magicalmarauder

“So, what’d you think, baby?” Jungkook had questioned hesitantly after that first match. He had known intense sports, such as boxing, were not your thing. He had been excited at first to share this part of himself with you, but after having looked over towards your seat once his match had finished and seeing the horrified expression on your face, he was terrified that it may have been too much for you - that this lifestyle of his was too much for you and you wanted no further part of him.

You slowly took a step closer to him, reaching up to caress his cheek. This had been one of those rare instances where his opponent was able to get the drop on him. A painful looking bruise was already beginning to blossom on his jaw. You gently traced your fingers over the area, wishing you had the ability to heal every hurt that touched him.

“Does it hurt?” You questioned, eyes anxiously boring into his own.

“No,” he assured quietly, resting his hand over your own, keeping it in place on his jaw. “Can hardly even feel it now.”

You nodded, not quite knowing what else to say. You were proud of him, of course. Jungkook was the type of person that gave 110% in everything that he did. He never did anything half-way, and that went for boxing as well. He was always at the gym, always training, constantly watching other matches to pick up different techniques and learn as much as he possibly could. And that hard work had clearly paid off - shortly after the match had begun, it was pretty apparent to you that the other fighter was no match for your Jungkook.

“You still with me, baby?” Jungkook questioned, pulling you out of your thoughts, bringing your focus back on him.

His question was targeted towards the present, towards your attention on him in that very moment; however, both of you knew the deeper meaning he was too afraid to speak out loud. Were you still his girl? Did you still want him after seeing him essentially beat another man down to the ground?

“Yeah, Kookie,” you murmured, pressing up onto your toes to brush your lips gently against his own. “I’m still with you.”

It had been over a year since that first match and although this lifestyle didn’t completely scare you off, it did take quite some time to get adjusted to. It wasn’t until a few months later that you were finally able to watch his matches without having your eyes closed for the majority of the time. Even now though, whenever a particularly rough punch was landed, you couldn’t help but flinch back and cover your eyes, wishing the two of you were at home safe, where you could wrap Jungkook in your arms, protecting him from angry fists swinging his way.

Nevertheless, you loved Jungkook and this is what he loved to do. The two of you had had extensive conversations about his boxing career and both had agreed this was not a forever job. Not only was it physically taxing on him as well as emotionally taxing on you, but it also meant for little alone time. If he wasn’t at the gym training, he was traveling for matches or press tours or whatever other event his manager deemed necessary he attend. The two of you made it work, but it was hard.

And not only was the limited time together difficult, but the environment at these matches was not the greatest. Most of the attendants at these matches were men who ended up getting drunker and drunker as the fights progressed, leading to tussles and outbreaks in the crowd as well as in the ring. Jungkook did his best to seat you in an area where you would be safe and away from the craziest of the fans, which generally meant you sat with his team near his corner of the ring. This was normally not an issue as you had become pretty good friends with his team and their significant others. However, there were a few members of the group that were a little more crass than you were used to.

These individuals thankfully were not at all of the matches, generally sticking to those hosted at the arena near where you all lived. It wasn’t that they were bad people, they just tended to have a very tough, show no weakness type of attitude, which was well and fine, but what you really disliked was the way they made Jungkook act. As you had mentioned earlier, your boyfriend was the softest, sweetest individual when he was around you. You often likened him to a bunny due to his gentle nature and the adorable wrinkle his nose made whenever he smiled. However, when he was around the two biggest antagonists of the group, Ji-Hoon and Hyun-Woo, he became a little colder, more stand-offish. You knew it wasn’t intentional, but you couldn’t help but feel slightly disregarded in these instances - like your boyfriend was ashamed of you.

However, the way Jungkook treated you and adored you in private was almost enough to make you forget those rare moments in the back room after these matches. So, you had never brought it up, something that proved to be a mistake on your part. Maybe if you would have been up-front in the beginning you could have avoided the big blow-up between Jungkook and yourself after this particular match.

…

“There’s my girl!” Jungkook exclaimed, clearly in high spirits after the victory tonight. This was a match he had been eagerly anticipating and preparing for for months now. It was a relief to have it over and to have won so decidedly.

You couldn’t help but match his energy, despite feeling slightly uncomfortable by the presence of the two trainers - Ji-Hoon and Hyun-Woo. Thankfully their presence was more rare due to the high volume of clients they took in to train. This just so happened to be one of the unlucky nights they happened to be in attendance.

Pushing those feelings aside, wanting to celebrate your boyfriend and congratulate him on his hard work, you set a smile on your face, quickly making your way into Jungkook’s outstretched arms, allowing him to wrap his arms around you and lift you up in the air.

“Jungkook!” You squealed, clinging on to him as you laughed. “Put me down!”

Obeying your request, Jungkook set you back on your own two feet, arms still firmly wrapped around your waist before leaning down to capture your lips in a searing kiss.

Hoots and hollers filled the room, causing you to blush and gently pull your face away, breaking the kiss.

Jungkook grinned at you, leaning down once more to place a soft kiss on your nose. “Did you see me tonight, baby?” He asked, eyes alight.

This right here was exactly why you never said anything against his passion. As much as you didn’t understand it, you could never rob Jungkook of the joy he got with boxing.

“I did,” you replied, smiling at the man in front of you and the excitement that was exuding from his very being. “You were great out there. Very fearsome.”

He smirked, a different expression taking possession of his face as he eyed you slyly. “Oh yeah?”

You nodded, hands coming up to grip the front of the sweaty t-shirt that he had thrown on after the match had ended. “Definitely,” you affirmed.

Before either of you could continue your conversation, which may have been a blessing in disguise given the predatory look Jungkook was currently throwing your way, his two best friends - Taehyung and Jimin - entered the room and began excitedly chattering about the match, recounting every punch, kick, etc.

Jungkook smiled at his friends, joining in on their excited conversation after guiding his arm around your shoulder and pulling you close into his side. You rested your head against his chest, thankful to be back in his arms, thankful that the fights were over for now and that no injuries were sustained on his part.

