This is how Hoseok and Dae got together. It begins in chapter 35, when Jimin is busy preparing for NamJin's wedding, and Hoseok offers to keep Dae company. It ends in chapter 40, after the party at Lulu's restaurant.

Enjoy!

~~~

*Third Person POV*

Hoseok sauntered down the hotel hallway, whistling some tune he was making up on the fly. His song quieted to a stop when he spotted a man with black hair sitting at the windowsill, gazing at the city.

"Dae?" He called out. Hoseok hadn't really interacted much with Dae, as he was the mysterious man Jimin brought along to France as his date to Namjoon and Jin's wedding.

Dae looked up in surprise at the red-headed boy. He hadn't expected anyone to be there, as everyone else had gone out for the day.

"What are you doing here?" Hoseok asked.

Dae shrugged. "Jimin is busy helping Jin with wedding stuff, so I'm kinda on my own today. Why are you still here?"

"There's not really anything for me to do," Hoseok responded casually, sitting down next to Dae. "Yoongi is out with Namjoon, and Jungkook and Taehyung went shopping."

"Why didn't you go with them?"

Hoseok chuckled awkwardly. "Well... things are complicated with them right now."

Dae nodded his head. "Jimin mentioned something about the two of them recently breaking up. Is that why you don't want to be around them?"

"Not exactly," Hoseok hesitated. "I don't want to bore you by dumping all the details on you."

"I doubt you could bore me," Dae said with a small smile.

Hoseok grinned widely. "Okay then. Taehyung and I used to date. For a really long time, actually." Dae's eyebrows shot up in surprise, making Hoseok chuckle. "That is, until he and Jungkook came forward and confessed they were hooking up behind my back."

"They did what?" Dae hissed. He barely knew Hoseok, and yet he felt angry on his behalf.

Hoseok simply nodded his head and continued his story. "Anyway, I broke up with Tae, and he got together with Jungkook. It caused quiet the rift in our friendships. It wasn't until months later that Kook and I had a semi-civil conversation, and he apologize for stealing my boyfriend. Then one day, Taehyung showed up at my door and said he and Jungkook broke up, and that he still loved me."

"And... what did you say? Do you still love him?" Dae questioned.

Hoseok tilted his head to the side. "I do... but not in the same way. I love Taehyung, but after everything that happened, I'm no longer in love with him. And that's exactly what I told Tae." Dae nodded slowly, processing the information. "That's why I didn't join them for shopping. They may be working on rebuilding their friendship, but I still feel uncomfortable."

Dae sat silently, thinking about the story he just heard. He still felt angry that Taehyung would hurt Hoseok, but he also felt sad for Taehyung and Jungkook, because he knew they were both hurting as well.

"Anyway!" Hoseok said loudly, snapping Dae from his thoughts. "Since everyone is busy, how about we do something? I've been to Paris a lot, so I could show you all the best places."

"Really? You'd want to spend your day... with me?"

"Sure! You seem cool. And it's the least I can do to thank you for listening to me," Hoseok grinned.

Dae gratefully accepted the offer and allowed Hoseok to drag him around the city. The elder showed him all the popular tourist areas, as well as the hidden gems Hoseok had discovered.

The two developed a friendship during their outing, and over the next few days they spent more time chatting and getting to know each other.

To others, Dae came off as shy and aloof. But Hoseok was beginning to see underneath that; to the boy who loved to laugh and help out his loved ones.

On the day of Namjoon and Jin's wedding, Hoseok couldn't help but notice how handsome Dae looked.

***

He felt a twinge of attraction towards the man, but tried to swallow it down. Hoseok wasn't sure if he was ready to open his heart to someone else yet, especially not to Jimin's date that he just met a few days ago.

The wedding was perfect, and there wasn't a dry eye in the garden when Joon and Jin sealed their union with a kiss. Hoseok cheered crazily for his friends, earning a lopsided grin from Dae.

When the reception began, Hoseok watched as his friends paired up on the dance floor. Dae had approached Jimin, pulling him in for a slow dance. Even though Hoseok knew Jimin was still in love with Yoongi, he couldn't help but feel slightly jealous that he was in Dae's arms.

All thoughts of jealousy disappeared, however, the moment he saw Jimin's eyes widen with heartbreak at the sight of Kyong — Yoongi's boyfriend — kissing Yoongi. Hoseok quickly rose from his seat and dashed over to Jimin.

"Do you mind if I cut in?" Hoseok asked as he approached the couple. He leaned over to whisper in Jimin's ear. "You look like you could use a moment."

