#btsangst

He reassures you that he is fine and that you did nothing, even swearing it on Yeontan! Still, you know him better than he realizes and that doesn’t tame the worry in your heart.

The next week, you finally get the answer you have been asking for: he is leaving in 3 days to film a show in Mexico. How did you get this information from your guarded teddy bear? Tequila.

He had told you he was going to hang out with his friends Jung Yumi, Choi Wooshik, and Park Seo Joon after the gym and to not wait up as it had been a long time since he had seen them.

Well, you obviously didn’t listen and stayed up until he got home to make sure everything was all right and to sneak in a “hey” to his friends as they dropped him off after partaking in too many shots.

The second he plopped onto the couch, the waterworks started. Between sobs, he choked out the news that he feels like his life with you has just started.

He doesn’t want to leave you, but his manager already said that you couldn’t tag along but were more than welcome to visit him the last couple of days.

You sit there in a daze, rubbing his back while he cries into your shoulder and can’t believe that he has kept this from you. While you understand his reasoning, he knows about your separation anxiety.

You prefer to have a hefty heads-up before these types of things so you can slowly adjust. You’ll barely be past the depression about him leaving by the time he leaves.

Despite your annoyance at his strategy of information release, you do your best to postpone the depression and enjoy the next few days, helping him prepare and have as much fun as possible.

You know this is barely easier for him, and he has apologized profusely for not telling you sooner.

The day arrives for his departure, and you bring him to the airport and wish him and his friends safe travels with bleary eyes and continual “I love you’s” being exchanged between you.

You get home and cuddle up with Yeontan on the couch, feeling exhausted. Your emotions finally take over about 15 minutes later, and the waterworks are in full effect.

A while later, Tae shoots you a text that they have a brief layover before the next flight and that he already misses you and will call you as soon as he gets settled.

This only intensifies the tears, and it takes a miracle for you to settle down enough to pick up the phone about 5 minutes later when you see his manager calling your phone.

You answer immediately, asking if everything is okay, and he even further reassures you that they are fine and that he is about to tell you something confidential, not even to tell your boyfriend.

He apologized for saying that you couldn’t tag along before, but the decision wasn’t final yet. Your eyebrows are about to merge into one from being confusingly scrunched so much.

He explains that you will be leaving in 2 days to meet them in Mexico. A couple of episodes will already be shot, but he wants to surprise Tae (and the viewers) by having you join the crew.

He has already made accommodations for your heat sensitivity in advance, and everyone loves your relationship’s chemistry, so it would be an honor for you to guest star.

You think for a moment but decide not to live in fear and what if, and you agree! It is exceedingly difficult not to tell Tae the news when he calls that night, being the most pitiful puppy missing you so much and being homesick, but you can’t wait to see the look on his face when you spawn on set.

You arrive in Mexico a few days later at a nearby hotel so maintain the surprise and are given instructions on where to go, when, and given the Jinny’s Kitchen uniform.

It is tricky to Facetime Tae that night as you must make it look like you aren’t in the same time zone.

Luckily, he is exhausted, doesn’t suspect anything, and doesn’t even make a fuss about you ending the call earlier than usual because “you have an early photoshoot.”  

You drift off to sleep with the biggest grin on your face, knowing you get to be reunited with your boyfriend way ahead of schedule.

Bright and early the next morning, you arrive at the set, and the moment his eyes meet yours, he runs toward you like an excited puppy, lifts you, spins you around, and showers you with kisses until you both need oxygen.

Everyone on set can tell how much his energy shifts now that you are around and are impressed with your acting debut and how professional you are both being.

The viewers already know that you are together, but you both have jobs to do and can’t play around like when you cook at home.

After the first couple of days, he isn’t used to you in a negative way, but his cheeky side is peeking through now that the shock of you being there has lessened.

As the crew is doing the pre-shift interviews as all of you get ready for the day, he says, “Oh well, I am definitely not the intern now that Nari is here. I’ve been running this for 2-3 days before she got here. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that is cleared up.” He says with a sly grin.

