#taegi fics

[trancyzp]

⸺ we can't be friends ⭑

⭑ 12/05/24 ⭑ capa para uso pessoal ⭑ ⭑ leia a história aqui!

[theharrowing]

White Lies 🤍 1: Do not, under any circumstances, become emotionally attached to either of these men

Yoongi is everything you could ask for. He is attractive, confident, and smart. And his partner Taehyung is as possessive as he is beautiful. Too bad a relationship would be a major conflict of interest.

You need to have them, at all costs.

🤍 Yoongi x Female Reader x Taehyung

🤍 word count: 2.9k + screencaps of conversations

🤍 college au, cop au, partial social media au with a lot of written story, strangers to lovers & established relationship, yandere, hurt/comfort, smut, fluff, angst, slash, poly, minor character injury & death, graphic violence, nsfw, 21+.

🤍 warnings: no real warnings. we get some pretty forward flirting out of the gate. it might seem like things are already moving very fast, but...we'll see.

🤍 note: ughhhhhhhhhhhh i was going to hold off on actually starting this fic, but the brainrot was real yesterday, and i spent hours on my couch nursing a hangover and making screencaps. i forgot how tedious this is, but i also had a lot of fun. the character Josie is a real person who i adore very much! everyone say hi to Josie!!! this chapter is exposition heavy but i hope you find it fun!

🤍 this is a sequel to Boy Blue! i highly recommend that you start at the beginning

🤍 written parts beta read by @neoneunnajimin

🤍 posted nov. 2023 | read on ao3

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Reading through the file that Detective Kim left on your desk, two interesting things pop out at you, the first being that some of the photos of the man called Vante look different than the others. You didn't notice it at first, but upon closer inspection, you realize that photos of him that seem older – ones where he has natural dark brown hair and ones where he has bright red hair – seem personal. 

Vante is smiling directly into the camera in these old photos, with an expression that you would describe as being soft – almost loving. His posture is relaxed in each photo, whether sitting at a table at a café or leaning against the side of a car. You wonder if Seokjin took these photos, and if not, how he managed to get his hands on them, because the photos of Vante with blue and blond hair are all surveillance images or those taken from social media profiles that have since been deleted. 

The second detail you notice is that in two of the shots where Vante has blue hair, there is a woman with him who shares striking similarities with you. Although you are unable to clearly see her face in the photos, her hair, build, and height all seem to resemble you, and your side profiles are similar to the extent that you wonder if you could convince someone that you are the one pictured with him. 

In one of the images containing your doppelgänger, Vante's arm is slung over her shoulder and he is speaking with Min. The three of them are in a crowded bar with what looks like colorful makeup all over their faces, and although you can only see Vante's expression clearly, it seems he is flirting with Min, or at least openly showing an attraction to him. 

This detail, paired with Seokjin's not-so-subtle suggestion that you may consider becoming closer than just friends with Min makes you wonder if the two men are an open couple. Especially considering your resemblance to the woman in the photos, you wonder if you were chosen for this mission based on credentials alone, or if your resemblance to someone from their past was partly to blame for your sudden promotion into the Special Investigations Division. 

Perhaps it should bother you that you may have advanced partly based on your looks, but this mission is so intriguing that it fills you with excitement to learn more. You wonder if the two of them got married out of love or convenience – a ploy to allow Min to get a work visa and any other benefits that could allow them to more easily escape from whatever they seem to be running from. 

Both men are absolutely stunning, and you wonder if that woman pictured ever got to enjoy both of them – together or separately. You wonder what it must have been like for her and where she might be right now. Despite Seokjin's warning not to get close to these two, the urge to know more grows.

How could these two men be so dangerous? What have they done to cause Seokjin to form a super secret, super tight task force to hunt them down? And why is he unwilling to just tail Min and confront Vante, himself?

Quickly, you fire off an email to Min, asking about his tutoring services, posing as a student named Sandra. Then you return to rereading their files and memorizing their faces. Min with his somewhat sleepy, somewhat grumpy expressions that brighten into something soft and inviting when he smiles. Vante with his rectangular smile and piercing eyes that either hide all emotion or express so much that he appears positively captivating. 

You read and reread the bullet point list describing these men in an attempt to piece together what kind of people they must present themselves as. You wonder who assisted with creating their profiles, and whether it may have been old friends or even the woman who resembles you. 

Both men are dishonest and extremely disloyal; both exhibit an unshakable poker face that even those close to them cannot read.

[Redacted][Code name Min] is soft-spoken and an interesting mix of contemplative and impulsive; does not take no for an answer. [Redacted][Code name Vante] exhibits similar traits but is much more forward and promiscuous, willing to use sex as a weapon.

Both men get what they want with little to no concern for the outcome, even if it means the death or displacement of others.

Both men only seem loyal to one another, but that may also be a façade. [Redacted][Code name Vante] may be the more volatile of the two, should one turn on the other, but it is likely that [Redacted][Code name Min] has a mean streak that few have witnessed firsthand.

[Redacted][Code name Vante] is cold and calculating; always ten steps ahead.

[Redacted][Code name Vante]'s family is well-connected and seem willing to cover up anything he does.

Is it likely that [Redacted][Code name Vante] is the mastermind of all of their schemes and that [Redacted][Code name Min] tags along for one reason or another.

It is possible that [Redacted][Code name Min] has insecurities that [Redacted][Code name Vante] easily controls and manipulates.

Your phone lights up with a notification, pulling you from the paperwork and surprising you with how quickly Min has gotten back to you about tutoring services. And as you open the notification, you realize your seemingly easy mission might just be a little more complicated than you hoped. 

Undeterred, you begin to improvise. If Vante uses sex as a weapon, perhaps you can create several Tinder and Hinge accounts and attempt to find him online. One benefit to going undercover is having access to a seemingly endless supply of burner phones. 

You have absolutely no doubt that someone like Vante is using hookup apps if his profile depicts him accurately. If he and Min are married for love over convenience, there is a strong chance that he is still willing to be unfaithful. Or, perhaps the two of them are not monogamous, and finding one of them on a hookup app will likely be due to one or both of them looking for a good time. 

The prospect of getting to know them this way is risky since they are both gorgeous and apparently too cunning to resist, but it may be faster than waiting a month or more for Min's private lessons to open.

Swiping on dating apps is tedious work, and you almost feel guilty for spending your precious hours this way. Despite it being the weekend, you are paid for your time, and right now your time is spent scouring dating profiles looking for one man. 

You swipe with one hand and brush your teeth with the other, eyes barely open and still heavy with sleep. You swipe as soon as you step on line for your favorite macchiato at your favorite little café two blocks from your Chelsea apartment, and you swipe as you sit in your favorite window seat, sipping on the perfectly bittersweet warm drink while the morning sun warms your cheeks. 

As you reread the file on Min and Vante over lunch, you take breaks to swipe, and you even find yourself genuinely reading through some Tinder profiles before snapping out of it and ridding yourself of distraction. Sure, you may be single and somewhat curious to mingle, but something tells you that you are going to have your hands absolutely full once you manage to get ahold of one of these men, so adding another person to the equation feels too messy.

Later on, when your best friend Josie convinces you to leave the house because it is Saturday and you need to, as she says, "Unwind and find some cuties to dick you down," you swipe in the cab ride over and resist the urge to swipe while waiting on line for drinks at the bar.

Part of you wonders whether you could run into Min at a place like this. Bright neon lights filling the space with college students scantily clad and alcohol buzzing through them, turning them into horny little monsters. If he is professional – or upholding a façade of professionalism for the sake of his current persona – then it is likely he would not be caught dead in a place like this. You are somewhat certain that Vante likely scours these types of clubs, but alas, he is in Milan.

Some of the photos of Min from their file show him on stage with a band, playing keyboard with a guitar slung over his shoulder, with a face full of glitter and makeup. The vibe of that bar differs from this one, but the rambunctious energy is more similar to what you observe in recent surveillance footage photos. You wonder if any part of that man bleeds through now, or if he only indulges in classically accepted forms of music as a tutor. 

Min must be good with his hands – a thought that spirals the more your mind is allowed to wander back to the photos of him playing two very different instruments at once. You need to stop thinking about the beautiful, dangerous men – monsters, as Seokjin put it – and focus on being out with your best friend. 

Josie is a bubbly ray of sunlight with a matching warm smile. Purple braids cascade over her shoulders and down her back, she wears a cute little black dress that barely contains her curves, and she stomps and dances excitedly in knee-high black leather boots. Her round cheeks and button nose make Josie the cutest person in all of Manhattan, and pretty shimmery pink and purple makeup stands out against her tan skin, making her dark brown eyes shine.

You are outfitted similarly with a tight black tee tucked into a black denim skirt, cleavage on full display. You wear black combat boots with warm, fuzzy black socks, and enough makeup to make your eyes pop, including a light dusting of pink and purple courtesy of Josie. 

"I'm getting fucked!" Josie shouts over the reggaetón track, bouncing her hips to the beat while the two of you lean against the wooden bar top. Her voice is rich and somewhat nasally as she shouts, with a quick lilt to her accent. 

"Fucked up?" you shout back, unsure whether you misheard your friend, delighted when her smile widens and she says, "Yeah, that too!" 

Being that this is a college bar that happens to throw somewhat over the top ladies night events, you flash your student ID as well as the fake ID that identifies you as a woman named Sandra as soon as the bartender comes by. 

You need not do so, however, because the bartender, whose name is Daniel in some circles and Changkyun in others, recognizes you, giving you a slow, hungry once-over with his eyes that makes your heart pound. Then he flashes a pointed smile and leans against the bar top so that he can easily be heard when his soft, deep voice asks, "Ladies, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Before you can open your mouth, Josie leans over the bar and shouts, "Two Long Islands!"

As soon as Daniel nods and turns away to get started on your drinks, Josie hip-checks you, causing you to stumble and turn to her with a wide, curious expression. You know what she is going to say before she even says it – "You need to hook up with him!" – and you are already shaking your head before the words come out. 

"He's just doing his job," you argue, because this is not the first time Josie has pointed out the way he looks at you, or how he seems more attentive to you than to literally any other patron. Yes, you are in denial, but now is not the time to get tangled up with the sexy bartender.

"You're full of shit!" Josie manages to shout before Daniel is back.

He sets your drinks down, nodding politely to Josie before fixing you with an intent gaze and giving a shy little smile. "This round is on the house," he says so softly that you don't really hear it, only knowing the words because you have memorized the shape of his lips when he says them.

Daniel has a bit of a baby face, with wide, dark almond eyes and pretty, soft lips. His nose and cheekbones are all hard angles, however, and his short dark hair, which is parted down the middle, falls around his eyes and down to the apples of his cheeks, only accentuating his features more. Much like your targets, he has dual citizenship between the US and Korea, hence having two names that he goes by – something some but not all dual citizens might do.

"Thanks, Danny," you say with a wink, making Daniel's eyes widen before he stands up straight. 

"My pleasure, ladies," he responds, looking to Josie and then back at you. The moment he is out of earshot, Josie groans. 

"Why don't you make a move on him?" you ask before she has a chance to hound you more. You lift your drink and take the thin black straw between your teeth, chewing lightly on it as you walk away from the bar, through the growing crowd, toward the dancefloor. 

"Don't be stupid!" Josie finally responds when you find a place on the outer edge of the dancing mass of bodies. "He looks at you like he wants to eat you. Just let him!"

You roll your eyes and shake your head, chuckling. Around you, college students dance and shout, clearly far too drunk already for how early it is. As you take your first sip of your drink, it rocks through you; even the smallest taste of the Long Island iced tea is strong as hell, making you wince despite its sweetness. 

"I don't miss being that young and irresponsible," Josie says, leaning over a tall round table that you have found to perch your elbows against, gazing out at the mass of students.

Josie works in the Forensic Investigation Division. Whenever a crime scene is processed and evidence is gathered, she is the one testing it to match it to information in the various systems in search for DNA, blood type, fingerprints, fibers, and so on. Her work is used in court to solve and defend cases. "It is absolutely bonkers being back in college," you respond, withholding the detail that you are not really a student because Josie is aware of the very basics of your assignment. "Their problems seem so silly compared to the shit we see at work."

Josie nods listlessly as she scans the throng of dancing bodies, more or less distracted from the conversation. And as you follow her gaze, you see who she has zeroed in on. 

There is a man on the dancefloor surrounded by a group of friends, and he looks a lot like your superior Seokjin. He is not your superior, of course, but the resemblance is certainly enough to catch your friend's attention, as her crush on your boss is nothing short of sickening. 

"Shit," you shout over the raucous music, leaning toward Josie. "I forgot to feed the anaconda before I left."

Josie nods her head in slow, lackadaisical movements, and you shake your head; even complete nonsense won't get her attention when she is this focused, but you continue for fun, anyway.

"There goes all the neighborhood pets! His appetite is insatiable."

A pause follows before Josie, who turns her face toward you but keeps her eyes on the Seokjin lookalike, mutters, "Totally," drawing the word out nice and slow.

Ordinarily, you would lay into your friend a little harder, making your story a little more fantastical, but you take the opportunity to pull out your phone and continue on your mission. Vante is not going to swipe on himself, and now that you have paid for Tinder gold and can see everyone who has swiped right on you, you are certain that your search is only going to get easier.  

* * *

It takes around thirty-two hours of frequent swiping with three burner phones all showcasing similar profiles with a similar name to find a man who looks like Vante. And, as Seokjin predicted, he goes by the name V.

It takes four more hours for him to message you. The entire time your hand itches toward your phone, eager to make the first move, but you want to see the way he operates, and you want him to think he has full control.

Just as Seokjin predicted, he is 4,000 miles away – which tracks because he is in Milan until the end of the week – and he is using photos that only show part of his face. Luckily, his mouth is distinguishable.

For your part, on one of the profiles you created, you chose photos that you think resemble the girl in the photos in Vante and Min's case file, also only showing parts of your face. And you are not at all surprised when that particular profile is the one he seems drawn to. It makes you wonder if he saw any of the other profiles that you created or not. 

You stare at the screen uncertain whether your flirting is all just part of the plan or if you really would like to find out just how well Vante lives up to his promises of not squandering an opportunity for pleasure. He is extremely forward and, to your surprise, it gives you butterflies. 

Ordinarily, men speaking this way moments after you first meet would be a red flag, but for some reason, the assignment of getting close to Vante adds to the intrigue – daresay it excites you a little. 

All of this feels dangerous. But you have never been one to turn down the chance to play with fire.

i fake my life like i've lived too much i take whatever you're giving - not enough overground, watch this space i'm open to falling from grace

🎵 visit the playlist!

note: i added this to the master list, but in case it has been missed i just want to add the disclaimer that all detective work and cop jargon in this fic is either made up on the spot or comes from years of watching/listening to true crime media. i have no credentials in this field and i do not claim to know what i am talking about!!! alsoooo lol if your name is Sandra, no it's not. (jkjk hello Sandra! i hope you're having a lovely day!!!)

also!!! some folks seemed confused by Seokjin, so just to clear his involvement up: yes, he was thought to be dead in Boy Blue.

i am thinking about doing little "drabble" chapters where you get to see conversations only between taegi that mc will not be aware of. we'll see how i end up doing it. (is this something you're into or would you prefer 100% of mc's pov like in Boy Blue?)

💙 me sprinkling in the Boy Blue callbacks:

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White Lies is copyright 2023 theharrowing, all rights reserved. No translations or reposts allowed!

[yonpanx]

. estilhaços e strawberry flower ; aniversário do dd

📁caso de inspiração, credite!

obs: acho que estou com apego emocional nessas capas, colocar para doação chorando

[nervouscupcakeinspace]

BTS FIC RECS (PART 10)

Jeon Jungkook/Jung Hoseok | J-Hope

blood orange by seokabunny *

“We should’ve held you off from it longer, huh? You got to it so early. Everyone else had to wait.” Hoseok’s voice is buzzing warm and sweet in his ear. “Taehyung and Jimin were twenty-three. Jin-hyung was twenty-seven for his first time.” Jungkook’s drooling, slack-mouthed over the hinge of Hoseok’s shoulder. He can smell the dried sweat all over his pretty, tanned skin. “Hyuuung—” “You were twenty-one, baby. None of the others got it that young.”

Jeon Jungkook/Kim Namjoon | RM

baby by feraljk *

Jungkook wanted Namjoon to be his leader for life—not just on stage, not just at work, not just anything. Every day, every hour, every minute, he wanted Namjoon to be his sun.

begotten by macabre

Jeongguk was ready to start his family. With or without the man of his dreams.

soft skin, soft eyes by babiestbat *

Yoongi hums, tilting his head. “I bet Jungkook would be up for it,” he considers, swirling the rest of his whiskey around in his glass. “He’s really into being eaten out.” Namjoon’s glass slips out of his hand. Thankfully, he’s sitting on the floor, and the glass just bounces a little before settling. “What?” he says. Yoongi laughs brightly, gums on display. “Aish, don’t look at me like that. He likes it a lot! And you know he thinks you’re hot,” he goes on. (Namjoon does not know that, and he feels faint at the thought.) “He’s already seen you at your worst, you could sneeze into him and I’m pretty sure he’d just laugh it off. He’s a perfect first, too. He likes just about everything.” *** Namjoon's never eaten someone out. Yoongi knows the perfect candidate.

Jeon Jungkook/Min Yoongi | Suga

HGU by sseoltangie (WIP) *

Disaster strikes and as a consequence, Jungkook lands himself in prison. But he's tough—all he has to do is survive the next months. At least that's what he thinks. Until he becomes the cellmate of attempted murder convict Yoongi.

Jeon Jungkook/Park Jimin

Come feed the rain by vminkookminv

Jungkook gets teased by his classmates a lot for being a pissbaby. Jimin finds out why.

Jung Hoseok | J-Hope/Kim Namjoon | RM

Lost in the Lights by mangust_d

Alphas around the world are losing their knots due to a mysterious illness. Hoseok convinces Namjoon to try one last thing before he succumbs to a sad, knotless life: visiting an alphas-only club.

Kim Namjoon | RM/Min Yoongi | Suga

Divine and Raw by anon1792 *

It starts, as these things are wont to, with an offhand comment.  Yoongi, in Namjoon’s old don’t be a prick cactus sweatshirt from an adolescent trip to the US with its stretched loose wrist-holes pushed up to reveal his pink elbows, half asleep and half scrolling through his phone while Namjoon works on his dissertation, mumbles, “If you get tested tomorrow, I’ll let you raw me.” Namjoon stumbles and slams his chin so hard into the coffee table, he sees stars.

If Nice Guys Finish Last, Meet Me in the Back by NinjasWearSneakers *

Namjoon has been secretly in love with his best friend Yoongi for years, so he’s familiar with the pain of watching him date other people. Now, Yoongi is getting married, and Namjoon is his best man, so he’s been trying very hard to prepare himself for the pain of that whole ordeal. However, something much more painful happens instead, leaving Namjoon to try to help Yoongi pick up the pieces.

Just Got the Taste For It by deepslowpanic *

“Maybe that guy just wasn’t your type, Namjoon,” Yoongi says after a few moments of quiet, That could be true. The guy was cute, but he wasn’t exactly what Namjoon thinks he’s looking for. Though he’s not entirely sure what that is, not sure about his type, or quite how to figure it out. “Thanks, hyung.” “Of course,” Yoongi says. “I’m here to guide you on your baby bi journey. I’m like your spiritual guide.” Namjoon snorts. “To what?” “The prostate, obviously.” -OR- Newly out as bisexual, Namjoon is trying to figure out his type and exactly what he’s looking for. But every interaction with his (kind, patient, pretty) roommate pushes Namjoon closer to thinking he might already know…

whoopsie daisy, never knew that was your boo, baby by rayfelle *

Not knowing how to respond to this sudden possible courting situation, Seokjin shuffles away to continue his shopping. Was it a courting gift? Seokjin has never met the human man, but it’s not like that matters much to wolves. Do humans operate the same way? But the human offered him food, which points towards courtship. Once back home Seokjin tries to google his questions, like his coworkers often recommend he does. Google, sadly, does not help at all. (or: a human starts courting Seokjin in the middle of a supermarket - he is determined to do his very best in return while Yoongi has no idea what he has just started)

Garden of Eden by sseoltangie

"But how can we…" Yoongi continued, whispering, scared to burst the bubble, scared Namjoon would leave as soon as he’d spoken the words. “When we’re both omegas.”

Kim Seokjin | Jin/Min Yoongi | Suga

driving getaway by silklace

“I’m not upset.” Seokjin nods. “I can tell by the way your face is all red. And blotchy.”

is this love? by sweetbubble3

four months after breaking up, yoongi logs into his and jin’s stardew valley co-op farm only to find that jin has been playing without him.

love you snow much by caprikoya *

Seokjin stomps into the chalet and shucks off his coat and boots at the door, cheeks and nose burning with the cold. When he throws open the door to the bedroom, Yoongi sits up from where he’s still cocooned in the duvet on the bed. “Did you win?” He asks, blinking blearily at Seokjin with his eyes still puffy from sleep. Seokjin doesn’t answer, because Yoongi knows that solo snowboarding is not a sport that you can win at, and is just being a little shit. Seokjin’s heart swells– he’d missed Yoongi having the energy to be annoying. To show his affection, he climbs onto the bed and sticks his freezing hands down the back of Yoongi’s shirt. Yoongi shrieks like some kind of bird of prey, and then promptly bites Seokjin on the arm. -or- After a long busy period at work keeps them away from each other, Seokjin and Yoongi take a vacation.

SEALed With a Kiss by deepslowpanic (WIP) *

“We’re mates,” Yoongi says simply. “We’re married now, you put my coat around me. Now you’re my husband.” “I -” Seokjin cuts himself off. He feels insane, all of this is insane. It doesn’t make sense, there’s no way Seokjin is suddenly married to a - a - seal? “That’s not how human marriage works,” Seokjin says finally, voice cracking a little. “You can’t just say we’re married.” “Why not?” Yoongi does not seem deterred at all. “That doesn’t matter. Humans are stupid anyway. But you’re hot and you smell nice. You’ll be a good mate. With your broad shoulders, your swimming abilities must be admirable. And you can fish, a provider.” He nods, as if this is all settled. “So you’re my husband.” -OR- Burned out from work, famous YouTube chef Seokjin heads to winter-quiet Jeju to escape for a while. His only goals are to relax, and try to find his spark again. When he rescues a naked man on the beach, Seokjin couldn’t have predicted what he was in for. But an accidentally acquired husband in the form of soft, impish selkie Yoongi might be just what Seokjin needs.

Big things come in small packages by teamkimseokjin (closetfairy) *

Seokjin discovers a new kink when he sees Yoongi rubbing his little round belly after a big meal. Okay, so maybe it's a little more than just a kink..

somebody does love (but i'm thinking `bout min yoongi) by missandrogyny *

One thing that Seokjin’s learned after knowing Yoongi for so long is that if he doesn’t want to talk about it, he really doesn’t want to talk about it, and he’ll do anything and everything to dodge the conversation. It’s why it’s so frustrating to deal with him sometimes; he never wants to talk about things, and if Seokjin’s being honest, he too doesn’t want to talk about things, which means that it’s highly possible for the both of them to just exist beautifully in Not-Talking-About-Things harmony. Hoseok and Namjoon have told them repeatedly that it isn’t healthy or mature for them to be acting like this, which is why Seokjin, being the older one, is out here trying his best. But Yoongi is stubborn on good days and a downright pain in the ass on bad ones, and after three more times shooting down Seokjin’s attempts to talk about it, Seokjin decides to do what any self-respecting man would: He talks to his girlfriend about it. (Or: College AU where Yoongi writes an unhinged pining song, and Seokjin just can't get it out of his head.)

