* for my non-US readers or anyone less familiar with gender non-confirming pronouns, the character Ajax uses they/them pronouns in this chapter! They/them can be used to refer to a gender non-conforming individual, and so in this case will be referring to the one person and not a group in the scene.

Jeon Jungkook feels insane. Surreal doesn't even begin to cover the emotion digging nails into his lungs as he stands in front of Rise's doors in the morning light. Itaewon always looked like a movie set to him during the day; the lights somehow drowned out the night time mystique, the sun draining the life out of the usual color splattered doors and alcohol filled streets. With no music, no stumbling people, no laughing friends, or bouncers advertising their clubs, the clubbing district sat frozen. The promise of a lively world gripped the empty street, but without the moon to act as a director, Jungkook felt nothing but a light stir of anxiety in his chest.

He rubbed his forearm, the nail of his thumb slightly digging into the tattoos that sprawled under the base of his black t-shirt sleeve. He had a general pair of black jeans on that tucked into heavy boots, ones he often stumbled in due to their size but felt more and more confident wearing out. With a last tug of his lip ring, Jungkook pulled out his phone and called Ajax - the Rise DJ who had most taken him under their wing.

"Hey superstar." The DJ said after a jangle of keys sounded from the other side of the door. Their face a quiet painting of piercings and smeared eyeliner, hair cut ragged but fashionable, and their clothes a mix of dark and bright colors that clashed against their pale skin. "Never thought I'd hear your voice featured on one of my remixes. The club can't get enough of your song."

Jungkook blushed, scratching the back of his neck. He's committed to giving music a chance after working on Standing Next To You, the song Yoongi gifted him six months ago. It took them three months to perfect it, mostly because Jungkook kept getting distracted with new ideas or trying different takes for the song's direction or possible backtracks, and only recently released it. He felt like a puppy inside Yoongi's studio, living in the booth most days as they worked on a debut album.

His favorite days were those where he coaxed Jimin to come with him and supply some of his vocals as an overlay. It was worth begging Jimin to come to the studio every now and then to watch him blush from Jungkook's praises. Jimin would grow shy, something he rarely expressed now that he was climbing the opera house ranks. But something about the way he would flush listening to his ethereal voice play back, pushing on Jungkook's chest, looking anywhere but at him after gifting his talent, only for Jungkook to turn his chin and kiss him, made Jungkook feel indescribable.

Jimin was a dancer at his core, something his adorable boyfriend would remind him each time he caught the wide eyed look in Jungkook's eyes whenever he emerged out of the recording booth. Maybe it was a kinder thing to the art world that Jimin hadn't pursued music as well - he would dominate the charts otherwise. Jungkook wished he could see it, the industry on its knees for Jimin's unique vocal tone, but having him play around in the studio for Jungkook's music was enough. A private gift of Jimin's talent from his boyfriend to Jungkook.

It meant something that they shared such passion for music. Jimin through danced; Jungkook now through singing.

Standing Next To You had come out about three weeks ago, the song released as a single to test public perception to Jungkook's debut. Apparently, South Korea was craving a new pop soloist, because the song blew up beyond anything Jungkook could have imagined. Yoongi though expressed no such surprise. He bought Jungkook a beer after the song managed a billboard debut, squeezing his shoulder as if to say this is just the start, Jungkook. Get used to it.

Maybe it was. Maybe it wasn't. Maybe the public interest was a fluke and his fifteen minutes would be up before he knew it, but Jungkook was surprised to find he didn't exactly care. He felt fulfilled behind that booth, living inside the scores of music and interpreting lyrics and collaborating with his friends. Months had passed since he'd officially quit Rise, but Ajax had texted that they were adding a his song to their mix and wanted him to sign something the club could hang for when he "blew up."

Initially he thought about refusing, but Jimin had caught the text, snooping over his shoulder as they cuddled on the bed watching the latest season of Love Island in their new apartment, and suggested he go. It became a ritual of sorts between them that no matter how long Jungkook spent in the studio or Jimin at his rehearsals, they found one night each week to cuddle and watch a show. Jimin always ended up laying on Jungkook's chest while Jungkook drew stripes up and down Jimin's back until he fell asleep.