This remark is because the day before, you had gotten playfully sassy when he was trying to show you how to do something. Your reply was, “Um, I’m sorry. I’m the chef at home, so I think I can handle myself just fine, pretty boy; go check on the table 4.” giggling as he walked away.

The workday starts, and Tae calls a team meeting, shocking the older members with his boldness. Once everyone is gathered, he brings up an issue with his boss, Seo Jin. “Hyung, now that Nari is here, I think that we need to reconfigure the hierarchy of this establishment.”

You sit in the corner and roll your eyes only for a moment before they bug out of your head as the older man agrees with Tae. As Wooshik arrived a day before you, that makes you the true intern and the one with the least authority.

The whole time Seo Jin is explaining this amongst the other's discussion, you are glaring at your boyfriend while he has his tongue poking the inside of his cheek the whole time, looking the cockiest he has in a hot minute. Which is highly arousing. You won’t lie, but you are still annoyed.

You head to the back and start to gather the equipment the team will need to prep the snack foods of the day; Tae follows you with the excuse that nobody can make better rice than him so that he will start it.

Despite his attempts to show affection or joke around, you ignore him, fighting a smile because he is just your goofball boy that you are madly in love with and aren’t upset.

Dropping off the tools to Yumi and Seo Joon first, you return to the kitchen for the remaining items needed for the day. Chuckling to yourself about the events of the day so far, you get spun around and pinned to the fridge in a split second.

Tae has both of your hands in one of his above your head, and his other hand caresses your cheek, “Oh jagiya, now it’s official that you must listen to me. But that won’t be a problem; we both know how well you take instruction from me, right?”

With a smirk at your speechlessness, he gives you quick pecks on the forehead, nose, cheeks, and lips and turns to assist the others in prepping the food.

You remain frozen with heat pooling in your stomach for the next several seconds before Yumi comes to gather veggies from the fridge for the rolls.

Noticing your wide eyes, still leaning up against the fridge, she asks, “Nari, are you all right? You hadn’t been seen in a while.” Returning to Earth, you nod, saying, “Sorry, there were a few dishes, then I got overheated, so I just leaned against here a moment.” She nods with a smile, “Glad you are feeling better; we all get hot and bothered in a kitchen, so do what you need to, yeah?”

As she walks away, you grin, knowing the real reason you were back there, and mumble to yourself, “You can say that again.”

Very quickly, you wanted nothing more than to be in the States. The mean girls at your new school were ruthless and made the popular girls at your old school look like mice. Though you weren’t at the peak of fitness, you still weren’t overweight and were happy in your body until now. Over in Korea, your classmates acted like being over 90 lbs. was a mortal sin and would ridicule you to no end for the tiniest little thing.

One day, you had run away to a dark corner of the gym to cry and hide from the little jerks. During your sob, you heard the doors open but paid no mind. Until you heard classical music playing. You look up and see the most graceful person you've ever seen. You had recognized the boy as being a grade above you and quite often was on the receiving end of bullying from the jocks and wealthier boys.

You always wanted to step in and help since you knew how awful the kids there could be but were too shy. As you watched him, you became entranced with his movements, fluid and natural like you'd never witnessed. Little did you know, he saw you the whole time but recognized that you were trying to avoid attention, so he focused on honing his self-made routine.

After 15 more minutes, he shuts off the music and walks toward you. You are frozen as he's caught you looking at him, and you don't know if he wanted an audience or if he would find you creepy; you didn't need any more enemies here.

He squats down and says, "Annyeong, I'm Jimin! What did you think?" you shake your head, surprised that he isn't upset at all, and reply, "Nice to meet you; I'm y/n, and my family just moved here from the States. I don't know much about that style of dance, but I thought it looked great!”.

He chuckles sheepishly, not expecting such a strong response, then says, "Oh, um…thanks! It's how I express myself when I can't find the words or I have nobody that would listen anyway.” “Well, it's beautiful! Why don't you participate in the talent show that's coming up? You can dance, and based on the humming I've heard from you, I'd be willing to bet you have a wonderful voice, too!".

