A strong breeze pushed long curtains into a dance, swaying them as they lifted into the air.

This time the room was restless, though remnants of old water bottles still laid scattered over some open notebooks and unread papers. Feet pushed past the soft sheets over the bed, a low grumble murmured from pink lips.

Jeongguk laid over his bed, head dipped forward on his cushioned pillow. Brows furrowed, pleasured huffing, toes wriggling.

"Pretty boy... I only have eyes for you."

Jeongguk stirred, body jerked a little in one quick motion.

"Well done, pretty boy."

His arms clutched tightly over the pillow he hugged close to him, hands gripped around his own erection below him while he gasped out desperate breaths, his stroking movements now beginning to speed up.

"You don't have a single clue... just how badly I want you."

The boy's eyes shot open, breaths stammering in choked pants. His head snapped back, thighs squirming while he came down his boxers, a shower of pleasure rushing down his heated skin.

Jeongguk's lips parted, chest heaving while he reached up to wipe sweat from his forehead that had mixed into strands over his bangs, sticking them to his skin like stubborn paste.

He looked up. It was morning.

Jeongguk had quite a bit of trouble falling asleep last night, the culprit being... well, Kim Taehyung, who had invaded his thoughts as usual. He just couldn't get the handsome man off of his mind, those sweet words he uttered with that deep husky voice of his. How gentle his large hands were, how addicting his gaze was.

Before he knew it the boy was touching himself to the thought of him. The thought of Taehyung beside him, whispering those sweet nothings in his ear, praising him, cherishing his skin.

A quiet moan pushed past Jeongguk's lips before a sudden alarm went off, and the boy realized he had to get ready for class. He lifted his body to sit up, and a text message soon arrived in his notifications.

'i'm out front. about to watch two dogs have an epic showdown across the street, so take your time 🥴'

He snorted out a giggle at Taehyung's text message, then quickly lowered the device to get finally get ready. Surely he wouldn't want to keep the older waiting too long—that would be rude.

And, of course, he just couldn't wait to see him.

※ ※

"What do you think? Would this outfit make me look fat?"

Hoseok looked up from the light novel in his hands, gaze peering toward his right side where Jimin was seated, slumped over the outdoor table they sat on, eyes fixated on his laptop in front of him. Leaning closer towards the screen, the red haired older blinked repeatedly while examining the photos listed on the online shop Jimin had been looking through.

"I don't think a single piece of clothing can make you look fat, Jiminie," Hoseok then laughed softly. "You're as tiny as they come. The only plump thing about you is your squishy wittle cheeks~"

Jimin lifted his head up, a groan emitting from his throat while Hoseok reached to pinch at his left cheek. "Hyung, stop! You know I hate it when you do that."

"You secretly love it," Hoseok's grin only widened, hand retreating back to his book. "I know you."

"You're so annoying..." Jimin mumbled under his breath, and the older merely laughed again, his hearty giggle causing the blond's pout to slowly turn to a smile. After all, it was hard not to feel joy hearing such a laugh. Then, Jimin heard the man gasp softly and lean closer to the computer screen, head hovering nearly above his shoulder.

"Wait, scroll down a little," he said quickly, and Jimin turned his attention back to the screen only to do as he was told. When the webpage lowered, a delicate white outfit set appeared; the sleeves loose and waist area tightened. "You'd look... absolutely amazing in that."

Jimin stared at the attire, imagined the way the long edges would flow elegantly with his new dance routine. His lips parted, face drawing closer to the screen to inspect the rest of the tedious details. An outfit like this would only make a glorious choreo seem that much more alluring. Undoubtedly, it would suit him well.

The blond quietly cleared his throat, then a light blush flushed over his cheeks as he realized all of a sudden, that Hoseok had possibly imagined the same thing.

"Y-You think so..?" He turned his head to look at the other male, whose eyes returned eye contact while the grin on his face only widened.

"I know so." Hoseok gave a confident nod. "Only you can pull it off, like no other can."

Jimin fell silent, watched the gentle glow to Hoseok's welcoming eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, and then a chirpy voice interrupted the moment.

"There you guys are!" Yerin strolled down the path beside the trees, and finally reached the long table the two were seated on. Jimin's brows rose at the sudden surprise, and was quick to notice Yoongi walking beside the girl.

