Chapter Text
“Hyung?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m coming home.”
“Hmm.”
That was it. That’s all the notice Jungkook had to give. There were no questions asked and no taunts.
As he packed his bags and finished the final details, Jungkook's phone buzzed. ‘Flight details.’ That's all it said and it made Jungkook smile for the first time in a while as he sent a reply.
He didn’t smile a lot after that. He had a lot of bitterness with Seoul for now and didn’t want to waste any smiles there.
So he kept his head down and face neutral as he boarded his flight and decided not to look back.
The flight was a few hours - it was delayed for a bit - but Jungkook was too emotionally exhausted to stay awake. Waking up to see the familiar scenery of Jeju.
Finding his face muscles move into a smile automatically as he deplaned and got his luggage. Walking to the receiving area and looking around for the only person he expected there.
Turning round and round, getting on his toes and looking as far as he could for that person only to hear a whispered, “Jungkookie.” Right by his ear.
“JIN HYUNG!!” He exclaimed as turned swiftly only to be engulfed in arms that always felt like home.
Finding his world narrowed to just his Jin hyung. His Kim Seokjin. His best friend.
“It’s so good to see you!” Seokjin said as Jungkook blushed while feeling plump lips on his temple.
“I haven’t really seen you. But I don’t want to let go either.” Jungkook said as he nuzzled deeper into Seokjin’s neck only to sigh as Seokjin held him tighter.
“Aish there’s nothing to see. It’s just plain old me.” Seokjin said as Jungkook finally pulled back enough to look at Seokjin. Finding himself momentarily breathless as always because ‘plain’ and ‘old’ were eons away from how Seokjin was in real life.
“How did you get handsomer?” Jungkook asked as Seokjin blushed, his ears going red before he said, “Yah! You just got here! Don’t you dare start!”
Jungkook really adored when Seokjin got like this. All conscious and shy only because he was humble among his friends. Usually he’d continue the teasing too but it seemed like his recent upheavals were catching up to him because he yawned. Big and wide as Seokjin laughed at him and placed a kiss on his cheek saying, “Aish you’re so tired, lil baby. Let’s go home!”
“I’m not a baby!” Jungkook pouted but that only made Seokjin laugh harder before he put Jungkook’s hand on his elbow and then pushed his luggage trolley all the way to his car.
Jungkook tried fighting the allure of sleep. The drive to Seokjin’s house was about 45 minutes but he ultimately failed. Waking up to Seokjin gently tapping his face and then holding him steady when he tumbled out.
“Reached?” Jungkook asked, an old habit climbing back up as he’d do the same when they were younger as well.
Also if they were younger Jungkook would cling to Seokjin and wrap his legs around his waist. Not wanting to wake up entirely and walk to his room.
But now that wasn’t possible.
Or was it?
“C’mon up!” He heard as he found himself hoisted. His legs automatically moving to wrap around Seokjin. His arms already tight around Seokjin’s neck. He tried protesting. Garbled mumbles that made no sense to him itself but still got a response of, “It’s okay Jungkookie.” From Seokjin who walked with him to the recliner before settling in and pressing the button to recline entirely.
Jungkook didn’t even have the chance to fight off sleep. One minute he was nuzzling into Seokjin’s chest and the next time his eyes opened he smelled food.
But he was still in Seokjin’s lap. Cuddled close. Looking at Seokjin quizzically, wondering who was cooking if Seokjin was still here.
“Is it welcome back or is it welcome for a short time?” A new voice asked as Jungkook blinked to being fully awake. Finding Seokjin smiling at him before he adjusted the recliner to normal sitting position.
Helping Jungkook to stand and both stretching a bit.
“I’m not yet sure.” Jungkook responded to the voice that was actually Taehyung. Seokjin’s brother who gave him a tight smile as he hugged him. Not the warmest, not the coldest. Somewhere in between.
“Hope you’re hungry Kookah…got the whole spread ready for you!” Jungkook heard making him rush to hug the person who’d spoken. His Yoongi hyung who would always make sure he got extra helpings during meal times only if Seokjin hadn’t done that already.
“Aish you’ve lost so much weight. Is there no food in Seoul?” Yoongi asked, not meaning to trigger anything but unwittingly doing just that when Jungkook answered with, “I just didn’t feel like eating.”