Kim Taehyung | V/Min Yoongi | Suga

i wish you would by lessisabore

alone in his mountain cave, a dragon pines for his human ex-boyfriend

POLY RELATIONSHIPS

OT7 - Relationship

count on me by yeoboluvr

scoring highly on the submissive rating was supposed to guarantee a life of being dommed and pampered. for jungkook, it meant suppressing his instincts, fighting his body, and hiding from his hyungs.

Echoless City by mangust_d (WIP) *

On the same fateful night, Yoongi goes missing during a covert operation, and an injured hybrid is found fleeing from his handlers. Compassion is a luxury afforded to few, but who could resist a bunny in distress? OR: The story of how Seokjin tried to carry the entire world on his broad shoulders and failed miserably.

wisteria by feraljk (WIP) *

Hoseok had gone through four foster packs in the past twenty-two months, and, with two months before he would be sent away for good, he was being given to a fifth. He tried his best to not go soft when he knew it would all be taken away, but even a feral omega latches on to the feeling of home.

Lost Under the Moonlight by ArianneMaya (WIP) *

After being accused of something he didn’t do, Jimin discovers he’s a wolf shifter and is put into the Shifter Reintegration Program. On paper, the program is intended to give ‘unconscious shifters’ in the carceral system a chance at a better, healthier life. In practice, for an unpresented omega like Jimin, it means being handed over to a pack who wants to bitch him. No matter what the program entails, the Bangtan pack wants a new packmate, not a slave. And after running his whole life, Jimin might just find somewhere to call home. That is if he can bring himself to trust them.

dwell by macabre (WIP) *

The pit was the worst prison alphas could be sent to. It was a place to die with no hope, no dreams, no sun. Just a pit so deep in the earth it might as well be hell. Then, an omega is sent down as a prisoner. For the first time ever. Into an ecosystem already designed to eat itself alive.

Jeon Jungkook/Kim Namjoon | RM/Min Yoongi | Suga

daffodils by feraljk (WIP)

Some submissives could live by themselves, could take care of their own spacing and dropping and eating and everything else, but Jungkook - he wasn’t like that. He was weak, his family had always told him so. And now, breaking down in front of a strange dom in a bathroom while he was at work, he’d proved them right.

Jung Hoseok | J-Hope/Kim Seokjin | Jin/Min Yoongi | Suga

You Really Float My Boat by deepslowpanic

“Hoseok-ah? Yoongi whips his head to the side, staring at his husband in confusion. “What?” “Hi, Seokjin hyung,” Hoseok says, voice sweet as honey. “Hi, Yoongi hyung.” “Hello Seok-ah,” Yoongi rasps. When he turns his head, Seokjin is staring at him. “You know Hoseok?” Seokjin asks. Yoongi nods. “I know Hoseok.” he blinks. “You know Hoseok?” Seokjin nods back. Huh. “Wow!” Hoseok gasps, clapping his hands together. “This is so strange! Who would have thought my ex-boyfriends would have ended up married?” -OR- When Yoongi agrees to go on a cruise with his husband, he doesn’t expect to run into his ex-boyfriend. And he definitely doesn’t expect to find out Seokjin dated him too. Shared memories bring up forgotten feelings, and maybe a vacation is the perfect time to let loose.

Jung Hoseok | J-Hope/Min Yoongi | Suga/Park Jimin

only two people by silklace *

Jimin looks up at him. That is, Jimin looks over him. All over him. When his gaze lands on Hoseok’s face, his expression stretches into something annoyed even with all that heat in his looking. “What.” “C’mon.” Jimin swallows. “Come shower with me, baby.” Jimin scratches at the back of his neck. He’s still gripping his phone in his other hand. “Yoonji know you call me that?” It’s not really a question though, not when Jimin knows the answer.

Kim Namjoon | RM/Kim Taehyung | V/Park Jimin

can't look away by eron_less

When Namjoon video calls the guy he's been seeing late one night, he's not expecting to find the guy's best friend in bed with him. Turns out, he's kind of into it.

(* Personal favorites)    

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 1

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 2

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 3

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 4

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 5

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 6

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 7

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 8

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 9

[soft-for-yoongi]

Fever dream Taehyungie. I read some fics with this and I'm hooked.

Choose whoever you like as the caregiver and whatever other sickness you want to add. I have no problem with emeto 💜

Fever Dreams, Hyung's Don't Leave (sick TH)

--------------------------------

Sick: Taehyung

Caretakers: ot7, Yoongi, Jungkook, Seokjin

Tw: emeto, vom**, mentions of nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, fevers, nightmares, puking

Word count: 1744

Thanks for the request, anon!! I really enjoyed this, and I hope it's what you had in mind 🫶

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Cold. Taehyung was so so cold. And... where are his hyungs? One second they were right there, and now it's all dark? They were with him before he got sucked into dreamland? But now he feels freezing and so... alone. "Hyungs?" Taehyung wants to reach out but his arms feel like lead and won't cooperate.

Shadows were growing around him and his brothers were becoming distant, his cheeks are wet with tears and he wants to yell for them to come back but the sounds don't make it past his throat. Did they really leave him?

"Taehyungie!"

He woke up with a sharp gasp, almost instantly dissolving into tears that wrack his frame. Yoongi is quick to pull him into an embrace, cradling his head into his chest. Despite the younger being taller than he is, Taehyung looks so small in the rapper's arms. "You're burning up, Taetae." Yoongi says, feeling warmth radiating off of the younger's skin.

"I'm c-cold... w-wh-where are the others?" Taehyung's head perks up, eyes wide and scared. The dream felt so vivid. "Hyungie, are they gone?" Taehyung suddenly tries to stand up, pulling away from Yoongi's grasp.

"Woah, careful." Yoongi rushes to help Taehyung and sits him back down with little effort needed. "They're okay, Taehyungie." He comforts, rubbing his back in circles. "I-I need to see them, h-hyung—" Taehyung cries, gripping onto Yoongi like a lifeline.

"Shh, okay. Let me get Jinnie and the others." Yoongi takes out his phone, frantically spamming Seokjin's number. All of Taehyung's weight is up against Yoongi and the flow of tears has him biting his lip in worry. "Yoongi-ah?" Seokjin sheepishly walks into the room, rubbing his eyes and taking a split second to register Taehyung.

"Oh, Taehyungie, baby." Seokjin rushes over, petting and soothing over his hair as Taehyung instinctively reaches for the eldest. "H-hyung... I thought you left me." Taehyung mumbles, breaking out in tremors and moving to wrap an arm around his stomach.

"Of course not, baby. Gosh, you're so warm. Yoongi, what happened?" Seokjin turns to the rapper. "He was dreaming, kept calling out for us and now he's got a fever." Yoongi explains. They both look at Taehyung with pity, thinking on what to do. "We have to give him some medicine, he's way too hot." Seokjin concludes.

"No—I need to see Jiminie a-and Namjoon-hyung—" Taehyung sniffles, hiccuping between words. Yoongi sadly rubs his back, turning to Seokjin. "Aw Taehyungie... how about we go to the living room and I'll get the others?" Seokjin offers, using his thumb to wipe away the tears. Taehyung nods approvingly, somewhat calming down.

They go on either side of the younger, helping him to the lounge. Yoongi flicks on a couple lights, putting them on the dimmest setting. Taehyung reaches for Yoongi and he gladly holds him on the couch. Seokjin starts off at the closest bedroom. Jimin and Hoseok's.

"Hoseokie? Jiminie?" He calls into the dark room, walking in to find the two curled in each other's embrace, both their beds pushed together. They start to stir after a few taps. "Sorry guys, Taehyungie is sick and a bit emotional. Can you both comfort him in the living room?" Seokjin explains in a hushed voice. It wakes them up and Jimin's eyes are already glistening with worry. "Of course, hyung." Hoseok replies. Onto the next bedroom.

"Namjoon-ah?" Seokjin hears the snoring cut off. "Hmmg..? Hyung?" The leader groans. "Can you go to the living room, please? Taehyungie has a fever." He says, gaining a hum as Namjoon swings his legs out of bed. And now, the maknae.

"Kookie?" Seokjin moves straight to the bed, gently rubbing over Jungkook's thigh. "Jungkook-ah." He tries again, making the lump roll over. "Taehyung needs you, Bunny." And that finally wakes him up. "Huh..? Is he okay?" Jungkook rubs his eyes, making a move to get up. "Fever, bad dream." Seokjin summarises, letting the youngest follow him back to the living room.

Taehyung is still next to Yoongi but Jimin is giving him a kiss on the cheek, Hoseok tying back his hair and Namjoon is standing nearby, not wanting to crowd the boy. "Taehyungie-hyung?" Jungkook says when he catches sight of the second youngest. He looks up from the couch and is visibly relieved. "You g-guys didn't leave?" Taehyung's lip quivers. The six of them butt in to reassure Taehyung, telling him they love each other way too much to even fathom the idea.

"Taetae, do you feel well enough to take some medicine?" Yoongi asks, all too aware of the sticky heat coming from the singer. He's still so out of it. "Mm.. I don't know." Taehyung pouts, "does anything hurt? Your ears, throat, head, stomach?" Jimin asks, kneeling down in front of Taehyung. "Tummy.. and my head feels dizzy." Taehyung concludes, just now picking up on the nausea washing over him in waves.

He shivers and curls up to Yoongi. "Hyung... I think I'm gonna throw up." Taehyung whines, face squashed into Yoongi's shoulder. "Aish–right now?" Yoongi looks to Hoseok for help, "I'll get a bag—" Hoseok dashes off, right as Taehyung moans in discomfort, chills going up and down his spine. Seokjin leaves to grab some towels and medicine. Namjoon and Jungkook take a seat on the other couch, talking to each other worriedly.

Hoseok comes back with a puke bag, quickly handing it to Taehyung who grips it shakily. "You're okay, Taehyung-ah." Yoongi starts rubbing up and down his back, sympathising when he feels his muscles clench and a dry gag escapes. Taehyung feels like he's on a merry-go-round, he's not enjoying it. Before he was cold and lonely, now he's covered in sweat, about to heave up his dinner. What a night.

He looks up from the bag, noticing Seokjin returning and all his brother's concerned faces. It makes him think back to his fever dream and a tear slips before a nasty heave takes over. It leads to a string of drool and acidic taste in his throat. Jimin uses his small hand to wipe away the tears, moving to sit next to Taehyung. "Let it up, Tae." Yoongi slips into daegu satoori, hoping to comfort the younger some.

Taehyung sucks in a deep, shaky breath before bringing up a mouthful of sick. It gets the momentum going and before he can relax, another bout exits him. "We're right beside you, Taetae. You're doing great." Hoseok comforts, looking away from the puke bag but also trying to support his dongsaeng.

Taehyung retches, spine curling over as he vomits. He feels so hot and sticky, tshirt plastered to his back. Seokjin uses a damp cloth to wipe Taehyung's forehead, holding it on as he coughs into the bag. "Namjoon-ah, can you get the thermometer please?" Seokjin asks, tone filled with concern.

"Sure, hyung." Namjoon responds quickly. "Ughh—my tummy doesn't feel good.." Taehyung whimpers, fingers still clutching the bag. Jungkook watches with sympathy. "Poor baby, Taehyungie. You'll feel better soon." Jimin rubs the 95's knee, Yoongi tracing along his back.

Taehyung doesn't feel like he'll ever get better. He would make another statement that he's dying, but a painfully dry heave cuts him off. It highlights just how empty Taehyung now is. But his stomach sets him off anyways, into endless (about 3) empty gags. "Tae-yah it sounds like you're finished. Wanna try relax a little?" Yoongi points out, slowly easing the younger's grip on the bag.

"Yoongi's right, Taehyungie. I'm sure Jungkook's happy to give you some company on the couch?" Seokjin smiles, and Taehyung swallows down a retch before weakly nodding. Yoongi manages to take the bag, making note to keep it away from Hoseok's general direction before disposing of it.

Seokjin and Jimin wipe down Taehyung's face, just as Namjoon comes back with the thermometer, holding it out. "Ah, thanks Joonie." Seokjin says, grabbing the device and hovering it over the second youngest's forehead. It beeps and reads, "39.1° (102.4°)" Seokjin says out loud, "shit. Taehyungie, you're really warm, how about we take your shirt off?" The eldest adds.

Taehyung nods, face blank and zoned out. "Arms up," Jimin helps take off the top, leaving Taehyung exposed on the couch. "Can I lay down with Jungkookie?" Taehyung looks up at Jin, then glances at the youngest. "Of course, Kookie? Is that okay?" Seokjin turns to Jungkook, who responds with a reassuring nod. Jungkook motions for Taehyung to come closer. With Hoseok's and Jimin's aid, Taehyung gets nestled on Jungkook's chest, both of them long ways on the couch. Jungkook has an arm tucked around Taehyung securely, while he listens to the soothing rhythm of Jungkook's heartbeat.

"Promise not to be sick on me?" Jungkook jokes, retracting the statement when Taehyung frowns sadly. "I'm sorry you're not feeling well, hyungie. You can throw up on me, that's fine." Jungkook kisses Taehyung's temple, ruffling his hair at the same time. At least that gets Taehyung to whimper-laugh, his body still isn't happy with him.

Before Taehyung lets himself drift off, he opens his eyes and scans the room. He sees five pairs of eyes staring back lovingly, the elder members smiling at the fondness between the two youngests. "Don't worry, Taehyung-ah. We'll be right here when you wake up." Yoongi hums, beginning to settle on one of their armchairs, letting out a huff when Jimin sits on his lap, but not making him move either. Fully reclining the other couch, Hoseok is comfortably squished between the leader and Seokjin.

"Okay, I love you, hyungs." Taehyung murmurs softly. He surrendered to the warmth of Jungkook's embrace, the presence of his brothers soothing him to not worry about any more dreams.

Hours passed and they slept semi-comfortably. Seven people in one living room was a lot. Slowly, Taehyung stirred awake, greeted by the gentle caress of Jungkook's hand on his head. Blinking away the sleep, he found himself still tucked up to Jungkook. "Hey there, sleeping beauty." Jungkook whispered.

Taehyung grinned weakly, "did I throw up on you?" He asked, voice raspy but amused. "Not this time, hyung." Jungkook chuckled. The lounge room was bathed in a morning glow, Taehyung noticed his other hyungs, still there and their expressions more relaxed. The worry he felt during his fever-induced dream was replaced by comfort, yes he was still uneasy but he now had some support.

"I told you we wouldn't leave, Taehyungie." Jimin chims in, perched on Yoongi's lap. "Thank you, Jiminie-hyung."

[cheillittlemess]

🍒I wanna be yours

📌em caso de inspiração, credite-me!

📌pedido feito no: Wonderful Designs

[ze-eternalmarsh]

Name: Acorns For Your Heart

Ship: VSope (Taehyung/Yoongi/Hoseok - BTS

Rating: Explicit

Category: M/M

Wordcount: currently at 35,182 with 5 chapters (has 21 chapters + 1 epilogue. More than 180k words total)

Type: Long fic (finished but chapters being posted weekly on Fridays)

Tags: fluff, angst, smut, alternate universe, soulmates, magic, fantasy, magical realism, soulmarks, strangers to lovers, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, angst with a happy ending, lack of communication, polyamory, polyamory negotiations, self-discovery, self-worth issues, self-hatred, falling in love, denial of feelings, feelings realization, healing, bonding, literal sleeping together, cuddling, trauma, loss, physical disability, grief/mourning, unhealthy coping mechanisms, slow burn (HELLA slow), self-acceptance, growth, idiots in love, not actually unrequired love, love confessions, magic shop owner Yoongi, witch Yoongi, squirrel hybrid Hoseok, vampire Taehyung, eventual smut (other tags to be added)

Summary:

In a world where tattoos appear on people's bodies when they fall in love with their designated person, Hoseok, a squirrel hybrid, and Taehyung, a vampire, turn out to be soulmates. Despite only meeting recently and not being in love yet, they both get their soulmark only a week after meeting. It’s something that Yoongi, Hoseok's witchy best friend, can't seem to accept.

Especially since Yoongi has had a soulmark on his body for Hoseok for years, with no sign of the hybrid reciprocating it.

[As mentioned, pre-written fic with 21+1 chapters that updates every Fridays! Pls read the notes for potential triggers or sensitive subjects that will be mentioned in the fic]

[Incredible art by this artist on twitter that I commissioned for this fic! Please check them and this fic out :D!]

[astronaut7]

Ooovvv 😭😭 I'm letting go of my heart 💜

[imseagguk]

As Minhas e as Suas Crianças | Pedido pessoal

19/02/24

Abra para obter uma qualidade melhor

Em caso de inspiração, me credite!

[downbad4yoongi]

Merry and Mended

🎄Merry and Mended

🎄Alpha!Yoongi x Omega!Taehyung

🎄AU/Genre: holiday fluff, strangers to lovers, a/b/o

🎄Warnings: smut

🎄Rating: MA

🎄Word count: 8536

Wrote this as a birthday gift to myself, and as a part of @bangtanwritershq Holiday Wish List December Event.

I love a good Taegi 🥰 Enjoy your holidays.

(Thank you to my beta readers, @moonleeai & @colormepurplex2. Thank you, @cherrysoulth, for my beautiful banner.)

Yoongi’s head jerks up as the store is filled with a cacophony of tin cans crashing to the floor. He straightens from where he was slouching on a stool behind the counter, sets down his book, and moves toward the front of the store to discover the cause of the commotion. He shuffles toward the front, his nose wrinkling as he picks up on the lightly burnt scent of a distressed omega. It doesn’t take long to figure out what the crashing sound was when his foot connects with a Sterno can that strayed a bit too far from the rest.

With a furrowed brow, the alpha rounds the aisle and sees a man desperately scrambling to pick up the fallen merchandise. He crosses his arms and tilts his head to the side; he is sure he has never seen this man in town before. They don’t get many strangers out this way.

Yoongi clears his throat to capture the stranger’s attention. The man’s head snaps up, his fluffy dark brown curls falling into widened eyes. Anything Yoongi was going to say stalls in his mind, leaving him there to stare at one of the most gorgeous people he has ever seen.

The man stands up, arms full of tin cans, “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to. I was just trying to look at–” he looks over his shoulder, motioning back behind him, causing a few of the cans he gathered to slip out of his arms. He winces, an embarrassed blush spreading across smooth, golden skin.

The omega’s movements cause the air around him to stir, the currents carrying his scent to Yoongi. His senses pick up on the subtle chamomile, albeit tinged from his worry, smell surrounding the omega. Yoongi blinks at him silently, a bit disoriented by the memories that scent brings up for him. This complete stranger reminds him of when his mother would brew him a cup of tea whenever he wasn’t feeling his best to soothe him. He snaps out of it only when the man’s expression goes from contrite to worried. 

“Um, it’s okay. Honestly, it was a bit too quiet this week. Needed something to liven things up.” Inhaling deeply, soaking up more of the comforting scent emanating from the man, Yoongi stoops to gather the Sterno tins into a central location before reassembling the display. His hands move carefully while trying to concentrate on controlling his own scent, not wanting it to flare and give away the confusing emotions swirling within.

The omega stoops down with him and places the tins he was holding on the pile that Yoongi began accumulating. A deep chuckle rumbles out of the stranger as he shoots Yoongi a boxy smile, “Well then, I am happy I could be of service.”

A light blush perfuses across the apples of Yoongi’s pale cheeks, his fingers tightening on the can in his hand, his own cedar scent saturating the air to mix with the gentle one surrounding the other man. Fuck, even his smile is beautiful. Yoongi tears his eyes away, quickly sweeping up the last few errant cans and stands. The man stands with him, his camel duster falling to its full length, leaving only the bottom half of a pair of black slacks and shiny loafers in view.

“So I haven’t seen you around here before. Are you just stopping through?”

The man cocks an eyebrow and sarcastically quips, “Oh, do you know everyone who lives around here?”

“Yeah, I do,” Yoongi retorts, a deadpan expression on his face.

He scoffs, “Really?”

“Really. Welcome to my general store. This store has been in my family's hands for eighty years, and we’ve lived in this town that entire time. I’m Yoongi, Min Yoongi.”

The man blinks sheepishly, “I seem to be on a roll with making things awkward…” He scrunches his face up before shaking his arms and thrusting his hand toward Yoongi. “I’m Kim Taehyung, and yes, I am very new in town.”

Yoongi slides his hand into Taehyung’s grip and shakes the proffered hand. Both of their scents spiking at the contact. “Welcome to town. What were you needing from here before you destroyed my display?”

“Yah! I apologized for that, and you accepted the apology,” Taehyung huffs.

“I’m prone to changing my mind.” Yoongi sweeps the edges of his red plaid flannel back and shoves his hands into his black jeans. “Can I help you find something in particular?”

Taehyung purses his lips, studying Yoongi for a beat before spinning to motion at the aisle behind him. “I was trying to choose a space heater. The heat in my place doesn’t seem to work.”

Yoongi maneuvers around Taehyung and eyes the selection on the shelf. He slaps his hand on the top of one of the boxes, “This one would be best for heating mid to large areas.” Yoongi’s eyes flick away, his teeth pulling at the dry skin of his lip. “Or I could come and fix your heat for you…”

Taehyung feels his brows disappear into his hairline and can’t help the sassy comment that flows from his lips, “Are you the town’s handyman, too?”

Yoongi’s lips twist into a wry smile. “No. I just thought, um, that I could maybe help.” 

“That’s really kind of you. When would you be able to come by?” Taehyung questions.

“Tomorrow?” Yoongi suggests, “The store is closed on Sundays, so that would be best for me.”

Taehyung’s head bobs, “Honestly, the sooner the better. While I love a good popsicle, I personally don’t enjoy being turned into one.”

The truck eases to a stop in front of the quaint red house at the end of the street. Yoongi squints out of the window at the structure. He recognizes the house as belonging to the Kims, an adorable elderly couple who mostly kept to themselves, as he shuts off the engine, still contemplating why he offered to help this stranger. 

He is not a morning person, and he is known for not being the friendliest toward strangers. It really doesn’t make sense that he is here and outside before noon. He picks up his iced coffee in one hand and pushes the door open with the other before sliding out of the cab of the truck. He scowls as the cold air envelopes him and seeps through the layers of his puffy winter jacket and hoodie. He reaches into the bed, hefting his toolbox over the side, and starts lugging it up toward the front door, his scowl deepening with each freezing step.

Huddling in on himself, he waits for Taehyung to answer his knocks on the door, internally cursing himself for this dumb idea; so what if this man reminds him of home. After what feels like an ice age, the white door opens to reveal a drowsy-looking Taehyung in an oversized green hoodie, black lounge pants, and sherpa-lined slippers. 

The scowl on Yoongi’s face evaporates as he takes in Taehyung’s messy bed hair and puffy sleep face. The earthy notes of chamomile hang heavy in the air. Oh, this is why he is out here freezing his nuts off. “Hi.”

