Ty for 500 reads 😭

"I can't believe I'm letting you bring me here,"

Slow drips of rain fell from the neon banner that read 'Destiny' in an almost illegible cursive. The brightly coloured light reflected in shallow puddles on the wet concrete, directing Jungkook's gaze back to the sign from every direction.

The air was cool and humid from the recent shower and a fresh scent still lingered in the air.

They were stood in a small bustle of people as they queued at the entrance, ID on hand ready to enter. It was quiet aside from excited chattering of those around them.

"I'm just worried about you getting attached to that Taehyung guy. If you associate all this good sex with only him then it could fuck with your head," He lectured, placing a comforting hand on his back.

"I'm not so infantile, Joon. I'm well aware he isn't the embodiment of sex," As he spoke he found himself caught on his words. Maybe he did believe that, just a little.

"Better safe than sorry," His friend quipped, paying the entry fee to a man who looked them over quickly and let them inside.

With each step Jungkook felt an uneasy sense of dread laying in his chest that made him feel almost queasy.

The music wasn't as loud as he initially expected and he saw that despite the active performances, dance floor and blaring lights, men also gathered around tables just to talk and drink, some more appropriately dressed than others.

Alcohol and sweat seemed to drift through the air creating an odd musky combination that was a signature for the environment.

He caught glimpses of servers who bordered on nude with their outfits and other men dressed more performatively that hung around tables and on stage, offering their services.

A strong hand placed on his back and he flinched, almost stumbling in resistance to the movement until he saw his friend directing him to an empty table tucked near the corner of the room.

When he looked at the stage, the dancers, only one person came to mind.

"I heard this place is good," Namjoon said, slightly louder than his usual volume to combat the background noise of chatter and music. "Has strippers and gogo dancers and," He continued listing what he had heard the place had to offer and who he had learnt it from but Jungkook wasn't really listening, instead his eyes flitted around the interior.

He spotted a door with a glowing sign that stood out from the gloomy edges of the building. Toilets.

"Um, Joon, I'll be right back," He mumbled, not sure if he was heard over the noise but sure his friend would catch on as he made a short sprint to the nearby door.

As it closed behind him he felt peace. The sounds were all muffled by the thick wood and he took a few steps to the closest mirror on the wall.

After one deep breath he composed himself.

His friend was only trying to help. He couldn't have known the tugging sense of loss this atmosphere created for him.

Despite never coming to such places with Jimin he couldn't stop the looming knowledge in his mind that his life could be completely different if he had accepted this fate.

It was stupid anyway, after all his falling out with Jimin was his own fault and it's not like he wanted to work in a place like this.

Though between a mundane office and sultry club he knew which seemed most appealing.

He couldn't help but fight the settling realisation that the bar wasn't that bad. That he had never given it a chance.

Jungkook toyed with his hair and straightened his clothes to make himself feel less awkward under the gaze of men that came and left the toilets behind him.

His momentary peace was disrupted with each time the door opened, each time spiking his nerves.

"Jungkook!" A familiar voice called. "We didn't pay to be here so you can look at your own reflection. Get your ass back out here!"

"I'm coming," He grumbled, enjoying one last sigh of relief when the door closed, silencing the bar, before stepping back out himself.

Namjoon was standing by the door waiting. "I'm getting a drink, you go wait at the table,"

Jungkook hesitantly headed back to the table alone, thankful no one took it while they were gone and keeping an eye on Namjoon's position.

He found himself covering his eyes when the scantily dressed waiters passed by, only peeking to see where his friend was and feeling irritation growing as he took his time, clearly making light conversation rather than rushing back to his aid.

His thoughts were broken when he felt a hand pressing on his shoulder, he let out a surprised gasp and whipped around to see who was there but they had already leaned into his ear.

"Come baby, your friend's paid for a private room," The deep voice rung in his ears alongside the heavy beat of music.

He gave a final glare to Namjoon who gave him a carelessly enthusiastic smile in return and allowed himself to be dragged down a short corridor to a private room.

His heart felt heavy in his chest in a mixture of fear and excitement as the door was opened and he was nudged inside.

The same music played as outside the room but a little quieter. Baby pink paint coated the walls and paired well with the pale wooden floor which was broken by a dark brown sofa. Though, the whole room was tinted a deep magenta with a coloured bulb.

It was quite large with plenty of seats, clearly designed to be rented out for small groups or parties.

He wet his lips and turned to see the man who brought him in here.

His heart stopped.

It took him a second to regain composure and process who exactly was standing before him.

His dark eyes were surrounded by smokey eyeshadow but his gaze was as strong as ever, flecks of shiny glitter were sprinkled throughout his hair, the occasional piece displaced onto his nude torso and reflecting the coloured light of the room in a contrast to his darker skin.