Jimin is full-on blushing at this point but just shakes his head and explains that not only does he have stage fright, but not even his parents know about his love for dancing as he's worried they would disapprove. Plus, at this school, the boys are split into jocks and gay (only because they don't wholly align or agree with the jocks, btw), and he doesn't need to give his bullies any more ammo.

You frown at the thought of talent like that being hidden away, so you take one for the team for the sake of evenness. "Jimin, how about if I enter it too!? I can draw a detailed picture in the allotted time; now I have anxiety, so if you face your fear, I will, too! Friends don't let each other struggle alone, right?

He agrees, and a handshake leads to a month of y'all preparing together and critiques and confidence-building exercises. All of that led to you both tying for 1st place and began a wonderful friendship where you watched each other grow up and continued to help each other throughout high school.

That all changed at graduation. Suddenly, you were magnets with the same charge, and he couldn't get far enough away from you. You tried asking multiple times what was wrong or teasing him that he had a secret girlfriend, but that only made him angrier, to the point of walking to get his diploma and immediately leaving town.

You figured that was the explanation once you found out about his becoming an idol. He was anxious about going and leaving all of you and just didn't cope with it well. You were still hurt, but at least he was doing what he loved, and you were immensely proud of him!

Fast forward 5 years, and you finally can go to one of their concerts. You wouldn't hold up a "Remember Me?" sign despite your friend's suggestions. You simply wanted to support your friend, and while you missed him, you knew he led a hectic life and, more than likely, barely had time for friends.

Plus, your face had matured, grown out your hair, and gotten more in shape but still maintained your thiccy status, so you doubted he would be able to pick you out of a crowd even with a sign!

Well, surprise of all surprises, he did recognize you. Still, you had no clue until a member of his team caught up with you as you were about to leave the venue and directed you towards a secret path backstage because "Mr. Park wants to speak with you." You are confused, nervous, and excited all at the same time. It had been years since you had seen Jimin, and his abrupt departure still stung.

When you enter his dressing room, his eyes widen, and you both blush. He looks impressive, flushed from the concert and trying to catch his breath in a simple t-shirt and joggers. "Y/n, is that you? I'm going to feel like the biggest baby if I'm mistaken, but I had to know." You gulp nervously and just nod your head, awaiting his reaction.

He breaks out into the biggest grin and captures you in the world's tightest embrace. All of the emotions swirling within you can't help but be released at the physical contact you craved for so long.

When he can tell you are crying, he backs away and holds one shoulder while wiping your tears from your cheek with his other hand. "Woah, y/n, what's wrong? Do I smell that bad?". You can't help but giggle at this but manage to shake your head to reassure him.

Failing several times at speaking and not crying, he instructs his driver to take you two to a late-night café; he needs caffeine after the concert, and he knows that a good hot chocolate will also be of service to you. You spend 3 hours in that café explaining your breakdown to him and him verifying your theory of why he just disappeared.

He was thrilled to become an idol, but he didn't want to face telling his best friend goodbye, so he took the cowardly route. All is mended and very quickly, you are hanging out with the guys, or he is coming to visit you at work, and it feels just like the old days.

That is, until movie night. Jimin had told you about a monthly movie night at the communal house that the guys had started years ago to hang out together and relax.

You said it sounded fun and told him to say hi to the guys for you! He then sheepishly admits that it is a good time, but it'd be better if you could make it; there is no pressure, but he wanted you there if possible.

It’s been a minute since you did something fun like this, so you agree and pack an overnight bag in case he is too tired to bring you home afterward. About halfway through the movie, he changes seats and goes next to you after excusing himself to the bathroom.

When you ask him why the change of scenery, he makes up something about Tae manspreading too much, and he felt claustrophobic. You don't completely buy it, but you won’t turn away his shoulder as a headrest.

After the credits roll, you turn towards Jimin to gauge if you are crashing or if he will bring you home. The moment your head turns, his lips are on yours; it was not a long kiss, but you felt his intense passion.