You continued to listen, more than content to be under the heavy weight of Jungkook’s muscular arm, occasionally contributing to the conversation, but mostly just enjoying being in his presence. It wasn’t until the conversation took a turn towards their upcoming plans that you zeroed back in, unsure on whether you were hearing correctly or not.

“The match in Vegas is going to be insane!” Ji-Hoon exclaimed. “I can’t believe it’s already almost here! We leave this Friday!”

You stiffened, distinctly remembering Jungkook telling you that he would not be attending that match. Vegas was like the Super Bowl, but for boxing. The fiercest of the fierce fought there. You had watched a few of the matches on the couch with Jungkook, always trying to hide your horror at how brutal the fighters could be. Jungkook was good, don’t get you wrong, but he had never participated in a match of that magnitude before. Considering how rapidly his career was advancing, you knew the day would someday come when he would be invited to those more elite matches, but he had specifically told you he was not going to the upcoming one when you had asked a few weeks ago.

“Bunny?” You questioned, the adorable pet-name you usually reserved for when the two of you were alone slipping out in your shock. “You told me you wouldn’t be attending Vegas this time?”

Jungkook’s cheeks lit up a furious red as laughter resounded throughout the room.

“Bunny?!” Hyun-Woo howled, slapping his thigh as he doubled over in laughter.

“Of all the cutesy nicknames! Bunny?” Ji-Hoon bellowed.

Jungkook could feel his embarrassment as well as his anger rising. With his emotions still heightened from the match and the laughter filling the room at his expense, Jungkook didn’t give himself time to think or consider the consequences of his actions as he wrenched himself out of your grip, scowling down at you.

You flinched as you took in your boyfriend’s expression. You had never seen such angry eyes from him directed towards you. It caused you to flinch back, not sure what to do or how to act in this situation.

Jungkook’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of your fearful expression. He hated to see you upset; however, the anger and embarrassment in his own head clouded his judgement and didn’t let him realize that he was the cause of your fear and sadness in that moment.

“Don’t call me that,” he spat out, angry at the laughter of those around him, just wanting it to stop.

“Ohohoo!” The two instigators exclaimed, doing absolutely nothing to help the situation. At this point, everyone else in the room had picked up on the tension emanating from Jungkook and the tears that were beginning to well up in your eyes. Considering the sport they were all involved in, they were no stranger to anger and violence and raised voices; however, they had never seen Jungkook so much as even look at you with anything other than the biggest heart eyes. No one could really quite believe the words that had just left Jungkook’s mouth, much less yourself.

“Jungkook, I –“ you started, not quite knowing what to say.

“Save it,” he retorted. “You’ve done enough.”

You watched in disbelief as your boyfriend stalked out of the room, grabbing his jacket on the way out, not casting so much as a glance back at your downcast figure.

The room was extremely quiet, an uncomfortable silence filling the air as no one quite knew what to say. Finally, Jimin approached you, placing a gentle hand on your arm. “C’mon Y/N, let me take you home.”

You followed along robotically, still trying to make sense of the last five minutes of your life. You had known Jungkook was a private person and liked to keep the intimate details of your relationship between the two of you, but you had never imagined he would react this way to a simple pet-name.

A couple stray tears escaped, running down your cheeks.

“Why don’t we stop for some ice cream?” Taehyung offered, having followed you and Jimin out of the room. “Get our mind off things, hmm?”

You offered a weak smile in return. “Yeah,” you agreed, wiping the fallen tears with the sleeve of your sweater. “Let’s go.”

…

Jungkook paced back and forth in the living room of your shared apartment, running his hands through his hair in frustration. Where were you??

He knew it was completely his own fault that you weren’t there with him, right by his side, safe and sound. He had completely lost it earlier and he had absolutely no excuse for treating you the way that he did. Not only had he yelled at you in front of everyone and made you cry, but he had lied to you about the Vegas match. He was in deep trouble, if you weren’t breaking up with him over this, that is. His heart twisted as he sucked in a shuddering breath. He couldn’t lose you. Not like this.

He had been frantically trying to call your number for the past hour now, only to be met by your voicemail. He was just getting ready to try one more time when he heard the lock of the front door clicking.

“Y/N?” He called, head turning towards the sound. “Baby?”

You stepped through the front door; expression unimpressed as you gazed at him. Earlier you had been sad at his words, but now that you had had time to take a step back and think, you were angry. He had absolutely no right to treat you the way that he did.

“Are you alright?” He questioned, taking long strides towards you, but stopping in his tracks when you took a step back, distancing yourself further from him. He knew he deserved it, but it still broke his heart. You had never once intentionally distanced yourself from him. The two of you were usually adjoined at the hip. Due to his crazy traveling schedule, you were most often found glued to his side, arms wrapped around one another whenever you were together. This space was not something either of you were used to.

“I’m fine,” you responded, toeing your shoes off and placing your keys on the hook near the door. “Jimin and Taehyung took me out after you left,” you explained, walking past him into the bedroom to change for the night. The day had completely sucked any energy you had had right out of you. All you wanted in that moment was to go to bed and try to forget this horrible evening.

“Y/N, wait,” Jungkook pleaded, reaching out to grab ahold of your hand. He took it as a positive sign that you didn’t immediately rip your hand out of his grip.

“I’m so sorry,” he apologized, taking a tiny step closer to you as he tried to convey just how sorry he was. “I don’t know what came over me, I never should have spoken to you like that.”

“No, you shouldn’t have,” you responded, eyes cold.

This was somehow worse than your anger – this icy indifference. Jungkook had been prepared for your wrath – for well-deserved yelling and anger. He was; however, unprepared for the defeated look in your eyes.

“Sweetheart?” He prompted, knowing there was something you weren’t saying. Deciding to push his luck, he gently reached out to grasp your face, large hands caressing your jaw.

The gentleness in his eyes is what finally made you break down. “Are you ashamed of me?” You cried, looking down as the tears once again began to flow freely down your face, leaving Jungkook to stare at you in horror, hating himself for making you feel this way. He wished he could go back in the ring right now and just let his opponent pummel him. He deserved it for making you feel this way. You were the best thing to ever happen to him. How could he let you ever doubt that?