"Taehyung?" He asked.

Jungkook took in his attire with a frown, mind zooming in every possible direction is a feeble attempt to make sense of the situation.

"You- you're a stripper?"

"Is that a problem?" He countered, tone bordering on defensive as he moved to stand nearer the seating.

He gave a slight shake of his head, unable to take his eyes from the man as he took slow steps to the sofa where he sat on the edge, unable to make himself comfortable. "But what? Why? You said you were a nutritionist!"

"That's my day job, baby," He sunk to his knees and crawled between Jungkook's legs, running his hands across the soft fabric that covered his thighs.

"But you-" He didn't finish, muttering 'shit' beneath his breath. "This is insane,"

Taehyung stilled, a level of harshness appearing on his features. "Jungkook whether you like it or not I'm a stripper and this is paid for. Sit there and enjoy or not, I don't care, it's happening,"

Jungkook frowned, disliking the grave seriousness of his tone. "I- I don't have a problem with it. I'm just surprised Taehyung! You can't blame me for being surprised." He whined, shuffling back on the seat to create some distance.

"You don't?" He asked unsurely.

He pursed his lips. "I mean, it's a bit weird I guess but someone's gotta do it... I can't really complain about it when I'm here,"

Taehyung looked up at him, his eyes dark and unreadable.

"Why do you expect me to have a problem with it?" Jungkook frowned.

"You don't like gay people. Gay sex workers are kind of a step up, baby," He excused with a wave of his hand that had drifted to his knee.

"I don't have an issue with gay people. Just because I don't want to be gay or a sex worker doesn't mean I give two shits if you are,"

"So you aren't mad?" He clarified.

"I'm not mad. Still coming to terms but not mad," Jungkook uttered, releasing a slow breath and finally taking his eyes off of Taehyung but still not fully adjusted to the sight of him in lingerie.

Taehyung nodded and stood up. "Good. That means you can enjoy the show. Feel free to touch yourself but don't make a mess,"

Jungkook gulped. "But you know me! Isn't that weird?"

"Only as weird as you make it, darling. Why don't you just relax and enjoy the show, hm?"

His thoughts were still so clouded by shock and confusion he almost didn't notice Taehyung starting, the wide space in the center of the sofas acting as a stage as he started with slow, sensual movements.

Jungkook was thankful for the warm lighting that bathed them, certain that it hid his reddening cheeks while his eyes raked over the man's form.

He covered his eyes when Taehyung turned and bent over to display his ass, resulting in a loud sigh when the man noticed.

"Really Jungkook? Don't be a prude,"

"How am I meant to react?" He whined, resisting as his arms were pulled down from his face and the stripper straddled his lap.

"You're meant to watch. People pay to see me like this and you're here looking away,"

"It's embarrassing," He complained.

Taehyung smirked, a lone finger tracing from his jaw to his chin. "Don't you remember what I told you? The embarrassment makes it better, baby. And daddy wants you to watch,"

"Fine..." He muttered.

He expected Taehyung to get off of his lap but instead he begun gyrating his hips to the beat of the music on his lap, crotch dangerously close to his face and bulge straining against the leather of his pants.

Jungkook forced himself not to look away, instead leaning back as far as he could and focusing on his rolling upper body.

He knew Taehyung was muscular but the dim light seemed to accentuate the curve of each muscle, creating soft definition from his chest down to his hip bones that teased the edge of his underwear.

It was definitely a different energy to the man who sloppily fucked him under the covers the morning prior.

"Feel free to tip me, doll," He prompted, smoothly rolling his hips.

Jungkook finally looked to the side. "How much do you want?"

He climbed off of his lap and continued his movements. "As much as you're willing to give baby. How much do I deserve?"

His cheeks grew warmer again, heat tingling his skin. "I don't have very much..." He said, shyly holding out a note.

Taehyung smiled, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he turned back around and placed his hands behind his head, shaking his ass. "Tuck it in baby boy,"

"Tae," He whined. He could see a few notes shoved far into the leather.

"You can do it," He encouraged, slowing his movements. Jungkook timidly nudged the note between the tight space between his pants and skin, knuckles grazing his lower back as he forced it into the small gap.

"Good boy," He sung, turning back to him and stretching upwards before trailing his hands down his body, groping and feeling himself for Jungkook's pleasure.

"Can't you just take this time off, as a break?"

"I could but where's the fun in that?" Taehyung grinned, styled hair falling over his brow when he looked down at Jungkook, guiding his hands to his hips and ass just to snicker when he pulled away.

"You can touch me, I give you special permission," He cooed.