He breaks away with you, still in shock, and feels instantly guilty for springing it on you, "Y/n, I'm so sorry. I just ugghhh… I've liked you for a while now, and I couldn't help it anymore, but I'm sorry, and I hope I don't lose you again please say something….anything".

You start giggling while staring off, trying to process everything that happened. Not only does your best friend like you as you do them, but they also just kissed you and think that it could have a negative effect on you.

Gently placing your hand on his knee, you look him in the eye and reply, "Jimin, you have nothing to worry about, alright? I like you too, and while the kiss was sudden, it was certainly nothing to feel guilty about, okay?". Your eyes dart from his to the floor a couple times as you await his response.

He wraps you up in a hug so full of relief that you tear up for him; afterward, you initiate the kiss, and this one morphs into a decade-long release of repressed emotions.

Very quickly, you find yourself straddling his lap with both of you shirtless. Telling that things are about to progress, Jimin says, "Y/n, I want you so bad, but is this a good idea? I can't be a typical boyfriend with my schedule, and I don't want to hurt you or our friendship."

Thoughtfully, you look down, biting your lip, then after a short pause, reply, "Look, I know you're busy, and it won't hurt the friendship, okay? It can be an added perk if you're okay with it." You weren't entirely thrilled about the idea, but you had dreamed of this for too long and would be damned for this opportunity to be blocked right now.

He looks at you and verifies that this is what you want; internally, he is not thrilled at not having labels either but will take what he can get at this point. After a mutual understanding nod, he flips you over on the couch and strips you both down to nothing. After bringing you to three climaxes just from his tongue, he runs to his room to grab a condom.

Upon returning, he ensures you are ready by warming you up a bit by rubbing circles on your clit with his thumb. This doesn't take long, and your walls are pulsing around him; finally, after countless dreams of what you'd feel like around him, you cum simultaneously, and he nuzzles into the crook of your neck.

Once you've both caught your breath, he cleans you up, and y'all change and cuddle in his bed until late morning. Upon waking, you are both reminiscing about the night before, and you are starry-eyed, saying how happy he makes you and hoping you did the same for him. "Of course, y/n, I couldn't be happier." "Okay, good Jiminssi, me neither!" "God, I love you…shibal.. y/n I-"

His apology is cut short when you launch forward, tackling him and peppering his face with kisses, "Jimin Park, you better not apologize, or I’ll be angry. Now kiss me." He does, and while y'all catch your breath after a few minutes, you lean your forehead against his and whisper, "Oh, and in case it wasn't obvious, I love you too."

Right after this moment, Hobi walks in to awaken Jimin but sees you and instantly rushes one hand to his eyes and the other to his chest, "Aish y/n, I didn't know you were still here. I'm sorry to intrude. Are you not feeling well? I know how protective Jimin gets when you are sick." Jimin groans and rubs the bridge of his nose, "Hobi hyung, we are both fully clothed. You can open your eyes, and she isn't sick; she is my girlfriend."

He replies with a smile punctuating his sentence, and you grin teary-eyed that this is happening; the grin is cut short by Hobi's flopping onto the bed in excitement and lightly slapping you and Jimin's legs, babbling about how great this is and happy he is for y'all. Quickly, the rest of the guys gather to see the commotion and are equally excited but give both of you space.

After about an hour of them hanging around and interrogating y'all about your backstory and what happened between the movie and now for this significant change to occur, they leave you to relax in your new relationship. "Jimin, I know you are busy, so I won’t expect you to hang out all the time or take me on loads of dates or anything, okay? You are stressed enough, and I don’t want to add to it.”

He chuckles and cups your cheek, "Y/n, you could never stress me out. You are right. I am quite busy these days. However, I will continue to make time for you. When I said that earlier, I was just worried about you not feeling the same or allowing my feelings to be felt. For one, we can still do all the hangouts we do now. I am simply doing them with my girlfriend now, so that's pretty great! Plus I will take you on dates and everything. I need to make up for lost time. What I said at the cafe was true, but I also was scared of my feelings, and if you "accused" me of having a secret girlfriend one more time, I was going to lose it and confess. The point is, you melted my heart from day one, and now it's time I show you how much I adore you forever."