“Baby, no! No, of course not,” he protested, grip tightening on your cheeks as he brought your eyes up to his own. “I love you so, so much,” he promised, urging you to believe the words coming from his mouth.

“I am a complete and total idiot,” he admitted. “That is what tonight was about. The guys were laughing at me and that triggered something within me that made me lash out. I know that is no excuse for my actions, but that is all it was. Never ever have I been ashamed of you. I love you. You lit up my entire world when you came into my life.”

His thumbs were softly stroking your cheeks as his eyes bored into your own, urging you to believe the words coming out of his mouth.

“I love the cute nicknames that you have for me,” he promised. “It’s an honor to be your bunny and to be loved by you. I can’t think of anything better than that. All of the money, trophies, whatever don’t even compare because I’ve already won the greatest thing that will ever happen to me.”

A small smile began to appear on your face, giving Jungkook a sliver of hope that he hadn’t completely messed things up with you. Well, at least not yet.

“I’m sorry for speaking to you that way, baby. You didn’t deserve that. And I promise I will never treat you that way again. I will never again put myself in a position where I could lose you,” he vowed, choking on his words as his own tears now began to fall down his face. “I never want to see you scared of me again,” he whispered, eyes haunted as he remembered the expression on your face as you had looked at him back in the locker room. “I never want to see you back away from me like that again. I need you close to me, always.”

“Oh, Kookie,” you cried, throwing your arms around his neck and burying your face in his chest, allowing the both of you to let out the heavy emotions from the night and be comforted by the other’s presence.

“I love you so much, Y/N,” he murmured into your neck, arms tightening their hold around you as if he were afraid you would slip right through his grip. “Please don’t ever doubt that.”

“I love you too, Jungkook,” you sighed, feeling the tension and sadness of the evening slowly leaving your body as you rested in his embrace. “So much.”

“One more thing,” he announced, pulling away slightly so he could look you in the eye. “I promise I didn’t lie to you about Vegas. When you asked me about it, I truly wasn’t going. But one of the fighters sustained an injury and wasn’t able to compete and they asked me to fill in. I was going to tell you, I promise. I just didn’t know how to tell you. I know you’re not fond of those fights.”

You smiled, relieved to know he hadn’t outright lied to you.

“I’m only not a fan because I love you so much and I’m just scared something is going to happen to you.”

Jungkook smiled, leaning down to place a kiss to the top of your head. “I know, sweetheart, I know. I’m not gonna let anything happen to me, though. Not when I’ve got my best girl waitin’ for me to take her out after.”

You rolled your eyes at his attempt of humor. However, his distraction worked.

“We didn’t even get to go out to our usual place tonight,” you pouted, frowning up at him.

“I know, baby,” he sighed. “I promise I’ll make it up to you, though.”

You grinned, a mischievous glint forming in your eyes. “I don’t know,” you sighed dramatically. “I had quite a lot of fun with Jimin and Tae. Think I might make that my new tradition,” you smirked. “At least they don’t yell at me.”

Jungkook glared at you. “You will do no such thing,” he admonished, arms tightening around you as if you actually would ditch him to make other plans.

“I don’t know,” you smiled. “They were very –“

Jungkook didn’t wait to see what you were going to say before he surged forward, hands once again coming up to cup your face as he crashed his lips onto yours, ensuring you forgot every other name except his own.

A few moments later, the two of you pulled apart, gasping for air.

“You still with me, sweetheart?” He asked, forehead leaning against your own, big doe eyes staring down at you.

Well, technically you weren’t his baby sister as you were only one year younger than the famous singer, yet in Jungkook’s eyes you would always be his baby sister. The two of you had been impossibly close growing up, not fighting like normal siblings, but instead glued to one another’s side. Due to your close relationship, it had been hard on the both of you when Jungkook had moved to Seoul in order to pursue his dreams. As the supportive sister you were, you of course cheered him on in everything he did, but neither of you could deny how hard it was being away from one another. While Jungkook had gone the artistic route in pursuing music, you had always been very serious about your studies. Your lifelong dream had always been to be a doctor and you were now on that path, in your third year of undergraduate education. With this being a vital year for your med school applications and Jungkook’s having his normally hectic schedule, the two of you rarely had opportunity to see one another. However, you had one week before your next semester was about to begin and the boys miraculously had a bit of time off as well, hence why Jungkook was obsessively cleaning in order to ensure everything was perfect for the arrival of his baby sister.

“Seriously, JK,” Taehyung continued. “She’s your sister. She isn’t going to care about how spotless the table is.”

“How would you know?” Jungkook retorted. “You’ve never met her.”

It was true. In all their years together as a band, the boys had never met Jungkook’s elusive younger sister. Of course, it wasn’t by choice, but merely due to your always conflicting schedules. The boys had heard story after story of Jeon Y/N from their maknae, but hadn’t yet had the opportunity to meet you for themselves, which was why all of the members were excited for this particular visit.

It was no secret that Jungkook was the adored youngest brother of BTS and as such, they boys were curious about the girl who was such a big part of Jungkook’s life.

“No, I haven’t,” Taehyung admitted. “But you always talk about how similar the two of you are and I know you, so based off of that knowledge, I can make a pretty good guess that she is going to be too excited to see you to give a damn about the state of our table.”

Jungkook smirked, finally letting the rag down and stopping his compulsive movements. “You’re right, you’re right,” Jungkook admitted. “I just want everything to be perfect,” he sighed. “I haven’t seen her in so long and it’s the first time you all will be meeting each other. I just want things to go well.”

“And they will,” Jimin said, stepping into the room and making his presence known. With his light dancer’s tread, neither of the boys had heard his approach, something they had thought they ought to be used to by now.

“You just need to relax,” Jimin continued. “Everything is going to go just fine. You’re important to Y/N and you’re important to us. We already have something pretty important in common there. The rest will fall into place, trust us.”

Jungkook nodded, throwing a grateful smile Jimin’s way.

“You’re right,” he sighed. “I know you’re right. I’m just anxious for her to get here already.”

“So are we,” Jimin replied. “If she’s even half as amazing as you’ve been describing all these years, you won’t have to worry about us not getting along, but instead someone falling in love with her.”