They bought each other flowers often, too, especially on nights either worked late or whichever morning one woke up before the other. They moved in after their relationship hit four months; Jimin already sleeping most nights in Jungkook's old apartment and Jungkook craving a new space untouched by the past he was glad to leave behind. The ghost of someone so lost. It was validating to be reminded how far he had come from the person he had been a year ago, but it was also time to embrace who he was now. The conversation of living together came with ease. Their new apartment was close to both Yoongi's studio and the opera house, and they had two bedrooms in case one of them ever needed space.

The apartment was a perfect blend of the couple, cozy and soft but chaotically scattered, and broken in by their friends too. The whole group had started to center themselves in it over the months. Most of the time meeting in their living room for movies or wine nights or games. Jimin flourished as the months passed since talking with Taemin, too. Jungkook wouldn't dare to attest any of it to their relationship, but maybe there was something to finally being with someone whose love grounds you instead of causing you to float that can set someone free. It was like a new chapter started for them both. (A set me free pt 2, if you will).

The first month Jimin started at the opera was intensive for the dancer, and so Jungkook took time off from working on music to prep meals for his boyfriend to take with him or eat when he got home in case Busan memories flared and he couldn't cook for himself. Jungkook also made sure to incorporate time for them when Jimin's rehearsal schedule all but cut anything outside of dance from Jimin's life through sending Jimin voice memos he could listen to during his breaks and taking him out of the studio for coffee or buying him fancy shower gels to massage into his skin when he got home.

Showering became an essential pastime for the couple during that month, Jimin leaning his head against the wall while Jungkook took care of his body and muscles before drying him off with a fluffy towel. Jimin's schedule hadn't laxed with time, especially not this week with the opening performance of Black Swan being tonight, but once Jimin adjusted to the healthy rigor - he transformed.

Instead of breaking him down, Jimin seemed rebuilt. He came home now with energy, throwing himself onto Jungkook and forcing little makeshift dates out of puzzles or video games or quality yaps. Jimin's muscle were toned from returning to dance, but more than that, his smiles were more full, he carried himself with purpose and delight, and he was too relaxed to entertain any self doubt or self depreciation Busan had instilled in him. Seoul Opera House was fulfilling, the choreographers all sane, and the dancers a true community. The two of them hadn't yet returned to Busan or started to go after the old dance company, but that was okay. Jimin was healing at his own pace.

It was strange to come back to the place that everything started, though. Club Rise. Well, maybe started is the wrong description, Jungkook thought with a furrowed brow, but for him working at the club really was where he had been the most lost. Heartbroken and running from his feelings and so envious of his friends. His hand lingered on the door as he pushed his way inside, following Ajax towards the bar. Jungkook's eyes were wide taking in the industrial lights casting the club space in a white hue. They didn't open for another eight or so hours, so he shouldn't be surprised how different the vibe was inside, and yet still he couldn't hold back how small the space looked to him now. Fun and colorful, just as any club was, but also like a fuzzy imagine taken on a digital camera.

Ajax grinned, handing Jungkook a sharpie and a random vinyl that matched the aesthetic of the club walls. "No one will know there's no music on it, they'll just care that hot-boy JK signed it. You're going to bring us so much business, pop-star."

Jungkook rolled his eyes with a groan, but signed. "I have one song out, Ajax. Who knows if anyone will remember me in a month."

Ajax snorted in response. "Jungkook. They'll remember you." The DJ smiled, taking the maker back. They blinked at Jungkook then, and their smile spread into a beaming grin.

"What? You're scaring me. Stop smiling."

"My mom says my smile is beautiful."

"Your mom lied."

Ajax snorted a second time, loosely throwing the sharpie at Jungkook who laughed as he swatted it away.

"I'm just - I'm proud of you. You know. Not that we were ever all that close but - God Jungkook you just look so different now. It's a good thing."

"Are you saying I was ugly before?"

"No." Ajax laughed. "That's not what I meant. You were this sad kid who used to chase me around here, begging for a chance to reach a DJ booth your soul fractured at the thought of actually touching. Now look at you. Doing something you actually care about and succeeding? I saw your music video playing in Hongdae on top of the Adidas. You know, the one where they have that time-square like screen at the cross walk? I couldn't believe it. I mean I know it's like, a pop personality or character or whatever, but you just looked happy. I wanted you to come sign this so I can absolutely squeeze my connection to you for all it's worth and be the first person to take advantage of our friendship for personal gain, but also to say that I admire you a lot. I'm glad to have worked with you. I'm glad you're out of this sinkhole too."

