimin, and the stare from Jungkook and gets back to work.

"Just a roommate huh."

Dinner's a loud affair as Seokjin decides to challenge Jimin for the last piece of chicken, which somehow turns into a whole 3 vs 3 match of rock-paper-scissors; Namjoon, Seokjin and Hoseok on one team, Jimin, Taehyung and Jungkook on the other.

By the eighth rematch, Yoongi

runs out of patience. He steals the chicken and gives it to an ecstatic Jjanggu amidst cries of foul and favouritism.

"Yes I favour Jjanggu because he's the most mature one out of you lot," Yoongi snaps.

That shuts them up real quick.

"Your husband is a meanie," Jimin mumbles.

"Tell me about it," pouts Seokjin, looking longingly at Jjanggu happily chomping away on his little treat. "He cares about my dog more than me."

"Maybe you should just divorce him." Jungkook looks pointedly at both Yoongi and Seokjin when he says this. His tone might be joking

but a momentary tense moment passes among the three of them at his comment. Yoongi narrows his eyes at Jungkook. Just what is he getting at?

But the rest begin laughing at that, as if Jungkook just cracked the most hilarious joke they have heard the whole evening.

Jungkook joins in, albeit half heartedly. Yoongi and Seokjin avoid each other's eyes. The awkward atmosphere persists even after dessert (thank god Namjoon decided to pick up something on their way home) and wine.

Seokjin brought out some of his best wine selections.

The night keeps growing as they all chatter away. But somehow Yoongi can't seem to shrug off the awkwardness from before. If he's not careful, he'll make Seokjin suspicious.

"That hits the spot," Jimin sighs contentedly after his fourth glass. He stretches, letting out a yawn.

Jungkook excuses himself to go to the washroom.

"It's getting late. We should head home." He glances at Hoseok, who is already a dark shade of red and almost passed out on the couch. The half empty glass of wine in front of him catches Yoongi's attention.

"Did he have just that one drink?" he asks, surprised.

Namjoon nods, a fond smile on his face. "He can't handle alcohol much. Don't worry. I'll drop him off safely."

"He's always like this," Seokjin adds.

"Hyung, where's your guest room? I'm gonna fall asleep on the couch at

this rate," Taehyung slurs.

"The guest room is—"

Shit. The guest room. Both Seokjin and Yoongi seem to realise it at the same time as they look at each other with alarmed eyes. The guest room is Yoongi's room. Fuck. He completely forgot to clear it out.

"Ah...the guest room—"

"It's upstairs. But before that, help Namjoon carry Hoseok to his car. Take it slow." Seokjin practically pushes Jimin and Taehyung on their feet.

Once they are out of earshot, Yoongi comes up with a plan. "Stay here," he tells Seokjin. "Don't let them come up until I say so."

When Seokjin nods, Yoongi dashes up the stairs, bumping into Jungkook.

"Hyung! What's wrong?"

Yoongi doesn't have time to explain. He grabs Jungkook's arms and pulls him into the guest room. "Help me move my stuff to Seokjin's room."

Jungkook is quick to catch on.

"Ah shit hyung."

Between the two of them, they somehow manage to haul Yoongi's belongings to Seokjin's room in record time. By the time they dunk the last of Yoongi's clothes on the bed, they can hear Jimin's voice coming up the stairs.

"What do you mean 'not yet'? Just what

dirty stuff are you guys hiding?"

"There is no dirty stuff!"

"Yeah right! Then why are you stopping me?"

Yoongi's heart is about to burst out of his chest from the exertion. At least Jungkook's lungs are in better shape.

"Oh, Kook? You were here?" Jimin asks once he notices

them.

"Washroom," he replies immediately. "Come on, let's check out the guest room."

"Thanks," Yoongi whispers before Jungkook can drag Jimin and Taehyung into the room.

"No problem. Sorry about...before." Jungkook hesitates. "I didn't mean to put you two on the spot."

Yoongi pats Jungkook's back. He knows the kid didn't mean any harm. "It's okay. No harm done."

When the door closes, Seokjin almost sinks against the wall. "That was close."

"Yeah."

"Let's be more careful next time."

Yoongi's heart tightens. "Agreed."

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

Ok so maybe Seokjin didn't think this through as much as he should have. As he looks at the messy clump of Yoongi's clothes on his bed, he is reminded of the fact that he has just /one/ bed in his room. Geez, so much for being rich.

But, it's okay right?

It's not the first time Seokjin has shared a bed with someone else. Sure, the last time was when he was sixteen and the person was his drunk cousin after two sips of a breezer but it still counts.

....right?

Friends share beds. And that is exactly what Yoongi is. A friend.

With whom Seokjin should have NO trouble sharing a bed. Exactly. He's just overthinking it. Besides, it's just one night. The trio of gremlins will be gone tomorrow. Seokjin can handle sharing his bed for a night. Even if he isn't comfortable sharing personal spaces like this.

"It's okay, Seokjin. You're the heir to the Kim empire. You've faced multiple obstacles and overcome them. Nothing could ever trip you. You've even spilled orange juice on the President's expensive suit once. You can face anything." Seokjin slaps his cheeks. Yes, he can do this.

When Yoongi walks out of the shower, a white towel wrapped around his waist and water droplets still glistening in his hair, Seokjin feels his earlier confidence fade away.

He wants to look away, but somehow that seems impossible. His eyes rack over Yoongi's naked torso.

Holy fuck he would never have guessed Yoongi was packing so much underneath those oversized sweatshirts of his. He almost feels betrayed.

"What?" Yoongi asks, self consciously.

Seokjin doesn't realise he had been staring the entire time it took for Yoongi to dry his hair and

down half a bottle of water. He clears his throat.

"You took your time." Not that he minds. Gave him plenty of time to organise his thoughts about this whole situation.

Yoongi pauses. "I got lost in my thoughts. Now my skin is all wrinkly like your grandfather."

"Ew," Seokjin frowns. "I did not want to have the image of you associated with my grandfather in mind."

Yoongi barks out a laugh, clearly enjoying Seokjin's disgusted expression. He grabs the nearest clothes that he can find and puts them on. Seokjin is a tad bit disappointed.

"Where are the mattresses?" Yoongi asks.

"Mattresses?"

Yoongi looks at him dubiously. "You know. Mattresses. The ones you put on a bed. You do...have extra mattresses here, right?"

Where is Yoongi going with this? Why would he need those anyway?

"No...I don't think so."

"You don't—" Disbelief clouds Yoongi's face. "Do you mind if I check the wardrobe?"

Seokjin shrugs. "Sure but I don't like how that insinuates I don't know what's there in my own wardrobe."

Yoongi starts rummaging through every section of his wardrobe, growing more incredulous

as his searches end up futile.

"Damn it. I have extra bedding in my room but I can't go in there asking for that. It would make them suspicious," he groans.

Ok now Seokjin is very confused. "Why do you need it anyway? My bed's soft enough. Are you insulting my bed?"

"Why would I— I'm not insulting your bed! I'm just mad I forgot about the mattress and now I gotta sleep on the floor!"

"But why would you sleep on the floor?!"

"What do you expect me to do? Sleep with you on the same bed?"

"Yes. Isn't that a given?"

Silence.

Yoongi stares at Seokjin like he just grew two horns in two seconds.

"Come again?"

"I would never make you sleep on the floor." Seokjin frowns at the very suggestion of it. "Besides, my bed is pretty huge anyway. And you're tiny. I'm sure you're not gonna take up much space."

"Ok first," Yoongi puts his hands on his hips, extremely affronted. "I am NOT tiny. Take that back. You're the giant here with those broad ass shoulders. And second, I don't like sleeping with anyone on the same bed."

"Neither do I but we don't have an option," Seokjin says.

"The floor's an option."

"I am /not/ letting you sleep on the floor," Seokjin argues back.

"Why not? It's not that big of a deal. I can manag—"

"Yoongi, for all intents and purposes, you're my husband and what kind of spouse would I be if I let you sleep on the floor?"

"That's— how could you use the husband card here?" Yoongi's face goes from annoyed to embarrassed in a second. Seokjin really likes teasing Yoongi and one thing he has noticed is that Yoongi would blush with a hundred percent guarantee if he dropped the word /husband/.

Seokjin has had plenty of time to test his theory on him.

"I said what I said." Seokjin doesn't want to argue with him. It's really late already and all that wine from earlier just makes him more drowsy. "Just stop being a brat about it Yoongi. It's not a big deal.

Look, I'll even create a pillow barrier if it makes you comfortable. Now can we please go to sleep? I'm tired."

Yoongi purses his lips. His eyes are downcast. "Not a big deal..." he mumbles. "Of course...why am I even fussing over this. I'm the only fool here, aren't I?"

"Yoongi?" Seokjin frowns. He doesn't catch everything Yoongi mumbles but he has a feeling he might have screwed up somehow.

"Fine," Yoongi says. "But I'll have you know, if you roll onto my side I'll kick you off the bed."

"Rude! I could say the same to you."

They glare at each other for a few seconds, maintaining eye contact, before Seokjin looks away first, bursting into a fit of giggles at the ridiculousness of the situation. Yoongi follows soon after, shaking his head.

"Jesus christ...what are we? Ten?"

"You could be. Mentally."

"Go to sleep Seokjin. You look like you're gonna pass out any second," Yoongi smiles, folding the clothes on the bed. "I'll just clean up the mess I made earlier."

Seokjin wants to say he'll help but a yawn escapes him as soon as he opens his mouth. Sleep sounds like the perfect

remedy right now.

But he's not going to let something as weak as sleep defeat him. He scoots forward on the bed, taking a scrunched up t-shirt and folding it properly.

"You don't have to do that," Yoongi protests.

"Two is better than one. Besides, you look like you're

about to fall asleep too. You had those gruelling exams and you even cooked dinner. At least let me help with this."

Yoongi stays silent. Seokjin takes that as permission to continue. Between the two of them, the chore is done within minutes.

"See?" Seokjin smiles triumphantly.

"Told you it'll be quicker."

He flops down on the bed, stretching out his limbs. The sweet unconsciousness slowly creeps up on him and Seokjin lets it, melting into the softness of his bed.

"Goodnight Yoongi," he mumbles, unable to keep his eyes open.

"Goodnight, Seokjin."

And it might just be Seokjin's imagination or his mind playing tricks on him, but a whisper of a sentence floats into the air, the words lost to his unconscious mind.

But it can't be. After all, the last time he heard those three words was when he was a child.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

The sunlight streams in through the gaps in the curtains, falling directly on Yoongi's eyes. He groans in annoyance. Why the fuck did he forget to close the damned curtains last night?

With no intention of getting up anytime soon, Yongi buries his face in the pillows.

He's too comfortable. Which surprises him, even in his sleep addled mind, because Yoongi hasn't exactly been having the greatest of sleeps ever since he moved into the new apartment.

And he can't figure out why. There is nothing wrong with the room per se. The bed is huge.

He would argue that the guest room is five times bigger than the dingy place he had been living in for the past few years and there wouldn't be a hint of exaggeration there. The mattress is so soft Yoongi could almost drown in it.

But still, Yoongi couldn't relax.

Everything felt so foreign. So unnatural. So...big. He's not used to such extravagance. Of course he would always hide it from Seokjin, making sure to rub ice over his increasing eye bags every morning. He doesn't want to concern the elder unnecessarily when he doesn't have to.

Which brings him back to the present. He hasn't had such a good sleep in so long, Yoongi doesn't want to get up. What time is it? What day? What year? He doesn't give two fucks. He's surrounded by a familiar scent that tickles his senses.

The scent is too familiar...

Wait.

Someone shifts and Yoongi knows for a fact that it isn't him. He stiffens, not even taking a breath. All his earlier drowsiness vanishes, only to be replaced by heightened senses which makes him hyper aware of one thing.

There's an arm around his waist, hugging him close.

He feels a breath tickle his nape. And Yoongi feels warm. What the fuck....

Last night comes back to him with a snap. The wine. His friends. The sleepover. Ugh....he knew sleeping on the same bed was a bad idea.

Yoongi assesses his situation. Seokjin is still asleep, from what

Yoongi can tell based on his steady breathing. There's still time to get out of this situation without waking him up. Then he can go back to pretending this never happened. He can go back to lying that his heart isn't just ready to jump out of his chest. Everything will be fine.

He just needs to be careful.