The three boys laughed at Jimin’s statement, thinking that possibility was unlikely. You see, all of the boys’ brothers/sisters had become like surrogate siblings to the members. It was bound to happen when you were as close as they all were. Therefore, no one thought it would be any different when Jeon Y/N showed up in town, but oh how wrong they were.

***

“Hi there!” Your sweet voice rang out from the entryway as BTS’s driver opened the door to let you in, lugging your suitcase across the threshold as well.

Seven heads immediately turned towards the unfamiliar sound, taking in your appearance, apart from one who bounded over the couch, calling your name before lifting you up in his arms and swinging you around like a wild man.

“Y/N!” Jungkook shouted. “I can’t believe you’re finally here!”

You laughed, arms snaking around your brother in the same vice-like grip that he had around you.

“It’s definitely been far too long, brother,” you agreed, burrowing your face into his neck and allowing the comforting scent of him fill your nostrils. Growing up, although he was only a year older than you, Jungkook had always been your protector and defender. You idolized your older brother and he took his role as the elder very seriously. Everyone knew not to mess with you, lest inciting the fury of Jeon Jungkook. So, even to this day, the mere presence of your brother was enough to calm you and fill you with feelings of peace and safety.

“Never again,” he sighed out into your hair. While his presence gave you feelings of comfort and protection, yours made him feel at home. As was necessary in order to achieve his dreams, Jungkook had left home at a very young age to move to the big city. It was something that had to be done in order to get him to where he was today, but he couldn’t lie and say it had always been easy. There were so many low moments over those first few years where he had constantly questioned his decision to leave home. And even now, after all of those sacrifices had paid off, he still sometimes regretted the time he lost away from his family.

Jungkook gave you one more tight squeeze before finally letting you back down on your own two feet, a giant grin on his face as he regarded you in front of him. Before he could even open his mouth to say anything further, the sound of a throat clearing pointedly behind you removed your attention off of your brother and onto the six boys standing around the living room, all of them regarding you with poorly concealed fascination.

“Well, boys,” you said, taking a step around Jungkook so you could view them all clearly. “It’s nice to finally meet you all. Although, I have to admit, I feel as if I already know you with the amount Jungkook has told me about you all,” you admitted, a shy smile on your face.

“Same here,” the tallest of the boys standing in front of you spoke out. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Y/N. I’m Namjoon.”

You took a step forward and reached out to grasp the hand he was holding out to you, shaking it firmly before turning to the next member ready to greet you, who you already recognized as Jin.

Making your way down the line, you greeted each member easily, recognizing them not only from details your brother had given you, but also from seeing them on your television 24/7. Although you knew they were just normal boys like your brother, you couldn’t help but be a little starstruck by them all. And it certainly didn’t help that they were all so devastatingly handsome.

Nevertheless, you somehow managed to keep your composure, shaking their hands and offering sweet smiles. That was, however, until you reached the final member - Kim Taehyung. While the pictures and videos you had seen of the boys hadn’t done them justice in real life, Kim Taehyung was something else entirely. You were convinced that you had never met anyone more beautiful than him in your life. His fluffy black locks falling across his forehead. His chiseled features that looked as if they had been carved by an artist. And not to mention his big, earnest eyes that were currently staring at you with the most dumbfounded expression.

“Hi, you must be Taehyung,” you were able to get out in a surprisingly smooth tone, holding out your hand to greet him.

Taehyung continued to stare at you, that same expression plastered across his face. It took an elbow to the side from Jimin to get him to snap out of it.

“Yes,” he smiled, finally reaching forward to grasp your hand, somehow unable to get anything out besides that one syllable, a fact he would surely be kicking himself later for.

You didn’t know if you were imaging it or if was just a coincidental static of electricity, but you could have sworn you felt a current shoot up your arm when your hands made contact. And judging by the look on Taehyung’s face, he had maybe experienced it as well.

Before you could say anything further, you felt Jungkook sling an arm around your shoulders, pulling you into his side. “I have so much planned for us this week!” He exclaimed, thankfully not seeming to have noticed the awkward exchange between you and his bandmate. However, your introduction didn’t seem to escape the notice of Jimin who was shooting curious glances in between you and Taehyung, a knowing smirk on his face.

“Let me show you where you’ll be sleeping,” Jungkook continued, dragging you down the hallway after him, leaving you to cast one last lingering glance towards the boy whose eyes were still glued to your figure.

***

“Ok, spill,” Jimin demanded after busting into Tae’s room unannounced, closing the door behind him.

“Spill what?” Taehyung replied moodily, already having an idea of what Jimin wanted to talk about, but not feeling in the state to address it.

“Y/N!” Jimin exclaimed to neither of their surprise. “You totally have a crush on her.”

“I do not,” the younger boy denied half-heartedly. “I barely know her.”

Jimin rolled his eyes. “And when has that ever stopped you before?”

Taehyung glared at his friend, throwing his head back against the pillows of the bed he was resting on, fixing his gaze on the ceiling above.

Jimin sighed, moving to sit at the foot of the bed. “C’mon, Tae. You’re my best friend. I know you. That wasn’t just a casual meeting. I saw the look on your face when you laid eyes on her. You like her.”

“And so what if I do?” Taehyung countered. “I can’t exactly do anything about it, now can I?  She’s Jungkook’s little sister. He would kill me just for thinking about it. You know how protective he is over her.”

“Yes,” Jimin admitted. “But those are random guys who have approached her in the past that Jungkook disapproved of. You’re one of his best mates. It’s different. He knows he can trust you.”

Taehyung didn’t answer for a moment, letting Jimin’s words sink in. Somehow, he wasn’t as convinced of Jungkook’s acceptance as Jimin seemed to be.

“We don’t even know each other,” he finally let out. “Sure there’s an attraction there, but what if there’s nothing deeper? I can’t risk my friendship with Jungkook based off of initial attraction.”

“I completely agree,” Jimin approved. “Which is why you have an entire week to get to know her and sort out your feelings.”

Standing up, signaling an end to this out of place and unwanted little pep-talk, Jimin patted Tae’s leg before making his way to the door. Before exiting; however, he paused, looking back at his friend once more. “But I know you, Tae. You don’t catch crushes like this so easily. You’re not one to obsess over just a pretty face. I’m willing to bet Y/N is special and you’re only hesitating because you know that too.”