The grin Jungkook throws them is lethal. "Thanks." He said, his voice genuine. "And I wouldn't say it's the music that changed me."

"No?" They asked. "Alright. So if not music, then... a partner?"

Jungkook flicked his brows up once in confirmation.

"Is it serious?"

"Are you gonna sell my answer as insider info?"

"You're getting ahead of yourself there, popstar. You only have one song out."

"Weren't you just saying how famous I am?"

Ajax snorted. "Get out of here, JK."

"Alright, alright." Jungkook said, getting up with a laugh. He drew his hand out and Ajax shook it with a grin.

"Purpose looks good on you." Ajax said as a goodbye, the humor replaced with sincerity.

Jungkook gave the club one last look over before heading out with a final knot loosened in his chest. Even though he has time to get ready for Jimin's performance tonight, his feet carried him to his car with lightening speed, bouncing with the need to race home and kiss his boyfriend stupid before he leaves for call.

* * *

"Yoongi I swear to God if you don't get up right now I will scalp you." Jungkook growled as the other five of their friends, including Jungkook, shoot to their feet the second Jimin's performance ends. A bouquet of roses nestled in Jungkook's elbow as he screamed with the crowd. The dancers making their way on stage to take bows in groups.

Min Yoongi grumbled under his breath, flicking Jungkook under the ear as he stood up. "I was going to stand when Jimin-ie made his way on stage. Now I'm losing precious chair time having to stand for them all."

"Will you two shut up and focus?" Taehyung whined at their side. Hoseok's hand was on his lower waist. Hoseok threw Jungkook a smile he couldn't quite keep off his face when Jungkook clocked the hand placement. Seokjin though was less subtle than Jungkook, going from screaming how marvelous and breathtaking and beautiful each ballerina was to suddenly squealing at their two friends who've been dancing circles around each other for months. Jungkook wondered if that's what they all experienced with him and Jimin, watching with bated breath for one or the other to finally be honest.

"Guys. It's Jimin!" Taehyung said, the words a gasp. Jungkook instantly forgot about his friends, tearing his eyes away from them and finding Jimin on stage. He could point Jimin out in any room blindfolded. His body a magnet to his aura no matter where they are. Today was no different, his wide doe eyes softening when Jimin's own caught his as if they were the only two in the entire theater.

Jimin's face was breathless, his cheeks flushed from the workout, from his nerves, and from the physical and mental endurance of the performance, and yet he glowed brighter than Jungkook had ever seen them. Well, when they first said I love you to each other might match it. Jimin looks ethereal on stage, untouchable with light brown smudged around his eyes, a layer of foundation, and some stage mascara. His hair was black, the strands sweaty and clinging to his forehead and neck, and his body accentuated in a tight form fitting costume from his final number. The dancers around him grabbed for Jimin's hands to bow, exasperated smiles on their faces. When Jimin turned to them with nothing but joy and trust written all over his face, Jungkook swears his axis tilts.

They bowed and as Jimin moved to the back of the stage to allow the next line of dancers to take their bows, he looked back at Jungkook. A tiny gasp left his lips at the flowers in Jungkook's hands. His eyes turned glossy, though that could be the stage lights. Jungkook was serious about treating Jimin so right that he would never be surprised by an act of love again.

When the curtain closed and the performers were free to go change, the group of friends maneuvered their way towards the backstage doors. Jimin wasted no time dashing to it, still in full costume and makeup, tearing through the backrooms, past the audience goers still filtering out of the opera house, and straight into Jungkook's arms. A sharp oof left Jungkook's lips at the attack, a koala of a dancer holding onto him, but he recovered quickly to spin him around.

When Jungkook placed Jimin back on his feet, his hand went to Jimin's upper back and pressed him closer. He breathed Jimin in like it was his first time breathing air, and when he finally pulled back to see the dancers gorgeous face, Jimin laughed. His head tilting back and the world spun as the most beautiful sound Jungkook had ever heard left his throat in light, energy-drunk, waves.