STAY TUNED FOR “MELTING”

Once he fills out the sign-in form, you volunteer to show him around the facility while he tells you his pet preferences. The whole time, you feel like you are vibrating with excitement, but you keep your cool the entire time despite your ARMY heart threatening to give out any moment.

As you head up to the front, he tells you that there's such a good selection that he needs to think it over before he says, "Thanks for all of your help, y/n. Will you be here tomorrow? I don't really feel like re-explaining everything to someone else you know?".

This time, you aren’t able to prevent the flush that appears on your cheeks. Because even though it's work-related, Jimin CHOSE YOU; it's a step towards your dream so yay! You fervently nod your head, ignoring your coworker side-eyeing you.

You know you’re supposed to be off tomorrow, but you will be there no matter what; you have been in love with this man for years, so you will show up unpaid in uniform if it means you can be his little helper.

As soon as he leaves, your coworker agrees to let you pose as though you are on shift, and if he needs access you can't do since you aren't on the clock, she will help you out. You rush home after your shift to ensure everything is ready and clean at a good time so you can be well rested.

For the first time in your life, you wake up a half hour before your alarm from anticipation! You get ready and go in after getting some coffee and a breakfast sandwich at the café nearby.

After waiting for what felt like forever (maybe 2 hours), Jimin shows up with two coffees, which your nerves didn't need but you will accept of course. He insists on walking the whole facility again despite barely looking around, focusing on your words more intently than yesterday.

He says he wants your help figuring out which dog to go with but respects that the shelter closes soon. Naturally, he asks you, "Hey, I'm indecisive, but I know y'all close soon. So would you like to grab some boba with me and help me decide?".

At this, your coworker's jaw is on the floor while yours is trying to maintain normalcy. You grin and, with a shaky voice, say, "I…I'd be honored if you would prefer that over returning tomorrow. I mean, since you can't adopt once we close. Aish, what am I saying…you're a busy man, so let's go get this decided then!".

He can't help but giggle at your flustered state and logic. He knows he will need to return anyway, but if this gets him on a date with you, it's worth the extra trip.

Even though he decides on the brown and white cocker spaniel named Mandu in about 30 minutes, y’all spend hours at the boba shop talking about everything and anything.

This leads to many more meetings starting off as you helping him learn how to take care of and train Mandu, morphing into chill hangouts, and eventually, y'all making your relationship official.

Life is bliss and everything you could dream of until he starts acting strange. It begins with your dates becoming less frequent and Jimin seeming agitated more often than not when he is around you.

A week after your 10-month anniversary, you question your boyfriend, "Chim Chim, what's wrong? You can talk to me…If I did something, please tell me, yell, anything…”

He rolls his eyes, "Y/n, you didn't do anything, okay? Just had a lot on my mind lately. You wouldn't understand; you live a simple life." At this, tears well up in your eyes. "Ouch… I'm just trying to be supportive. Plus, just because I'm not an idol doesn't mean my life is a cakewalk.

You know how much I've struggled before and during being with you. Just because you're great doesn't mean our relationship hasn't also given me side effects. Do you realize how much hate and death threats I've gotten since I started going out with you???

Now, yes, your company is good at shutting them down and ensuring I'm safe, but it isn't fun to encounter. Not to mention you being around all those beautiful idols all of the time…

I know you care about me, but I look nothing like those people, and I am just worried that eventually you will see me the way I do and…don't look at me like that, I'm just saying.".

He just clenches his fists and pokes inside of his cheek with his tongue and responds with, "That's not fucking fair y/n. It's not like I caused those things or given you a reason to be insecure.

I thought I was helping you with anxiety and self-esteem, but I guess I was wrong. I knew this was too good to be true…" With that, he walks out of your apartment and starts the detachment.

It’s the longest month of your life. Feeling like a bother, you stop texting and hanging out with Jimin, partly to teach him a lesson and somewhat because he hurt your feelings. Despite his frequent attempts to meet up and talk things out, you shut him down or give one-word responses.

