winter bear

Taehyung is surprisingly not that late to his shift. His final lecture that day ran a little late (not his fault), the queue for coffee was long (not his fault) and there was an elderly lady who was crossing the road that he couldn’t just leave on her own. So again, not his fault.

Maybe the guy he stopped to flirt with at the bus stop was his fault, but who is Taehyung to ignore the possibility of fate? The guy had complimented Taehyung on his satchel which everyone knows is just an alternative way of saying, “Hey, I wanna get in your pants.” Obviously.

That’s why Taehyung isn’t that mad when he strolls a whole ten minutes late into the restaurant at ten minutes past seven. It’s not even the latest he’s been this month, he notes to himself.

He hears the clatter of pots and pans and dishes as he makes his way stealthily through the kitchen, trying his best to blend into his surroundings so his boss doesn’t notice-

“Nice of you to join us,” Yoongi says in a low voice.

Ah. Well there goes that plan.

Taehyung spins around to face Min Yoongi, son of the owner of this delightful establishment, man in charge of the lowly waiters such as Taehyung. Yoongi’s face is constantly set into a perfect mask of boredom. Taehyung hasn’t quite worked out yet whether it’s because everyone really pisses him off that much, or if it’s just sheer dedication to having a wrinkle free face when he’s older.

Taehyung plasters the most sincere smile he can on his face (he’s taken an acting class in the past so it’s pretty convincing if he says so himself.) “Evening, Yoongi. How’s it going?”

The new plan: don’t mention the lateness. Don’t let Yoongi mention it, either.

“It was great until one of my waiters decided he doesn’t work to traditional time and rocked up late to the busiest shift of the week.” Yoongi looks up from where he’s checking through receipts, hard eyes meeting Taehyung’s.

Shit. Next plan: Denial?

Taehyung fake gasps and then pointedly ignores Yoongi’s (fond, definitely fond) eye roll. “Who? Who would do such a thing? How dare they! Wait ‘til I get my hands on the bastard who-”

“Taehyung.”

“Yeah?”

“Table three is waiting for you. You can help Jin lock up tonight to pay me back the time.”

“Yes, hyung.”

Then Taehyung bolts out of there before Yoongi can add any extras to his punishment.

He’s made that mistake before.

*

“Who the fuck books a table for fifteen people on a Friday night? Do they have no conscience?” Taehyung grumbles to himself, gathering menus together from behind the little waiter station.

“I’ll swap you.”

Taehyung swings around to look at the angel that uttered the best words Taehyung has heard all day. All week, even.

“Jiminie, normally I would snap your hand off, but as your best friend I need to ask, what the fuck are you thinking? Fifteen people, Jiminie! Fifteen!” Taehyung is waving the menus in the air now, glancing quickly at his table to make sure they don’t think he’s abandoned them because he is a Good waiter.

“I know, Tae. I just. I really need the tips,” Jimin says quietly and Taehyung can only just hear him over the noise of the packed restaurant.

Taehyung’s heart gives a little squeeze.

“Jiminie, baby,” he says, emphasising his pout at seeing his best friend so miserable.

Jimin gives him a look. “I don’t need your pity, Taetae. I just need those tips. Please.”

Taehyung loves Jimin with all of his heart. He really does. They’re best friends for life and soulmates. Which is why Taehyung casts another wary glance back at the table of fifteen. Jin is in full flow, charming each patron and taking drinks orders ready to pass on to Namjoon, bartender extraordinaire.

Everyone knows that tables of eight or more are hard work. That’s why they get the best tips. Taehyung isn’t sure that Jimin’s in the best place emotionally after what he’s been through this past month to be dealing with the stress of a table of fifteen, plus all of the other tables he’s dealing with.

He’s about to tell Jimin that he’ll serve the table and just give Jimin the tips - think of it as a thank you for all of Taehyung’s shit that Jimin deals with, when his best friend interrupts his thoughts.

“Look, Tae. I appreciate your concern - I really do. But, I really do need those tips and-” He sighs, casting a glance at the table for two nestled in the corner. “And I really don’t want to be dealing with people on a date right now.”

Oh. Well of course. Taehyung feels kind of stupid that his heartbroken best friend even has to explain this to him.

“Sure. I’ll swap. Table sixteen right?” Jimin nods, eyes shining with relief and gratitude. “Shout if you need any help though, yeah?”

“I’m a big boy, Tae. I’m sure I’ll manage,” Jimin says quietly, whipping the menus out of Taehyung’s hands as he offers up a (fond, again) eyeroll.

Taehyung could stand here and consider just how many eyerolls he receives in a day and what that might say about him, but that might not be good for Taehyung’s self esteem. And quite honestly, he doesn’t really care.

Gathering two menus from the station and getting ready to head over to Table sixteen, Taehyung casts a quick glance over to see Jimin already taking orders and chatting with the patrons on table three.

He knows his and Jimin’s ability to switch on the charming, attentive waiter act is what stops them (him) from getting fired because of their (his) shitty time keeping skills. It’s also what makes them a team to be reckoned with.

Taehyung feels a burst of pride at his best friend’s resilience in the face of heartbreak as he passes the table, shooting a quick wink at Jimin and making a covert gesture with his thumb and fingers that Jimin knows means get those tips, bitch!

He also feels relief that he doesn’t have to deal with that amount of orders tonight.

Fuck the guy that broke Jimin’s heart. Taehyung means that from the bottom of his soul. Truly.

But that doesn’t mean he can’t feel a little bit pleased that Jimin didn’t want to serve a loved up couple. Right?

*

“Hi! I’m Taehyung and I’ll be your waiter for this evening.” Taehyung offers his best boxy smile, turning on the charm like he’s known for. “Here are your menus, and our specials board is just behind you. I’ll be back in a few minutes to take your order, or offer any suggestions.”

The guy on the right of the table with his back to the window is nodding enthusiastically at everything Taehyung is saying. He’s polite, Taehyung notes. Always a positive on a busy night.

“Jin will be over in a second to take your drinks order. Is there anything I can do for you in the meantime?” He asks, glancing over to the person on the left of the table whose head is still bent forward looking at the menu.

Then he looks up.

And okay.

This is Taehyung’s favourite part of his job.

Eyes. Large, brown and glistening in the mood lighting of the restaurant. Lips. Pink, soft, looks like there’s lip balm coating them. Taehyung absently wonders what flavour. Hair. Dark, tousled, falling a little over his eyes.

Gorgeous.

He’s smiling at Taehyung now, pink lips spreading and giving way to bright, white teeth.

“I think we’re good for now, Taehyung.” His voice. It’s light, teasing almost and Taehyung knows how weird that sounds because he’s literally said seven words to him. He curls his tongue around Taehyung’s name in a way that makes Taehyung feel a bit hot inside.

Taehyung has to snap himself out of his daze and remind himself that he is at work and this guy is clearly on a date .

How inconvenient.

With a returned smile and a nod - at both patrons, Taehyung has to remind himself - he bows to the table and returns quickly to the safety of the waiter station, giving Jin the nod to take their drinks order.

Jimin returns to the waiter’s station then and knocks his shoulder into Taehyung’s.

“You good?” he asks.

“Hmm?” Taehyung snaps out of his daze and looks up to see Jimin’s eyebrow quirked.

“I said, are you good? But I think I have my answer.”

Taehyung watches Jimin’s gaze track towards table sixteen, then look back at Taehyung with a smirk.

“What?” Taehyung asks brashly, busying himself by collecting up the pens that have been left on the station and placing them noisily in the holder where they belong.

“Nothing.” Jimin says in that tone. The one where there’s definitely something. The one that makes Taehyung sigh and curse that fact that Jimin knows him inside out.

Still. Taehyung can be an uncooperative little shit at times, so he says. “Good. Glad to hear it. I’ll be on my way then,” and starts to move around Jimin to busy himself in the restaurant.

Jimin blocks his path.

“He’s just your type, isn’t he?” He smirks.

“Who?” Taehyung asks with false innocence.

“Him,” Jimin nods over to table sixteen. “Dark hair, curls, moody little shit.”

“He’s not moody,” Taehyung says before he can stop himself. “And that’s not my type.”

“That’s exactly your type, stop lying to yourself, Taetae.” Jimin hip checks him and laughs at the pout on Taehyung’s face. “And he looks pretty moody,” Jimin adds on, nodding again at the table.

Taehyung can’t really see much from where he’s stood, but he can see that he’s swirling his wine around in his glass. Red, Taehyung notes. His favourite.

There doesn’t seem to be much conversation going on, now he looks closely. Polite guy needs a new nickname because he’s currently typing on his phone. Taehyung wonders what could possibly be more interesting than the guy sat in front of him.

His thoughts are interrupted when hot guy with the curls and the eyes looks around the restaurant. His eyes dart around for a few moments until they lock with Taehyung’s.

Taehyung is very aware that Jimin is still stood beside him, watching Taehyung like a hawk, so ever the professional, Taehyung sends over a soft smile and grabs his notepad and pen, shoving past Jimin with more force than was strictly necessary to make his way over to the table.

“Go get him, baby!” Jimin whisper shouts and Taehyung ignores him harder than he’s ever ignored anyone in his life.

*

“Can I get any starters for you guys?” Taehyung asks, pen poised ready to jot down their orders.

“Uh, no just mains please,” hot guy says, looking awkwardly over the table at his date, who nods in agreement. Hot guy glances back at his menu after gesturing for his date to order first.

Taehyung diligently takes their orders, noting polite guy’s order adjustments to make his meal as plain as possible. Taehyung does not judge, and he’s heard orders much, much stranger than this, but he can’t help but want to tell this guy that he’s basically ordering a meal that will be like eating cardboard. But he doesn’t. Because Taehyung is a professional and he knows the chefs will do their best with what they’ve got.

“Can I get you any more drinks whilst you wait?”

“Another water, please. Thanks,” polite guy says, showing off his manners again.

Taehyung nods and then turns his head to look at hot guy.

Hot guy’s eyes are still focused across the table on polite guy and Taehyung wants to laugh out loud when he finally meets Taehyung’s gaze. His expression is one of regret and as much as he tries, Taheyung can’t stop the smirk that overtakes his lips.

“Anything for you, sir?” Taehyung asks.

“Uh, can I have another glass of wine please? Red.”

“Of course,” Taehyung nods and then starts to back away from the table. “I’ll grab those drinks for you now.”

“Oh, excuse me?” Taehyung stops.  “Please can you ask for no lemon or ice in my water? I prefer it just plain,” polite guy requests.

“No problem,” Taehyung says, because really.

Taehyung smiles at his table and accidentally this time (honestly) makes eye contact with hot guy.

Hot guy is currently sat with his elbow resting on the table, hand covering his mouth slightly as he clearly tries to hide his laughter from his poor date on the other side of the table.

Taehyung thinks he should feel bad for the poor guy but he gets it. Hot guy is clearly having the most boring night of his life. Taehyung ignores the voice in the back of his mind that’s cheering.

He offers a small bow and begins his walk to the bar to grab the drinks for the table when a hand on his arm stops him in his tracks.

Taehyung glances at the large hand that’s loosely circled around his wrist and follows the path back up to hot guy. His wrist burns hot and it spreads like wildfire through Taehyung’s body. He fucking loves the excitement it gives him.

Taehyung raises his eyebrows and asks, “Is there something else I can get for you, sir?”

“Uh, my wine. Please make it a large.”

Taehyung can’t hold in his burst of laughter this time and he watches that blinding grin spread across hot guy’s face too.

“Coming right up,” Taehyung says, and with a grateful squeeze of his wrist, hot guy’s arm falls away.

*

“So, how’s it going with the hottie?” Jimin asks as Taehyung is inputting orders for another three of his tables.

“Swimmingly. Food should be out in a sec, so we’re all good,” Taehyung replies. He’s acting dense and Jimin knows.

“Taehyung.”

“Jimin,” Taehyung replies, pointedly ignoring Jimin’s stance: hand on hip, eyebrow quirked, gaze staring into Taehyung’s actual soul.

Taehyung huffs out loud and he’s this far from stamping his feet to get Jimin to leave him alone about it.

“C’mon, Taetae. I don’t want you to feel like I’m pressuring you or-”

“You are pressuring me.”

“You know full well that I’m not. I just think it’s about time that you maybe start to look for something a little more serious.”

“Oh, because that went so well for you,” Taehyung laughs humorlessly and immediately regrets it as it leaves his mouth. “Fuck. Jimin-ah. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean-”

“It’s okay. I mean, ouch. But I know you didn’t mean it.” Taehyung is a shitty person and he loves his best friend more than life itself. Taehyung would just like that noting for the record. “And you’re right. My relationship did turn to shit when he cheated on me. But you can’t base everything on one fucker that didn’t know how good he had it, right?”

Taehyung is looking at Jimin with wide eyes.

“Right.”

“I just think you deserve more - that you want more - than just a no strings hook up. You deserve someone to love you as much as I do,” Jimin grins, nudging Tae’s elbow cheekily.

“Ha. Impossible, Jiminie. We both know that.”

“OK, so maybe a little less than I do. But that’s still a hell of a lot of love,” he smiles. “All I’m saying is, maybe it’s time to find someone who is your type and you have things in common with. Like, a real relationship, y’know?”

Taehyung doesn’t really know what to reply to that, and instead hums in reply.

“He’s brought this guy on a date, Tae. I just think it’s time for you to find a guy who wants to date you, Taetae, rather than just fuck you. You’ve been there, done that. You deserve more than that.”

Taehyung hums again, eyes zoned out and staring at the wooden counter in front of him.

Jimin pulls Taehyung out of his thoughts with a nip to his bicep.

“OK. I’ve said my piece. Now go ask your hot customer if his food is OK.” Taehyung groans inwardly at the thought of Jimin watching his every move. “And charm him to hell and back,” Jimin winks, agily dodging Taehyung’s arm as he tries to whack some sense into his best friend.

“Oh my god. Jimin. Leave it out. He’s literally on a date right now! Do you want me to ask him out right now?” Taehyung scoffs.

“Yeah he’s on a date, but he looks fucking bored out of his mind.”

Taehyung lifts his eyes up at that, eyes curiously landing on table sixteen to see both guys eating in silence. Polite guy is well, politely munching on his chicken. Hot guy is scanning the restaurant as he eats, taking in the people around him.

“Oh. That sucks.”

“What? No it doesn’t. Maybe for his date but not for you. Go. Go!” Jimin whips Taehyung’s ass with the napkin that hangs from his belt and Taehyung doesn’t tamper down the glare that he sends back at him.

*

“Hey. Is everything OK with your food?”

Polite guy smiles at Taehyung, nodding with his mouth closed. Taehyung smiles back.

“Delicious. Thanks,” hot guy says, pushing the bangs that curl into his eyes out of the way and looking up at Taehyung through his lashes.

Woah, there’s that hot feeling in Taehyung’s chest again.

*

“What did you say?” Jimin asks as soon as Taehyung arrives back at the waiter station to input another order.

“I said, ‘Is everything OK with your food?’ Revolutionary, I know.”

“For fuck’s sake, Tae. He was literally gazing up at you! What’s wrong with you?” Jimin scowls.

“Fuck off, Jimin. He’s hot, yes. He might be my type, yes.”

“He fucking is your type you moron.”

“But he’s on a fucking date. What do you expect me to do?”

“OK, I get you. But seriously, turn on that infamous Taehyung charm and knock his socks off. He’ll forget all about his boring date and he won’t get you out of his head,” Jimin says simply.

“Whatever.”

“OK, whatever. But I swear, he's into you. Trust me on these things. And honestly, Taetae, if I find out you’ve managed to fuck this guy instead of asking him on a date, I’ll make you regret it. I know what you’re like. Don’t do it.”

“Jimin-ah, I love you, but get out of my business. And - actually, hang on. How you do you have this much time on your hands to bother me when you’ve got the largest table of the night?”

Jimin smiles sheepishly. “Um, Hobi took my other tables for me.” Taehyung’s face morphs into betrayal.

“How the fuck did you manage that?”

“I told him that I had serious best friend duties to attend to.”

