Jeongguk is in Jongun's room of the house— moving the furniture around to try and bring the image he had in his head to life— when Hajoon walks in.

    "Hey, hyung," Jeongguk says when he see the older. "Did I wake you up?"

    "No, sweetheart, I was up already," Hajoon says folding his arms as he looks at the decorations Jeongguk bought for the room. "What's all this?"

    "I'm trying to bring Jongun's room in the inner world to the outer world so he'll front more," Jeongguk says pushing the desk against the wall beside the bed.

    "Jongun's room is in the forest," Hajoon chuckles as he looks at the decorations.

    "I know, it won't be exactly perfect. But look," Jeongguk says grabbing the tapestry he got for the wall and unfolding it. "It looks like the forest, doesn't it?"

    "It does," Hajoon nods. "That's almost perfect actually."

    "And I got this," Jeongguk says picking up a box from the floor and showing Hajoon. "It's a tabletop water fountain, it's like a tiny waterfall. It plays music and everything."

Hajoon nods, smiling as he looks at the box. "That's incredibly sweet of you Jeongguk."

    "I don't know," Jeongguk shrugs. "I just feel bad that he doesn't have anything special in the house."

    "He'll appreciate your effort I'm sure," Hajoon says as Jeongguk continues to set up the room, moving on to wrap fairy lights around the fake pine trees he bought. "Sweetheart, Taehyung was a little upset when we switched. Is everything okay?"

    "He was?" Jeongguk asks looking at Hajoon. "He wasn't upset when I left."

    "He wouldn't tell me why, but he was a bit agitated." Hajoon says. "You'll ask him what's wrong next time he fronts?"

    "Yeah, of course," Jeongguk nods. "I'm sure he's fine though, hyung, don't worry."

    "I can't help but worry, Jeongguk," Hajoon chuckles. "Do you need anything from me while I'm out?"

    "No, I think I'm good," Jeongguk says. "You should lie down, you guys have been switching like crazy all day."

    "You're right," Hajoon sighs. "Be careful in here, please. And call me if you need me."

    "I will," Jeongguk says, offering him a small smile before he leaves the room.

Jeongguk stays up for a while decorating Jongun's room, wanting to have the majority of it done before he fronts again. Which may not be for another week based on how things have been going.

It's almost three when he decides to give it a rest, he had early appointments tomorrow—today—and he knew he'd be miserable, but he's already accepted his fate.

Taehyung wakes up the next morning, either him or Hajoon usually woke up when they had work.

    "Hey, baby," Jeongguk says from where he's working in the living when Taehyung comes downstairs dressed for work. "You headed out?"

    "Yeah," The brunette says, his voice still not fully awake. "I won't be gone long, a few hours maybe."

    "Okay," Jeongguk says. "I'll be here."

    "We need to talk when I get back," Taehyung says grabbing his keys from the side table without meeting Jeongguk's eyes.

    "About what?" Jeongguk asks.

    "See you in a few hours," Taehyung says instead of answering before leaving the house.

Jeongguk sighs as he's left to overthink everything he's done in past 24 hours that could have upset Taehyung.

Neither of them were very open to communicating in the moment when they were upset, but usually after a day or two they could come together and talk it out.

Jeongguk just had no idea what they needed to talk out.

~

When Taehyung gets home Jeongguk is finishing up Jongun's room by hanging the tapestry behind the bed. He knocks softly at the door to get his attention.

    "Oh, hey," Jeongguk smiles when he sees him. "That was fast, how was work?"

    "Fine, I just had to fill out some paperwork for my dad," Taehyung says leaning against the door frame and looking around the room. "Hajoon wasn't lying when he said you went all out for this."

    "It's the least I could do," Jeongguk says stepping down from the bed after hanging other half of the tapestry so it doesn't droop to the floor. "You wanted to talk to me?"