***

“Need help with that?” A deep voice sounded from behind you, startling you from your determined attempts to reach the coffee mugs on the top shelf.

Whipping around, you were met with none other than Kim Taehyung. After you had settled in that afternoon and Jungkook had showed you where you would be sleeping, all eight of you had sat down for dinner, enjoying the opportunity to get to know one another better. It had been an absolute blast, getting to know these boys who held such a dear spot in your brothers heart. And it certainly didn’t hurt that they were possibly the most effortlessly entertaining people you had ever met. You could barely had time to take a bit out of your food in between all of the laughter.

Nevertheless, there was one small downside to the meal and that was the fact that Kim Taehyung did not seem to like you very much. Well, that was at least all you could assume from his behavior. While the other boys were going out of their way to ask you questions about yourself, crack jokes to make you laugh, or telling stories from their early days, Taehyung had remained noticeably silent. He spoke when someone addressed him directly, but other than that, he kept to himself throughout the entirety of the evening. If you hadn’t heard so much about each of the members you might have assumed that he merely had a shy personality and was quiet around new people. But thanks to Jungkook, you did know quite a lot about each member and you could distinctly remember your brother regaling you with stories of the shameless and eccentric Kim Taehyung and the plethora of shenanigans he would drag the others into. The two descriptions just did not seem to match up, which left you with one conclusion - Kim Taehyung did not like you, which made it all the more surprising to have him standing before you right now.

“I’m sorry?” You questioned, having been distracted by your thoughts and not quite having heard what he had asked you.

“Do you need any help?” He repeated, gesturing towards the mugs that were just out of your reach.

“Oh, umm, sure,” you agreed, stepping away to leave room for him to come nearer.

“Here you go,” he said after effortlessly reaching up and securing one of the mugs for you.

You took it from his grasp, offering a small smile and thanking him, fully expecting him to leave right away.

Yet, he didn’t budge. He continued to gaze down at you, an inscrutable expression on his face.

You returned his look, staring back at him with equal amounts of curiosity. You had been so sure there was something there between you two when you had first been introduced, but how he had treated you at dinner time had completely thrown you for a loop. But now here you both were, gazing intensely in each other’s eyes, a weird electricity charging the room around you.

“I’m sorry,” he finally blurted out, interrupting the silence that had taken hold around you.

You raised your eyebrows in question, not quite understanding what he was apologizing for.

“For being so rude at dinner,” he clarified. “I’m normally not that quiet, which I’m assuming you already know if Jungkook talks to you about us as much as he talks to us about you.”

You smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, shyly nodding in confirmation.

Taehyung grinned, confidence overtaking him for the first time since he had laid eyes on you. “You just seem to make me so nervous,” he admitted, a sweet smile gracing his perfect lips.

“What for?” You asked, genuinely confused as to why you would make him nervous. He was a worldwide superstar after all.

“I don’t quite know yet,” he confessed. “There’s just something about you that’s captured me. I’d love to find out, though.” He cleared his throat. “If you’ll let me that is,” he added, hoping he wasn’t coming across as too forward.

A slow smile spread across your face. “I’d love that,” you agreed, watching a matching grin sprout on Taehyung’s lips in response.

The two of you continued to gaze at each other for another moment, unable to help but wonder if this was the start of a beautiful new relationship.

***

About two days after that late-night conversation in the kitchen with Tae, Jungkook is standing in the living room, eyes suspiciously glued to you and his friend, attempting to figure out why he was so bothered by the way you two were conversing. At a simple glance, there was nothing amiss – just two acquaintances casually chatting over breakfast. However, Jungkook couldn’t quite shake the feeling that there was something more going on.

Since you had arrived, you had had opportunities to talk with all of the other boys, thoroughly enjoying the chance to get to know them for yourself rather than through the stories Jungkook would tell you. To no one’s surprise, you all got along extremely well. You fit into their group seamlessly, leaving them all to wonder why it had taken so long for you all to be introduced.

Jungkook had been so pleased to see you all get along. He loved that the others treated you like their little sister as well, it gave him peace knowing that there were six extra pairs of eyes keeping an eye on you. However, there was something off about your relationship with Taehyung. He hadn’t noticed it at first, but the more he watched the two of you interact, the harder it was to ignore. It was very subtle, most likely for his benefit, but he could swear there was a hint of flirtiness in every interaction between the two of you. It also didn’t help that Taehyung’s gaze seemed to always be on you and with the most obvious heart eyes as well.

But, this would not be the first time Jungkook had entered overprotective big brother mode with you before, reading too much into a situation that was never really there. So, when you and Tae announced you were going to go for a quick coffee run at the café down the street, Jungkook took advantage of your absence to ask the others if they had noticed anything off about your behavior.

“Oh yeah,” Jin said immediately, doing nothing to calm the anxious thoughts running through Jungkook’s head. “Tae hasn’t taken his eyes off of her since she first arrived.”

Jimin elbowed the oldest boy in the side, eliciting a grunt of indignation and protest.

“What Jin means to say,” Jimin began. “Is that they do appear to have more than just platonic feelings for one another.”

Jungkook groaned, throwing his head back against the couch cushions. “How is that supposed to make me feel any better?” He questioned. “How do they even know they like each other? They just met two days ago! It can’t be that deep!”

“I don’t know, Jungkook,” Namjoon interjected, attempting to be the voice of reason in this conversation he could sense was quickly beginning to spiral downwards. “They’ve gotten to know each other very well in that short span of time. They’ve pretty much been staying up all night talking with one another. And even when Y/N is hanging out with the rest of us, Tae is always there glued to her side, making her laugh and asking her questions about herself. He seems genuinely interested in her.”

“Then why hasn’t he said anything to me?” Jungkook cried out. “I’m her older brother! He should be asking for my permission before doing all this!”

“This isn’t the 1800’s, Kookie,” Jin snorted, shaking his head at the youngest member.