The silver-haired boy nodded, quickly making his leave of the garden. Hoseok smoothly slid into Jimin's place, only he took the lead by placing his hands on Dae's hips. Dae's cheeks flushed a delicate pink as he shyly put his hands on Hoseok's shoulders.

"Sorry about that," Hoseok apologized. "Didn't want Jimin crying in front of all the guests."

"Don't apologize," Dae insisted. "I was about to make Jimin leave when I saw Yoongi kissing his boyfriend."

"You know about Jimin and Yoongi?" Hoseok asked, surprised. How much did they know about each other?

Dae nodded as they turned in a slow circle. "Jimin told me. I've been trying to help him out by making Yoongi jealous, but it kinda backfired," Dae admitted guiltily.

"How do you and Jimin know each other? I've never heard him mention you, and yet you seem to know a lot about his personal life."

"Jimin is a regular at our restaurant."

Hoseok tilted his head to the side. "What restaurant?"

"My mom owns a noodle shop, and I help her out," Dae explained. "Jimin's never mentioned it? He's been visiting us for a while now." Hoseok shook his head. "Huh. Anyway, he's actually friends with my mom, and when she heard he needed a date to this wedding, she made me go."

"So... you aren't here because you and Jimin are romantically involved?" Hoseok clarified.

"Not at all," Dae confirmed, much to Hoseok's relief. "I'm just doing a favor to a friend."

"But you are gay, right?" Hoseok blurted out.

Dae laughed at the blunt question, the sound making Hoseok's cheeks heat up. "Yes, I am. I just don't see Jimin in that way."

"Then... do you think we could stay in touch after we return to Korea?" Hoseok asked nervously. "Could I have your phone number?"

Dae's stammered, his face turning a bright red. While he had been attracted to guys all his life, he had never actually gone out with anyone. He shyly nodded his head, handing his phone over to the handsome red-head in front of him.

***

<Hoseok: What's up, buttercup?>

Dae grinned at the adorably childish text. Hoseok had messaged him nearly every day since they returned from Paris a few weeks ago. They hadn't gone out yet, but Dae was still enjoying getting to know the cute boy.

<Dae: Nothing much. Just reading the new culinary book I found in a bookstore today>

<Hoseok: Is that for school?>

<Dae: No... I'm not going to culinary school. I just like to read it>

<Hoseok: Do you want me to leave you alone so you can focus?>

Butterflies fluttered in Dae's stomach. Hoseok was always so considerate and sweet, something Dae wasn't used to.

<Dae: Don't you dare>

<Hoseok: lol okay. You should totally go to culinary school>

<Dae: I don't know...>

<Hoseok: Why not?>

<Dae: idk... I just don't feel like I'm good enough for university>

The sudden sound of his phone ringing loudly startled Dae, and he quickly answered the call.

"First of all," Hoseok dove right in on the other end. "You would be amazing in culinary school. Hell, you're even reading culinary books for fun, and not for homework."

"Well hello to you too," Dae snorted. "And reading for fun doesn't mean I'm actually smart enough to pass the classes."

"You shut your pretty mouth," Hoseok snapped. Dae was glad Hoseok couldn't see the redness of his cheeks from the latter calling his mouth pretty. "I believe in you. At least say you'll think about it."

"Fine, fine, I'll think about it. Was there a 'second of all'?"

"Yes. Do you want to go out tomorrow night?"

Dae nearly dropped his phone. "L-Like on a... date?"

Hoseok laughed on the other end. "Yes, Dae. I'm asking you on a date. What do you say?"

Dae sputtered, wanting to accept but for some reason his tongue felt swollen.

"I'll take that as a yes," Hoseok said after a moment of silence. "I'll pick you up tomorrow at seven from the restaurant." The line clicked as Hoseok hung up.

In shock, Dae stared at the phone in his hand.

He had a date.

***

Pacing anxiously across the restaurant floor, Dae continuously checked the clock. It was nearly seven o'clock, which meant Hoseok would be there soon. Too soon. This was to be Dae's first date, and he was a bundle of nerves.

"Will you quit pacing?" His mother, Lulu, scolded. "You're creating a draft."

"Sorry," Dae mumbled, plopping down at one of the tables.

"Why are you so nervous? You said this boy is nice."

"He is nice," Dae said. "He's too nice. And funny. And interesting. What if he gets bored being on a date with me?"

