The car wasn't quiet but Yoongi couldn't hear anything. He could see the little beats shifting up and down on Jin's stereo. The GPS was probably sprouting directions to the airport, the little blue arrow directing and following the movements of Jin's driving. Jimin's mouth was moving but no sound was coming out. Hoseok's mouth was moving too, softly singing along, Yoongi guessed. He felt oddly distanced from himself and the situation. Hoseok was going home today. Maybe that was why.

Jin was driving them to the airport, Jimin passenger while Hoseok sat in the back with Yoongi. It was only the four of them. No one else wanted to go or, if they did, Jin forbade them.

Taehyung had stayed home to keep an eye on Jungkook who claimed to be feeling a bit sick. He looked fine to Yoongi but he knew better than to question it, especially after last night's anxiety attack.

Namjoon had offered to come but Jin had told him to watch the youngest two and make sure they didn't destroy the house in the hour he'd be gone. Namjoon had chuckled at that, disbelief written all over his face but he didn't protest. Just nodded and mumbled, 'okay Jinnie. Whatever you say.' (Jin had given him a sickening kiss that made Yoongi gag).

And there was Taemin. The moment he'd even opened his mouth, the older male had cut him off with a stern, 'no.' He had begged to come and say goodbye to Jimin but Jin had refused and claimed that Taemin was too much of a disturbance and ruckus out in public. Jungkook had snorted at that (the corners of Yoongi and Jin's mouths twitched) and Taemin ended up looking like a fish out of water with his opening and closing mouth. Not all of them would've fit anyway. Besides, he'd rather say goodbye to Hoseok without anyone else there.

After they'd decided who was going and who was staying, they said their goodbyes to Jimin and Hoseok.

Namjoon had hugged them both tightly and wished them a safe flight. The words 'please come back soon. You're both better than Yoongi over here' mumbled under his breath. Hoseok had smirked while Yoongi smacked Namjoon up the head.

Taemin had only hugged Jimin, whispering in his ear. The hug lasted longer than what was redeemed normal for friends but no one said anything. Yoongi wouldn't have said anything unless Hoseok had.

Taehyung had hugged Hoseok, sniffling dramatically, wailing, 'please come back soon! You can't leave me like this!' while clutching at the older male's shirt. The only reason he let go was because Jin threatened him with no food for a week. He'd shaken Jimin's hand with a huge, boxy grin and Jimin (for pretty much the first time the whole trip) had smiled back.

Jungkook was a little quieter and less dramatic. He'd shaken their hands, a tight grip and a small smile. That was all.

'Have a safe flight.' Was all he'd said before going back to Taehyung's arms.

Hoseok's hand was in his, resting in the middle seat. His thumb traced small, lazy circles on the back of Yoongi's hand. Neither of them spoke, too lost in their own worlds. At this moment, Yoongi had so much he wanted to say and ask and get off his chest before it choked and suffocated him. He'd already starting choking due to how long he'd let it build up.

Bubbling up in his throat, questions like why did you try to kiss me? Would you have kissed me if Jimin wasn't in the picture? What's your angle here, Seok? What's going to happen to us now?

Yet, Yoongi kept his mouth shut and just enjoyed his final moments with Hoseok. Making it sound like he's dying.

His attention left the window and bustling traffic and returned to what was happening inside the car.

He still couldn't hear anything but the minor ringing in his ears. Even from his position behind Jin, he could see the oldest male singing dramatically along to the lyrics, head moving from side to side and the occasional hand movements despite them driving. Jimin's mouth was open and Yoongi guessed he was laughing. His eyes fell on Hoseok, expecting him to be laughing but instead found him watching Yoongi. His lips were curled into a frown, eyebrows drawn together. Yoongi squeezes Hoseok's hand before turning to look back out the window.

'Yoongi. We're here.' Jin's voice breaks through the white noise barrier a few moments later. Jolting back into reality, he finds everyone staring at him with a variety of expressions. Jin's was of concern with a frown. Jimin was glaring at Yoongi (or more or less at Hoseok's hand in his, he guessed). Hoseok had the same expression from earlier, just more intense.

'Okay. Let's go then. Stop looking at me.' He snapped and proceeded to get out of the car. Everyone else followed suit and Jin was the last one out the car. While Yoongi and Hoseok stood on the pavement, Jimin and Jin grabbed the suitcases. Hoseok's fingers grazed his, not fully in his hold. The blinking lights signalling the doors being locked blinded Yoongi.