Taehyung squints and just looks at him for a beat before clearing the sleep from his throat. “Good morning. Sorry, I forgot you were going to come by today, or at least I didn’t think it would be this early.” Taehyung’s deep timbre washes over Yoongi, pulling him into his aura even more.

“Oh well. I was up, so here I am,” Yoongi responds flatly.

Taehyung backs up, opening the door wider, “Come on in.” He swiftly closes the door once Yoongi has cleared the entrance, shutting out the winter weather. As soon as he steps inside, the soothing herbal aroma envelopes him like a warm embrace.

“I would say it’s good to be out of the cold, but it really isn’t much warmer in here. Your heat truly is broken.”

“And yet, you are drinking an iced coffee,” Taehyung motions at the clear plastic cup held in Yoongi’s fingerless gloved hand.

Yoongi looks from his coffee to Taehyung, “Your point?”

Taehyung opens his mouth but quickly shuts it again, shaking his head. “Um, let me show you where things are.” Taehyung spins on his heel and leads Yoongi through the house and to the hall thermostat. “You have to start here, no?”

Yoongi nods in affirmation, “Yeah, this is the first step.” Yoongi sets his coffee down and slips out of his winter jacket before peering at the wall thermostat and fiddling with different settings. When that doesn’t yield a result, he asks Taehyung where his breaker box is and is guided to a storage closet deeper inside the house. Opening the metal door, he examines the breaker switches and confirms none are tripped, and everything should operate normally.

“Where’s your furnace?” Yoongi asks as he shuts and latches the breaker box door.

Taehyung jerks his head behind him, motioning further toward the back of the house. “Closet near the back of the house.”

Yoongi follows Taehyung to the next location and pulls open the closet door. He takes in the small space before squatting down in front of the furnace in the corner.

Taehyung leans against the open door and watches as Yoongi stoops down to look at the unit. He locates the power switch and confirms it is in the ‘on’ position. Yoongi’s mouth thins into a firm line as he runs his fingers along the seam of the furnace door. He leans closer to the furnace door, eyes narrowing, sliding his hand to the handle, jiggling it a tad. That confirms his suspicion; he opens the door and then firmly shuts it again.

“What was that for?” Taehyung pipes up over his shoulder, clearly confused. Before Yoongi can respond, a loud shuddering sound is heard through the house, followed by a low hissing.

Yoongi glances over his shoulder at Taehyung, “That was to turn your heat back on.” Yoongi straightens back up, brushing his hands off on his ripped jeans. “The door to your furnace wasn’t shut all the way, and the failsafe was triggered. When the failsafe is on, the furnace won’t function as a precaution.”

Understanding dawns on Taehyung’s face as he processes what Yoongi is saying. “Oh! I guess I could have searched that on Naver for myself,” he says sheepishly.

Yoongi shrugs and takes a sip from his straw. “Probably.” He watches Taehyung chew on his lower lip. “But I’m glad I could help.”

Taehyung peers at Yoongi through the fringe of his hair, gauging how sincere his words are before letting a small smile spread across his lips. “Can I repay you with breakfast?”

“You cook?”

Silence remains for a beat. “Um. Not very well?”

Yoongi’s lips lift in a smirk on one side, and he throws out a lifeline. “Lucy’s in town makes a wonderful breakfast. We could just go there?”

Relief sweeps through Taehyung’s eyes, “My treat.” He starts backing down the hallway toward one of the open bedroom doors. “Give me a few minutes, and I’ll be right out.”

The bell chimes loudly as the diner door swings open, and the two of them rush in out of the cold. As they stomp the snow from their shoes, Taehyung looks around the interior. “Oh!”

The town’s diner has quintessential 50s-themed decor and makes its best impression of a Lucille Ball shrine. Yoongi smirks, “Ahjumma is a fan.” Yoongi veers off to the right and slides into the third raised booth, settling into the vinyl seat.

Taehyung follows, “That is putting it mildly.” His eyes still bouncing around the restaurant as Yoongi sets the menu in front of him. Eventually, Taehyung pulls his gaze back to Yoongi, who has been sitting there watching him with an amused expression, “What?”

Yoongi shakes his head slightly, “I just haven’t had many opportunities to experience the places I’ve known my entire life through someone new.”

“So this has always been decorated like this?”

“Mhmm, though briefly, very briefly, she contemplated redecorating when she discovered Magnum P.I. Tom Selleck didn’t try hard enough to flip her in the end.”

Taehyung covers his mouth with his large palm, muffling his giggle as he listens to Yoongi’s story. The overhead light haloing his dark curls just right, Yoongi can’t help but stare and trace the way the harsh diner lights perfectly highlight the angles of Taehyung’s face.

“Yoongi-yah! Where have you been? You haven’t been visiting as often as you should be.”

Yoongi is snapped out of his reverie at the admonishment and looks as a petite beta in her early sixties sidles up to their table.

Taehyung’s eyes bounce back and forth between Yoongi and the newcomer. Yoongi’s lips screw to the side at the gentle scolding as he rubs at the back of his neck. “Aish, ajumma, I have been busy with the store.”

With a smack of her pad to his shoulder, “Nonsense! That store runs itself at this point. You can’t avoid him forever, you know?”

Taehyung’s brows lift slightly at that, wondering who they are talking about. Yoongi ducks his head, “I’m not avoiding him.”

“Could have fooled me.” She frowns at him for a moment more before turning to Taehyung with a bright smile, “Hello there! You’re new. I know everyone in this town; who are you?”

Taehyung blinks up at her a few times, “I’m Kim Taehyung, and this is my first time visiting your lovely establishment.”

“Of course it is. I would remember such a handsome face as yours. I’m Mrs. Kim.” Her brows furrow as she looks at Taehyung harder, “Any relation to the Kims out on Whale Drive?”

Taehyung nods, “They’re my grandparents. I’m taking care of their house as they transition to an assisted living facility.”

“No!”

“Yes, unfortunately, the house's upkeep just got a bit too much for them. I’m the only relative left, so here I am.” Yoongi listens to the exchange silently, processing this new information.

Mrs. Kim tsks under her breath. “You are a good grandson.” She pats his shoulder, “You keep me updated, okay?” Taehyung nods silently. “Good. Now, what can I get you?”

“Oh!” Taehyung’s eyes drop to the plastic menu before him and quickly scans it. He jabs his finger against the menu, “Dakjuk, please.” Mrs. Kim nods and swipes the menu from in front of him, quickly turning and leaving them again, the subtle hint of an apple orchard left behind by the beta.

“I di–”

“She–”

They both halt, looking at each other before Yoongi motions for Taehyung to go first.

“She didn’t take your order.”

“Mmm, ajumma brings me what she wants to feed me.”

Taehyung’s head tilts to the side, amused by the straightforward response. “What were you going to ask me?”

“Um, I didn’t know you were the Kim's grandson. They didn’t talk much about their family.”

Taehyung gives a wry smile, “Not much to talk about. It’s just me. I worked in Seoul and would visit when I could, which wasn’t often.”

“Wh-” Yoongi clears his throat, “When do you have to go back?”

“I don’t.”

“What do you mean you don’t? Don’t you have a job and a life to return to?”

“I quit. I couldn’t churn away at the machine any longer.”

“Okay, but what about your life in Seoul?”

“What life? I spent most of my time at work. I spent the little time I had outside of work with… someone who used to matter, but that’s in the past now.”

Yoongi blinks at him and can’t help the spark of curiosity flicking to life in his chest. “Why don’t they matter anymore?”

Taehyung gives the saddest smile Yoongi has ever seen, his gentle chamomile scent wilting a little, “I’ll tell mine when you tell yours.”

A plastic straw is shoved under Yoongi’s nose, capturing his attention. He sets down the guitar he is repairing and looks up to find Taehyung offering him an iced coffee with a boxy grin. “Hi, hyung!”

“Taehyung. What are you here for this time?” Yoongi sips through the straw, humming at the rich, bitter taste of coffee washing over his tongue. This has become a routine for them. For the past couple of weeks now, several days out of the week, Taehyung shows up with an iced coffee for Yoongi and the ploy that he just remembered that he needed to buy something he forgot. 

Granted, Yoongi didn’t catch on that it was a ploy until Taehyung came in to purchase a single screwdriver, then the next day he was back to purchase a wrench, then a hammer… Yoongi had suggested he just buy a toolbox, but Taehyung had insisted that he didn’t need one and then proceeded to purchase a set of pliers. So now Yoongi just plays along with this little game just to see how far it will go. 

Taehyung rocks back on his heels, the sweet aroma of chamomile swirling around him, and pulls the hand he was holding behind his back out in front of him, holding a small container of nails. “Just this for today.”

Yoongi blinks slowly at him, “Is your plan to buy every item in my store, one thing at a time? If this is your villain origin story, I gotta tell you it needs work.”

Taehyung grins mischievously, the flush on his cheeks deepening as he meets Yoongi's gaze. "Oh, you caught on to my evil plan already? I guess I'll have to devise a more diabolical scheme," he says playfully, his eyes twinkling with humor. "But for now, let's just stick to one item at a time. Keeps things interesting, don't you think?"

Yoongi tongues the inside of his cheek, amused, “So what are the nails for?”

Taehyung winks at Yoongi before turning his attention back to the container of nails, examining them with feigned seriousness. "These nails? They're special. You see, they're going to be the foundation of my grand master plan to take over the world... or maybe just build a really cool bookshelf. Haven't decided yet." Taehyung chuckles, enjoying the banter, and adds, "But seriously, I just thought it would be nice to have a reason to come back and see you again. Your store has this charm that's hard to resist."

“You caught me! You see, having a charming store is a side effect of my diabolical plan to lure in unsuspecting customers.” Yoongi smirks, leaning casually against the counter and crossing his arms. “If you’re going to keep showing up to buy one item at a time, you might as well come up with a convincing evil laugh. I mean, where’s the drama? The theatrics? You’re missing out on the full villain experience,” he adds with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. 

Taehyung chuckles, "You've got a point. I guess I'll have to work on my evil laugh if I want to be a proper villain." He feigns a sinister chuckle, only to giggle a moment later. "Or maybe I'll stick to being the charming customer who keeps you on your toes." He takes a step closer, his playful expression turning into a more sincere smile. "Speaking of which, if you can handle my one-item-at-a-time takeover plan, how about we break the routine? How about you let me take you out for coffee or dinner sometime? I promise I won't make you sell me your entire inventory in one go." Taehyung winks, hoping the offer comes across as genuine and lighthearted.

Yoongi's eyes widen for a moment, surprised by the sudden turn of events, but then a small smirk plays on his lips. He tilts his head, considering Taehyung's proposition. 

"Well, that's a plot twist I wasn't expecting in my villainous day." Yoongi chuckles, matching Taehyung's playful tone, the alpha’s warm and spicy scent spiking at the other man’s offer. With a thoughtful expression, he nods. "Alright, you've got yourself a deal. But only if you promise to leave your world-domination plans at home for the night. When and where, villain?"

The omega’s lips spread into a boxy grin, “No promises on leaving the world domination plans at home, but I’ll try to keep them on a tight leash. How about dinner at Lucy’s tomorrow at 7 PM? I haven’t tasted ajumma’s dinner menu yet.”

Yoongi smirks, his interest piqued by Taehyung's choice. "Lucy's, huh? Ahjumma does work wonders in the kitchen, so I can't blame you for wanting to try it out. Dinner it is. And as for the world domination plans, I suppose a tight leash will have to do. We wouldn't want to scare the other diners away with our diabolical schemes." He winks playfully at Taehyung. "Alright then, partner in crime. Lucy's it is."

Yoongi chuckles, leaning onto the table, amused at Taehyung’s antics. His nose twitches pleasantly as it picks up the gentle scent of chamomile mixing with his cedar's warm, spicy aroma. He has only known the omega for a few weeks but feels utterly comfortable with the man.

The dinner date at Lucy’s has been going well; there’s laughter, good food, and engaging conversation. Ahjumma immediately started gushing over them when they stepped into the restaurant and realized that they were there on a date. The beta has been doting on them all night and seems to have curated a special menu for them on the fly. 

“So, what’s the verdict on dinner at Lucy’s?” Yoongi asks as he gathers a spoonful of strawberry bingsu from their shared bowl. 

Taehyung hums, swallowing his spoonful, “Honestly, it has not disappointed. Everything has been absolutely delicious. Lucy’s may just be my new favorite spot.”

Yoongi gives the other man a gummy smile, “I’m glad you liked it. Maybe we should start a Lucy’s fan club.” Taehyung claps his hands together, giggling at the idea. 

That laugh may be one of Yoongi’s new favorite sounds. He twirls his spoon in the frozen treat, pondering what else he can say to tease more of it out. 

Taehyung’s eyes light up as ajumma steps out of the kitchen and quickly waves the older beta over. “How would you like your own personal fan club?” 

 “Made up of the two of you? I would be so lucky to have such handsome men devoted to me.” Her raspy chuckle mixes pleasantly with the omega’s huskier one.

“Then it’s decided. We are your devotees, ajumma!” Taehyung states brightly. 

Yoongi’s cheeks ache as he watches the two of them tease each other. “The food was delicious. Thank you so much, ajumma, for making us such special treats,” Yoongi effuses. “I’ll take the check whenever you’re ready.”

She scoffs and brushes him off. “No, no. This is my treat.”

Yoongi shakes his head, protesting, “Yah, you can’t do that.”

She props her hands on her hips, “Yes, I can. If you insist, you can repay me by inviting me to the mating ceremony.”

Yoongi’s cheeks warm at her words, and a similar blush is mirrored on Taehyung’s face. He clears his throat, “Um, well, thank you.”

She pats his shoulder and bids them both goodbye before bustling over to another table.

“I guess we weren’t the only ones to feel a connection then?” Taehyung quips, breaking the tension. 

Yoongi’s eyes meet Taehyung’s warm brown ones, a soft smile playing across his lips, “I guess so. Want to get out of here?”

They slide out of the booth, Yoongi leading them out of the diner. Taehyung sidles up next to him as they step out onto the sidewalk. They linger there, the fresh air tinged with their anticipation of what could happen next. 

There’s a palpable tension in the air, and neither are quite ready to say goodnight. They stand there, smiling at each other, the air charged with unspoken words. The small town has quieted down significantly in the evening hours, and in that moment, it feels like they are in a bubble all their own.

Yoongi clears his throat, “Listen, would you like a ride home?”

“Oh, no, I wouldn’t want to put you out,” Taehyung demures. 

“Nonsense. It’s late. Let me give you a lift. I promise I don’t mind.”

Taehyung caves and agrees. They walk down the street, arms brushing each other with each step. Once they reach his truck, Yoongi rushes ahead a little to open the passenger door, holding it open for the omega. 

Taehyung pauses briefly at the gesture, a tiny smile on his lips. “Thank you.” He brushes his fingers across the back of Yoongi’s hand as he slides into the cab.

Yoongi circles around the hood and climbs in on the other side. The drive to Taehyung’s house is silent. The quiet intimacy of the ride contrasts with the lively energy of their date. 

As they reach Taehyung’s place, neither seems in a rush to part ways. The conversation becomes a bit more subdued, a mixture of shared laughter and more serious reflections on life. 

Taehyung tilts his head against the headrest and sighs. “I should probably head inside. I had a great time tonight, Yoongi.”

“Me too, Tae.” A beat passes before Yoongi starts, “Oh–”

The omega’s hand covers the back of his own. “It’s okay. You can call me Tae.”

A tension eases out of Yoongi, and he flips his hand over, lacing their fingers together. “So, uh, maybe we can do this again? Another dinner, perhaps?”

Smiling, Tae leans closer, “I’d really like that, hyung.”

Their scents intermingle, adding to the intimacy of the moment. The soft glow from a nearby streetlamp casts a warm halo, illuminating the anticipation in Taehyung’s eyes. Yoongi feels a pull and leans in closer, too. 

Yoongi’s fingers find their way to the side of the other man’s neck, his touch gentle yet firm. The warmth of his thumb tracing the line of Taehyung’s jaw. “Tae,” he whispers, “Can I kiss you?”

Taehyung’s response is a quick, eager nod. The warmth of his breath against Yoongi’s lips is a silent affirmation, and the tension between them escalates as the distance between them disappears. Their lips meet in a soft, tentative kiss, a blend of warmth and sweetness that speaks of unspoken desires. 

As their kiss deepens, the world around them fades into the background, leaving only their shared connection. Time seems to stand still in that moment, the quiet acknowledgment of something new and exciting unfolding between them. 

The kiss lingers, a promise of the possibilities ahead, and when they finally pull away, their eyes meet with a newfound understanding. They share a smile and bask in the wonder of the start of something beautiful. 

It’s been a few weeks, and each day gets better. The initial spark from their first date has developed into a deeper connection. Yoongi marvels that in such a short amount of time, the sweet omega has become a staple in his life. Their days are intertwined with laughter, shared secrets, and a growing sense of intimacy. 

Their routine is filled with moments, both ordinary and extraordinary. From lazy Sunday afternoons spent cuddling on the couch, exchanging soft kisses, and recounting the week's events to more adventurous endeavors like taking Taehyung ice skating for the first time at the local rink. Yoongi feels a sense of completeness in Taehyung’s company. 

Their late-night conversations have become a cherished ritual; the quiet vulnerability shared in those moments is strengthening the bond that formed all those weeks ago. Taehyung has become Yoongi’s confidante, a source of comfort, and a partner in the beautiful dance of their blossoming relationship. 

Yoongi sets down the box he brought back from the stock room as he hears his phone ring on the counter. His lips curl into a smile, his chest filling with warmth as he sees Tae’s name flashing across the screen. 

“Hey! Did you miss me already? We just had lunch an hour ago.”  The alpha teases, the memory of their shared meal flashing in his mind. 

“Hyung! Oh my god, you won’t believe what’s happening!” The panicked sound echoing through the receiver has Yoongi straightening from where he was slumped against the counter in alarm.

“What’s going on, Tae?”

“There’s water everywhere! I think there’s a leak under the kitchen sink. It’s like a waterfall in here.”

Even alone, Yoongi can’t help but release calming pheromones wanting to comfort the omega. “Okay, calm down. Do you know where your main water valve is?”

Tae’s frantic voice comes through even higher pitched. “No! I don’t know where that is. Everything is wet, and I’m freaking out. How do I make it stop?”

“Baby, it’s going to be okay. Do you know where your water heater is?”

“Um, um,” Taehyung stutters furiously, trying to remember the layout of the house. “I think so.”

“That’s good. Go to the water heater, and I’ll tell you what to do once you get there.”

Yoongi listens to Tae rush through the house, his breath coming in fast pants. “I’m here! I’m here! What do I do?”

“Do you see a valve anywhere?”

“Is it the handle near the back, halfway up the wall?”

“Yes! Right now, it should be sticking out perpendicular to the pipe. Turn it until it's parallel to the pipe.”

He listens to Taehyung fumble a bit before his voice returns through the phone. “Okay, I turned it. What now?”

“That should have turned the water off. Go and check to see if that stopped it.”

Yoongi listens to the omega rush back through the house. His voice this time is a bit calmer in relief, “It sounds like the water has stopped.” He whines loudly, “There is water everywhere, though, and it’s still spreading.”

Yoongi chuckles, his own energy calming at Taehyung’s relief. “But the main problem is done. Grab some towels, or whatever you have that is absorbent to help contain the mess. Crisis averted.”

“Yeah, thanks to you. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

“Well, now that we’ve conquered the great kitchen flood of 2023, maybe I should come over and check on what went wrong,” Yoongi teases.

Taehyung’s warm laugh sends shivers over Yoongi. “You’re always welcome, especially if you come with your toolbox.”

“Let me close the store, and I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

That’s how, on a late Friday afternoon, Yoongi finds himself at Taehyung’s house with his head underneath the kitchen sink.

Taehyung sits on the kitchen counter, watching anxiously. “So what happened? Why did my kitchen become a lake?”

Yoongi’s voice is a little echo-y as it reverberates around the hollow space, “Your pipe burst. I think water froze inside it when the temperature dropped and caused it to burst. Unfortunately, it just looks like your pipes are old, and time took its toll.”

Taehyung hangs his head, groaning. “Old pipes, huh? I never thought they’d give up on me like this.”

“It happens. Especially with the winter chill, but hey, the good news is we caught it early, and it could have been much worse.” Yoongi continues to work, his hands deftly maneuvering to fix the problem. 

“How do you even know what you are doing?” Taehyung asks curiously.

Yoongi chuckles, “Years of being a responsible adult, Tae. You pick up a thing or two.”

Playfully, Taehyung quips, “I guess I should add ‘adulting’ to my list of skills to brush up on.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ll get the hang of it eventually,” Yoongi tosses back. He tinkers silently for a few minutes before adding, “You know, dealing with home emergencies together is practically a relationship milestone.”

Taehyung hums, “Is that so?”

“I think so. I’ll take any excuse to spend more time with you.”

Yoongi can’t see the other man’s blush, but he smells the spike in the omega’s chamomile scent. It distracts him just enough that he wrenches a pipe a little too hard, sending the water remaining in the pipe straight onto him. 

“Shit!” He gasps, jerking out from under the sink, and wipes at his face. He clamors to his feet, his white shirt soaked with stale pipe water. 

The omega’s eyes widen as he hops off the counter, rushing over to the alpha. Taehyung’s scent sours as, in a flurry of motions, he pulls at Yoongi’s shirt until it is yanked over his head.

Before Yoongi knows it, he is standing shirtless under the fluorescent glare of the kitchen light—the bright light casting shadows in the dips and hollows of his bare chest. The wet fabric of his shirt hangs limply in the other man’s fist as they both pause.

Taehyung’s lips part on his next exhale as his eyes flicker over the vast expanse of bare skin that is exposed. A new tension fills the air as the previous sharp scent from the omega softens and sweetens, Yoongi’s own scent growing fresher to mix with the omega’s. A beat passes with them both frozen, only inches separating them. 

Between one breath and the next, the two collide. The sodden fabric slips through Taehyung’s fingers, landing on the cool tile floor with a wet slap. Swiftly, the omega trades the clammy chill of the wet cloth for the comforting warmth and silkiness of the alpha’s exposed skin. As Yoongi’s hands assertively find their place on Taehyung’s hips, he effortlessly pulls the other man closer while Taehyung’s large palms tenderly encircle Yoongi’s shoulders. 

Their lips hover closer, breath buffeting against parted lips. Even at this distance, Yoongi’s eyes search the other’s, seeking acceptance before crashing his lips against the omega’s. Taehyung’s arms circle the alpha tighter, sealing their lips together in a searing kiss. 

A deep purr resonates through the alpha’s chest as he tilts his head, sliding their lips against each other. The rest of the world falls away as the building tension ebbs and flows around them.  Taehyung rocks his hips forward, lips parting with a moan when he feels Yoongi’s growing length pressed against him. 

Taking advantage of the opening, Yoongi presses forward, his tongue sweeping into the other man’s mouth. His own groan echoes as the omega’s sweet, floral chamomile scent washes over his palette. He doesn’t want to stop; he feels like he could kiss Taehyung forever. 

As moments have seamlessly slipped away, the kitchen now holds a rich tapestry of their mingling scents. The air is saturated with the delicate freshness of chamomile, gracefully intertwining with the warm and subtly spiced essence of cedar. It blankets them comfortingly, a testament to their undeniable chemistry. Both men feel drawn inextricably to each other. 