“Yeah,” Jimin agreed. “And it’s not that easy. Tae knows how much Y/N means to you, Jungkook. And you mean a lot to him as well. I think he’s scared to jeopardize all of that until he knows exactly where he and Y/N stand.”

Jungkook huffed, not liking what the others were saying, but unable to deny the logic behind it. He knew if the roles were reversed, he would probably do things in the exact same way.

“So what am I supposed to do?” He finally questioned. “She’s leaving in a few more days. What happens if this all blows up in their faces? What then?”

“Well, that’s between the two of them,” Namjoon reasoned. “They’re both adults. They both know the difficulties that would come if they chose to pursue a relationship. As Y/N’s brother and Taehyung’s friend, all you can do is support them and be there for them, whether for good or bad.”

Jungkook chewed on his lip, deep in thought. He understood what Namjoon was saying, but he still didn’t like it. He knew you were more than capable of looking after yourself, but he couldn’t help but worry. And considering the fact that it was his fellow Bangtan member did not help the situation at all. He knew better than anyone how hectic their schedule was. As your own brother, he was rarely able to see you. What would it be like if you and Taehyung started to see one another? Would your relationship survive not only the distance but the intense scrutiny as well?  He just hoped the two of you considered these possibilities before delving any further in your relationship.

***

Jungkook paced back and forth in the living room of their dorm. It had been ages ago that you and Taehyung had left to grab a cup of coffee and neither of you were answering your phones. His hyungs had merely shrugged off his concerns, assuming the two of you had run off for an impromptu date somewhere, but Jungkook was unable to curb his anxiety.

Finally, having reached the limit of his patience, he grabbed his jacket, phone, and keys before heading towards the door, determined to find the two of you. However, he didn’t have to go far. As soon as Jungkook opened the front door, he was met by a sight that immediately stopped him in his tracks – you and Taehyung locked in a passionate embrace, kissing.

A strangled cry that was a mixture between surprise and disapproval left Jungkook’s throat, alerting you and Taehyung to his presence, causing the two of you to jump apart from one another.

“J-jungkook,” you stuttered out, your brother being the last person you had expected to see in that moment. “What are you doing out here?”

“What am I doing out here?” He fumed. “I think that is something I should be asking the two of you.”

“I think it was pretty obvious what we were doing,” you retorted, sensing an argument brewing and being the younger sibling that you were, you were unable to hinder the sassy, defensive remarks thrown his way.

“Y/N,” Taehyung murmured, gently placing a hand on your arm to get you to look his way. “Please, let me handle this.”

“Oh, don’t even get me started on you,” Jungkook interjected. “I can’t believe you!”

Taehyung merely looked at his youngest Bangtan member, knowing that he had no defense in this situation. If the roles were reversed and he caught Jungkook making out with his younger sister, his reaction probably would have been much, much worse. He figured the best thing to do was let the maknae get it all out of his system.

“How could you, Taehyung?” Jungkook questioned. “That’s my sister. My sister! You know how important she is to me! She’s not some random girl that you can just mess around with! She’s my family!”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Taehyung interrupted.

He had been fully prepared to allow Jungkook to rant and rave his frustrations until they were all of out his system, but he had thought Jungkook understood his feelings towards you. After all, he hadn’t exactly been sublte in his interest towards you over the last few days. He had practically been glued to your side.

“I’m not messing around with your sister, Jungkook!” Taehyung insisted, eyes widened in an attempt to make his junior understand. “I really, really like her. She’s not just some random girl I met. She’s special. And she’s special to me.”  

“And how could you possibly know that? You two just met!”

“I didn’t think it was possible either,” Taehyung explained, eyes briefly shooting over towards you to assess your reaction. This was definitely not how he had planned on confessing the extent of his feelings to you. “But there’s something about her that has captivated me since the moment I laid eyes on her,” Taehyung continued. “At first I thought it was just simple attraction, but as I got to talk to her more and see how she treated not only me, but you and the rest of the boys, I knew she was different.”

You stared at the boy in front of you, not quite believing what you were hearing. Of course, you had felt an instant connection upon meeting, but up until this point, you didn’t quite understand that it was the same for him as it was for you. Your heart swelled as you listened to this wonderful boy in front of you.

“She has one of the kindest, most genuine souls,” Tae explained, lost now in his own thoughts of admiration towards you. “Her hard-work and dedication towards her schooling is admirable. It’s certainly something I could never do,” he joked, a smile now appearing on his face. “And she understands me in a way that no one has before. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I swear no one has ever made me laugh so hard or so easily. I can’t imagine a more perfect person, honestly. I didn’t think that they existed. But now, after meeting Y/N, I know that I have met the most rare gem and I will absolutely hate myself if I don’t take the opportunity to get to know her and learn to care for her the way she deserves.”

You and Jungkook merely stared, open-mouthed, at the man in front of you. Neither of you had been expecting all that. Taehyung had hinted in his conversations with you the past few days how he was starting to feel, but never in such detail and confidence as right now. Honestly, in your past dating history, you were used to these immature boys incapable of telling a woman honestly how they feel. Yet here was this beautiful man before you, saying all the things you could only have ever dreamed of.

“I promise you, Jungkookie,” Taehyung sighed. “I’m not messing around with your sister. I wouldn’t do that to her or to you. Both of you are too important to me to risk losing. You have to believe me.”

Jungkook, much like yourself, seemed to be in a state of shock. He also had not seen this coming. He had known Taehyung for quite a few years now and never in that span of time had he ever heard him speak so earnestly or so sincerely.

Finally gathering his composure a little, Jungkook turned his attention over to you. Taehyung’s speech was nice and all but it all meant nothing if you were not on the same page. “And you?” He questioned. “You feel the same for him?”

You looked up at Taehyung, taking in his nervous expression all of a sudden.

“Yeah, I do,” you affirmed, reaching out to grab ahold of Taehyung’s hand, lacing your fingers through his own and giving a slight squeeze.

A beautiful grin overtook Taehyung’s face as he glanced down at your intertwined hands before looking back up at your face.

“I really do,” you repeated, finally tearing your gaze away from Taehyung and back over to your brother. “He treats me with the upmost respect,” you began, sincerity pouring from your mouth as well. “He makes me laugh. He knows just what to say if I’m feeling down or if I need advice about something. He understands me. We understand each other,” you corrected softly. “Now that I’ve met him I don’t think I can imagine my life without him.”