“Are you serious? Oh my god,” Taehyung casts his eyes around the restaurant to send daggers at Hoseok’s back. And Taehyung thought they were friends.

“Deadly. In fact, he was the one who said the hottie at table sixteen was exactly your type.”

“Wait. Did you set this up?”

“When you put it like that it sounds bad. But it was kind of a win win. I really didn’t want to serve a loved up date. Turns out now that that wouldn’t have been a problem, but.” Jimin shrugs and Taehung shakes his head. “And you didn’t want to serve the big table. And Hobi took my tables. So it all worked out in the end. Some may say it was fate,” Jimin says, making jazz hand movements with his hands that on anyone else would look ridiculous.

“Park Jimin, you are a sly bastard! I was being a good friend and trying to protect your shattered heart and you were planning this all along!” Taehyung’s dramatics are coming out now and Jimin can’t hold in his giggles, which is kind of the opposite effect Taehyung was going for.

“You are a good friend. The best of all of the friends. But I’m also a good friend who’s going to tell you that said hottie from table sixteen is looking over here trying to get your attention,” he says before skipping off to table three again.

Taehyung raises his eyebrows as he meets his eyes. Hot guy smiles softly in Taehyung’s direction, and then makes the universal sign for check, please? in the air. Taehyung offers him a thumbs up (why, Taehyung? Why?) and sets to printing it off.

*

Taehyung sets the bill down onto the table directly in the centre before asking how everyone’s meals were, talking with polite guy about how their chefs ensure that the chicken isn’t too dry.

As he chats, Taehyung collects up the plates from the table, smiling at hot guy as he helps Taehyung gather the dishes he can’t reach straight away.

Taehyung retreats from the table with their empty plates and tries his best to ignore the end of date discussion about who will pay.

*

As a waiter for the past few years, Taehyung prides himself in being able to read the body language of his patrons very accurately.

For example, table twenty: a group of friends. Tipsy but happy, enjoying celebrating something special that has clearly happened to one of the girls on the left of the table. No ring on her finger so not an engagement. Job promotion, perhaps? He makes a note to chat to them later when they’re paying to find out the good news.

Table fourteen: a date. Nervous energy buzzing around them, eyes lingering too long when they think the other isn’t looking. Enthusiastic reactions to conversation topics. Clearly a new relationship but not a first date.

Table sixteen: tense. A little awkward. Polite guy not making much eye contact. Hot guy tapping his credit card lazily on the table. Clearly, both of them want Taehyung to take their payment and free them from this date.

So off he goes.

*

“Are we all set?” he asks cheerily as he approaches the table.

Polite guy nods again with a smile. Taehyung thinks he’s got a lovely, calm smile that brightens his whole face. It’s a bit crooked, leaning more to the right than the left. Taehyung feels bad for him that this date clearly hasn’t been what the guy was hoping for.

“Yeah. Can I pay by card please?”

Taehyung turns his attention to hot guy, currently staring up at Taehyung from where he’s sat at the table. His eyes are dark at the centre, wide and blinking, and he reminds Taehyung of some sort of anime character. His features are too bright to be real.

“Sure. Are we splitting the check or-”

“No, no. All on this one, please,” hot guy interrupts quietly, handing his card to Taehyung.

“Are you sure? Really?” Polite guy says, addressing his date across the table.

“Of course I am,” hot guy says sincerely.

“That’s really kind. Thank you, Jeongguk.”

And that’s when Taehyung’s eyes flick upwards. To hot guy. Who Taehyung now knows is called Jeongguk. Taehyung says his name a few times in his head as he waits for the receipt to print. Jeongguk. Jeongguk. Taehyung and Jeongguk. He coughs to clear his throat but mainly to clear his head from that ridiculous thought. He’s going to fucking kill Jimin for putting these ideas in his head.

Taehyung rips the receipt from the card machine, pulls out the card and paints a boxy smile on his face as he hands it back.

“OK, you’re all set!” he says, fingers tingling as Jeongguk’s hand brushes his.

“Thank you,” polite guy smiles, looking at both Taehyung and his date.

“Thanks, Taehyung,” Jeongguk says quietly, fiddling with his wallet blindly as he refuses to break Taehyung’s eye contact.

“No worries, thank you . Do you guys need me to call a cab or anything for you?”

Polite guy shakes his head quickly. “No thanks, Jeongguk already offered. I’ve got someone coming to pick me up.” He checks his phone and then continues, “In fact, they’re just pulling up.”

He makes to stand up and Jeongguk does the same. Ah, tall. Taehyung turns towards Jeongguk to wait for his reply.

He shakes his head no and then has to shake his bangs out of his eyes again. Taehyung’s heart squeezes. “No, I’m good thanks. I live nearby so-”

Oh.

“OK. Thanks for your custom! I hope you had a great night and that I’ll see you both again sometime!”

Taehyung is mentally kicking himself and he swears he isn’t usually this socially awkward. He can practically feel Jimin sniggering as he watches. Of course they haven’t had a great night . And of course you won’t see them together again. You fool, Taehyung!

Taehyung is pretty sure his face is set into a wince but Jeongguk laughs softly as he tucks his chair under the table.

“Yeah, maybe.” He smiles and Taehyung thinks his smile is devastating. Too bright and too large but Taehyung wants to see it more . “Thanks again, Taehyung.”

Taehyung bows and watches as Jeongguk holds the door for his date and opens the passenger side door of the waiting car.

Jimin sidles up to Taehyung’s side and starts to spray and wipe down the table. Taehyung is about to thank him when he sees Jimin’s shit eating grin.

“That went well.”

Taehyung ignores him.

“I’m proud of you. He looked smitten. And no propositions in sight. Well done, baby. He’ll be back before you know it.”

Taehyung doesn’t know what to say but he knows his heart beats a little quicker at that thought. Taehyung huffs and steals the cloth from Jimin’s hand. Taehyung doesn’t need you to tell him that he’s childish. He’s fully aware.

*

It’s a couple of weeks later now and - hold your applause - Taehyung actually arrived to his shift a few minutes early . He makes a large show of standing next to an unamused Yoongi in the kitchen, tapping his fingers next to where Yoongi’s busy typing on his computer.

“You know, Tae, you could always go and - I don’t know - actually do your job rather than standing here and irritating me.”

Taehyung makes a shocked face, mouth wide and eyebrows high. “I would do exactly that, boss man, but you see, I’m actually a little early for my shift.” Taehyung rolls his white shirt sleeve up to reveal his watch, and he taps the minute hand obnoxiously close to Yoongi’s face. “Don’t wanna step on any other waiter’s toes.”

“How thoughtful. But you’ve also spent the majority of the time here rocking up late. So let’s call it quits and get the fuck out there. God knows you owe the others a little extra time.”

Taehyung blows him a kiss as he leaves.

*

“11 o’clock, 11 o’clock,” Jimin whispers harshly into Taehyung’s ear as he passes him in the restaurant, carrying empty plates piled high in his tiny hands. Taehyung wonders each and every time how such small hands can carry so many things.

He shoots him a confused look but Jimin returns it with eyes bulging, nodding his head frantically in the direction of the back corner of the restaurant.

Taehyung swings around to see what the hell Jimin is doing when his eyes settle on table thirty four.

Oh.

Hot guy from before - Jeongguk (the name hasn’t left Taehyung’s head to be very honest) - is seated under glowing, golden lights and Taehyung absolutely does not think that he looks like a fucking angel.

He’s dressed up again, crisp white button up undone at only the top button. It’s tight on his arms, Taehyung notices as he sets a clean table. The material bulges as Jeongguk flicks through his menu and Taehyung admires the perfect fit on him.

“Taehyung-ssi, Hoseok just called. He’ll be a little late today,” Yoongi informs him in his usual bored tone as he walks up to him.

Taehyung looks up at his boss and has the audacity to look annoyed, just to wind Yoongi up. “How unprofessional,” Taehyung says with a tut.

“You’d know,” Yoongi says and Taehyung knows he’s teasing so he cracks a smile. “He’s got a physio appointment. Strained a muscle during dance or something. You’re covering him ‘til he gets here, okay?”

Taehyung barely has time to nod (he knows how bad Hobi will feel that they’re having to work extra tables to cover him), Yoongi is pushing a notepad and pen into his hand and pushing him forward.

“Great, thanks Tae. Table thirty four to start.”

*

“Hey guys, I’ll be your waiter tonight. My name is Taehyung,” Taehyung says for what feels like the hundredth time already that night, but this time his hands feel a little clammier.

Upon hearing the name, Jeongguk looks up from his menu immediately, bright smile spreading across his face in recognition.

“Hey man, how are you?”

Taehyung pretends that he’s not a creeper who’s been watching Jeongguk for the last five minutes across the restaurant. “Oh, hey! Didn’t realise it was you. I’m great thanks. Jeongguk, right?”

“Yeah, that’s me,” he replies, bright smile turning up a notch straight to blinding grin.

A cough sounds from the other side of the table and Jeongguk breaks their eye contact, trying hard to dampen down on his grin. Taehyung can tell because he’s hiding his mouth with his hand again, like last time when he was trying to hold in his laughter.

“Do you uh- do you two know each other?”

Taehyung turns his attention to the opposite side of the table and takes in the man sat there. Different to last time. Very different. In fact, Taehyung kind of wants to laugh at the juxtaposition.

New date is sat as spread out in his chair as possible. Legs splayed out under the table (Taehyung can see his feet and he would like noting that he would never wear that colour shoes with that colour pants) and arm swung over the back of his chair so his chest is puffed out and his frame seems larger. He’s turned his body away from Jeongguk and he’s facing Taehyung directly. Like a challenge, Taehyung thinks absentmindedly.

Jeongguk shifts in his chair uncomfortably and Taehyung does not like this guy.

“Yeah, we’re friends. Right, Jeongguk?”

He’s smiling again and he nods quickly. “Friends.”

New date holds his finger up suspiciously. “But you just had to check his name.”

“We’re new friends,” Taehyung says immediately. He’s not got the time for arrogant douches like this. “Anyway, can I get you guys any starters? Or are we heading straight for the mains?”

Taehyung speaks to Jeongguk, angling his body away from arrogant guy. He’s pretty sure he won’t be getting a tip from this guy but Taehyung doesn’t give a shit.

“Yeah, we’ll order a couple of things and have them all together,” arrogant guy says, leaning over the table and resting his elbows on the edge.

Taehyung turns to him because he’s trying his best to be professional, and dramatically lifts his pen to his notepad.

“OK, so we’ll have one of these, and one of these, and then one of these to start.” He’s pointing to items on the menu and Taehyung wants to laugh again because he’s pretty sure the guy just doesn’t want to pronounce the names of the dishes wrong.

“No problem. Mains?” Taehyung knows he’s being a little short but fuck this guy.

“Please could I have-” Jeongguk starts but is quickly interrupted.

“No babe, it’s fine. I’ll order.”

Taehyung’s eyebrows raise of their own accord and he bites down on his tongue to stop himself from saying anything he might regret.

He diligently notes down the order, asking all of the right questions in all of the right places.

“And- I think that’s it.” Arrogant guy closes his menu and hands it to Taehyung immediately.

“Excellent choices,’ Taehyung says, and then turns to Jeongguk because he’s a petty bitch. “And what can I get you, Jeongguk? Your friend sure does eat a lot.”

Jeongguk’s toothy grin appears again and Taehyung thinks his laugh sounds honest and warm.

“No, dude, we’re going to share. We’re on a date,” arrogant guy says harshly, clearly pissed off with Taehyung.

“Oh, right. Sorry, man,” Taehyung says innocently, shrugging his shoulders at Jeongguk who’s still laughing quietly to himself. He looks up at Taehyung as he hands him the menu and his eyes are sparkling again, dancing with humour.

“Can I get Jin to bring you any more drinks over?” Taehyung asks as he shoves his notepad and pen back into his belt pouch.

“I’ll have another beer,” arrogant guy says as he downs the remaining liquid from the glass.

“Uh, another wine please,” Jeongguk asks.

“Sure. Red?”

“Yeah.”

Taehyung takes one look at Jeongguk’s date who’s glaring right at Taehyung and then turns back to Jeongguk. He tilts his head in the date’s direction and with wide eyes asks, “Large?”

Jeongguk’s face breaks out into another grin and Taehyung thinks he’s fucking addicted.

He nods and his bangs drop on his eyelashes, making them move as he blinks.

“Please.”

*

“Jesus Christ, that dude.”

“Huh?” Taehyung asks from behind his usual spot at the waiter station.

Jin nods across at Jeongguk’s table in the corner where arrogant guy is still holding court.

“Which dude?” Taehyung asks innocently.

“Not your bae, don’t worry.”

“Please don’t say ‘bae’ Jin.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s not a thing anymore. It never fucking should’ve been if you ask me.”

“Noted. But seriously, man, his fucking date. Never in my life have I heard such shit come out of someone’s mouth!”

Taehyug can’t help but laugh. “What do you mean? Like what?”

“Jesus, everytime I walk past he’s bragging about some shit he’s done. Work, gym, vacations. I’m sick of hearing him and he’s not even my date.”

“He ordered for both of them. Without asking his date,” Taehyung confesses. He’s happy Jin thinks this guy is a total asshole too.

“Ew. Gross. We’re in 2019. Let us have the autonomy to order our own fucking meals.”

“Cheers to that,” Taehyung mumbles and holds out an imaginary glass for Jin to clink together. Taehyung fucking loves Jin.

“Baby boyfriend’s not had the chance to utter a word all night, poor thing.”

Taehyung laughs loudly and then winces when Yoongi glares at him from the door of the restaurant where he’s seating patrons. “What the fuck did you just call him, hyung?”

“You told me not to say bae.”

“So you thought ‘baby boyfriend’ was an acceptable replacement?” Taehyung’s holding his hand over his mouth now to try and keep in his laughter. He doesn’t need Yoongi to be on his case again.

Jimin sidles up to the station, slipping past Taehyung to start keying in an order.

“What are we laughing about?” he asks.

“Taehyung’s baby boyfriend is here on another date,” Jin says immediately and Taehyung takes it back. He fucking hates Jin.

Jimin gasps unnecessarily. “Shit, I know, I saw him walk in earlier but I was dealing with table forty. Is that the same guy he’s with?”

Taehyung doesn’t have the time to answer before Jin’s diving in with the story. He doesn’t know two people who love gossip more than Jimin and Jin.

“No, it’s a different guy. This guy is a fucking asshole. Seriously. He’s spent all night boasting about shit that no one cares about. Especially baby boyfriend.”

“OK, Jin, I love you but why the fuck do you keep calling him that?”

“Tae told me not to say ‘bae’.”

“OK, ew. No one says that anymore, Jin-hyung. But why baby boyfriend?”

“Look at him,” Jin replies simply. And they all do.

Jeongguk’s sat back on his chair, hands playing with his napkin in his lap. His hair is perfectly tousled; just the right side of done but not made too much of an effort. Almost like a bed head. Taehyung wants to know what his bed head really looks like. He also wants to know what Jeongguk likes to eat for breakfast and if he prefers tea or coffee. He tries not to panic over how Taehyung never has these thoughts about people he wants to fuck. And then he tries not to panic about what that means.

Yoongi walks past the three of them with a family in tow, leading them to their table. He sends one look in their direction of, ‘what the fuck are you doing now?’ and the three of them snap out of their daze, looking as busy as they can whilst continuing their conversation.

“OK, I thought this last time, but yes, baby boyfriend really is fucking hot,” Jimin says finally, as if this was new information to Taehyung.

“Can we not call him that?” Taehyung whines.

“Well we have to call him something,” Jin pouts.

“How about his name?” Taehyung suggests, offering his friends a disbeleiving look. How did he end up with such weird hyungs?

Jimin gasps again. Taehyung makes a note to tell him about that habit because it’s really getting on his fucking nerves. Jimin points a finger at Taehyung’s chest, eyes all wide and a bit manic. “You know his name.”

Taehyung isn’t sure what the right answer to that is. He knows he’ll get so much shit from them both if he’s honest, but he’s also not a liar. Taehyung keeps silent.