    "Yeah," Taehyung says looking at his hands. "It can wait if you're busy~"

    "No, what is it?" Jeongguk asks stopping in front of him. "Did I do something?"

    "You didn't do anything intentionally," Taehyung says crossing his arms and looking up at Jeongguk. "It's about the party you're planning for Chaesal~"

The doorbell rings, cutting Taehyung off before he can finish his sentence.

    "I think that's Jimin," Jeongguk says. "He said he was coming over."

    "I'm trying to talk to you, Jeongguk," Taehyung says following Jeongguk with his eyes as he leaves the room to get the door.

    "I know, two seconds, I hear you I promise," He says skipping down the stairs to get the door.

"Hello, hello," Jimin says as Jeongguk lets him in.

"Hey, Jimin," Jeongguk says. "Did you bring the list for the caterer?"

"I emailed it to you," Jimin says. "If you want to change anything you can let me know."

"Perfect," Jeongguk says pulling his phone out of his pocket to check his email.

"Hey, Tae," Jimin smiles when he sees his friends coming down the stairs as they walk into the living room. "It feels like I haven't seen you in forever. Did Jeongguk tell you about the party?"

"Hi, Jimin," Taehyung says meeting him and hugging him briefly. "I was just talking to him about that~"

"It's going to be so much fun, Chaesal's gonna love it," Jimin says sitting down on the couch. "Come sit so we can give you the run down while you're out."

"Jimin, I need to talk to Jeongguk~" Taehyung starts.

"Come on, it'll take two seconds," Jimin says patting the spot next to him.

"It'll be quick," Jeongguk says sitting on the other side of Jimin.

Taehyung sits down reluctantly, sighing as Jimin starts explaining the plan to him. He doesn't hear much of anything he's saying until he starts explaining the actual day of the party.

"We'll try to keep everyone's triggers put away except for Chaesal's so he can enjoy at least a few hours of the party," He says. "It's going to be me, Yoongi, Namjoon, Hoseok, and Jeongguk's gonna see if Seokjin can come~"

"We can't have a party," Taehyung says, he couldn't stand it anymore. Hearing Jimin go on and on about this party was even more frustrating than being the last person to know about it.

    "What do you mean?" Jimin asks looking at him. "This is really important, Taehyung."

    "You're right, it's important and I'm happy for Chaesal," Taehyung says looking at his friend. "But you guys didn't even ask me if this was okay, you two just took it upon yourselves to just plan this entire thing."

    "We thought you'd be onboard, everyone else is," Jimin says. "Are you really upset?"

    "Yes, Jimin, I'm really upset. I'm upset with both of you," Taehyung says standing and looking at the two of them. "I understand wanting to do something nice for, Chaesal, I want him to be happy. But you guys didn't even think about how much pressure this puts on us as a system~"

    "Taehyung~" Jeongguk starts.

    "Stop cutting me off, Jeongguk," Taehyung says holding up his finger. "It's inconsiderate, and honestly, it's fucking rude. Do you know how uncomfortable it is for all of us when you do stuff like this? We don't want to be at a party where everyone's waiting around for Chaesal to front."

"We didn't think~" Jimin starts.

"You're right, you didn't think. You didn't think about anyone else. Did you even think about how much pressure you'd put on Chaesal to front during the party? I didn't think I'd have to explain this to the two of you, of all people. We don't celebrate anyone's birthday because it's not fair and it's uncomfortable for the rest of us to front while everyone's waiting for someone else. We did it once for the wedding and we won't do it again, so drop it."

Jeongguk and Jimin sit in a stunned silence as Taehyung storms off, going upstairs and leaving them alone.

"I told you this was a bad idea," Jeongguk says standing to follow Taehyung upstairs.

"Don't try to turn this around on me, Jeongguk, you were just as involved with planning this as I was," Jimin says. "Do put the blame on me."

"Either way, he's pissed at us now," Jeongguk says looking at Jimin. "Pissed at me mostly."