Jungkook let out a deep breath. “Well …” he started. “If that’s the way you two feel, I can’t really stand in between that, now can I?”

“Does that mean you’re giving us your blessing, Jungkookie?” Taehyung asked, eyes alight with excitement.

“I guess so,” he sighs, eyes rolling up to the ceiling. “Just none of that lovey-dovey couple stuff in front of me, ok?” He demanded, gaze sharpening as he turned his attention back to the two of you. “I am still your brother after all and seeing the two of you locking lips is not something I want burned into my retinas. I’m already struggling to get rid of the image I already walked in on!”

“Deal!” Tae exclaimed, letting go of your hand to rush forward and wrap your brother in a bear hug, practically lifting him off the floor. “Thank you, thank you!” He shouted. “I promise you won’t regret it. I’ll treat her like a princess she is.”

“You’d better,” Jungkook threatened once he finally escaped the vice-like grip Taehyung had had him in.

“I will,” Tae promised. “That’s one thing you don’t have to worry about, Kookie,” he assured, stepping back to once again grab onto your hand, leaning down to press a brief kiss to your palm before intertwining your fingers again, causing a smile to appear on your face.

Who would have thought? Jungkook questioned. His little sister and his best friend.

God give him strength. He shook his head as he regarded the two of you in front of him, already back in your little bubble, wrapped up entirely in each other’s presence. This was definitely going to take some getting used to.

***

*1 year later*

“When does your fight board?” You asked, staring at the grainy picture of your boyfriend over the Facetime call. The boys had finally finished the last leg of their most recent world tour and were now on their way back home. After having not seen each other for the past five months, it was definitely an understatement to say that you were beyond excited to be reunited with your boyfriend of a year now. Long-distance had been no joke. It was possibly the hardest thing either of you had ever done. Yet, you and Taehyung had discovered that when you really loved somebody, the sacrifices and the time apart were no comparison to the good times together.

Your brother as well as the rest of the boys had been slightly skeptical when you officially announced your relationship, but they were all extremely pleased to find themselves wrong in this instance. They couldn’t explain it, but you and Taehyung had clicked almost instantly. The boys often joked about how well you and Tae complemented each other. It was like you were each other’s missing puzzle piece. The boys teased you two non-stop, but secretly they were beyond pleased to see you and Tae’s relationship continuing to blossom.

“In another ten minutes or so,” Taehyung replied, attempting to make out as many details as he could through the small, poorly connected Facetime call. It had been far too long since he had last seen you in person and he was counting the seconds until he had you back in his arms and he could look at you with his own two eyes, no phone screen necessary.

“I can’t wait to see you again,” you stated, eyes sparkling with anticipation as you said exactly what was running through Tae’s mind.

“Neither can I, sweetheart,” he sighed, nerves beginning to fill his mind. This wasn’t just any reunion for the two of you. This one was going to be extra special. You just didn’t know it yet.

“Hey!” A voice suddenly interrupted. “What did I say about all the lovey-dovey couple nonsense in front of me! You’re still my little sister, you know!” Jungkook exclaimed, addressing you through the phone as he tilted the screen to face him as he sat beside Taehyung.

“Well, brother dear,” you retorted. “Maybe if you didn’t listen in on people’s private conversations, you wouldn’t find yourself in this predicament.”

Jungkook scoffed in offense, a quick reply already at the tip of his tongue. You and Jungkook were certainly a sight to behold when you went off on one of your very many sibling squabbles. Taehyung had learned pretty early on in your relationship that the safest thing to  do was to just stay back and keep your head down, or else he would encounter something way worse than a Jeon family feud and would instead find himself at the receiving end of a Jeon sibling takedown as the two of you would unite against him.

It was definitely the safer option to just allow the two of you to get the bickering out of your systems and wait for you to reach a truce, which this time, thankfully didn’t take very long as they were getting ready to board their flight.

“Give the phone back to my boyfriend!” Tae heard you tell your brother after a few moments of back-and-forth.

Tae happily took his phone back, your face once more appearing before him, causing a smile to appear on his face. Even after all this time, you still continued to elicit the same reaction of awe as the first time he had laid eyes on you.

“Whatever,” Jungkook huffed, going over instead to sit next to Jin-hyung.

“Come back to me soon, okay?” You requested, a sweet smile forming on your lips as you thought about how you would finally be back in his arms in just a few short hours.

“Always,” Tae murmured, nerves returning to him as the box in his pocket felt more like a lead weight than it ever had before. You weren’t aware yet, but as soon as they landed, he was taking you out for a romantic evening and then popping the question that he had been dying to ask you for the longest time now. He knew you were it for him. There was no way he could love you any more than he did. He couldn’t imagine another day, another tour without you being his wife.

“I love you,” you sighed, anxious for him to get home already. “Have a safe flight. I’ll be here waiting when you land.”

“I can’t wait,” Taehyung replied, nerves and excitement mingling together in his stomach. “I love you too, baby. I’ll see you so soon, I can’t wait.”

You had to fight hard to keep yourself from swooning at the utter sweetness that was your boyfriend. The two of you had been together for quite some time now and he never failed to take your breath away and leave your heart fluttering. And these were your favorite moments with him – these sweet domestic moments where you were both able to just take comfort in the presence of one another.

Reaching down, you threaded the fingers of your free hand through his thick locks of hair in order to massage his scalp, smiling as a soft hum of satisfaction left his throat in response.

“Long day?” You questioned gently, knowing that he had been busy the last few weeks preparing for BTS’ upcoming comeback. You had been around long enough to know how much time and preparation went into these things, but it never failed to worry you each time he would come home completely exhausted, looking as if he was about to collapse. However, seeing him in such a state gave you an excuse to baby him and love on him a little more than usual, something that neither of you could complain about.

“Mmhmm,” he murmured, burying his face further into your body, slowly letting go of the tension in his muscles from the long hours of dance practice that day. “Just want to stay here with you all night.”