Hesitantly he reached out to touch his thighs, feeling the large muscles beneath his palms.

Taehyung seemed satisfied and ran a hand through Jungkook's hair.

"Taehyung, are you hard?" He questioned apprehensively.

The stripper chuckled. "Yeah it helps with business. Nothing gets tips quite like a big dick,"

Jungkook removed his hands and placed them on his lap. "How much longer do we have?"

"How much more will you pay me?"

"I can't pay you anymore, I need to buy food," He frowned.

Taehyung hummed. "Okay, baby. I'll dance for you for another half hour or so. I can stay a little longer if you like but you seem uncomfortable,"

He shuffled on the sofa. "I just don't know how to react... I feel bad objectifying you,"

He pinched his cheek. "Too cute," He laughed. "Baby my job is to look sexy for you. Don't forget I've been paid to do this,"

Jungkook wet his lips, allowing himself to look over his body but feeling himself choke up on nervousness when their eyes met again. "How- How much did he pay you?"

"Three hundred,"

Jungkook gaped at him. "That's too much! What was he thinking?"

"Ouch baby, am I not doing good enough for you?"

"No, no. It's just that we don't have much money and he's either robbed a bank or used our food budget..."

Taehyung's expression was serious now, no longer teasing him as he squatted down between his legs. "You sure he doesn't have a job or some other way of getting money?"

He shrugged, staring at the back wall in thought. "Not that I know of... We did have some savings for emergencies I guess,"

Taehyung let out a loud sigh and pulled the wad of cash from where he had tucked it into his boot. "Here,"

Jungkook stared at him and the money in his hand. "Are you sure? I don't want you not to get paid,"

"I'm fine Jungkook. You having emergency money is more important than the new dildo I'm saving up for. Promise,"

He chewed on his cheek. "I don't know... I probably wouldn't have noticed it was gone. And if there's ever a real emergency my parents would cover me. Having it just made me feel a bit more independent I guess,"

Taehyung looked up at him, his eyes were stern and even with glitter in his hair reflecting flecks of magenta and his chest bound by leather strips he found himself taking him seriously.

He folded the money and pushed it into Jungkook's pocket. "He only gave it to me because he wanted to distract you from me anyway, I wouldn't have the money if he knew who I was,"

Jungkook left it there, unsure of what to say.

"So, you won't stop talking about me?" He continued. "Do I make you feel that good baby?" Taehyung smiled, hands back on his thighs.

Jungkook covered his face. "Why did he have to tell you that?"

The stripper laughed and pried his hands away. "It's cute,"

"It's embarrassing,"

Taehyung gave a wide, boxy smile and opened his mouth to speak.

"Don't even say it," Jungkook interrupted and Taehyung leant onto his lap as he chuckled. "Shouldn't you go? I've already wasted your time here, I don't want to be a distraction,"

The stripper stood up and adjusted his pants. "Yeah, probably... I think I'll end early tonight though, fancy going for a drink after?"

Jungkook agreed, shuffling to the edge of the seat.

"Is it okay if I bring a friend?"

A few hours later he stood outside a nearby bar. Taehyung had told him to go home, get dressed and meet him there at one.

"So you're telling me that stripper is your fuckbuddy?"

Jungkook hummed, only paying half an ear as he looked around the dark street.

But he was late. Very late.

There was a warning that the friend Taehyung wanted to bring was a pain to be on time but Jungkook hadn't expected to be standing on the street for half an hour.

Expecting to wait just a few minutes Jungkook had stubbornly insisted on waiting outside and now it seemed too late to go back so he stood his ground, breath catching in anticipation every time someone turned the corner onto the damp street.

He had begun to shiver, only protected by a loose, thin white shirt in the cold weather.

"Are you sure he's coming?"

Well he hadn't even considered that.

He turned to glare at Namjoon before returning his focus to the street corner, being stood up plaguing his mind now instead of just bitterness about the weather.

Luckily he didn't have to for long as Taehyung approached in a slow jog. "Sorry for the wait, have you been here long?"

He appeared disheveled but was dressed nicely in well fitting pale blue jeans and a loose shirt, a useless tie hanging low on his chest.

Jungkook shrugged, hugging his arms close to his chest. "Kinda..."

Taehyung apologised and pulled him into a hug. "You should have waited inside, you're freezing," He sighed.

"Is your friend not coming?"

Taehyung frowned at him and looked around the empty street. He stormed away back from where he came. "Jimin get your sorry ass out here!"

His ears pricked at the name, a gust of wind bringing a new chill over him.

Could it be him? Surely not.

Yet when Taehyung walked back around the large brick building that blocked their view and returned dragging a small man towards him, he knew it was.

The man stood before him, uncertainty clear on his face.

