Chapter Text
"You are my number one best friend.”
Jungkook laughs at Ash, “Is this about my hair again? Have you really promoted me because I had my hair cut?”
“Yep! You’ve finally got a style that looks good on you. I had to demote KTH when you said he will probably be disappointed… I can’t have that.”
“Ash, it’s just a haircut.”
“It isn’t! It is farewell to that long monstrosity and now it is short and styled and that colour is fire! KTH is gonna have trouble reining in his jealousy…. Oooooooh… Kookie Monster and Green-eyed Monster… KTH can be the Emerald Monster.”
Jungkook almost chokes with laughter as he stares in disbelief at his best friend who is grinning like an idiot, slumped on their small sofa with a games controller in his hands. “There are so many things wrong with you.”
“I know right! Have you got everything?”
“Yeah. I’ll be back tomorrow night. Tae is dropping me off after our day on the yacht because I’m busking early Monday morning.”
“Are you prepared for Monday night?”
“Not really. But I need to tell him. I can’t carry on like this. I need to know whether he will accept me once he knows, so I can either tell him how I feel or move on.”
Ash rolls his eyes in a dramatic fashion, “I agree, but I won’t accept that you will be dumped over it. Imagine the sex you are going to have Monday night once he tells you he loves you and you can finally stop being a dickhead and tell him that you love him right back! I hope you’ve practiced saying it because the guy deserves to have it said to him in the most amazing way… maybe you should sing it to him?”
“I can’t talk to you anymore because you just are not right in the head… at all… I need to go… my lift is here.”
“I thought you were getting the bus?”
“Tae has sent a car… and do not look at me like that! I wasn’t happy about it and I still think it is very unnecessary… but his face when he said he wanted to do it… I couldn’t turn it down.”
“Oh god! You have got it so so bad… Kookie Monster accepting a lift from his rich boyfriend because of a look… if I told you three months ago that you would be acting like this you’d have punched me.”
“I still might punch you if you don’t stop talking… see you tomorrow.”
“Break a leg and all that! Go give KTH a hard on because he definitely will get one after a week of no fucking and watching you dance for the first time.”
“Bye, Ash!”
***
The excitement was too much as Emery ran around lighting all the candles under the gazebo in the garden. He had planned a romantic evening so he could shower Hobi with love and affection after what had been an emotionally stressful month. Wednesday night had taken it out of both of them but he was grateful to Jungkook for giving him a shove in the right direction. He had only sent Jungkook a brief text on Friday to wish him good luck with his hair cut and good luck with the showcase, while letting him know that he’d spoken to Hobi and thanking him because everything was okay. He didn’t have the heart to go into detail and he wanted for Hobi to have his lunch with Taehyung first. He didn’t ask what excuse Hobi used to get out of Jimin’s birthday meal but he hopes that he used him as the reason because he couldn’t care less about them right now. He hurts for Jungkook, Taehyung and for his boyfriend and he hopes that Jimin has since changed his mind.
With everything in place, he would be meeting up with Jungkook next week, Hobi was scheduled to have lunch with Taehyung on Monday and their relationship was still solid, he wanted to treat his man. If he has learned one thing from the past month it’s that he needs to speak to his boyfriend with any worries that he has and to encourage him to do the same. He can’t imagine the weight of emotion on Hobi’s shoulders after what he heard, he just wishes that he’d shared it with him. Part of the healing and part of moving forward is showing Hobi how much he loves him and that’s what tonight is all about. He knows that Hobi is worried about meeting up with Taehyung on Monday but he knows that it’s the right thing to do. The texts between them yesterday were really filled with Taehyung's excitement for the showcase which both Emery and Hobi thought was cute. It didn’t help Hobi’s worries that he feels like he’s going to ruin Taehyung’s happiness but he will have his boyfriend’s support and Emery is sure that the relationship the four have built up, won’t be affected.
“Em… what’s all this?” Hobi says as he appears in the doorway, looking out into the garden.
Emery skips over and throws his arms around him, “This is me treating the man that I love. I have set up the gazebo and I am going to give you a massage first.”
Hobi wiggles his eyebrows, “First? Huh?”
Emery giggles, “Yes, before dinner is delivered and I show you how much you mean to me.”
“Dinner is being delivered?”
“I wanted to give you my undivided attention so we are having dinner brought to us.”