Once Jimin had handed Hoseok his suitcase, they set off for the doors to the airport, Jin and Jimin in the lead while the other two dawdled behind. The gravel crunched underneath their shoes while the suitcases rattled over the uneven ground, threatening to fall over.

'I can't believe I'm leaving today.' Hoseok mumbled, hand seeking out Yoongi's. You'd think that by now, he'd be used to Hoseok just grabbing his hand. Yet, he still got a shock and warmth still spread about his body.

'I wish you weren't.' Why can't you stay a little longer?

'Next time. I'll stay for more than a few days. I promise,' they kept their voices low. 'I had a lot of fun. More than I have in a while.'

A blush coloured Yoongi's cheeks and warmth washed through his body. 'So did I. I hope you come back soon, Seokseok.' Hoseok giggled and let out a small sigh.

'I'm never gonna get used to hearing you say that to me. It's so cute.' Like you. Yoongi bit his tongue to the point where he could taste blood.

Before either of them had noticed, they'd arrived at the doors leading to departure. Not many people were around, a few stragglers hugging friends and family, getting into cars before speeding off to their destination. Yoongi couldn't help but wonder how many were heading home or visiting. Jin and Jimin stood watching them, arms crossed.

'Hurry the fuck up!' Jimin shouted, tapping his foot. The urge to be a slowpoke deliberately washed over Yoongi but he refrained. Instead, just to spite Jimin, he took Hoseok's hand in his and started running. He couldn't help but feel a smidge smug when Jimin glared at their joined hands.

The four of them rushed through check-in. Well, as quickly as they could while there was a huge crowd at the metal detectors. The progress was slowed down however when Jimin's bag got beeped for having aerosol hidden in the pockets. The man working the conveyor belt had pulled Jimin over and searched him and his bag. The whole time, Hoseok kept his hand tightly in Yoongi's, only dropping it when he had to be checked.

Half an hour later, they were seated in the chairs in front of their correct terminal. Jin sat in the last chair, safe guarding the bags resting at his feet. Jimin had pissed off to the toilets and small shops scattered around. Hoseok was leaning against Yoongi, head resting on the older male's shoulder with his eyes closed. Yoongi swore he'd stopped breathing right then and there.

'Right. There's maybe an hour until you should be boarding. Do you need us to stay?' Jin asked as Jimin returned with snacks, headphones and a bag in hand. Upon seeing his boyfriend leaning on someone else that wasn't him, he raised an eyebrow. Hoseok didn't move, just titled the corners of his lips into a smug smile which pissed Jimin off.

'Well, you're welcomed to stay and see us leave but it's not necessary.' Jimin mumbled, shifting the bags so that they were now hidden behind Hoseok's feet. Jin's eyes bore into Yoongi and suddenly the younger male found it hard to breathe properly.

Words slow and careful, Jin answered Jimin. 'Well, if you're all set and don't need us here, we'll go.' He offered his hand to Yoongi, a raised eyebrow. I don't want to go. Can I stay and see them off? Yet, Yoongi knew arguing with Jin would be pointless. He'd already decided for them that they'd be leaving. Hands shaking, Yoongi grabbed Jin's hand and let himself be pulled to his feet. Hoseok's head slid off his shoulder, a small whine leaving his lips. Yoongi swayed on his feet, trying to find his footing before he turned to look at Hoseok. I fucking hate everything.

'Can I at least get one more hug before we both go?' Hoseok's voice was soft and quiet and Yoongi felt his heart drop. Tears welled in the corners of his eyes, threatening to spill.

'Okay.' His voice cracked and Yoongi had no care left in him to feel embarrassed. Hoseok jumped to his feet, pulling the older male into a tight hug, squeezing the life out of him. Do you have to go? Please stay for a little while longer. It's not long enough.

'I'm gonna miss you, Seokseok.'

'You're acting like you're never gonna see me again.' Yoongi could feel the younger male's laugh vibrate through him, causing him to smile in turn.

'Well, I won't see you for a while. Same difference, right?' Yoongi mumbled out as they broke apart, his hand lingering around Hoseok's waist.