Feeling desperate, Jimin goes to your work to talk things out only to learn from Alice, your coworker from before, that you purposely changed your schedule so he couldn't just pop up. She also gives him the cold shoulder in solidarity, as she knows what happened.

As it happens, you pull in right as he departs down the road, and for a moment, you consider following him. You miss him but aren't sure you are ready to see him yet.

Fast forward a week, and Alice hits you up because she is tired of you being a homebody. You agree to meet up with her at a local café since you know that alcohol is not a good idea right now.

After waiting an hour and no sign of her or anyone else besides a couple of workers, you are about to leave when you look up from your phone only to see Jimin standing before you.

Gently resting his hand on yours, he pleads for you to give him 10 minutes, and if after that, you aren't convinced, he will never bother you again. He admits that he rented out the café and prepaid for your drink since he knows this is your favorite spot. In addition to the centerpieces being your favorite flower, he just wanted privacy with you in one of your safest places.

For the first 3 minutes, he is profusely apologizing, saying that there had been so many rumors about him and Nayeon recently that you bringing up other women just set him off because he thought you knew that you were the embodiment of beauty to him and never looked at anyone else.

Then he leans forward and rubs your arm for comfort as he sees tears about to fall down your cheek and continues, "Jagiya, I'm so sorry again. When I said, I had a lot on my mind that you wouldn't understand… I don’t mean that you've never had struggles. It was something that I was worried about but didn't know if you were too, but.. now it's time to find out, I guess."

You cock an eyebrow and wipe the tears from your face, "Just tell me, Mochi, I swear it's fine. Just be honest. It can’t be worse than what I’ve been imagining for the past month.”.

He leans back and lets a deep sigh escape his mouth, "Alright, here goes, I love you. I have been for months now. I realized it 2 months before the day I went off and hurt you, but I was worried about saying it too soon. So, I tried to shove the desire down, but it only made me angry because why has society dictated milestones?

If I love you, I should be able to say so whenever I feel it, right? Aish…anyway, when you said you knew I cared about you, it made me pissed again because I wanted to shout to the heavens how in love I was and am with you but didn't know if I should, so yeah….".

The timer goes off, and he sits up straight, staring at you with pleading eyes to say something. You are looking down, fidgeting with your fingers, and processing everything he just said. He goes to leave, taking your silence as a goodbye.

As he arises, you grab the sleeve of his sweater and stand up, saying, "I feel the same way, which is why everything hurt so bad, and I detached so abruptly. I wanted to tell you how I felt, too, but I was too scared of rejection, so I took that day as a sign to back off. “

His eyes go wide, "Oh…I…cool…I mean.. you know what I mean? I just feel like such a pabo (fool) and hope one day you can forgive me, but I get if no—" He is cut off by your lips crashing into his and smiling as he has wanted this for so long.

Once you detach for the sake of breathing, you hurry hand in hand to the public transportation stop, giving little pecks as you wait. Once you get on, you can't help but be stereotypical and sit in his lap. Y'all seem all tiny and cutesy to the others on the train.

Until you get home, and the second that the front door locks, he has you pushed up against the wall, leaving sloppy kisses along your neck and jawline before passionately devouring your lips in his until you are both gasping and trying desperately to hold on to anything to stay grounded.

As soon as y'all head into the bedroom, it's a race of who can get their clothes off faster. Honestly, you can't recall because the millisecond it happens, he has you trapped under him for who knows how long. He shows you with his body how much love he has for you, how sorry he is, and most of all, how much he missed you.

Nari: “BAAABBEEE!!” – you shout from the bathroom as you put the finishing touches on your outfit.

Tae: rushes to you out of breath “Yes jagiya? Is everything alright?”

Nari: giggles and turns towards him “Yes silly, I didn’t scream fire or anything. Still cute though.”

Tae: kisses the top of your head “Fair enough but I just had to make sure, and you’re the cute one baby. Anyway, why did you summon me?”