“You spoil me, Em… I love you.” Hobi kisses his boyfriend to give his chest a chance to relax because it feels tight. Guilt eats at him for not being one hundred percent honest with Emery on Wednesday night. But he hopes that Emery loves him enough to forgive him because after he speaks to Taehyung, he knows that Tae’s advice will be that he needs to tell Emery everything.
***
“Do you really think so?” Jimin asks Yoongi.
“If I’d have thought about how damn sexy you’d look behind the wheel of this car, I’d have bought you something else.”
Jimin laughs, “That sexy?”
“Mini, I am having a tough time here. This is our first trip out in the car and I wish we weren’t on our way to Peonies.”
“How about we find somewhere quiet on the way home? A detour?”
“You do know that is all I’m going to be thinking about now?”
“Of course.” Jimin winks.
“Is Joon bringing Jo tonight?”
“I don’t know. I doubt it. I think he usually opts to bring her if there are more than our usual group present.”
“I told Joon about the car but he’s not seen it yet. He was meeting Jin yesterday for lunch.”
“I sent them both pictures of it and Jin cancelled his lift on Thursday so I could take him home in it. He did say he was meeting Joon for lunch.”
Yoongi giggles, “Did he really cancel his driver?”
“He did. You know what Jin is like.”
“I know you said he liked the car but I hadn’t realised he’d done that.”
“He said that he flies to America early Monday so by the time he gets back the car will be old and everyone would’ve been in it by the time he gets back.”
“Everyone? Does he think you are a taxi service in your spare time?”
“Who knows what Jin thinks?”
“Have you seen the Moonchild ad pictures yet?”
Jimin shakes his head, “Not yet. I’m going to ask Tae about it when I meet him for lunch next week.”
“We could make it a big lunch and invite Hobi, too?”
“Only if Emery lets him out.”
Yoongi huffs, “Do you still believe that it was Emery behind Hobi not coming tonight?”
“I don’t know. The fact that he gave no reason at all and just said that they couldn’t make it was suspicious. I invited them both because I didn’t have a lot of choice but perhaps we aren’t good enough for them anymore? Unless you are Tae and Jungkook, Seok is hardly interested these days.”
“I’m sure that’s not the case… things are getting better though… let’s meet with Tae and gauge how that goes and then we can all get together when Jin is back? We will keep crossing paths with Jungkook and Emery all the time they are in relationships with our friends so if we make the effort and they continue to be as they have been, we aren’t the bad guys.”
“I refuse to accept that we are the bad guys anyway. All that we have done is look out for Tae… anyway… I have no doubt that everything will be fine.” Jimin says as he pulls up outside the restaurant.
“It’s good to hear you so positive, Mini… I love you."
Jimin leans over and kisses his boyfriend before getting out of the car. “I love you too, Yoon.”
***
The airport had been busier than usual and the morning had been absolutely frustrating. One thing after another had gone wrong and added to Taehyung’s headache. The last thing to go wrong was the security alert at the airport and the subsequent delay which had caused unnecessary stress with Taehyung fretting that he wouldn’t make it to the university on time. As the car came to a stop he rubbed his temples and took a breath or three.
“Are you okay, Mr Kim?” Tom asks from the driver's seat.
“Yes, thank you. It has been one hell of a day.”
“You are here now. I will wait for the showcase to finish then take you and Mr Jeon home.”
“Thank you. Jungkook informed me that it will last for a couple of hours so please go and get yourself a hot drink, I can always send you a text message when we are leaving.”
“Enjoy your evening, Mr Kim.”
Taehyung exits the car and removes his jumper, draping it over his back and allowing the sleeves to hang over his chest. He follows the signs and the crowd of people into an auditorium where he chooses a row about ten rows from the front. The people already sitting in the row all stand to allow him past and he takes a seat in the single available chair. The stage has a maroon coloured velvet curtain draped across it and the room is buzzing with chatter. He looks through the pamphlet that he was handed when he entered and reads about the vast array of courses and facilities available. It isn’t enough to distract him from his thoughts though because all he can think about is how much he wants to see his boyfriend. He’s been in a little world of his own since the video call on Wednesday night when Jungkook had surprised him. Business trips used to be enjoyable to a certain extent but he doesn’t think they are enjoyable anymore. It’s perhaps something he need to rethink, like many things that he now believes he needs to reconsider.