He looked almost exactly as he had last seen him, except more mature and with much better make up skills. And of course the new bubblegum pink hair.

"Jimin..." He whispered.

Taehyung looked between them expectantly. "Well? Kiss and make up already I'm freezing my ass off,"

Jimin smacked the back of his head, swatting him away before returning his attention to him.

"Jungkook, I can't believe you're here," He muttered, taking a step closer.

He gave a small nod, mind blank.

What the fuck was happening? Taehyung had known Jimin the whole time?
How?

"You're a stripper," He said quietly, panicking shortly after. "I mean that's okay! But is- is that how you know Taehyung?" Jungkook watched his expressions closely, weary of ruining his relationship again before he had a chance to revive it.

Though he knew if anyone were to revive it it wouldn't be him, between the two boys he had never been the one to take initiative.

Jimin gave him a small smile that told him all he needed to know on the topic. "Can we make up?"

Jungkook's breath caught in his throat. "Am I dreaming?" He uttered, reaching to hold Jimin's face between his palms. "You're real? I never thought I would see you again," A smile threatened his lips but he held it back in fear of disappointment.

In his mind he hadn't done anything to deserve a second chance.

Jimin scolded him and pushed his hands off of his face, saying something about his make up before he pulled him into a hug. "I missed you, Kook,"

He nodded and held the smaller man tight. "We need to talk!" Jungkook cheered, relief flooding his system, and almost his eyes, as the nostalgic scent of his friends cologne met his nose. "So much has happened Minie,"

Jimin pulled him inside leaving the other two men to walk after them.

"Who is that guy?"

Taehyung looked to see Jungkook's friend from the club. He was a bit taller than him and had short bleach blonde hair that broke his otherwise formal getup.

"He's an old friend of Jungkook's," Taehyung responded, holding the door open for him.

"He never mentioned him to me," Namjoon commented, head turning to look around the bar as he took off his coat. "Guess it's just us now then?"

Taehyung nodded dismissively. They went to the bar to get drinks before sitting at a table not too far from Jungkook and Jimin.

The two men seemed to slot together seamlessly, laughing and joking as if they hadn't had more than a day apart.

In the short time he had known Jungkook he'd never seen him so relaxed and happy.

It took a few minutes at first, like two children taking time to remember who they are before forgetting they were ever uncomfortable and becoming idiotically fearless in their companionship.

The man was animated and touchy with his friend, shouting and giggling as they told eachother stories of their lives, using every second to catch up on their missed time.

Jungkook sported a wide grin, his front teeth resembled a bunny's and Taehyung made a mental note to tease him with the new nickname later.

"I'm Namjoon, by the way,"

"Taehyung," He said, turning his attention back to Jungkook's friend.

They sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes, focusing on their drinks and occasionally looking over to their mutual friend who had completely forgotten about them.

He couldn't stop the fear that arose with the thought of Jimin choosing Jungkook over him.

Jungkook hadn't bothered to speak to him in two years, surely Jimin wouldn't forget him that quickly.

He was Jimin's best friend now after all. Jimin wouldn't do that to him. He wouldn't leave him alone.

"So, Jungkook, what's he like as a roommate?" He asked instead, taking a gulp of his drink to distract himself from the looming thoughts.

It took a moment for Namjoon to realise he was asked a question. "As a roommate? He's alright I guess. Good kid, distracts me from my work a lot,"

"Oh? How does he?"

"Mostly talking. Telling me random crap or complaining. He loves to complain about shit,"

"He have any hobbies?" He asked, finding himself curious to get to know the man better. There must be something about him that had his friend so desperate to have him back.

"Does staring at the wall count as a hobby? He does a lot of that,"

Taehyung appeared unsatisfied by the response so he continued. "He likes cleaning, I guess? Only when he's in a good mood though,"

Namjoon took a slow sip of his beer. "He's usually bored or complaining. Been a bit better since he met you but I'm worried about him getting too attached,"

"Jimin was too. Though I doubt it's a concern anymore seen as they're friends again. Who knew it would be that simple?"

Namjoon shrugged, looking past him at the two men who had started doing shots. The hollow sound out glasses banging on the wooden table and cheering as they indulged, echoing through the mostly vacant bar.

Taehyung watched with curiosity as Jungkook whined, having a glass taken from him. "No more, fucking lightweight," Jimin cackled and grabbed his wrist to pull him up from the chair. "Dance with me Kookie!"

20/02/22
What do you guys think of Jimin so far?

Sorry if the quality is kinda shit. School's started again so I didn't spend so much time on it.

I actually wasn't going to finish this today but my laptop died and my laptop charger died so everything urgent I need to do for school is off the table 🥲