"Just tell him that we'll drop the party," Jimin sighs. "I can call off the caterers and tell the bakery that we don't need the cake anymore."

"Alright," Jeongguk sighs. "I knew this was going to end up being a disaster."

"It's not a disaster, nothing even happened," Jimin says standing. "You should talk to him, tell him we're sorry and that we won't do anything like this again."

"Okay," Jeongguk nods. "It was a nice thought I guess."

"Don't wait too long to talk to him," Jimin says. "He's not mad at you, he's just frustrated with the situation."

"Yeah, I know," Jeongguk says. "I'll see you later?"

"Sure," Jimin says patting his arm before heading out.

Jeongguk collects his thoughts before going upstairs to find Taehyung. He finds him in their room sitting on the bed, hugging a pillow to his chest as he stares off in front of him.

"Hey," Jeongguk says stopping at the threshold. "Are you okay?"

"Jimin's gone?" He asks instead of answering, his eyes staying forward.

"Yeah," Jeongguk says walking into the room and sitting down on the edge of the bed. "I'm sorry, Taehyung, I should've been more considerate of you and the rest of the system."

Taehyung nods, looking down as he fidgets with his hands. "It's okay,"

"It won't happen again," Jeongguk says. "I promise."

"It was a sweet thought," Taehyung says. "It just wouldn't work."

"I understand," Jeongguk says, reaching out and taking Taehyung's hand.

He sighs as he intertwines their fingers, meeting Jeongguk's eyes with tears forming in his own. "I want him to be able to have a party, I do. I wish I could just give him the body for a day and let him do whatever he wants, but I can't. Celebrating birthdays just isn't something we have the luxury to do."

"It's okay, Taehyung," Jeongguk says moving beside him and pulling him into his arms. "Not having a party won't make Chaesal aging up any less special. He knows that, and I'm sure he's content with not having one."

"It just sucks that they can't do normal things," Taehyung says laying his head on Jeongguk's shoulder. "They celebrated my birthday for years and they can't even celebrate their own."

"They understand the situation," Jeongguk says. "We don't have to throw a party, we can still give Chaesal his gifts."

"You got him something?" Taehyung asks lifting his head to look at Jeongguk. "What is it?"

"I have an appointment to pick it up tomorrow," Jeongguk says. "I ordered his gift from Jongun, I'm getting Vic's gift engraved, and now I just have to finish up with you and Hajoon. Hajoon told me to ask you if I could help the littles front so they can make him something."

Taehyung smiles softly. "Of course you can help the littles front. Chaesal's going to love that."

    "I hope he does," Jeongguk sighs. "Oh, and I was supposed to get your vote on the dog but everyone out-voted you before I could ask."

    "The dog?" Taehyung asks raising his eyebrows. "What do you mean the dog?"

    "Chaesal wants a puppy," Jeongguk smiles. "Hajoon said it was fine, Jongun doesn't care as long as it stays out of the way, Vic wants it~"

    "I'm out-voted, I got it," Taehyung laughs, laying his head back down on Jeongguk's shoulder. "I used to want a dog, I never got one."

    "Well now your dreams are coming true," Jeongguk chuckles. "He's cute, and he'll be small forever."

    "Hm," Taehyung hums in acknowledgment. "I hope Chaesal's happy."

    "Me too," Jeongguk sighs. "I think he will be."

    "Hm..." Taehyung hums again, his voice becoming distant.

Jeongguk doesn't say anything, he could tell Taehyung was going to switch and he didn't want to interrupt him.

    "Jeongguk?" The brunette says after a few minutes.

    "Yeah?" Jeongguk responds before Jongun pulls away from his embrace.

    "Sorry," He says closing his eyes for a moment.

    "Rough switch?" Jeongguk asks as he watches him struggle to stay grounded.

    "Yeah," Jongun sighs, blinking a few times to try and clear the fuzziness in his vision.

    "I think I can help you get grounded," Jeongguk says standing. "Come on."