"I thought you'd be in the cafeteria, still," Yoongi added, moving to plop himself on the bench across from Jimin, while Yerin sat next to him, in front of Hoseok.

"Oh, um.." Jimin looked down at his laptop briefly before lowering the screen. "I wasn't too hungry so I just got a sandwich and came out here."

"Do you want me to go get you something else?"

"No, babe.." The blond cracked a smile. "Thanks, though. I thought you'd be escorting Misun to her class right about now."

Just as he finished his sentence, Hoseok leaned forward and placed his book to the table, his eyes narrowing towards Yerin.

"And I thought I told you not to openly walk out here as if you're a student in this school," he scolded his girlfriend in a teasing voice.

"But all my pals are here~" Yerin pouted. "And so is my handsome boyfriend."

"Misun's in class already, plus... I missed you," Yoongi cut in, in response to Jimin's previous comment, gaze focused solely on his boyfriend. "Did you pick your outfit for the show yet?"

The blond glanced toward Hoseok, who was returning some snarky remark to Yerin, as they often tended to do—their playful bickering, that never failed to prove to Jimin just how close they were. How much they enjoyed each other's presence. How much they loved each other.

"Hm. Yeah, I... think I have something in mind," his lips curled to another smile, which Yoongi then mirrored.

"Can't wait to see it."

Jimin nodded eagerly, then lifted his head up to peer off into the distance, where suddenly he spotted his best friend standing near the east gate. His jaw lowered.

"Looks like Jeongguk just got to campus," he commented. Everyone's heads turned to look off in the direction Jimin was staring at, only to see the youngest of the group standing timidly beside a taller male figure.

"And that's Taehyung with him! Looks like they walked here together," Yerin added.

Hoseok nodded. "Well, he was assigned a protection service to him. So I guess he's only doing his job."

The group of friends then watched from afar as Taehyung handed the boy a stack of books and patted his head sweetly.

"Aw~... He carried his books for him.." Yerin cooed, head tilting to the side in a swoon. "So cute of Taehyungie to do that."

Jimin's eyes narrowed, Taehyung was now cupping Jeongguk's face in those large hands of his, and seemed to utter something to him. Something that made Jeongguk's cheeks flush just a tad.

"Gross.." The blond scowled, just as Jeongguk then waved to the older and turned to walk in their direction.

"Quick! Everyone act natural—" Hoseok rushed the words, then raised his book up to pretend he'd been reading. The group turned back to face forward in their seats, innocent expressions taking over their features.

"G-Good morning, guys.." Jeongguk's voice then appeared beside the table, the boy slipped down to sit beside Hoseok.

"Oh hey, Jeonggukie! What a surprise to see you!" Yerin piped up, "Totally weird that you're suddenly here and all. Definitely didn't see you come in."

"Yeah, sooo weird.." Hoseok added in a fake laugh.

"Super weird." Yoongi said in a straight face.

"So are you two boning now or what?" Jimin cut to the chase. Everyone else around him slumped in low groans.

Jeongguk's eyes widened, looking around the table curiously to his friends. "What on earth is wrong with you guys? Are you all drunk?"

Jimin scoffed. "I asked you a question."

The boy gave a small pout, moved to place his bag atop the table. "No, we're not 'boning'..." He scrunched up his nose. "Taehyung's just making sure I get to school okay. You know? Like he's supposed to?"

"Hmph.." Jimin hummed sassily, "I dunno. It's been like a week now and you expect me to believe there's been no dick up your ass?"

Jeongguk's eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. "J-Jimin!"

"What!" The boy puffed his cheeks, arms crossing in front of him. "You expect me to believe you're completely over that man? Please. We can all see the way you look at him."

The younger grit his teeth against his bottom lip, avoiding the gazes of his friends around him. "H-He's my friend."

"Right, friend," Hoseok piped up.

"Yep. Just a friend you want in you so badly," Jimin gave a teasing laugh, and Jeongguk rose from his seat abruptly, cheeks flushed a crimson color.

"I know you don't like Taehyung all that much, but would you please stop getting on my ass so much about me hanging around him?"

