Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Your highness , slow down!”

The young boy giggled and sped down the stone hallway. The poor Lord of the Bedchamber chased after the boy with a great sigh.

“Your highness, you’re going to hurt yourself! Please, slow down!”

Skidding to a halt, the young prince collided not so gracefully into the tapestry hanging on the wall.

“Come on, Joonie, don’t be such a downer.”

Panting heavily, Namjoon stood in front of his prince. “Your highness…” “ Jeongguk ” “…your highness, you cannot avoid this meeting with your father.” The ‘or any meeting’ was left unsaid, but the young boy heard it loud and clear.

Jeongguk pouted. “His meetings are never fun.”

The Lord of the Bedchamber chuckled and ruffled the prince’s hair, taking pity on the young boy. “Let’s go. After you meet your father, I promise to smuggle you down to the kitchens.”

With a bright grin and fully aware of the bribe, Jeongguk was off to his father’s study. As he ran, tanned skin caught his attention. Wide eyes and a boxy grin stared at the prince.

“Jeongguk!”

Jeongguk opened his mouth to ask the boy his name when the other disappeared around the corner, a deep yet happy laugh echoed through the halls.

“Yah! Jeon Jeongguk, wake the fuck up!” A pillow came down repeatedly on top of Jeongguk’s covered body.

A long groan could be heard from underneath the blankets. “Go away, hyung.”

Jimin, not to be deterred, grabbed one end of the comforter and pulled, sending Jeongguk rolling to the floor.

“You’re an asshole, hyung.”

“So you tell me every time I have to wake your sorry ass up,” the elder laughed. “You need a better alarm, Guk.”

All Jeongguk did was raise his hand in the air, middle finger sticking high. Jimin scoffed and kicked at the younger as he left the room. “Your phone’s been going off. You should get that and then get up.”

Grabbing his phone off the nightstand, Jeongguk found four unread messages from Namjoon. Not a lot by any means, but still three too many for this early on a Saturday. Especially as it seemed that Namjoon had finally cracked and was well on his way to an existential crisis.

Today 8:14 am

Joonie (ᴗ˳ᴗ)

Guk

You up?

Gukkie

Something's happened

Gukkie

Just woke up...sorry hyung

Everything okay?

Joonie (ᴗ˳ᴗ)

I'm feaking out

Gukkie

Why??

Joonie (ᴗ˳ᴗ)

I am fairly sure Jin hyung asked me out...

Gukkie

...

Why the fuck are you freaking out about this?

You've been waiting for this to happen for like...a year

Joonie (ᴗ˳ᴗ)

You don't get it, Guk

It's because I've waited for so long that I'm freaking out ಠ益ಠ

Gukkie

ಠ_ಠ

*sigh*

Meet in 15 at Yoongi hyung's cafe?

Joonie (ᴗ˳ᴗ)

...I'm already here...

Gukkie

Omw

“Hyung, I’m heading to the café, do you want me to bring you anything?”

“Yeah, bring me my boyfriend,” Jimin called, quickly masking the slightly confused look on his face. Taking a look at Jungkook’s reaction – not amused – the elder laughed. “Just a blueberry muffin is fine. Thanks, Guk.”

Muttering under his breath, Jeongguk grabbed his keys and helmet and headed down to the parking lot behind the dorms. His bike – a Street XG750 – was his baby. He had worked hard to save for her, and the wait had finally paid off. It made reactions he got on the street very appealing.

The ride to the café wasn’t a long one, only a ten-minute drive. Just like his bike was his baby, this café was Yoongi’s. Min Yoongi, 25 and finally out of university, had decided to open a café and the eldest of their group, Kim Seokjin, was quick to join Yoongi on his crusade. Their café doubled as an open mic bar on Friday’s, Saturday’s, and Sunday’s and a lot of talent made their way through. Between Yoongi’s skills on the mic and Seokjin’s skills in the kitchen, their little café was quickly becoming a hot trend. There was even talks of expanding in the future.

Espresso Patronum – Yoongi lost a bet and Seokjin got to pick the name of the café – opened at 6:30 in the morning every day and closed at 10:30 at night Monday through Thursday, and at 1:30 in the morning Friday through Sunday. Near the register, a trademark of the café stood proudly. A chalkboard with a pun – Yoongi groaned in despair every time he walked in – that was written with much care and finesse by Seokjin. Today's pun - Words Cannot Espresso What You Mean To Me.

“Morning, Gukkie,” Seokjin gave the youngest a bright smile – too fucking bright for 8:30 am on a Saturday.

“Morning, hyung,” Jeongguk gave a tiny wave as he walked to the register. “Can I just get an Americano? And then I’ll need a blueberry muffin for Jiminie-hyung when I leave.”

