(*unedited* but we been knew... coming back after 9395 years didn't change my laziness oof forgive me)

✧･ﾟ: * thirty-nine *:･ﾟ✧   

The next morning is the same routine of breakfast then Taehyung apologizing for leaving. She takes a shower to pass the time, but once she's out she contemplates her next move. That Erik guy really got on her nerve yesterday, but he did help her understand the language better, and she needs to be able to have that second language under her belt. For Taehyung.

Maybe the fans will like her more then, if she sees how hard she's trying to be deserving of him.

So it doesn't take long for her to text the number, asking where to meet. He replies quickly, maybe too quickly, with an address for a cafe a little farther away than the library. She makes sure she has her across-the-shoulder-wallet, the spare key tucked into one of its pockets. She might need to get an actual purse soon, which makes her frown. They're just such a hassle for her.

She hesitates only a minute longer before locking the front door behind her, notebook and textbooks in her arms. She hails a cab because of the longer distance, and also because she's so out of shape that her legs are still sore just from the walking yesterday. Granted, she'd deal with aching muscles a thousand times over if it meant walking around the city with Taehyung.

Erik is standing outside the coffee shop, a kind smile on his face as he opens the door for her. "I'm glad you texted. I thought I scared you off yesterday."

"Just about," is her only reply, heading straight for the counter to get her order placed.

While they wait, she notices it's a bit packed inside the cafe, many people with laptops and books and papers strewn all over the tables. A lot look like college students, and she can see why they would choose this destination. There's calm jazz music playing overheard, not too loudly to distract you, and the lounge chairs in the corner are sitting by a wide window, overlooking the back where there seems to be a garden. She could find herself in love with this place, too.

After they get their coffees, they find a seat in the corner of the lounge, plush cushions beneath them with a small table in between.

"So we left off--" She's flipping open her book when he cuts her off.

"You smell really nice."

She gives him a look, really regretting her decision to show all of a sudden. "Yeah. It's called showering."

He laughs, apparently oblivious to her wariness. "Sorry, a stupid thing to say. We left off on the vowels, right?"

She nods, frowning down at her book, but somehow doesn't have the courage to leave, like her brain is screaming at her too. Maybe he just doesn't know how to compliment people without sounding like a creep. Maddie can barely speak to people, so she supposes she could understand that.

The lesson goes by without any other awkward incidences, thankfully. When she's packing up her things, he speaks again.

"Jal jinaesseoyo?"

It boosts her pride when she replies evenly, "Nan gwenchana."

He grins. "Good. Work on your pronunciation a little more."

She nods, gathering her books in her arms as she stands.

"I really admire you, you know that?"

Oh Lord, more creepiness.

But he smooths it over with, "For dedicating yourself to learning a whole other language. For him."

She shrugs. "It's literally the least I can do for him. He's so far too much for me that I'll never be able to pay him back for."

"Yeah?" He's quiet a moment, then looks at her with eyes of pity. "Is it true? That you were blind?"

She stiffens, but nods. "A full six years. I'd still be in a world of darkness if it weren't for Taehyung."

"You know, you should really call him oppa if you want to be technical."

"We've been over that," she says with a scrunch of her nose. "He knows that word makes me cringe, however disrespectful that makes me."

He laughs. "Fair enough. But I for one take great offense from not being called oppa."

She rolls her eyes, deciding "overly flirty" is just part of his personality. Harmless. "You're gonna drown in that offense if you're waiting on me to call you that."

He smiles big, his gaze lingering a little too long on her. She hates that her neck heats up, but she isn't used to being stared at like this. She watches his eyes dart to her lips and she nearly freaks, taking a step away.

"Well, thanks for the lesson. Gotta go."

He, thankfully, does not stop her from her hasty escape, and she hails the first cab she sees. She doesn't like how she felt back there, uncomfortable and unsure. She's near positive it's just who Erik is, but how does she tell him there's a boundary? He knows she's taken, but maybe it was just a slip of admiration? That sounds even weirder. Maybe she should just call off the lessons so it doesn't get any weirder.

So something doesn't happen and it's too late for her to take it back.

***

When she opens the front door, after finding it unlocked, she's met with three of the seven members lounging nonchalantly. Jin, Taehyung, and Jungkook turn to her when she walks in, Taehyung instantly smiling and scooting over on the couch, patting the cushion next to him. She checks her phone quickly, but he hadn't texted to say he was done.