'Alright Yoongi. Let's go. I have a class in half an hour and you have a shift. Plus I left Two Taes at home and I'm scared,' Jin glanced at his watch and shook his head. 'It's like having two unofficial children.' Jin tapped the face watch and Yoongi sighed, removing his hands completely from Hoseok.

'Thanks for having us, Jin. Saved us a lot of money and we didn't get lost. And I had a load of fun hanging with you guys. We'll come back soon.' Jimin grinned at Jin, pulling him into a quick hug. Shock spread out through Yoongi at Jimin's words. This Jimin, the same guy who scowled at me and made me feel uncomfortable in my own home, who always looked bored, had fun? What fucking bullshit.

'Thanks for coming Jimin and Hoseok. Hope you guys come back soon. Have a safe flight.' Jin hugged Hoseok quickly before retreating away. Jimin sat back down and Yoongi didn't move for a few seconds, just stared at Hoseok, trying to take in as much detail as possible before he'd be reduced to seeing his face through a small screen. Hoseok was watching him as well, scanning his face, committing small details to memory.

After a few moments passed, Jin must've realised the younger male wasn't following as a loud 'Yoongi!' echoed through the airport. Oh right.

'Please text me when you land so I know you're safe.' Yoongi pleaded and Hoseok nodded, smiling softly. Before Yoongi knew it, Hoseok's arms were around his shoulders again (and a small, delusional part of him swears that Hoseok's hand is on his ass) before they're parting again and he's being pushed in Jin's direction.

'I will. Now go before you get your ass kicked' lowering his voice, Hoseok added, 'read it when you get home.' Confusion swirled through him as Hoseok's words settled in his brain. Read what when I get home? Yoongi shook his head before following Jin out of the airport, legs feeling like wooden pegs and heart heavy.

After Jin paid the exit fee, they searched the parking lot for their car, unsure as to where Jin had parked it. Eventually, they'd located it and climbed in.

Jin kept the music at a low, singing along under his breath. Yoongi on the other hand, stared out the window, tears threatening to build.

'Please don't cry on me. I know it's sad but if you start crying I'm leaving your sad ass on the sidewalk.' Jin mumbled. An ugly snort left Yoongi's mouth.

'I don't plan to.' He replied.

***

He'd ended up late to work.

In his defence, he'd sort of completely forgotten about his shift today thanks to the departing of Hoseok. So when Mina messaged him an angry 'where the fuck are you??? Boss is PISSED' he'd jolted in remembrance and ran around his apartment, rushing to get ready. Taehyung had told him it was good entertainment.

So he ended up walking through the door, still fixing his wet hair into a somewhat presentable look, only to be shocked to see Mina at the cash register and a shit ton of people. Oh right, cheap Tuesday. Fuck.

'Hey Yoongi! Go speak to Jjong. He's a bit,' Mina made a sign with her hands and squinted eyes. 'Just a little bit mad at you.' With a sigh, Yoongi walked into the back room, head down and embarrassment flushed on his cheeks.

He knocked on Jonghyun's door four times and waited for the okay. When Jonghyun's loud 'come in' could be heard throughout the whole entire shop, Yoongi pushed on the door, bracing himself for the wrath.

Yet, his boss was sitting in his chair, grinning at him. A weird, unsettled feeling washed over Yoongi, leaving him cold.

'Hello, Jonghyun.' He mumbled, resisting the urge to fiddle as he sat down across from his boss.

'Hey, Yoongi. Nice to finally see that you showed up for work.' Jonghyun's tone was hard and emotionless and he turned his full attention to Yoongi. His smile never left his face.

'I'm so sorry. I'd forgotten about work and I was dropping my friend off at the airport and-' Jonghyun waved his hand, cutting him off just in time. Eyes wide, Yoongi realised what he said. Shit.

'What do you mean you were dropping someone off?' Jonghyun asked, eyebrows raised and the younger male felt small in his seat. No point in trying to salivate this lie. May as well come clean.

'I... One of my friend's had come down to visit for a few days and today was his last day.' Yoongi stumbled over his words, stuttering. He cursed himself for being like this. Yet, Jin's taunting voice returned, mocking him. You shouldn't have lied about everything.

But it's not like he knows about the imaginary wedding.

Now Jonghyun's eyebrows were turned in confusion. 'You told me this week was off for wedding preparations,' he stared at Yoongi's neck. 'Where's you ring?'

