"The cherry blossoms are beautiful this time of year aren't they?" Asks a pretty boy who stands at the head of the table. His hair matches the color of the light pink blossoms and goes well with the fiery sunset behind him. Taehyung learned that this house has a perfect view of the ocean. The house itself sits atop a cliff but Jimin told him that there is a small path leading to the ocean.

Taehyung finds it slightly odd that the entire establishment eats outside all the time but the air is warm so he doesn't complain. He is currently situated between Jimin who is on his left, and Jungkook who sits on his right. A raven haired boy sits directly across from him and J-hope sits next to the unfamiliar face.

"It is pretty, Jin," says a deep voice from the other head of the table. Taehyung finds a larger boy sitting across from Jin. He is large in the sense of muscles and aura, he exudes a sense of dominance that the other boys don't. He has darker gray hair and broad shoulder with large lips and high cheekbones.

Mountains of food lay on pretty pastel plates. The dishes range from various noodles to pork to fruits. Each of their glasses are filled with a sparkling crimson sheer drink and Taehyung can feel his mouth watering in anticipation.

"Everything looks so good," he compliments Jin with his eyes still fixed firmly on the food in front of him.

"Haha it's a special occasion so I thought I'd go all out," he explains but Taehyung can hear the slight appreciation for the compliment in his voice.

"Yes, everyone this is Kim Taehyung," the large boy from the head of the table announces and all the others clap and smile warmly at the blond.

"I'm Namjoon," he introduces himself with an approving smile in the direction of Taehyung.

"I'm Min Yoongi but I would prefer if you would call me Suga," says the black haired boy across from Taehyung. The blond nods and Suga looks back at the food.

"I think I know everyone now," Taehyung says almost to himself and Jin laughs warmly.

"Good, I hope you'll enjoy your stay here as much as we do. Now let's eat boys," Jin says and the other boys quickly pile food on their plates without preamble. Jimin grabs Taehyung's purple plate and begins placing a large pile of noodles on his plate. Taehyung attempts to reach for his plate but Jungkook holds down his arm.

"Just let him get your food, you don't know which dishes are meant for you," Jungkook explains but this just makes Taehyung more confused.

"Meant for me?" He asks with his brow raised.

"Yes, Jin cooks food for each of us, containing things we need. Your plates will all be purple and Jin will make things he think will help your health. Today you got some pork which means you need protein, a small salad and a large helping of Chap Chee noodles which have large portions of meat and vegetables," Jungkook explains, pointing to each of the foods on his plate.

Taehyung nods and takes his dish from Jimin's hands, wondering why Jin would care this much.

He looks over at Jimin's plate which is similar to his own but contains a large portions of berries, a larger salad and no pork. Jungkook's plate has the same things as Taehyung's with the exception of a small dish of yogurt.

"How did Jin know what I needed before I even got here," Taehyung asks suspiciously and he can hear Jin's jovial laugh from the head of the table.

"I get pictures and medical information of all of you before you get here so I can help you out," Jin tells him with a smile. "I knew that you were skinny so I gave you larger portions of protein and carbs than I would give Suga for example," he finishes and Suga snorts.

"Are you calling me fat?" He grumles under his breath and Jin shakes his head, not bothering to reassure the grumpy boy.

"Well everything is delicious," Taehyung says around a rather large mouth full of the noodles.

"Yes I agree, you've done well tonight," Namjoon says with admiration, an emotion hidden under his tone that Taehyung can't quite pinpoint. Jin swallows under Namjoon's gaze. Taehyung watches as Namjoon nods his head once in Jin's direction, causing the pink haired boy to blush furiously.

Jimin lays a hand on Taehyung's thigh and puts his soft lips to the blond's ear.

"Don't stare too much, Namjoon doesn't like it," he tells Taehyung, letting his tongue run along the blond's ear before he pulls away. Taehyung shivers and tries to steady his breathing. He looks at his food and decides that he wants to delve into his salad next.

"So what do you guys want to do tonight?" Jungkook asks the other two boys on his side of the table. Taehyung shrugs and Jimin shoves a strawberry into his mouth before answering.

"Probably gonna practice more," he answers simply and Jungkook rolls his eyes.

"You're so boring," he mutters and turns to sulk.