“Oh my fucking god, you know his name! Here’s me thinking you were too much of a coward to say anything last time but you got his name! Did you get his number, too?” He gasps and Jin copies him because he’s that wrapped up in Taehyung’s misery now. “Oh my god, Tae, did you fuck him? Because remember what I said-”

“Oh my god, Jimin, no! Shut up!” Taehyung’s all flustered now because sometimes Jimin is really loud.

“Then what?”

“His date said his name last time and I heard it, that’s all.”

“I heard you say to his date that you were friends,” Jin says from behind the pair and Taehyung has never wanted to strangle someone as much in his life.

“Friends?” Jimin asks in that tone where Taehyung knows he needs to start explaining himself.

“We’re not friends, Jimin. And I haven’t fucked him either, stop looking at me like that!” Taehyung groans. “Look, he recognised me from last time when I went to take their order. His douche of a date asked if we knew each other and I could hardly say, oh yeah, we met last week when he was on another date here, could I? So I said we were friends.”

“What did he say?” Jimin asks.

“Who?”

“Baby boyfriend.” Jin makes an ah-ha! noise in the background that both Taehyung and Jimin ignore.

“He agreed and said we were friends, that’s all.”

“So you haven’t fucked him?”

“No!”

“But you know his name.”

“I do.”

“So what is it?”

“I’m not telling you! You’ll be weird and do something embarrassing. I know you, Jimin.”

“OK.” Jimin says, and that is not the response Taehyung was expecting.

“OK?”

“Yeah. OK.” He says and then starts to move out of the little waiter station where they’re all gathered.

“What are you doing? Where are you going?” Taehyung asks and even he can hear the panic in his voice.

“If you won’t tell me, I’ll ask him myself.” Taehyung is pretty sure he’s about to die right here, right now. “Jin-hyung, will you cover my tables for a few minutes?” Jimin asks sweetly, ignoring Taehyung’s harsh whispers of his name.

“On it!” Jin says and Taehyung really needs new friends. Or to move to a different country. Holy shit.

*

Taehyung watches from the serving part of the kitchen that he’s escaped to as Jimin strides over to Jeongguk’s table. He’s sat alone currently, and Taehyung absently remembers seeing the asshole of a date get up to use the bathroom.

He watches closely as Jimin chats easily with Jeongguk as he clears the empty plates from the table. He can only see the back of Jeongguk’s head from where he is but he can see that he’s looking up at Jimin. Jimin’s gesturing towards the kitchen where Taehyung is currently ‘taking his break’ if Yoongi happens to ask where he is. Jeongguk turns for a second to see where Jimin is pointing to, then redirects his attention back to whatever Jimin is saying.

For a second, Taehyung panics. He knows what people’s reactions are to Jimin. He’s a fucking ethereal being after all. He’s sunlight personified and Taehyung worries for a second that he won’t be able to compete after Jeongguk’s seen his best friend. His cheeks feel hot when he realises how much that thought fucking sucks .

Jeongguk’s date arrives back from the bathroom and Taehyung definitely sees him look Jimin up and down as he approaches the table. Wow, if Taehyung didn’t hate this guy before, he definitely does now.

Jimin’s piled the plates up high now, balancing them all on one tiny hand as if it’s effortless, and he’s asking them a question. Taehyung can tell because asshole arrogant guy has interrupted Jeongguk again. Jimin waits and then nods, smiling warmly at Jeongguk and ignoring his date. Then he turns to walk to the kitchen.

*

“What the fuck did you just do?” Taehyung asks harshly when Jimin’s dumped the plates in the sink.

“Just allowed my best friend to have an unscheduled break, it looks like. You’re welcome,” Jimin smirks before heading out back to the waiter station.

Taehyung follows him like a grouchy puppy.

“What did you say?”

“I just asked if everything was OK with his food. Revolutionary, right? ” He’s smirking again and if this wasn’t directed at Taehyung, he’d be pretty fucking proud of his best friend’s sass.

“Oh.”

“And then I had to tell him where you had disappeared off to. I’m not used to seeing such disappointment on someone’s face when I speak to them, Taetae. Hurt my feelings a little,” he laughs and Taehyung can feel his palms getting clammy again.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, he said everything was great. And then asked where - and I quote - where’s Taehyung-hyung? Is he OK? ”

Taehyung desperately tries to control the smile that’s threatening to spread across his face and, from the look of Jimin’s smirk, he’s not doing a great job.

“What did you tell him?”

“That you were on your break. Don’t worry, I didn’t tell him you were hiding in the kitchen having a mental breakdown that I was going to ask his name.”

“Oh god. Did you ask him? Were you really obvious about it? Am I going to have to quit my job, Jimin? Am I going to have to avoid him for the rest of my life?”

“Stop being so dramatic. I am the king of subtlety when I want to be.”

“Yeah right-”

“I said when I want to be ,” JImin interrupts.

“OK, so what did you say?”

“I said he looked familiar.”

“And?”

“He said he didn’t recognise me. And asked where I thought I knew him from?”

“Oh fuck, Jimin I swear to god if you told him you recognised him because I’ve got a fucking crush on-”

“Calm down. I lied. I told him I thought I recognised him from the coffee shop on campus.”

“What?”

Jimin nods.

“Why would you-? What did he say?”

“He said maybe. And then he told me about his major. And his name. And some other things too. Which means I now know more than you do.” Jimin’s grinning at Taehyung devilishly now and Taehyung marvels at Jimin’s ability to gain information on people. He also marvels at how  fucking dangerous Jimin could be if he was evil.

“And... you’re not going to tell me any of those things, are you?”

“Not for free. Nope,” Jimin pops the P and smiles.

“So how do I know you’re not just making this up? Huh? How do I know you didn’t just chat to him about the restaurant and you don’t actually know anymore than I do?”

Jimin shrugs. “Well that’s yours to consider. But when you want to know more about Jeongguk , I’m sure we can think of a deal,” he smirks, watching Taehyung’s eyes burst wide as Jimin says his name.

“Fuck. OK. What’s the deal? What do you want from me?”

“Ask him on a date.”

“Fuck off.”

“OK. No information for you.”

Taehyung whines again and he actually does stamp his feet a little this time, much to Jimin’s amusement.

“Please. Something else, Jimin-ah. If I go on a date with him, I could ask him these things myself. It needs to be something less than that.”

Jimin’s eyes narrow and Taehyung can see him weighing up his options in his head. “OK. Fair point. New deal: I’ll tell you what I know and then you have to ask him for his number.”

Taehyung breathes in deeply, pouting his lips together as he considers Jimin’s offer. He looks over his shoulder at Jeongguk, all broad shoulders and soft curls, and then Jeongguk catches his eye as he turns to look around the restaurant. He smiles, closed mouth this time, like he’s pleased to see Taehyung’s back from his break. Taehyung’s heart skips a beat and he realises he’s smiled back. Jeongguk’s eyes twinkle again, even from across the room and Taehyung makes his mind up.

He wants to know everything about this kid. And Jimin seems like a good place to start.

“OK. Fuck you. But OK. Deal,” he says definitively, holding his hand out for Jimin to shake.

Jimin looks positively delirious with joy as he grasps Taehyung’s hand firmly in his own.

“So here’s what I know…”

*

Taehyung’s still digesting all of the information that Jimin has shared with him about Jeongguk ( aged 21, originally from Busan, Virgo, majoring in math and sports studies, actually enjoys working out and also playing video games) when the bell rings behind him to signify he needs to actually do his job and collect the waiting food.

He feels his stomach flip when he sees the ticket of table thirty four underneath a gigantic slab of caramel cheesecake. He breathes in deeply through his nose, calming his nerves of a) actually speaking to Jeongguk again and b) speaking to Jeongguk whilst his date is still at the table.

It takes him three deep breaths and a weird look from Yeonjun, a trainee chef behind the serving partition, to actually get moving. He’s not proud of it but it is what it is. He grabs two spoons before arriving at Jeongguk’s table.

“Here you go, guys. Caramel cheesecake,” he says as he places the dessert in the centre of the table,”And two spoons.”

“Uh-” Jeongguk starts and Taehyung’s eyes shoot to him.

“Is everything OK?” he asks, bewildered at Jeongguk’s reaction.

“Uh, it’s just-”

“We didn’t order it,” arrogant guy spits, more angrily that truly necessary.

Taehyung feels his shoulders tense. “Oh. OK. Are you sure? The ticket definitely says your table,” he says, double checking the piece of paper again that he placed in his belt pouch.

“Yeah, man. We’re sure. We don’t want it. I already told your little friend over there-” he waves his hand dismissively in Jimin’s direction where he’s busy serving another table. “-that we specifically didn’t want dessert.”

“Oh, OK. No problem. Well, there’s no charge for it in that case,” Taehyung says. He knows they won’t be able to serve the piece to anyone else now. “Might as well treat yourselves, right?” He says, mainly to Jeongguk because Taehyung really doesn’t like the other guy. He’s not sure if he’s already mentioned that?

Jeongguk breaks into a grin that Taehyung can’t help but liken to an excited bunny when arrogant guy speaks again.

“Take it away,” he demands.

“Dude, it’s just gonna end up in the trash. Honestly, there’s no charge.”

“Are you dumb?” He asks, and Taehyung feels fire in his ears. “I said we don’t want it. I don’t give a shit if you’re charging us for it or not. Take it. Away.” His eyes are locked onto Taehyung’s now, like a bull ready to attack. Taehyung feels sorry for this guy. Imagine getting so irate at something so inconsequential. He’s about to tell him exactly that, screw professionalism, when he’s beaten to it.

“Fucking hell, Han-gyeol. It’s a piece of cheesecake. What the fuck is wrong with you?” Jeongguk asks, leaning back in his chair and showing that he’s so fucking done with this date.

Taehyung says nothing. He knows that he should leave them to it but his feet are stuck to the spot.

Han-gyeol as Taehyung now knows the asshole is called stares directly across the table at Jeongguk, eyes hard. “Who the fuck do you think you are? Talking to me like that? I’m older than you, show some respect and apologize, Jeongguk,” he says quietly, trying to assert his control.

Jeongguk sits there, staring right back. His lips move into a devilish smirk and Taehyung wants to taste him.

“I said apologize. Or I’m leaving,” Han-gyeol says as if it’s a threat.

Jeongguk leans forward in his chair, elbows resting on the table, face close to where Han-gyeol has leaned in closer.

“Fuck off then,” he whispers and Taehyung has to muffle his shocked laughter with both hands.

The sound of Han-gyeol’s chair scraping against the brick floor of the restaurant is loud, causing the few occupied tables left around him to turn and stare. Taehyung sees the eyes of Jin and Namjoon at the bar staring at him, and he can feel Yoongi and Jimin’s gaze on his back.

Taehyung waits until Han-gyeol has slammed the restaurant door in temper before he lets out his guffaw of laughter. The noise seems to settle the other patrons who continue with their meal. A quick glance and shake of his head at the bar sends the message that’s he’s fine, everything’s fine.

Jeongguk’s resting his elbow on the table again with his hand slapped over his forehead. His cheeks are tinged pink with embarrassment and Taehyung loves how cute he looks.

“Oh my god,” Jeongguk says, and Taehyung kicks himself for finding this situation so funny. Jeongguk’s just had a fight with his date in the middle of a busy restaurant because of Taehyung. Shit.

“Are you okay?” Taehyung asks quietly. Jeongguk immediately looks up at the change in Taehyung’s tone.

“What? Am I-? Yeah, man, I’m fine. Are you ? He let rip on you about a piece of fucking cheesecake,” he laughs again. Taehyung can’t help but join in after seeing that Jeongguk’s actually fine. “I mean, cheesecake . Who does that?”

“What an asshole,” Taehyung mumbles.

“You don’t say!”

“I am sorry, though. That I kind of ruined your date. No one wants to find out that their date’s a dick.”

“Oh god, Taehyung, honestly. You kind of saved me. I knew he was a dick from the moment he walked in. I was waiting for the chance to leave,” Jeongguk confesses, running his hand over his eyes in a fist.

“Well then, you’re welcome. I expect full repayment for my services,” Taehyung jokes and then he feels his pulse spike.

He can almost hear Jimin’s voice screaming at him in his mind: This is your chance, Taehyung. Ask him for his number. Ask him! What scares Taehyung the most is that it’s his own voice he can hear as well.

“Of course! Would uh- would some caramel cheesecake suffice?” Jeongguk asks. His mouth twitches a little, and Taehyung wonders if he’s nervous .

“Uh, what?” Elegant as ever, Taehyung. Well done.

“I mean, uh. Well, I just wondered if maybe you wanted- uh.” Jeongguk’s stuttering of his words and Taehyung’s heart is beating to the same rhythm. “I guess I wondered if you wanted to share this with me,” he says finally, sheepishly pointing to the infamous cheesecake still in the centre of the table. “But I mean, it was a stupid idea. You’re working, obviously. And you don’t want to share it with me of all people, so why don’t you just take it? And then-”

Jeongguk’s cut off by Taehyung dropping into the vacant seat opposite him and picking up a spoon.

“That would definitely work,” Taehyung says, smiling softly despite that fact he is freaking out on the inside. Jeongguk’s returning smile lights his entire face up. Taehyung swears he can feel it in his body, too.

“Cool. OK. Cool,” Jeongguk says as he picks up his spoon, eyes focused purposely on the cheesecake as if he can’t look at Taehyung without his giddiness overflowing.

“Cool,” Taehyung repeats, sending a quick wink to the waiter’s station where Jimin, Yoongi and finally Hoseok are crammed in. Jimin’s pretending to mop away tears, Hobi’s clutching at his heart with his signature toothy grin, and even Yoongi’s face has cracked into a half smile. He gives Taehyung the thumbs up and that’s all Taehyung needs.

He looks away from his friends and towards the boy in front of him, eyes sparkling as he looks at Taehyung, lips glistening with caramel sauce.

*

“So,” Jimin begins as Taehyung wipes down his last table for the night. The restaurant is now empty, lights on full brightness so the poor staff who remain can clean up as fast as possible. Taehyung can’t wipe the smile off his face.

“So.”

“That went well,” Jimin assumes.

Taehyung nods coyly, smile spreading to a grin and he doesn’t even try to hide it. “It did.”

“Looked pretty cosy.”

“It was.”

Jimin’s smiling, giddy for Taehyung and he prods him in the side. “Well come on then!”

Taehyung places the salt shakers back where they belong and sends Jimin a raised eyebrow. “Come on what?”

“Spill! I’m your broken hearted best friend. Let me live through your adventures!”

Taehyung laughs. “Jiminie, we shared a slice of cheesecake. Hardly an adventure.”

Jimin smirks. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

“What?”

“You’re welcome. For the cheesecake.”

Taehyung is utterly confused now. He abandons his cloth so he can turn fully to Jimin. “What did you do?”

“Some may call it being a good waiter. Some may call it meddling.”

“Jimin,” Taehyung warns.

“OK - asshole told me he specifically didn’t want dessert and baby boyf- sorry. Jeongguk. Jeongguk looked disappointed. So I ordered it anyway.”

“Jimin-ah,” Taehyung sighs.

“I know, I know! It could have backfired in all sorts of ways. But it didn’t. In fact, I’d say it worked like a charm. Wouldn’t you, Taetae?” he grins, chuckling at how Taehyung’s expression turns coy.

“It did.”

“So, did you keep up to your end of the bargain?”

“Bargain?”

“You know, our deal! I give you precious information about Jeongukkie and you ask for his number. Did you do it?”

“Uh, kind of.”

Jimin raises his eyebrow. The scary one that curves high on his forehead that means Taehyung better explain.

“Well, I kind of didn’t directly ask for his number per se.”

“Per se?”

“No.”

“Taehyung!”

“But! I guess I kind of asked him on a date?”

Jimin’s eyes light up and he clasps his hands together in joy. “You asked him on a date? Oh my god, Tae, that’s- wait. What do you mean, ‘kind of’?”

“I mean I did.”

“Definitely did?”

“Definitely did.”