The air is thick with unspoken words, each touch and movement communicating more than language ever could. Yoongi’s hands, with firm pressure, run over Taehyung’s hips and lower back; his long fingers teasing lightly over the omega’s ass. They cling to each other even as they pull back, silently rubbing their noses along each other. 

Taehyung rocks his hips forward again, his eyelids fluttering at the long, thick press of the alpha between them. His own body responding in kind and leaking into his briefs, the sweet, honeyed scent of slick tinging the air. The deep timbre of his voice breaks the silent tension in the air, “Please.”

Yoongi’s eyes darken at the omega’s whimper. “Please, what?”

Taehyung’s scent spikes, running his lip between his teeth as he meets Yoongi’s gaze before breathing, “Please, alpha.”

A wicked smile pulls at Yoogi’s lips, his hands sliding down and palming the round globes of the omega’s ass, pulling them tighter against each other. The kitchen fills with the sound of their lips smacking together as they crash back against the counter. The sharp edge digs into the omega’s back, causing him to whine into the alpha’s mouth. 

Yoongi grips his ass and lifts, sliding Taehyung onto the countertop, their lips never parting. Taehyung’s hands slide down Yoongi’s chest until they reach the dark pinkish-brown nipples gracing his pecs. Taehyung slides his mouth away, grazing his teeth along the other’s jaw as he flicks the nubs.

Yoongi groans, digging his fingers into the omega’s hips. His head tips backward as pleasure zings down his spine. Taehyung chuckles, “Someone’s sensitive.”

The alpha’s head snaps upright, eyes sparking, “Two can play at this game.” Yoongi yanks Taehyung forward, pressing tighter in between his spread thighs. Their clothed cocks grinding against each other. It’s Taehyung’s turn to hang his head, moaning as the air thickens with the sweet scent of his slick. “You were saying?” Yoongi’s breath brushes the shell of the other’s ear. 

Tae’s lustful gaze returns to Yoongi’s, “I’m saying that I need you, alpha.” Taehyung’s hands caress down the expanse of Yoongi’s abs until his fingers tease the man’s waistband, thumbing the button. A subtle nod from Yoongi has the man undoing the button snap and sliding down the zipper. Another groan is pulled from the alpha as the pressure around his cock eases. 

The relief is only temporary because soon, the restrictive confines of his jeans is replaced with the firm clasp of Taehyung’s palm. Yoongi snaps his hips forward into the omega’s tight grip, the slide eased by his eagerly leaking tip. Taehyung mouths at the alpha’s neck, his tongue teasing in tight circles and nipping at his fair skin, marking him up. 

The omega’s fist tightens as he speeds up his strokes, his wrist snapping at the height of each stroke. Yoongi’s fingers flex on Taehyung’s thighs as he moans louder. “Fuck, baby, that feels so good.”

“Yeah?” Taehyung leaves a particular stinging nip along Yoongi’s neck. “Are you going to come for me?” He speeds up his strokes, the alpha’s hips snapping into the warm clasp. Taehyung’s other hand slides down to encircle the alpha’s base, his fist gripping firmly as the knot forms at the base of Yoongi’s cock.

Taehyung trails his lips back up the other’s neck, reaching Yoongi’s ear. He swirls his tongue around the lobe before sucking it into his mouth. 

“Ahhhhh—” Yoongi cries out, hips stuttering as his length jerks in the omega’s fist, coating it in sticky, warm wetness. The omega presses gentle kisses to Yoongi’s neck, coaxing him down from his high. Yoongi slumps into the man’s arms, panting. 

Yoongi nuzzles into Taehyung’s neck, inhaling the omega’s sweet scent but being cautious to avoid the scent gland. He works to regulate his breathing as the Taehyung’s grip on his knot remains steady. Only a few minutes pass before he’s trailing his lips along the dark caramel expanse of skin until he reaches Taehyung’s lips. Their lips gently move together, Yoongi’s high dissipating.

“Mmm, darling, you were so good for me.” Taehyung slips his hands from between them, his skin coated in the alpha’s pleasure. Eyeing him boldly, the omega slips two messy fingers into his mouth, swirling his tongue around them until they are sucked clean. 

The alpha’s nostrils flare at the bold gesture. He curls his fingers into the waistband of Taehyung’s jeans and yanks him forward, letting the younger man teeter on the edge for a moment before sliding him to his feet. “Someone made a mess,” his raspy voice filters between them. 

Taehyung grins cheekily, reaching for the kitchen towel to clean the mess on his hands, “A delicious one.”

Yoongi’s thumb deftly releases the fastening of Taehyung’s pants, their lips crashing together again. The kiss is messy and deep, the omega whining into his mouth. Yoongi pulls back, sliding his lips down the omega’s neck.  “That is not really how I saw that going.”

“Mmmm,” Tae murmurs, head leaning back, “It’s okay. I liked making you feel good.”

Yoongi leaves a stinging kiss at the base of Taehyung’s neck before pulling back. “Well, let me make you feel good now.” Yoongi slips Taehyung’s pants open and works the jeans down his hips. The heady aroma of the omega’s slick wafts between them as they're pushed down toward the floor. Yoongi’s eyes flutter close as he inhales deeply, a low growl rumbling from deep in his chest. 

Yoongi yanks harder, ripping the jeans off of the other man, taking his soaked briefs with them. Taehyung’s cock springs out, slapping up against his belly. Slick dripping down the omega’s thighs in thick lines. 

Yoongi’s eyes are sharp as he takes in the wanton man before him. He shifts onto his knees, his long, knobby fingers trailing down his legs until they grip his thighs. Yoongi leans in, nostrils flaring as he breathes deep to soak in the addicting scent of the aroused omega. He presses an open-mouthed kiss to the bare hip before him. His hands move around to cup the back of Taehyung’s knees, lifting one at a time to pull the pooled cloth from around his ankles. 

The omega leans back against the counter, his fingers gripping the granite edge to steady him. His eyes are hooded as he looks down the length of his own body and watches as the alpha shifts one of his legs to rest on his shoulder. 

The alpha trails stinging kisses up the inside of the omega’s thighs until his face nuzzles against Tae’s hard, straining cock. Yoongi swirls his tongue around the thick base of Taehyung’s cock, before leaving a line of wet, open-mouthed kisses up the length until he can circle his tongue around the leaking tip. 

Taehyung sucks in a sharp inhale as his hips buck, pushing the leaking tip into the alpha’s mouth. Yoongi jerks his head back, tsking the omega under his breath. “Uh-uh. Who said you could do that?”

The omega’s cheeks flush with the admonishment, “Sorry, alpha.”

“Patience, baby.” Yoongi strokes his hard length with one hand as his other hand slips behind the omega to ease between wet cheeks. At the feel of his trembling rim, Yoongi moans deep in his chest, feeling how soaked Taehyung is. His extended finger circles, teasing the man’s hole. Yoongi slips Taehyung into his mouth as he simultaneously pushes one digit into the omega’s tight hole. 

Curling his tongue around Taehyung’s leaking tip, Yoongi pumps his finger deeper. He teases the omega, pulling more syrupy, slick, and evocative sounds from the man above him. Soon, Yoongi is three fingers deep and is sliding Taehyung’s length in and out of his throat. 

Taehyung’s head is thrown back, moaning to the ceiling. He buries his hands into the alpha’s hair as he tugs and pushes at his head. Pleasure surges through him. “Fuck…fuck, alpha! You’re making me feel so good.”

Yoongi hums around the girth stretching his throat, and sucks harder, swallowing around Taehyung’s cock. Yoongi’s slick-soaked hand scissors his fingers before surging deeper, targeting that spot deep inside the omega.

Taehyung’s eyes leak as he cries out, back arching as he comes down Yoongi’s throat. His cock spasms over and over as he is drained dry. Yoongi swallows every last drop and slowly pulls back, licking the omega clean as he goes. 

Taehyung slumps against the counter, his arms trembling to hold him as he comes down from his high. Yoongi hums, pressing soft kisses along the other’s hip, gently slipping his fingers from inside him. He soothingly rubs the omega’s thigh as his other fingers slip inside his mouth to lick his fingers clean. Yoongi’s eyes flutter as the omega’s taste bursts across his tongue. 

Taehyung takes a loud shuddering breath, “That…was unexpected.”

Yoongi presses his lips to the inside of the omega’s thigh, hiding his smile, “The best things usually are.”

Taehyung looks down at the alpha still kneeling in front of him, and cups the man’s cheek. “Yoongi, I need you to know…” he pauses, swallowing hard. “I’ve never felt this way before.”

Yoongi leans into the warm touch, smiling as Tae’s thumb strokes across his cheek, “Tae, neither have I. But it feels right, doesn’t it?”

He slides the fingers of his other hand through the alpha’s soft black strands, “It does. It feels more than right; it feels like…home.”

The alpha’s eyes shutter, rolling his mouth to press the softest of kisses to his palm. “Yeah, it does.” Silence settles over them. The two let the intimacy of the moment and the weight of their words sink in. 

“What does this mean for us?” Tae’s words are soft as they’re whispered into the silence.

Yoongi’s head tilts back to meet the deep brown eyes of the man he’s quickly falling for, “I don’t have all the answers, but I want to figure it out with you. Do you want the same?”

“I want us. Whatever that means.” 

“Me too,” Yoongi breathes. 

Their shared gaze is filled with an unspoken understanding that defines the moment they just had. They don’t know what is in store but are committed to exploring it together.

In the days that follow, Taehyung and Yoongi find themselves navigating the delicate waters of a burgeoning relationship. The small town, adorned with holiday decorations, adds an extra layer of magic to their newfound connection. 

One chilly evening, as snowflakes gently descend from the sky, they stroll hand in hand through the twinkling lights of the town square. The air is crisp, filled with the festive scent of pine and the distant sounds of holiday carols. 

Taehyung can’t contain the smile stretching his lips, “I can’t believe how beautiful this town is during the holidays.”

The omega’s boxy grin brings forth Yoongi’s own gummy smile. “It’s like something out of a storybook.”

Their fingers intertwine as they wander through the town’s festive markets, sampling sweet treats and sipping hot cocoa. The cozy warmth of the holiday atmosphere mirrors the growing warmth between them.

As they stroll through the markets, Taehyung feels a surge of emotion in his chest. The twinkling lights, the laughter around them, and the shared moments with Yoongi paint a picture of a perfect holiday season.

Tae tugs on their clasped hands, pulling them out of the flow of pedestrians. They step into a small alcove in front of a closed storefront. “Yoongi, you know, I’ve been thinking…”

“What’s on your mind, baby?” Yoongi gently encourages when the other pauses.

“Well, with Christmas just around the corner, I was wondering if… maybe you’d like to spend it with me?” The last part of the sentence said in a rush of one breath.

Yoongi’s lips part on a caught breath, his eyes softening fondly. “You’re inviting me to spend Christmas with you?”

Taehyung bites his lip and nods. “Yeah, I know it’s a bit last-minute, but I can’t think of anyone I’d rather share the holiday with.”

Yoongi steps closer, closing the space between them. The market fades away as the alpha looks at the omega with fondness. “Tae, I’d love to spend Christmas with you.”

The omega launches himself at Yoongi, his heart swelling with happiness. Their lips press together, the two filled with joy at the promised festivities. The lights around them seem to glow brighter as they lose themselves in each other.

As Christmas approaches, they find themselves caught up in the whirlwind of preparations. From decorating a small tree in Taehyung’s living room to sharing quiet moments by the fireplace, the holiday spirit seems to amplify their connection. 

Yoongi places a handmade ornament on the tree. “This is nice. Really nice.”

Taehyung hums, “It is. And it’s only our first Christmas together.”

“I never thought decorating a tree could be this enjoyable.”

“It’s the company that makes it special,” Taehyung smiles. 

Yoongi tilts his head in agreement. “These ornaments are beautiful, Tae.”

“It’s a tradition in my family. Each ornament tells a story. Now, these ornaments are a part of ours.”

Silence settles over them as they finish decorating and settle in front of the roaring fire. The glow of the tree haloing them in soft light as they cuddle under a shared blanket and admire their handiwork.

Each day is filled with a sweet memory; before they realize it, it’s Christmas Eve. That day, a light snowfall has dusted the town in a soft blanket of white. They sit before a roaring fire and exchange thoughtful gifts as laughter fills the room. 

After their shared candle-lit dinner, they move to the porch and watch the slow drifting of the falling snow. The silence blankets them.

They stand like that in a drawn-out moment before Yoongi turns his head, nestling his lips into Tae’s soft, brown curls on the side of his head. “Merry Christmas, baby.”

Taehyung leans into the alpha’s hold, “Merry Christmas, Yoongi.”

Under the winter sky, they share a tender kiss. A promise of more shared moments and the magic of the holidays weaving together to create another beautiful memory. 

Epilogue - One year later

Yoongi scrunches his face and burrows deeper into his pillow, clinging to the last vestiges of slumber. The featherlight brush of lips along his bare shoulder isn’t deterred and continues its path across his shoulder and up his neck. Their trek slows to a stop behind his ear, settling there and pressing further into the space. Yoongi’s fingers tangle into the sheet as the pressure of those lips increases, sucking and pulling Yoongi out of sleep with a whine. 

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Taehyung whispers in his ear in a deep voice. Yoongi sinks back into Taehyung as the younger man wraps his arm around him, their fingers tangling together. 

“Hmm, why are we awake?” Yoongi grumbles, eyes still closed.

Taehyung’s arm tightens around Yoongi, “I don’t think we should sleep away our second Christmas together.” Taehyung pats his chest one more time before pulling away with a kiss on his cheek. “Hurry up and meet me downstairs.”

He cards his hand through the wet strands of his hair as he lumbers down the wide staircase. Pausing at the base, nose rising in the air, sniffing out the delicious aroma of syrupy pancakes and crispy bacon. He lets his nose lead him toward the kitchen, his eyes lighting up at the spread before him.

"How?”

Taehyung spins around, grinning, "Merry Christmas!”

Youngi's eyes bounce from one food-laden dish to the next.  Confusion swirls through him, and while he had been teaching the omega how to cook, there's no way he had improved enough to make all of this.

Still dumbfounded, Yoongi accepts the champagne flute of mimosa from his love. He eventually pulls his gaze from the pile of food and stares at his love in awe. 

"When did you make all of this? I was only in the shower for like 20 minutes.”

The words barely finish passing his lips when the other man doubles over, giggling uncontrollably. Yoongi just watches on, bemused.

After several moments, Tae regains control of himself and straightens.  

Eyes still sparkling with laughter, his scent ethereal and wafting around them, Tae manages to answer. "Oh god, I wanted to fool you so bad, but I can't. You know I'm ajumma's favorite, and I wanted our second Christmas to be special. So why not have food from our favorite place?” 

Yoongi remains frozen for a moment, then sweeps the omega into his arms. He kisses Taehyung soundly before resting their foreheads together. “My every day is special with you.”

[crystalsnow95z]

Part 2 of this story..

Tw: brief hospital scene, slight vomit

It doesn't matter how I bad i feel.. Taehyung is more important..

Yoongi returned to the bed room, gently pushing up Taehyung's shirt so he could slide the wet cloth over his fevered body. Taehyung flinched when it touched his skin,but didn't wake.

"Da*n.. the cloth is already getting hot.." Yoongi whispers, hands trembling as he dips the cloth back into the water to cool it.

"Hyung, Hyung let me do it.." Namjoon tries to take the cloth, but Yoongi quickly pulls away, making the washcloth drip onto the table.

"No. I got it.." Yoongi says irritably, quickly softening his tone when he hears it. "I got it. You should go find something to eat. You haven't eaten today.."

"You haven't either Hyung." Namjoon retorts. "You don't look well hyung.. I think you should take a break.." he reaches to touch Yoongi's forehead, but Yoongi pulls away.

"I'm not hungry." Yoongi rewets the rag,moving the end of the bed to wet Taehyung's legs, jumping when Taehyung starts coughing again.

"If he gets any worse we'll need to take him to a hospital.." Namjoon says softly, brushing hair from Taehyung's cheek.

"I'll take care of him.. I don't want him panicking if he wakes up and none of us are there.." Yoongi gently rubs the cloth over the bottom of Taehyung’s foot. They say if your feet are cold you'll feel cold.. maybe it'll work to soothe his fever..

Taehyung whimpers in his sleep, Yoongi pulling away in case he is the cause, tensing when he continues to shake even after he stops. "Is he having another bad dream?"

"I don't think he's gonna get much sleep until we get his fever down. I don't think it's a nightmare though. His heart isn't going up.." Namjoon gently scratches Taehyung's back, trying to comfort him.

Taehyung clings to Namjoon, trying to get warmth from his leader. Namjoon pulls Taehyung close to him, brushing his bangs from his face. "I got Tae for now. You go eat. Okay? You're older, so you should eat first. You can come back after.."

Yoongi doesn't respond to Namjoon's words, pursing his lips together with his eyes closed tightly. He didn't believe Namjoon. It's not my fault he's sick, but it's my fault it's gotten this bad. He's so uncomfortable he can't even rest well..

"Hyung..Taehyungie wouldn't want you stressing yourself out over this. He loves you, you know? We all do. Don't be so hard on yourself." Namjoon says softly, poking Yoongi's side with his toes. "Hyung, please relax.."

"Let me do this, okay? I'll eat when his fever goes down. I won't be able to stomach anything like this.. please Joon." Yoongi pleads softly, looking into Namjoon's eyes.

Namjoon sighs. He's not going to back down. I know that look.. "Alright.. I'll go eat then come back." He leaves the room, letting Yoongi take his spot by Taehyung's side.

Yoongi takes a shaky breath, closing his eyes tightly. I don't deserve your love.. His heart raced in his chest, pounding in his ears. Taehyung's coughing in his sleep was the last straw, breaking the wall he was trying so hard to keep up.

Yoongi puts the cloth back into the bowl, wrapping around Taehyung's body, burying his face in his back as the tears flow down his cheeks. "I'm sorry..I'm sorry Tae..I s..sh..shou..ve..been a..g..go..good hy..ng..I..i.." his voice breaks into a sob, unable to get the letters to form on his lips.

Yoongi's chest ached as his heart throbbed in his chest, his breath coming out as short shaky gasps. Even with his eyes closed tight, he could feel the dark haze wash over him, making him dizzy and sick to his stomach. "I'm s.s..so..rr..rey.." he sobs in a low whisper.

Taehyung places his hands on Yoongi's arms, blinking slowly in confusion when he feels the tight grip around his body, hearing the agony in Yoongi's voice. Hyung is crying? Why? Please don't... don't cry..

Taehyung wanted to comfort him, but he could hardly get a breath in between the chest rattling coughs, giving him no chance to get any words out.

I have to stop.. I have to calm Hyungie.. he's.. he's really scared.. he's scared.. because of me..

Taehyung leans into Yoongi's chest, nuzzling underneath his chin to try to comfort him, but the Deagu rapper doesn't react to it. Yoongi was hardly breathing, his anxiety drowning him.

Taehyung bites back the urge to cough, forcing his voice to come."No..no scare..no scare.." he tried speaking, but his voice came out as a raspy whisper. "M..m..kay..I'm...kay.."

Yoongi hardly recognized Taehyung's voice as his, sounding young and vulnerable. Sh*t.. I woke him up.. I need to calm down.. I'm just going to make him worry..

"I'm o.. okayTae.." Yoongi pants, trying to slow his breath. His head was spinning, the blood pounding in his ears and his chest.."It's okay..it's okay.." he was telling himself as much as Taehyung, biting back a sob.

"Cry.. Cry don't.." Taehyung pleads when he hears Yoongi sniffling, trying to get his eyes to focus on his caretaker. "Hyung.. hyung.." His voice comes out as a desperate whimper, trying to think of something that could stop the tears from flowing down Yoongi's cheeks.

Yoongi forces himself to take deep breaths, trying to slow his breathing. Why can't I do anything right today? All I've done is make Tae feel worse...

"I'm sorry.. I'm sorry..I'll..I'll stop.. jus..just.." Yoongi coughs, struggling to catch his breath. He squeezes his eyes shut, pursing his lips together.

Taehyung moves to face Yoongi, letting out a soft whimper when his muscles scream in protest, his fever making every movement hurt. He wipes Yoongi's cheek with a shaky hand, nuzzling underneath his neck once more. "Please..please.." He whispers, coughing after.

Yoongi holds Taehyung close, feeling his body trembling in his arms, his breath coming out as little coughs. "Are..are you okay? Can you breathe, okay?"He asks in a soft, worried tone loosening his grip on the ailing vocalist. "Ah..Sh*t.. Tae...?"

"Frozen.." Taehyung murmurs cuddling back into Yoongi's chest, unaware of how hot his body was. He buried his face in Yoongi's chest coughing hard, squeezing Yoongi's arm. "Hyung.."

"I know baby, I know.. we..We need to d..do some..thing about your fever.. do you think you can sit up and take some medicine for me?" Yoongi takes a deep breath, focusing all his energy on getting Taehyung's fever down. I need to pull myself together..I don't have time to feel sorry for myself.. whats done is done..

"Spin..spinny..sick..spinny.." Taehyung tries to think of the correct words to explain how every time he opened his eyes, a nauseating wave of dizziness crashed over him, making him afraid to open them. He didn't want to get sick. Not again. "Yoon..Yoon no..do.."

"Taehyungie.." Yoongi whispers his name, gently pushing him away. He didn't want to make him move, but he had no choice. It's almost insufferable to lay with him, and he can hardly speak.. I need to get some medicine in him.

"No..no..stay.." Taehyung tries to move closer to Yoongi, shivering violently.

"I'm staying here Tae, its okay, I'm right here okay?" Yoongi puts his hand on Taehyung's shoulder, reaching for the medicine bottle. "We need to try. It's okay if you throw it up.. its okay if you throw up before too.. we just need to at least attempt to get some medicine in you, your fever is getting out of control baby.. we need to bring it down.."

Taehyung doesn't answer him, making Yoongi's blood run cold. "Taehyung?" He freezes when he realizes that Taehyung hasn't been actually answering him. He's not processing what I'm saying.

Yoongi gently sits up Taehyung, tensing up when he hears him moan in pain. "I know.. I know.. I'm sorry.. I'm sorry.."

Taehyungs stomach lurched, gagging up nothing foamy liquid, clamping his hand over his mouth with a desperate whine. Yoongi quickly grabs the trash bin, moving behind Taehyung to support him.

"Hoba! Namjoon-Ah! Seokjin-hyung..! Jimin-ah!" He calls for everyone one by one until someone answers him. Namjoon and Jin rush in the room when he hears the panick in Yoongi's voice.

"Fu*k.. Taehyungie.." Namjoon sits on the bed next to him, rubbing Taehyung's back, eyes widening when he feels the heat coming off him before he even touched him.

"We need to get him to a hospital.." Jin sits on the other side of him, dialing on his phone with shaky hands. "His fever is way too high.."

Yoongi paces in the hallway by the waiting room. He didn't care about the people filming him and taking photos. All he cared about was the doctor returning to tell him Taehyung was okay.

Please, please let him be okay..

Yoongi wasn't religious, but since they entered the hospital an hour ago, he continued to desperately pray for Taehyung to recover.

"Hyung, you look really pale.. I think you should sit down and drink some water.." Namjoon tries to stop Yoongi, grabbing him by his shoulders.