Lulu smacked the back of her son's head, making Dae yelp. "Now you stop that. You are my son, which means you are a great catch by default. Don't go sullying my reputation with your attitude."

Dae rolled his eyes. Even though his mother's words came off as sarcastic and arrogant, he could read the underlying meaning. She just wanted her son to be confident in himself, and stop thinking that he wasn't good enough.

A bell chimed as the door swung open, and Dae's head snapped up the moment Hoseok stepped into the restaurant. Hoseok smiled at Dae, appreciatively looking him up and down. Dae blushed under his gaze, but could help checking out Hoseok as well.

"Hello, my name is Jung Hoseok," He greeted Dae's mother. "Thank you for allowing me to take Dae out tonight. I promise to take good care of him."

Lulu said nothing, standing with her arms crossed as she stared at Hoseok through narrowed eyes. Dae squirmed uncomfortably next to her.

"You're one of Park Jimin's friends, yes?" She questioned. Hoseok nodded and opened his mouth to comment, but was cut off by Lulu. "Should I expect that you'll start showing up here late at night, drunk and scaring away my customers?"

Puzzled, Hoseok slowly shook his head. What had Jimin been up to?

Lulu nodded once. "Good. My name is Han Lulu. Han Dae is my only son; therefore, he is very precious to me. Do not dare to hurt him. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Hoseok gulped and nodded in understanding. Dae groaned from the embarrassment of his mom threatening his date.

"Hoseok, let's go," Dae insisted, tugging on Hoseok's sleeve. Waving goodbye to Lulu, the two headed out of the restaurant and into Hoseok's car.

During the drive, Dae tried to pry out of Hoseok where they were headed, but Hoseok kept his lips sealed. When they pulled up to the building, Dae looked at Hoseok quizzically.

"We're going... bowling?" He asked. With Hoseok's flashy lifestyle, Dae never thought that he would choose a laid-back venue like this.

"Scared?" Hoseok grinned. "Not to sound too intimidating, but I am pretty great at bowling."

Turns out, the only thing Hoseok was 'great' at when it came to bowling, was wailing like a child every time the ball rolled into the gutter.

"This game is rigged!" Hoseok pouted from his seat, having just tossed another ball directly into the gutter.

Meanwhile, Dae was bowling a nearly perfect game with only a few pins missed here and there.

"Do you want me to help you?" Dae chuckled. Hoseok nodded cutely and stood for his next turn. Dae stood behind him, pulling their bodies together and helping him with his stance. Dae blushed at the close contact, but tried to stay focused on helping the pitiful red-headed boy in front of him.

Gingerly placing his hand over Hoseok's, Dae helped him guide the ball to roll down the middle of the lane. Hoseok watched in excitement as the ball finally knocked over a few pins.

Stepping back, Dae cleared his throat and scratched the back of his neck. "I'm gonna go get us some sodas," Dae mumbled. "You keep practicing."

He headed over to the concessions stand, trying to calm the butterflies in his stomach. Being that close to Hoseok felt... nice. Actually, more than that, it felt good. And right. Dae smiled to himself as he carried their drinks back to their lane. What he saw next made his jaw dropped.

Hoseok was gracefully rolling the balls down the lane, knocking over every single pin. His movements were natural and confident. Dae narrowed his eyes as he put two and two together.

"So," Dae said loudly to get Hoseok's attention. "You can bowl."

Hoseok stammered, "Oh, actually I, uh—"

"Save it," Dae interrupted. "You were pretending to suck at bowling, weren't you? Just so I would feel bad for you and show you how to do it?"

A blush crept up Hoseok's face as he sheepishly nodded. Dae wanted to feel annoyed, but he couldn't help the grin that wanted to spread across his lips. He found the sneaky attempts of physical contact flattering, and it made the older boy more endearing.

With his ruse exposed, Hoseok actually played the game against Dae, although he did lose due to the fact that he spent half the game purposefully rolling the balls into the gutter.

The two laughed like crazy throughout the evening, enjoying the time spent getting to know one another's silly sides.

On Dae's doorstep, Hoseok smiled warmly as Dae awkwardly fidgeted with his keys. He didn't really want to go inside, but he wasn't sure what else to say.

"Well... I guess this is goodnight. Thanks for tonight, I had a lot of fun," Dae mumbled shyly. He turned to unlock the front door.

"Wait!" Hoseok tugged on his sleeve. "I know this is only our first date, but you should know that I really like you. And with what I went through in the past, I'm not interested in pursuing a relationship with someone who doesn't feel the same way. So I really need to know: what do you feel for me?"