“Alright freshen up because we’re eating good tonight!” Seokjin said as a distraction sounding both jovially as well as firm which made Jungkook nod his head and rush to comply.
When he did step out the food was waiting for him. And maybe it was the company or the fact that he got to sit tucked into Seokjin’s side but Jungkook ate and drank and truly enjoyed himself.
No one bought up any triggering topics again. They instead discussed some family friend's wedding and some funny anecdote from that that had Jungkook laughing his head off.
Finally after everything was done Taehyung and Yoongi took their leave informing Jungkook that Namjoon and Jimin were visiting soon and that he should stick around for that.
“Why am I so exhausted?” Jungkook wondered after a moment of quiet. It made no sense. He’d just woken up! But he also kept yawning.
“Why is that a bad thing?” Seokjin asked as he walked Jungkook to the room he’d prepared for him. “Rest is good Jungkookie.” Seokjin said, ruffling his hair as Jungkook bit his lip before saying, “But my sleep hasn’t been the most peaceful.”
Seokjin sighed at that. He knew from when they were young that any emotional upheaval meant Jungkook’s sleep would get wrecked. It’s like his brain would keep him awake just so that it could play the hurtful scenarios over and over again.
“Close your eyes and concentrate on where you are. Away from the noise. Away from the nonsense. It should help.” Seokjin said, placing a kiss on Jungkook’s forehead before he stepped away with a quiet “Good night.”
It worked for a bit. As he concentrated on the silence and the lack of street lights Jungkook felt a little semblance of peace. But then slowly but surely he heard the voices.
His own, shouting and screaming. His ex; shouting back and telling him he’s got no personality and shouldn’t blame others for his own shortcomings.
Then it happened again. He was standing there witnessing the fights. All of them. Trying to stop the voices. Unable to move as tears leaked from his eyes. He just wanted silence. He just wanted peace.
Then he felt rustling. The bed dipped. For a second he was scared but then the delicacy with which he was moved made him relax.
He felt thin fingers brush his tears away, he felt himself being tucked under someone’s chin. He felt arms wrap around him. His senses were filled with that familiar scent.
“Go to sleep Jungkookie. Hyung’s got you.” He heard and Jungkook took a deep breath and on the exhale he fell into a dreamless sleep.
“Can you imagine?? He said I was a poser? That everything I did was fake? That I was trying to be someone I wasn’t!” Jungkook shouted at no one in particular as Seokjin held his waist and tried to control his arms from flailing.
Jungkook was beyond piss drunk. What was supposed to be a fun night became contentious when Taehyung said, “So why are you here really?” With his brows raised making Jungkook get pretty upset.
However, though Seokjin had reprimanded Taehyung to not be rude, his question had managed to get under Jungkook’s skin.
So Jungkook drank. He drank and drank. Till he couldn’t see straight before he pretty much spilled his guts.
Not literally but also literally.
Telling the Kim’s and Yoongi everything about his life in Seoul which truly made his ex-boyfriend not seem wrong.
“You’ve always wanted that life though…so why are you upset I don’t get it.” Taehyung had added as Yoongi tried to pull him away but that only led to Jungkook getting madder.
His eyes leaking constantly, his nose red as he felt like he was being cornered.
“Back off. That’s it. Let’s go!” Seokjin said as he pulled Jungkook away from Taehyung and glared at his brother who rolled his eyes and scowled as he walked away with Yoongi following him. Sighing towards Seokjin who sighed too.
“Do you think he’s right? Do you think I’m everything he described me as?” Jungkook asked Seokjin almost body slamming him into the wall as Seokjin let out a soft “Oof” when his back hit said wall.
“Oh…oh no…sorry hyung! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you!” Jungkook wailed, getting more upset as he used his sweater paws to wipe his eyes and nose, making Seokjin pull him closer and kiss his forehead as he said, “It’s okay. I need you to calm down. We’ll go home and talk okay?”
Jungkook calmed down instantly. Silently sniffling and wiping his tears as he relied on Seokjin entirely to keep him steady. Needing Seokjin to stop him from falling over.
He tried cooperating though. He tried helping Seokjin as much as he could though it wasn’t much.