Meeting Jungkook has indeed turned his world upside down and more than ever he wants to commit to his relationship. Cutting this business trip short was something he didn’t think about and it provoked some thought about how he could delegate his role at Purple Aura. Since starting the business, he has more or less taken on sole responsibility but perhaps now is the time to rethink the roles. There are parts of his job that he knows he could entrust to others but he’s always preferred to do everything himself. His Father has mentioned it over the years because he’s witnessed the hours that Taehyung worked and how little social time he had. His family didn’t push him though because creating Purple Aura and making it the success that it is, makes him happy. The video call on Wednesday and being without Jungkook for the whole week has made him realise that his life needs to change, his priorities aren’t restricted to Purple Aura any more.
Silence descends when the lights go down and gentle music filters into the auditorium through the speakers. A smartly dressed lady starts talking about the evening and speaks enthusiastically about the performing arts department. She welcomes the audience again and introduces the first class to perform. Tae applauds when everyone else does but his hands stop working the second the curtains reveal the thirteen dancers on stage. He almost doesn’t recognise his boyfriend who takes centre stage, flanked either side by six dancers in the V formation. He gulps down some saliva in an attempt to ground himself but he is completely transfixed and his surroundings suddenly become non-existent.
Jungkook is dressed from head to toe in black. The boots on his feet are long and lace up to the middle of his calves, the leggings that cover his lower body appear to be painted on and Tae’s mouth waters as he takes in the muscular legs. The black bomber jacket doesn’t conceal the sheer transparent top clinging to his torso and then there is the hair. At first Tae thinks that it’s tied back but then the lighting changes and he can see it’s been cut. Not only has it been cut but it looks to be a deep purple colour and the CEO can’t cope and Jungkook hasn’t moved yet. He is standing on stage, legs parted and straight, arms by his side, fists clenched, his hair cut very short around the back and sides, longer on top and at the front. His hairline is a perfect clean line, the fringe touches his eyes as it’s swept to the side but still covers most of his forehead.
There’s a moment when Tae is aware of a feeling that comes up from the depths of his core and ignites something as it travels. It’s like a river of lava that sets the ground on fire as it flows through. His chest flutters and his throat constricts and when it reaches his eyes it creates a pressure that manifests into a build up of tears. Is this what being in love feels like? Is this what it feels like when you love someone so much that just the sight of them is enough to cause such a reaction? He’s relieved that he’s sitting in relative darkness but even that feels suffocating as he stares ahead and his boyfriend starts to move.
Jungkook starts the routine and the other twelve dancers follow suit. His arms move fluidly like a silk scarf blowing in the breeze. His legs are strong as he breaks the formation and leaps across to the side like a Gazelle in the grasslands of Africa, swift and graceful. Wherever he moves, the twelve dancers follow, like cygnets following their Mother. Halfway through the performance, he is catapulted into the air by his fellow dancers and as he lays horizontally, supported by their hands, his jacket is removed and when he’s back on his feet, Tae’s mouth drops open. The sheer top is in fact, a lace, sleeveless vest and as he moves, the definition of his back and stomach can be seen clearly through the transparent fabric. The music is contemporary and the whole performance is probably only five minutes long but Taehyung feels every tiny movement and he is the first to stand and applaud when the stage is plunged into darkness.
There are a variety of acts that come after the opening performance and the CEO is glad for the respite. He enjoys the scenes from Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet but especially likes the scene by the first year drama students who managed to blend Harry Potter and Oliver Twist and create something very unique. There were some more speeches and performances by the first year dance students but Taehyung couldn't get his boyfriend out of his mind. When the lights come up for the interval so that staff can answer questions from prospective students at the designated stations, the CEO gets to his feet to go in search of something to drink. He needs some cold water or something to quench his thirst and aid his survival for the second part of the evening when he knows he will have to sit through his boyfriend’s solo performance.