Seokjin gave a small grin and a thumb up. “On the house. Go talk to Joon, he’s freaking out and refuses to look at me.”

“Don’t worry too much about it, hyung. You know how Joon-hyung can go all internalized philosophical and shit.”

With a snort, Seokjin set to making Jeongguk’s drink and handing it to him. With a deep sigh and resigning himself to his fate of listening to Namjoon spaz out, he headed over to the booth in the far corner of the café.

“So what happened and why are we freaking out over it?”

Kim Namjoon was, and honestly will probably always be, Jeongguk’s best friend. Jeongguk had known Namjoon for as long as he can remember, the two being thrown together by their parents despite the age difference. When Namjoon had moved from Busan to Seoul, Jeongguk had sworn he’d follow as soon as he was old enough. Jeongguk didn’t expect for the move to happen when it did, but he was grateful to get out when he did. And he would always be grateful to Namjoon for helping out.

Now, Namjoon startled, knocking his nearly empty coffee cup over. “Shit.” Grabbing a fist full of napkins, Namjoon clumsily set out to wipe up the remaining coffee. Jeongguk facepalmed.

“Hyung, I mean this in the nicest way, but you’re a fucking mess.”

“I’m freaking out, Guk.” The elder used a napkin – thankfully not one full of coffee – to wipe sweat from his brow. “Freaking out, I tell you.”

Jeongguk steepled his fingers and leaned forward. “Tell me everything.”

So Namjoon launched into his story. “I always come in early, you know? I need coffee to function through my philosophy and production classes and I have a super important meeting later today with a bigshot company CEO. And Jin-hyung wasn’t supposed to be working this morning, so I wasn’t really making an effort with my usual attire to impress him. So I walk in, and like, there he is, all gorgeous and shit. And I literally just froze. In all the years I’ve known him, I’ve never frozen like that. I couldn’t speak or anything. And then I just, like, snapped. Said ‘you’re really handsome, hyung’ and at first, I expected him to laugh it off, like he always does! So many people tell him he’s good looking. But he didn’t laugh. Instead he just looked right at me and said ‘we should go out tomorrow, just the two of us. There’s a new restaurant I’ve been meaning to try out.’ I made a weird squeaking sound, customers walked in, and I bolted back here to wallow.”

“You’re a fucking idiot.” Dropped the formalities.

“Yah! I’m still older than you, punk.”

Jeongguk sighed. Seriously, he should probably be keeping track of how many times he has sighed today – it’s more than likely a record. “I’m just failing to see why this is a problem.”

“You’ve never been in love, Guk, I don’t know why I expected you to understand.”

The youngest froze, hand that was halfway to his drink falling down into his lap. That stung. Namjoon knew that stung and usually would never tease about something so sensitive to Jeongguk. Somehow, the youngest thought Namjoon was too strung out to care.

“I’m leaving.” Standing up, Jeongguk grabbed his drink and chugged down any remaining coffee. “Just accept the fucking date and be all romantic and shit. And let me be the miserable fifth – hell right now it’s the miserable seventh – wheel because no one wants to be with the introverted, looks like he could kill you, emo guy, right?”

Making sure he had his helmet, Jeongguk threw his cup away and, ignoring Namjoon’s calls for him to come back, grabbed the muffin Seokjin offered to him. Giving his thanks, Jeongguk was off to work. He missed the sad and concerned look Seokjin shot in his direction as soon as the door closed.

Hope on the Street was a dance studio founded by Jung Hoseok two years prior, as soon as he graduated from university with degrees in business management and dance. He recruited Park Jimin, his junior in his dance classes and Jeongguk’s roommate, to be his co-owner. Jeongguk would be joining as a business partner and full-time teacher as soon as he graduated, though that wouldn’t be for another year at least. Jeongguk was immensely grateful to Hoseok for giving him a job, it was between working in the campus library or in the cafeteria before Hoseok offered him a position teaching beginner and intermediate hip hop.

Parking his bike in the back of the studio, Jeongguk pulled out his phone just as it vibrated.

Today 9:00 am

Hope (ノ^_^)ノ

Morning Gukkie

Your morning beginning hip hop class was cancelled

Last minute sorry

Muscle Guk

It's okay hyung

I just pulled in so I'll get stuff prepared for my intermediate class

“Fucking great.”

Rubbing a hand down his face in exhaustion, Jeongguk headed into the studio. Jimin offered him a smile, holding his hand out in the process.

“You only love me when I get you food.”

“I mean, yeah, what else is there to love?” Jimin teased.