Jimin blinked repeatedly, mouth parting a little. "Jeongguk, I didn't mean to—"

"I-I'm going to class now!" He huffed, turning to dart off behind them. Jimin glanced over at the rest of the group and gestured toward the younger male.

"Not without me, you wont!" The blond called, scrambled to return his laptop to his bag and run after his friend. "Wait up!"

※ ※

Jeongguk flipped a page in his notebook, his thumb brushing over the smooth surface mindlessly, bottom lip tucked under his teeth, his gaze aloof. Even still, his thoughts were full of one man and one man only, although he hadn't expected himself to long for his presence as much as he had.

Surely, through the weeks he and Taehyung spent not talking to each other, there was much to catch up on. But back then Jeongguk had been prepared to rid himself of Kim Taehyung in his life. His low expectations overcame him, he told himself the older wouldn't take interest in speaking to him again, now that he knew the truth about his disorder.

He must've thought Jeongguk would think less of him. And the single thought only saddened the younger.

Because, truthfully, after finding out the truth it was as though a pressure inside Jeongguk had finally released itself. Everything made sense. Everything he knew of Taehyung to be, all the confusing components that made up the man that, before, just didn't add up.

He now knew why.

And it only made Jeongguk understand the older better. To learn to be more patient.

Jeongguk was good at being patient. If it meant he could spend more time with Kim Taehyung, he'll learn even more patience. Because, no, he didn't want to hold back anymore. They had already stumbled through obstacles before and grew apart. All he wanted now was to mend whatever friendship or acquaintance or odd relationship it was that they had in the past. Perhaps even grow closer.

"You just gonna sit there or what?"

Jimin's voice snapped the younger from his thoughts, and he turned his head to see Jimin standing beside him, staring down at him with a raised brow.

"W-What..?"

"Class is over, dummy. Get your ass up," the blond huffed out. "My very handsome boyfriend is waiting for me."

"Oh—" Jeongguk looked around the classroom, watched as students collected their belongings and began to scatter out one by one. A sheepish laugh left his lips. "Right."

Jimin's eyes narrowed, a smirk forming over his face. "You weren't paying attention at all this whole time, were you?"

Jeongguk pouted, tried his hardest not to flush at the comment, and stood up with his book in hands, moving to exit the room.

Jimin continued, "You were thinking about Mr. Kim~?"

"Shut it, Jiminie."

The other boy gave a chuckle and then sighed softly. "Listen, I'm sorry about always talking shit about him, but... I still don't feel too good about him."

"What do you mean?"

"He's done nothing but hurt you," Jimin scratched the side of his head. "And you deserve someone that.. cares about you enough not to do things like... like what he—"

"I get it, Jimin, it's-.. It's okay.." Jeongguk nearly whispered. Yet, there were things he wished he could say. Things he knew he couldn't say, may not even be able to say. Since it wasn't his place to. Despite how close he and Jimin were, Taehyung should be the one to control who gets to and doesn't get to know of his disorder. That was something he firmly believed in.

The blond nodded in silence, and then Jeongguk reached to pull out his phone with restrained eagerness. Usually Taehyung would message him by now, saying he was outside somewhere waiting on him. Over the past few days, he'd been taking his protection services task seriously after all, which made Jeongguk feel that much more secure. Yes, he was still cautious and a little frightened of the Acre gang after the whole kidnapping ordeal. But he had trust in Taehyung. Knew he was safe as long as he was with him.

But today he didn't get the usual text. And his brows lowered upon seeing the lack of messages, eyes staring down at the screen where his last text convo with Taehyung was of the dog 'showdown' earlier this morning.

When the two friends walked outside the building, Jimin turned to scan their general surroundings, a confused expression soon overtaking him as well. "Yo, where's your man at?"

Jeongguk let out a quiet breath. "He's not my man. And I don't know, he-... usually lets me know if he'll be late to pick me up."

Jimin blinked back at the boy, raised brows of concern evident while Jeongguk then pressed his phone to his ear and waited a while, foot tapping impatiently on the ground below. A few seconds passed. Jeongguk tapped something on his phone and pressed the device back to his ear. And then another chain of seconds went by, until the boy was staring at his best friend with anxiously worried eyes.