She plops down beside him, her back against the arm and her legs naturally falling into his lap. Jungkook is hanging over the arm of a chair, Jin occupying the couch beside him, and the elder keeps snapping at the younger to stop pulling his leg hairs. Jungkook is snickering like a school boy playing a prank.

"Where's everyone else?" she asks.

"Namjoon and Yoongi-hyung are in their studios. Busy with music."

"Because of the comeback?"

Taehyung nods. "And Jimin and Hobi-hyung are practicing still."

She frowns, understanding why the two practice so hard but wishes they would take a break, even a small one for meals. Both of them are nearly always locked away in the dance room, and usually Jungkook is with them.

"I got hungry," Jungkook tells her cutely, grinning at her even though he's upside down. She grins in amusement.

"I don't, uh..." Jin searches for the word. "Sweat. So I stopped."

She stifles a chuckle, even as Taehyung laughs aloud and Jungkook pulls another hair.

"Ya! Yeotmeogeo!" the elder snaps, partially a yell and partially a whine of desperation to get the younger to leave him alone.

Maddie quirks a brow as Jungkook's eyes widen, although, he's still completely amused and laughing to himself. He sits up straight nonetheless, deciding he's pushed the boundary far enough for now.

"I'm assuming," Maddie starts, "that was not a nice word."

Taehyung smirks. "No, it was not."

"Come on... I wanna know some bad words."

Jin chokes on the water he was drinking and Jungkook is grinning like a mischievous toddler.

"You're too sweet," Taehyung tells her.

She pouts, poking his ribs. "Please?"

Jin hesitates before saying, "We know all bad English words."

"See!" Maddie argues. "It's only fair if I know all bad Korean words!"

"Why do you like to speak badly?" Taehyung mumbles to himself, undoubtedly remembering their one cab ride where the driver informed her of putain, and Taehyung himself said shibal.

Jungkook raises his hand. "Can I say it?"

"No!" Jin and Taehyung say simultaneously.

"You were just born," Jin says in broken English, shaking his head. "No bad words."

Jungkook rolls his eyes, but he's smiling. "Sorry, halabeoji."

Jin glares at him.

"Grandpa," Tae translates for her, biting back his own smile at how annoyed Jin looks, the expression of murder on his face as Jungkook wiggles his eyebrows teasingly.

"They're like this all the time?" she wonders, enjoying their banter greatly.

Taehyung nods in response.

Then, while Jungkook is still staring at Jin, he says in completely perfect English, "Fuck you."

Madeline's eyes widen, at first thinking he's talking to her, but then with the laugh that follows after and how Jin tosses a couch pillow at him, she concludes it's the translation she's been waiting for.

Oh, he was really pushing Jin's buttons, then.

"How do I say it again?"

Taehyung tosses a glare at Jungkook, who's holding up the pillow as a shield now as Jin attempts to slap the boy's shoulder. "Don't do it," Taehyung tells him. There's a sparkle in Jungkook's eyes, and Taehyung repeats himself in Korean, firmer this time. Maddie would be lying if she said it wasn't rather attractive to hear his voice deepen in seriousness.

There's a pause in the room.

Then Jungkook's eyes meet Maddie's, and he grins wide enough to show all his teeth.

"Yeotmeogeo."

Then Taehyung is lunging, helping Jin tackle the youngest member and playfully slap at his sides and shoulders, Jungkook in a fit of hysterics.

Maddie is beaming, testing the word on her tongue, saving it for a time she may need it. For now, she sits back and enjoys the chaos happening in front of her.

***

Maddie is getting ready for bed when Taehyung comes in, saying the boys went out for dinner but he figured they could finally get some time to relax with one another. She doesn't mind the idea at all. She's already in pajamas, anyways.

While she's brushing her teeth, he leans in the doorway with his arms across his chest. "I'm sorry it has been so busy."

She rinses her mouth out, then says, "It isn't your fault, babe. I told you I understand."

"Still." He pouts, looking to his toes. "We can do anything you want. I'm all yours."

She smiles, knowing he's trying his best to spend time with her and still do his job well. It isn't fair for him. He shouldn't have to stretch himself like this, choosing what time will be spent where and with who.

"Honestly?" She shrugs, facing him. "A movie and cuddling sounds long overdue."

He smiles with a nod, already turning around to situate his television in his room. "I have no English, uh, movies... Is that okay?"

"Sure. Show me your favorite."

He gets excited, though, it takes him a few minutes to actually choose. She settles into his bed, propped up on his pillow. He's picking through his favorites bookmarked on his smart TV, but it doesn't take him to find one he's particularly enthusiastic about. Howl's Moving Castle, she believes is what it said. He tells her it's a cartoon.