"I'll sit after I see Taehyungie." Yoongi pulls away from Namjoon, stumbling forward when a wave of dizziness hits him. No.. no I can't be sick now.. they have enough to worry about..

"Woah, Hyung.. be careful.." Namjoon hugs him, letting Yoongi lean against him. "I think you're running a fever.. you're hot Yoongi.."

"I don't care.. I'll be fine.. I just need some fever reducers.. it's fine.." Yoongi's body doesn't agree with his words, the vertigo not fading, his knees buckling underneath him.

Namjoon helps him to his knees safely. "You need to see a doctor.. You might have caught what Tae has.."

"No.. no I'm..I'm just stressed. I'll feel better after seeing Taehyung.." Yoongi hears the sound of footsteps approaching, turning his head towards the sound, trying to stand when he sees the doctor.

"Taehyung-sii is stable.. the medicine worked to bring his fever down. He'll make a full recovery in a week tops." The doctor gives a reassuring smile.

Yoongi falls to his knees, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Woah hyung are you okay?" Namjoon kneels next to him.

"Taehyungie will be okay.. that's all that matters.." Yoongi finally let's himself relax, leaning against Namjoon.

"No, getting you okay matters too.. Doctor, could you please look at my friend here as well...?" Namjoon asks, finally touching Yoongi's forehead. "He's running a fever as well.."

(This is what was cut from the original part. It was written to continue with Yoongi, but I haven't had the time to add onto it.)

[trancyzp]

ʚ love me again ɞ

・09/10/23・ pedido para laiyover [pessoal]

[theharrowing]

White Lies 🤍 2: Sleep sweet, pretty

Yoongi is everything you could ask for. He is attractive, confident, and smart. And his partner Taehyung is as possessive as he is beautiful. Too bad a relationship would be a major conflict of interest.

You need to have them, at all costs.

🤍 Yoongi x Female Reader x Taehyung

🤍 word count: 7.4k + screencaps of conversations

🤍 college au, cop au, partial social media au with a lot of written story, strangers to lovers & established relationship, yandere, hurt/comfort, smut, fluff, angst, slash, poly, minor character injury & death, graphic violence, nsfw, 21+.

🤍 warnings: a lot of deception; very forward flirting; use of date rape drug; effects of being drugged against one's will. there is no assault of any kind, just fear.

🤍 notes: ignore the fact that the chats switch from dark mode to light mode. i use dark mode on my phone, but sometimes it gets switched and i forget to change it back. these screencaps result from me literally texting myself haha it's a labor of love okay. also don't forget mc's fake name is Sandra. she won't be referred to this for too many chapters.

🤍 written parts beta read by @neoneunnajimin

🤍 posted nov. 2023 | read on ao3

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* * *

You pace around beside your couch and stare at your phone as it rings, watching as the 212 number takes up the screen. With shaking thumbs, you halt in place and accept the call, anticipating what Vante's voice may sound like. 

"Hello?" you ask as demurely as possible, squeezing your eyes closed. 

The voice that greets you is deep, rough, and with an accented lilt that makes your heart race. "Well, hello, pretty."

It takes a split moment to get your bearings. How could someone's voice sound like honey and barbed wire all at once?

"H-hey, V," you finally say, biting on your bottom lip and opening your eyes. Although your apartment lighting is not terribly bright, you have to blink a few times. 

"Wow," Vante says, "your voice sounds so sweet."

You huff out a quick, quiet sigh, lips upturning as you catch the bottom one between your teeth, and then you begin to pace around some more. "Yours is very…"

"Very…?"

"Handsome," you respond meekly. "Very handsome."

Vante chuckles, and it is a sound so rich and deep you physically swoon, knees weakening some as you twist your body in the direction of your bedroom, needing to move around and let out some energy. 

"So…" Vante begins, and you smile further as you mirror him, asking, "So…?"

"So, what are you wearing?" 

After a pause, he clarifies, "To the date, I mean," with a tone that is playful and seductive.

With your free hand, you fidget with the bottom hem of your black sweater and almost regret considering an outfit so plain. You remind yourself that the plan is to string him along, at least for now. 

Playing along with V's demeanor, you giggle, doing your best to sound shy. "Nothing too flashy…I was thinking a black tee tucked into black jeans. It's cooling down, so maybe my favorite oversized forest green flannel. And some black boots."

"And this tee…will it be a crew neck, or maybe a v-neck?"

You mentally pat yourself on the back for being the most clever person alive as you say, "A v-neck, in your honor, of course."

"Of course."

"And you?"

"I was thinking about wearing a tight white tee tucked into some tight black jeans. With boots, and maybe a flashy designer jacket."

You hum and close your eyes, attempting to remember Vante's body type in the many photos you have seen. As far as you remember, he is a bit muscular and seems on the taller side. Broad and masculine but not overly ripped. 

"Emphasis on the tight," you tease. 

Vante chuckles, forcing your eyelids to flutter closed, then he says, "God, there are so many things I want to say in response to that, but I feel I should save them for the second or third date."

"Wow," you respond, feeling a sudden shyness that only increases as he continues to laugh.

"Alright, pretty," he finally says, "just wanted to hear your voice quick, but I should let you get back to winding down. I have to finish up here and then catch my flight home."

"Sounds good. Safe travels."

"See you soon," Vante sing-songs, and you feel yourself swaying when you say, "Looking forward to it."

And then the call ends, snapping you back to reality. Your eyes focus on the top of your wooden dresser and you heavy-blink, reminding yourself that this is a mission and that you are not, under any circumstances, supposed to get close to either of these men. 

But god damn does Vante sound real fucking sexy. This might be a problem.

* * *

The Marías play loud and dreamy as you twirl and sway through your room, holding your soft green flannel in both hands. It fans out with each movement, and you twist it dramatically to drape it over your shoulders. 

Although you are dressed down in a tee and skinny jeans, you look good. The garments hug your curves nicely, and the shirt shows off just enough cleavage without it feeling like too much for a casual night at the bar. 

You apply a little makeup to your eyes and cheekbones, then look over your jewelry, deciding on a simple pair of gold hoops and the necklace that you always wear – a small gold charm in the shape of a rabbit's foot dangling from a thin gold chain, for luck.

Although there is plenty of time to eat a meal before heading to the bar, you feel so antsy that you only manage to pick at a salad and some fruit. You chug some water and then check the time. 

And with a deep breath, you decide to head out early and text your boss.

// these two conversations take place at the same time - you can use time stamps to track the back and forth if you want to //

With the phone you were using to text Vante slid into your small black leather purse, and the phone you were texting Seokjin with sitting facedown on the countertop, you swivel to the left in time to find the man who had been sitting across from you taking a seat one stool away.  

"Hey," he mutters, head tilted down too far for you to see his face clearly. "I hope you don't mind that I join you on this side? Things over there got a bit too wild for my taste."

Two things stand out about the way this man speaks. The first is that there is a hint of an accent, especially on certain consonants, and it seems that he is speaking in a slow and measured way that almost makes his words feel somewhat forced. The second is that, despite feeling forced, his voice is very deep but also quite mellow and soothing. 

Although he does not sound like the man you spoke to on the phone last night, there are enough hints of similarities that remind you of him. At least you are somewhat certain that this man is not Vante based on physical stature, but you decide to stay alert just in case.

"I don't mind," you respond, making your voice sound as sweet and inviting as possible.

The man, who seems to be wiping at his drink-dampened black shirt and jeans with a grey bar rag, looks up and regards you with a familiarity in his eyes that causes you to pause. You watch as his face comes clearly into view beneath the visor of the black baseball cap, and his eyes linger on you. 

Time feels as if it slows down as you watch this stranger's eyes trace over your face. And then he blinks rapidly, gives his head a quick little shake, and chuckles.

"Sorry, you…" he begins, turning his attention back to his shirt, then glancing your way briefly to say, "you remind me of someone."

"Oh?" you ask, swiveling on your stool enough to fully face him. 

The man hums, then sighs and lets his arms drape at his sides. He looks defeated; the wet mark on his shirt is pretty large. 

"Lemme buy you a drink to make up for that person's sloppiness?" you ask with one of your wide, winning smiles. 

He shakes his head and tosses the rag onto the bar, turning his body to face the counter but staying angled slightly toward you, tilting his chin at the two shots that have been neglected beside your purse. 

"Looks like you're expecting someone."

"I was," you clarify, dragging out the 's' as you rotate toward the bar but keep yourself slightly angled at him. You glance back at the shots of Fireball. "I think I got stood up."

From the corner of your eye, you watch the man straighten up, and you smile to yourself as he mutters, "Oh! Oh, that's so unfortunate."

Although you should check to make sure Vante is still not receiving or responding to your messages, you feel bold enough to turn to the man and slide one of the two shots his way. 

"Join me?" you ask. "Not as a date but just as…a person who can help me with these shots."

"Are you sure?" the man asks, reaching for the glass and eyeing it suspiciously. "What is this, anyway?"

Rather than answer, you watch the man lift the shot glass to his nose and frown. Through a giggle, you say, "It's Fireball," and reach for the second one.

"Cinnamon," he mutters in understanding rather than a question, and you nod, swiveling once more to face him. He concedes with a shrug, saying, "Alright," and your smile wider. 

"Cheers," you say, holding your shot toward the man who mutters, "Yes, cheers. To accidentally having poor judgment and winding up beside one another." 

You laugh as you tap your glass against his and lift the shot to your lips. The cinnamon flavor kicks you square in the mouth, cloying your senses with a bittersweet assault of artificial earthiness and heady whiskey. 

The man winces and shakes his head, slamming his glass against the counter ungracefully and sticking out his tongue. You take the opportunity to tease him about his toast, asking, "Poor judgment, eh?"

With a deep, pretty chuckle, he says, "You made a date with a flake and I humored conversation with a slob." 

Briefly, your gaze flicks to the woman who had been talking to him before, and she is shouting something while waving her arms emphatically, thankfully not holding a drink. When he finishes his statement with, "And here we are," you rip your gaze away and regard him.

This man is very attractive up close, with soft lips and a sharp stare. If you squint he would look similar to the photos you have seen of Min, only his nose is more straight and pointed, and his eyes appear to be a light hazel green. 

You offer your right hand and introduce yourself as Sandra, sitting tall on the barstool and watching as he hesitates to lift his own. 

"My English name is Cody."

"Cody," you mutter, feeling your lips fight the urge to smile, and you know that your eyes are widening, but you attempt to stay as straight-faced as possible. Cody is such a bro name, you would not have guessed it was his. Cody grabs onto your hand in a warm, firm shake that does not last long enough, and you ask, "And your non-English name? Or is that impolite to ask?"

"Not impolite," Cody responds, "just reserved for those close to me and when I travel back to Korea."

What are the odds that you meet someone from Korea while being stood up by Vante? At least you feel justified in the swirling thoughts that insist Cody seems similar to Min. 

You even wonder if Min Cody, or Cody Min, could be someone's name. You hope that another drink will quiet those thoughts enough so you can have a pleasant conversation with him before walking back home. Once there, you can do some searches just to put your mind at ease.

"This round is on me," Cody insists as he sits high in his chair and reaches for the wallet in his front pocket. 

Another loud group enters and files around the bar to where the two of you sit, and as you get the bartender's attention, Cody begins looking around behind the two of you. 

"There's a hightop in the corner. Would you be comfortable going there?"

Although the bar is not too dimly lit that retreating to the corner would shroud the two of you in shadow, there is some comfort in being seated at the bar with a tender nearby. But the crowd only seems to get bigger and louder, settling on stools to your right while others stand behind those seated, and so you nod, already fed up with this group.

"Sure, yeah," you say as you slam back the remnants of your drink. "I'll secure us a spot."

"Gin and tonic?" Cody asks, stopping you in your tracks. An icy chill works down your spine, and you wonder how the hell he knows what you are drinking. But then he adds, "Or was it something with vodka?"

Although his addition assuages some of your discomfort, there is a nagging feeling that he somehow knows what the bartender poured for you, making you uncomfortable. Your drink was clear, so gin and tonic is a fair assumption.

"Y-yeah," you respond, testing him by saying, "It was gin and tonic. Tanqueray." 

Had he watched the bartender, he would have known the man poured you Hendrick's. Cody seems unfazed.

"Sounds good," he says, adding, "I think I'll have that too," as you turn away with your purse clutched tightly in your hand and approach a tall round table in the corner with two stools sitting vacant beside it. 

As you take a seat on the little wooden stool, you attempt to settle your pounding heart and unravel this situation mentally. The feeling nagging at you to be weary of Cody is quite present, but you are unsure whether it is him that makes you feel this way or if you are struggling to set aside the case that you are working on. 

Seokjin has been going to great lengths to keep things secretive, which in and of itself causes disquiet. And now Cody carries similar enough traits with one of your targets that the foreboding nature of your job is all that you seem to be able to think about.  

It is unfair to you for these thoughts to cloud your mind so heavily, and you hope that this next drink will help you relax. Sure there are a lot of coincidences, but this is a large city with a diverse population. Coincidences certainly can happen. Unfortunately, as soon as Cody approaches with the glasses, your bladder begins to ache. 

"Thank you," you sing-song as you stand from the stool that you only sat on a moment ago. "I need to run to the bathroom quickly."

Cody responds, "Have fun!" and you giggle as you walk toward a small doorway off to the right that opens into a hallway containing two gender-neutral restrooms. As you enter the closest of the two rooms, you click the lock on the door handle in place, then begin to shimmy your jeans down and take a seat, fishing through your purse for the other phone and finding that Vante has, in fact, never seen your last messages. 

You wonder if there is a chance that he has somehow found out that you are an officer attempting to make contact with him. But it would make more sense for him to simply still be in Europe, possibly just playing a game with you because he takes pleasure in toying with people. It seems dramatic even when you think about it, but what else could it be?

As you put your phone away, reach for toilet paper, and wipe yourself off, you take a deep breath in and out and try to center your thoughts. Tomorrow, you will regroup with Seokjin and form a new plan. If you have to wait a little while to get onto Min's tutoring list, it is not the end of the world. For tonight, you should just enjoy yourself. 

With your pants buttoned and everything in place, you wash your hands, inspect your face and hair to verify that you still look as amazing as ever, and exit the restroom. Some top 40s song from the 90s plays that has a lot of the college kids shouting, and you return to your seat while Cody types something on his phone and then slides it into his front pocket. 

"So do you always come to the bar alone and wear a baseball cap to hide your identity?" you tease, unsure where any of this is coming from but feeling a strange burst of energy. You reason with yourself that you still need verification that he is not Min.

Cody laughs, reaches for the hat, and pulls it off. His hair is clearly bleached blond and colored mint green, which is a little more difficult to see in the less well-lit corner. It falls over his forehead, parted down the center, nearly covering his eyes, and he looks dreadfully pretty. 

"Is this look less threatening?" he asks, running a hand through it only for it to fall neatly in place again. 

Once more, the nagging voice in the back of your head tells you that this haircut seems similar to the one in the surveillance photos of Min. You remind yourself that you have never seen the man in person and that your brain could simply be filling in information in an attempt to create patterns because that is what human brains do best. But the similarity is striking.

"Yes," you say after too long of a pause, angling yourself toward him, slightly to the left from facing the table. 

"This one's for you," Cody says as he slides a full drink in your direction. 

You take the chilled glass and lift it to your lips, then you playfully say, "And you didn't drug it, I assume?"

Cody does not immediately respond to what you say; he stares blankly for a split moment before blinking and chuckling. The pause makes you worry, but then he says, "I assure you I did not, but if you would like to switch—"

"No, no," you insist, feeling awkward for saying anything at all. If it weren't for all the time you spent shadowing the special victims detectives over the summer, you would likely not instantly assume that any drink offered from a stranger could be tainted.

With a sigh, Cody says, "Nah, here, switch with me. We'll just swap out the straws because I had a sip of mine."

Before you can respond, he gently pulls the drink from your fingers and replaces it with his own. You watch as he swaps the straws, feeling your mouth tug into a smile, and when he is finished, you pull the drink to your lips and have a sip.

"When the drug kicks in, you might have to walk me to a cab, though," Cody jokes, insinuating that he has now drugged himself, and you nearly spit out the gin and tonic that has barely had a chance to settle on your tongue.

"Oh my god, I'm sorry," he laughs as you struggle to keep your composure and swallow your first sip. You set that glass down and raise your hand as if threatening to backhand him, making him flinch and dramatically gasp. 

Without thinking, you say, "You're a pain in the ass," making him laugh harder. 

"It's not funny to joke about that, I know," he says, still chuckling. "But in my defense, you started it."

Rather than respond with words, you simply hum and have another sip through the straw. This seems to amuse him, causing the laughter to continue.

Conversation with Cody is nice and easy. He tells you that he is a student at a nearby university, and you tell him that you are also a student – the same lie you tell to everyone. 

He talks about growing up in New York with one American parent but visiting Korea often, hoping that once he graduates he can spend more time with his family. You describe your past and relationship with your family with very general, distant details, excluding a lot. 

The parents that come along with your fake identity are not too exciting; mom is a legal aid and dad is a veterinarian. You attend such a prestigious school to follow in their overachieving footsteps, blah blah blah. 

By the time you discover Cody can speak three languages and has a deep love of anime, your drinks are empty. And although you should stop while you are ahead and call it a night, a large part of you wants to keep drinking. 

"Another?" Cody asks, and you sigh, nibbling your bottom lip. 

"I want to," you say, uncertainty in your tone. 

Cody must pick up on it, saying, "But…"

"But I also don't want to get very drunk."

"We can switch to non-alcoholic," he offers, shifting around on his stool. "Or go somewhere else." You raise an eyebrow, and he lifts his hands as if in surrender, insisting, "No funny business! Just thought we could hang out somewhere quieter. Doesn't have to be one of our places. I don't live too close by anyway."

This surprises you a little. "No?" 

"Nah," he shrugs, "I just like the atmosphere in this area more than where I live so I cab over to waste my time and cash here, instead."

Although you should not blurt, "I live nearby," you do anyway. In an attempt to not sound like you are trying to get into Cody's pants, you add, "But I don't know what we would do. I don't really watch TV."

"Have you eaten?" Cody asks, seemingly unfazed by your word vomit.

As if on cue, your stomach grumbles, and you giggle while shaking your head. You remember the meager amount of food you managed to eat before shuffling out into the evening. 

"I had something light, so…no. Not really."

"Why don't we grab a bite nearby? Maybe that will give us the reprieve we both seek…I'm sure most food establishments aren't this loud and rambunctious."

The reprieve we both seek… It's nothing too big or wild, but it is just austere enough to make you think about Vante. Although you feel frustrated that your mind is so eager to continue circling back to him, you consider that if this were Min sitting before you, there is a good chance they both speak similarly. It could be a slip up.

"Or…not…" Cody says, and you rapidly blink out of your thoughts and shake your head, offering a smile and a giggle.

"I space out," you supply plainly, "a lot. Sorry."

"Ah," he responds, sitting up a little higher. "No problem."

"Do you eat meat? There's a burger shop nearby that I really like."

Cody smiles and shrugs. "I eat everything."

As you stand up to stretch, the room tilts. It catches you off guard, and you halt your movement, then do your best to breathe through it and blink it away. Cody has his head tilted down, putting on his hat, and you are thankful that he does not seem to notice.

With a smile, he lifts his hand and says, "Lead the way," but there is something different about his voice. Deep and inviting in a familiar yet unfamiliar way, and far more accented than it had been all night. 

You shake it off and nod your head. Despite only having two drinks and a shot, you are not a heavy drinker as is, and on an empty stomach, it is enough to weigh you down and make you paranoid. You just need to get out into the cool open air and you will feel much better. 

But your feet are heavy. Each step that you take feels weighed down, and there is a lightness to you that feels as if fog is simmering through your system. Alarm bells begin beaming through your body, and you worry that perhaps you should try to get rid of Cody and call Seokjin.

Cody places a hand on your lower back. "Everything alright, space cadet?" he asks in the same tone he has taken all night, and you nod. 

You are certain he could not have done anything to your drink while you sat there and drank it with him. And if he drugged both drinks, he should be equally affected. 

But if he did do something, you are not eager to draw attention to feeling sluggish. You think it would be best to just get rid of him somehow. It just becomes a matter of how much time you have before the effects hit you harder, if at all.

The two of you make your way through the bar, and you oddly feel much more in control when you are moving steadily rather than little by little. You forget all about getting rid of Cody and walk right to the burger spot around the corner. 

But standing on line at the counter in the brightly lit space feels overwhelming, and it all comes back again. You open your mouth and say, "So," but catch yourself. So you really did drug my drink, huh? 

"So?" Cody asks, leaning close, and you notice a musk that cuts through the deep-fryer stench. It's nice and rich, inviting but not cloying. 

"So I usually get the bacon cheeseburger," you ramble, "and fries. But I imagine everything here is pretty good."

"Good to know," he responds, voice bright. You think his hand may be on your lower back again, but you are not quite sure. 

When it is your turn to order, your mind screeches to a halt. You stare up at the white menu board with red text, and you cannot find words. 

"Was it a bacon cheeseburger?" Cody supplies. "A number two?"

"Y-yeah," you respond, looking at the bored teen behind the register. "No tomato, please. And a soft drink."

"You?" the teen asks, eyes moving to Cody. 

Cody hums, soft and dulcet. Hypnotizing. "I'll have the same, but with tomato please."

Without asking, Cody pulls out his card to pay. Only, when he begins to hold it out, he quickly pulls it back. "Actually," he mutters, "I should use this cash."

Although you are unable to see the name on it, you notice that it is a black card, which feels far too prestigious for a university student to have access to. You realize that neither of you told one another your age – you just assume he is close to yours.

The cashier gives the two of you a number and two empty paper cups, and you make your way over to the soft drink dispenser and stare at the options. Caffeine could make you feel better, but then you risk the chance of staying up late. Sugar might cause you to have a hangover in the morning, but you think you could risk it for some lemonade. 

"Preference?" Cody asks, holding up the beverage cups. 

You have gravitated to the ketchup dispenser to fill two tiny paper cups, still thinking about beverage options. 

"Lemonade, please. With like…half ice? Not too much."

"Got it," he responds, holding one of the cups under an ice dispenser. 

"Ketchup?" you ask. 

"Two please."

You manage to get all four tiny paper cups of ketchup into your left palm, then turn to watch Cody securing plastic lids over both drinks and grabbing two paper-wrapped straws. The two of you sit, and you take your drink and straw with a small, "Thank you."

Perhaps it is the prospect of having food in your system that is causing you to feel more energized, but maneuvering through the booths and finding one along the wall is easy. You begin to wonder if maybe something about the gin and tonic was just off. Maybe you got hit with a wave of intoxication. 

Once you get settled, Cody takes out his phone and smiles at the screen before typing out what you assume to be a response to a message. His smile lifts, showing off his gums and pearly teeth, and you catch yourself staring before blinking your gaze elsewhere. 

Out of curiosity, you pull the phone from your purse and check to see if Vante ever saw any of your messages, and you frown at the discovery that he has not. His behavior is weird, but you suppose you were also planning on playing games with the guy. Still, being stood up is being stood up, and it is hard not to take it personally. 

Cody continues typing away at his phone while you wait for your food, chuckling quietly from time to time and making you feel awkward for sitting here with nothing to say. It is not that you don't have people who you can also text, but it feels rude to do it when you are with someone in a restaurant. 