"He's not picking up.." He finally murmured.

Jimin grabbed onto the younger's shoulder. "That's fine, he's probably just busy. I'll go home with you and tell Yoongi to pick me up there, okay?"

"N-No, wait.." Jeongguk hesitated, resisting Jimin's pull on him. There was a small pause, and then Jeongguk tightened his clutch over the phone with a newly determined glint in his eyes. "I'll stop by Taehyung's place... and make sure he's okay."

"Jeongguk —"

Before Jimin could continue even a bit of his sentence, the other boy was already treading down the campus path, towards the exit. Jimin exhaled a loud sigh to himself and jogged on after the boy.

"Wait up, Jeongguk! You shouldn't go on your own, for fuck's sake!"

※ ※

Hurried steps, lowered breaths, clenching fists. Jeongguk reached Taehyung's apartment building much faster than he had anticipated. Perhaps it had to do with the fact the two nearly ran there, though that came as no surprise to Jimin, who knew his best friend much too well.

And after some convincing the blond to leave for his date with Yoongi rather than accompany him upstairs, Jeongguk was running down the halls to Taehyung's front door, where he rang the doorbell immediately, and waited for a response while attempting to finally catch his breath.

Jeongguk waited a moment, hand against the wall beside the doorframe, heartbeat loud inside his chest. After some seconds went by he rang the bell again, fingers now tapping rather impatiently against the wall.

What if he wasn't home?

What if something had happened to him?

What if ——

The door suddenly swung open. Jeongguk flinched in surprise and quickly collected himself, pushing a smile over his lips as his eyes settled over the older, who was looking back at him with widened eyes.

"O-Oh, uhm.. Hey, hyung.." he spoke sheepishly, hands grasping together in front of him. "You're home. I-I thought something came up when you n-never came to pick me back up."

Taehyung gaped back at him, lips slowly parting. He seemed to glance around them in a restless manner, and then slowly stepped back to allow the boy inside his home. Jeongguk shyly bowed his head down and stepped into the apartment, waited until the door shut before sliding off his shoes.

The older watched him in polite silence, which somehow made Jeongguk a little nervous, and tad bit confused, too. He slowly raised his head to look at the man, and the two gazed at each other in the still air, before the younger finally came to an obvious realization.

"O-Oh, you're—... Oh, I'm s-sorry!" Jeongguk gave a bashful laugh. "I'm so sorry, Dot, I... didn't realize it was you..."

Taehyung flashed a small smile and stepped back quietly, gave the boy a small bow before shaking his head to assure him no apology was needed. He then gestured for the boy to come in, and the two stepped down the narrow hall to the living room. When they reached the more spacious flooring, Taehyung signaled towards the kitchen and looked at the younger curiously.

"N-No, I'm good! Um.." Jeongguk felt his cheeks become warm. He had only really met Dot once before, and was completely unaware of it. Somehow it felt as though he were meeting Taehyung's family, the nerves of not wanting to disappoint the new alter was gradually bubbling up inside of him. "I-I'll ask for water later.."

Taehyung raised his brows and nodded, then pointed towards the couch.

"Ah, yeah, I'd... love to sit," he flashed a smile, then followed the other male to the cushioned seating, the two taking their place beside each other within a reasonable distance.

Jeongguk then watched as Taehyung began to fumble into his pockets, a disappointed look taking over once he found them to be empty.

"Are you looking for your phone?" The boy perked up, "H-Here, you can use mine." Jeongguk reached to grab his phone from his pocket and open the notes app. He handed the device toward the older and watched as he gave another bow of his head in gratitude.

Taehyung typed something, then held up the phone for Jeongguk to read his message.

' i'm sorry, i'm not sure what's been going on for the past few days. and i don't know where taehyung left our phone either. it's good to see you again, jeongguk.'

When Jeongguk showed a small smile, Taehyung reached to return the phone back to the boy. "Don't apologize, Dotie. It's good to see you too, I've been... wanting to talk to you for some time now.."

Taehyung straightened his back, a surprised rise of his brows. Somehow Jeongguk understood the body language and giggled.

"Yes, really," he grinned. "But I understand that you're shy, and... may not always want to be around others."