Jungkook hates this part of the evening, having to stand behind a table and talk to people who ask all sorts of questions, some of which are just plain stupid. Last year he was the only one from his year to be asked to speak to people because the professors said that he would help the mature students who were considering returning to education. It was always in the back of his mind that he could see someone he used to know from his high school who were maybe there with younger siblings or perhaps someone from his hometown. He thought about it but hadn’t ever worked out how he would react if he was faced with the situation, he just hoped that it wouldn’t happen. Tonight there was a familiar face in the crowd, one that he picked out almost instantly while standing on stage before the music started. A face that made his stomach quiver and his heart soar. This is the first performance that he’s had someone in the audience there just for him because he has avoided it until now. The one time that Ash was there, he hadn’t seen him because he hid at the back after Jungkook hadn’t told anyone about the show. When he’d looked into the sea of faces tonight and he’d spotted his boyfriend, the feeling almost knocked him off of his feet.
As Taehyung walks back into the auditorium with a bottle of water in his hand, his eyes find Jungkook as he stands and talks to a couple. The CEO stops walking just to watch him, oblivious to the people who curse him for standing in the way as they walk around him. An announcement is made through the speakers and Jungkook bows as the couple head back to their seats. His line of sight finds Tae in the crowd and he blushes instantly. He wants so badly to walk over to him but with the two minute announcement he knows he can’t, he needs to get ready for his solo. He waves awkwardly and blushes more when Tae smiles then puckers his lips as he kisses into the air.
“JK, come on, dude, you’ll never get ready in time.” A lady calls out. Jungkook waves and turns away, heading backstage so he can compose himself.
Tae enters the auditorium and takes his seat, he doesn’t mean to wish away the next hour but that’s exactly what he finds himself doing, simply for the fact that he can't wait to get his hands on his man… it’s been the longest week in history.
There is a high probability that the CEO looks like a proud relative as he holds his phone up to film the solo performance, he’s the only one videoing it because he suspects that everyone else is there for different reasons. His hands are shaking and there is a dilemma when he can’t hold the phone steady and could do with standing up but can’t do that when everyone is sitting down. The answer is to annoy the people in his row and make his way to the side so he can stand and video the performance from there, which is exactly what he does. Once he’s found a good position he holds his phone up and thinks he’s prepared but in fact he isn’t.
Jungkook is bathed in a blue light at first, his back to the audience, crouched down with all his weight resting on his left leg and his right leg extended out to the side. He already looks amazing and when he moves, the light changes to a UV light which highlights his outfit. He’s dressed in all white, slim leg trousers gathered at the ankle, a tight white cropped t-shirt which sits above his naval. The sleeveless jacket appears like it’s been fed through a shredder and each part of fabric moves independently to the next as he moves. The large fans at each side of the stage create a light wind that blows the jacket and confetti pieces around. The visual image is stunning and Taehyung is suddenly hit with a sense of pride because Jungkook could have given up but never did. His parents were correct when they said that and it's quite an emotional thought as he watches his boyfriend command the stage and perform like he was born to do it.
There is a sudden change of music, the beat takes over and dancers run in from each side. They crowd Jungkook and when they move away, he is wearing a blazer and trilby hat, matching the other dancers on the stage. Tae recognises this part from Chicago and he smiles as he remembers what Jungkook told him about how they would be doing part of a scene from their end of year show. Even with so many dancers on the stage, the CEO can't take his eyes off of his boyfriend who leads the performance like someone who has been doing it for years. The choreography is pin point perfection and the whole auditorium stands to applaud when the dancers finish in various poses, their exhaustion obvious from the glistening faces and heaving chests.
When the dancers leave the stage, Taehyung takes his leave and slips out of the nearest exit. He has time to use the toilet before he heads to wait near the exit where Jungkook told him he would meet him. He shakes his head at himself when he’s washing his hands and sees the reflection in the mirror. He texts Tom to let him know that they will be out as soon as Jungkook is ready and he leaves the toilets to stand close to the exit as instructed. He people watches in the meantime, sees the people talking to those who he can presume are staff and he likes that everyone seems to be happy. The professional in him can’t help but judge the advertising boards and posters and he wonders if students had produced it all.
“Hi.” Jungkook’s voice comes from behind him and it’s a very welcome sound.
Taehyung turns in the direction of the voice and sees his boyfriend, a sight for sore eyes as he stands with a couple of other dancers. “Hi.” He replies.
Jungkook smiles when Tae offers his hand and the contact is very much needed as their fingers interlink. He smiles much more when Tae kisses his cheek and whispers, “I’ve missed you.”