He climbs in beside her, and she's curious, nuzzling into his chest. She hasn't watched a movie in a long time, nonetheless one where she has to read subtitles. But she's excited because it's something Tae loves, and she's always excited to learn about him.

Halfway through the movie, which she's very much enjoying, Taehyung speaks so softly she nearly misses it, "I understand if you want to go back home."

She sits up to look him in the eye, startled from his random statement. She knows he's referring to last night when she mentioned she's a bother. "Taehyung..." She sighs, letting her forehead fall against his. "I don't want to go back, but I don't want to burden you either. Get in the way of things."

"You're not," he assures her, his hand sliding to the back of her neck, tangled in her hair. "I want you here."

"But you and I... we're different people. Look at your life," she says with a small laugh. "It's incredible and big and busy, and then mine is... well, nothing right now. I don't know what I'm doing."

He's staring at her so intently, taking in every word, and his lips brush her cheek. "You can do anything. You're incredible."

She looks down at her lap. "I feel like I'm making all of your lives harder by being here."

Instead of using words, he presses a kiss on her jawline.

"It would be easier if I went back home."

A kiss on her neck.

"You've done too much for me, anyways."

His lips on her exposed collarbone from her loose t-shirt.

"Taehyung, are you listening?" she asks with a small laugh, albeit she's nearly breathless just from the softness of his lips.

"Mhmm," he says, his eyes meet hers again. "I am showing you what you being here means to me."

She grips his chin gently, studying him. "You know your fans hate me," she all but whispers, almost too ashamed to look him in the eye.

But his gaze doesn't waver, and the only sign of his knowledge is the downturn of his lips. "Maybe," he mumbles. "True fans understand. But at the end of the day, I love you. If they can't see that, then..." He shrugs, his eyes flicking to her lips. "They do not deserve you."

She doesn't even notice the pauses between his words as he figures out the translation in his head. The result of his sentence has tears brimming her eyes and it's her that close the gap between them, savoring the feel of his lips on hers.

"I don't deserve you, though," she says between kisses, her hands sliding into his hair.

He kisses her harder in response, his tongue slipping into her mouth, his hands roaming down her back to hold her waist. She lets him push her down into the pillow, his body half hovering her own. His fingers glide beneath the hem of her shirt, his hands cold against the heat of her body, the heat he's causing. His thumbs press into her hips and she sighs into him.

It doesn't hit her until his knee is suddenly between her legs, his palms pressed into the mattress on either side of her head, that the two have never been like this before. Have never had time to be like this before. To be kissing so desperately, so passionately, to actually have the thought of something more on her mind. It makes her body flush and tremble, her heart beating wildly in her chest. How had they been apart for so long when this is what she'd been missing out on?

It seems extremely unfair now, long distance.

Her fingers trace down his spine, pausing at the hem of his shirt, wondering if she should initiate such a huge step. She's ready. She's been ready for a while, but the two never had a chance to make it this far.

Seeming to sense her thoughts, Taehyung pulls away, both of them breathless, the movie already rolling credits in the background. She has no idea how long the two have been locking lips, but it still doesn't feel like enough. His eyes find hers, wide and unsure, a question--the question--written plain across his face.

Ignoring the pounding of her heart, she gives the smallest of nods, biting her now swollen lip as she watches him hesitate. Only a moment. Then he's grabbing the fabric, tugging it over his head and tossing it to the floor. She runs her hands up his bare torso almost instinctively, the skin smooth beneath her fingertips. He watches her a second or two before diving back down, connecting this lips yet again.

The next pause is for him to stare at her, nearly panting, and whisper, "Are you sure?"

She nods, never been more sure of anything in her life. She sits up slightly in the bed to take off her own shirt, proving it.

His eyes scan over her and she's blushing furiously, wondering if he can hear how fast her heart is beating. His lips brush her own and he all but sighs, "You're so beautiful," then his lips are trailing down her neck, her collarbone, her chest.

Her fingers twist in his hair and soon enough, they're skin to skin, every "I love you" ever spoken between them now being shown through movements. Every moan of his name reminds her of why she's here, why she's trying so hard to be something she isn't, why she wants this to work so badly. Every moan of her name proves to her that he wants her here, he's trying his hardest to be good enough for her, he never wants to let her go.

It's easy to forget about mean tweets being left for her, easy to forget she perhaps isn't what he deserves, but she loves him and she'll damn sure try hard enough to be.

She's never felt so important in her entire life.

Never felt so loved.