Jimin whoops and grasps Taehyung into tight hug, whispering how proud of him he is. He shouts Jin and Namjoon over, Hoseok and Yoongi coming over to see what the fuss is about.

“Our sweet baby Taehyung has got himself a date!” Jimin announces to the group, joining in with the shouts of celebration again.

Jin claps him on the back and hooks his arm over Taehyung’s shoulders. “Ah, you see! Jimin’s  bargaining worked.” He holds his hand up to Jimin for a high five.

“Well, technically, he didn’t follow the deal,” Jimin teases, and then pauses. “Wait, Taehyungie, how do you have a date with him but didn’t get his number?”

“I uh- I’m not allowed to have my phone out in the restaurant so I gave him my number,” Taehyung explains quietly, confused at the laughter coming from his friends.

“Oh sure, and sharing dessert with a customer after scaring their date off is perfectly acceptable. Taehyung, you’ve literally broken every other rule I set for you,” Yoongi laughs, eyes crinkled up and teeth showing. Taehyung thinks it suits him.

“I know! I just wasn’t thinking straight! I couldn’t get my head around the fact this perfect guy was sat right there and he wanted to share dessert with me! ”

His friends are cooing around him when Taehyung’s phone chimes with a text. He reaches immediately into his pocket and feels his cheeks heat up. He knows they’re pink, and he can feel the boxy grin that’s blossomed on his face involuntarily. He walks into the kitchen away from the teasing hoots of his friends to read and then re-read his notification (and then maybe read it again).

_____________________

Received at 23:47

Unknown number

Hi ! It’s JK. here’s my number :) just wanted to say thank u - for tonight and for asking me out. are u free tomoro after ur shift? X

_____________________

Taehyung can’t smile any wider, but if he could he would. With clammy palms and slightly shaky fingers, he unlocks his phone and types out his reply.

Maybe giving dating a go isn’t such a bad idea.

“What’re you watching?”

“Dunno.”

“Okay. How long have you been watching it?”

Jeongguk fishes his phone out from where he’s somehow laid on it and taps the screen until it lights up.

“Uh, maybe like, three hours? Three and a half maybe.”

“And you still don’t know what you’re watching?”

“Not a clue.”

“Okay baby. Are you having fun?”

“Fuck yeah I am. Grab some snacks and come and join me,” he says, making grabby hands at you over the back of the couch.

*

“Jeongguk? ‘M home.”

“In the bathroom!”

You kick off the uncomfortable shoes you’d been wearing all day and leave them in a pile by the door, making a mental note to tidy them up later.

As you move through the apartment, you slowly shed the signs of your work uniform until you’re stood in front of your dresser in your bedroom. Grabbing one of Jeongguk’s t-shirts from his side of the drawers, you let it fall over your shoulders and sigh at the feeling: of being home, of being in your little haven, of being in your favourite person’s shirt.

A voice calling your name grabs your attention and you immediately respond.

“You good, baby?”

“Yeah! Come find me!”

The treasure hunt wasn’t hard.

“Hi you- woah.” You stand in the doorway with your hand still braced against the door handle. The scene in front of you was quite a sight to behold. “Wow. Look at you,” you say softly, unable to dampen the smile that’s taken hold of your lips.

A giggle from Jeongguk makes your heart skip a beat (it often happens, let’s be honest) and he says, “Hi baby. Close the door. You’re lettin’ the cold in.”

Following his instruction, you shuffle further into the bathroom, pushing the door closed until it clicks. “So, how’s your day been?” you smile.

“It’s been awesome.”

“Yeah? Do anything fun?”

“You know, ran a little, saw some bunnies in the park down the street. Ran a bath.”

“Yeah, you ran a bath!” you tease, taking a seat on the closed toilet seat next to where Jeongguk is currently lazing in the bathtub. “I’ve never seen as much foam in my life!” you laugh.

His laugh rings out loudly in the warm bathroom. “Hmm, I didn’t really know how to use it - you know - one of those bath things you like to use. The ones that make the bath all bubbly and smell super good.”

“A bath bomb.”

“That’s what it’s called? I had to google how to use it but I couldn’t think of the name. I threw it all in here and it smelled so good so I might have put another two or three in,” he grins sheepishly, knowing full well you’re not going to berate him for wasting your bath bombs but at least having the decency to look like he’s sorry.

“Oh really? Well I think that’s the only way to experience your first bath in this apartment.” “Hell yeah. I can’t believe I’ve never had a bath here,” he says softly, sinking down further into the bubbles.

You rest your hand on the bathtub side, skimming your hand through the top surface of bubbles. “You don’t have the time usually,” you remind him quietly.

“Do now though,” he smiles, eyes closing as he rests his head back on the tiled wall.

“Damn straight you do, baby,” you say, smiling wider as his hand grips yours through the bubbles. 

“All the time in the world,” he whispers, squeezing at your hand.

A calm silence fills the room, only filled by the noise of water swishing when Jeongguk moves.

“Go on then,” you break the silence to say. “Which bath bombs did you use? It smells delicious in here.”

“Um- so I put a pink-y purple one in first. It smelled like marshmallows, so obviously I got excited. Then there was one that was like a turquoise colour. It had a label on it that said ‘calm’ so I thought why not? I think that was - oh wait. No, there was definitely one that looked like it had crystals or something on it.” He’s looking at you with those wide eyes, hands gesticulating and accidentally flicking water around the bathroom, but it’s like he’s telling you the most important thing ever. “It like, popped when I put it in the water so I was a little worried but it smelled so good.”

You smile. “Dude.”

“What?” he laughs.

“You’re going to be so stained when you get out of there!”

“What? Is that a thing-?” He lifts up his leg and his brown eyes bulge at the goldish tint to his skin. “I thought baths were supposed to make you clean!”

“You are clean. This is just one of the consequences sometimes. It’ll come off but you might have to shower when you’ve let the water out. We’ll talk about how to clean the bath out later.” He groans and you laugh. “But, how relaxed do you feel right now?”

He settles back, closing his eyes again with a soft smile on his face. “Good point. Totally worth having my body stained gold,” he says.

“Golden baby,” you whisper, adoring the sound of his laugh melting in the heated air.

“Do you know what would make me even more relaxed?” he asks, intertwining your hands again when he finds your fingertips.

“Hmm?” “Hearing your voice. Tell me about your day, baby.”

*

“Hey!”

“Hi you. Want some?” You say, offering a bite of your fruit bowl that’s serving as your breakfast.

“Mmm,” he mumbles, accepting the fruit that’s spiked onto your fork. “Thanks,” he whispers into your ear, pecking the top of your head with a quick kiss as he passes to fill up the water bottle in his hand.

“How was your workout?” you ask, flipping to the next page of the book in front of you, finishing off your sentence before turning your attention to Jeongguk.

“So good. You know when you can feel every muscle in your body? Yeah, that kind of good,” he says, pretending to lunge forward and stretch his muscles further.

“Ew. Personally, I think that sounds horrendous.”

“Nah, feels good. Maybe a massage would help later though if it really starts to hurt,” he says from beside you, looking up through his lashes at you.

“Ha! This is all self inflicted. You bring this pain on yourself!” you point out.

“So no massage?” he asks, still looking up at you and this time even pouting his bottom lip slightly.

“Oh for f- okay. Maybe a massage for you,” you give in. “I’m such a pushover,” you laugh.

“Nah, you just love me. Want me to relax.” He’s nuzzling at your ear now, making you giggle. “Always tellin’ me to relax and now I’m here. Relaxing all over the place. You love it.” He takes the fruit bowl that’s in your hands off you and shoves it onto the counter top where you’re sitting. “You love me,” he whispers.

You’re still giggling at how ridiculous this gorgeous boy is, but you can’t help but nodding. “Love you so much,” you whisper.

“Knew it,” he grins, then, “Love you back. C’mere.” He slides his hand to your cheek and pulls you in for a kiss.

*

“Babe, do you know how to braid hair?”

“JK, I love you but you do know it’s 11:30 at night, right?”

“Well, yeah, but I was just wondering.”

“Aren’t you tired?”

“Not really. Been asleep loads recently. Feel like I’m all energised a lot of the time now.”

Your feeling of frustration slowly disappears as you realise how much comfort Jeongguk’s last statement just brought to you. He’s finally getting the time off he needed.

“Okay then,” you say, rolling over onto your back, propping your pillows up a little behind your head so you can see where Jeongguk is resting against the headboard, phone lighting up his face. “Why’d you want to know if I can braid?”

“I’ve just seen this video on youtube of a dad braiding his daughter’s hair. And I thought, like woah, how cool is that. And also, like, what if I can’t braid hair? I want to learn now so I’ve got time to practise.”

Jesus, this kid. Your heart feels as though it’s two sizes too big for your body and you can’t trust yourself with words just yet so you nod your head at him and smile.

“Do you think you could teach me the basics?” he asks, not waiting for you to respond to his previous comment.

“Course I can.”

“Really?” he watches you sit up further in bed, pulling on the hair tie that’s keeping your hair in a pony tail. “Now?”

“Sure. Do you wanna learn now?”

“Yeah I do! Shit, I love you. Now teach me your ways, sensei.”

*

“Babe, Jin called. Says you’re not answering again.”

“Ah shit, my phone’s on silent. I can’t believe he calls you to tattle on me not answering.” “Right? I told him we were wink wink busy and he screamed. Then told me to get you to ring him back when we’re done,” you laugh, accepting Jeongguk’s high five.

“Amazing,” he whispers, before pulling his phone out of his pocket and selecting Jin’s contact. He takes a seat at the side of you, resting his elbows against the counter and stealing a bite of your cereal as the phone rings.

“Hyung!”

“Jeonggukie! I hope you washed before calling me.”

“What? You’re literally miles away from me right now.”

“Still! I don’t want to be infected with any of your sex germs.”

“Ha! Okay, hyung. Then I’m delighted to tell you that I’m squeaky clean so what’s up?”

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.”

“It’s literally been three days, hyu-”

“I know it’s only been three days but I need to make sure you’re doing well. Fancy lunch tomorrow?”

“Of course, hyung. What time? Usual place?”

“Usual place. Say 12?”

“Ah, can we do a little later?”

“Why? Have other plans more important than me, Jeongukkie?”

“Hyung, don’t be like that! It’s just - you know my neighbour, Mrs Kim? She has this super adorable old dog that she doesn’t have the energy to walk all the time. I’ve kind of volunteered to walk him for her every day at 12.”

Your heart melts a little at Jeongguk’s kindness so you give him a fond nudge to the thigh with your foot, tapping at your heart when you get his attention. He laughs, swatting your foot away but grabbing it just before you can move it, pulling it and then your other to rest on his lap.

“Oh JK, you’re so sweet! A true martyr. No wonder the older ladies love you.”

“Hyung, there’s nothing I’m sacrficing to do it. I like it! It gives me seomthing to do each day and I get to be outside. I love the fresh air and I love the little guy and I like that I’m helping. Win win.”

“Wow. You’re perfect. And I am well qualified to say that because as we know, I am perfect myself.”

“Whatever you say, Jin-hyung. It only takes an hour or so. Meet me at my place at 1?”

“Ah, sounds good. See you tomorrow, JK!”

Jeongguk replies his goodbyes, clunking his phone onto the counter when he’s done and cupping your socked feet with his hands.

“Well, isn’t my boyfriend the sweetest?”

He laughs, pink flushing his cheeks slightly. To hide his shyness, he says, “He is. And handsome. And talented. And-”

“Okay, okay! We get it!” You laugh, kicking your feet off his lap. “Jeez, your head’s gonna be so big it won’t fit through Mrs Kim’s door tomorrow,” you mumble teasingly.

“Not the only thing that’s big,” he winks.

“Oh my god, that was terrible.”

“I know. I can only apologise. Now give me back your legs, they’re keeping me toasty.”

*

“D’you want some tea?”

You’re aware that Jeongguk is standing behind the armchair you’re currently curled up on, but you can’t quite answer him yet. You’re at that part of a book where you’re fully immersed, empathising and experiencing adventures with these characters. You can’t interrupt that with the real world.

Your eyes are racing across the lines on the page, and you feel Jeongguk move to take a seat on the arm of your chair.

You’re not sure how many minutes pass but eventually you reach the end of the chapter. You place your hand in your book, knowing you’re not stopping long enough to need your bookmark (you can’t possibly stop reading with only this many pages to go) and look up.

Jeongguk’s perched on the arm of your chair, looking down at you with a soft smile on his face.

“Sorry, what did you say?”

“D’you want some tea?” He repeats softly.

“Yes please,” you smile sheepishly, feeling bad that you’d ignored him. “Sorry about that, I just-”

“I know. It’s fine.” He makes no move to get up yet. “I love watching you read.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. You always look so cozy. You’re all snuggled up and in this other world and throwing yourself into these adventures. It’s amazing to see. I always wish I had something to read when I see you. Like, I’m kind of jealous that I don’t usually have the time to start a book. I guess it just makes me feel really calm to watch you.”

“It does?”

“Yeah. It’s like, I know you’re here with me and you’re safe and nothing’s worrying you right there and then. Like, I don’t get to see this usually. It makes me realise I’m home and I’m with you.”

“Oh.”

Your heart is pounding in your chest at his words but somehow, you feel calm too.

“Can I ask what you’re reading or shall I leave you to it for a bit?”

“No, no. Of course you can,” you smile, reaching to the other arm of the chair for your bookmark and popping it in. For him, you’d pause for a little while. For him, you’d do anything. “I love talking about what I’m reading.”

Hours later - neither of you can be sure how long exactly - Jeongguk is sitting directly opposite you in the matching armchair, coffee table separating you both filled with books.

Paperback book and hardback books and new books and old. As many as you could locate in your apartment that you thought Jeongguk might like. You’d sat together and read the blurbs until he found one full of magic and adventure that he wanted to read. His eyes had sparkled when he’d picked it up, already entranced by the illustrations of the characters on the front cover.

Cut to now - Jeongguk folded up on the opposite chair to you, legs tucked under himself, nose pressed into the book resting against an arm of the arm chair.

You’d completed your book a while ago, now content to sip on the tea he’d brought you and watch him lose himself in the story in front of him.

You get what he means, you think to yourself as you watch him. It is calming to see; here’s your favourite boy, curled up safely in your apartment, well rested, relaxed, enough time to enjoy the normal things, the little things in life.

Your mind casts back to the time that he’s been home for the break. The endless sleeping for the first weeks, catching up on years of exhaustion; the desperation for you, catching up on years of unavoidable separations; the reconnecting with his family, catching up on lives in real time rather than over fuzzy facetime screens. Him discovering new loves, new hobbies, new ways to relax himself. Him simply being there in your apartment, dropping kisses to your cheek as he passes, joining in spontaneous dances in the kitchen.

Your heart’s doing that thing again, where it feels like there’s too much love in it, and it’s almost like he knows.

He turns the page of his book, peeking over the top of it at you as if he’s just wanting to make sure you’re still there, that he’s not just imagined this.

You send him a soft smile, pulling your cup to rest against your lips.

“Love being home.”

*

Kim Taehyung is really fucking hot.

Like, he knows that he’s hot in a hell yes I’m a catch and yeah, you wish I was yours kind of way, but also he’s really fucking warm.

He slaps at the top of his phone where it’s charging on his bedside table and internally groans when he sees that it’s 01:47 in the morning.

He groans again (not as internally this time) when he remembers that this fucking heat has been torturing him for the last two days and then he’s cursing the weather and climate change and the city and the apartment and the fucking dollar store down the street where they’d sold out of fans within 3 minutes of the heatwave making an appearance.

He’s laid on top of the sheets of his bed, blankets carelessly kicked down to the bottom and pillow hot despite how many times he flips it to try and find the cool side.

He huffs out loud, kicking his legs back and forth in a little tantrum, but if he’s being really honest, he just doesn’t want to suffer alone. He’s too hot and it makes him act a little childish, okay?

He wriggles enough to make the mattress move and he turns his head to watch his dead-to-the-world sleeping boyfriend bounce slightly at the movement.