"Are you going to kiss me or-"

Jungkook's lips crashed onto Jimin's own and a small, satisfied moan left Jimin. Delicate hands cupped Jungkook's cheeks as the kiss deepened, soft but passionate and all encompassing. When they pulled away, smiling dumbly at each other, Seokjin was squealing, Yoongi groaning, Taehyung and Hoseok looking anywhere else but at them, and Namjoon completely oblivious. A second passed and then it was like a spell broke, the group jumping to hug and congratulate Jimin on the successful show and his dancing. Jimin's hand stayed in Jungkook's palm the entire time, holding the roses in the crook of his elbow, mirroring Jungkook's hold on them earlier. Jungkook pressed a kiss into the side of his boyfriend's head, nipping his ear, before Jimin had to pull away from them all to finally go change.

Jungkook waited till Jimin came back out in a pair of Jungkook's grey sweatpants and a loose thin sweater that exposes his collarbones on top of it. Their friends had filtered out to get ready for a night out to celebrate Jimin's show in a couple of hours. They were all headed for the whiskey bar Taehyung liked, though Jungkook knew the group would end up at a club so Jimin could dance out the residual excitement left in his system. The production had an A and B cast that rotated performance days, meaning Jimin could go all out and recover in time for the next performance in two days.

The drive home was warm, Jimin holding Jungkook's thigh as if he were the one driving and not Jungkook. His knees were curled up into his chest, resting on the compartment between the front seats, aimed towards Jungkook. Jimin's thumb rubbed tiny strokes on Jungkook's thigh before the lull of the drive pulled him towards sleep. Jungkook turned the music down so Jimin could nap comfortably before they made it home.

They showered together, as they always did. Jimin was pressing Jungkook against the bathroom wall. His hands tangled with Jungkook's and held them up so that his elbows bent and their hands locked near Jungkook's head. Water coated their bodies, traveling down every line of muscle in glistening beads as their lips collided hungrily with one another's. The kiss was deeper than the one at the opera house, the privacy allowing them to explore each other without reservation. Like there was nothing more to the world than each other, nothing else to think or focus on, just the feeling of the person they love pressed against their frame.

Jungkook wasn't sure how long they showered, but when the water shut off, he knew it wasn't nearly long enough. Jimin had laughed, pulling Jungkook to him by the waist and dropping to his knees with his lashes webbed in water when he caught him pouting at the water shutting off.

"Jimin." Jungkook gasped, his fingers brushing into Jimin's hair and nails just scratching. His hand flexed, fighting a reflex to help push his boyfriend down to his knees and entirely unravel before him. "You must be exhausted. We still have to get dressed. The guys are probably waiting."

Jimin's grin was feral. Those beautiful eyes full of adoration as he settled on his knees. His delicate hands trailed up Jungkook's naked legs, moving like the water that coated them. His touch was teasing, but he built up the pressure, massaging the muscles and Jungkook groaned. "Jungkook-ah, I mean this with so much love, but I could care less about our friends right now. I just want you. I always want you."

🔞

"Fuck." Jungkook groaned. Jimin's tongue started to work on the tip of Jungkook's cock, licking a stroke and the pleased hum that left Jimin's lip as he pushed more of Jungkook into his mouth was nearly enough to unravel Jungkook forever. Jungkook's hand pushed some of Jimin's hair behind his ear, staring at how unreal he looked with his cheeks hallowing and flushed, taking all of Jungkook inside of him. Jungkook's hips started to move along with Jimin's movements, his hand back in his hair to provide a steady pressure while his own head fell back as pleasure coarsed through him.

"Have I told you that you make me insane? You were incredible today. I'll never get used to how talented you are. How lucky I am to know you. How unreal it is that I get the privilege of dating you."

Jimin grinned around Jungkook's cock and the feeling made Jungkook see stars. He shook his head, his hips picking up pace and Jimin stopped doing as much with his tongue, relaxing his throat to let Jungkook take control of it. With a couple more thrusts, Jungkook could feel the pleasure begin to build up behind his eyes, sweat mixing with the water dripping down his back, and when Jimin's nails dug into Jungkook's thighs, he released into his throat.