Yoongi holds his breath, carefully lifting his arm. His back is flush against Seokjin's front, which Yoongi doesn't allow himself to ponder much on.

Focus, he repeats in his head like a mantra.

The only thing holding him in place is that arm on his

waist. He just needs to quietly life Seokjin's arm and then he's free. Easy.

Or so he thought.

Yoongi thinks he's quiet enough not to disturb Seokjin, but as soon as he tries to lift his arm, the elder just hugs him closer, refusing to let go.

Yoongi's mind is in shambles.

He takes a deep breath, trying to steady his heart. Maybe he should wait a bit more before he tries again. Yeah, better not risk waking him up. But that would mean Yoongi has to stay in this position longer. Just what did he do to deserve this torture?

Oh right, maybe lying about a relationship and getting married for the money really doesn't put him in anyone's good graces. Still! Yoongi thinks this might be a bit overkill.

He can feel his left arm cramping up from putting all his weight on it. Fuck it's almost numb.

This whole situation reminds him of that movie the two of them watched together one night. What was it called again? Don't Breathe? Yeah. Yoongi feels like he's reliving the movie himself as he holds his breath, lifting his body a few centimeters just so he can extract his arm.

He lets out a quiet sigh of relief as he feels the blood finally flowing through his arm.

Now, time to shimmy himself out of that hold. It shouldn't be that hard. All he needs to do is move quietly and then—

Yoongi pauses when he hears a groan. He stops breathing, straining his

ears to detect any difference in Seokjin's breathing. What he hears concerns him more.

Soft whimpers.

There's no mistaking it. Yoongi's eyebrows knit into a line. He can feel the slight trembles run through Seokjin's body.

Yoongi hadn't been prepared for this.

But what he hadn't been prepared for more was the way he could feel his entire soul being crushed at those quiet whimpers.

Yoongi tries his best not to jostle Seokjin too much as he turns around to face him. The sunlight falls on the elder's face, so Yoongi shifts a little,

shielding him from the light.

He's relieved when he sees Seokjin is still sleeping. But his face is scrunched up, the trails of the shed teardrops leaving streaks on his cheeks as his lips tremble.

Is he having a nightmare? Is this a frequent occurrence? Or a one time thing?

Questions that Yoongi doesn't know the answer to flood his mind. But when another whimper leaves those lips, Yoongi finds himself drawing Seokjin closer to himself.

He doesn't think as he rubs soothing circles on the elder's back. All he knows is that he wants to do something to

ease the pain.

It's not because he likes him, Yoongi assures himself. He's just grateful for everything Seokjin has done for him, for the opportunity that he has provided him. For giving him the chance to finally believe that achieving his dream isn't just a dream anymore.

This is Yoongi giving him back whatever he can. Yes, that's what he will tell himself.

Seokjin's nightmare seems to go on as another whimper breaks out. Yoongi remembers something he once saw in a movie. Maybe that will work!

He threads his fingers gently in Seokjin's hair.

Feather light touches so he doesn't wake him up. Yoongi prays this works, otherwise he's going to sue that movie director for spreading misinformation.

As he feels Seokjin relax a little, relief washes over his whole body. He feels a smile tug at the corner of his lips as

Seokjin lets out a little sleepy whine when Yoongi tries to pull his hand away.

Such a kid, he thinks fondly, as he continues petting the elder's head.

When Seokjin lets out a satisfied hum, the smile drops from Yoongi's face. What is he doing? Why is he still doing this?

It looks like the nightmare has stopped. Yoongi needs to escape from this situation now.

But it's so hard.

Especially when Seokjin's face is so close to him.

Yoongi has never had the opportunity to observe him like this. His hand trails down slowly from the soft, fluffy hair,

to tracing Seokjin's closed eyelids, then the contours of his cheeks, and so dangerously close to those lips that had kissed him at the alter.

His face is so soft, so gentle. It leaves a painful reminder in Yoongi's heart of what he can never call his own.

He needs to stop now. He has allowed himself to be selfish enough for a day.

Yoongi turns around, hoping to find a pillow to give to Seokjin to hug instead.

"Don't go."

Yoongi stops, eyes wide.

"Stay...just a little longer. Please."

And Yoongi can't say no.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

Darkness. Silence. Emptiness.

It surrounds Seokjin. Again. He's back here again. How long has it been this time? Two months? Three? Maybe Four. Seokjin has stopped counting because there is no pattern to this.

It hits him when he least expects it. It leaves him breathless.

As usual, Seokjin finds himself in a dark room, completely devoid of life. How does he know it's a room? When he runs, eventually he hits something like a wall.

Sometimes it's a room devoid of any doors. Seokjin can run for eternity, one hand on the wall, to find an escape route

but there would be none. Eventually he would tire out, falling helplessly on the ground that always seems to swallow him whole.

Silence. An utter visual and auditory deprivation. A nightmare.

Sometimes Seokjin finds a gap. Like a doorway leading into a corridor.

But the corridor is just another endless darkness. Seokjin hates the corridor more than the closed room. Because it gives him hope. A hope that is snatched every time he runs without seeing an end in sight.

But he keeps on running.

And running.

Every time.

Why?

Why does he keep running? Seokjin doesn't understand it himself. In his mind, he knows there's no point. He keeps on running until his legs give up. And then he wakes up.

That's how it usually goes.

But something is different today.

It's the corridor room today. Seokjin runs.

But it's not the same. He can't figure out what's different. The place is cold and dark as usual. And sil— wait...it's not completely silent.

Seokjin strains his ears.

A humming. He whips his head, trying to find the source. He can't tell backwards from forwards anymore.

All he has to guide him is that familiar humming. A voice so gentle and so soothing that Seokjin knows yet can't quite place yet. It's a beacon, calling out to him.

Seokjin runs, he runs like he has never run before. The corridor stretches on for eternity, but the humming gets

louder with each step.

He doesn't give up. He knows he can't. He knows he'll regret it if he does. His legs scream at him in pain. It hurts. How long has he been running for? Usually he gives up by now. But not this time. He can't stop now. Not when—

He sees it. At the end of the darkness, he sees the light streaming in. Seokjin's legs are almost falling off from the exertion but he's so close, he reaches his hand out towards the light, the humming gets quieter.

No! Don't stop. Just a little bit more.

It's quiet now.

Seokjin stumbles to the ground. His legs won't move anymore. He begins crawling. The light seems to lose its brilliance.

No. Don't go, Seokjin screams at it.

The light is almost gone now, casting Seokjin in yet another dark void.

"Stay. Just a little longer. Please," he begs.

Seokjin wakes up with a start. He's disoriented, surrounded by the flood of light all around him, such a complete opposite from the darkness he was in.

"Seokjin...?"

There. That voice. The same voice that was humming. Seokjin's vision is still blurred. Wait...is he crying?

He quickly blinks, trying to focus on the blurry face in front of him. That voice...yes, it's Yoongi's. But, why is he here? Oh right. The sleepover.

"Seokjin, can you hear me?" Yoongi calls out again, the concern etched as clear as day in his voice.

"Y-yeah...I‐"

Seokjin's voice comes out too rough. He tries to get up, but his limbs just won't cooperate.

"Hey, hey, take it easy," Yoongi pushes Seokjin back on the bed gently. "You're shaking. Don't get up now."

When Yoongi tries to move, fear grips Seokjin's heart. His hand whips forward

clutching Yoongi's wrist.

"Don't go."

Seokjin doesn't know what prompts him to do that. He's still in this half asleep half awake moment where he's afraid he'll just fall back into the darkness if he loses his light.

"I'm not going anywhere." Seokjin can see the hesitation in

Yoongi's eyes as he glances at his grip on him. He leans closer, wrapping Seokjin into a hug. It surprises him because, until now, it had always been Seokjin initiating any affectionate contact between them. But now, as Yoongi holds him close, humming that same tune that had

pulled Seokjin out of that dark void, he feels himself relax against the younger.

"You're shaking," Yoongi's voice is a whisper against his ears.

It's only at that moment Seokjin realises that Yoongi's right. He's shivering like a leaf. And sweating. God he's sweating so much.

He tries to let go of Yoongi but the other holds on.

"Yoongi-ah, I'm disgustingly sweaty right now," Seokjin groans.

"Nothing a shower won't take care of," replies Yoongi.

And Seokjin can't find it in himself to argue back. Because he likes this a little too much.

He had always been the type of person to crave this kind of physical closeness, something that he has had to forfeit given his position. Now that Yoongi is giving him exactly what he yearns, he allows this moment to himself. To soak in this temporary affection while it lasts.

He feels himself calm down significantly. His breathing becomes normal, though, for some reason his heartbeat doesn't seem to be quietening down anytime soon.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Yoongi asks. Seokjin had almost drifted to sleep given how comfortable he was right then

but he tries to wake himself up to answer Yoongi.

"It's just a nightmare. Might be the alcohol acting up."

"Does it happen often?"

"No. Today's the first day." Seokjin lies.

"Oh...well, it's okay now. Your face went all white and— yeah I think you should rest today."

Seokjin lets out a chuckle. It sounds hollow even to his own ears. "That old man's been swamping me in work before we go for the honeymoon camping trip."

When Yoongi runs his fingers through Seokjin's hair, he doesn't comment on how wonderful it feels. Instead, he leans in more.

"Are you sure you're okay? I could talk to Kim-ssi. See if he could reduce your workload."

That makes Seokjin smile. He would love to look at the expression his grandfather would make at Yoongi suddenly turning up and bullying the old man. It might actually work, Seokjin thinks.

From what little he has seen the two interact, he knows his grandfather has a soft spot for Yoongi.

"Aw, are you worried about me, Yoongi-ah?" Seokjin asks, nuzzling into the younger.

Yoongi pauses. "Maybe."

And there's that thing in Yoongi's voice that Seokjin has noticed

before, but he could never find the courage to explore. He can't allow himself to. A possibility Seokjin wants to lock away in a box and hide away for eternity. Because he knows he won't be strong enough to resist it.

So he gently removes Yoongi's arms around him.

"Thank you, but I'm okay now. You don't have to worry about me. I can take care of myself."

The flash of hurt is momentary. But Seokjin notices. He always does.

"Alright," Yoongi nods. He moves away from Seokjin taking the warmth with him. Seokjin almost pulls him back. Almost.

"I'll be downstairs making breakfast. The kids will be up soon and then they'll start screaming if they don't get food." Yoongi hesitates at the doorway, eyes looking at anywhere but Seokjin. His voice is distant, even though he's just a few feet away from him.

It's further than it was in his nightmare.

"Are you su—" But he stops himself. "Come down after you're ready. I'll make you your favorite pancakes."

"With extra maple syrup?"

"I'll pour the whole goddamn thing on yours." And with a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes,

Yoongi leaves.

Seokjin takes a deep breath. He feels worse than he did in his nightmare.

You're such a coward, he thinks to himself, his hand running over the leftover warmth on the bed from where Yoongi was sitting.

A coward and a liar.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

"You know, maybe it's a bit too late to mention this but, I don't really know anything about fishing," Yoongi admits, leaning back against the comfortable recliner.

They're finally on their way to New Zealand for their honeymoon. Yoongi finds himself oddly excited about their

upcoming week in New Zealand. It'll be his first time visiting anywhere outside South Korea.

But, Yoongi glances at Seokjin, his enthusiasm is nothing close to what Yoongi can feel radiating off of the elder.

"Don't worry about that," Seokjin waves his hand dismissively.

"It's not too hard once you get the hang of it."

Yoongi purses his lips. Seokjin doesn't even look at him. Now, Yoongi would say that things haven't exactly been 'normal' between them ever since that sleepover. But it could just be his imagination.

He tries again.

"Thanks for holding back on the honeymoon for my exams. Even though you have a busy schedule yourself."

"It's part of our contract," Seokjin says, his voice aloof. "This arrangement between us won't interfere with your studies. That was what we decided, didn't we?"

That fucking contract again. Yoongi resists the urge to throw the pickled cucumber he's munching on at Seokjin.

In the last two days, Seokjin has probably mentioned the damned contract a hundred times, even going out of his way to write up a formal draft for Yoongi to sign.

At first Yoongi had been surprised at his sudden change in behaviour. It's not like they had been extremely close to begin with, but Yoongi at least considered him as a friend. No matter how messed up their situation is, Yoongi had been sure Seokjin saw him as a friend too.

Now? Not so much.