Taehyung waits patiently (not really) for Jeongguk’s eyes to flicker open and offer some sort of suggestion to solve Taehyung’s misery but alas, nothing. Not even a flicker of an eyelid.

Never one to give in, Taehyung persists.

“Babe.”

Taehyung whispers into the warm air, not able to summon the energy to speak any louder. He glances at Jeongguk from the corner of his eye and silently curses him for his ability to sleep through fucking anything. That boy and his sleep, seriously.

Taehyung sighs again, lifting his head up off his pillow purely so he can dramatically slam it back down. He doesn’t know, maybe the action will create a little breeze to cool him down.

He can report back that it doesn’t.

“Babe. Jeongguk.” He flops his head on his pillow so he’s looking directly at the boy who is still fast asleep, oblivious to both the scorching heat that’s inescapable in their shitty apartment and to his restless boyfriend who just wants someone to join him in his misery, goddammit.

Exhaling one of his more dramatic sighs - more of an acceptance that his little shit of a boyfriend isn’t going to be of any help here - Taehyung glares once more at Jeongguk before throwing his legs over the side of the bed and making a move to sit up.

Taehyung takes a moment to push his hair back of his face and wipe at the sweat that’s gathered on his upper lip. Gross, he thinks to himself, and then carefully considers a cold shower.

As he’s weighing up the pros (certain relief from the heat and sweet, sweet cold soaking his body) and cons (actually having to get in the shower) of his idea, a scorching hot hand dances over his hip, tugging back lightly. Taehyung can just about feel his internal thermometer blow and he literally can’t handle anything that will make him feel hotter. Without thinking, Taehyung reacts and swats harshly at the source of the heat. A yelp echoes behind him.

“Jesus Christ, what the fuck was that for?”

And okay, so Taehyung feels a little bad when he turns around and sees his sleepy, beautiful boyfriend with his eyebrows furrowed, rubbing at the wrist that Taehyung’s just slapped away.

But then he remembers how Jeongguk had slept so peacefully through Taehyung’s tossing and turning, so maybe he deserved it. Maybe.

“I’m too hot,” Taehyung whines, eyes tightly closed and facing the ceiling just because he likes the drama of it.

“Tell me something I don’t know,” Jeongguk says, and the fact that he’s cool enough to making stupid jokes nearly tips Taehyung over the edge.

“Fuck off. It’s like a fucking sauna in here.”

“The window’s open.”

“I know the window’s open but the fucking city is like the Sahara desert. I’m fucking over it, Jeongguk.”

“I know you are, babe,” Jeongguk replies, voice suspiciously soft.

Taehyung whips his head back around from where he’s been staring at his knees.

“Are you kidding me?” Taehyung gasps. “Are you for real? Are you really going back to sleep right now?” Taehyung turns himself fully so he’s sat back on the bed, legs crossed and facing his boyfriend with eyes of fire.

“Should I not be going to sleep at 2 in the morning when I’m laying in my gorgeous bed with my gorgeous boyfriend? Sorry, I must have misread the signals,” Jeongguk says sarcastically but he makes sure his eyes are open. He might be a sarcastic little shit but he doesn’t have a death wish.

Jeongguk turns over from where he’d been laid on his side and settles in a type of mini starfish across the bed.

Taehyung wastes no time in shoving his legs back over onto his side.

“Woah, woah!” Jeongguk calls as he’s almost pushed off the bed. “What’s with the violence?”

“I’m too hot!” Taehyung wails. “I’ve been awake for ages now and you’ve been fast asleep and it’s not fair!”

In his defence, Taehyung knows how fucking childish he sounds but he really just wants the temperature to drop back to normal to he can snuggle into his blankets, cuddle his boyfriend and sleep peacefully for the first time in what feels like fucking ages. Is that really too much to ask?

Jeongguk’s smiling at him. Taehyung hasn’t actually looked up from where he’s holding his head in his hands but he can feel it.

“So you’re mad at me because I was asleep when you weren’t?”

“Well, when you put it like that it sou-”

“Okay. What can we do to cool you down?”

Taehyung looks up from his hands this time and stares directly at Jeongguk.

He’s laid back on his pillows, legs resting on his side of the bed and looking as relaxed as ever.

His bare chest is glistening with a little sheen of sweat in the moonlight that’s coming from the window in the corner and Taehyung feels a little better in knowing that Jeongguk is actually a tiny bit affected by the extreme heat. But still, not as much as Taehyung is which is totally unfair.

“I just want to cool down,” Taehyung says quietly, flopping himself back down onto his pillow and then flipping it over again to try and find a cooler spot.

Jeongguk is doing that fond smile at him from where he’s watching him from his pillow and Taehyung’s heart swells a little bit.

“Okay, baby. Let’s cool you down,” Jeongguk says decisively and sits up, swinging his legs off the bed and padding his way towards the bedroom door. “Take your boxers off. Less material clinging to you the better.”

Taehyung raises an eyebrow at him across the room and he knows that despite the dark, Jeongguk knows the pointed look that’s been thrown at him.

“I’m not fucking you in this heat,” Taehyung says, just to be clear.

Jeongguk laughs loudly and Taehyung fucking loves that noise, loves being the one who gets to make him laugh like that and the one who gets to witness it every day. But he’s still not having sex with him until this fucking heatwave has gone on it’s merry way.

“Well shit, there goes my plan,” Jeongguk teases. “Come on, strip! I’ll be back in two,” he continues before slipping out of the door.

It might be nearly 100 degrees in this bedroom but Taehyung can’t help but watch Jeongguk’s peachy little boxer clad butt leave the room. He might be hot but he’s still human.

Taehyung follows his order and flings his underwear across the room in the direction of the laundry hamper before spread eagling on the bed, straight across Jeongguk’s side.

He’s about 85% sure his throw was nowhere near where he was aiming for and his suspicions are confirmed by Jeongguk’s tut as he re-enters their bedroom.

Taehyung squeezes his eyes closed because he is absolutely too hot for a lecture on leaving his shit around the apartment right now. Thankfully, Jeongguk can read Taehyung perfectly and simply clicks the door shut behind him.

Taehyung peels one eye open to peer up at his boyfriend and the stack of items he’s carrying in his arms. He’s distracted for a moment when, with a practised flick of his foot, Jeongguk catapults Taehyung’s offending underwear across the room and into their rightful place in the hamper.

Taehyung’s a little impressed and to be honest, he’s distracted from the heat for a second when he thinks about how practised that move looked. Then he remembers it’s too fucking hot and that he does leave his underwear on the floor sometimes, so Jeongguk’s probably had more practise at that than he should have.

Taehyung makes a mental note to work on that. Then he whines out loud to get his boyfriend’s attention. Like he said earlier, he knows he gets childish when he’s warm. He’d apologise but there’s nothing he can do about it.

“I know, babe. I’m here. Get your legs out of th-” Jeongguk doesn’t even bother to finish that sentence, just shoves at Taehyung’s sprawled out legs with his one free hand and ignores the whine when Jeongguk’s hand touches his skin.

He settles on the bed sat up with his legs crossed, just like Taehyung was earlier, and throws the items he’d piled in his arms onto the bed between him and his boyfriend.

Taehyung sits up on his elbows to see what exactly his boyfriend’s plan is.

“Okay, so. We’ve got ice cold water,” Jeongguk says whilst passing Taehyung a bottle straight from the refrigerator. “Gotta keep my baby hydrated. Drink up!” he says before downing a water bottle himself.

Taehyung watches his throat as he gulps down the water and then his eyes trace the droplet that escapes his mouth and trickles down towards his jaw. This is absolutely not helping his temperature cool down, so Taehyung does the sensible thing and averts his gaze, sitting up and gulping down his water.

He feels like he’s not had anything to drink in days, despite drinking a cup of green tea before bed.

Jeongguk had told him that apparently drinking hot drinks helps you to keep cooler, and Taehyung thinks he fucking lied.

Taehyung’s empty bottle is whipped out of his hand and placed alongside Jeongguk’s on his nightstand.

“Okay. Hydration - check. Next - peas.”

“Peas?” Taehyung asks in disbelief. Jeongguk pulls a bag of frozen peas out from the bottom of the pile and shoves at Taehyung’s shoulder until he’s laying down.

“Peas.” He confirms. “I was looking for the ice pack we had in the freezer but I think Jiminie still has it from when you two were playing the floor is lava after all of those bottles of soju.”

Taehyung’s mind quickly flicks back to the blur of that night; the drinking, the dancing, the laughing and then the shriek as Jimin jumped from the chair to their couch and completely missed, landing in a giggling heap on the floor.

His ankle had swollen to almost twice it’s size and Jimin and Taehyung knew that that wasn’t a good thing, but in their state, they weren’t quite sure what to do about it.

Before the panic could really set in, Jeongguk - gorgeous, caring Jeongguk - had slammed the door behind him after a long shift. He’d laughed when he saw his boyfriend and best friend sprawled on the floor, then reacted fast as he’d seen Taehyung’s look of panic and Jimin’s blown up ankle.

He’d heaved Jimin up to rest on the couch, elevated his foot and slapped the ice pack from their freezer on there for the swelling.

Taehyung remembers watching from the chair beside the couch, all doe-eyed and hopelessly in love at the tenderness of his boyfriend.

He feels a bit like that now, to be honest, as Jungkook regurgitates the information he’d probably googled in the kitchen earlier about how frozen peas can cool the core body temperature down if applied for long enough.

He knows he’d made the right decision all of those years ago when Jeongguk had nervously asked him on a date when Taehyung’s heart stutters a little as his boyfriend slaps the bag of peas onto his forehead.

He doesn’t know if it’s the sheer relief at having a tiny respite from hot, hot heat or just one of those overwhelming moments when he feels so grateful and so lucky that Jeongguk’s his and so good to him but Taehyung feels a little dizzy with it.

Jeongguk leaves him be for a couple of moments, lets him indulge in the heaven sent feeling of ice cold on his forehead.

“You ready for the next part of the plan?”

Taehyug nods his head and Jeongguk automatically pushes the bag of frozen peas back on there when it inevitably slips to the side.

“‘Kay. You’ll have to sit up for this part. I don’t want you to choke,” Jeongguk says as he busies himself with what sounds like a plastic wrapper.

“Babe, what did I say? Literally any other time, but I’m not fu-”

“Jesus, Tae. No,” Jeongguk’s laughing again, presumably at his boyfriend’s misguided thoughts. Instead of explaining straight away, Jeongguk touches an ice cold tip against Taehyung’s hip and smiles smugly as his boyfriend shrieks.

“Popsicles,” Jeongguk says, waving two iced lollies in the air.

Taehyung’s mouth salivates at the sight in front of him - the popsicles mostly, but also Jeongguk mouthing at the tip of the strawberry treat.

Jeongguk catches Taehyung staring at him and wiggles his eyebrows mischievously as if he knows exactly what he’s doing, before sending his boyfriend a wink and holding his orange popsicle just out of reach so he’ll have to sit up.

Taehyung fucking loves orange popsicles and fucking loves his boyfriend.

“Love you too, babe,” Jeongguk says as he repositions the bag of peas on the back of Taehyung’s neck after passing him his popsicle.

Taehyung hadn’t realised he’d said that out loud but it’s true and he doesn’t regret it.

He happily sucks on the popsicle for a couple of minutes. Usually, the sound of smacking lips and sucking noises can be heard in their bedroom but this time, it’s totally innocent.

Taehyung verbalises this thought to his boyfriend.

“Tae, I’m literally having to watch you almost deepthroat an orange popsicle and I’m desperately trying to keep my thoughts clean. Please don’t draw my attention to it,” Jeongguk says, smiling brightly when Taehyung bursts into giggles.

This night isn’t turning out to be so bad, Taehyung thinks. He’s starting to feel a little cooler and he’s eating a popsicle in bed at 3 in the morning with his favourite person in the world. There’s been worse nights, he admits.

The wooden stick that’s left behind after he’s savoured the last of his popsicle is quickly thrown onto the night stand along with the empty bottles and Taehyung has a bit of a problem.

“I’m sticky,” he notes.

“Are you not feeling any cooler?” Jeongguk asks, clearly concerned and fuck, Taehyung loves this boy so much.

“No, no! I’m feeling much better. Nowhere near as hot,” Taehyung replies and smiles softly when he sees Jeongguk’s shoulders and furrowed eyebrows visibly relax. “I’m just - I’m literally sticky,” he says, holding up his fingers where they’re stained orange from where the popsicle had melted in the extreme heat.

“Oh,” Jeongguk laughs, and then leans in.

He takes Taehyung’s nearest hand first and brings it to his lips. Taehyung’s eyes are fixed on where Jeongguk’s perfect tongue is poking out of his mouth. He licks once from the base of Taehyung’s pinky finger up to the tip, then swirls it around until his finger is clean.

Taehyung is glaring hard at his boyfriend, pointedly ignoring the swirl of heat in his belly.

“Mmm. Tasty,” Jeongguk smirks before setting to work on the rest of Taehyung’s long digits.

“You’re doing this on purpose,” Taehyung remarks as Jeongguk’s magical tongue works up and down the eighth finger, sucking more than he needs to.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” is the response.

Taehyung can’t reply because he’s focusing really hard on, well, not getting hard.

He thinks his torture is over when Jeongguk finally lets up on the last finger, but then he licks over Taehyung’s palms.

Taehyung vaguely thinks this should not be turning him on because this is what dogs do but the heat must be sending him mad because it fucking is.

“Guk,” Taehyung warns, but Jeongguk is relentless in his quest to clean Taehyung up.

His perfect, hot (hot, so hot) tongue glides it’s way down to Taehyung’s wrists, sucking lightly on the pulse points. He licks wide over his right wrist, once, twice and Taehyung is this close to moaning out loud when Jeongguk suddenly blows.

The hot air from his mouth meets the damp patch on his wrist and all Taehyung can feel is cool, cold, so good and he finds his mouth parted in euphoria.

“Shit, do that again,” Tahyung demands, and Jeongguk dives straight back in.

Taehyung feels the cool sensation flood about his body and forgets quickly about how good it feels sexually and focuses on how fucking good it feels temperaturely.

In the back of his mind, Taehyung is well aware that that is definitely not a word but right now, he can’t bring himself to care.

“Shit, babe. If only I’d known I could get you this worked up by blowing on your wrists. My life would have been a lot easier these last couple of years,” Jeongguk laughs.

“Oh fuck off, you know you work me up by just being you,” Taehyung admonishes, feeling his pulse spike at Jeongguk’s smug smile. “Why does that feel so good?”

Jeongguk shrugs his shoulders, licks and blows once more, and then says, “Googled it. Said that cooling your pulse points stops you from overheating.” He repeats his delicious process on the other wrist. “Thought about tackling your pulse on your neck but we know how that usually ends,” he says, winking.

“Maybe when the weather’s gone,” Taehyung suggests, noting how much he wants that to happen.

“Maybe,” Jeongguk promises quietly, both of them knowing that ‘maybe’ is a ‘definitely.’ “How are we feeling?” he asks, pulling back and letting Taehyung’s wrists drop from his mouth, still holding on to his hands.

Jeongguk can tell the answer before Taehyung’s even verbalised it because he’s not knocked his hands away just yet.

“So much better.”

“Nearly ready to sleep?”

“Almost,” Taehyung replies sheepishly.

“Okay. Last part of the plan. Lay back down,” Jeongguk says.

Taehyung does as he’s told without a fuss (he doesn’t do that often) and lays expectantly back with his head resting on the pillow.

Jeongguk removes the now warm pack of frozen peas and shoves them on the nightstand. Taehyung considers telling him that if they leave them there, it’ll be a waste but his thoughts are quickly distracted when Jeongguk drops a single ice cube on his soft belly.

“Ah!”

“Stay still.”

Another ice cube is dropped, then another, in a straight line from Taehyung’s belly button up to the centre of his ribs.

Taehyung’s wriggling from the cold and he feels Jeongguk’s hand press on his chest lightly to stop him moving. His fingertips are cold from where he’s been handling the ice cubes and it makes Taehyung shiver.