Jimin pulled him out with a pop, wiping his mouth with the back of his head before sitting back on the floor and leaning one hand behind him. Jungkook caught his breath, shaking his head at Jimin who was looking up at him like he was staring at a sky full of stars. Jungkook groaned, helpless to Jimin when he looked at him like that, like he adored him, and crawled down so that his body caged Jimin underneath him. Jimin laughed, a giddy smile on his face, causing an impossible amount of joy to bloom in Jungkook's chest.

Jimin's legs wrapped around Jungkook's waist, throbbing from the strain of dancing for three hours straight. Jungkook trailed his palm down one leg while his other hand hooked under Jimin's knee, pulling him even closer before Jungkook's nose traced Jimin's neck. A gasp left Jimin's lips when Jungkook found a spot on his neck to lick. Jimin shivered under him, his lungs skipping a breath, before Jungkook locked his lips and sucked on a spot he knew made Jimin cave into him. Jimin's back arched and Jungkook was rewarded with the delicious sound of his moan as his chest pressed against Jungkook's own. Jungkook trailed his lips up, taking his time to increase the sensitivity of the skin, but ensured no marks were left where Jimin couldn't hide them.

"Jungkook." Jimin pleaded, his chin dipping so their lips locked in a kiss. Jungkook hummed, his hand moving from Jimin's leg up his thigh and then palmed his ass causing his boyfriend to let out a breathy cry into Jungkook's lips. "I need you."

"Fuck, Jimin." Jungkook growled into Jimin's neck, drawing the back of his knuckles gently down Jimin's collarbone before settling his grip on his waist. He squeezed once before flipping Jimin over. Jimin pressed up against him and Jungkook lost all sense of reality at the senstation. His chest covered Jimin's back, one of their hands intertwining while the other worked to prep Jimin under him. Jimin moaned, pushing against Jungkook's fingers, and Jungkook messily reached for some lube they kept in the cabinet so he didn't hurt Jimin for how hasty he was prepping him.

"So beautiful." Jungkook said into Jimin's skin, pressing a kiss on the back of his neck causing Jimin to smile despite the strain he was extending not to take control and ride him already. Jungkook pressed a second kiss lower and then another on his back before lining himself up and slowly inserting. His boyfriend let out such a perfect noise, curling into Jungkook, and when he breathed out a weak "please" to push further, Jungkook was helpless but to oblige.

They went slow, the movements focused on going deep and making Jimin feel cared for and full rather than a mess of heat. Jungkook told him he loved him as his hips shifted, rolling in and out, while Jimin's legs tensed and stretched under him from the pleasure building behind his eyes. Jimin shook his head, like it was impossible that there was ever a point in their lives when they weren't this. When they were really just friends passing by each other's orbits.

🔞

They ended taking a second shower, and Jungkook kissed the side of Jimin's head as he kicked his boyfriend out of the bathroom so Jimin could start getting ready for the night out and Jungkook could take care of cleaning the floor. They got ready together in a comfortable rhythm after, Jimin connecting to a Bluetooth speaker and blasting BRAT while the two downed a redbull before Namjoon pulled up with a car full of their chaotic friends.

Jimin sat on Jungkook's lap in the back to make up for space, Seokjin sat as the passenger princess, Hoseok and Taehyung shared seat, and Yoongi man-spread in the middle. The drive to the bar was loud, the friends screaming Jungkook's song followed by Chappel Roan followed by Rhianna.

The whiskey bar was less chaotic, the peaceful inside calming the energy down as the group all ordered their drinks and found a spot of sprawling velvet couches to sit down. The conversation was quick, bouncing from person to person, falling into a comfort only people who've known each other for years could so easily achieve. Jimin was on Jungkook's lap, his legs thrown over Jungkook's thigh with his ass on Jungkook's hip. Jungkook's thumb drew circles on his waist as they all laughed and shared stories with their friends, celebrating Jimin's debut on The Seoul Opera House stage.

Neither could remember how they got home, though Namjoon made sure everyone found their way back to his car as he was the designated driver for the night. The morning came with no hang over, which shocked both Jimin and Jungkook. The couple had made it into their apartment, but not into their bed, half sprawled on their couch when they came to. Hoseok, Yoongi, and Taehyung were on the floor while Seokjin was the only one sprawled on a mattress. Jimin and Jungkook's mattress.