Yoongi doesn't know what changed between them but Seokjin has been rather distant. And Yoongi can't even ask him about it. Not for lack of wanting. But because every time he asks Seokjin if anything's wrong, he's always met with curt one word answers.

In the beginning it kind of hurt Yoongi a bit. But he tried to rationalize it as work stress. He remembers what Seokjin had told him in their first meeting. That the only reason he's faking this whole marriage is because he doesn't want to deal with the responsibilities of a real

one. That he doesn't have the time to worry about anything else other than his work.

And Yoongi understands. It's not like he needs coddling every few seconds. So he gives up asking Seokjin about it.

/I can take care of myself./ Seokjin's words run through his head.

Yes, Yoongi is way past feeling hurt. If Seokjin wants to give up on being friends, then Yoongi won't push it. It's not like being friends was in the 'contract' anyway.

Seokjin's excitement at the prospect of fishing is the most reaction he has seen on his recently.

So Yoongi lets it be.

A thirteen hour flight later, they land in New Zealand. It's chillier than Yoongi expects it to be as he huddles into his jacket for warmth. There's a car waiting to pick them up.

"It'll take about an hour to reach your destination," the driver informs.

Yoongi doesn't mind. He loses himself in the picturesque surroundings that flash by as the car drives by vast expanses of fields. The hills stand majestic in the background, leaving Yoongi speechless. The sunlight falls on the snow-capped peaks, making them glitter in the day.

"It's so beautiful." Yoongi's voice mimics the wonder he feels at that moment. Never in his life would he have expected to come to New Zealand, let alone at the excuse of spending a honeymoon with his fake husband.

The greenery soothes his soul as he takes in the fresh new scent

of his surroundings. A motion in his periphery catches his attention. Without giving it much thought, he grabs Seokjin's sleeve and tugs at it.

"Look over there," he says excitedly, pointing out the window. "Sheep! So many sheep!"

The driver seems to like Yoongi's sudden

excitement as he goes on to explain how the sheep are rounded up by the dogs every day and how they are taken care of. Yoongi absorbs all this new information like a sponge.

Seokjin doesn't say anything, but the smile on his face (that he tries to hide unsuccessfully) gives him

away. Yoongi doesn't know why Seokjin is acting distant, but at least they can enjoy this moment together.

The place they're staying at is a little lodge, a complete contrast from the five star ostentatious hotel they had stayed at during the wedding. If Yoongi's being truthful,

he likes this one a lot more than the other. As soon as their car comes to a stop, a furry little someone comes out to greet them.

"Ah, that must be the owner's dog," Seokjin's voice softens immediately on seeing their new four legged friend.

"Her name is Toto," an old woman,

who looks to be in her sixties, comes out to greet them.

Toto, who had been curiously sniffing around Yoongi and Seokjin's feet, runs up to the old woman, turning to look at them with her wide, shining eyes. Her short white fur reminds Yoongi of Jjanggu. He hopes the little guy

isn't giving Hoseok too much of a hard time back home.

"You must be Mr. Kim's son," the old woman comes forward, speaking in broken Korean.

"Yes," Seokjin bows respectfully before taking her hand. "My grandfather has spoken so highly of you." He speaks in fluent English.

It shouldn't be coming as a shock to Yoongi. But Seokjin speaks with such a perfect accent that he can't help but marvel at it.

The woman relaxes visibly and lets out an airy laugh. "Ah, you're as charming as your grandfather. Oh and," she turns towards Yoongi, "you must be the

lucky guy who married such a handsome man."

"Yes," he nods, making sure to smile widely. It's not like his English is bad, but next to Seokjin's perfect fluency, his confidence to carry out a proper conversation in a foreign language isn't exactly the best.

"My name is Kaia," she introduces herself to Yoongi. "I'm part of the native Māori clan so these old ancient bones have a deep connection with this land." She looks off wistfully into the distance.

"But don't you two just stand there," she says with sudden enthusiasm that jolts

Yoongi in surprise. "Come inside. It'll be really cold at night. Come on, inside you two."

She reminds Yoongi of the ahjumeoni from his part-time work days. They give off the same warmth. Yoongi feels a lot better at that thought.

Toto jumps around near them, excited to have

people she can play with. Seokjin ruffles her hair to indulge her.

The lodge isn't the biggest. Yoongi counts the rooms. Four. Enough for a large group of friends or a big family to stop by. With the fire crackling in the hearth and the homely feeling that surrounds Yoongi, he

finally realises why he had been so uncomfortable ever since he moved into the new apartment.

Warmth and closeness.

The apartment was too big. Too cold. Too lonely sometimes. It didn't have the heart of what makes a house, a home. The heart was shut out for him.

As Yoongi side-eyes Seokjin who's busy filling out the paperwork at the reception, he can't help but wonder if that heart will be shut out for him forever, or would he be able to find some space for himself? Would be be able to leave his mark, even after all of this is over?

Yoongi doesn't expect much. He doesn't expect grand gestures or expensive dinners or material gifts...all he wants is for Seokjin to not forget him completely. To find it in himself to remember these moments with Yoongi, to think back fondly on their time spent together.

That's all he hopes for.

Yoongi doesn't like the feeling that threatens to overwhelm him. He digs his fingernails into his palms, hoping to tear himself away from these thoughts. Nothing good will come out of expectations, he repeats.

Nothing ever did.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

Another overcast sky. Seokjin narrows his eyes, wondering if it's some divine punishment he's facing. Or else how is he supposed to explain why exactly the skies couldn't be in his favour on both his wedding and honeymoon?

He's being punished for lying. Seokjin shakes his head

as the ridiculous thought crosses his mind. Since when did he start believing in a higher power? This whole situation is messing with his head.

They have been cooped up inside for the past five days because the weather suddenly took a turn for the worse.

"This happens all the time during this time of the year," Kaia had reassured them the second day. "It'll clear up soon."

Soon doesn't come soon enough. Yoongi doesn't seem too bummed out but Seokjin knows he's just putting up a front.

The first day they had arrived, Yoongi just

wouldn't stop chatting with Kaia about all the places they could visit. His eyes were practically popping out in excitement.

But the rains came down the very next day, throwing all their plans down the drain.

Seokjin sees it as a personal affront. He feels responsible for this.

Even though he knows there's nothing he can do, the past few days he has been looking up every possible alternative to camping, checking the weather forecast every few minutes. They only have two more days left of this disastrous honeymoon and Seokjin wants to salvage it somehow.

He's looking up the weather forecast again, for the hundredth time that day, when he hears a knock on the door.

"It's open," he calls.

The door creaks open slightly as Yoongi peeks in. "Dinner's ready."

He takes one look at Seokjin and sighs. "Are you at it again?"

"No," Seokjin replies quickly, tucking his phone aside.

Yoongi continues to glower at him, "For someone who isn't doing what I have been telling him not to do, you sure look guilty."

"I'm not—"

"It's not your fault."

"I know. But I—"

"It's not your responsibility to fix it."

"I just don't want this honeymoon to go to waste," Seokjin sighs.

Seokjin can see Yoongi hesitating at the doorway. That's something he has noticed happening too frequently. It always seems like Yoongi is about to say something, but then retreats back, with a look Seokjin can't

quite place. And it drives him insane.

"Just say what you want to," he says, not able to hold himself back any longer.

He seems to have caught Yoongi off-guard because he clearly doesn't expect that. The younger looks at him with something akin to irritation and anger.

But that doesn't make sense. Why would Yoongi be angry at him?

"You seem like you have something you'd like to say so don't hold back," Seokjin tries again. These past few days, Yoongi has barely spoken to him. Not that he has tried much to initiate conversations himself.

But every time he does, he keeps on remembering how close he had come to dragging Yoongi closer to him the first time they had shared a bed, how close he had come to losing all control and finally chasing those lips he couldn't stop thinking about ever since their wedding.

So Seokjin holds back. Keeps his distance. Doesn't start conversations. And it drives him insane. How is he supposed to keep a straight face when Toto jumps into Yoongi's arms, almost making him fall backwards into a very startled sixty year old woman?

The worst was sleeping on the same bed again. This time however, they put plenty of pillows and blankets as a barrier between them. Even then Seokjin could barely sleep a wink at night, and judging from Yoongi tossing around every few seconds, neither could he.

"It doesn't make sense." Seokjin almost doesn't catch Yoongi's words.

"What doesn't?" He asks when Yoongi doesn't explain further.

"You. You don't make sense." This time, when Yoongi looks at Seokjin, the hurt and confusion is apparent. "Why are you even trying so hard?

Did you want to go camping that bad? You have money so it's not like you can't just pack a bag and set off anytime you want. You can even go with someone you'd actually enjoy yourself with instead of putting up with me."

"Yoongi—"

But Seokjin finds himself tongue-tied at the

sudden burst of emotions from Yoongi. And he's not done yet.

"I've been trying Seokjin. I've been trying to understand why you're suddenly being so distant one second and yet you're still glued to your cellphone trying to salvage this vacation. It just doesn't make sense!"

And with that Yoongi slams the door to his room and leaves, leaving Seokjin reeling from the outburst. The silence that surrounds Seokjin is excruciating. Yoongi's right. Now that he spelled it out for him, it's painfully obvious how contradictory his actions are.

No wonder Yoongi's mad at him. He doesn't want to half-ass this and confuse Yoongi even more.

The sky outside grumbles, mirroring Seokjin's emotions. He's torn. While he doesn't want to get closer to Yoongi knowing the risks involved, he's already in this too deep to act like a

complete stranger with him.

He has two options. The easiest one would be to remove himself completely from this arrangement emotionally. There's a saying that if you lie enough times it'll even seem like the truth to you. Seokjin could do that. Lie that he doesn't care.

That he doesn't consider Yoongi his friend. That he's only a stranger with whom he has a business deal.

The second option, and the scariest one, is to stop being a coward.

A flash of lightning lights up the sky outside. It's nighttime. The rain seems to be giving up from the

sound of the drops hitting the window.

How long has he been sitting here? Did Yoongi finish his dinner yet? Or was he waiting for him? Seokjin shakes his head, amused. Even now he feels warmth at the thought of Yoongi waiting to have dinner together despite his earlier outburst.

When he finally goes out to the dining room outside, he can't see Yoongi anywhere.

"Kaia, did you see my husband?"

The old woman, dozing off in front of the fireplace, looks up at Seokjin's question. She nods slowly, before closing her eyes, drifting off to dreamland again.

Seokjin looks around the lodge, calling out Yoongi's name. Toto follows him close to his heels.

"Do /you/ know where he went?"

Toto runs back to the main hall and starts scratching the door, barking excitedly. Seokjin frowns. It's still raining outside. There's one umbrella

missing from the stand at the door.

"He didn't go out in this weather...did he?"

Toto barks, as if in answer.

"That boy...went out in a hurry," Kaia blinks slowly, scooting closer to the fireplace. "I don't think he has gone too far yet. The rain will stop soon so I'm sure h—"

"I'm borrowing your umbrella for a bit!" Seokjin runs into the dark without waiting for a reply.

Toto walks back, settling comfortably on Kaia's lap.

"Do you think he has made his decision?" she asks Toto, scratching her ear. "Ahh to be young idiots in love."

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

It's too dark and Yoongi's cellphone is almost out of juice. Dammit. He would have charged it earlier had he known he'd be walking the streets at night in his pajamas, umbrella in one hand, a dim flashlight courtesy his cell phone running on borrowed time in the other.

Yoongi hadn't really been paying attention to the road. The anger got the best of him. It's quiet. And dark. There's not a single soul that Yoongi can see on the road. No one he can ask for help.

"Shit." Maybe it'll be better if he stays put instead of wandering around.

After all, isn't that what people who get lost in forests are advised to do? Just stay put and wait for help?

But Yoongi isn't in a forest. He's walking the unfamiliar streets of Switzerland, almost frozen in his flimsy pajamas, and he's hungry. God, why'd he have to go and say

all those things to Seokjin? And he had been doing such a great job at hiding it.

The pitter patter of rain is the only sound that penetrates through the silence. Yoongi can't even seem to find a shelter nearby. It's all pitch black.

How long has he been walking?

His feet scream at him from the exertion. Shivers creep up his body. Not good.

That's when a big boulder, right under an old tree, comes into view. Yoongi sighs in relief. He can sit there for a while and wait for help.

He checks his cell phone. 3% with barely any connection.

In conclusion, he's screwed.