Not that it is a date, nor do you two owe each other anything, you remind yourself, feeling silly for forgetting that simple fact. The two of you are just strangers who happened to meet and who decided to share a drink and a burger. Nothing more. In fact, if you remember correctly, Cody removed what looks like a wedding band from his ring finger earlier in the night.

Another grumpy teen brings your food in bright red baskets, and Cody finally puts his phone away. He smiles and says, "This looks great," and lifts his gaze to you for only a split second before looking back down. 

Something in his eyes seems different, but you are unable to put your finger on what. They seemed sharper, somehow…almost seductive. 

You reach for your food and dig in, doing your best to not moan when the grease hits your tongue. Conversation continues to be non-existent with the exception of Cody groaning through a mouthful about how good his burger is. 

Once you are down to just lemonade and some wayward fries, you excuse yourself to the bathroom. Unfortunately, your bladder is on a bit of a timer when you consume alcohol, and the added liquid does not help. 

You are grateful when there is no line and make quick work of relieving your bladder and washing your hands. The mirror is covered in stickers, but you lean forward on your toes and do your best to take in your state. 

To your surprise, your pupils are constricted quite small, and you begin to worry all over again that something could have been added to your drink. Somewhat sluggishly, you turn and grip onto the door handle, yanking it open and feeling tired from every small movement. 

Cody is back on his phone when you return, but he regards you with a polite smile and glances at you long enough for you to notice that his eyes seem perfectly normal – a sign that he likely did not drug both drinks, and evidence that he likely did not drug yours.

This fixation only makes you feel paranoid, and you wet your lips, eye up the rest of your food, and decide that you should call it a night. Cody's fries are all gone, and he barely has any soda left, which you find rather disappointing because you would have liked to leave alone. You suppose you still can.

"Well, I'm just down the block," you say, rubbing your hands, which begin to sweat, down your thighs. "It was nice to meet you."

"I would offer to walk you home," Cody says through a sigh, leaning back in a stretch, "but being that I am still a stranger, it may make you uncomfortable to have me knowing where you live."

You hum and nod to acknowledge and agree with what he says. 

"But if you'd like I could sit on a phone call?" he offers, resting his arm over the back of the booth. 

With a shrug, you shake your head to decline, but your mouth betrays you by saying, "Alright, sure."

"Yeah?" Cody asks, smiling brightly and sitting up from his relaxed position. He takes out his phone, and although you only catch a glimpse of his lock screen, there is something familiar about the image. It's the colors. Tan skin, greyish fabric, gold jewelry. You wonder where you may have seen it before.

Cody breaks you from your thoughts, asking, "What's your number?"

Once more, your mind draws a blank, and you search your brain. What is your phone number? "Uh…212...555…55…26—wait."

Cody looks up from where he is typing on his phone, and you realize you had given him your actual number and not the burner number that Vante has.

"That's my work phone, it's 5505."

With a light chuckle, Cody finishes saving your number. And then he must call you because your purse begins to vibrate. 

"That's me," he says with a smile and a wave.

"Alright," you respond, reaching absent-mindedly for your cup of lemonade and taking a large gulp. Although you do not look at Cody, you can feel his eyes on you.

Your phone stops vibrating, but you open your purse and pull the device out, ready to call Cody back once you begin your walk. Not that you think you need to, seeing that your block is relatively safe and you are not shy about walking at night. You carry pepper spray and a knife in your purse, but you are also worried you may not have the coordination to wield either. 

With a limp lift of your hand, you begin to wave, muttering, "Uh, thanks. I would have finished my drink and gone home feeling a little defeated tonight. It was nice to have company."

Why are you saying all of this? Cody is attractive, kind, smart, and has a fun sense of humor, but you were planning on just brushing him off. Plus he might be married.

He smiles and it is bright and disarming. From where he sits, his head is tilted back enough to see under his baseball cap, giving a view of his handsome features and long, pretty throat that bobs when he swallows. 

"I'm glad," he says, voices soft and deep. "You also made my night better. I almost forgot all about how damp my sweater and jeans are."

"Almost," you repeat, smiling. Suddenly, you feel shy – why do you feel shy? "Alright, well…I'll call you."

"Okay," he says, smiling as he sits up. 

You turn to leave, and the room tilts once more. So hard, in fact, that it makes you queasy. From the corner of your eye, you notice Cody sitting at attention, and you wonder if you visibly lurched. 

"Ugh, I'm a lightweight," you complain, hoping to brush it off, but before making another move, it begins to feel as if the floor is sinking away. 

"Sandra?" Cody mutters, "You alright?"

"Y-yeah," you insist, but you are not alright. Something is definitely wrong.

"Maybe I should call you a cab? Or something?"

You shake your head, "I live too close. It's not worth it."

"Alright, then how about I walk you? I'll keep my head down. I won't look at where we go."

Although you mean to laugh, it comes out in a scoff. "Alright, fine."

Cody is quick to get on his feet and slot an arm around your waist, holding you loosely but making you feel secure. The two of you walk through the somewhat tight path between booths, hips pressed against one another and warm, but then he gives you space as soon as there is some to give, only resting his hand against your back as he reaches for the door. 

"How many drinks did you have?" Cody asks in a way that is gentle and not at all accusatory. 

"Just what you saw," you respond sluggishly. "Two plus the one shot."

The two of you walk to the left and down the block. In the fresh night air, at a steady pace, you feel much more comfortable. It's the stopping and starting that seems to fuck with you. 

At least the weather is nice – a chill in the air but not cold. The seasons are certainly changing, but at a pace you can acclimate easily to. 

Cody hums some tune, and you keep wanting to ask him what it is, but you find that you are unable to make yourself speak. This causes your palms to prickle with anxiety.

"How long have you lived here?" Cody asks after about a block.

"A few years," you respond robotically, curious why you are suddenly able to talk without issue.

"I was wondering why a college student isn't living on campus. Then again…you seem too old to be living in the dorms." This line of conversation feels strange, but you can't pinpoint why. "Did you take some time off in between schooling?"

"No," you respond before you can stop yourself.

"Did you study something else before theater arts and music?"

"Yeah."

"Interesting."

Fear spikes, and you worry that he may ask you what you previously studied. It is so odd that you are so easily answering questions that you would ordinarily lie around – your undercover persona did not study anything before becoming a theater arts major. She traveled and worked at her father's veterinarian office as a receptionist while taking some time to decide what career path she wanted to take. 

Cody stops abruptly, muttering, "Shit, my shoe is untied," pulling you from your spiral.

As he bends to sort that out, you lift your gaze from where it had been glued and unfocused to the sidewalk and look around. Just up ahead is your building. 

"Oh," you say weakly, "we're here."

You continue on without your companion, putting one foot in front of the other and reaching for your purse, which is slung over your shoulder. Although you use this purse often, you struggle to get the zipper opened, and you stumble while focusing on it too much. 

The hand on your back returns, helping you to feel steady, and Cody asks, "Need some help with that?"

Luckily, you find your keys and hold them up, feeling triumphant. Cody walks you to the front landing, up four short steps to the high Victorian door, and waits patiently as you attempt to grab hold of the correct key, only to drop them to cement in a loud clatter. 

You feel frustrated as you say, "Fuck," and Cody is quick to bend and hold them out. 

"Large gold one," you say, and he lifts the correct key and leans to slot it into the keyhole. 

The last thing you want is for this stranger to walk you to your front door, but your dizziness is only increasing, and you are unsure whether you can make it to your second-story flat alone. 

The brownstone you live in is just like any other – tall and old as fuck. As you enter and begin toward the stairs, every footfall can be heard, creaking in a greeting you are all too familiar with. The staircase is tall, and you grip onto the railing and make your way up. Cody seems to hesitate.

"I don't have to continue if you think you got it," he says.

Without stopping or looking back, you grumble, "Need my keys."

Cody meets you on the stairs, and with a hand on your back, gently presses you to walk up. You are grateful for his warmth and for his assistance. 

And, at this point, if he tries anything once you are in your apartment, it will all be caught on camera. Not to mention, there is a Glock in your nightstand. 

"Thank you," you mumble as you reach the top of the stairs and turn right to the tall white door. "Small gold key."

Inside your front pants pocket, your main phone buzzes with a notification that there is someone at your door. You ignore it, seeing as that someone is you. 

Cody is quick to find the correct key and unlock your flat. He holds onto your arm while you kick out of your boots, and he toes out of his shoes and says, "Just want to get you a glass of water, okay?"

From where the two of you stand near the front entrance, there is a camera trained directly on both of your faces hidden in a bookshelf. You accept his offer and hobble off toward your room.

Your flat is somewhat of a rectangle. You enter into the living room, and to the right, straight ahead down a hallway is your large master bedroom. Tucked away on the left as you walk through the hallway is a kitchen and then a bathroom. 

It feels too warm in your flat, pulling you off kilter, and you throw your purse toward your bed, which rests in the center of your room against the right wall, missing and watching it hit the floor in a loud thud. Then you stumble forward and fall to your butt on the edge of the mattress and begin to yank at the sleeves of your green flannel, wiggling about in an attempt to shed it from you. 

Cody appears with a large plastic white cup and halts in the doorway. He shifts, and you catch him averting his eyes. 

"Just trying to get rid of this thing," you grumble impatiently as the garment falls from your left shoulder but won't comply to go any lower. With a sigh, you give up and smile at Cody.

"You can just set it here," you nod toward your small wooden bedside table. "The door will lock when you leave. Thanks for the help."

Cody approaches slowly, and you wonder if it is meant to put you at ease – no sudden movements – but the anticipation begins to weigh on you. You want to lay down and go to sleep, and you want Cody to leave.

He smiles and levels his face with yours, eyes searching for something. Then he places the cup on the table and says, "I hope you feel better."

"Thanks," you mutter, wishing he would leave. 

Cody bends and lifts your purse from the floor, which is open and spilling its contents. He sets it beside the cup of water and hands you your phone. Then he stands straight and fishes his own from his pocket, thumbing around before calling you.

He lifts the phone to his ear, and when you continue to stare, he tilts his chin toward the vibrating device in your hands. With a knit brow, you cock your head to the side but answer his call, lifting the phone to your ear.

"I figure that if I am being trusted to leave on my own, I should give you some assurance that I am, in fact, leaving."

"Okay…" you respond, drawing the word out. You could have all the assurance you need by watching the video footage from your hidden camera, but you suppose this is a kind gesture.

Cody smiles, lifts a hand, and waves. Then he turns and leaves the room. 

"It was nice meeting you, Sandra," he says, drawing your fake name out nice and slow.

"You too," you mutter, heavy with sleep.

"Sorry the night ended this way."

You sigh. "Me too."

"If you ever want drinks and a burger again, let me know. I'm just a short cab ride away."

Briefly, you wonder if the two of you hit it off. It was fun and comfortable talking with Cody, but you are still concerned with how drunk you became – if that is what you can call whatever is happening to you.

"Alright," you respond too late, hoping to be polite. 

In the living room, you hear some soft sounds and then the door opening. Although it is faint, you think you hear it closing, as well. 

"I have left your humble abode," he says as the phone in your pocket buzzes with another notification to alert you that someone is outside your apartment.

You assume that the reason he insisted on calling was so that once he was outside of the apartment, you would only hear his voice through the phone. It is a nice gesture.

"Thanks again," you say, sighing with relief. 

Through the phone, you can hear the steps creaking as he descends the stairwell. "My pleasure."

You begin to fade fast. Although you know that you should drink water, you twist your body, lift your legs onto the bed, and curl up. You feel too warm to care about your comforter, but you lament not having enough energy to get out of your jeans.

The phone ends up under your face. Miraculously, your cheek does not end the call. 

"Tired," you mutter, feeling your eyelids flutter. 

"It was so nice meeting you," Cody says, and in an instant, your blood turns cold. 

That is the exact voice you spoke with on the phone last night. The accent is much more prominent, just as it was last night, and it is much more gravely. It is unmistakable.

He adds, "Sleep sweet, pretty," before hanging up, and you curl in on yourself, panting and shivering, hanging in a horrifying liminal space of being too afraid to want to sleep but too intoxicated to keep your eyes open.

'Cause I know what you're thinkin' about Babe, I'll let you spin me around I know what you're thinking about Babe, I'll let you spin me around Babe, I'll let you spin me around Babe, I'll let you spin me around

🎵 visit the playlist!

the feelings of being drugged are all kinda made up but also based on the drug ghb. please do not feel the need to sully your internet searches! i will explain it all in detail in upcoming chapters. and you may have noticed that because mc is a detective and trying to figure out who these men are, there is a lot of talk about facial features and accents. this is in no way meant to fetishize these characteristics, it is simply detective work - i tried to keep it as broad/general as possible. the little ploy that was played at the bar is based on something called "operation fireball" - google it if you're into true crime!

also!!! please never take a drink from a stranger or leave a drink unattended!!!

CAN YOU TRACK WHO THESE PEOPLE ARE THAT MC IS COMMUNICATING WITH??? everything will be made clear soon, but feel free to speculate!!! readers of the taegi pov probably already know what's going on, but mc pov purists will have all the questions answered quickly, as well!!! don't worry. 🤍

ARE WE HAVING FUN? QUESTIONS??? CONCERNS??? REBLOGS AND COMMENTS ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF THIS SITE, BUT LIKES ARE ALSO SUPER APPRECIATED!!! 🤍🤍🤍 THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING! I LOVE YOU! DRINK SOME WATER AND STRETCH YOUR NECK!!!

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White Lies is copyright 2023 theharrowing, all rights reserved. No translations or reposts allowed!

[yonpanx]

. capa spirit

🌼caso de inspiração, credite!

a primeira capa (yoonmin) tá em doação aqui

[nervouscupcakeinspace]

BTS FIC RECS (PART 11)

GEN

safer in the shadows (part of the queer introspections series) by nitilia 

Yoongi doesn’t particularly like much of anything in this building. But the pay is good, so he keeps his head down, he keeps his insides dead, he keeps himself smothered so that no one ever figures out what he is. It’s hard, but it’s worth it. It’s better than being seen.

Jeon Jungkook/Kim Namjoon | RM

almost home. by kattyl

Namjoon swallows nervously before he manages to speak, “Where were you?" "I was busy."

Drown in You by creambunkoo *

The way Namjoon holds him open so he can stare — even that small touch, the gentle pressure of his hyung's thumbs — is a dizzying kind of pleasure. Jungkook feels himself clenching up helplessly and wonders if Namjoon can tell. "Pretty," Namjoon says in a deep voice, right as Jungkook is blurting out, "I- I'm gonna come." Jungkook wakes up one morning with a pussy, overwhelmed by how sensitive he is, and when Namjoon walks in on him, Jungkook asks his hyung for help. 'Help' that Namjoon is more than happy to give.

sing me like a bible hymn by raplinelover * (WIP )

Jungkook is the perfect son, altar boy and Christian. Then Kim Namjoon walks into his life.

Jeon Jungkook/Kim Seokjin | Jin

Metamorphic by Hermit_Hanes *

A series of unusual murders and abductions has shaken Seoul. Rookie detective Jungkook intends to bring those responsible to justice. He gets too close.

tying you to me by anpanmoon  *

Jungkook, servant of Cupid, is called to deal with a soulmate emergency. Seokjin happens to be wrapped up in it.

Jeon Jungkook/Min Yoongi | Suga

For You, For Sure by deepslowpanic *

“Jungkook is angry that he couldn’t control himself. He feels like he took advantage of you.” The way Jimin frowns makes Yoongi’s chest ache. “He thinks you hate him.” “He didn't, I don’t hate him,” Yoongi blurts. “It wasn’t his fault.” “We know, hyung,” Hoseok says carefully. “And Jungkook knows that. But it doesn’t matter.” He glances at Jimin before turning back to Yoongi. “He almost bit you.” A shiver travels down Yoongi’s spine and he swallows hard. “You mean like -” “Yes.” Hoseok doesn't break eye contact. “A mating bite.” -OR- When Yoongi’s suppressants fail unexpectedly, he goes into preheat at a group game night. Jungkook is so affected by Yoongi’s scent he nearly bites him before they’re pulled apart. This isn’t exactly how Yoongi wanted to find out his friend has a crush on him, especially when he’s never thought of Jungkook that way. But when the daze of his heat clears, Jungkook seems to be everywhere Yoongi is, with gifts and smiles and his sweet scent. And maybe Yoongi likes that more than he expected.

loveline by exarite *

Can I call you? Jungkook immediately put his phone down the moment he sent the text, cheeks and neck going hot. // Alpha Min Yoongi and Omega Jeon Jungkook have been arranged to be mated for years now. The day before their mating ceremony, Jungkook calls. He's nervous.

switch it up like? by exarite *

Omega Jeon Jungkook comes from a traditional pack, where the men lead and court and take control. Alpha Min Yoonji also comes from a traditional pack. However, for her, Alphas are on top. Something has to bend or break. Yoonji decides it's going to be Jungkook.

First Light by BornToSolace

All of this is different. Everything has been different so far, and different is good. Different will allow Yoongi to break his vows without himself breaking, or so he hopes. The careful beckoning, the soft pull on his hand, the almost apprehensive look in the man’s eyes that won’t leave Yoongi’s face as he gets taken to the mat, the lips reverently trailing down his neck, his chest, his ribs. It’s different, and as Yoongi closes his eyes, tired of resisting, tired of feeling heavy, he knows he will allow it, that he wants it, whatever it is that is about to happen. -or- With war on the horizon, lonely farmer Yoongi embraces his fate, leaving his front door open for the inevitable. Surprisingly, it’s not war that finds him. It’s him who finds a wounded, taciturn soldier in his kitchen instead. A tale of unexpected second chances, set in Joseon Korea.

get you by qtyoonfi (WIP )

Yoongi broke up with his longtime ex over a year ago. He thought he'd managed to close that chapter in his life, but his ex's little brother, Jungkook, is stubbornly staying in his life. And that would've been fine. That is if Jungkook wasn't constantly hitting on Yoongi and begging him for a chance.

Jung Hoseok | J-Hope/Kim Namjoon | RM

Where He Belongs by ArianneMaya

Beta Hoseok's body isn't made to take an alpha's knot, and Namjoon is too much of a gentlewolf to pressure him on the matter. Why is it, then, that Hoseok can't stop thinking about it?

Jung Hoseok | J-Hope/Kim Seokjin | Jin

Finding Heaven in Hell by ArianneMaya

Hoseok always thought the rules his family imposed on him were silly superstitions: never walk alone at night, never sleep with the window open, never undress in front of a mirror… It all seemed a little ridiculous to him. Until the day the demons kidnap him to offer him as a mate to their king.

Jung Hoseok | J-Hope/Min Yoongi | Suga

Signifié by sseoltangie *

Hoseok draws him out with a glint in his eyes and it’s then that Yoongi notices what would be the final nail in his coffin: Hoseok, in perfect opposition to his heart-shaped smile, is a little mean too.

Kim Namjoon | RM/Min Yoongi | Suga

fevered honey by ellemoonchild

Namjoon was tired of spending his heats alone, but he didn’t have much luck attracting alphas. Maybe it was his ‘bigger than omega average’ size or his overly sweet scent or naturally shy demeanor, but Namjoon just hadn’t found the connection he’d always craved with an alpha. But as he got older his heats became more unbearable to deal with alone… Which was how he found himself at the city's most luxurious and exclusive heat/rut hotel being taken care of by the alpha of his dreams. Min Yoongi was a smaller alpha, with a cute face and intense eyes. A deep voice and big hands and heavy scent that left Namjoon feeling dizzy. He was the perfect choice for a heat partner…but as Yoongi treats Namjoon like he’s always wanted the omega will find it hard to separate his heart from what is meant to be only a business transaction.

A Training Montage by mangust_d *

Namjoon has a big dick. Yoongi can't open his mouth wide. Bored to death with his new office job, Yoongi is ready for a new challenge.

Clarity (part of the The Red Sweatshirt Saga series) by allie (baby_shookys)

“So what, you’re saying I should just jerk it in the bathroom and then get back to work?” Namjoon asks, incredulous, leaning in closer and dropping his voice so low that no one could possibly overhear. Taehyung snorts. “You could. But you don’t have to.” “What do you mean?” “Hyung’s wearing his red sweatshirt today.” or; when Namjoon's struggling with a bit of artistic block, Taehyung suggests that maybe post-nut clarity will help.

A Gentler Kind of Burn by ArianneMaya

Namjoon doesn’t believe it’s possible for a guy (especially him) to come more than once. Yoongi proves him wrong.

Maybe, Perhaps by sseoltangie (27k) *

Yoongi keeps purring around Namjoon. He doesn't think it's a problem. Realising he's in love with his best friend... That might be one.

honeypie by 02_43am

“I think I’m showing.” Namjoon is half-asleep so, when he turns around to look at Yoongi, he can't help but be surprised. Trying not to sound panicked, he points out: “That's a bump.” “Or is the takeout I ordered yesterday?” Yoongi wonders. Pulling his shirt down, he lets his hands wander over his stomach before they cup his lower belly. “Ok, maybe it is a bump.” (or yoongi is pregnant and namjoon has a pregnant yoongi kink).

Little Sugar Cube by mangust_d (18k) *

Yoongi gets pregnant after having bad sex with his friend of thirteen years. He decides to keep the pup, but Namjoon is living his best life and travelling the world while Yoongi's days are filled with prenatal yoga classes and dam dates he didn't ask for. Why should he burden the alpha with something like this? Yoongi holds his breath for a moment, but his body has changed too much, his hair grown too long. Namjoon doesn’t recognise him from behind. Doesn’t smell his own pup growing in Yoongi’s womb. “Namjoon-ah,” Yoongi rasps, turning his head toward the alpha because he needs to see him. He’s vulnerable like this. Hair clipped back, face bare, dressed in white like an innocent maiden.

you can be the boss (daddy) you can be the boss by andlovetoo

“If them calling me daddy makes you uncomfortable I’ll make them stop,” Yoongi tries, rubbing his thumbs over the veins on the back of Namjoon’s hands. “I don’t care why it makes you uncomfortable, I can stop them, they’re just making a stupid joke—.” “It makes me uncomfortable because I want to be the one calling you daddy!” Namjoon says, all in a rush, voice too loud like it gets when he’s nervous. Yoongi blinks.

Five-Star Service by mangust_d  *

Seeking casual rut partners would be too risky for a famous alpha rapper like Kim Namjoon, so he signs up for an upscale rut service online. He picks a doll-faced beta who advertises his ‘exceptional oral skills’, but the polished headshot in the catalogue proves to be false advertisement.

Maid a Fool by mangust_d *

When Namjoon's best friend shows up to a costume party dressed as a maid, he's forced to rethink their entire relationship.

Kim Seokjin | Jin/Min Yoongi | Suga

Cat the Anchor by anpanmoon *

Yoongi's son is obsessed with boats. Seokjin happens to have one.

Kim Seokjin | Jin/Park Jimin

Lies & Liability by anpanmoon (WIP - 4k)

Yoongi waved his hand. “You won’t bring shame on your family that easily—as long as you don’t claim every single dance on a Lady’s dance card, that is.” Seokjin laughed loudly. “What an oddly specific thing to say!” OR: Seokjin meets Jimin at a masquerade and falls for his charms immediately, not knowing he'll never be able to call him his.

wish you were instead by yin_moongi

Jimin drapes himself half in Seokjin’s lap and plays with the hem of his t-shirt, runs his fingers along the skin of his side just above his belt. Seokjin thinks: We shouldn’t be doing this in public. Then he thinks: Doing this in public is exactly what we said we were doing.