Namjoon walked in through their apartment door then, a grocery bag of bagels in his arms and a tray of iced coffees. He flicked his brows when Jimin and Jungkook were blinking slowly at him.

"Why is everyone at our place?" Jungkook asked.

"You try getting six of your drunk asses home. You'd give up after the first stop too."

"Why is Jin in our bed." Jimin followed.

Namjoon made a face and then Jimin snorted, rolling his eyes in understanding while Jungkook hugged him from behind like a sleepy koala.

"Jin would sooner die than sleep on a couch. No mather how drunk he is." Namjoon explained.

"It's a beauty regime, you peasants." Seokjin mumbled as he appeared at the doorway, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. To be fair, none of them had ever seen Seokjin have a bad day when he came to his skin or hair or - well, anything. Seokjin smacked his lips together, still half asleep, before his eyes zeroed in on the bagels and iced drinks Namjoon's was setting on the kitchen island. "My love. Is that. Coffee??"

Namjoon laughed, nodding as he undid the bag of bagels and got started on making them breakfast after first kissing Seokjin's cheek. Honestly, Namjoon had cooked for all of them enough times that at this point he probably knew the ins and outs of their kitchen better than the actual couple paying rent.

"Those three are out cold." Seokjin said, kicking Hoseok in his side lightly with his toe. Hoseok mumbled, pulling Taehyung closer to him with one arm while Yoongi was curled like a cat into his other side. Jungkook snorted, reaching for his phone that was on the counter and snapped a photo of them without having to move Jimin out of his grasp. He set it as their new group chat cover and changed the group chat name to Blackmail. Jimin snorted and the two shared a wicked little look of mischief which caused Namjoon to sigh and Seokjin to immediately demand being let in on the joke. Jimin poked out his tongue and Seokjin gasped. The smell of bacon distracted them though, going as far to pull Taehyung out of death sleep, raising off the floor like a zombie.

One by one the friends all woke up and ate, everyone varying degrees of hungover, and it was almost afternoon by the time they all left. Jimin and Jungkook showered once they had their home back to themselves and watched a bit more of some trashy reality tv show after, before deciding to take a little time for themselves and go on a walk in Olympic Park. It was a beautiful park in Seoul, one of the largest, and they hadn't visited since their first real date all those months ago.

They went to a photo booth beforehand, laughing way too hard at the poses and having to do it a second time because Jimin demanded that they have one that's more "kdrama" - which ended up meaning he wanted four frames of kissing Jungkook. They walked around the park after, getting some street food from a cute older woman who called Jimin adorable which made Jungkook jealous. He held Jimin closer to him as if he had an ahjjuma to compete with for Jimin's affection. It caused Jimin to riot with laughter, the type where he can't walk straight, and Jungkook caught him by the waist before he could fall.

Their eyes met then, a hum of a street performer in the distance with the moon framing Jungkook's dark locks as Jimin looked up at him, held in a perfect dip. They shared a grin and Jungkook helped Jimin up, their touch lingering, before he slowly led Jimin into a twirl. They danced like that, with no official moves or no specific choreography, just two childhood friends lost in love, smiling like idiots.

Jungkook's arm was around Jimin's waist when the time came to start heading back towards his car, his hand nervously in his jacket pocket. He kissed Jimin's head, while his thumb brushed over a small, velvet box, where an engagement ring sat inside. What he didn't know, and what he would soon find out, is that Jimin had an engagement ring of his own tucked away. Both of them oblivious to what the other has planned for the night, and yet both so incredibly, completely, happy.

__________
A/N:
AH. I FEEL INSANE.

[ So sorry if there's any grammar or spelling mistakes, I did my best to catch them all!! ]

I love them an unhealthy amount.

See you in the closer for a more in depth yap, but god thank you all for the love and support you've shown this fic. It is genuinely unreal that you would willingly chose to read a story that has no promises of exact updates and trust me to get us to the end despite it. I'm so incredibly grateful to every single one of you.
🤍🤍🤍

- Violette (but you can call me yours)