Finally they got home and Seokjin helped Jungkook freshen up leaving him alone so that he could do the same before joining him side by side in bed with Seokjin slowly intertwining their fingers.
“Why are you upset Jungkookie…is it because you loved him?” Seokjin asked as Jungkook turned his head to look at him.
He didn't know how to answer Seokjin but he knew that it wasn’t love.
It was puppy love with the excitement of moving to the big city. But it fizzled soon enough when the city lights enamored Jungkook more.
He still stayed with the guy. They still had sex and still we’re ‘boyfriends’ but it wasn’t a relationship.
“He cheated on me.” Jungkook whispered now as Seokjin bit his cheek, humming in acknowledgment. “I’m sorry Jungkookie. I can understand why you’re upset but…you guys were not happy. Every conversation we had you spoke about him like you didn’t really like him.” He said as Jungkook sighed.
“Maybe I didn’t hyung…but I was still loyal…I think my issue is that I…I’m embarrassed.” Jungkook said, falling sideways and placing his head on Seokjin’s lap as he gently carded his fingers through Jungkook’s hair.
“Again, a valid reaction. But really sweetheart, what's being so upset getting you? You’re likely going to be dehydrated tomorrow morning and have a terrible tummy and headache and for what?” Seokjin asked, needing to heave a breath when Jungkook moved around with some unfortunate hand placements and finally managed to stradell Seokjin properly as he said, “I know. I just…I just needed someone to listen. Not judge like Taehyungie hyung…I needed you.”
Seokjin didn’t respond to that in words. Instead he wrapped his arms around Jungkook and gently placed his head on his shoulder before playing with his hair and humming a tune till Jungkook was asleep.
Seokjin was right about the dehydration, tummy and headache. Even the hangover soup and water he drank didn’t really make Jungkook feel better which is why he was even more muted than usual in the evening when he tagged along with Seokjin to another party.
“Is this what you do hyung? Even I didn’t go to so many parties in Seoul.” He said with a teasing smile at Seokjin who laughed because one would think that was his life but really Seokjin - a renowned introvert - also had a heart of gold which is why he had friends who invited him over.
These weren’t loud, EDM parties where the walls shook with people dancing. No these were casual parties with mellow music and folks just walking around and greeting each other.
Sure there may be an after party but Seokjin never stayed that long. In fact that was one of the conditions why he attended these parties. The condition being that he could leave as soon as he left like it; that no one ever objected to.
“Aigoo Jungkookah? Why did you come back?” Jungkook heard as he stood by the corner really enjoying the salt and pepper calamari being passed around.
“Hello Hoseokie hyung…I…just a few days ago!” Jungkook said as he bowed and quickly wiped his hands to shake Hoseok’s hand.
“What no hug?” Hoseok asked, leading to an awkward hug. The two then got into some small talk before Hoseok excused himself and went to Seokjin who greeted him happily all while Jungkook watched.
The calamari twisting weirdly in his stomach.
He didn’t not like Hoseok. He’d known him for years. But he didn’t like the fact that Seokjin and Hoseok had a thing at some point.
“Why does it bother you?” Taehyung had asked him when he’d expressed his displeasure. That leading to another fight between the two.
It was because Jungkook didn’t like sharing his Jin hyung’s attention. Which he knew was selfish, very selfish but Seokjin was his only constant. His anchor. His home.
So watching him give Hoseok attention had made Jungkook feel like he was being ignored. Which was horrible and he knew it. It was also another reason why he’d left.
“Why did you and Hoseokie hyung break up?” Jungkook asked Seokjin when they got home. Seokjin, who was in the act of putting away his jacket, paused before he peered at Jungkook.
“Sorry…” Jungkook said guiltily as Seokjin said it was okay but didn’t give him an answer that Jungkook told himself to live with because really how dare he demand an answer?
“Jungkookah are you still working?” Hoseok asked him the next time they met when Seokjin had gone to look over a property he was interested in.
“Yes hyung. I can work remotely so I usually finish my projects in the morning.” Jungkook said before explaining his job to Hoseok, which was in an advertising firm.
“It’s smart to capitalize on your talent in the arts.” Hoseok said as Jungkook nodded saying, “I want the money but I don’t want to be stuck working extra hours. With this job it’s easy and I’m done early.”