"I don't think it's boring, it's good that you want to get better," Taehyung reassures the silver haired boy with a friendly smile. Jimin looks surprised at this statement but soon his lips curl into a smile similar to Taehyung's.

"I want someone to swing with me," whines Jungkook from Taehyung's other side. Taehyung laughs as he pops a piece of pork into his mouth.

"I just swung with you before dinner," Taehyung chuckles and he can see Jimin stilling beside him.

"You did what?" Jimin chokes out, making Taehyung look over at him. The older boy's head is bowed and his fists are clenched.

"Jungkook," he says lowly and the brunette peeps his head around Taehyung.

"What?" He asks, his voice dripping innocence and confusion.

"You said you wouldn't do that with him," he growls and Jungkook laughs.

"I didn't, it was just swinging," he soothes, turning back towards his food. Taehyung glances between them with confusion furrowing his brow.

"What?" He asks, trying to make sense of what 'swinging' means.

"Nothing, eat your food," Jimin orders the blond, patting his thigh before turning back to his own food. Taehyung reluctantly turns back to his own food, picking up another helping of salad.

He looks across the table to find Suga and J-hope engaged in a heated debate and Namjoon and Jin are both eating in silence. Taehyung is surprised to see that loneliness hasn't found his way into his head yet. He feels like he's a part of a family that all loves doing what he loves. Friendships blur together to form mutual respect for what they love to do and Taehyung finds himself admiring these qualities. He continues shoveling food in his mouth, his eyes fixed firmly on J-hope and Suga. He likes the way they interact, the way they insult each other but still check if the other is ok. It's charming really and Taehyung feels as though he's drawn towards it. The idea of such spirited subjects makes him itch for a paintbrush but he doesn't move his hand.

"Taehyung and Jungkook, can you two do dishes tonight?" Namjoon asks all though it's more like an order. Taehyung finds himself nodding instantly and Jungkook mumbles 'yes' under his breath. An unspoken agreement passes around the table and both Jin and Namjoon stand up before walking to the door leading inside. This leaves the other boys to themselves. The rest of them eat the remaining food  in silence and eventually Jungkook grabs Taehyung's hand and leads him inside the house.

"Behave Jungkook," Taehyung hears a voice that belongs to J-hope warn the brunette.

"Of course," Jungkook says back with a devilish glint in his large brown eyes.

The pair walks to the kitchen in silence, save for the sound of their footsteps ringing on the marble floors.

"Why did Namjoon and Jin leave dinner so early?" Taehyung asks once they enter the kitchen. Jungkook walks over to the sink to fill it up with soap before he answer.

"What do you think they're doing?" Jungkook asks, artfully avoiding giving the blond an answer.

"If I knew I wouldn't have asked," Taehyung grins over at the brunette who grins back.

"Let's have a race Taehyung," Jungkook suggests with a chiming laugh and a twinkle in his eyes.

"To wash the dishes?" Taehyung clarifies and Jungkook nods.

"What will the prize be?" The taller boy asks, almost afraid to hear the response.

"If I win, you'll come swing with me at my time of choosing," he stipulates.

"And if I win?" Taehyung asks with a confident grin.

"Then you can come swing with me," Jungkook suggests proudly and Taehyung rolls his eyes.

"That's what YOU want," he points out to Jungkook who pouts unhappily.

"If I win I want you and Jimin to take me to the beach tomorrow," Taehyung finally decides on the location because a beach with always make a good painting. He did come here to learn after all so why not go to the beach?

"Deal," Jungkook agrees and they shake on their plan.

Soon the other boys bring in the plates and set them down on the counter. Suga and J-hope both exit the kitchen leaving only Jimin behind. He leans a hip on the white marble counter and looks intently at the two younger boys.

"Ready?" Taehyung asks and Jungkook nods, thus beginning their race.

Taehyung swiftly grabs a purple plate, followed by a light blue bowl and then a crystal glass. He begins scrubbing the pretty pieces while Jungkook takes his load. They work swiftly and silently, fighting twice over the faucet.

"So what are the prizes?" Jimin asks and the other two look up immediately as though they forgot he was here.

"If I win, you and Jungkook are coming to the beach with me tomorrow," Taehyung announces as he turns back to a spoon that he is busy washing.

"And if you win Jungkook?"