Yoongi doesn't know how long he sits. But it's long enough for the rain to lessen down to a drizzle, and then stop completely. At least he doesn't have to hold up the umbrella over his head anymore. The clouds clear up faster than he anticipates.

The pale moon peeks shyly from behind the retreating clouds, casting its mellow light over the surroundings.

It's a full moon night, he observes.

Now that he has some visibility, Yoongi squints, trying to figure out how far he has wandered out.

Oh great. He's definitely lost.

Nothing seems familiar. Not that he has had a chance to explore the place in the downpour of the past five days. Why did he think walking out was a great idea again?

He shivers again when the cold wind tickles his body. Maybe his only hope right now is if Kaia sends out someone

to search for him. Yoongi tucks in his legs and rests his head on them.

Would Seokjin come looking for him?

His earlier outburst plays vividly in his mind. Ahhh he's embarrassed now. How is he going to face Seokjin after this? Yoongi tries to recall exactly what he said to him.

Ok, nothing too incriminating. He can chalk it up to the frustration of being cooped up inside for their vacation. Yeah. That's what he can do.

"Achoo!" Oh god. Yoongi hopes he won't catch a cold.

What if...Seokjin gets angry with him? Yoongi wouldn't be too surprised.

He basically did just blow up on the guy even though he was trying to come with with new ideas to salvage their trip. Yeah, Yoongi wouldn't be surprised if Seokjin gets tired of him. Maybe it'll actually be for the better? It could be the push they need to skip all friendliness

towards the other in the future.

Yoongi's heart gives a lurch at the thought. He can learn to live with that. It's not too late to back out of this emotionally.

Ah. That darned headache is back. Yoongi hasn't had one of those in a while. His eyes start dropping.

Suddenly, Yoongi feels too exhausted. Maybe his body is finally catching up to his surprise late night walk. The boulder looks a bit too tempting to lie down on.

His headache, coupled with the shivering, seems to intensify. Shit. Maybe it'll get better if he rests.

The rock is smooth, but it's damp from the rain. Better than lying down on the road, Yoongi thinks. His clothes soak the water and stick to his body as he lies down. So cold. Yoongi closes his eyes, hugging himself tight.

Maybe if he imagines a warm place, he won't feel cold?

Warm...a warm place...and a bed to lie on...beside Seokjin. Wait. That's dangerous territory. Yoongi can't go there. But he's cold. Too cold. Just a bit. Yoongi lets himself imagine, wrapped in Seokjin's warmth, like that time the elder had hugged him tight.

Maybe he's a little too lost in his imaginations but he can almost hear Seokjin call out to him.

"...ngi?"

A voice of concern. Seokjin is always too worried. He's always there beside Yoongi even when he doesn't have to be. It's so frustrating for him.

"...oongi?"

Dammit. Now he even hears his voice in his mind. But...why does it seem like he's scared? What's wrong? Did he have another nightmare again?

"Yoongi?! Can you hear me?! Fuck— we need to go back fast."

Hmm? Yoongi hasn't heard Seokjin so flustered and worried before.

He wants to tell him it'll be okay. Even if Yoongi doesn't know what's wrong, he wants to reassure Seokjin. Everything will be alright. He's here. He'll always be there beside him.

Maybe not as husbands. Maybe not as friends either, if Seokjin doesn't want him to be. But—

"You're freezing. Oh god. Fuck. I should have borrowed Kaia's car. We're at least twenty minutes away."

Even then—

"Don't fall asleep Yoongi. Stay with me okay? Just— stay with me. Hold on a little longer."

—he wants to stay with Seokjin. He wants to...

When Yoongi wakes up, the first thing he takes note of is that he's warm. Maybe a little too warm. He slowly blinks his eyes open. Apparently he's dead and buried under fifty blankets. Dammit he can't even sit up.

How did he even get here? Yoongi racks his brain, trying to

remember. The last thing he recalls was storming out of the lodge at night. And then he got lost and—

That's when Yoongi notices the figure huddled at the foot of his bed, fast asleep.

"Seokjin..."

"Oh, you're awake?" The door opens to reveal Kaia, followed by Toto.

She holds a tray in her hand, which she gently places on the bedside table.

"What— ahem," wow Yoongi's voice is hoarse. "What happened? How did you find me?"

"I didn't," she smiles, picking up a thermometer and sticking it inside Yoongi's mouth. "Your husband found you."

Yoongi looks at Seokjin, eyes wide. "He did?"

"You bet he did. Ran after you and then he comes back with you on his back. God bless my old heart, I thought you were a corpse. Your skin was turning blue." When the thermometer beeps, she takes it out and narrows her eyes.

"One degree above normal. Well, better than what it was before. Your husband there wanted to shift you to a hospital immediately but the closest one from here is at least an hour. Your condition would have deteriorated a lot more. So I convinced him to keep you here instead."

"I'm sorry for all the trouble I put you in," Yoongi bows his head in an apology.

Kaia shakes her head. "It's not me you should be apologizing to." She tilts her head towards Seokjin. "I have never seen anyone so afraid. Boy was almost on the verge of breaking down."

Yoongi gulps. He takes in the elder's sleeping form more clearly. His mouth is turned down in a frown. Is he worried even now?

"I— didn't mean to..."

Kaia hands him some medicine and water, which Yoongi gulps down gratefully. His headache is gone and it's only his body which

feels a little sore.

"I know you didn't. He hasn't left your side ever since he brought you back. Can't blame him for falling asleep at last."

"How long was I out?" Yoongi asks.

"About seventeen hours, give or take. Don't worry, kid. Rest up a bit. Your body is still weak."

And with that, Kaia leaves. Toto jumps up on the bed and whimpers, setting down his head on Yoongi's lap.

"Hey there you, did I make you worry too?" Yoongi asks, scratching Toto behind her ears. That makes her happy, as he wags her tail enthusiastically, before she leaves.

It must be afternoon. The sky has cleared up completely and the sunlight filtering into the room is a welcone change from the gloominess of the past few days. With a sudden jolt, Yoongi realises it's their last day in New Zealand.

"Mmm...." There's a little movement on Seokjin's

end. Yoongi watches as the elder stirs slowly, before lifting his head, which immediately turns to Yoongi. Seokjin blinks his sleep filled eyes.

"Yoongi...?"

"Hey."

"You're awake."

"I am."

"How are you feeling?"

"Never better." Yoongi puts up a bright smile.

He's waiting for Seokjin to be mad at him. After all, he put him through so much trouble. The elder has every right to be mad at him, to scream at him like Yoongi did before. He can take it. He has already prepared his heart.

"Oh thank god." The sheer relief in Seokjin's voice

surprises Yoongi. Seokjin shifts forward and wraps his arms around Yoongi, hugging him close. "Thank god you're okay. You scared me Yoongi. Don't do that again— don't ever leave me alone like that again."

It's the shaking that gets Yoongi. He wraps his own arms around Seokjin,

returning the embrace. Rubbing soothing circles on his back, just like Seokjin did to calm him down before.

"I won't. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry—"

They stay like that. For how long Yoongi doesn't know. Could be a few minutes or hours. He doesn't care. He feels Seokjin relax in his

arms, before his breathing becomes more even.

Ah, he fell asleep again.

Yoongi shifts to one side of the bed to make space for Seokjin. He must be so tired. Yoongi has noticed this before, but he's still struck at how delicate Seokjin's face looks when he sleeps.

This time, there's no boundary between them. No pillows or blankets to keep the distance. Yoongi lies down beside Seokjin. It's warm.

"Don't...go..." Seokjin mumbles, his hand patting the bed to find Yoongi.

"I'm not going anywhere. Not until you tell me to." Yoongi takes his

hand and presses his lips against the palm. "I'm right here. I'll always be right here."

He leans forward and pecks Seokjin's forehead. Settling down beside him, Yoongi finally realises that all this time, he has been deluding himself.

There's no way he can back out of this anymore. He can't keep lying to himself about his feelings.

He has fallen for Seokjin. Hard. And there's no going back on this. He'll face his feeling...and Seokjin. Head on. He won't escape anymore.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

"Are you serious?" Yoongi looks at himself in the mirror. Five layers of clothes. He can't even see half his face. "Don't you think you're going a bit overboard?"

"No," Seokjin states firmly, wrapping a scarf around Yoongi.

"I beg to differ."

"Overruled."

"That's not how it works." Yoongi mumbles in protest but he knows it's a lost cause. It's their last night in New Zealand and Seokjin had wanted to take Yoongi somewhere after supper. It's only been a few hours since he woke up. He feels fine. A bit tired maybe, but mostly fine.

Not that Seokjin is willing to take a risk.

He practically forces Yoongi into the warmest of clothes, waving aside any and every protest Yoongi makes.

"We are not stepping a single foot outside unless I'm convinced you're warm enough."

Yoongi narrows his eyes.

"You almost reminded me of my mom."

"Not a comparison I'm very enthusiastic about," Seokjin grimaces. He takes a step away and gives Yoongi a once over from head to toe. Satisfied, he smiles.

"Perfect!"

"I look ridiculous," sighs Yoongi.

"N— well...at least you're warm."

"Hey! At least deny the ridiculous part!"

"I was taught to lie only when necessary."

With them still bickering, they set off in a car Kaia lends them. Yoongi has no idea where they're off to. Every time he tries to make Seokjin slip up and reveal the place, he's just met with

a smirk.

"Have some patience," Seokjin laughs after Yoongi's fifth unsuccessful attempt.

"Easy for you to say. You're always the one springing surprises on me like this," pouts Yoongi, crossing his arms and staring straight ahead.

"You don't like them?" Seokjin asks.

Yoongi can see the smirk he's hiding in the rearview mirror. He knows he's getting on Yoongi's nerves. Why is he even enjoying this so much?

"Not at all." Yoongi turns his head away. He knows Seokjin will catch him in his lie if their eyes meet.

They don't have to drive long.

That's the only thing Seokjin tells Yoongi. It's a short distance but he didn't want to take any public transport to make Yoongi more tired. So considerate. Yoongi rolls his eyes. He's not a porcelain doll, but he can't deny that he's enjoying the attention Seokjin showers on him

quite a bit.

Now that he has decided to stop running away from his feelings, he doesn't feel as guilty as he did before enjoying his time with Seokjin. Even if it doesn't mean the same to the elder, Yoongi can live with it.

"Ah, sheep." Seokjin slows down the car and points to

the right. "Look over there."

Yoongi's eyes follow the direction Seokjin points at. In the orange sunset that paints the sky, a herd of sheep run around the field, kept in formation by a shepherd's dog.

"You were really excited the first day we came here and you saw sheep.

Was that your first time?" Seokjin asks.

"Yeah." That was the time Seokjin had been avoiding him. But Yoongi had been so excited seeing sheep for the first time, he had practically shaken Seokjin in his seat. Embarrassing. Why did he have to act like a complete child?

Yoongi hopes he can blame the sunset for the blush on his face. As he watches the sheep graze by, one of them catches his attention.

He snaps a quick picture, and then turns towards Seokjin. "Look over here." When Seokjin does, Yoongi quickly takes his photo as well.

"...what are you doing?" Seokjin asks.

"Wait a second." Yoongi fiddles with his cellphone for a while. "Dammit how does this app work..."

Seokjin tries to sneak a peek but Yoongi shoves him away. "Why don't you focus on driving?"

Once he's done, he lets out a triumphant laugh.

"I knew it!"

"What? What did you know?"

"I'll show you when we get there," Yoongi pockets the device and hums a tune, enjoying the groan of frustration Seokjin lets out. Serves him right for keeping the destination a secret. Two can plan the game.

The place they arrive at is

nothing Yoongi imagines it to be. It's a little meadow almost hidden away in the clumps of greenery surrounding it. Yoongi can see a lake from where Seokjin parks the car.

When Seokjin turns off the ignition, he looks at Yoongi with guarded eyes. It rings warning bells in Yoongi

"About yesterday...we didn't really address the reason you walked out and— it's just..."

Yoongi clenches his fingers under the jacket. He didn't think Seokjin would wants to talk about that so soon.

Seokjin continues. "You were right. My words and actions were contradictory.

You had every right to be mad at me."

"I just— I was just confused." Yoongi keeps his voice neutral. He doesn't want to ruin the delicate situation they have right now. He still doesn't know where Seokjin stands with regards to things between them. One wrong word and—

"I understand." Seokjin nods. "And that was mostly my fault."