'Um,' may as well come clean. 'I have a confession to make and I accept every consequence you think I'm fit.' Yoongi whispered and Jonghyun raised a singular eyebrow.

'Continue then.'

Taking a deep breath, Yoongi spilled everything. 'I don't actually have a ring and I'm not marrying anyone. My roommate, Jungkook was graduating high school and we needed to get stuff for his graduation and I knew you wouldn't let me go shopping to get his tuxedo. So I made up a lie about me getting married and Jin was my cover up, his mum's ring was the wedding ring.' He paused, waiting to see his boss' reaction. When Jonghyun didn't move, Yoongi continued.

'Which I guess leads on to this week. One of my friends who I hadn't seen in four years due to our busy schedules,' a little white lie that Jong doesn't need to fully know. 'had cleared his to come and see me. I know I probably should've just straight up asked for a few days off just to see him but I wasn't entirely sure how and the wedding lie was already there. I didn't mean to lie to you, Jonghyun. I'm so sorry.' Yoongi's voice cracked a little. Jonghyun just stared at him.

'Wow. Let me process this.' He said before slipping into silence. The tension between them was thick, choking the younger male.

After about five minutes, Jonghyun spoke up again. 'I want to fire you for lying to me. Under no circumstances should you lie to your boss. But on the other hand, I can sort of see your reasoning for making up bullshit. So what I'm gonna do is make you work the cash register with Mina and Minho until I can fully come up with a punishment,' Jonghyun was still an emotional robot, the only hint of emotion was the hard glint behind his eyes. 'Please leave immediately.'

'Thank you so much.' Yoongi stood up, the threat to smile in relief pushing at him. Jonghyun waved his hand.

'Don't thank me yet. I could still fire you.' Yoongi prayed he wasn't going to. With a final nod, Yoongi left the office, closing the door tightly behind him and walked out to where Mina was handling customers. She had the biggest, warmest, most friendly smile on her face and her tone dripped like honey every time she spoke. She was busy ringing up a customer and didn't notice Yoongi's approach.

So instead of bugging her, he tapped Minho (at least that's what Yoongi thought his name was) on the shoulder. Minho turned around in shock, his mouth forming an 'o' when he realised.

'Oh hi, Yoongi. Finally showed up?' he asked, going to switch the next register on.

'Funny. Now, which am I doing?' Yoongi asked, following the older male around like a lost puppy. Minho chuckled.

'Next to me. Sorry. Can't be with Mina. Do you remember how these work?' He

asked while logging into the register. Yoongi shook his head. He'd only used these once, during his trainee days. Once Jonghyun had realised he was faster in the kitchen, he switched his rolls and forced him out the back. Yoongi didn't really complain since he hated dealing with the customers and phones.

'I vaguely remember. But please go through the basics again.' With a sigh followed by a roll of his eyes, Minho briefly explained everything, showing the younger male the ropes. After making sure Yoongi was 100% sure he knew what he was doing, Minho left him to his own devices and went back to his own register. Mina eventually noticed that Yoongi had clocked in properly and shot him another smile.

***

His shift was nearing the four hour mark and Yoongi was starting to feel tired. Thankfully, he was currently sitting outside with Mina. Plus he got off in another two hours. I just have to make it through these last few hours. It was a constant mantra swirling around his head, dragging on time slower. Every time he glanced at the clock hanging above the door, he'd groan internally once he'd realised only five minutes had passed since the last time he'd glanced at it.

Minho had finished his shift an hour ago and was replaced by another employee. As much as Yoongi hated to admit it, Minho was good company. He didn't speak much, more focused on the task at hand than anything but he was funny. Plus his laugh caused the corners of Yoongi's lips to curl up like folded paper.

Once Minho had clocked out, a girl replaced him and she kept up (or attempted) conversation with Yoongi which the older male just hummed in response and tried not to fuck up any more orders.

He's messed up two pizza deliveries by typing in the wrong details and when he read it back to the couple, they'd corrected him. After apologising repeatedly, he'd fixed it up with his cheeks painted an apple red. Mina had laughed and teased him about it.

Yoongi's mind had been on Hoseok the whole time. He wasn't worried perse but he was definitely concerned as to why he hadn't texted him. Was he okay? Did the plane crash? To stop his thoughts from straying into that dark lane, he'd busied himself with focusing on the customers until his break. Once his break had begun, he suck outside quickly and sent Hoseok a text saying: Hey Seokseok. Idk if your plane's landed yet but message me if it has.