    "Your voice is making me dissociate more," Jongun complains as he stands to follow.

    "I'll shut up then," Jeongguk says gesturing for him to follow him out the room.

Jongun sighs softly, ruffling the front of his hair as he follows him down the hall. "What, Jeongguk?"

    "See for yourself," Jeongguk says opening the third door on the right, ushering Jongun inside.

    "What..." Jongun looks around the room in confusion before taking in the scene before him. The sensation he feels following can't be put into words. But if he tried to explain it he'd say he felt more present than he has in years. Present in his mind, present in his body, and present in the almost eerie calmness he felt coursing through the room. "I-Is this my room?"

Jeongguk nods, looking around the room with a smile. "Do you like it?"

Jongun is too stunned to answer, but his expression says it all. From the tapestry behind the bed to the vines hanging from the walls, the plants in each corner decorated with sparkling lights...everything was perfect.

His eyes travel to the wooden desk beside the bed and his chest swells when he sees the fountain. The calming sound of the water almost identical to his stream in the inner world.

    "Why'd you do this?" He asks, looking at Jeongguk with tears in his eyes.

    "Because, I wanted you to have something that's yours," Jeongguk says. "I know it's not exactly the forest but...I just wanted you to have your own space like everyone else."

Jongun nods, trying to swallow his tears so that he could thank Jeongguk. "N-No one's ever done something this nice for me."

"You deserve it, Jongun," Jeongguk smiles. "It's the least I could do, really."

Jongun steps forward and hugs Jeongguk, there were no words that could express his level of gratitude in this moment. He's never felt more complete than he did now, standing in his room—completely conscious of everything going on around him. "Thank you, Jeongguk."

"You're welcome," Jeongguk says hugging him back. "I'm glad you like it."

"I love it," Jongun says pulling away from the hug, trying to dry his tears as he walks towards the fountain on the desk. "Everything's so perfect."

Jeongguk smiles. "I'll leave you alone, let you soak it all in."

"Thank you," Jongun says sitting at his desk, his eyes focused on the fountain.

Jeongguk leaves him, dimming the lights enough so that the lights illuminated the room.

Seeing Jongun happy made Jeongguk happy. He was always happy when he could make any of the alters happy.

They all deserved nothing but happiness.

~

"Close your eyes, no peaking."

"If I keep my eyes closed for too long I'm gonna switch."

Jeongguk rolls his eyes as he walks in with the last of Chaesal's gifts. Placing them on the kitchen table before rushing out to get the puppy from the living room.

"Okay, this is the last of it," He says walking back into the kitchen, putting the dog in Chaesal's lap.

His eyes immediately fly open, a smile forming on his face when he sees the small puppy. "No, Jeongguk. Tell me you didn't.
Please, don't fuck with me right now."

Jeongguk laughs as he watches Chaesal's face light up. "I'm not fucking with you."

"I'm gonna hyperventilate," Chaesal says holding the small dog up and looking at him. "Look at it, it looks fake. I didn't think you'd take me seriously."

"It's a boy," Jeongguk says reaching out and petting the small pomeranian. "Everyone agreed to keeping him, but he's your responsibility."

"I'll take care of him," Chaesal says, kissing the dog on the head before cradling him in his arms. "I think I'm seriously going to cry, Jeongguk. I feel legit tears in my eyes."

"Open the rest of your gifts before you break down please," Jeongguk chuckles. "I'll hold him."

"Don't drop him," Chaesal says handing him over carefully.

"I got him," Jeongguk says, nodding to the first gift bag. "Jongun's gift."

Chaesal smiles as he takes the shoe box out of the red gift bag. "No way, Taehyung let him buy these?"

"Yeah," Jeongguk laughs. "Those are the right ones?"

"Yeah," Chaesal says opening the box and examining the shoes. "That asshole really listens, I guess."

"Hajoon," Jeongguk says nodding to the box sitting on the table. "From him and the littles."