Nari: blushes slightly Wellllll, I was going to see if you wanted to accompany me to the Stray Kids photoshoot today. I know it’s been rough having less free time together lately. If not I totally get if it’d be boring for you so no pres-“

Tae: interrupts you by picking you up and spinning you around “Oh I’d love to y/n that’s such a great idea!!! I’ve always wished I could see the magic behind the camera so this is perfect! I’ll meet you by the car in 5 minutes, you’re the best!”

You can’t help but chuckle at how puppy-like he could be, but it was endearing that he wanted to understand what you did for a living. In true gentleman fashion, he opens your door when you get to the SKZ location, carries your equipment inside for you, and even brings you a water and an easy snack for while you work. Halfway through the shoot, you tell the guys to take a 10-minute break so you can assess what else you need and so they can grab a snack as well.

Tae has been waiting nearby during the shoot in case you need anything, so he takes this opportunity to use the restroom and refill his water. As he returns he sees you talking with Han, Bang Chan, and Felix, which was fine until he heard Felix exclaim, “Woah Gracie, I love you for that!”. He doesn’t say anything, but he is not thrilled about the fact that he of all people has a special nickname for you. Before today he had no issues with the guy, so what changed? You and Nari will find out soon enough don’t worry!

The shoot comes to an end about a half hour later and Tae can’t help you pack up and get out of there fast enough. I mean, you can’t really blame him since y’all have been there for close to 5 hours but it’s not like he hasn’t had longer shoots. Guess time is more of a drag when you aren’t an active participant. In any case, after picking up a quick bite y’all are home bound! As soon as he puts the car in park you can tell something is different. He uncharacteristically grabs his meal and goes inside before you can even open your door. Chalking it up to him being hangry and missing Yeontan, you give a tired exhale and head inside.

As you kick off your shoes and scan the house, you don’t see Tae anywhere; you peak into the living room and his room because he likes to eat in there sometimes but still no luck. Assuming he must have something to work on after hearing him in his studio, you resign yourself to eating at the kitchen island alone with Yeontan peacefully asleep at your feet.

After eating, you shuffle to his studio door looking for some company, but your knocks are met with silence then a “C’mon Nari, can’t you tell I am busy right now? I’ll be out when I’m done, go watch TV or something aish!”. Tears pricking behind your eyes, you give a quiet “oh, okay sorry I won’t bother you anymore love…” before you walk away and curl up on the couch listening to calming lo-fi music as you try to quiet your brain. You didn’t do anything to make him upset as far as you can recall so unless something gets brought to your attention, you decide to enjoy the rest of your afternoon doodling in your notebook.

The sun has long set, and you can’t remember when you passed out on the couch exactly before you got awoken abruptly by the loud opening of Tae’s studio door and him stomping to take Yeontan on a walk. You are less in a daze when he comes back and are just looking up pleadingly at him only for him to bark out a “what?!” and in return you croak out an unconvincing “nothing” just for him to scoff at you. “Yeah sure, you’ve looked pitiful since we fucking got home. What’s the problem huh? Miss your strays?”.

You blink wide-eyed “what the hell are you talking about? You’re the one who has been in a shitty mood since a random point in the shoot. You wanna tell me what’s going on?” He sits in the big armchair near you, running his hands through his hair then gets up and paces for a good 3 minutes before sitting back down with his elbows on his knees and hands clasped; deeply sighing, he finally reveals the truth.

You sniffle, heart pounding in anticipation trying to look strong even though you were terrified you had blinked wrong or something and were about to be single. He takes a long sip of water then glares up at you, “So you wanna know what’s going on huh? Well, I don’t ‘knaur’ Gracie, what is going on?” Confusion shadows your features as you meet his eyes, “Why did you ask like that and why on earth did you call me Gracie???” He darkly chuckles and says, “Oh, is that an issue?” Nari rolls her eyes and says “Why are you laughing first of all? And it isn’t an issue per say, it just shocked me because you have never called me that once since we’ve met.”

