A small pout formed on Yoongi's lips as he set his phone aside.

"What's wrong?" Namjoon asked.

"He had to go. But it feels like he was trying to get rid of me."

"What? What do you mean?"

"I dunno. It's just a feeling."

Namjoon sighed. "You're thinking of the worst case scenarios. Stay positive. You just had a great conversation! You can have more."

Yoongi nodded, though he wasn't fully convinced. "Should I initiate again next time? Or should I wait for him to do it?"

Namjoon shrugged. "I guess wait to see how long it takes. If it seems like he's taking too long, you should text him."

"But if he takes too long, that probably means he doesn't want to talk anymore."

"Yoongs, stop thinking like that. Remember that you haven't done this in a while. You've forgotten how it goes. This isn't unusual, and it's not a bad thing to have to initiate a conversation again."

Yoongi considered this, and then sighed. "I guess you're right."

"I am," Namjoon agreed. "Don't overthink it."

The two friends sat in silence for a few minutes until Namjoon finally spoke again.

"I'll call Jin. Let's see what he and Jungkook are up to today."

"Sounds good," Yoongi replied. "Anything to get my mind off of things."

Namjoon nodded as he picked up his phone and dialed Seokjin.

It turned out the brothers were free, and they all decided to go to lunch. Once Namjoon and Yoongi had met the others at the restaurant, Namjoon immediately began interrogating them.

"So, how much do you know about this Hoseok guy? You haven't known each other long, right?"

"Honestly, no," Seokjin replied. "We just met him yesterday at the garden."

At the mention of the garden, Yoongi sighed. "You met him while you were pulling up the plants?"

"Yeah," Jungkook said, throwing a furtive glance at Seokjin. "He was, uh, just curious as to why we were dismantling the garden. He has his own, and was there taking care of it."

"Well, while that would be something interesting to have in common," Yoongi admitted. "I'm still satisfied with my decision to get rid of it."

Jungkook and Seokjin shared another look, but Yoongi didn't notice.

"He was very nice, though," said Seokjin. "I didn't get any weird vibes or anything. I don't think it would be strange to talk to him, if that's what you want to know." He smiled slyly and Yoongi rolled his eyes.

"He's already talked to him today," Namjoon blurted. "They're getting to know each other."

Yoongi stared at his friend. "Thanks, Joon," he said sarcastically.

Namjoon shrugged. "Like you wouldn't tell them the truth eventually."

"Well, I think that's a great thing!" Jungkook said. "From what I understand, his friends have been trying to get him to move on from his last relationship, too. And we all saw how well you two clicked last nigh – "

"Yeah, everyone except me," Yoongi said, slightly bitterly.

"If it makes you feel any better," Seokjin said. "I'd be willing to bet he doesn't remember much either."

"Well, what a great start to a relationship," Yoongi mused. Then, upon the look on his friends' faces, he quickly clarified. "Friendship. A friendship relationship."

"Sure," Namjoon said, trying to hide his smile.

"Just shut up, Joon," Yoongi said, scowling at his friend. Namjoon simply grinned.

-

"Wow, you weren't kidding when you said this needed extra care," Jimin said, looking over Yoongi's garden.

"Yeah, it's definitely a work in progress," Hoseok replied. "But with new soil and being tied to stakes to help their growth, I really believe these plants can flourish."

"Always the optimist," Jimin said. "You just won't give up, huh?"

"On viable plants? Never."

Jimin chuckled. "You're one of a kind. You know that, Hobi?"

Hoseok shrugged. "I just love plants. I want them to be the best they can be."

"Do you think Yoongi will appreciate this?" Taehyung asked.

"I hope so," Hoseok replied. "But..."

"But?" Jimin asked.

"I just got the feeling last night that I shouldn't say anything to Yoongi about it," Hoseok admitted. "Jin gave me a look that suggested Yoongi didn't know, or that Jin and Jungkook didn't want him to know, that I was working on his garden."

"That's kind of odd," Taehyung said.

"Yeah. I wish I had one of their phone numbers to ask them about it."

"Maybe you could ask Yoongi," Jimin suggested.