Taehyung quickly shook his head, pointed towards the boy and gave a short nod. Jeongguk's cheeks nearly flushed red.

"I'm... an exception?"

The older nodded eagerly. The corner of Jeongguk's lips lifted to another smile. He lowered his head timidly, and then suddenly Taehyung stood up, gestured towards the kitchen again, this time while rolling his sleeves up. Jeongguk looked at him and glanced between his eyes and the kitchen island.

"You... want to cook me something?" The boy brought his knees together and slumped his shoulders. "I-It's alright, I can just eat later—"

Taehyung interrupted him with a tap on the shoulder, then shook his head disapprovingly, a cute little pout upon his lips. Jeongguk couldn't dare stop the wave of butterflies it gave him. The way Taehyung settled his hands over his waist seemed he was insisting, probably wouldn't take no for an answer. So Jeongguk was quick to admit defeat, and merely stood to follow after him.

"What are you going to make for me?" He let out a dramatic sigh, though the wide smile on his face couldn't possibly hide from Taehyung's view, who only pressed a finger to his own lips in response.

Jeongguk's brows furrowed.

"It's a secret?"

Taehyung nodded.

"Well that's not fair.." The boy's lips darted out into a pout, arms crossing while the two shifted towards the kitchen. "Just tell me."

Taehyung shook his head sideways.

"Dotie~ tell me! Please~"

Taehyung grinned an inaudible laugh and shook his head again, causing the younger to attach himself to the man's arm and pull teasingly.

"Please~ I wanna know..."

Taehyung turned and grabbed onto Jeongguk's arm in response, mirroring his action and giving a pull of his own until the two were circling around the flooring, Jeongguk's giggles pushing the air between them. After a twirl or two, the younger then bumped into the stool chair behind him, stumbled over it while pulling Taehyung down with him. He landed over the seat while Taehyung stopped his own fall by grabbing onto the kitchen counter behind Jeongguk, his long arms at either side of the younger's body.

The two's eyes found each other, and all they could do was hold their breaths while their hearts threatened to jump from their weak chests.

Taehyung looked down at Jeongguk's big doe eyes that sparkled back at him, nearly gulping at the sight while his gaze then shifted to the boy's perfect lips. Those pink, glowing lips. Ones he could only imagine tasted sweet, pleasant.

A string of seconds went by, and then the older quietly cleared his throat before retreating a couple steps back and bowing apologetically.

"N-No, don't apologize, I just-.." Jeongguk gulped down his breath and landed both hands over his lap, still recovering from the proximity they just shared. "It's okay... You can go ahead and start cooking. I'll be right here if you need help."

Taehyung fiddled with his fingers a bit, shifted his weight from left to right in a sway before giving a short nod and rolling his sleeves back up.

Jeongguk blinked up at the older while his back now faced him, remembering how firm Taehyung's back muscles had looked a few days ago, when the man was shirtless in Jeongguk's very apartment.

He quickly shook the thoughts away, tried his best to keep his face from heating up while he leaned forward, watching Taehyung gather cooking materials in front of him. He gazed at him a while, elbows over the counter, face propped up against his hands, admiring Taehyung in the distance, who was now focused on the needed ingredients for whatever meal he had in mind.

Jeongguk eventually rose from the stool and moved to stand beside him, rolling his own sleeves up while he watched Taehyung begin to wash plates in preparation. When the older looked up and noticed Jeongguk beside him, he gave a silent yet scolding grunt and pointed back to the stool behind them.

"Are you telling me to go sit down?" Jeongguk laughed. "How rude! I get you want to spoil me and all, but... I wanna help you."

Taehyung narrowed his eyes at him, sighed beneath his breath before turning back to his task in front of him as a means to admit defeat. Jeongguk took that as a cute 'okay, fiiine' and clapped his hands together, a wide smile on his face while he picked up a cutting knife.

And he let his gaze linger just a bit longer, on the adorable alter who just couldn't stop pouting because he didn't quite get his way.

✱ ✱ ✱

{ A / N }

i might ask this again later to see what changes, but i've been wondering:

what are you guys' favorite chapter(s) or scene(s) so far from the book and why?

feel free to comment! i'm really curious to read you guys' thoughts :]

💜