'So, where's your friend? Wasn't he meant to leave today?' Mina asked, kicking stray rocks at her feet. Yoongi nodded, pang in his chest.

'Yeah. Seokseok left today,' he left out a loud sigh, dragging his hands through his tousled hair. 'I miss him and he's only been gone for a few hours.'

Mina nodded. 'How long have you guys been friends for?'

'Four years. We started talking my last year or high school or something. Too long ago. But this week was the first time we met.' Yoongi could feel small bouts of nostalgia and sadness bursting inside of him. Mina let out a loud whistle.

'That's a long time man.' Yoongi just hummed in agreement, letting a silence fall over them. Five minutes later, the backdoor opened and the girl from the cashier stuck her head out, an uncertain gaze on her soft features.

'Two guys are here looking for a Min Yoongi?' She asked. Yoongi frowned. Could only be Taehyung and Jungkook.

'Be inside in a minute, Yebin.' Mina spoke up and the girl disappeared back inside.

The two of them stood up, Yoongi asking, 'You know their names?' Mina shrugged.

'She's a newbie. Very soft spoken and quiet. Good worker though.' The two of them entered the shop again. They made their way to their stations in the front room.

Yoongi's eyes widened in surprise when he saw Two Taes standing in the door, looking around. Taemin's eyes met Yoongi's and he smacked Taehyung who grumbled in response.

'Why are you two here?' Yoongi's words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. The neighbouring employees shot him ugly looks.

'That's no way to talk to a friend.' Taemin said, waltzing up to the counter. Taehyung followed suit, texting on his phone.

'Sorry, let me start again,' Yoongi cleared his throat, put on a fake smile and with a voice as smooth as honey said, 'hi! Welcome to Pizza Palace. What can I order you today?'

'Cut it out, fuckweed,' Taemin rolled his eyes before turning to Taehyung. 'What is it he wants?' Who?

'Just a normal Hawaiian pizza.' The younger male answered, giggling at his phone. Jungkook then.

'Is that all?' Yoongi asked, typing the pizza into the register.

'No. Add garlic bread and a family sized pepperoni for us.' Taehyung locked his phone and turned his full attention to the cashier.

'Anything else today?'

'That'll be all.' Taemin reached into his pocket, fishing out a $50 and handing it to Yoongi. 'I don't care how much it is. Keep the damn change.' Cool.

Ringing up their order, Yoongi hesitated before asking, 'Have you guys heard from Jimin or Seokseok?' Two Taes froze, genuinely surprised by the older male's question. It was so odd for Yoongi to ask about Jimin, especially since the older male despised Jimin with his whole being.

'Um yeah. Why?' Taehyung's eyebrows had furrowed. Yoongi's heart dropped to his stomach, a sinking feeling setting in and the worst possibilities swimming around his head.

'Well, Seok hasn't gotten back to me yet.' He whispered, ignoring Mina as she tuned in, eyebrows raised. Two Taes shared glances.

'Are you sure?' Taehyung was quiet. Yoongi did a quick scan of the shop before pulling his phone out, immediately going to Hoseok's message tab. Sure enough, not a single reply from him but a blaring 'read' with the exact time Yoongi had sent the message. He'd read it the moment I'd sent it yet he didn't reply?

He couldn't stop staring at it. 'No. He hadn't replied. Maybe he's just busy or something.' I asked him to send me a message when he'd landed. Why hadn't he? Mina was reading the message over his shoulder and honestly, Yoongi didn't care. Not when his best friend hadn't completed his promise and messaged him. Why was this upsetting him more than it should?

'Hopefully that's all it is.' Mina offered, trying to help lighten Yoongi's worries. Yet, he knew it was something else. What's going on? Does he hate me? Yoongi's head swirled, making him feel dizzy.

'Maybe.' To clear his head, Yoongi shook himself and tucked his phone away, plastering a fake smile on his face.

'Your pizza will be ready in about twenty minutes.' He ignored Taehyung's pointed look, the way the boy could read him like an open book and printed the order. He stuck it to the board for the bakers to see. Two Taes shared looks again before taking their seats.

Yoongi just stared at the numbers swirling on his monitor, the 'read' still blaring in his mind.