"I don't know," Hoseok said. "Wouldn't that be kind of a strange question?"

"Maybe," Taehyung agreed. "Like, 'hey, I'm chatting you up, but can I get another guy's phone number from you?'"

Hoseok chuckled as he nodded. "Exactly."

Jimin shrugged. "Then I'm out of ideas."

Hoseok frowned. "Well, I guess I just won't say anything until I somehow am able to talk to one of them. Just in case."

As if on cue, a voice suddenly rang out from the entrance to the garden. "Hobi? Are you here?"

The three friends exchanged surprised looks. "Uh, over here," Hoseok shouted back.

Suddenly Jungkook appeared, and Hobi's eyes widened. "Weird, we were just talking about you."

"Oh," Jungkook replied, curious. "What about me?"

"Well, I wanted to talk to you about Yoongi's garden."

"That's why I'm here, actually." Jungkook glanced at the garden they stood in front of. "Wow, this already looks so much better!"

Hoseok smiled. "We've got a ways to go, but it's a start."

Jungkook admired it for a few moments longer, then sighed. "What I wanted to talk to you about is that Jin Hyung thinks we shouldn't tell Yoongi Hyung about this."

"Yeah, I kind of got that feeling last night. Why not?" Hoseok asked curiously.

"Yoongi Hyung was pretty adamant that he wanted the garden gone," Jungkook explained. "We tried to convince him to try again, but he wasn't having it. Jin Hyung is worried that he'll be angry if he finds out we're trying to continue it."

Hoseok frowned. "Well, this just kinda feels dishonest, then. I'm just now getting to know him. I don't want to be a part of upsetting him."

"Well, that's the thing. Hyung thinks Yoongi will change his mind once he sees the plants growing and healthy. But until then, he likely wouldn't appreciate us doing this."

Hoseok still wasn't entirely convinced. "You sure he wouldn't be mad at me?"

"I don't think so. Or, at least, Hyung doesn't think so. And he said we can take the blame if he does."

"So, you don't agree with Jin's plan?"

Jungkook looked nervous. "No, I do. At least, I do to some extent."

Hoseok again frowned. "Jungkook..."

"I know. But I – "

"I agree with Hobi," Taehyung interrupted. "He likes Yoongi. What if something like this ruined any sort of relationship they might build?"

Jungkook sighed. "I really do understand your concerns. I promise I'll talk to Jin Hyung about this."

"I'd appreciate that."

"Until then, though, can you just not mention it to Yoongi?"

Hoseok nodded, though he was still slightly unconvinced. "Okay."

"Thank you," Jungkook said earnestly.

"Hey, can I get your phone number?" Hoseok asked. "Just so we can keep in touch about this."

"Sure!" Jungkook said with a smile. "You should also keep me updated on how things are going with Yoongi Hyung," he added with a wink.

Hoseok's cheeks reddened. "Okay," he agreed.

After they'd exchanged numbers, Hoseok had a thought.

"Can I ask you about one more thing?"

"Sure," Jungkook answered curiously.

"So," Hoseok wasn't entirely sure how to bring it up, so he just decided to be blunt. "Yoongi was married?"

Jungkook glanced at Jimin, who shrugged. "I felt like he had a right to know."

Jungkook nodded, then looked back at Hoseok. "Yes, to my sister."

"And she passed away," Hoseok said.

A sad look crossed Jungkook's face. "Yes, last year."

"I'm sorry," Hoseok offered.

"Thanks," Jungkook said. "Like I told Jimin, it wasn't unexpected. She was sick for a long time. But it's still hard, you know?"

Hoseok nodded. "I can only imagine."

"You're wondering if you should say something or ask Yoongi Hyung about it." It was a statement, not a question.

Hoseok nodded again. "Knowing that without doing so also feels a bit dishonest. But I figured it might be best to let him tell me in his own time."

"I agree," Jungkook said. "It's still a very hard topic for Hyung. He hasn't entirely moved on."

"That's another thing," Hoseok said. "Is it a good idea to possibly enter into a relationship with him if he's not completely over her?"