Tae leans back in his chair manspreading trying to affirm his authority and explains, “Well, here goes and don’t you fucking interrupt me. If you somehow have questions, be a patient little cheater and wait until I’m done okay?” You nod in anticipation trying to stay strong and not react to his accusation yet. “Well, whatever name you’re going by, you are right. I haven’t been in the best mood, and it wasn’t a ‘random point’, it was when you had called for a 10-minute break. I had returned from the bathroom and saw you had relocated from our spot to near the Aussies and Han.”

You raise your hand giving him the grandest power complex to which he only tilts his head towards you beckoning you to speak. “You know I’m friends with all of them so why did seeing that turn you into a dick?”. Poking his cheek with his tongue, he clarified, “It didn’t turn me into a dick darling. I just don’t like people trying to take what is mine.” “Nobody was trying to take me you dumbass.” “Then why the shit does Felix have a special nickname for you AND said he loves you??” he slightly yelled with tears in his eyes.

As he hid his face in his hands, taking deep breaths to avoid sobbing, you were trying to process the words that just came out of his mouth. After stuttering and trying to form sentences, you explain the situation as he comes to sit next to you. Turning towards him and covering his hands with yours, you take a deep breath and bring him up to speed; “So the name thing first. Well as you know he and Bang Chan are Australian. So, them trying to say my first name just winds up in a 10-minute loop of aggressive ‘nauring’ you know? So, I decided to tell them my middle name and Bang Chan immediately fell in love with calling me ‘Gracie’ so only the Aussies call me that, for that reason only okay?” He cracks a small smile, “I guess that does make sense….. but why did he say he loved you?” You choke on air, and you ask incredulously, “Ummm when the hell did he say that?!?!”

He glances at the floor sheepish worried he misheard something now and is starting to feel like the biggest asshole to ever exist. “I dunno, I just heard him tell you ‘Woah Gracie, I love you for that!’ and just after the unexplained name thing it sent me spiraling.” You give a small smile this time and go “calm down tiger, I had just shown him a photo I had edited of him and hella fixed the lighting, so he was grateful because it was an important photo of him. That’s it I promise okay? I swear on Tannie!!”

It was his turn to go big eyed because he knew when you swore on a pet, you meant business! “Okay I believe you Nari I really do.” You breath the deepest sigh of relief ever until he interrupts with “But I do have one more question…” “Oh?” you question, “what’s up Tae?”. “Okay now don’t get mad, but are you sure there’s nothing there? I mean it seemed like there was some flirting, at least from where I stood.” “I mean I doubt he was flirting with me; he knows I am with you plus I double doubt you started a trend of fine Korean men finding me attractive.” you chuckle.

Suddenly his countenance darkened again in an instant as he backed away, “fine Korean men????” you gulp, “I mean, I didn’t mean fine fine, I just meant that I am a photographer, so I appreciate aesthetically pleasing things and people.” You say as you start to get off the couch, but he stands and pulls your hair getting you to look him in the eyes “So you aren’t attracted to him AT ALL then??” Tears form once again in your eyes as you explain yourself, yet again…”Okay so he maybe was my first SKZ bias, and you aren’t the first person to point out that he flirts with me a lot. I won’t deny that before we were together it was very nice, but I love you not him okay?”

There’s a long pause until you both sit back down, and he looks like he has seen a ghost, “wait…love me???” You chuckle, “Yes you idiot, lovingly of course!” He has tears in his eyes then asks, “Are you sure??? I mean, it has only been a few months and I know I’m taller, but my voice can’t get near his and I was an ass earlier…” “Hun, I agree you could’ve handled everything earlier better and come to me sooner and been upfront. But it doesn’t mean that you are inherently an ass okay? I don’t care that your voice isn’t just like his, I love your voice and it’s been my peace for years now.”

“Well, good points all around and I just…. I really am sorry that I freaked out so much earlier, I just love you too, so it lit a fire in my soul. I’m sincerely sorry and I’ll do better okay? I can’t lose you…”. You are both sobbing at this point and then while you pull each other into the most intense embrace, you reassure him