Kim Taehyung | V/Min Yoongi | Suga

Settle My Blood In Forgiveness (part of the Bloodlines (Lead Me Home) series) by yngimint *

"The fledgling is yours to sire now" Taehyung reads the note that he thinks is from his cousin Seokjin and looks back up at the fledgling standing at his doorstep.

when puppies do what puppies do by disillusioned (miscalculated) *

Executed too quickly to retaliate, Yoongi’s free hand is lifted from its resting spot and promptly placed somewhere warm and unmistakably human. Then, Yoongi is looking up from his computer screen just in time to— “Hyung, feel.” His hand is adjusted. “Feel here. No, like,” now Taehyung maneuvers Yoongi’s fingers so that they’re pressed right over the miniature slope of his flexed bicep, “there. That.” Yoongi complies as if on autopilot, bewildered into silence. “That?” he parrots. “Yes,” Taehyung says. * Suddenly and seemingly without reason, Kim Taehyung decides Old and Jaded Min Yoongi is prime mating material.

Min Yoongi | Suga/Min Yoongi | Suga

Distorted Reflection by ArianneMaya

Yoongi’s part in the plan was ridiculously simple: let himself be caught, grab the hidden gun and kill Agust D. Except there is no gun. And Yoongi finds himself at the mercy of his worst enemy.

Min Yoongi | Suga/Park Jimin

It'll Make You Come Alive by PuppoJiminnie

Yoongi had always been so kind to his owner, Jimin. Not only did he give his unconditional love, but he let Jimin live in his home rent free. But most of all, he blessed Jimin with his body, and if there was one thing Jimin wasn't going to do, it was turn down Yoongi's offering. Even if it was going to make him late to work.

POLY RELATIONSHIPS

OT7 - Relationship

Wait For Me In Spring by Arobeebee  (WIP ) *

The gravest of calamities has unexpectedly befallen Omega Jungkook - he is engaged to be married. Desperate to escape the shackles of an unwanted union with an Alpha he has never met, he decides to run away from home in the dead of night to seek shelter with the bonded pack who have already stolen his heart. But in winter comes the storm, and the journey to freedom can often be a treacherous one.

oh no (part of the alpha joonie series) by feraljk

when the all-omega pack decided to buy an alpha, they expected a rough brute of a plaything, not this oversized sweetheart of a puppy now living in their house. or: alpha namjoonie getting the love he deserves

Gallery 7 by mangust_d *

In a society where unmated alphas and omegas are kept separated until an omega is presented to their future mate, special O-galleries serve as a platform to connect nubile omegas with promising matches. OR: The story of how Taehyung sold himself to a rich alpha and accidentally gained five omega nestmates.

Housekeeping by Arobeebee (WIP )

University student and aspiring artist Jungkook, hoping to make a little extra cash over the summer before his senior year, applies for a job as a live-in housekeeper and cook. He was definitely NOT expecting to find himself living in a beautiful mansion with six hot millionaires.

Omega-Dom Seokjin and his pack of subby darlings (series) by Arobeebee  (WIP )

Summary from the first fic: Kookie is having a bad-sad feels sort of day, so of course his doting Omega-hyung will immediately drop everything and rush over to give his soft, tender-hearted subby sweetheart all the love and attention he deserves. (In which Jungkook hasn't officially joined the Kim-pack as a bondmate (not yet, at least), but that doesn't stop him from being one of Seokjin's treasured little darlings.)

Amygdala: A Beta Memoir by HyungLineHeaux 

Amygdala steps into the world of Min Yoongi, who joins an established pack as head beta after personal disaster strikes. There are just a few problems with his newfound family: The six-member pack already has a head beta. And they want nothing to do with each other, let alone him.

Co-ed Bangtan (series) by two_cent_penny (WIP ) *

Summary from the first fic: Jungha wants to help herself to unnies’ bodies.

Those Falling Petals in My Hands by thehoyden *

Jungkook is all ready to back out of the room with Taehyung in tow when he registers what the droning voiceover on the video is saying. “When seeing an alpha through rut for the first time, let’s remember this important acronym—” Jimin stabs the spacebar with one finger to pause the video. “Well,” Taehyung says. “Well, well, well.” Jimin’s face has gone a very attractive pink. “Don’t say a word,” he threatens.

A Twist of Fate by ArianneMaya  (WIP )

After leaving his parents’ den and becoming mysteriously sick, omega Jimin agrees to move out of the city and live with a more traditional pack to get the care he needs to heal. It’s temporary. Or at least, that’s what he thinks.

Fuck The Monarchy by Arobeebee (WIP )

Court sorcerer Namjoon and his loyal allies aim to topple the existing government in an effort to prevent a civil uprising that might destroy the kingdom of Allemuir. Their only hope is innocent, trusting, virgin Prince Jungkook. ((Royalty AU where OT6 woo Jungkook in order to achieve kingdom-wide social reform, but quickly end up falling in love with the sweet, kind-hearted Princeling. Also porn.))

Baby, Don't You Worry by creambunkoo

They get their matching tattoos one-by-one over the summer, after Bangtan announces they're taking a break from group activities. Where 7 boys get 7 tattoos that bind their hearts together more than just symbolically.

Jeon Jungkook/Jung Hoseok | J-Hope/Kim Namjoon | RM 

Bide by Tarbek1  (WIP )

Jungkook is an omega who would rather die than be caught. He is exactly what alphas Hoseok and Namjoon have been looking for.

Jeon Jungkook/Jung Hoseok | J-Hope/Kim Namjoon | RM/Kim Seokjin | Jin/Min Yoongi | Suga 

The Stowaway (part of the Fragile - Please Handle With Care series) by Arobeebee

Jungkook, accused of crimes against the Thurazon government and on the run from bounty hunters, takes refuge in an empty cargo container at a remote trading port, and wakes up in deep-space surrounded by smugglers. Alternatively, the crew of the starship Bangtan find an injured fugitive hidden inside a durasteel crate in their cargo bay, and decide to keep him.

Jeon Jungkook/Kim Namjoon | RM/Kim Seokjin | Jin

goldilocks bed and breakfast by macabre

Just three friends moving into a one bedroom apartment. With one bed.

Jeon Jungkook/Kim Namjoon | RM/Kim Seokjin | Jin/Min Yoongi | Suga

all in by feraljk

omega camboy jungkook only intended to stream his heat for his favorite patrons, he didn't (fully) expect to get three boyfriends out of it.

standing next to you  (part of the wisteria series) by feraljk (WIP) 

not every traumatized omega turned feral. or: before hoseok, there was jungkook.

Jeon Jungkook/Kim Namjoon | RM/Min Yoongi | Suga

conjecture. (series) by kattyl

Summary from the first fic: Taehyung glances at Jungkook out of the corner of his eye and smirks a bit. “Ah. Okay. I get it now,” he says. And then proceeds to say nothing else, withholding the apparent solution to Jungkook’s plight. “Well?” Jungkook throws his hands up, “We’re all waiting, Taehyung-ssi! The floor is yours!” He gestures sarcastically to the empty living room around them. Taehyung remains silent as he leans forward to exchange the small, folded square remains of his chip bag with a bottle of water from the coffee table. He takes - what Jungkook estimates to be - the longest possible sip of water in the history of mankind and simply says, “You want them to cuck you.”

The Great Pumpkin Regatta by two_cent_penny *

Yoongi's going to beat Jeon Jungkook in the biggest sweet potato competition this year.

Jeon Jungkook/Kim Taehyung | V/Park Jimin

sea legs by tendershipping *

Chaebols Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jungkook acquire a merman via an illicit auction, as one does. Mer Jimin has more in mind for his time with them than looking pretty in a pool.

Jung Hoseok | J-Hope/Kim Namjoon | RM/Min Yoongi | Suga/Park Jimin

Holding My Last Breath by ArianneMaya (WIP )

In a world where omegas aren't born this way, but bitched, all Jimin hopes is to make it to the end of the night of the blood moon without a mating mark on his neck. Alpha Yoongi, Hoseok and Namjoon have other plans for him.

Jung Hoseok | J-Hope/Kim Seokjin | Jin/Min Yoongi | Suga

This Garden I Planted by mangust_d

Seokjin and Hoseok have been committed to each other for years, defying societal norms and expectations set by their families. But one day, they meet an innocent little kittentail named Min Yoongi and decide to make him theirs. Little do they suspect that Yoongi has heartbreak written all across his back.

Jung Hoseok | J-Hope/Kim Taehyung | V/Park Jimin

Bite Down by sunnydays81 * 

Jung Hoseok has one of the worst cases of Alpha Bite Disorder that Jimin has ever treated. And he has treated many. In fact, as physiotherapist, Jimin specialises in the condition. At the clinic he runs with his omega mate Taehyung, they treat all of Seoul's most intractable cases of ABD, bringing relief to alphas living lives with the misery of chronic jaw pain and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Together, they make a great team. Every now and then, however, they come across an alpha that even they struggle to help. Hoseok is definitely one of those.

Kim Namjoon | Rap Monster/Kim Seokjin | Jin/Min Yoongi | Suga

heeding by silklace

Yoongi hears his phone buzz on the glass top of the hotel desk just as Seokjin reaches into the little mini fridge with an over-dramatic groan. “If that’s management calling a second debrief,” Seokjin says warningly. He trails off, scrounging around in the contents of the mini fridge. He emerges with a sullen look and a small twist-off bottle of red wine. “Yeah, you know what, just tell them I ran away to go live in the mountains.”

(* Personal favorites)    

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 1

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 2

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 3

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 4

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 5

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 6

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 7

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 8

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 9

MASTERPOST FIC RECS PART 10

[syuga-s]

something good can work

(a.k.a who do you blame part two)

w.c. 8.2k pairing. Yoongi x fem!reader, Taehyung x fem!reader genre. same ol' angst sorry, nothing smutty just big emotions a/n. YAY THE 2ND PART IS OUTTTTT!! i didn't think i'd take this long i don't even have an excuse,, very poorly proofread, i'll get to that sometime later i just wanted to get this out lmao a very special tag for @amyz78 ♡

Gemma chimed in, her eyes sparkling mischievously as she surveyed Taehyung. “Ooh, cute!” gave him a wink and added, “You sure know how to pick ’em.”

As you and your girls exchanged hugs as if you hadn’t seen them in forever, Jin’s keen gaze fell on Taehyung, taking in his appearance with a quick yet thorough assessment. With a friendly smile, Jin extended his hand in greeting. “Hey man, I’m Jin. Nice to meet you.”

Taehyung returned the gesture, albeit with a slight hesitance in his movements. “Likewise bro, Taehyung” he replied.

Noticing Taehyung’s vintage baseball cap adorned with the logo of the team, Jin’s interest piqued. “Nice cap,” he remarked, gesturing towards Taehyung’s headwear. “you a big fan?”

Taehyung’s eyes lit up at the question, “Yeah, love the game,” he replied, a hint of enthusiasm seeping into his voice. “I’ve never been to a live one though, it’s my first.”

“I highly recommend the live experience,” Jin chimed in, his tone friendly yet genuine. “There’s nothing quite like being at the stadium, especially when you’re cheering for your team.”

Taehyung nodded in agreement, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I can imagine,” he replied, his eyes flickering with excitement. “I already feel a whole different vibe compared to watching one on TV.”

As the conversation flowed effortlessly between them, Jin couldn’t help but notice the subtle nuances in Taehyung’s demeanor. Despite his initial reservations, Taehyung seemed to relax in Jin’s presence.

For Jin, deciphering people was second nature, a skill honed over years of observation and analysis. With each passing moment, Jin found himself growing more intrigued by this newcomer in your life, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive as he sought to decipher Taehyung.

Between the shouting at players, ordering beers, turning over to talk with the girls, and all that. The conversation between Jin and Taehyung flowed to their lines of work.

As the game progressed and the atmosphere at the stadium grew more animated, Jin found himself engaged in conversation with Taehyung, although with a growing sense of unease gnawing at the back of his mind. Despite his best efforts to remain cordial, Jin couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something off about this guy.

“So, what do you do for a living?” Jin inquired, his tone casual yet genuinely curious.

Taehyung’s expression took on a smug air as he leaned back in his seat, a self-assured smirk playing on his lips. “I’m a property developer,” he replied, his voice laced with a hint of superiority. “It’s a rather lucrative field, I must say.”

Jin raised an eyebrow, masking his growing annoyance with a polite smile. “Ah, I see,” he responded evenly, refusing to let Taehyung’s arrogance get under his skin. “I’m a dentist myself. It may not be as glamorous as your line of work, but it’s great I must say.”

As they discussed their respective professions, Jin couldn’t help but notice the way Taehyung spoke about his life with a hint of condescension, as if he were talking to a lowborn rather than an accomplished professional. Taehyung’s tone was laced with a thinly veiled superiority, his demeanor exuding an air of so-called refinement and sophistication.

Jin resisted the urge to roll his eyes, choosing instead to maintain a composed facade.

Despite Taehyung’s attempts to assert his dominance, Jin remained unfazed, silently vowing to keep a close eye on the developer in the following hours. After all, beneath Taehyung’s front of sophistication lay a man who showed a hint of nervousness in his demeanor.

Throughout the day, Taehyung remained somewhat reserved, his responses measured and cautious compared to the outgoing self you’ve seen on your dates. After all your best efforts to include him in the lively banter and inside jokes, you couldn’t shake the feeling that he was holding back, as if unsure of how to navigate the energy coming from your friends.

After the baseball game came to an end, you and your friends decided to grab something at the burger joint owned by one of your close friends. The cozy restaurant provided the perfect spot for more conversation, the main reason being to get to know your new lover boy, yet Taehyung seemed to cast a tiny speckle over the gathering. It seemed as if he shrank himself around your friends.

As you settled into a booth with your friends, Taehyung’s presence became increasingly subdued, his responses to the group’s banter growing more hesitant with each passing moment. Despite your attempts to include him, he seemed somewhat detached.

The conversation with you and your friends quickly turned to gossip about one of your former friends. Sam’s incredulous expression mirrored the disbelief in her voice as she exclaimed, “Can you believe she actually did that?”

Gemma, shaking her head in amusement, added, “I mean, who literally never returns borrowed clothes? She got herself an outfit, thanks to the three of us. Shoes from Sam, a jacket from you, and a dress from me.”

Amidst the shared laughter, Taehyung appeared to be struggling to find his footing. His usual confidence seemed to falter in the face of your friends’ dynamic energy, leaving him somewhat quiet.

Jin, ever the observer, chimed in with a wry grin, “Sounds like she’s always been a handful.”

You shot Jin a playful response, adding, “Oh, you have no idea.”

As the conversation flowed around, Taehyung remained quiet, his gaze flickering between your friends. Sensing his discomfort, you nudged him playfully and teased, “What do you think? Ever had a friend or an ex like that?”

Taehyung managed a hesitant smile, his eyes darting away briefly before returning to meet yours. “Uh, no, nothing too crazy,” he replied with a soft laugh. With this, Taehyung seemed to relax into the group dynamic, his laughter mingling with yours as he shared in the lighthearted jokes that came before his response.

As Gemma joined in on the conversation, you made a point to include Taehyung, gesturing for him to join in on the gossip with a playful smile. Taehyung’s hand found its way to your knee, his touch sending a shiver to you. Despite his reserved demeanor, you couldn’t deny the warmth of his presence beside you, grateful for the effort your friends were making to make him feel welcome.

After lunch, you and Taehyung walked hand in hand down the bustling streets, your friends walking ahead of you, the warmth of the sun casting a golden glow over the city.

As you strolled along, you couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of your stomach. Taehyung’s reserved behavior during lunch left you unsettled, his usual charm overshadowed by a newfound hesitance that seemed out of character.

“Hey,” you began tentatively, breaking the silence that had settled between you, “Are you okay?”

Taehyung glanced at you, his expression unreadable. “Yeah, I’m okay,” he replied with a forced smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty.

You tightened your grip on his hand, a surge of concern flooding through you. “You seemed a bit quiet back there,” you pressed gently, grabbing his face in your hand, searching for any sign of what was bothering him.

Taehyung hesitated, his gaze flickering away before returning to meet yours. “I guess I just felt a bit out of place,” he admitted finally, his voice tinged with vulnerability. “Your friends... they’re absolutely great, really, I can see why you love them, but I can’t help but feel like I don’t quite fit in.”

Your heart twinged with sympathy at his words, a pang of guilt washing over you as you realized the extent of his discomfort. “I’m sorry,” Taehyung murmured, squeezing your hand reassuringly. “I should have made more of an effort.”

You shook your head, a small smile playing on your lips. “God, don’t say that you’re sorry, this is just you meeting new people,” you assured him, your tone softening. “Thank you for being honest with me.”

After lunch, you and Taehyung decided to head to a nearby bar that had a couple of pool tables. Gemma, Sam, and Jin eagerly joined, excited for more fun and conversation.

As you entered the bar, the sound of pool balls clacking against each other filled the air, adding to the ambiance of the place. Gemma let out a whoop of excitement, already eyeing the pool tables with enthusiasm.

"I call the first game!" Gemma exclaimed, practically bouncing with energy as she made her way to the nearest table.

Sam followed close behind, a mischievous grin on her face. "Oh, it's on," she declared, rolling up her sleeves in anticipation.

Jin chuckled at the friendly competitiveness between Gemma and Sam, a smirk playing on his lips as he predicted an intense match between the two. Taehyung stood by your side, watching the scene unfold with a small smile tugging at his lips.

As Gemma lined up her shot, her competitive streak shining through in every movement, you turned to Taehyung and suggested, "How about we team up for a game? Show them what we're made of."

Taehyung's eyes lit up at the challenge, his reserved demeanor from earlier fading away as he nodded enthusiastically. "Sounds like a plan," he replied, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice.

You and Taehyung stepped up to the pool table, cue sticks in hand, ready to take on Gemma and Sam. The game quickly turned into a lively competition, filled with laughter, banter, and friendly teasing.

With each shot, Taehyung's confidence grew, his skills matching yours as the two of you worked together seamlessly, sinking ball after ball with precision. Your friends watched in amazement as the game progressed, their cheers and applause messing with the atmosphere of the bar.

As the match drew to a close, it became evident that you and Taehyung were on the brink of victory. With one final shot, Taehyung skillfully pocketed the eight ball, sealing your win with a triumphant grin.

Gemma and Sam applauded good-naturedly, conceding defeat with playful pouts before breaking into laughter. Jin clapped Taehyung on the back, a proud smile on his face as he praised, "Impressive, you two."

As the evening wore on and the conversation flowed freely, you found yourself deep in discussion with Gemma about your upcoming trip to a music festival. Excitement bubbled within you as you animatedly talked about the lineup, the accommodations you wanted to book, and the outfits you were planning to wear. Gemma mirrored your enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she listened to your plans unfold.

"So, we'll catch the midnight flight on Thursday, right?" Gemma asked, leaning in closer as she eagerly awaited your response.

"Definitely," you replied with a nod, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "We'll have plenty of time to check into the hotel and grab some lunch before the festival kicks off."

As you continued to discuss the details of your trip, Taehyung interjected, his voice cutting through the conversation with unexpected confidence. "Oh my god you’re going to that?" he remarked, his eyes alight with excitement. "Mind if I tag along? I’ve been meaning to go for years too!"

You blinked in surprise, caught off guard by Taehyung's sudden invitation.

You exchanged a look with Gemma, both of you unsure of how to respond to Taehyung's unexpected request. Before you could say anything, Taehyung continued, his enthusiasm growing by the second.

"And hey, since we'll already be there, why don't you stay a few extra days with me?" he suggested, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "We could go and meet my dad, make a mini vacation out of it."

Your heart skipped a beat at Taehyung's proposal, but not in a good way. A mini vacation? Meeting his dad? It all felt too serious and overwhelming for someone who had only been dating him for a few weeks.

Your head spun with the rapid-fire pace of his suggestions, struggling to keep up with the whirlwind of activity unfolding before you. You hadn't even had a chance to process his self-invitation, let alone make any concrete plans.

Before you could gather your thoughts, Taehyung was already pulling out his phone, his fingers flying over the screen as he hastily began to make plans. You exchanged a bewildered look with Gemma, silently wondering if you were the only one feeling overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events.

Feeling the weight of Taehyung's expectations bearing down on you, you struggled to find the words to respond. "I... um... I'll have to think about it," you finally managed to stammer out, hoping to buy yourself some time to process everything that had just been thrown your way.

Gemma shot you a sympathetic look, clearly sensing your discomfort. "Yeah, you definitely need to discuss it further," she added, coming to your rescue.

This was all moving so fast, and you couldn't shake the feeling that Taehyung was rushing into things without considering your thoughts or feelings.

His sudden eagerness to insert himself into your future plans, coupled with his brash confidence and seemingly disregard for your input, left you questioning whether you truly knew him as well as you thought. Beneath his charming exterior lay a man with a penchant for taking control, his assertiveness bordering on arrogance at times. While you had been drawn to his personality initially, you now found yourself wondering if there was more to Taehyung than met the eye.

Was this eagerness to dive headfirst into your relationship a sign of genuine affection, or simply a desire to assert dominance and control over your life?

The rapid pace at which Taehyung seemed to be moving the relationship forward, coupled with his insistence on intertwining your lives so quickly, raised red flags in your mind. Was this level of devotion genuine, or a form of love-bombing designed to sweep you off your feet and secure your affections? As you grapple with these conflicting thoughts and emotions, you can't help but wonder if Taehyung's was just too good to be true.

As the chatter and clinking of glasses continued, you pushed back from the table. Your heart raced and your palms were slick with sweat as you mumbled an excuse about needing to use the restroom. The chatter of voices faded into the background as you stepped away, leaving behind the warmth and comfort of your friends' presence.

Standing in front of the mirror in the quiet restroom, you took a deep breath and studied your reflection. The familiar swirl of conflicting emotions stirred within you, but one thing remained certain: your gut feeling was unwavering. With a silent vow to trust yourself and your past experiences, you straightened your shoulders and rejoined everyone at the table.

Later in your room, as the golden hues of the Sunday afternoon bathed the world outside, you couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled deep within your soul. The warmth of the weekend's fleeting moments lingered like a bittersweet memory, leaving a faint trace of longing in its wake. Despite the laughter shared, the smiles exchanged, and the tender moments cherished, there was an underlying sense of discontent that gnawed at the edges of your consciousness.

With each passing hour, the realization dawned upon you like a slow-moving shadow creeping across the room. Something had shifted within you, an intangible yet undeniable shift in your emotions.

In the quiet solitude of your thoughts, you found yourself yearning for a reprieve, a moment of respite from the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to engulf you whole. What began as a simple desire for solitude soon evolved into a desperate need to distance yourself, to create a barrier between yourself and the overwhelming intensity of the feelings that had taken root within your heart.

After that weekend, something stirred inside you. The initial excitement and anticipation you had felt with Taehyung seemed to fade. What once felt thrilling now seemed overwhelming, almost suffocating. You tried to shake it off, thinking perhaps you just needed some time to yourself. But as the days went by, your desire for space only grew. You found yourself reluctant to make plans, even hesitant to text back as usual.