Jeongguk looks smug as he whispers, “Ah, now we’re getting somewhere,” then drops another ice cube to Taehyung’s chest.

He pops one of the ice cubes into his mouth, and again, Taehyung’s smug that Jeongguk is bothered by the heat, even if he doesn’t show it quite like Tae does.

A small smile settles onto his face as Jeongguk sucks on the ice cube as he moves the ice cubes along the planes of Taehyung’s chest and stomach, careful not to let them drip too low but not caring if they melt off the sides of Taehyung into the sheets below.

Taehyung’s smug smile drops quickly off his face when Jeongguk leans in, ice cold lips and teeth and tongue latching onto Taehyung’s nipple, causing goosebumps to rise all over Taehyung’s body.

“Oh you motherf-”

“Just helping you cool down, babe.”

“You know exactly what will happen if you keep that up,” Taehyung warns and lifts Jeongguk by a firm grip on the back of his neck.

Jeongguk goes easily, always will wherever Taehyung is involved and settles over Taehyung - careful not to touch because it really is fucking hot.

Taehyung’s staring up at him, doing that thing with his eyes where they go all wide and honest that makes Jeongguk melt, leaving him burning inside in the best type of way.

He reaches up and puts his hand on Jeongguk’s cheek, not minding the tacky film of sweat that Jeongguk knows is there and he rubs his thumb back and forward lightly.

They don’t need to speak to be able to communicate. That’s one of the perks of being together for the four years that they’ve celebrated.

Jeongguk fucking loves how safe and warm that makes him feel and he’s about to tell Taehyung, “Shit, it is hot in here,” just to hear him laugh but Taehyung can probably tell he’s about to ruin the mood so he pulls him down to his lips.

Taehyung’s lips are hot and wet and perfect when they meet with Jeongguk’s ice cold ones, a perfect complement to each other and the perfect metaphor for Jeongguk and Taehyung as a couple.

Opposites, complementary, and you can’t have one without the other.

Taehyung’s convincing himself that the reason why he’s so desperate to feel Jeongguk’s tongue all over his mouth is just because it’s so deliciously cold still, but Jeongguk pulls back.

“Wow, okay. We’ve gotta stop that,” he laughs, flinging himself backwards to lay on his pillow next to Taehyung.

Taehyung whines in response. Childish, remember?

“Soon, baby. I’m Amazon priming a fucking air conditioning system tomorrow.”

“Ha! So you are warm!”

“Nah, just can’t keep my hands off you,” he says simply, and then asks, “Are you feeling better?” as if his honesty still doesn’t floor Taehyung even after all of these years.

“Um - yeah. Yeah, thanks, baby.”

Jeongguk smiles, as if making Taehyung feel better is the best thing he’s ever done. “Good. Now get some sleep. Wake me up if you need me,” he says as he settles into his pillows, turning on his side to face Taehyung.

“Love you,” Taehyung whispers into the air.

“Love you back.”

Taehyung’s heart is doing that flippy floppy thing where it feels like it’s about two sizes too big to fit into his chest with all of the love that’s in there for and from this man beside him.

He’s kind of aware that he’s fidgeting a little but this time it’s not from the heat.

A hand reaches out from beside him and rests lightly on his hip, but he doesn’t bat it away this time.

“What’s up?” Jeongguk mumbles, half asleep already.

“You’re far away.”

“Thought it was too hot to be anywhere near me. I remember being slapped away earlier,” Jeongguk remarks sleepily, teasing.

“Baby,” Taehyung whines once before being hoisted into his boyfriend, chest resting perfectly against Jeongguk’s back, legs intertwined so he’s not quite sure where Jeongguk’s start and his end.

“Better?”

“Much.”

“Great. Now go to sleep.”

Taehyung can already kind of feel the film of sweat reforming on his back and the spot where Jeongguk’s breathing against his neck already feels damp. He knows he’s going to regret this when he wakes up in the morning but for right now, he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

*

“Shit.”

The first thing you see when you look up from your desk to see where the voice has come from is a tall, toned man wearing black basketball shorts and a black hoodie. His backpack - black, of course - is hanging off one shoulder and the man is scrabbling in the front pocket, then wrenching open the main compartment. He’s jostled from the side by a man who pushes past him, scans his pass and pushes through the glass door to enter the gym. A defeated sigh pulls your attention back to the guy dressed in head to toe black. He’s glaring up at the ceiling, mumbling to himself and a small smile slips onto your face as you can practically see him cursing himself.

Taking pity on him, you call over, “Hey! You good?”

Your presence seems to make him jump and he turns his head to look in your direction. His wild, black hair is peeking out of a black beanie that he messes with on his head, pulling it further down towards his eyes.

“Uh - yeah. Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks,” he replies, voice deep but uncertain. You nod politely at him, offering a warm smile before returning your gaze to the paperwork you’re currently trying to complete for your boss. Rule number 6 from your training - don’t push the customer. Let them come to you. You fill in a few more of the details on the paper in front of you before you hear a whispered, fuck it.

“Excuse me? Sorry. I’m so sorry to bother you.”

You look up with a soft smile on your face. “Hey! Not so good after all?”

“Ha. You could say that. I uh- I appear to have left my gym card at home. I was kind of really hoping to work out some stress tonight and I really don’t wanna have to go all the way back home so I was wondering if maybe, well if you-”

“I can get you a temporary pass?” You offer, cutting off his rant and smiling when you see a look of grateful relief flood his face.

“Yes - yes. Is that possible?” He’s wincing like he hates asking for things even though it’s literally your job to help.

“I’ll see what I can do for you,” you say. He makes a little fist pump and he bounces on his feet like you’ve given him the best news he’s heard in a long time. You spin on your desk chair towards the computer and tap in your log in before finding the gym membership records.

“Name?”

“Uh, Jeon Jeongguk.”

“Okay. And date of birth?”

“September 1st ‘97.”

“Cool, I’ve got you. Wait, I think.” You pause and quickly raise your hand to your mouth to cover the burst of laughter that’s threatening to spill out. He looks confused, brow crinkled under his beanie, so you ask, “Um - is this you?” You laugh and move the computer screen to face him as much as possible. He braces his hands on your desk and leans over to see what’s made you question his identity.

“Oh for fuck’s sake,” he laughs, dropping his head into his arm. “My friends are the literal worst. I can’t believe I didn’t know about this,” he says when he’s finally lifted his head off where his arms are crossed on your desk. His cheeks are tinged with pink but he’s taking it in good spirits. 

The picture of Jeongguk should be similar to that of a passport - neutral background, serious face with no expression, hair a natural colour so it’s easier to identify you - basically as boring as it should be to be kept on your record for the gym’s policies. This one, however. The background is white and seems to be a wall in a house or an apartment judging by the door frame, but that’s about as close to the guidelines this photo gets. Jeongguk stands off center in the picture, pinkish-red hair shining bright in the natural lighting. It’s pulled back off his forehead by his hand and his face is schooled into the most obscene expression you’ll ever see. In the corner of the photo is the head of another person - a friend, you’d hazard a guess - who’s bent over in laughter and gripping a beanie that looks very much like the one Jeongguk’s wearing today to his face, presumably to dry up his tears of joy.

“I feel like I need to explain,” he laughs. “So um, when I first joined, the guy who takes your picture for your records was off when I came in - I guess he was ill or something. The owner told me like, ‘It’s cool, just send us in a picture when you get a chance and we’ll just use that.’ I got my friends to take one of me like a passport, you know? He took it on his phone and it took a long time to get one that we could use and I guess must have sent this in instead, that bastard!” He explains and joins in with your laughter.

“Jeez, who needs enemies when you’ve got friends like that?” You joke.

“I know, right? God, I can’t believe I’ve been coming to this gym for like, half a year and that’s the photo people see every time I swipe in,” he fake cries, refolding the turn up on his beanie.

“Dude, me neither. If I’d seen this before, I’d have had it printed out and on the staff notice board within minutes. This is too good not to be seen!”

He lets out a loud laugh at the thought of this and watches as you push your chair over to the printer. He’s trying to get a hold on himself when you return back to him, handing him a printed piece of paper with a bar code on.

“Here - this is your temporary pass. It’ll let you in today and register that it’s you. It only lasts for a day so get rid of it when you’re done. I should’ve just sent you back home for it - we shouldn’t be encouraging laziness!” you joke.

He swipes the paper from your hand, giggling again at his picture in the top right hand corner below the gym’s logo and then bowing forward to you in thanks. “Well yeah, but then my roommate definitely would’ve distracted me and you’d never have got a laugh out of this,” he says, flicking his face on the picture. “How dull would your day have been then?”

“You have no idea,” you say with a pointed look. “Well, I guess I should thank you for brightening my day, Mr Jeon.”

You see his eyes flickering down to your nametag fastened onto your white t-shirt before he says, “The pleasure was mine. Thanks again for this!”

He walks backwards from your table to the entrance of the members only area, only turning around to scan the piece of paper you gave him. When the tell-tale beep sounds and the door clicks open, he turns to you offering another silent fist pump before disappearing through the door with a grateful nod of his head.

You send him a grin and an enthusiastic thumbs up and return your eyes to your computer screen, ready to exit the page and return to the paperwork calling your name when temptation strikes. Quickly pressing print, you grab the page fresh from the printer and fold it neatly so only the hilarious picture of Jeongguk is showing. Trying your best to hold in your laughter, you unlock the desk drawer to your right and pop it neatly down the side. You’re sure you’ll find a good use for it.

*

It’s two days later when you’re dealing with an angry customer on the phone who’s ranting about a rowing machine being out of order when they were there last night. They’ve been shouting at you down the phone for the past twenty minutes and you haven’t got the chance to tell them that there’s another seven rowers adjacent to them, all of which were working. You’re currently resting your head on your hand, trying your very best not to roll your eyes and throwing in the occasional, “Of course, sir. I completely understand how frustrating that must have been,” to show you’re listening. Which you’re not.

The automatic doors into the gym reception open and your eyes slide across to send a practised smile to whoever has just walked in the door when you see it’s Jeongguk from the other day. He’s wearing black shorts and a black t-shirt this time with his hair uncovered. It’s styled in a tousled curl that frames his face perfectly. He grins in greeting and waves his right hand at you, causing you to look closely at what he’s holding. His gym pass.

“Good job!” you mouth across the room at him as he strolls to the members only door.

He bows jokingly, pretending he’s soaking in applause before throwing you a wink and disappearing through the door.

The voice on the phone screeches in your ear, “Miss, are you even listening to me?!”

You jilt out of the reverie you didn’t realise you’d been lost in and sit up quickly on your chair, snapping your mind back to the customer on the phone.

“I’m so sorry, sir. Of course I’m listening, I just wanted to make sure you’d had chance to air your concerns. I’ve listened very intently and I agree with you that it was completely unacceptable that rowing machine 7 was out of order.” You can’t resist the eye roll this time. “Let’s have a chat and see what we can do to put this right for you, okay?” 

*

An hour later and you’re finally off the phone having agreed to extend the customer’s gym membership for another week before he’ll need to renew it. Part of you was pleased that the customer seemed appeased, but the other part of you hated that this was the trivial bullshit that you had to deal with everyday.

Replying again to another monotonous email that springs to life on your screen, you take a sip of your caramel iced coffee and sigh at the sweetness that improves your day just a little bit.

“You know that’s not good for you, right?” 

A voice interrupts your partial sulking and you look up to find a pink cheeked and wet haired Jeongguk leaning forward on your desk.

“Which one - the repetitive hum-drum of my shitty job or the only ounce of joy I get in a day?” You reply sarcastically, shaking the remainder of your drink at him when you say the latter.

“Woah, okay. I’m going to go with neither of those. And then I’m going to take my foot out of my mouth.”

“Good choice,” you smile, slurping the last part of your drink off. “How was the workout?”

“Great. Had kind of a stressful day at work and working out makes my head feel a little clearer,” he explains.

“Another?”

“Huh?” he asks, looking away from where he was running his finger along the grain of wood on your desk.

“Another stressful day? You uh- you mentioned you were feeling stressed when you forgot your pass and I just-”

“Oh, right. Well, yeah. Another stressful day. It’s always stressful at this time of year. You know, new tax year and everything.”

“Ah, I see. What is it you do exactly?”

“Accountant.” He watches you nod your head in understanding. “Yeah - what was it you said? Something about your job being repetitive and boring? Think I’ve got you beat there,” he laughs.

“Call it even. I’ve just had a guy yelling at me for a machine being out of order when there was another seven of the same machine right alongside it that he could use,” you shake your head in despair.

“Are you serious? Is that what you were dealing with when I walked in?”

“Yeah, he was ranting for a good thirty, forty minutes I’d say. Sucks but I guess it’s part of the job for now,” you shrug.

“Ah, that’s why you looked royally pissed off. Makes sense. What are your plans then?” He takes in the confused look on your face and smiles at you before explaining, “You said part of the job for now. What’s after now, then?” You pause for a moment in thought and when he ducks his head to regain your eye contact, you realise that your gaze has drifted to the scattered pens and pencils in front of you.

“I uh- well. I dunno, to be honest,” you mumble.

“Okay, that’s cool. Is there anything you’d love to do but you just haven’t got around to it yet? Or are you more of a I’ll try it and see if it’s for me kind of girl?”

“Kids,” you blurt out almost as soon as he’s asked the first question.

He looks a little taken aback, but he nods and then continues. “Okay - okay! Right. Kids! Of your own or-?”

“Oh god, no. No, no, no. Not for a long time. But kids. I love kids. I’d love to work with them but-”

“No! Stop there. We don’t need to hear that ‘but’. So you want to work with kids. That’s awesome. I think you’d be great at that.”

“Oh really?” you laugh. “From the twice that you’ve met me, you think I’d be good with kids.”

“Great with kids, not just good. And yeah!” He can’t help but join in with your laugh and he watches you warmly as you lean back in your chair, resting your hand on your stomach from where you’re laughing.

“Hear me out! I have my reasons prepared,” he laughs. “Listen, the first time I spoke to you, you noticed I was pissed without me having to say anything to you. Reason 1 why you’d be great with kids.” He starts holding out his hand in front of your face and checking off the numbers on his fingers. “Number 2, you helped me out when I finally asked for it. Kids forget things all the time, right? You’re well practised at helping with that. Reason 3 - kids have temper tantrums like, hourly. You deal with grown men throwing hissy fits about fucking rowing machines. A kid would be easy for you to deal with. Do you need me to continue? I reckon I have at least three more reasons including you not judging me about my picture-”

“Who says I didn’t judge you?”

“I’m ignoring that. As I was saying, you didn’t judge me for my horrendous photo, you have a super organised desk,” he peers over the ridge that’s higher than where you’re sat to check he’s correct, standing back up when he’s convinced he’s right. “You fill paperwork out all day long which - I don’t know much about this - but like, I’m sure you’ll have to do that if you work with kids, right? And you work in a gym. Think of how active kids are and you’ll no doubt be able to keep up.”

“Finished?” you ask with a raised eyebrow.

“Let me check. Um-” he taps his chin as if he’s deep in thought. “Yeah, I think that’s all I’ve got for now. But if you need more reasons, I’ll be sure to come in tomorrow with a fully prepared Powerpoint presentation to really make sure you’re convinced.”

“That won’t be necessary. I mean, I’d kind of like to see what you’d come up with for your presentation but, no. Thank you. I- Well. That was quite the speech. Thank you.”

“You’re totally welcome. I meant it. You’d be great at it. The kids would be lucky to have you.” You’re aware of the full feeling of warmth in your chest. “What have you got to lose anyway?”

“Right. You’re right. Just easier said than done, you know?”

“Totally. Just keep what I said in mind, yeah? If being here is really as mind numbing as you say, it might be worth a change,” he says. He’s smiling at you supportively. It doesn’t feel like he’s telling you what you should do, like when your mom tells you you’ve got too much potential to be wasting it here.

“Not every moment is mind numbing,” you say, partly trying to get the attention off you.

“Oh really? Tell me about the moments that are slightly less boring, then,” he flirts, leaning forward and wiggling his eyebrows.