“Finish early so that you can do what you really love? Which is travel and explore the world?” Hoseok asked as Jungkook hummed.
It’s what he did even before he broke up. He’d take off randomly, sometimes with his ex, sometimes by himself and travel to places he’d never been.
“It doesn’t matter how far I go though…this will always be home.” Jungkook said smiling at Seokjin who was walking back to the two. “Hmm…Jin hyung is your home?” Hoseok asked but there was a bite in the question that Jungkook picked up on. Turning to peer at Hoseok however Seokjin reached them by then saying, “Hoba this property is good. But it’ll need work so I’ll get back to you.”
Hoseok only shrugged his shoulders and said goodbye to the two before going to his next client since he was a realtor, also Seokjin’s realtor.
“Hyung, how many properties do you have now?” Jungkook asked as they walked to a corner cafe where Seokjin ordered them lunch.
“Seven for now. I want one more before I stop.” Seokjin said as Jungkook looked at him surprised.
“Stop? Why? Why will you do then?” He asked as Seokjin smiled at him. “I don’t know. Maybe I will travel like you or I will finally settle down and concentrate on growing a family.” Seokjin said as Jungkook pouted at him.
It made sense. Seokjin was at a point where he’d want to settle and really he didn’t need more properties but still this wasn’t the businessman Jungkook knew so he was concerned.
“Hyung you’re barely 30!” He said as Seokjin blushed saying, “I know but just because I can doesn’t mean I have to keep working!”
In Seokjin’s case that applied because Seokjin was an extremely smart and responsible businessman.
Seokjin’s parents had given him access to his inheritance early because of that. Something that Seokjin never made them regret because unlike others who’d likely spend it partying and traveling Seokjin began investing in properties.
Specifically in Jeju where he began renting out the properties as vacation homes. Sometimes renting them for weddings or for leisure trips.
Jeju being a tourism hub.
Soon one house became two became an apartment became a beach house became another house and so on and so forth.
Ending now with seven properties. Six rented out and one in which Seokjin lived.
A large spacious farmhouse only by name. A big house for one lone Seokjin.
“Why do you only want one more?” Jungkook asked that evening as both lay in the hammock on the patio looking at the stars.
“I want a home. Small cozy. It can be an apartment. But I want a backyard to grow flowers too. I don’t know. Something comfortable just for me and my partner. Maybe an animal or two? Maybe if I adopt kids they can have space too. Then I’ll rent this one too. So I’ll have my home and there’ll be seven homes on rent.” Seokjin said as Jungkook turned to look at his hyung.
How could he look so at peace? Did Jungkook have to love a quaint life too to feel this sort of peace?
“Will that make you happy?” Jungkook asked as he turned to look at Seokjin. Jostling the hammock in such a way that Seokjin too ended up being jostled closer.
“Happiness is subjective Jungkookie. Like right now if you were to ask me if I were happy though my ideal plan hasn’t been achieved I’d still tell you that yes, yes I am happy.” Seokjin said, making Jungkook ask, “Why?”
Seokjin smiled at him. Moving his hand to tuck Jungkook’s hair behind his ear as he said, “Because of you.”
“Hyung…”
“Hmm…”
“I…we…”
“We don’t have to overthink it…”
Blame the atmosphere. Blame the comfort between them. Blame the way Seokjin was looking at him. Blame the way Jungkook’s heart was beating.
Blame the universe. Blame the heavens. Blame the air. Blame the stars.
But don’t blame them.
Because neither would care as their lips met.
This shouldn’t be surprising to anyone. Maybe this is what Taehyung’s biggest fear had been. This was really long overdue but now as Seokjin learnt the plains of Jungkook’s lips and the glide of his tongue neither thought about anything else.
Jungkook held on tight as he felt Seokjin suckle on his bottom lip. Opening up for Seokjin and letting him consume him as Seokjin held him closer. Suckling on his tongue and drinking him in before pulling back and kissing all over his face as Jungkook blushes and moved his neck so that Seokjin could mark him even more.
There was no anxiety. There was no shame. There was no fear.
These were two adults who made a mutual decision and as Seokjin carried Jungkook bridal style to his bed they both knew no matter what neither were going to regret anything from this point on.