Jungkook sighed. "I'll be honest with you, Hobi, he'll never get completely over her. She was his first love, and their relationship ended in a traumatic way. But that's no reason he can't move on. And we believe he's finally in a place to try to do that. That's why he's talking to you. He wants to move on. We've reminded him that that's what Jia wanted; she told him as much before she passed. And he's trying to honor her by doing so."

Hoseok nodded. "It still makes me a bit nervous."

"I understand," Jungkook said. "And, since you are, it's something you should seriously consider. But what I do know is that Hyung is really interested in continuing to talk to you, and I can tell he's excited about it. He's a pretty stoic person, but after knowing him for so long, I can see past that facade. And you're the first person who's made him feel this way since Jia. So, we know you must be pretty special."

Again, Hoseok's cheeks flushed. "I'm really interested in getting to know him, too," he admitted quietly.

A bright grin spread across Jungkook's face. "I'm really glad, Hobi."

"You can call me Hyung if you'd like," Hoseok told him. And again, Jungkook smiled.

"Thanks, Hyung." He then looked at his watch. "I'd better get going. We had lunch with Yoongi Hyung, and I told him I needed to run by my apartment to pick something up so I could come by here. He'll start wondering where I am eventually."

Hoseok nodded. "I understand."

"I'm glad I ran into you," Jungkook said. "And I'm glad we're on the same page now. Text me if you have any other questions or need anything, okay?"

Hoseok smiled. "I definitely will."

-

Yoongi was laying in bed when his phone chimed on his bedside table, startling him.

Hoseok Hey again.

In spite of himself, Yoongi smiled.

Yoongi Hey.

Hoseok Sorry if I'm texting too late.

Yoongi No worries. I'm awake.

Hoseok That's good.

Hoseok I mean, not that you're awake this late. Just that I didn't disturb you.

Yoongi chuckled.

Yoongi It's okay. I understood what you meant.

Across town, Hoseok sighed in relief.

Hoseok So, can I ask you a question?

Yoongi Sure.

Hoseok Do you have any pets?

Yoongi smiled. Hoseok was continuing their pursuit of getting to know each other.

Yoongi No. I've thought about it, but I'm not sure I want the responsibility.

Hoseok Fair enough. I don't have any either.

Yoongi What's your favorite food?

Hoseok smiled, glad that Yoongi was reciprocating.

Hoseok I'm pretty basic when it comes to food. I like ramyeon.

Yoongi Haha, well, that's okay. I like yanggochi.

Hoseok Nice. Favorite movie?

And they continued to go back and forth. Before he knew it, Yoongi noticed that it was 1:30 in the morning. But he didn't want to stop talking. And Hoseok didn't seem to be stopping anytime soon either, so Yoongi didn't mention the time.

But, after about 30 more minutes, Hoseok did notice.

Hoseok I didn't realize how late it is. I guess we should probably wrap this up.

Yoongi Okay.

Hoseok Can I ask you one more question?

Yoongi You just did.

Hoseok Haha!

Yoongi Sorry, couldn't resist.

Hoseok That's okay. You're funny and I like that.

A smile spread across Yoongi's face as his cheeks flushed.

Hoseok Would you be willing to meet in person sometime?

Yoongi's cheeks reddened further. But then his smile faltered slightly. Was he ready for that? He sat, staring at his phone as his fingers hovered over it.

He hadn't even realized how long it was taking him to write back until Hoseok messaged again.

Hoseok It's totally okay if you'd rather not. I know you said you haven't done this in years. So, if you're not ready for that, I completely understand.

Yoongi breathed a sigh of relief. He was grateful that Hoseok was being so understanding. And the fact that he was made Yoongi feel better about possibly meeting him in person again.

Yoongi I think I'd like that.

Hoseok let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. He smiled.

Hoseok If you're sure.

And Yoongi was. Although, he didn't think he was ready for a real date. But he wasn't against seeing Hoseok again.

Yoongi I am. How about getting coffee soon?

Hoseok Sounds good to me. 🙂

Yoongi I'll text you tomorrow, and we can figure out details.

Hoseok Okay.

Yoongi Goodnight, Hobi.

Hoseok Goodnight, Yoongs.