“You know, some days, I just really look forward to this guy stepping through the door,” you start.

“I bet he’s super handsome.”

“Oh yeah. Arms of steel, too.” You can’t help you snort of laughter as Jeongguk comically lifts up his arm and flexes. You pull yourself together and continue, “Yeah, god. It’s my favourite part of the day. My mouth literally starts salivating as I see him step through those automatic doors and-”

His face looks shocked, like his mind has frozen and he’s trying desperately to keep up with the turn of the conversation. His eyebrows are pulled together in confusion and then he guffaws out a laugh that echoes through the reception area, earning him several shhh’s from other customers. He slaps a hand over his mouth and you can see his crinkled eyes as he leans further forward on your desk. 

“You’re talking about the fucking Starbucks delivery man, aren’t you?”

“Of course I am. Who did you think I was talking about?” you ask innocently, unable to stop yourself from joining in his infectious laugh.

The phone rings loudly at the side of you on the desk and you glance at it with a sigh.

“I should leave you to it,” he says, pushing himself up and standing tall, almost towering over you. “Think about what I said, yeah? Have confidence in yourself.”

Your heart feels like it’s two sizes too big for your chest at how much confidence he has in you, and you nod at him. “I will. Definitely. Thanks, Jeongguk. Honestly, I- just. Thank you. For the pep talk.”

“Nah, don’t thank me. Think of it as a repayment for saving my ass from trekking home the other day. In fact - wait. Do you think you could thank me by changing my picture on the system?”

“Ha! No way. That’s staying for as long as I’m here,” you retort as you finally reach for the phone. He makes an oh, shucks movement with his arm, before turning around and heading towards the automatic door.

He smiles when he hears you greet the person on the other side of the phone, and he notes that your professional voice is different than when he’s spoken to you the last few times. He sends you a small wave goodbye which you return with a smile and a shooing motion that makes him laugh. The smile remains on your face throughout your phone call, and through the rest of your shift.

*

It’s just turned 10pm a couple of weeks after Jeongguk’s little pep talk. Your shift ended a little while ago and you’re on the final ten minutes of your work out, currently jogging on the treadmill and wincing at the ache in your calves as the machine tilts you up hill. Your playlist blasting in your headphones and you listen intently to the lyrics of the remix thumping through your ears in the hopes that it will make this torturous time fly by.

You’ve managed to concentrate on what must be two verses and a chorus when it’s suddenly time to sprint.

“For fuck’s sake,” you mumble what you think is under your breath. You fucking hate running. You fucking hate this gym. It could be the tiredness talking, but you fucking hate it.

Movement on the treadmill right in front of yours makes you open your eyes from where you’d clamped them shut to make it through the last four minutes of your workout. You’re about to start cursing whoever decided to take the treadmill facing yours when there’s rows of other available when you look up.

A devastating bunny smile is blinding you. Jeongguk. You huff out a laugh and shake your head as if to say I literally can’t speak right now before gasping in another deep breath, trying to remind yourself to keep your breathing steady.

He sends you an OK sign with his hands, smirk flooding his face as you roll your eyes at him. You can feel his eyes on you as you squeeze your eyes closed at the sudden incline of the treadmill. Two minutes to go, two more minutes. This is your least favourite part.

You open your eyes to find your water bottle, gulping down whatever is left as you drive into the final, thankfully flat sprint. Jeongguk’s effortlessly running on his machine, not seeming to break a sweat when you can literally feel the sweat dripping on the back of your neck.

He catches your eye as he sees you wince again and crosses his eyes, sticking his tongue out and trying his best to distract you. Your laughter blurts out of you and he mirrors you. He watches you as you check the remaining time and raises his eyebrows when you look back up.

“30 seconds,” you mouth across at him, shaking your head as if you can’t go on any longer.

“Keep going!” he mouths back, bunny grin in full force and two thumbs up in front of him. Part of you wants to tell him to put his hands back on the safety bars but that part is quickly distracted when he ducks to meet your eye line. Before you can question what he’s doing, he quickly pulls the face that’s on his horrifying membership picture and you guffaw in laughter. Your machine slows to a stop and you plant your feet on the strips either side of the conveyor belt, laying forward to rest your head on the screen of the machine until you can get a handle on your laughter.

When you finally look back up, Jeongguk has slowed to a walk on his machine and he’s smiling that bashful, devilish smile at you. You rip your headphones off your ears and rest them around your sweaty neck. He throws his hands up and mimes a mini cheer at you for completing your workout.

“You’re such a dork,” you laugh.

“It’s one of my many talents.”

“Thanks for that,” you say sincerely, gathering your belongings up from the treadmill as he hits the stop button on his machine.

“For being a dork?”

“For getting me through those last few minutes. Was it that obvious I was struggling?”

“Nah, I just fucking hate these things too. Avoid them like the plague normally. Couldn’t imagine being on one as long as you were.”

“You were watching me?”

“You’re kind of hard to not watch,” he confesses honestly, pink tinging his cheeks for the first time that night. Your heart thumps at the thought that an intense workout doesn’t affect him, but you do.

“Oh. So why were you on the treadmill tonight?”

“Because you looked fucking miserable. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve kind of made it my mission to get rid of some of the things that make you all gloomy,” he shrugs, coming around to meet you at your machine, shoving lightly at your back with the bottom of his water bottle to get you moving towards the changing rooms.

“Why?” you say, surprise having frozen your thoughts, and apparently your body too.

He shoves again with his water bottle, guiding his hand around to push at the small of your back when you still don’t move. “Come on, changing rooms are this way. And because, I dunno. You helped me out that day. You were kind to me and yeah, okay, maybe you didn’t know it, but you distracted me from what I was stressed about. It’s the least I can do to do the same for you. Okay?”

You’re pulled to a stop just outside the changing rooms where your locker is and you can’t help but stare at the man in front of you. He stands there openly for a moment, letting you, before he smiles at you as if he knows what you’re thinking. It’d be a miracle, sure, because you’re not even sure you know, but he looks at you like he can see right into your thoughts and watch them play out on a screen.

“I’m going to take this silence as an I’m trying to work out why I deserve this type of silence rather than an oh my god this fucking weird kid has attached himself to me and thinks I need a saviour which now that I think about it, it could seem pretty weird so please take comfort in the fact that this is not that-”

“Jeongguk. Stop. I- I appreciate how kind hearted you are, especially to an almost stranger. Let’s take my silence as a you’re kind of rare and I feel very lucky that you’re doing that for me and stop freaking out, yeah?”

“Yeah. Yeah!” He’s grinning now, shaking himself out of the moment of insecurity he’d just talked himself into. “Okay. Yeah. Also, anyone who has seen that fucking awful picture of me automatically gains friendship rights. I won’t have you calling yourself a stranger in this household anymore.”

“You’re not in a household.” “Then in this - gymhold? Either way, we’re buds now. You’re stuck with me being your cheerleader and I’m not sorry about it.”

You laugh softly, warmth flowing through your body at this boy in front of you. “Sounds awful,” you joke.

“See! You’re a sarcastic little shit. We’re going to be best buds in no time.”

You roll your eyes jokingly at his endless optimistic spin on everything and shove at his shoulder. “Go and get changed.”

“Back at you. Meet me out here? I’ll walk you out?”

You try and hold back the smile that threatens to overtake your face by biting at your bottom lip. “See you in a few.”

*

A loud slam on your desk makes you whizz around on your chair from where you’re filing random bits of paperwork in the correct drawers.

“What the-”

“I’ve brought you a gift,” Jeongguk states, then points with both hands at the tall Starbucks cup he’s just banged onto the desk.

“Uh- Did you take that off the delivery man outside?” you ask, turning to see your usual delivery guy stood at the floor to ceiling windows with a very confused look on his face. You send him a wave and he shrugs, walking back to his car without a backwards glance.

“Okay, maybe I did. I’m going to be honest with you, the other day when you said he was the best part of your day? Not good for my ego. So yes, I did take it off him outside. And yes, I did have to pay him a very large tip that I’m not proud of. But. Here.” He slides the cup across the desk to you with the most adorable look of focus on his face.

You reach across for it, taking a sip and groaning quietly at the sweet kick it gives you. “I thought you didn’t believe in sugary drinks? Some bullshit about them being bad for you?”

“They are bad for you and in 40 years time when you’re suffering with countless health complaints and I am a picture of youth, that will be my time to shine. I will preach and preach about how you shouldn’t have had those drinks when you were younger and you will say ‘Oh, Jeongguk. I should have listened to you. About that and everything else you ever said. You are so wise and so brilliant and no other man can ever compete with you.” He’s putting on a high voice now and your giggling only further encourages him.

“Oh so, we’re going to be friends in 40 years time?”

“Obviously. Or married. Whatever.”

You inhale a sip of your drink too fast at that, coughing and spluttering as you try to get your racing heart in check. When you finally stop, the smug look on his face makes your cheeks heat up.

“Oh? Right. So in that case, I will turn to you and say, “Jeongguk, baby. Honey. Sweetcheeks. Remember that day you stole my sweet, sweet,  sugary drink from the poor delivery man? You encouraged my habits and for that I can never forgive you. I want a divorce!” You play along, mimicking the high voice he was putting on.

“Oh shit. Will you let me keep the dog?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Then no deal. You can’t divorce me. Give me back the drink,” he says, reaching over to take the cup from your hands. 

You’re too quick for him, sliding back on your chair so you’re just out of reach. “Nuh-uh, you said it was a gift. No take backs on gifts. That’s the first rule in the friendship rule book.”

“Fuck, I forgot we were friends now. Wow, that was a bad decision,” he jokes, winking at you as you let out a disgruntled, hey! “Okay, whatever. I’ll let you keep the drink and when you’re old and infirm I will look after you because I will be the picture of health with a god like body and I will never mention the sugary drink addiction ever again. Deal?”

You huff out a laugh at the god-like body idea, but then agree, “Deal.” He waves you forward, holding his hand out to shake in promise. “Awesome,” he says as he holds your hand firm in his. The fit is perfect and tingles run up your arm as he squeezes lightly at your hand. “I can’t wait ‘til we’re old and married,” he teases.

You shove him off playfully, cheeks aching from the grin you never seem to be able to dampen when he’s around. “Go workout,” you instruct.

“Yes, dear. See, great husband material already, no?”

*

“Is this her? Oh my god it totally is. Your face is all-“

“Shut the fuck up, you foghorn!”

You might not have recognised the first voice but you definitely recognise the fierce whisper that followed it. You keep your head down, pretending to concentrate on the paperwork you’re completing when the two whispering voices appear in front of your desk. 

“Tae, please-” you hear Jeongguk plead but he’s quickly interrupted by a firm hand to his chest. 

“Excuse me, miss. I would like to join this gym on a trial basis. As in, just for today probably. I have been informed that this gym is the best around and that the customer service is unbeatable.”

You hear Jeongguk mutter from where he’s hidden behind the man, “Oh for fuck’s sake, Tae,” but you decidedly ignore him. 

“Of course, sir! That’s not a problem at all. It’s great to hear that we’re being talked about.” You glance quickly at Jeongguk with a smirk on your face. “I’m so pleased that your friends are happy with the service,” you say as you start to load up the documentation you’ll need to complete on your computer. 

“Oh believe me, they’re very happy. Very, very-“

A swift knock to the man’s ribs quietens him and Jeongguk stands at his side, glaring determinedly at the man’s face. 

“Oh, hey, Jeongguk! Didn’t see you there. What a nice surprise!” you tease, faking innocence. His cheeks flush but he meets your gaze. 

“Hey yourself. You don’t normally work on Tuesdays,” he notes. 

“Were you trying to avoid me?” you ask at the same time the man gasps, turns to him and accuses, “You only let me come because you thought she wouldn’t be here!”

Another glare is sent in the man’s direction and the friend at least has the decency to look a little sheepish this time. 

“Thanks for that, man. Uh- well, I just. Uh- I have no answer to that. Please let’s move along.”

Feeling a little sorry for the way his friend has just dropped him in it, you lend him a hand and say, “We had to do a little swap around next week so I was landed with today’s shift to cover.”

You turn to his friend once you’ve seen Jeongguk nod in understanding and ask, “So, are you ready to set up your trial membership or are you really just here to mess with him?”

“Ha! No, I will set it up, please. With the amount of ramen I eat, it would be a good idea for me to join at some point. Also, a little birdie tells me there’s a kick ass sauna here so sign me up!”

“Sure thing. I just need a couple of details from you, then you’re free to try out our facilities. I can grab a PT for you if you’re wanting a tour around or-“

“I’m good, thanks. I’ve got my own personal PT here,” he says, nudging an annoyed looking Jeongguk’s side. 

“I know from personal experience he’s a great cheerleader. I’m sure you’ll be in good hands there,” you state, ignoring the wide eyed look Jeongguk’s friend is sending at him, the unspoken words of we are talking about this later you little shit clear for all to see, and diving straight into the form. 

A few minutes later, Taehyung as you now know he’s called, is signing the last pieces of paper that you’ve printed out for him. 

“Awesome! When you’ve signed that, you’re all done! So, if you do decide to join us, our photographer will grab you before your session one day and snap a picture of you to go on file. If you stick with us on a purely trial basis, then there’ll be no need for-.”

You’re stopped in your tracks by a devilish glint in Jeongguk’s eye, hands frantically gesticulating to you. He’s pointing at Taehyung, eyes wide, miming taking a picture. You’re desperately trying to follow what Jeongguk’s telling you, eyes flitting back to where Taehyung has almost completed his last signature when Jeongguk’s sigh grabs your attention again. He gesticulates one more time; he points at Taehyung, then makes the camera movement, points at himself, and then makes that obscene face that’s on his member profile picture. 

Realisation dawns just as Taehyung slides the papers and pen he used back across your desk, quickly turning back around to face Jeongguk with a look of suspicion on his face when he realises that you are clearly trying your best to hold in a bout of extreme laughter.

Jeongguk - bless him - looks innocently at his friend and shrugs, then claps him on the shoulder, chatting to him about how proud he is that he’s made the move to maybe join a gym after his protests all of these years. You know deep down he’s trying to keep his friends attention off you before you get your shit together. 

Taking a deep breath and holding in your remaining guffaws of laughter, you click around aimlessly on the computer to make it look like you’re busy before saying, “Oh, sorry, Mr Kim. I’ve just checked our updated policy and it states that all members must have a photo on file. It’s just for security reasons. Obviously, if you don’t decide to join us, we will destroy your file. Would this be a problem?”

“No, no. That’s fine. Where’s the photographer then? Do I need to pose?” he asks. 

“Just a headshot will be fine, Mr Kim. Our photographer is currently unavailable so you can provide your own photograph. The guidelines are all in your member pack,” you state as you slide the folder to him. “If you’re unsure, just call into ask. Or I’m sure Jeongguk would be happy to help you. Right, Jeongguk?”

“Of course, Taetae. I’ll help you out. No worries at all. I just email it in, right?”

“That’s right! As soon as possible would be much appreciated. Okay, here’s your pass. Got yours today, Jeongguk?”

He pats his hoodie pocket for a second before pulling out the pass with a grin. 

“Awesome. I hope you enjoy your workouts, and it was great meeting you, Taehyung. I’ll look forward to receiving your photo!”

*

It’s five thirty seven pm and you’ve been watching the clock for the last sixteen minutes. Your shift finished at six and you feel as though you’ve been sitting at your desk for at least ten hours, never mind the six that it’s actually been. Your eyes blink slowly as the clock ticks over to five thirty eight and you sigh, lips pouting in boredom. 

“Wow, what’s that face for?”

“I can’t help my face. Rude,” you retort, silently hiding the smile threatening to let slip how pleased you are that Jeongguk is stood in front of you.

“Didn’t say you could. Must be hell walking around with a beautiful face like yours. I bet you never get anything done without people bothering you,” he jokes but his eyes are serious.

“Ha! If only!”

“Are you telling me someone like you doesn’t have an equally as gorgeous boyfriend worshipping the ground you walk on?”

“Are you asking me if I’m single?” “What if I was?”

“Then I’d tell you yes, I’m very, very single.”