"...all your fault," Yoongi purses his lips.

"Right," Seokjin chuckles easily, his eyes forming a beautiful crescent as he looks at Yoongi. "All my fault."

They sit in silence, staring at one another.

There's something tangible in the air. Something so fragile and delicate, Yoongi is scared.

Because right now, he understands. As he looks at Seokjin, as Seokjin looks at him with those eyes that seems to speak louder than any words could, Yoongi understands.

That the moment they decide to acknowledge this will be the decisive moment for them.

"Why...why did you act so distant all of a sudden?" Yoongi asks, testing the waters. Will Seokjin follow on?

"I— I was..." Seokjin hesitates. He seems to be struggling with his words.

"Do you not want to be friends? Am I really just...just someone with whom you have a contract?" Yoongi knows he's pushing it. But he needs to know.

They fall into silence once again. Yoongi sees a myriad of emotions play through Seokjin's face. Confusion, hesitation...

He's positive the elder isn't going to give him an answer when—

"I'm sorry."

There it is. The two words Yoongi had been fearing. With his heart in his throat, Yoongi asks, "Why?"

Seokjin leans against the seat and sighs. "Just...give me some time. Please. I promise.

I promise that I'll face you honestly but...that time isn't now. Is that...is that okay with you?"

Yoongi lets out the breath he had no idea he was holding.

"Yeah. That's fine with me."

Turns out, Kaia's family owns this private land and she was kind enough to lend it to

Seokjin for one night.

"It's mostly hired by campers but thankfully we have to whole place to ourselves today." Seokjin explains. He had loaned a camper van and Yoongi's excited face as he unloads the groceries from the trunk of the car is contagious.

"This is a nice surprise."

"I figured," Seokjin huffs, unloading the boxes of beer and meat, "we might as well make some better memories while we're here."

Yoongi helps set up the grill while Seokjin unload the boxes. They have enough for a nice little barbeque. This is exactly what Yoongi needs to relax.

When night falls, Seokjin takes the responsibility for the grill as Yoongi prepares the vegetables and ramen. Cooking with Seokjin has always been one of his favourite past times and it's even more fun when Seokjin can't figure out how to work the grill.

"It's not like the ones

I use," he explains defensively.

"Yes yes, I understand. It's not one of your expensive automatic grills." Yoongi teases the elder.

He feels surprisingly lighter. Yoongi wonders if it's weird but he's happy. Seokjin might not have given him an answer, but he didn't reject him

or try to deny the growing tension between them. Now Yoongi is sure the elder feels it too and it's not just him.

Time. Yes, he can give Seokjin all the time he needs. As long as Yoongi can stay by his side, even as a friend.

As they sit side by side, enjoying the

slightly burnt chicken (because Seokjin was insistent on knowing how to grill them) and ramen, Yoongi looks up and gasps.

"What?" Seokjin almost drops his chopsticks in alarm.

"The sky..." Yoongi looks on in wonder. A thousand constellations of twinkling starts dot the inky

dark blue sky, and amidst them the moon shines its own brilliance.

"Whoa." Seokjin lets out a breath of his own. "You don't get to see such a sight everyday."

"It's beautiful..."

As Yoongi looks on, mesmerized, he feels Seokjin's steady gaze on him.

"Yeah. Really beautiful."

Seokjin's words are just a whisper, carried away by the wind.

Yoongi feels warm, and it has nothing to do with the five layers of clothing Seokjin had forced him into.

"Remember that time you had taken me to your secret spot?" Yoongi recalls. "We looked at the sky like this

back then too."

"It wasn't this pretty though," Seokjin shrugs.

But Yoongi shakes his head. "It was pretty. Really pretty."

As the cold wind stokes the fire, the two of them find themselves sitting just a bit closer, their hands brushing against the other just a little more.

It's a moment Yoongi knows he'll remember for the rest of his life. Away from all responsibilities, all contracts. Just the two of them with only the vast night sky and a million twinkling stars the sole witness to this moment they share.

"Oh right, why did you take a picture of

me earlier?" Seokjin suddenly asks.

"Ahh." Shit, Yoongi had almost forgotten about that. He takes out his cellphones, swipes a bit until he finds the picture be edited earlier and holds it up for Seokjin to see.

"That sheep reminded me of you."

Seokjin squints at the picture.

"I think you need glasses."

Yoongi stomps on Seokjin's feet. "You know I'm right!"

"How do I look anywhere close to that sheep?! I'm way more handsome!"

"You're the one with bad eyesight!"

...and with that, their last night in New Zealand comes to an end.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

Back in Seoul, in a certain estate, a young man greets his guest.

"Kim-ssi, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

The smile he keeps on his face is polite. He knows exactly why his guest has come. After all, it's not so hard to guess from the rumours floating around.

"You must have heard." The guest grumbles, taking a seat.

The young man arches an eyebrow. He'll have to pretend he doesn't know what Kim means.

"Do you mean the horrible dip in Seong's stocks recently? Yes, that is quite a shame. Didn't think the old man kept so many skeletons

in his closet for so long." He takes a sip of the fragrant chamomile tea. His guest frowns, visibly frustrated.

Ah...it feels so good to rile people up. Especially when they're this idiotic to walk into his traps themselves.

"That's not what I meant," the guest grits out.

"I'm talking about my father marrying off that brat without so much as a warning."

"Ah, Seokjin? Yes, so I've heard. I was so sorry I couldn't attend their wedding. Had some work in Singapore that day."

His guest, Kim Chul-soo, looks close to popping a vein.

"An absolute mess is what that was. Should have known those two were up to something. All those secret lunches. They planned this all along."

The young man wrinkles his nose in disgust when his guest almost spits out in anger. He discreetly moves his chair further back.

"Well, from what I have heard, Seokjin and Min-ssi have been dating for a while. So it shouldn't really come as such a surprise, should it?"

"Hmph," Chul-soo loosens his tie as he sits more comfortably. "Don't give me that dating bullshit. That's the weakest lie I have ever

heard in my life."

Oh?

"Whatever could you mean?" The young man leans forward, intrigued.

Maybe not kicking his guest out wasn't such a bad idea.

"I mean," Chul-soo adds with a flare, propping one leg on top of the other, "That whole dating thing? A lie. It has to be."

"I'm not sure I'm following you here, Kim-ssi. Why must it be a lie?"

"Because that brat knows nothing but business," the man answers.

That wasn't too far from the truth. He has himself known Seokjin personally for a few years. The heir to the Kim empire was exactly how

he had imagined him to be.

Polite, punctual, but behind that fake smile of his hides the ruthless and passionate businessman who wouldn't blinks an eye before sacrificing everything for the empire. Oh, how he admires Seokjin for that.

But...

"People change," the young man says

wistfully. "Maybe he met the right person and fell in love."

"Bullshit," Chul-soo repeats. "If that were the case then someone would have had some inkling about this. I have people to keep me informed about these things—"

"So you would know when your father finds out about your

little behind the table dealings?" The young man adds casually.

That seems to trip up Chul-soo a bit. The man's eyes narrow in suspicion. "How did you know ab—"

"You see, I have my sources as well."

His guest is flustered. Exactly what he wants. He can't stand the man being

too comfortable in his house.

"Now, as you were saying...?"

"Ah...yes.." Chul-soo continues, a little subdued. "So, no staff from the main house or from the brat's house had even seen this Min Yoongi until two weeks before the wedding. Don't you think it's a little suspicious?"

Hmm. Interesting.

"That doesn't prove anything. Seokjin knows there are eyes on him constantly. Even in his own home. If he wanted to keep his boyfriend a secret, I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard for him."

Yes. It's not impossible to hide a lover when you're rich.

Money can shut people's eyes and mouth in the most effective way. Well, that and murder. But the second leaves too much of a mess. And it's boring.

"I thought so too. Until today."

Ah, there's that annoying smirk on his guest's face. He wants to wipe that obnoxious look off his

face so badly his hand shakes.

Chul-soo places a small device on the table in between them. The young man recognises it immediately.

"What's that?"

"A recording device. One of the staff at the main house was kind enough, after getting a handsome payment for their troubles, to

place this in my father's study." Chul-soo pushes the device in his direction.

They both listen to it.

Chul-soo's eyes shine with excitement when the recording ends. The young man has to keep himself from breaking his mask. He can't show just how valuable this information this

is. That would give Kim Chul-soo the upper hand.

"This is...quite surprising. So Kim Hyun-ki won't be handing over full control of the empire to his grandson for at least a year."

"Yes," the man smiles widely. "That was worrying me the most. But now—"

"And what do you expect

me to do with this information, Kim-ssi?"

"Your family holds the most power next to my father."

The young man waits for Chul-so to continue. He can see where the man is going with this. But it's fun toying with him. He doesn't get to do that often.

"After one year, my father will cut off our shares and give Seokjin almost full control over the empire. I'm sure that'll be up for debate at the next board meeting in a few months. It's not something everyone will be happy about."

"No," the young man smiles. "I personally know

many people who will try their best to stop this from happening."

"If you..." Chul-soo hesitates. He rubs his thumbs together. "If you could help me out...sway the board against the decision..."

"What's in it for me?"

"Whatever you want. Money, property, a share in the company

...whatever you wish for, I'll give it to you."

Hmph. What an idiot. Why would he even need money? He has enough to make sure four generations after him can live comfortably without having to work a single day in their lives. Ah...no wonder that old man doesn't trust his second

son to take over the empire. The third son is supposed to be even more of an idiot. Hyun-ki truly is lucky he got Seokjin as his grandson.

However, the young man can't pass off the proposal. To ruin his guest's fortune and get rid of his boredom at the same time? He'll have to

be mad to pass off on this deal. "I can't promise you anything, Kim-ssi. But I'll see what I can do."

Maybe he'll pay the happy couple a visit sometime soon. Yoongi's face pops up in his head unbidden. He hasn't felt this excited in a long, long time.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

"You have till June 27th to submit your application, Min-ssi," the Head of Yoongi's department pushes up her glasses as she looks over the rules. "I'm so happy you have finally decided to apply for the competition but don't dillydally and send in your application immediately."

"Yes seonsaengnim," Yoongi bows before carefully putting the application form into his bag. "I'm glad I could get the opportunity to apply before I graduate."

"I know you have it in you, kid," his teacher smiles proudly. "You have two months until they announce the accepted

applicants, but I have a good feeling you'll get through. Feel free to use the practice room anytime you want."

"Thank you." Yoongi doesn't tell her he already has a piano at home. Seokjin's precious wedding gift.

Yoongi walks the streets with a giddy feeling in his chest.

He's on cloud nine and he can't keep the smile off of his face. Things have been going so well.

Two months have gone by in a flash ever since his marriage. He almost couldn't believe his eyes when he saw his bank balance book yesterday. He knew he was going to get paid well for

this but that doesn't make it any less unbelievable for him.

After struggling for so long, finally Yoongi can feel the burden on him lightening. It also means that achieving his goal is not a pipe dream anymore.

He has only had to attend three parties these past two months.

But Yoongi is more prepared. He doesn't exactly hide behind Seokjin or feel like running out every time someone comes up to talk to him. But he does stick to Seokjin's side mostly. Because he can still hear the whispers that follow every time he's alone in such gatherings.

It shouldn't have come as a surprise to Yoongi. Of course there will be talks behind the back. He understood quite quickly that his marriage to Seokjin is something unique. And that not many people were exactly thrilled about it, to say the least.

But of course that thought

hadn't crossed Yoongi's mind...until he had to attend a party one week after returning from their honeymoon. This time, he was introduced to everyone as Seokjin's husband.

The reaction was quite different from his first party. Back then, people had simply looked over Yoongi.

This time, the curiosity and interest on him were tenfold. It was all polite smiles and handshakes and dinner invitations while Yoongi was beside Seokjin.

But the moment he excused himself to grab a drink, the whispers followed.

"Must be good in bed...why else would he choose

a nobody?"

"Struts around like a slut, don't you think so?"

"Look at him all dressed up as if he even belongs here..."

"I can't believe Kim Hyun-ki even allowed this. Must be the old age getting to him."

Yoongi gritted his teeth. He couldn't just stir up trouble, even if the

desire to give them a piece of his mind was excruciating.

He didn't even bother looking at who was whispering. But suddenly he felt very small. The lights were too bright, the crowd too much, the whispering too loud. It's not like these people were even bothering to be subtle.