You were so sure you could fall in love, but the intensity of Taehyung's affection was too much. His constant need for connection, his declarations of love, and the speed at which he wanted to move forward felt like a tidal wave. You weren't used to that level of intensity. It left you feeling like the biggest red flag in the story.

Questions swirled in your mind, eating away at your confidence.

"This guy is falling so hard for you, why are you backing out?"

"Are you really that messed up if you’re not able to handle someone loving you?"

Each question felt like a jab, poking at your insecurities. You wondered if you were sabotaging something beautiful or if your instincts were warning you of a deeper issue.

You kept talking to Taehyung in the following days, but your heart wasn't in it. You could sense his growing suspicion, his worry evident in the way he asked if you were okay, if you had time to see each other. The guilt gnawed at you, especially when you heard the genuine concern in his voice. It made you question everything. Was it you? Was it him? Were you really not ready, or were you just afraid?

Deep down, you didn't trust that someone could fall in love like this in just three weeks. It felt too rushed, too intense. And even if it was true, it wasn't the kind of relationship you wanted. You didn't want to be detached. You wanted to be invested in the next person you fell in love with. You didn't want to feel annoyed or reply just because you had to. You knew you still had a long way to go, a lot of work to do on your feelings and how you dealt with relationships. You hated when they made you feel like you were the one in the wrong. Why would you be wrong to feel how you feel?

Perhaps you weren't ready for the kind of love he offered. The intensity of his feelings left you feeling exposed, and vulnerable in a way you had never experienced before.

The lines between love and self-preservation blurred until they became indistinguishable from one another. You questioned your own worth, and your own capacity for love, as doubts and insecurities gnawed at the edges of your consciousness.

In the days that followed, you found yourself locked in a silent struggle, torn between the conflicting desires of your heart and mind but despite the lingering doubts that gnawed at your conscience, you continued to engage with Taehyung, exchanging messages and sharing snippets of your day.

Yet with each passing interaction, a sense of reluctance began to take root within you, a hesitancy to commit to plans for the following week that lingered on the tip of your tongue. You were still battling with yourself, wrestling with the internal turmoil that threatened to consume you whole.

As the days stretched on, the weight of your indecision grew heavier, casting a shadow over the once-bright promise of love and romance. You found yourself caught in a constant tug-of-war between your head and your heart, each vying for dominance over the other in a battle for control.

And so you continued to navigate the fickle direction of your relationship with Taehyung. But deep down, a part of you couldn't help but wonder—was this truly what you wanted for yourself, or were you merely settling to prove to yourself, and perhaps to others, that Yoongi was no longer someone important in your life?

Taehyung had seemed like the beacon of light guiding you out of the darkness of heartbreak. You had convinced yourself that he was all you wanted, perhaps even desperately so, in your eager pursuit to move on from someone who had given you nothing. Every smile, every touch, every whispered promise felt like a lifeline, pulling you away from the memories of a love that had left you in pieces.

Still, how could you not feel insecure and fearful when someone professed such intense love after only a few weeks? It seemed too good to be true, too rushed, too perfect. It left you questioning the authenticity of his feelings, wondering if his declarations were genuine or merely a means to an end. Could someone truly fall so deeply in love with you in such a short time, or was it all just a facade, a performance put on to win your heart?

Fake, rushed, and unsettling. Not exactly the words you’d describe love as.

After a long day of work, Taehyung could sense that something was amiss. Your texts had been shorter, less enthusiastic, and devoid of the usual playful banter that had become your norm. Concerned, he suggested meeting up or at least having a phone call to understand what was going on. When you agreed to the call, a knot of anxiety formed in your stomach.

As soon as you heard Taehyung's voice on the other end, a wave of guilt washed over you. His tone was gentle and filled with concern, making you rethink your distant behavior. Despite your intentions to keep your emotions in check, it had been extremely difficult to mask your feelings. Now, hearing him speak, you were more certain than ever that you needed to end this.

"Hey," Taehyung began softly, "I've been thinking a lot today, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something's bothering you. I wanted to talk because I care about you, and I hope we can figure this out together."

Taehyung's voice was warm and earnest, tugging at your heartstrings. His words made you rethink everything that had led up to this moment. He opened up about how much he enjoyed getting to know you – reminiscing about your dates, late-night conversations, the building of a 57-hour-long playlist together, and watching movies while on calls. He confessed that he had developed strong feelings for you and wanted to pursue a relationship.

"But listen, before anything, I just want you to know that I want to be with the person you are at this very moment," Taehyung spoke with sincerity. "I am trying my best to make you fall in love with me because I am genuinely attracted to who you are, your mind and heart are truly what I love. If you let me into your life, it will be reciprocated from my end as well. My intention is not to waste your time. It's such a pleasure to coexist with you, and this call is an opportunity for us to talk about what we have. So please, tell me how you feel."

As you listened to his heartfelt confession, a whirlwind of emotions stirred inside of you. His genuine affection contrasted sharply with your recent doubts and fears. Despite his earnestness and commitment, deep down you knew that you could not return those same feelings. The realization was bittersweet, but it brought clarity – you did not want to continue this relationship.

A lump formed in the back of your throat, threatening to choke you as his words sank in. The sincerity in his voice only made it harder to confront the reality of your feelings. With a shaky breath, you knew it was time to be honest.

"Taehyung," you began, your voice barely above a whisper. "I appreciate everything you've said. You've been more than amazing, a true breath of fresh air into my life. I never thought I could open up and tell someone so much about myself, but with you, it just felt right. Every date and call we've had has brought me so much joy and happiness. It's been so good spending time with you and doing our favorite things together."

You paused for a moment, gathering your thoughts before continuing. "But if I'm being completely honest, I don't think I'm ready for this. It's not that I don't care about you or have strong feelings for you...it's just that I still need time to figure things out. I need to focus on what I want before I can fully commit to someone as wonderful as you."

There was a heavy silence on the other end of the line as Taehyung absorbed your words. "I understand," he finally replied, his voice filled with emotion. "It's important for you to take the time you need. I don't want to pressure or rush you into anything."

You could feel the disappointment radiating from him through the phone, and it tugged at your heartstrings. "I hope we can still be friends, and who knows what will happen in the future? Maybe things will be different then." Taehyung's voice was barely above a whisper when he spoke again. "This doesn't mean we have to stop going out, right? I still have so many places I want to take you, concerts we have to go to."

A small smile graced your lips at his words. "Of course not," you replied.

After ending the call with Taehyung, a sense of relief washed over you, lifting the weight that had been pressing down on your shoulders. Contrary to what one might expect, you didn't feel bad about the conversation; instead, you felt a newfound sense of liberation.

In the quiet moments after the call, as you sat with your thoughts, the sense of relief grew stronger. You weren't heartless; you were just protecting yourself. It was okay to take a step back.

You thought that everything was on good terms despite the falling out. After the call, Taehyung continued to text you, making casual conversation about movies and sharing recommendations as if nothing had changed. It gave you a sense of relief, believing that maybe you could transition smoothly into a friendship.

But the next day, unexpectedly, things took a sharp turn. You were scrolling through your Instagram feed when you noticed something was missing—Taehyung's account. His profile, once filled with snapshots of his life and moments you had shared together, was now completely gone. Your heart dropped as you tried to shake off the unsettling feeling, assuring yourself that he must have needed a break from social media.

The next day, you found yourself at a quaint rooftop gathering with your old college friends. The clinking of glasses and bursts of laughter filled the air, creating a warm and nostalgic ambiance. You were surrounded by familiar faces and inside jokes, and for a moment everything felt light and carefree.

As the night went on and the drinks flowed freely, you couldn't help but loosen your tongue. With each sip, you recounted the recent events of your love life - the highs and lows, Taehyung's irresistible charm, and the sudden ending that left you reeling. As you spoke, a mix of relief washed over you.

At 2:13 am, as you were caught up in reminiscing with your friends, your phone buzzed. It was a message from Taehyung: "U up?" You stared at the screen in surprise, his casualness catching you off guard. Despite the lingering emotions stirred up by his message, you decided against replying and slipped your phone back into your pocket.

In the following days, Taehyung's attempts to reconnect with you grew more intense. He sent friendly texts inviting you out to places where you used to dance together, suggesting it’d be "just as friends." He mentioned how much he enjoyed going out with you and how he knew music was something you loved. Despite his seemingly earnest efforts, you couldn't shake off the feeling that something about his sudden friendliness felt forced and weird.

Then, things took an even stranger turn. One day, as you were scrolling through social media, you noticed that Taehyung had unfollowed both you and your friends. His posts had disappeared without a trace - either deleted or archived - and his profile picture was gone. Confused and slightly alarmed, you tried to check the Spotify playlist you had been making, only to find that he had blocked you there as well.

"What the hell?" you muttered to yourself, staring at your phone in disbelief. The sudden and drastic changes in Taehyung's behavior only confirmed the unease that had been building inside you. His actions were volatile and erratic, and it was becoming clear that he wasn't the person you once thought him to be.

A burst of laughter erupted from you, uncontrollable and genuine. "Can you believe it? He actually blocked me on Spotify," you chuckled, shaking your head in disbelief. It seemed so trivial in the grand scheme of things, but it was also oddly amusing. What could possibly have provoked him to take such a petty action against your Spotify profile? The thought made you grin even wider as you tried to stifle another fit of laughter.

"I don't know what's more surprising, the fact that he blocked you or that he thought blocking you on Spotify would bring about some profound impact," your friend Gemma chimed in, her face lighting up with amusement.

Indeed, it was a peculiar situation to be in. It felt like being placed in a dramatic film, with events unfolding in unexpectedly comedic ways. You quirked an eyebrow at Gemma's comment, leaning back against the couch and sighing.

"Well, whatever his intentions might have been," you mused aloud, "I think it just shows how petty he is."

Gemma chuckled quietly at your words, her eyes gleaming with laughter as she nodded in agreement. The two of you sat there in the soft glow of the room, laughing over the absurdity of the situation.

“Hey, I need to ask you something,” Gemma's unexpected comment caught you off guard. "Why do you always tell them you're not ready?" she asked, her tone curious yet probing.

The question hung in the air, lingering in the space between you. It felt like a curveball, striking at the heart of your insecurities and doubts. You had never stopped to ask yourself why you constantly used the same excuse, why you always pushed people away with the same refrain.

For a moment, you were speechless, caught in the whirlwind of your own thoughts. Why did you always say that? Was it the truth, or merely an excuse to avoid confronting your deeper fears and uncertainties?

As you grappled with these questions, a sense of unease settled over you. Perhaps there was more to your reluctance than you cared to admit, buried beneath layers of self-doubt and uncertainty. Was it possible that you were using the excuse of not being ready as a shield to protect yourself from the vulnerability of opening up to someone new?

You met Gemma's gaze and offered a tentative reply. "I guess... it's just easier to say that than to admit the truth," you admitted, your voice tinged with uncertainty. "Maybe I'm not ready, or maybe... maybe it's something else. Maybe it's fear, or self-doubt, or..."

Your voice trailed off as you struggled to put your thoughts into words. Silence filled the room as if waiting for you to grasp the elusive truth about yourself. Gemma's eyes were steady on yours, offering silent encouragement and understanding.

"Or maybe... it's because I don't trust myself anymore," you finally confessed, the words tasting bitter on your tongue. "I don't trust myself to be in a relationship without screwing it up or realize someone was lying to me again."

You still couldn't believe how you were able to sense bad things about everyone but could never do that with Yoongi. What was the deal with that?

Thinking back to Yoongi, you realized how different it was with him. With Yoongi, there was no rush, no overwhelming intensity. It was comfortable, like slipping into a well-worn sweater. You didn't have to second-guess his intentions or your feelings. It was simple, without the pressure of immediate declarations of love.

But with Taehyung, it felt like you were constantly on edge, trying to meet expectations you weren't even sure you could handle. His affection, while sincere, felt like a spotlight shining too brightly, exposing every crack and flaw in your emotional armor. And instead of feeling cherished, you felt scrutinized.

You could feel Gemma's gaze soften at your confession. Her quiet acceptance of your raw vulnerability was comforting in its own way. She reached out and squeezed your hand gently, a tacit acknowledgment of your bravery in admitting such long-buried fears.

"C'mon, love," she said gently, pulling you up from the couch, "let's get something sweet from the kitchen. You've earned it."

The rest of the night passed in a comfortable silence, punctuated only by occasional laughter and the comforting sounds of late-night baking. As you nibbled on warm chocolate chip cookies - Gemma's specialty - and sipped rich hot coffee, something within you began to shift.

For the first time in a long time, instead of feeling overwhelmed by your insecurities and fears, you felt an odd sense of peace. It was as if speaking those words out loud had lifted a weight off your shoulders - a revelation that maybe it was okay not to have everything figured out.

Looking at Gemma across the kitchen island, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the overhead light, you realize something else too. You weren't alone; there were people around you who cared about you and would stand by you through thick and thin.

You picked up your mug and raised it in a toast to her, a small smile playing on your lips. "To figuring things out," you stated valiantly. The clink of your mugs echoed in the silent kitchen as Gemma grinned back at you.

"Figuring things out," she echoed, her words lingering in the silence of the room. Amidst the lingering taste of cookies and coffee, amidst all the uncertainty and self-doubt, something warm began to bloom within your chest - a sense of hope, a fresh start.

With that night serving as a turning point, you found yourself learning to trust yourself again, inch by inch. You learned to let go of the past and look forward to a future where you could be happy with or without a relationship. And most importantly, you discovered that sometimes opening up about your fears was not a sign of weakness, but rather an act of courage and growth.

After all, there was truth in what Gemma had said - everyone was just figuring things out, one step at a time.

Life went on and so did you. The days turned into weeks and before you knew it, a month had passed since your breakup with Taehyung. Taehyung's memory began to fade like a photograph left too long in the sun. You went about your life as usual - indulging in late-night movies with friends, exploring new music, finding joy in small things - all without the shadow of his presence looming over you.

Your life resumed its regular rhythm and things seemed normal again...as normal as they could be without someone.

You still missed him sometimes; when certain songs played on the street and when certain places reminded you of him – but as each day passed, these moments became fewer and further between.

One day while walking home from work, your phone buzzed in your pocket. A message from an unknown number was waiting for you, the words sending a chill down your spine.

"Hey... It's Yoongi. Can we talk?"

You froze in your tracks, staring at the screen with wide eyes. A million thoughts ran through your mind at once - why was he contacting you now? What did he want to talk about? And the most important question of them all: Were you actually going to respond?

As you stood there on the sidewalk, the world around you seemed to come to a halt. Your heart pounded in your chest as you weighed your options. Should you ignore the message and continue on your way? Or should you take a leap of faith and reply, opening up the possibility of having him in your life again?

The choice was yours and yours alone. Next thing you knew, he was calling you.

You stared at your phone, hesitating for a moment before answering. "Hello?" you said tentatively, your voice barely above a whisper.

"Hey," came his familiar voice, sending a wave of emotions crashing over you. "I'm sorry to bother you, I know this is probably the last thing you expected, but..." His voice trailed off as if searching for the right words.

"But what?" you asked, your curiosity getting the better of you.

He sighed heavily, the sound echoing through the phone. "I just wanted to hear your voice."

His admission caught you completely off guard, his raw sincerity hitting you straight in the gut.

You immediately closed your eyes forcefully and pinched the bridge of your nose.

It had been so long since you had heard his voice; it was a sound that evoked a whirlwind of conflicting feelings.

Anger, bitterness, and sadness fought against nostalgia and fond memories. You were reminded of the warmth of his embrace, the gentleness of his touch, the soothing cadence of his words.

A lump formed in your throat as you tried to swallow back the tears that threatened to spill over. Heaving a deep sigh, you braced yourself as you replied, "How have you been? It's been so long since we last spoke."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line as if he was equally shocked by how different your voice sounded. When he finally responded, there was a smile in his voice. "I've been doing okay. Busy with work as usual, but it keeps me sane."

Why is it that you're always willing to let him into your life, without regard for what he represents to you? After all he's done in your relationship or the lack thereof? Why is it so difficult to let go of someone who doesn't care for you as you do him? Someone who is content with being friends with you, yet never tries to give you something more than that. It's so damn frustrating... And heartbreaking too, no less.

At that moment, the only emotion you felt was regret for not seeing the signs earlier when he had still cared enough to show he was serious. In an attempt to lighten the mood, you chuckled half-heartedly. "Yeah, I guess it would keep anyone sane," you teased lightly.

However, your effort at humor fell flat as he remained silent on the other end. Your breath caught in your throat, unsure what to make of his silence. Was it a sign of him wanting to continue or was he waiting for you to elaborate? You held your tongue, feeling lost and confused in this situation.

"I miss you," he murmured, his voice soft and filled with longing. The simple admission took your breath away.

"And how does your girlfriend feel about that?" you replied. At the mention of his current relationship status, you could practically hear the crickets chirping in the distance as an awkward silence settled between you.

A few moments passed before he hesitantly answered, "Actually..." His voice trailed off, unable to finish his sentence.

"What happened? If I may ask," you probed gently.

"She left. Well, we ended things actually," he corrected himself.

"Oh..." Your response hung awkwardly in the air as neither one of you knew how to continue.

Finally, after a few painful seconds, you gathered your courage to ask the question that had been burning in your mind since you received his message: "Is that why you contacted me?"

His hesitation was palpable, the weight of your question pressing down on him. Taking a deep breath, he finally responded.

"Yes...and no. I didn't want to bother you and hoped you wouldn't find out from a mutual friend. So, I decided to call..." He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "Our breakup did hit me hard, not like now. I realized how much I really care about you. Not just as a friend but more than anything else."

This revelation sent your mind reeling as your heart clenched painfully. What did it mean? What should you say next? As you struggled to respond, he continued speaking.

"But now that we're both single, I don't know if that's something you'd like." The vulnerability in his tone stirred up a torrent of emotions within you, leaving you speechless for the second time.

"We've been through so much already, and honestly, I'm terrified. I don't want to hurt you again," he confessed softly.

His words echoed in the vastness of your mind. You were afraid of getting close to him only to get burned once more - but there was also part of you that yearned for him with all of your being.

"Listen Yoongi, I..., I don't know if I can call it a breakup but the last person I was with, made me realize something else..." You hesitated a bit and swallowed your tears back; they seemed so foreign.

Your head ached while listening to his silence. He had always been able to read your face better than anyone ever could. The same look he carried whenever he was about to say the wrong thing was clear. He wasn't saying anything, probably not even knowing what to tell you at this point.

And you couldn't blame him when you didn't know either, "What do you mean?" he finally asked in a low murmur.

"I don't have in me the capability to trust anymore." You whispered. "You and I tried so hard and things always go wrong, always fail miserably." Your throat constricted tightly around your words making them sound harsh in contrast. "At one point in our life, we weren't capable of sharing love. It was so frustrating because I thought I'd be fine as friends yet everything fell apart."

The words escaped your lips without any filter whatsoever. Maybe the fact that you were venting in a place where he couldn't see you was what fueled your honesty. "Every time I try, it doesn't work out and it keeps hurting both of us."

"It's not because of you though...It's..." You inhaled sharply as you continued. "I feel like I'll always find myself going back to wanting you when it's unhealthy. I keep thinking if I let you back into my life, will I end up breaking my heart again?"

As you shared your innermost thoughts, he stayed silent for a few moments longer before quietly replying, "Is that the reason why you've been avoiding me?" His voice sounded shaky with emotion as if struggling against his own demons too.

"It is and maybe that makes me selfish," you muttered guiltily. "How I feel about you, how much I care about you despite all our mistakes, sometimes hurts when I can't act on those feelings. Or when things get serious between us; it scares me out of my mind."

Yoongi exhaled shakily on the other line as well. When he spoke, his voice wavered.

"You have every right to be afraid of being hurt again and it pains me to see you in so much agony because of me. I never knew I could feel so strongly about someone who wasn't my blood-related family or some kind of soulmate but there's something about you that draws me in. I've had my fair share of experiences with women throughout the years but nothing compares to how happy you make me feel when we spend time together and talk for hours on end."

When you heard those words coming out of his mouth, something inside of you broke wide open. His confession struck deep within your core and touched upon every single insecurity and fear you possessed. How could someone love someone like you? After all the times they failed each other, after all the mistakes and broken promises that ended their relationship?

You asked softly, "If that's really what you think about me, why did it take so long for us to get here then?" Your question was laced with sorrow but curiosity too; what changed from before to now that made him contact you and finally acknowledge his feelings towards you?

He paused for a moment. When he continued, his tone was earnest and sincere. "I wasn't sure that this time would be different. In the past, there were moments when I almost reached out but I'd get scared and hold back." A self-deprecating laugh escaped his lips. "Then I realized that life isn't perfect or even stable either, and I decided to pursue what matters most in my life, you."

His answer stunned you speechless; you hadn't expected such conviction from him when earlier, he seemed unsure himself. As you tried to comprehend the complexity of his emotions, the weight of the situation began to settle in.

You choked up and dissociated there for a while until he interrupted you with a soft murmur of your name. That snapped you back into reality as tears pricked your eyes again. "Do you think I'm stupid for believing in you even though you keep screwing things up?" you whispered, feeling ashamed and embarrassed by your vulnerability.

There was another pause before Yoongi spoke once more, his voice gentle and filled with compassion. "No. Because I'd trust you over anyone else in the world." He sighed deeply. "Maybe this is wrong but we're adults in a mature relationship already anyways...so I guess it makes sense to take a chance and try to fix things."

"But that means giving yourself one hundred percent and not holding anything back." He paused briefly before continuing hesitantly. "What do you want from us right now?" His voice sounded uncertain like he wasn't sure of the answer himself.

That is when it hit you: everything you ever wanted was standing in front of you, asking you the same question. "I want to be selfish right now," you muttered breathlessly.

"Then I will give it all to you if it means being with you and seeing you happy. Whatever it takes," he answered softly yet decisively. It was clear that this meant more than anything else in this world; after all, nothing mattered as much anymore.

This time, his sincerity made you smile genuinely, breaking through the sadness that had overtaken you before. "How come you always say the best things when I'm already crying?" you sniffled.

"Because I'm terrible at consoling others but somehow managed to learn how to make you smile once in a blue moon." As soon as you heard those words escape his lips, something inside your heart melted instantly. Even on the phone, his presence was able to calm your storming mind down. The things he said and did always meant so much more than what anyone else had ever done for you.

You knew now that it didn't matter what happened between you two in the past because he was here right now wanting you, trying to build a future with you together. "When can I see you again?" he asked gently, sounding hopeful despite being cautious himself. "If that's okay..."

“It’s fine. But I have to warn you, this is going to be a long conversation and I might cry. A lot.” You told him in fake seriousness.

“Well, that would be the first time, I’ve never seen you cry in all the years I’ve known you.” He chuckled. “At first I thought you were a robot.”

“I am.”

“And then I learned you were a softie.” He continued.

“I’m not.”

“Oh, I think you are.”

“I’m definitely not a softie.”

“You are. And I love it.”

You smiled because you could hear the genuine smile in his voice.

“Tomorrow then?”

“Yeah, tomorrow.”

“Okay then.” You ended the call after hearing his quiet sigh, feeling a sense of comfort and anticipation. As you walked the last few meters to your place, the familiar sight of home greeted you, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. You got home a little before sunset, feeling a mix of hope and excitement about seeing Yoongi tomorrow.