"Aw, cute," Chaesal laughs, showing Jeongguk the drawings they made of him playing with them in the inner world. "At least they got my hair right."

Jeongguk smiles at the pictures even though he had already seen them. "They did."

"How'd I know?" Chaesal asks when he opens the box, showing Jeongguk the new watch. "It's the one I saw on tv a while ago. I think we were co-con."

"That's nice," Jeongguk says. "Maybe you can wear it to work when you go. 21 and up is working age, y'know?"

"Or I could wear it to the club, pick up a hot date?" Chaesal says winking suggestively.

"Shut up," Jeongguk laughs, shoving him playfully. "Next one's from Taehyung."

Chaesal laughs as he moves on to the next gift. His smile fading into a shocked expression when he pulls it out of the bag. "Seriously? Taehyung, of all people?"

"I had to beg Vic and Hajoon to vote yes so you can thank me too," Jeongguk says, laughing at Chaesal's stunned expression as he looks down at his new phone.

"Jeongguk...I-I don't know what to say," Chaesal says looking down at the phone. "This is mine? Like, mine, only mine?"

"It's yours," Jeongguk nods.

Chaesal nods, looking down at the phone for a moment before putting it back in the gift bag. He keeps his eyes down, trying to discretely blink away his tears. "Thank you."

"Last one's Vic's," Jeongguk says.

Chaesal moves on to the smaller box on the table, removing the lid and staring at the gift for a moment. "Yeontan..."

"Vic said you'd know what it meant," Jeongguk says looking at Chaesal. "Do you?"

Chaesal can't hold back his tears anymore as he lifts the dog collar from the box. "Sorry..."

"You're fine," Jeongguk says. "Take your time."

Chaesal stands from his seat, kneeling down to put the collar around the puppy's neck. He smiles despite his tears, it was a perfect fit. "I fronted mostly when we were in hospital," He starts, taking the puppy from Jeongguk and sitting back in his chair. "While we were there we had an emotional support dog, he was the only thing that really got me through being there. H-His name was Yeontan."

Jeongguk nods. "I never knew that."

Chaesal nods. "I don't like thinking back to that time. My only good memory of being there is Yeontan...now I have my own Yeontan. And he's perfect."

Jeongguk smiles fondly as Chaesal looks at the puppy adoringly. "Are you happy?"

"I think so," Chaesal says looking at Jeongguk. "I think this is what happy feels like."

"We love you, Chaesal, so much," Jeongguk says. "We all want you to be happy."

Chaesal smiles, tears of happiness still clinging to his lashes. "I love you guys too."

Jeongguk watches Chaesal for another moment. There wasn't a time before now that he's seen Chaesal this happy. There have been small accomplishments throughout the years, like getting him to smile, and making him laugh. And even getting him to front more often was a bit of a challenge in the beginning.

But Jeongguk now realizes that all those accomplishments, all those small wins, is what led them to this moment. This moment where he's able to see Chaesal smile so freely and effortlessly.

    "Don't get soft on me, old man," Chaesal laughs when he sees the tears forming in Jeongguk's eyes. "You aren't gonna cry are you?"

    "No," Jeongguk chuckles, clearing his throat. "I'm just happy you're happy, Chaesal."

Chaesal nods, standing from his seat with Yeontan in his hand and hugging Jeongguk.

It takes Jeongguk by surprise, Chaesal was never an affectionate person, but he hugs him back nonetheless.

    "Thank you," Chaesal says before pulling away. "I'm gonna set my phone up so I can get a picture of Yeontan in his collar."

    "Yeah, okay," Jeongguk nods, standing and pretending to busy himself with tidying the kitchen table.

Chaesal leaves the kitchen with Yeontan and his phone, leaving Jeongguk alone in the kitchen.

Though there were a few bumps in the road, Chaesal was happy, Jeongguk was happy, and everyone else was genuinely happy as well.