“And then I’d tell you it’s a crime and I don’t believe you! But that I’ve also never been as happy to hear someone is very, very single before,” he grins cheekily at you and you can feel your cheeks heating up under his gaze.

“Well go on, then. If I’m sharing, so are you! Is there a potential Mrs Jeon whose devastatingly gorgeous and effortlessly stunning that I should know about?”

“Funny you should ask - there’s one sat right in front of me right now,” he flirts, all toothy grin and cheeky glint, making you roll your eyes at his cheesiness.

“Oh my god. You really are a dork!”

“I told you!”

“So, uh, no girlfriend then?” you prompt, your need to clarify this more prominent than you’d realised.

“If you really have to ask me this then I haven’t been as obvious as I thought. I’m proud of myself! And no, I am also very, very single,” he confesses.

“What a coincidence.”

“It’s a funny old world, right?”

“It is,” you reply, just for want of saying something, having the final word. You sit in your desk chair, moving restlessly from left to right on it as he stares down at you, soft smile on his face that you know is mirrored on yours. Another gym member walks past and calls out a greeting, making you snap back to reality with a small wave. You cough quietly and sit up in your chair, breaking Jeongguk’s eye contact and trying to ignore the loaded atmosphere that’s covering you both. 

He wears a knowing smile on his face when he changes the subject.  “So, uh, it was weird coming to the gym yesterday.”

“Was it?”

“Yeah. I walked in and imagine my surprise when a short, old man was sitting in your seat. Let me tell you, he was not as much fun to talk to.”

“Or to flirt with,” you tease. “That’d be my boss. He was covering for me - remember when you brought your friend in last week and I’d swapped shifts?”

“Yeah, he didn’t respond too well to my charm. I’m taking Tae’s photo tomorrow by the way. He’s booked in at the hair salon ready for his ‘photo shoot’ as he keeps calling it. I reminded him that he doesn’t even want to join the fucking gym, but he’s just that extra.”

“I’m so looking forward to receiving that picture, let me tell you. Revenge will be sweet, hey?”

“So sweet. Deliciously, sickly sweet. As sweet as your Starbucks order, I’d go as far to say.” He watches as your eyes roll into the back of your head as you play along with him. He definitely does not have any inappropriate thoughts about that. None at all, thank you for asking.

“Anyway,” he prompts, getting your conversation back on track. “Were you up to anything exciting?”

“More exciting than this place? That could be literally anything. But yes, I’d say that it was.”

“But you’re not telling me.”

“But I’m not telling you.”

“Ouch. Consider my feelings hurt. No, no. It’s fine. I’ll just go and stew in self pity that my bud won’t tell me where she was yesterday even though it was - gasp - more exciting than this place.” He pretends to dab at streaming tears, letting out the occasional sob that attracts attention from other gym members in the reception area.

“Oh for fuck’s sake, you’re such a drama queen!” You laugh. “I’m not telling you.”

“I know.”

“Yet.”

“Oh. Oh. I can live with that,” he smiles. “Well, I’ll look forward to that day then.”

“Me too,” you grin.

*

It’s late - the end of your shift and you’re throwing your jacket on as you step out into the chilly air outside. You pull your phone out of your pocket to check on where your roommate is, checking her text when she said she was on her way to pick you up. You know her well enough to know that she’s not even left the house yet. You’re just about to text her to say you’ll get a taxi home when a body bumps into the back of you.

“Oh shit- I’m so sorry. Are you- Oh! Hi, you,” Jeongguk says as he finally catches a glimpse of your face. He’s holding onto your forearms to keep you steady from where he nearly knocked you off your feet, and he was frantically scanning your body to check for any serious injuries that could have been caused. Such a drama queen, springs back into your mind.

“Hi yourself. Nearly swept me off my feet there, Guk,” you joke.

“I mean, I’ve only been trying for the last month or so,” he retorts. “What are you doing out here?”

“I’m just waiting for my roommate to pick me up. We’re um, we’re heading out for drinks tonight, so.”

“Oh, sweet! For anything special?”

“Actually, that’s something I wanted to talk to you about,” you say quietly, shoving your phone back into your pocket purely for something to do.

“I’m all ears,” he says. And the thing is, you can tell he’s not lying. He looks at you with openness, eyes wide and truly a window into him, mouth positioned in an encouraging smile and your whole body feels warm. It’s bubbling in your stomach and rushing through your blood stream until you’re pretty sure if he looked hard enough, he’d see a glow appearing straight out of your thumping chest.

“Remember when I was away the other day?”

“And you wouldn’t tell me why. I remember. In fact, it’s burned onto my consciousness and it’s destroyed my self confidence,” he teases. “But yes, go on.”

“Well, I also remember saying that I couldn’t tell you, but there was a yet in there,” you hint.

“Is this ‘yet’? Are we at ‘yet’?” He asks excitedly, almost bouncing on the spot. God, this boy is so special.

You nod eagerly. “It’s yet.” He shuffles closer to you in anticipation. “I had an interview.”

“Oh my god. Yes! That’s awesome! Good for you,” he blurts out, brimming with honesty. “I’m so proud of you that you went for something!” You can feel the enthusiasm vibrating from him and you fight back the urge to place a hand on his solid chest to calm him.

“It gets better,” you smile.

“Oh my fucking god, don’t tell me-”

You don’t reply, simply nodding your head with a wide grin swallowing your face.

He lets out a loud whoop and grabs onto you, flinging his arms around your shoulders and tugs you into him. He’s bouncing now and you have no choice but to clasp your hands around his lower back and jump with him.

“This is incredible! I’m so excited for you! Fuck this place!” he shouts louder than he should, making you pull back slightly to slap a hand around his mouth to quieten him. His eyes widen and then turn apologetic as he realises what he’s just shouted with your boss and regular gym members still inside. “Sorry. Sorry I got over excited. But still,” he says, voice lower this time now you’re a breath away from him. “Still, this is such awesome news. How do you feel?”

“I feel free. Amazing. Nervous. Fulfilled. I don’t know. I can’t quite believe it still. You know you’ve not even asked what the job is?” you say, punching his bicep lightly, not quite able to stop touching him now you’ve started.

“Fuck you’re right! What is it? What is it?” he chants.

“You’re looking at the new teacher’s assistant at the pre-school downtown,” you say, heart thudding in your chest as you break the news.

“Holy shit, are you- Oh my god! Oh my god!” He grabs onto your forearms again and the grip even through your jacket feels addictive. He’s bouncing again, excited energy radiating off him. “You wanted to work with kids and holy shit, you’ve done it! Yes!”

“I mean, it’s only a teacher’s assistant to start with but there’s plenty of oppor-”

“Hey! No! Only a teacher’s assistant? No fucking way! You’re going to be working with fucking kids. I asked you what your dream would be and you said working with the little shits. Oh my god! I’m so pumped for you!”

You laugh loudly as he pulls you in for another tight squeeze. He’s swaying you both left and right in his restlessness and you inhale his scent as you gasp for air. 

He only pulls away from you to shout to the patrons in the parking lot, “Hey! Excuse me?” You’re batting at his chest to tell him to stop whatever he’s about to do, but he only pulls you into his side, fitting you against him snugly as he carries on. “Hey! Hi! You see this girl right here? She’s just scored her fucking dream job! She’s amazing! She’s going to be the best fucking teacher’s assistant there’s ever been and-”

Your head feels dizzy with joy and giddiness as this wonderful man celebrates your news as if it’s the best thing he’s ever heard, as if it’s his news to be excited over. You look up at him as he screams across the parking lot, free of shame and exhilarated to share your news and the world around you suddenly drains away. He’s all you can see and you’re slotted so perfectly into his side and you’re so happy he forgot his pass that day all those months ago so you react how you’ve wanted to for months.

Your hand slides up to his sharp jawline and tugs him to face you. You laugh as he still continues his tirade of praise about you but his eyes are locked on yours. They widen a little as your eyes slip down to his gorgeous, delicate lips and you raise on your tip toes, pulling him to you until your lips finally meet. He quickly slides his hand to cup the back of your head, shocked by your sudden decision to kiss him but so, so contented as he can feel you exhale a shaky breath. You know that really, you should pull away from him - he’s already made a scene by shouting his excitement at total strangers in front of your place of work but fuck that - you’re leaving soon, anyway. You push back upwards to be closer to him and he gathers you in, arms resting at your lower back as you circle your arms around his neck, entangling your fingers into his fluffy hair. He nips lightly at your lower lip and you’re unable to hide the soft moan that slips out of your mouth but he quickly swallows it, sliding one of his hands up to the back of your head again where he can position your head where he wants you. It feels like reality and dreams and connection and desire and you can’t get enough. Neither it seems can he.

You’re vaguely aware of the automatic doors opening and closing behind the both of you but you don’t register any other presence, mind only on Jeongguk, Jeongguk, Jeongguk. 

A burst of noise from a group of teenagers exiting the gym breaks you both apart breathlessly, reluctant to move any further away from each other than truly necessary. You can feel his uneven breathing on your cheek and he’s staring intently at you, eyes flitting around your face like he can’t quite believe what just happened.

“I uh- I’m sorry?” you mumble, making no move to separate yourself from him.

He huffs out a disbelieving laugh. “What part of that are you apologising for? Because believe me, no apologies are necessary.” He’s brushing his nose against your cheek and down to your jaw now and it’s making your legs feel unsteady. You’re even more grateful he’s got you solidly wrapped up in his arms.

“I- I’m sorry for - shit, stop that I’m can’t concentrate-” he grins at that, smacking his lips to your cheek once before returning himself to look at you. “I was apologising for grabbing you. And not asking. You just make me feel all-” you pause.

“All? All what?”

“Warm.”

“Warm?” he laughs. He steps backwards to let a group of women enter the automatic doors and he tugs you with him. 

You nod shyly, laughing self deprecatingly. “Like, fuzzy and warm. And I just couldn’t not kiss you anymore. So. Sorry.”

“Apology accepted. And then returned with a note of thanks.” He’s so weird and you like him so much. “What?”

“A note of thanks. And maybe a bouquet of flowers. And one of those fucking Starbucks drinks you’re obsessed with. You know, just to say thanks for having the balls to kiss me because I was wrestling with myself to find mine.”

You giggle, resting your head in the crook of his neck for a moment to compose yourself. “Well then. You’re welcome. I hope you’ve found your balls,” you joke, shoulders wracking with laughter as he lets out a loud cackle.

“Don’t you worry. My balls are back in full force and ready to go. Wait- no- that sounded-. Okay, never mind. You see? You make me say stupid shit like this!”

“Now that I won’t apologise for. You’re literally the only thing that have made this past month bearable.”

“Me and the delivery guy.”

“Of course. I wonder how I should thank him?”

“Not in the same way as me,” he pouts and you can’t resist pressing your lips to his jaw before continuing.

“And you’re the one that pushed me to apply for something else. Without you, I might have been stuck here for who knows how many more months before I - to steal your words - found my balls and applied elsewhere.”

He’s smiling radiantly at you and the rest of the world blurs out again. He’s looking at you like you’re the sun and the moon and the stars and you feel dizzy with the weight of that. 

He’s about to speak when a car screeches to a halt at the side of you, headlines illuminating the two of you so brightly you have to squint.

“That’s uh- that’s my roommate,” you explain, pulling your arms from his neck and smoothing them down the arms of his hoodie. He grips at your hands, intertwining your fingers with his own as he nods in understanding. Jeongguk’s like an open book and you can see his reluctance to let you go so you squeeze his hands in yours.

“Okay,” he says.

“Alright,” you say back.

He huffs out a laugh, pulling you into him one more time with an arm around your shoulder, one hand still entangled with yours. You feel him peck the top of your head once, twice before he releases you with a light shove towards the car idling next to you.

“Congrats again, superstar. Now go get drunk!”

*

“So,” Jeongguk starts, leaning against your desk in a way that is oh so familiar now. It’s Monday evening, two days since you’d finally given into temptation right outside of here. You hadn’t spoken to him since, only realising that night when you’d only wanted to talk to Jeongguk that you didn’t actually have his number.

“So,” you parrot back to him, not bothered to bite down on the grin that automatically blooms in his presence.

“How are you?” he asks.

“Pretty good, thanks. You?”

“Shit.”

“What? Why?”

“Well, see. Friday night was incredible. You see, this incredible - and I mean incredible - girl rocks my world. She tells me that she’s applied for this job and - get this - she only fucking got it. Not only that, it’s her fucking dream job.” You’re smiling at him, playing along with his dramatics, dropping in plenty of oh really’s and no ways. “She’s going to work with kids, you know? Naturally, I was on top of the fucking world for her. And then guess what?”

“What?” He leans closer to you, goofily pretending to check no-one’s listening, then whispers, “Then she fucking kisses me. I’m talking, grabs me by the neck and plants one on me. I felt like I was floating on air. Like, this could be the best thing that ever happened to me. In fact, no. It was the best thing that had ever happened. And then-”

“And then-”

“I get home. First of all, I’m teased by my roommates because I can’t wipe the grin off my face. They kept telling me I was glowing. And then? I go to text this dream girl, just to say have a great night, congrats, thanks for blowing my mind and so on. And then I realise.”

You gasp playfully, trying to control your giggling. “What did you realise?”

“I realised that I don’t even have her fucking number.”

“Wow. She kissed you like that and didn’t leave her number? She sounds like a dick,” you joke.

“How dare you, take that back! She’s the girl of my dreams!” he jokes.

“Well that sounds like an awful experience. I’m so sorry you had to go through that,” you say, patting his hand where it’s laid on top of your desk.

He’s quick though, and when you move to pull away he flips his hand and grasps yours, intertwining your fingers as best he can.

“Nah, I’d like to go through it again and again. But not the number part. That bit really was shit,” he laughs.

You hold out the hand he’s not holding and look expectantly at him. “Phone?”

He reluctantly lets go of you to pat at his pockets - first his shorts, then his hoodie before his eyes meet yours. “Um, let me check my backpack.” He roots in there, pointedly ignoring your peels of laughter echoing around him before he drops his bag on the floor and drops his head to your desk with a thump.

“You forgot your phone, didn’t you?”

He whines loudly and nods his head as best he can while he’s still resting it on the desk. You’re so enchanted by him and the natural way he makes the laughter race out of you. He’s mumbling to himself about what the fuck did I ever do to deserve this and how sending a picture of Tae passed out, shirtless and drunk for his member photo was only payback and I shouldn’t be punished for it when you reach for your top desk drawer and swiftly unlock it.

You reach inside, searching for the piece of paper you’re after and withdrawing it quietly so as to not attract Jeongguk’s attention. You quickly scribble your number and a small love heart across the middle of the paper and slide it next to where Jeongguk’s head is resting. You give the top of the desk three small taps to get his attention.

He obediently looks up at you and follows your eye line to where you’ve placed the piece of paper beside him. He takes one look at where you’ve scrawled your number and his head is thrown back in laughter, hands clapping loudly in the reception area.

“Oh my fucking god, you’re amazing,” he says quickly before bursting out into another round of loud laughs.

He picks up the piece of paper you’d slid to him and holds it firmly in both hands, staring at that fateful photograph from his member’s profile that you’d printed off on the first day you’d met him. You’d scribbled your number directly across the part of his forehead that was on show and he felt as if his heart was bursting with fondness for you.

“Please let me take you on a date,” he says breathlessly, leaning over you desk again.

“It’s in the employee’s guidelines that we can’t date gym members. Sorry, JK, you’re shit out of luck,” you shrug, throwing your hands up in an I don’t make the rules gesture.

“Ah, shit. That really is a shame. Hey, when’s your last day again?”

“Friday.”

“Ha! Looks like you’re shit out of luck then. There’s no getting rid of me now. I’ll pick you up at 9 on Friday then? Text me your address when you’ve got my number.”

He bumps the top of your desk with his fist once and then backs away towards the gym area doors. He slides his pass out of his shorts pocket - at least he’s remembered that - and sends you a devilish wink across the room as he scans his pass and disappears through the door.

Well shit. Friday can’t come soon enough.

*