Jungkook waves to his fellow dancers and walks towards the exit hand in hand with his boyfriend. He didn’t bother to get changed so is still in the white outfit, which Tae is very aware of. As they reach the car, Tom offers to take Jungkook’s bag but he declines and puts it in the back as he climbs in before his boyfriend who slides in beside him.
“Nice to see you again, Mr Jeon.” Tom says as he waits in a queue so he can move out of the university car park.
“Tom, please call me Jungkook, It’s nice to see you too.”
“Did all go well this evening, Jungkook.” Tom asks. He’s looking at the couple in his rearview mirror and he grins to himself at the way that his boss is quite literally gazing at his boyfriend. Each time he drives his boss somewhere, he sees a change in him and it warms his heart to see him so happy. It was enlightening to chauffeur Mrs Kim while Taehyung was away, due to a last minute emergency when her car wouldn’t start. She’d actually been on the phone to Taehyung when her car refused to start so he phoned Tom there and then and the driver was happy to help. He’d been glad to hear Mrs Kim’s thoughts on Jungkook and her son’s relationship because she seemed as enamoured as everyone else.
“It wasn’t perfect but hopefully I can do better next time.” Jungkook answers, glancing sideways at the man who hasn’t stopped staring at him.
“Tom, please ignore my boyfriend, he was absolutely perfect this evening.”
Tom chuckles, “It would appear that you have a fan, Jungkook.”
“Well, his Eomma said he was biased so I think that is the truth.”
“I’m pleased that this evening was successful, I will leave you both to it. We will be at the apartment in about twenty minutes as soon as we leave this traffic.”
Once the partition is rolled up, Jungkook turns to his boyfriend, the tips of their noses brushing against each other as he feels Tae’s breath on his mouth. “I’ve missed you too.” He says quietly but it sounds much louder in the quiet of the car.
Tae reaches up and strokes the back of Jungkook’s head, his fingertips playing with the aubergine coloured strands. “Did Angel do this?”
Jungkook had forgotten about his hair amidst the feelings that came with seeing his boyfriend for the first time properly in a week. “She did… Tae… I know how much you liked my long hair but…”
Taehyung cuts him off mid-sentence by kissing him on the lips softly. “You look stunning, Jungkook. As you have so rightly pointed out previously, it is your hair and you have every right to do whatever you want with it. Do you like it?”
“I do. I don’t miss the hassle of tying it back.”
“I will hazard a guess that Ash approves?”
“Yeah, you’ve been demoted to second best friend.”
Tae raises his eyebrows, “I have? Because you had your haircut?”
Jungkook giggles and nuzzles Tae’s cheek with his nose, “Yeah, he’s that shallow.”
“I fully expected to be demoted in place of Stefan but to lose my ranking over a haircut is a little too much.”
“I’m expecting to be number one until he goes to a gig with Stefan or if I let my hair grow.”
“You’re always my number one.” Tae says, ghosting his lips over the lips of his boyfriend.
“That’s because you aren’t as shallow as my best friend.”
“You really were fantastic tonight. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything, even the group routines were worth being here for.”
“I’m glad you were there.” Jungkook whispers into the air.
The journey seems to fly by as they finally have the chance to lose themselves in a kiss. It’s slow and gentle, almost exploratory as their tongues are reacquainted. The kiss is resumed once they are in the apartment, the desire to be together is prioritised over unpacking their bags. They both take a much needed shower, hands lathered up with sea breeze scented shower gel and lips that are regularly connected as they wash each other. The past week becomes a distant memory with every touch and the intimacy from the shower continues once they are both dry and in bed.
Taehyung lays half on top of Jungkook as they kiss gently. He leaves little kisses on his boyfriend’s chin and nose before he connects their lips. Jungkook holds the CEO close, light touches with his fingertips that run up and down his back and arm.
It is quite clear to both of them that they are exhausted, Tae’s eyes look heavy and Jungkook isn’t faring much better after the physical exertion of the showcase. Taehyung rests his head down, partly on the pillow, face tucked into Jungkook’s neck. The busker tightens his hold on his man, whom he enjoys having like this. He’d been so worried when Tae first stayed at his place because of the size of his bed but it would appear that it has set the tone and now Taehyung often sleeps like this, no matter what size the bed is. As he holds his boyfriend, he feels so content, like everything in the world has been put right now that they are together… he just prays that will be the case after the bombshell he is set to drop on Monday evening.