"He gets to come swinging with me again at a time of my choosing!! Isn't that exciting? You never pay me any attention hyung," Jungkook whines and Taehyung smiles slightly.

"Jungkook, you know our deal," Jimin says lowly, a hint of warning under his smooth tone.

"What deal?" Taehyung asks, oblivious to what they're talking about. Jimin looks over at the blond with a soft smile.

"You don't need to worry about i-"

"I can't go swinging with you until you and Jimin...spend more time together," Jungkook interrupts with a slight pause that would be undetected if he was talking to another person.

"Why?" He inquires, still confused.

"Because our roommates were chosen based on our artistic strengths and the teacher wants us to focus on our roommate first before we move on to other styles," Jimin explains, coming to stand between Jungkook and Taehyung. Taehyung drops his plate and turns to the shorter boy.

"Teacher?" He asks, momentarily forgetting that he is studying in an art school.

"Yes, they come to visit every Friday to check our work," Jimin responds, grabbing a small bowl from Taehyung's pile. He lathers it quickly and rinses before taking another bowl.

Taehyung feels a slight tug of anxiety because it's already Wednesday and he hasn't started painting yet. He suddenly feels the urge to drop all his dishes and run up to his canvases but he keeps his feet firmly planted.

"Don't worry, I'm sure they'll be impressed with you," Jimin soothes the blond as he picks up a fork and begins washing it.

"That's cheating," Jungkook points out without sparing the silver haired boy a second look.

"You never stipulated that it was only you two competing," Jimin argues but drops his plate with a sigh.

"Well it is." Jungkook says crossly. "And Taehyung, you wouldn't be here if they didn't think you had some artistic ability," he tells the blond and offers him a reassuring smile. Taehyung smiles back, feeling much better after the encouragement of these two boys. Jungkook has a point, I wouldn't be here if I don't deserve to be here Taehyung thinks to himself as he reaches for another plate, only to find his pile gone. He looks down and sure enough, his dishes are all washed.

"I win," Taehyung says triumphantly and Jungkook frowns.

"Yes it would seem so," he replies sadly, casting a glance to Taehyung's nonexistent pile.

Taehyung dries his hands while Jungkook finishes his last two dishes. Jimin ruffles Taehyung's hair with an approving smile.

"Can't wait for tomorrow," he whispers with a cute smile revealing those endearing, crooked teeth.

"It will be fun," Taehyung agrees and walks past Jimin, letting his arm brush the shorter boy's shoulder.

"I'm going to go paint," Taehyung tells them and leaves the kitchen.

Jimin and Jungkook both stare at the boy as he walks away.

"I will have him," Jungkook warns as he dries his hands. Jimin turns and glares at him through narrowed eyes.

"Sure about that? I'll make him never want to think about another boy," he growls and the brunette flashes a cocky grin.

"I'm sure," he mocks and leaves the kitchen.

Jimin follows him as he walks up the stairs and to his room. Jungkook pushes his door open and turns to face Jimin once they are both inside.

"What are you doing?" Jungkook asks suspiciously as Jimin takes another step forward. Jungkook backs up and much to his surprise, Jimin walks past him and to the swing where he sits down.

"I'm giving you what you want," Jimin responds in a husky voice. Jungkook feels understanding find its way into his mind. He walks slowly over to Jimin, unbuttoning his shirt with every step.

"And what do I want Jiminie?" Jungkook asks innocently once he stands directly in front of jimin.

"You want me to swing with you," Jimin answers smoothly, his eyes fixed firmly on the brunettes zipper that is directly in front of his face.

"You're so smart Jiminie," Jungkook praises, taking one final step towards the shorter boy. He lets his shirt fall to the ground before he grabs Jimin's chin. Jimin looks into his eyes and Jungkook sucks in a breath. Without another thought Jimin tugs Jungkook's belt loops and pulls him onto his lap. Jimin connects his lips the brunette's neck and leaves an angry red mark. He runs his tongue over the area and makes his way up to the younger's jaw. Jungkook rubs his crotch against Jimin's and smiles when he feels the other boy gasp against his neck. Soon Jimin unzips the younger boy's pants and pushes his hand inside, feeling the younger boy grow hard against his touch.

"I'm going to fuck you now is that ok?" Jimin asks breathlessly, knowing that if the younger boy didn't agree he would have his way regardless. His hand may be in Jungkook's pants but his mind still lingers on the small blond boy he met today. If this will make Jungkook leave Taehyung alone, Jimin understands what he needs to do.