No. They wanted Yoongi to hear those words.

Yoongi hadn't even realised how hard he was gripping the champagne glass, until Seokjin came up beside him to wrap an arm around his waist and take the glass out of his hands.

"Yoongi-ah, don't leave me alone for so long," Seokjin had

whined louder than necessary. Faces turned towards them. "I swear it's almost as if you love champagne more than me."

And then he had looked pointedly at the people around them before swooping in to kiss Yoongi on the lips. Yoongi had been surprised for a split second. But then—

"Make sure to give them a good show. That'll shut them up," Seokjin had whispered against Yoongi's lips.

The sudden ringing of his cellphone pulls Yoongi away from recalling the absolute pleasure he had that day, kissing Seokjin while he could almost feel their audience fuming.

Oh...speak of the devil...

Yoongi picks up the call. "Hello husband."

"Hmm? Someone seems to be in a good mood." Comes Seokjin's amused voice from the other end.

"That I am," Yoongi smiles. "I got the application form for the competition and the professor even said she'd write

my recommendation herself."

"That's brilliant!" And Yoongi doesn't have to see Seokjin in front of him to know that the elder is smiling wide. Because that's the thing about Seokjin. The guy gets genuinely excited and happy every time he hears anything related to Yoongi's music.

It had been Seokjin who had practically pushed Yoongi out of the house today to collect the application form after Yoongi had a bout of self-doubt regarding even applying for the competition. It's one of Seoul's biggest international music competitions so Yoongi couldn't help but

have second thoughts.

/"What if I'm not good enough?"

"Yoongi, why do you love music?"

"Because...it's such an unique way to communicate with someone. Music can bring you comfort. I want to bring that comfort to people."

"Then don't think about not being good enough.

All you have to worry about is how you're going to make your emotions be heard through your music. And trust me Yoongi, your music is spellbinding. It's the most beautiful thing I've heard in my life. So have faith in yourself. And don't come back home unless you return with that

form."/

"...ongi? Yoongi, are you still there?"

"O-oh yeah sorry. Spaced out a bit there," Yoongi apologises, still a bit flustered that Seokjin had described his music as spellbinding. It's one of those moments he'll keep close to his heart.

Yoongi can hear Seokjin sighing on

the opposite end.

"As I was saying, one of my meetings was cancelled so I have some free time now. Wanna grab lunch?"

"Sure," Yoongi agrees, a little to quickly. He clears his throat. "I mean..yeah sounds like a good idea. I'm near the university right now."

"Let's go to one of my favourite sushi places this time. Or do you have anywhere you'd like to go?" Seokjin asks.

"Sushi sounds great."

"Alright," Seokjin sounds happy. It rubs off on Yoongi as he feels himself getting more excited. Which honestly doesn't make sense.

They see each other every day at home. Why is Yoongi getting giddy about grabbing lunch as if they don't have breakfast and dinner together anyway?

"Wait for me, okay. I'll be there soon."

"Okay."

But..maybe it's not that strange that Yoongi is this excited about a lunch.

Because it'll mean spending more time with Seokjin.

Geez. Yoongi really has dug himself into a hole he can't get out of easily. But Seokjin has yet to give him an answer to that question Yoongi had asked him in the last day if their honeymoon.

So Yoongi holds on.

While he is usually aginst such odds, Yoongi wants to bank everything in the minuscle possibility that Seokjin might...just /might/ return the same feelings.

He knows it's a gamble with high stakes. But for once, Yoongi is willing to put his heart on the line.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

Seokjin puts the last of the files he was skimming through in a pile before getting up to stretch a little. People think it must be so glorifying to be the heir to an empire, but mostly it's just Seokjin having to break his back over documents. Piles and piles of documents.

But at least he has something to look forward to today.

Seokjin grabs his jacket as he's about to head out, when there's a knock on the door to his office.

"Yes?"

Namjoon creeks the door open before poking his head through the gap. He looks hesitant.

"What is it? I'm kind of in a hurry here Namjoon."

"You— have a guest."

Seokjin frowns. "I don't remember having any extra appointments today."

"It's not exactly...someone with an appointment." Namjoon licks his lips, eyes avoiding Seokjin's.

"Well, just ask them to come back

later then," Seokjin answers. Why is he even having to tell Namjoon to do something as simple as this?

"Tomorrow. Ok I'll—"

"Oh come on Namjoon-ssi, don't be like that. At least tell him who his visitor is."

Seokjin pauses on his way to grab his cellphone.

That voice.

"Sir, please you can't enter without—" Namjoon's protests die in vain as the visitor sidesteps his way in.

"Yang." Seokjin's jaw is set tight. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Yang glances back at Namjoon still at the doorway. Seokjin gets the hint.

"Namjoon, it's okay. Whatever this is," he spares Yang a cool glare, "it won't take long."

Once the door closes behind them, Yang makes himself comfortable. "Yaah...it's been such a long time since I've seen you, Seokjin. When was the last time....oh! At that charity event."

"Why are you here?" Seokjin remains standing, arms crossed. "I'm in a hurry so get over with it."

Yang puts his hand over his heart. "You wound me Seokjin. First you don't invite men to your wedding, then to the housewarming, and now you're being so cold towards your old friend.

If I didn't know you well, I'd almost believe you don't like me."

"Good to know you don't know me well then," Seokjin clips in. Why is this guy even here?

"You're going out?" Yang asks, eyeing the jacket on Seokjin's arm.

"Yes."

"Lunch?"

Seokjin hesitates for a split second.

"...yes."

"Oh! Then I wouldn't mind joining you at all. I was actually hoping to try—"

"You can't," Seokjin says quickly. He doesn't want to ruin this rare lunch with Yoongi. As it is he's already running late because of Yang.

"Hmm? You seem a bit— ah! How silly of me!

Are you perhaps on your way to meet your husband?"

Seokjin has to grind his teeth to stop himself from cursing. Yang's doing this on purpose. He has to be. He's toying with Seokjin again.

"Yes I am. Now if you'll excuse me." Seokjin tries to walk past Yang but the guy just

blocks him.

Seokjin has had enough of his games. "What are you doing?" he asks, voice low.

"I just think it's even better if I join you. I haven't had the pleasure of getting to know your husband yet. Min Yoongi-ssi, was it? Or is it Kim Yoongi now?"

"It's still Min Yoongi. Changing last names are outdated, Yang."

"Ah, is that so?" Yang seems to think over Seokjin's words. "Yeah, you're right. Min Yoongi sounds a /lot/ better than Kim Yoongi."

Seokjin doesn't like the emphasis Yang puts on the 'lot'. In fact, he's pretty

sure he doesn't like Yang at all. Why is he even wasting his time here with this guy?

"I have to decline your offer," Seokjin just wants to get this over with. "I'd rather you don't come anywhere near my husband."

The way Yang's eyes light up at that as he smiles—

Seokjin doesn't like it one bit. He has seen that face enough during his university days to know it only spells trouble.

"I'm serious, Yang. Leave Yoongi out of any shit you're planning."

"And what makes you think I'm planning anything? Maybe I just genuinely want to get to

know your husband. He seemed like a wonderful guy from what little I saw of him," Yang presses on. There's an underlying stubbornness in his voice that Seokjin is cautious of. If he keeps trying to keep Yang away from Yoongi, it'll just make him more interested in him.

"Fine." The word tastes bitter in his mouth. "Meet him, get to know him. Do whatever you want. I don't really care anyway."

The smile drops from Yang's face in the blink of an eye. A coldness seeps into his features, almost as if someone just switched off the warmth inside him.

And Seokjin has never felt so shaken up. It's the same face he had seen on Yang, so many years ago, before he had tried to destroy the hard earned reputation Seokjin had built up at university. Not that Seokjin has any evidence that it was him.

But he knows.

His instinct has never been wrong. Yang's methods to get things done had always been discreet. Words said behind walls, whispers passed in the corridors. Nothing to ever directly incriminate him to anything tangible.

What he still doesn't understand is— why /him/?

What has he ever done to get under Yang's skin?

"You still haven't changed huh...thought you had gone all soft on me, marrying someone with no connections. Nothing to offer to you. Nothing you can take advantage of," Yang's voice is so low Seokjin doesn't catch most of it.

"Anyway, don't regret those words of yours."

Seokjin seethes. "I won't."

"We'll see about that." And with that, he leaves, just as suddenly as he had arrived, leaving Seokjin perplexed. Why had he even come in the first place? Seokjin shakes his head. He'll never understand

that guy. Not that he has any interest in doing so.

His eyes fall on the clock. Shit. He's really late now.

Seokjin types in a quick message to let him know he's running a little late. He just hopes Yoongi doesn't get too tired of waiting.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

Something's wrong. Yoongi can feel it in his left kneecap.

Seokjin's been unusually quiet throughout lunch. There's a little frown on his face, a dip at the corner of his mouth. None of the usual easy smiles that Yoongi has become so used to seeing on him.

He doesn't even crack a food pun. That is the biggest giveaway.

The mood is all wrong. Yoongi needs to fix this.

"Do you know why Koreans are so good at making fried chicken?" Yoongi asks.

Seokjin pauses midway from taking a bite out of the fried chicken dangling

from his chopsticks. He looks at Yoongi, looks at the chicken, and then back at Yoongi and shakes his head.

"Because it's Seoul food."

Silence.

Seokjin's chopstick is still halfway to his mouth, which now hangs open in shock.

Yoongi wants to dive into his soup, never to come back up again. He looks back down at his own food and starts wolfing it down. There's no way he can look at Seokjin in the eye now.

A low snicker that turns into full blown guffaw— Yoongi covers his face in

embarrassment as Seokjin breaks down into fits of laughter.

"You— I can't believe you w...would just pull such a lame joke like that," Seokjin doubles over, clutching his stomach.

Yoongi's still hiding his face with his hands, but he sneaks a peek at Seokjin

from the little gap between his finger. He really does look the best when he's laughing. He looks...happy.

"We will not speak of this ever again," Yoongi mumbles with a pout.

Seokjin takes a long swig of water to control himself. He's still chuckling in good humour when he takes Yoongi's hands into his own and pulls them away.

"Don't hide your face, Yoongi-ah."

Yoongi's heart flutters at the fondness in Seokjin's voice.

His eyes fall on their interlocked hands resting on the table. Neither of them make a move to withdraw from that position.

"I don't know what came over me please forget this even happened," Yoongi mumbles.

"Were you trying to cheer me up?" Seokjin asks.

Yoongi nods.

"You weren't paying attention." Yoongi doesn't finish his thoughts completely. The 'to me' at the end of that sentence remains hanging in the air between them. Unspoken. But still present.

Seokjin sighs, squeezing Yoongi's hands. "I'm sorry for being such a downer today.

Things happened and—"

"Is everything okay at work?" Yoongi asks concerned.

"Yes. But there was an unexpected visitor who popped up and reminded me of some unpleasant memories." Seokjin grimaces. He shouldn't be letting Yang stir him up like this.

"An unexpected visitor?"

There's a flash of concern that crosses Seokjin's face when he looks at Yoongi. But it's gone quickly. Instead he smiles. The earlier frown vanishes and he's smiling once again.

"Don't worry about it. He was probably just trying to get under my skin.

He has no business with— ahem." Seokjin clears his throat. "Anyway, as a connoisseur of tasteful food puns, it breaks my heart to inform you that your pun was truly worth an applause."

Yoongi has a feeling Seokjin's just trying to divert from the topic. But as much as

he would love for Seokjin to share his problems with him, he can't push him.

Seokjin might still be keeping things that bother him bottled up inside. Yoongi thinks back to that night months ago when Seokjin had looked so vulnerable, shaking like a leaf and clutching onto

Yoongi after waking up from a nightmare.

So Yoongi takes the hint and groans with exaggeration, making Seokjin swear never to talk about the pun ever again. The elder laughs easily, teasing Yoongi to no end.

And Yoongi is satisfied with this.

As long as he can at least make him smile like this, as long as he can lift even a tiny amount of burden from his back, it should be enough.

Their lunch is almost over and Yoongi finds himself reluctant to leave. It's almost as if Seokjin reads his mind.

As soon as he puts down his chopsticks, he says, "So, what do you want to do next?"

Yoongi sees the mischievous twinkle in his eyes and smirks. "Are you planning to skip work, Kim Seokjin-ssi?"

"A wise person once said, work hard, play thrice as hard."