You leaned down, placing a soft kiss on the top of his head. “I would love to, Kookie, but I’m meeting up with Namjoon in a little bit.”

Up until this point, Jungkook had basically maintained his half-conscious state, barely listening to anything you had said thus far; however, at those words, he perked up, raising his head from your stomach to look directly at you.

“Namjoon-hyung?” He questioned, an adorable pout forming on his lips. “Why are you going out with him?”

“He’s helping me with my english assignment for my class. We talked about it after the last Bangtan get together we all had last week. Didn’t I tell you?”

Jungkook frowned, unable to recall any such event. “You certainly didn’t. I definitely would remember you making plans to go out with another man.”

Unable to hold back the laughter that threatened to escape, you let out a giggle as you questioned, “another man? I hardly think your fellow Bangtan member, leader, and brother counts as ‘another man.’” You mocked.

“When you’re going out alone, anyone counts as ‘another man,’” he retorted, mimicking the same tone you had used.

You rolled your eyes. “He sees me as a little sister, Kookie. And he’s like an older brother to me. All of your fellow members are, you know that.”

“Well, can I come with you?”

“You were literally just collapsed on top of me, complaining about how utterly exhausted you were.”

“I’m feeling more awake now,” he counteracted, doe eyes staring up at you.

“Kookie, your eyes are struggling to stay open right now, you need to rest.”

His frown deepened, and you leaned forward in response to press a soft kiss to his mouth. “It’ll be absolutely fine, Jungkook,” you reassured, after pulling away slightly. “Namjoon is just doing me a favor and helping with this assignment. It shouldn’t even take that long, I’ll be back before you know it to give you all the cuddles you could possibly want.”

A tentative smile made its way onto his face. “All the cuddles I could want?” He questioned, moving closer to rest his forehead against yours.

“All of the cuddles,” you promised, pressing forward just a little to connect your mouth with his own once again.

***

It shouldn’t even take that long. Your words echoed bitterly in Jungkook’s mind as he glanced at the clock once again. 11 PM. You had been gone for quite a few hours now and Jungkook was freaking out, for lack of a better word. How long could it possibly take to complete one english assignment?

Finally, deciding that he couldn’t take it anymore, Jungkook pulled out his phone, ready to call you and ask when you were coming back. However, before he could click on your contact, he heard the familiar jingling of your keys and the sound of you walking through the front door.

“Kookie, you’re still awake!” You exclaimed in surprise, taken aback by the presence of a figure standing in the middle of your living room.

“Of course I’m still awake,” he grumbled. “How could I sleep not knowing when you were coming back. I thought you had said this assignment wasn’t going to take long?”

Cocking your head to the side, you assessed your distressed boyfriend quietly, wondering what was really bothering him. You had come home late before and he had never seemed to give it much thought. Why was this time any different?

“I’m sorry,” you apologized, taking a few tentative steps closer to him. “We finished awhile ago, but then we got caught up talking. Joon and I never really get a chance to sit down and talk, so it was nice.” You shrugged. “You know how wise he is, I always like to get his opinion on different things.”

“Don’t you care about my opinion?” The question slipped out of his mouth before he could even process what he was saying. He hadn’t meant to voice that thought aloud. It was one that had plagued him in the past, but something he had deeply suppressed, knowing it came from a place of doubt and insecurity. However, he couldn’t help the thoughts that raced through his mind. He trusted Namjoon completely and there was no one he trusted in the world more than you. But sometimes, his insecurity got the best of him and he wondered if you would be happier with someone more like his hyung. Someone more wise, as you had said. Namjoon was so intelligent, he could help you with your assignments, he was a natural-born leader. It wasn’t a jump to see why Namjoon would appeal to you, Jungkook thought.

You; however, were quick to see the depth behind that one question and the secret thoughts that raced through his mind. “Kookie, no!” You exclaimed, taking a few steps to close the remaining distance between you two. Gently, you placed your hands on his face, cupping his cheeks and forcing him to look at you, to see the sincerity in your eyes.

“Of course I care about your opinion, Jungkook,” you affirmed. “There is no opinion I value more than yours, believe me in that.”

Jungkook sniffed, nodding his head slightly, yet unconvincingly.

Spurred on by his nonchalant response, you gripped his cheeks tighter, demanding his attention. “You are the love of my life, Jungkook,” you began, firm and confident, hoping that your words would sink into that thick skull of his. “You are the most important person in my life and I value your thoughts and opinions more than you could ever know. I’m sorry if me sometimes going to Namjoon bothers you, I truly never had any idea and would never want to do anything to hurt you.”

Jungkook nodded again, indicating that he was listening intently to what you were saying.

“You complement me so well, Kookie,” you continued. “I 100% believe that we were made for each other. There is no one that I could want or love more than I want and love you. So whatever thoughts are running through your head about you not being enough, get them out right now,” you demanded. “You are perfect to me. I cannot imagine my life without you. My mind is so consumed by Jungkook, I can’t even see anybody else,” you admitted, a smile now decorating your lips in response to the one that had now appeared on Jungkook’s own face. “Especially someone that we both consider to be family,” you scolded lightly.

Jungkook let out a sheepish laugh. “I know,” he stated. “I just let my insecurity get the best of me. I know you and Namjoon are like family and that aside from that, neither of you would ever do anything to hurt me. Sometimes, I just can’t help but think that you would be happier with someone more like him, though.”

Shaking your head, you continued to grip his cheeks. “Didn’t you just listen to anything I said? I don’t want anybody but you. It’s always been you for me and it always will be. You are everything and more that I could ever want or need. Please don’t doubt that, my love.”

Jungkook smiled, hands coming up to cup your own that were still resting on his face. “I don’t, sweetheart. I just need you to remind me every once and a while.”

“And I will always be here to do so,” you promised. “Okay?”

“Okay,” he responded, light and love shining through his eyes once again as he gazed at you, wondering how he was so lucky to have you in his life.

You, wondering much the same thing about him, couldn’t take it anymore. You leaned forward, pressing your lips firmly against his own, pouring all of the love and adoration that you felt towards him into that kiss as he responded in turn, allowing your touch to dissolve the very last of any negative thoughts still swimming through his mind.