"Please," Jungkook gasps and rocks his hips against the older boy's hand, feeling the familiar sense of euphoria as the swing begins to move.

**********

Taehyung is busy painting when Jimin returns to their room. He has been alone for hours and he doesn't understand why Jimin didn't come to practice like he said he would.

"What have you been up to?" Taehyung asks lightly as the silver haired boy jumps on the bed, letting out a sigh.

"A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Nothing of consequence," he says noncommittally. Taehyung leaves the other boy alone, accepting that it's none of his business to know what; or who Jimin has been doing.

"Oh...okay," Taehyung says awkwardly returning his eyes to the elaborate rose he's been painting. At the center of the rose is a small cherub, clothed in a pastel pink loincloth with chubby, rosy cheeks and bright blue eyes. Taehyung prefers this little angel to the terrifying demon flying in the painting above his head.

"The angels will always watch over you baby," a kind smile greets the boy's eyes.

It's cold now, snow continues falling outside and Taehyung is carefully sheltered against his mother's chest. Christmas Eve is upon them.

"Forever?" He asks, his child mind unable to fully comprehend his mother's statement. She smiles and ruffles his hair, hugging him closer to her chest. Taehyung was so innocent then, so pure and so happy. He was so oblivious of the darkness that would soon enter his life, the darkness that could destroy the feeling of  warmth and of security.

"Forever baby, there will always be an angel in your life. It may not always be me," she says calmly and Taehyung shakes his head.

"Always you mommy," he insists and she smiles sadly down at him.

"Always me," she agrees with some degree of hesitation. Taehyung smiles and closes his eyes, enjoying the feeling of his mother's warmth against his cheek.

"Merry Christmas Taehyung," his mother whispers.

Taehyung feels a tear roll down his cheeks and onto his canvas. He tries to catch the next drop on his finger but it too, falls onto the canvas with an almost audible 'plop'. Taehyung has revisited this memory many times but he feels it tug at his heart more today. Maybe it's being in a new place or maybe it's that feeling of loneliness he thought he didn't have but he can't stop the tears from falling. He tries not blinking to keep the tears welled up in his pretty brown eyes but they keep falling and falling, down the slope of his cheeks, over his parted lips and onto his canvas. The red paints blur together and Taehyung takes a step back from his art, disgusted with himself.

"Taehyung, are you ok?" Jimin asks from his place on the bed and Taehyung is reminded that the silver haired boy is still here.

"Ye-yes I'm fine," he answers but his voice breaks on 'fine'. He can hear Jimin's footsteps coming closer to him but he doesn't turn around.

"You're not fine," Jimin states and Taehyung can feel his breath on the back of his neck. The blond makes one more attempt to hide his tears before he turns to face the shorter boy. Jimin's eyes waste no time in finding the tears tucked safely in the blond's eyes.

"Why are you crying Taehyung?" he asks the taller boy and Taehyung gives a half-hearted smile.

"I'm just allergic to um.....some pollen in the air," the blond says but Jimin doesn't believe a word that he says.

"I know you're sad and I also know that you probably don't feel like telling me about it just yet but let me help you," Jimin says and Taehyung nods reluctantly. 

"Come to bed," the shorter boy orders with a soft smile.

He pulls Taehyung's  hands and the blond falls into the soft bed with a sigh. Jimin rolls him over so that he lays on his back and he gently smoothes the blond hair off of his forehead. Taehyung closes his eyes that are red from tears. Much to his surprise, he feels the bed shift as Jimin climbs off. He opens one eye to see Jimin slowly walking towards a violin. The silver haired boy picks it up carefully, treating the wooden instrument as though it was made of glass. He smiles at Taehyung as he makes his way back to the bed. He picks up the bow and positions the violin under his chin before he starts playing.

Jimin closes his eyes and lets his fingers move expertly over the four strings. A beautiful melody waltzes across the room and Taehyung can't help but smile. It goes like this for hours. Jimin pulls masterpiece out of masterpiece from deep within his mind and Taehyung watches with fascination. Words are rarely exchanged but they find words of little necessity. Jimin finally puts his violin down when Taehyung falls asleep, a faint smile still gracing his lips.