"Really?" Yoongi quirks an eyebrow. "And who is this wise person?"

Seokjin leans back and points at himself with a flair. "You're looking at him."

"Namjoon-ssi will be mad at you."

"When is he not? Besides," Seokjin drops his voice, gesturing to Yoongi to lean

forward so he can whisper in his ears, "I think he might be seeing someone."

That's news to Yoongi. He has grown quite close to Namjoon over the past few months, but he hadn't noticed anything particularly suspicious.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm two hundred percent positive. But what's surprising is that he had a crush on Hoseok for a long time. But I don't think it's him."

Speaking of Hoseok... "That reminds me," Yoongi pipes up as the memory comes back to him. "I think I caught a glimpse of Hoseok-ssi a week ago.

He seemed to be out on a date but I didn't get to see who he was."

"What?! That's outrageous!" Seokjin gasps. "I can't believe he didn't tell me anything!"

"I'm not sure if it was a date but uhm, technically you didn't tell him you were dating and getting married either."

"That...is a very valid point. Dammit. The two people closest to me might be dating but I have no clue," Seokjin pouts. "This isn't fair."

He's adorable when he pouts, Yoongi thinks. It doesn't happen often but that's what makes it so much more precious to him.

"Come on," Yoongi takes Seokjin's hand as he gets up. "Let's walk around a bit. We can even catch a movie."

"Oh, let's do that! Can we? Please? I've never been to a movie theater before!" Seokjin follows Yoongi's lead excitedly.

"Wait...you've never been to the movies?"

Seokjin shrugs. "Never really had the opportunity to."

Yoongi stares at Seokjin, trying to figure out if he's joking. But...he's serious. Seokjin is dead serious. Yoongi has to stop himself from gawking at the elder.

"To the movies it is then!"

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

"I'm sorry sir, but there's no show available for Parasite right now. We do, however, have a special screening going on. Would you be interested in that?"

Yoongi and Seokjin exchange glances.

"Absolutely."

They collect their tickets and head inside the waiting area.

There's nothing truly impressive about it. Yoongi might not have had the time or luxury to go watch movies as often as he would have liked, but he can tell this theatre is exactly like the others.

Nothing special.

At least to him.

Now, Seokjin on the other hand, seems

to be having a hard time choosing where to look at.

"What's that?" He tugs at Yoongi's sleeves.

"That's an automated soft drink machine."

"And that?"

"Umm those are the self serving food counters."

"You have to serve yourself?" Seokjin asks, looking at the counter with

interest.

"Yeah. Or you could order from your seat in the hall as well. There's—"

"Come on," Seokjin says, interwining their fingers. "Let's go see what they have."

By the time the movie is supposed to start, Yoongi has to literally drag Seokjin away from buying the

jumbo triple decker caramel popcorn combo.

"But it looked so good," Seokjin pouts, eyeing the large popcorn and cola that Yoongi bought instead.

"We just had lunch," Yoongi repeats for the hundredth time. "It would have been a waste of money."

"But—"

"Next time. We'll get that next time."

"Promise?"

"Pinkie promise."

For a supposed special screening, there's not many people inside. Yoongi isn't even sure what the movie is about. It's some really old foreign movie screening. The Shining, was it?

Something tickles at the back of Yoongi's head. Has he heard of this movie before?

Seokjin bounces his leg in excitement, almost vibrating in his seat.

"I can't believe this is your first time coming to a movie theatre," Yoongi smiles fondly.

He hasn't seen the elder being this playful in a while.

His eyes shine with anticipation.

"Well, there was always a home theatre that I could use but it doesn't really give the same level of satisfaction."

The lights turn dim as the advertisements start playing, and soon

they are engulfed in darkness.

The opening scene plays and when the first note of the background music hits, Yoongi turns stiff. What's with this eerie atmosphere? It's almost as if...

It might just be Yoongi's imagination, but he can almost feel Seokjin going

rigid next to him as well. The elder stops bouncing his legs. Hmm. Maybe he's concentrating on the movie. After all, it's his first time.

Yoongi forces himself to relax, even if it's extremely hard to with the goosebump inducing music playing in the background.

Minutes pass by and he's slowly drawn into the story.

It's when the employer of the protagonist warns him about a certain gory incident that had occurred in the hotel that Yoongi realises with a sinking feeling that his earlier fears were correct.

This is a horror film.

Fuck.

He's not good with horror. In fact, he steers clear of horror movies ever since that one time in his childhood when he had seen Chucky which had given him nightmares for weeks. He has half a mind to just dash out of the theatre when he stops himself

He can't do that. If he does, then he'll ruin the whole experience for Seokjin.

Also...he doesn't want Seokjin to know just how much of a scaredy cat he is.

So Yoongi sucks it in and watches as the protagonist, who was already pretty creepy to begin with, slowly starts

descending into madness. An uncomfortable feeling creeps into his skin.

Deep breaths, Yoongi. He tells himself. Deep breaths. This is just a movie. There's nothing to be afraid of—

He glances at Seokjin midway and halts. The elder's knuckles are white as he

grips the handrest between them. His jaw is set hard, his whole body tense.

Is Seokjin...not enjoying this?

He seems even more uncomfortable than Yoongi, breathing hard, the popcorn between them long forgotten. Shit. Yoongi should have checked what this movie was about.

He leans in closer to Seokjin and taps his shoulder. The elder jumps in his seat, his eyes wide as he turns towards Yoongi.

"O-oh Yoongi-ah...what's wrong?"

That's what Yoongi should be asking him.

"Are you okay?" He asks.

Seokjin lets out a laugh. It sounds forced.

"O-of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

"No I mean— if you aren't enjoying the movie, we can leave."

Seokjin seems to think over his words for a few seconds. Yoongi is almost sure he would want to leave but the elder shakes his head.

"I'm enjoying it. We don't have to leave."

Yoongi isn't convinced. "Really?" he asks again.

"Really really," Seokjin says with a finality before turning his focus back on the movie. But his posture doesn't seem to relax at all.

Yoongi bites his lips. Seokjin could be lying to him. Maybe he should tell him

he's uncomfortable and they could leave. But...what if Yoongi's hunch is wrong? Then he would be putting a damper on Seokjin's experience.

His eyes fall on Seokjin's hand that seem to almost crush the handrest with how hard he's gripping on to it. Yoongi inches his hand forward,

and threads his fingers with the elder's.

Seokjin turns towards him, eyes dropping to their interlocked hands, before turning towards the screen again. He doesn't remove his hand. Instead, he squeezes back and that's all the reassurance Yoongi needs.

It's not as bad as Yoongi thought it would be. There's no jumpscare so at least the movie has that going for it. It's just that the creepiness that seems to pervade the movie keeps on intensifying with every scene.

He holds on to Seokjin's hand tight. It's not as scary when

he has the elder right by his side. Even Seokjin seems to have relaxed a bit as well. He isn't as tense, even though the occassional squeezes are quite telling.

The movie ends, yet Seokjin doesn't release his hand until they're out of the theatre into the busy streets of Seoul.

"Are you going to return to work?" Yoongi finally asks when they're outside. He hopes Seokjin won't have to. Maybe they could go somewhere else. To the park maybe? He feels awful for making Seokjin go through that movie when he was already in a sour mood from work before.

But Seokjin glances at his watch and sighs. "I think so. Pretty sure Namjoon's blowing a fuse by now."

Yoongi nods. Of course he understands. He can't keep being selfish when Seokjin is probably busy with a lot of work.

Back at home, Yoongi tries his best to be productive.

He even sets up the recording device to record his audition tape for the application. But Yoongi gives up soon when he realises it won't be easy to concentrate.

He looks at the time. Seokjin should be home in a few hours. Maybe he could make him his favourites for dinner.

By the time Seokjin arrives, the while apartment is filled with the delicious aroma of galbi and jjajangmyoen. He even went an extra mile to pick up ingredients for tteokbokki.

"What's this?" Seokjin asks, eyeing the dishes that fill the table. He seems to be doing a bit better

than he was in the afternoon but his face still looks a little pale.

"Dinner," Yoongi answers simply, setting the table. "Freshen up quickly before the food gets cold."

It doesn't even take Seokjin twenty minutes before he's back. Yoongi watches the water droplets drip down

the back of his neck. The guy didn't even dry his hair properly. He's going to catch a cold at this rate.

"You went all out today," Seokjin comments, slurping on the noodles. "This is delicious. Is there some occassion?"

Yoongi smiles.

There's nothing more satisfying than watching Seokjin enjoy his cooking.

"It's to celebrate you playing hooky at work," Yoongi says.

"If playing hooky means getting to eat all this," Seokjin says with his mouth full, all table manners forgotten, "maybe I should skip work more

often?"

"Yah," Yoongi lightly kicks Seokjin under the table. "If you do that I'll never hear the end of it from Namjoon. I'm sure he'll give me a whole lecture aout how I'm being a bad influence on you."

Seokjin stops chewing and knots his eyebrows.

"Wow, I can't even say you're wrong."

They look at each other's serious faces, before bursting out into giggles. Once dinner is over, Seokjin clears the table and Yoongi prepares to head to bed when—

"Yoongi-ah."

Yoongi stops on the stairs.

"Yes?"

He can't see Seokjin's face as his back is turned towards him, but he can clearly see that the tips of his ears are red.

"Tonight, would you mind sleeping in—..."

Yoongi waits for Seokjin to complete his sentence but the seconds tick by in silence and soon he's shaking his head

"Nevermind. Forget what I said. Goodnight."

Yoongi frowns. "Uh...goodnight."

Sleep eludes him completely as Yoongi tosses and turns in his bed. He can't seem to shake the memory of Seokjin at the movie theatre gripping his hand like his life depended on it.

Is he really doing okay? Yoongi recalls the way Seokjin had looked so scared and vulnerable when his nightmares assaulted him. What if he has another nightmare again? Yoongi starts chewing on his nails.

The loud ringing of his cellphone jerks him out of his thoughts, startling

him hard.

"Jesus fuc—" Just who could be calling him this late at night?

Huh? Seokjin?

Yoongi picks up the call.

"Hello?"

"Hey." Yoongi can hear Seokjin's soft voice in the other side. "Did I wake you?"

Yoongi shakes his head, only to realise Seokjin can't see him.

"No. I was just...working on the application."

"Ah, I guess I disturbed you th—"

"No you didn't," Yoongi reassures him quickly. He gets up from his bed and takes slow, measured steps towards the wall separating his room from Seokjin's.

There's silence between them,

punctuated by their breathing. Yoongi leans against the wall and slides down, cradling the phone to his ears. He can almost hear their hearts beating is he strains his ears enough.

"You're probably wondering why I called you so late," Seokjin chuckles. There's a nervous hint in

his voice.

"Not really. I wouldn't say that was the first thought that came to my mind."

"Then what was?"

Yoongi leans his head back against the wall and sighs. Maybe it's from all his worrying earlier, maybe it's the late night, or maybe it's simply because

Seokjin isn't in front of him to see how red his face is but Yoongi can't stop the next words from tumbling out of his mouth.

"I was wondering why I became so happy as soon as I heard your voice, even though we just talked to each other barely an hour ago."

"Oh."

The silence falls again, but this time Yoongi's heart isn't just fluttering in his chest. It's racing a thousand miles per hour. Maybe he really should see a doctor.

"I— the reason I called is because..." Seokjin clears his throat. "It's because I wanted to hear your voice too."

Ah. Ok Yoongi is pretty sure his heart just stopped for a few seconds there.

"To tell you the truth," Seokjin continues, "I'm not really great with horror movies."

"Yeah...I figured."

"And...I don't know. I thought I'd feel better if I distracted myself with work but...

it didn't really work."

"Mmhmm."

"So— I thought maybe...if I listened to your voice, I could fall asleep easier?" Seokjin's voice almost fades away by the end.

At this point, Yoongi finds himself caught between the voice in his head and the one in his heart.

His rationality tells him to suggest some sleep inducing exercises, or maybe offering a warm drink. His heart, however, is louder and it's hard to ignore it's calling when Yoongi's body moves before he can even think this through.

"Seokjin?"

"Hmm?"

"Open the door."

There's a pause before Yoongi can hear the quick shuffling of feet. The door clicks open to reveal Seokjin's surprised face.

"I thought it might be better if you could hear my voice in person." Yoongi explains before Seokjin can even speak a word. "You know...instead of over the

phone."