Dae gaped at Hoseok's bluntness. What was he supposed to say? Of course he liked the elder, but he was far too shy to say that out loud. His silence seemed to send the wrong message to Hoseok, and Dae watched as his eyes slightly dimmed. Hoseok nodded and started to leave, making Dae panic and act without thinking.

Throwing his arms around Hoseok's neck, Dae smashed his lips against Hoseok's. He didn't have much experience kissing — or any experience, really — so he just stood there with his lips roughly pressed against Hoseok's.

Breaking the kiss, Dae's face blazed red as he stepped away. Hoseok stared at him with wide eyes, trying to process the fact that Dae just kissed him.

"I-I'm not really good with words, so I did the only thing I could think of to let you know how I feel and I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable or anything since I didn't ask for permission beforehand, and—"

Hoseok gently placed a hand over Dae's mouth, silencing his rambling. He smiled affectionately as he moved his hand to cup Dae's cheek, tilting his head up to reconnect their lips.

Softly, Hoseok moved his lips against Dae's, keeping his movements slow and gentle. Dae's eyes fluttered closed as his body began to relax, and he found himself melting into the tender kiss.

After several minutes, Hoseok pulled away, pressing a kiss to Dae's nose and forehead. "I'm honored that I got to be your first kiss," Hoseok grinned.

Dae winced. "Was it that obvious?"

Hoseok chuckled softly, dipping his head down to peck Dae's lips once more before bidding him goodnight.

Once inside his house, Dae blissfully flopped into his bed, smiling widely at the ceiling.

He was falling for Hoseok, and for once, he wasn't afraid to admit it.

***

Over the next several weeks, Hoseok and Dae had been spending a lot of time hanging out and getting to know each other. They hadn't labeled their relationship yet, as both of them wanted to take it slow; Hoseok because he was more hesitant of relationships after what happened with Taehyung, and Dae because the entire concept of dating was new to him.

Still, they couldn't deny the growing attachment they felt for one another. On the days they couldn't see each other, they were constantly messaging back and forth, unable to go a single day without talking to the other.

Even if they hadn't defined their relationship, they weren't withholding skin-ship.  Whenever they were hanging out alone at Dae's house, or hidden from sight in a dark theater, Hoseok would always want to hold Dae's hand. Hoseok's confidence with physical affection helped Dae become more comfortable when it came to snuggling or kissing.

Dae even began taking the lead during some of their more heated make-out sessions, being the first to introduce tongue and lip biting as he straddled Hoseok's lap.

Hoseok knew he was falling fast for Dae, and he wanted nothing more than to claim that lovely man as his own.

Today, Dae was helping Hoseok with a special project. They were throwing a surprise party for Jimin at the restaurant to celebrate him being released from the hospital a month ago. Lulu was more than willing to allow the boys to use the restaurant, as she saw Jimin as one of her sons.

When Jimin stepped into the restaurant at the start of the party, his face instantly lit up. Dae watched as Yoongi held Jimin, and the love between them was clear to anyone within a fifty mile radius.

Dae's eyes flickered to Hoseok's, only to see that the latter was already staring at him. Hoseok's face flushed when he was caught staring and awkwardly tried to act casual, making Dae giggle.

"Ajumma!" Jimin ran over to Dae's mother and hugged her tightly, making Lulu smack his back until he released her. "I can't believe you guys were in on this!"

"Listen here, young man," Lulu sighed. "I've watched you go through so many ups and downs. I had to deal with your drunken shouting, which scared away some of my customers. But, I was also proud to watch you grow as a person, and become better. Of course we'd want to celebrate with you and your friends."

"Absolutely!" Dae chimed in. "When Hoseok told me he wanted to throw you a party, I immediately suggested our restaurant. After we came back from France, we started talking more, and I was surprised Hoseok wasn't aware of how you and I knew each other," he chuckled.

"You and Hoseok have been... talking?" Jimin grinned and raised an eyebrow.

A delicate pink spread across Dae's cheeks, and he shyly scratched the back of his neck. They hadn't told anyone else that they were seeing each other. "Uh... yeah," he cleared his throat.

"Anyway," Hoseok interjected, much to Dae's relief. "We rented out the restaurant for the night, so let's get to celebrating!"

***

After the party, Dae asked Hoseok if he could come over to his apartment to talk. Dae was becoming desperate to know exactly what their relationship was.