Seokjin smiles, opening the door further. "That sounds like a great idea."

Seokjin falls asleep soon enough. Talking to Yoongi always calms him down. There's just something so soothing about his voice.

As he drifts in and out of consciousness, Seokjin hears a

humming in the background. He recognizes the tune from when Yoongi had calmed him down during one of his nightmare episodes.

"Yoongi?" he mumbles, voice groggy with sleep.

"Hmm?"

He feels fingers thread in his hair. It's such a wonderful feeling that he sighs in contentment,

snuggling closer to the warmth beside him.

"What's that song?"

At this point, Seokjin isn't even in a position to tell dream from reality.

"It's something I'm working on. Haven't named it yet."

"It's beautiful," Seokjin sighs. "Just like you."

The fingers stop their motion

for a second. Seokjin almost lets out a whine but the soothing circles resume, dragging Seokjin further into the depths of unconsciousness.

Maybe he's already in his dreams when he feels a soft pressure on his forehead. The gesture is so gentle, almost as if

telling Seokjin he's safe. His heart seems to calm down as his hands find the source of the warmth he had been seeking.

Seokjin hopes he never has to let go of the hand in his.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

"Thanks for coming with me today hyung."

"I'm only doing this because it's you Kook-ah."

"Well, it's not like you were doing much. Weren't you sleeping?"

"I was concentrating!"

"In other words, you were sleeping."

"I was not!"

Yoongi huffs as Jungkook continues teasing him.

Okay so maybe he has dozed off. But Yoongi has an extremely valid reason for it.

He wonders just what had come over him last night to actually voluntarily sleep in Seokjin's bed. Not that he did much sleeping. How could he when Seokjin kept his arms wrapped around him all night?

Yoongi couldn't even wriggle himself free. Any slight movement he made and Seokjin would cling onto him tighter, moaning in protest.

"Hyung, why's your face all red? Do you have a fever?" Jungkook asks.

"O-of course I don't." Yoongi hurries to deflect the conversation.

"Haven't you found what you were looking for yet?"

The distraction seems to work because Jungkook's eyes turn wistful as he looks around them. "There's just so many I can't choose where to begin"

Yoongi can only sigh. "You need new XLR cables, jack converters and in-ear

monitors right? Just grab the ones you think would work best with your equipment. Don't compromise on the quality. If it's expensive I'll buy it for you."

Jungkook's eyes widen. "Really hyung?" he asks in disbelief.

When Yoongi nods, Jungkook envelops him in a hug, almost

lifting him off his feet. Which is, embarrassing in a sense, given that Yoongi is five years older than him.

"You're the best," Jungkook gushes. "Thank god Tae and Jimin hyung were busy."

"When are they ever busy?" Yoongi scoffs when Jungkook puts him down

from his bone-crushing hug.

Jungkook shrugs. "If going on a date counts as being busy."

"Wait...they're dating?!" Yoongi's jaw almost drops to the floor. That is unexpected. Jimin and Taehyung? Who would have thought?

"They're not dating each other," Jungkook emphasizes, making a face at the thought. "That would be like...incest. They practically shared a womb."

"You're exaggerating," Yoongi shakes his head even though he heaves a sigh of relief. He can't really disagree with

Jungkook completely.

"Anyway, wait me for me here hyung. I'll just grab my stuff."

"Don't get distracted!" Yoongi calls at Jungkook's retreating figure.

The youngest waves back and disappears into an ocean of equipments. If Yoongi's being honest, he's trying his best not to

drool at the state of the art Nord keyboard just beckoning at him to come closer. He's enthralled by it as he takes tentative steps forward.

No. He must stop.

If he isn't careful, he might just want to buy the damn thing and he doesn't even want to know much much it costs.

Probably more than he can ever afford, even with the money he's making playing a fake husband.

"Min-ssi? Ah, I'm right! It is you!"

That voice. Yoongi turns his head in surprise.

"Yang-ssi...?"

They've only met twice— once outside that restaurant where Yoongi had met Seokjin

for the first time and then at that charity event organized by his family, where Seokjin's grandfather had dropped the marriage announcement in front of everyone.

Both days quite memorable, Yoongi has to admit.

"I'm honoured you remember me," Yang smiles brightly.

"Let me formally introduce myself. I'm Yang Chin-hwa, the eldest son of the Yang family."

Yang extends a business card which Yoongi looks over before putting it in his pocket.

"I'm surprised to see you here," Yoongi says. "Are you interested in music equipments too?"

Yang laughs lightly. "Did Seokjin not tell you anything about me? Yes I'm the heir to the Yang family business, but I'm also a part time sound engineer. It's actually a secret hobby of mine."

"You'll keep it a secret for me though, right, Min-ssi?" Yang leans down and winks,

looking around wildly to check to see if anyone has overheard them.

His exaggeration of the whole thing makes Yoongi burst out in laughter but he can't help it. Yang just looks so ridiculous with his posh outfit and styled hair trying to sneak around to buy sound equipment.

"You have nothing to fear, Yang-ssi," Yoongi manages to speak in between weezes. "Your secret is safe with me."

Yang gazes at Yoongi with a fond smile. "I knew it."

"Knew what?"

"You look your best when you laugh."

That catches Yoongi off guard.

He's usually not the best with compliments. Fumbling on what to respond with, Yoongi manages to mutter a thank you.

But Yang shakes his head quickly. "I'm serious. The last time I saw you, you looked quite troubled— actually, even the first time as well. But now you..."

Yang takes a step back and looks over properly at Yoongi. "...now you look happy."

Does Yoongi look happy? The thought suddenly crosses his mind. All these years, he had never really had much time to think such frivolous thoughts of happiness. Not when survival was his priority.

That's not the case anymore. Yet...what is happiness for Yoongi? If he had to ask himself this before, he would no doubt say it's music. But now, somehow, this answer seems insufficient. There's something more.

Seokjin's face flashes in his mind.

Yoongi bites his lips.

"Yeah...I guess I am happy."

"Hyung, help me choose," Jungkook suddenly pops up beside him, his arms full of cables, and boxes of converters and headsets.

"Ah, I guess you're here with someone," Yang says, looking at Jungkook with curiosity.

"Jungkook, this is Yang Chin-hwa.

He's an acquaintance of Seokjin's. Yang-ssi, this is my friend Jeon Jungkook. He's my junior in uni."

"A pleasure to meet you, Jeon-ssi." Yang extends his hand.

"Likewise." Jungkook gives a firm handshake after dumping everything in his hands in Yoongi's cart.

"Hyung, there's more that I want to buy in the next section. Come with me." He wraps himself around Yoongi's arm, pulling him towards the next aisle.

Yoongi is surprised by Jungkook's behaviour. The guy is practically dragging him away.

"Um, I guess I'll take my leave, Yang-ssi," Yoongi bows in apology. "I hope we can meet again soon. I'd love to hear more about the kind of music you have made."

Yang smiles polietly as he watches Jungkook take Yoongi away.

"You have intuitive friends, Min-ssi,"

he mumbles as he glances at the Nord keyboard Yoongi had been looking at earlier.

"...maybe we'll meet sooner than you think."

.....

Once Yoongi can't see Yang anymore, he digs the heels of his foot and stops them.

"What's this about Kook-ah?" he asks, hands on his hips.

"That was very rude of you."

Jungkook avoids his eyes as he pouts. "I'm sorry."

"It's just not like you at all. Did something happen?"

Jungkook shifts on his feet. "I don't know. Didn't like him."

Yoongi crosses his arms and is about to tell Jungkook off when the younger

finally meets his gaze. Ah shit. He really knows how to use his weapons. Yoongi can't scold him when he's looking at him with those big shiny doe eyes.

"I'm sorry hyung," he hangs his head low. "But trust me on this. I didn't get the good vibes from him."

Yoongi recalls how Seokjin had almost kept Yoongi shielded from Yang at that charity event. It didn't seem like he had a great relationship with him. Still, Yoongi tries not to judge anyone based on what other people think about them. He makes his own decisions.

"I understand but that was still rude," Yoongi flicks Jungkook's forehead.

"Ouch!"

"You deserved it. Now what is it that you want to get? Hyung will buy it for you."

And as Yoongi looks at Jungkook's face lighting up at that, he feels his own heart swell in size.

He could never really take care of the kid as well as he would have wanted before. The happiness that he feels now at spoiling him is only possible because of Seokjin.

"Once we're done here, let's grab some lamb skewers on our way back," Yoongi smiles, ruffling Jungkook's hair.

Seeing Jungkook happily picking out his new equipments, Yoongi wonders just how much more happiness he'll stumble upon because of Seokjin.

He hopes the elder will always have a part in that happiness too.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

"If we look at the growth, our profits have been steady but in case of an— Seokjin-ssi are you paying attention?"

Namjoon waves his hand frantically in front of Seokjin, pulling him away from his thoughts.

"W-what? Of course I'm listening," Seokjin says. "Growth steady, profit

margin good. Right?"

Namjoon sinks into his seat, dropping the stack of papers on Seokjin's table. Rubbing his temples, he looks at his employer.

"You've been distracted the whole morning. Is something wrong?"

Seokjin rests his head of the table and groans exaggeratedly.

"Namjoon-ah, I thought you'd never ask! The toughest decision ever lies in fromt of me. What should I do? I'm losing my mind."

Namjoon straightens up immediately. This looks serious. He hasn't seen Seokjin this troubled in a while.

"Tell me. Maybe I can help you."

Seokjin looks up at him with hopeful eyes.

"Do you think...Yoongi would forgive me if I buy him a new keyboard?"

Silence. Namjoon blinks, quite unsure whether he heard his best friend correctly.

"Pardon?"

Seokjin turns his laptop towards Namjoon and points at the screen.

"What you see in front of you is a ​Nord Stage 3 Compact with a 73-note Semi Weighted Waterfall keybed with Physical Drawbars," Seokjin reads on. "It's the latest model and apparently a wet dream for any musician."

Namjoon takes a deep breath to process all the information.

"And you're geeking out about this keyboard because..?"

Seokjin pulls back the laptop towards him and continues his browsing. "Last night Yoongi mentioned something about this model. That it's one of the finest pieces of technology he would even be willing to sell his soul for."

"Did he ask you to buy it for him?"

"Of course not," Seokjin scoffs. "I suggested it of course. But you should have seen the glare he gave me. He made me promise I won't do anything stupid like wasting my money."

Namjoon holds back a smirk. That does sound like Yoongi.

"Then I think he was quite clear on the matter—"

But Seokjin cuts him off with a wave of his hand. "You didn't see him Namjoon-ah. His eyes went /this/ big." Seokjin makes a circle with his thumb and forefinger to emphasize his point. "And they were shining like a thousand

sparkling stars."

"So that's why you're in a pinch?"

"Yeah," Seokjin sighs dejectedly. "I really really want to buy him one. But I get the feeling he might just be mad at me if I do."

"I think you're right." Namjoon leans back against his seat and props one leg on the other.

"And you want my help to decide?"

Seokjin nods his head quickly. "Please?"

Well...this will be fun.

"Let me ask you one thing first," Namjoon starts. "Why do you want to buy a keyboard for Yoongi when you gave him a piano as a wedding present just a few months ago?"

Seokjin looks at Namjoon like that's the dumbest question he has ever asked. "That was different."

"How?"

"It was a wedding present. This is a gift—"

"Those are literally synonyms."

"Also, the Nord Stage 3 has three sound generating sections. Piano, Organ and Synthesizer!"

Seokjin continues with a flourish without paying heed to Namjoon's interruption, as if that explains everything.

"It's a three in one deal. Yoongi would need the piano to practice on for his competition. But he's also a musician who loves to create music.

So this will help him even more."

"And why do you want to help him so much?"

"Because it'll make him happy!"

"And why do you want to see him happy?" Namjoon pushes a little more.

"Because I—..." Seokjin pauses mid sentence, narrowing his eyes at Namjoon. He clears his throat

and makes his face neutral. "If he's happy, he'll have to work harder at being a more natural fake husband."

"He seemed pretty natural to me," Namjoon replies. "At the last party...in fact, he was so natural, I couldn't even tell he was acting."

Seokjin holds Namjoon's gaze.

"What are you trying to imply, Namjoon-ssi?"

"As your personal secretary, I would suggest you keep an emotional distance from Yoongi-ssi. For your own good. You shouldn't forget there's only eight months left to this contract after which it will be nullified."