"So..." Hoseok started, setting his keys down on his counter. "You said you wanted to talk... is this a good talk, or a bad talk?"

Dae took a deep breath. "Well, that really depends on you."

Hoseok furrowed his brows and tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

"What are we, Hobi? I mean, what am I to you?"

Dae squirmed in his spot, unable to look Hoseok in the eye. He felt Hoseok take his hand, and he raised his gaze as the elder lead him over to the couch. They sat down next to each other, and Hoseok took both of Dae's hands in his.

"You want to know what you are to me?" Hoseok asked quietly. Dae gave a small nod, eyes flickering across Hoseok's face as he tried to interpret his expression.

"You," Hoseok looked him deep in his eyes, "are light."

Despite his lack of understanding, Dae felt his cheeks heat up. "I-I'm... light?"

"You came into my life when I was at a point where I was losing all my faith in love," Hoseok said softly. "You brought light back into my life, reminding me that love does exist, and I am capable of feeling it again."

Dae's heart thudded in his chest. "What are you saying?"

"I know we haven't known each other very long, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't falling in love with you."

"You... you love me?" Dae whispered, tightening his grip on Hoseok's hands.

Hoseok nodded with a small smile, freeing one of his hands to caress Dae's soft cheek. "I don't expect you to say it back, but I don't think I can go another day without calling you my boyfriend."

"I'm not that great," Dae blurted out, beginning to ramble nervously. "I'm socially awkward, I wouldn't be much fun to bring as your date to concerts or parties or whatever. I don't have any special talents like you and your friends. I don't have an impressive job. The only thing I could possibly offer you is my love and I feel like you deserve so much more than that because you are my light and I want to be your boyfriend and—"

Once again, Hoseok had to place his hand over Dae's mouth to cut off the words pouring out of his mouth.

"Breathe," Hoseok chuckled. "I couldn't care less about that stuff. You mean more to me than parties, and you might not sing or dance, but you're talented in your own ways. You make me laugh, you're an excellent cook, you're always willing to help others, and those talents are more significant than anything else." He leaned in closer to Dae until their faces were inches apart. "The only thing I care about is the fact that you said you have love to offer, and you want to be my boyfriend."

Dae's gaze flickered from Hoseok's eyes to his lips, and that was all Hoseok needed to close that small gap and connect their lips.

Dae responsed immediately to the kiss, running his hands through Hoseok's red locks. A low moan traveled from Hoseok's mouth to Dae's, and he deepened the kiss.

The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of heavy breathing and light moans as Hoseok kissed Dae with a wild amount of passion. Hooking his arm under Dae's legs, Hoseok easily lifted Dae off the couch and carried him to the bedroom.

The two fell recklessly onto the bed, their limbs tangling together without breaking the kiss. Hoseok pressed his growing arousal down on Dae, making Dae whine in pleasure from beneath him. The high pitched sound sent shock waves through Hoseok's body, instantly making his skin heat up.

Breaking the kiss, Hoseok stared down at the man beneath him. Dae's black hair was messily sprawled against his forehead, and his cheeks were flushed the most lovely shade of pink. His plump lips were swollen from their kisses, and his pupils were blown from lust.

Dae clutched the collar of Hoseok's shirt, trying to pull him back down, but Hoseok held back.

"Are you sure?" Hoseok whispered. The weight of the question dawned on Dae. He was about to lose his virginity to Hoseok, and yet he felt no fear or hesitation.

"I'm sure," Dae smiled warmly. "I'm in love with you too, Hobi."

Hoseok crashed his mouth against Dae's, smiling against his lips. His heart felt like it was going to burst at any moment.

That night, the two discovered a deep love tangled in the sheets of Hoseok's bed. Hoseok drank in all the sweet moans his lover released each time he thrusted into Dae. Dae saw stars from the new feeling of Hoseok pounding into his prostate, introducing a level of pleasure he didn't know existed.

As Dae rested his head against Hoseok's bare chest, Hoseok traced patterns down his soft back with the tips of his fingers. Dae closed his eyes, feeling at peace with the feeling of being held tenderly while Hoseok hummed a song lightly. When he drifted to sleep that night, Dae smiled softly as Hoseok provided whispered, 'I love you's in his ear.

~~~

I hope you guys liked this long af extra. It always makes me sad in BTS fan fictions when Hoseok is always the one who ends up alone. I honestly don't ship him with the other members (well... maybe Tae), but I didn't want him to be alone. So I created Dae!

I hope you enjoyed it!
-Gumbie