Normally Jeongguk could just roll the teasing off – it was an act he had gotten very good at. He was certainly used to it. But after the comment from Namjoon earlier, Jeongguk was in no mood to be questioned and put down for his, lack of, love life. And when Jimin teased about what is there to love about Jeongguk, well, he withered inside every time. But he couldn’t let his hyung’s know that. He was emotionally and socially constipated, yes, but he also felt like a burden to them whenever he spoke about issues so trivial.

“Nothing, hyung, absolutely nothing.” A soul deep sigh left him.

With that, Jeongguk noticed and ignored the concerned look Jimin shot at him and walked into the studio that was reserved for his 10:30 am intermediate class. It was a class filled with mostly teens and young adults – the youngest in the class being 13 and the oldest being 22. Hope on the Street put on a showcase in March and September of every year, and all classes would perform. For Jeongguk, that meant preparing three dances – one for beginners and two for intermediate – all within the span of six months. It was a harder process than one might think.

“Hey, Jeongguk.”

Ah, hell.

Jeongguk turned. “Hey, Lisa. What’s up?”

Lisa, twin sister to Hoseok’s girlfriend, Mina – which, double yikes – and avid…fan of Jeongguk’s. Stalker seemed too harsh a word, yet essentially that’s what she was.

“I was like wondering if you were busy tonight?” Lisa bit her lip in a way Jeongguk assumed was meant to be seductive. “There’s a new club opening and I’m on the guest list. I get a plus one.”

“Um, you know, Lisa, I’m actually very busy, lots of stuff to get ready for the showcase and you know, I have…homework…” God, could that have been any more convincing?

Lisa pouted.

Lord, help me.

“Well, if you change your mind, you have my number.” With a wink, Lisa was backing out of the studio and back to the depths from which she came…in this case, that would be the reception desk.

“You think she’d get the hint that I’m gay. So fucking gay. Pretty sure I’ve never been interested in women. Just no.” Jeongguk flinched even just thinking of being with someone of the opposite sex.

Stripping down to his tank top and sweatpants, Jeongguk warmed up and went through the dance he’d be teaching his students. It was a combo for both his beginner and intermediate class and was usually a good way to unwind after a week of harder choreography.

“Seonsaengnim!” a chorus of voices startled Jeongguk out of his stretching.

“Morning,” Jeongguk smiled at the group. “Start your stretches and then we’ll begin with the routine.”

After doing a five-minute stretch period, Jeongguk had the students get in position for their start of class dance workout. Each class, whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced, did the same dance workout at the beginning of class. It was easy for the beginners to follow and allowed the more advanced classes to add their own moves.

“All right, class,” Jeongguk had everyone spread out respectively, “today we’re going to be doing a short and simple routine to Fifth Harmony’s ‘Worth It’. You feel warmed up?”

With a confirmation of “yeses,” Jeongguk turned the music on and got started, his students eager and ready to follow along.

When 45 minutes passed, Jeongguk called the students to gather in a circle and begin their wind-down, sitting and breathing, doing very short exercises, and drinking water. Jeongguk himself grabbed his sweatshirt and pulled it on, despite the sweat making his tank top cling to his back.

Saying goodbye to his students, Jeongguk made his was to Jimin’s contemporary studio. Jimin, having just graduated and become a full-time teacher at Hope on the Street, taught kiddie and advanced hip hop, beginning through advanced contemporary, and kiddie ballet. Saturday’s were their shortest work days, so they opened at 7 in the morning and closed at 2 in the afternoon. Knowing Jimin had a break after his 10:30 contemporary class, Jeongguk often waited for him to finish and they’d have lunch together.

“Jeongguk, have you changed your mind about tonight?” For fuck’s sake.

“Ah, Lisa, I’m sorry. I just don’t think I’m up to it.”

“Up to what?” Jimin’s voice came from behind Jeongguk.

“I was just asking Jeongguk if he wanted to go to a club opening with me tonight,” Lisa smiled at Jimin. “He’s rejecting me though.” Cue the pout. Did girls actually think that worked on guys?

Jimin snorted. Jeongguk glared. Lisa continued to pout.

“Lisa, hon, I’m going to tell you something and you have to understand, I’m saying this for your own good,” Jimin gave her a wry smile. “Jeongguk. Is. Gay.”

Lisa’s eyes widened, whether in horror or some other emotion, Jeongguk couldn’t tell. “No…he can’t…he can’t be gay! He’s been flirting since I started working here!”

The boy in question facepalmed. “It’s called being nice.”

Lisa “harrumphed” and walked away, an angry sort of bounce in her step. Jeongguk gave Jimin a deadpan look which the other immediately backtracked at. “It’s not like she was ever gonna give up and I honestly have no clue why you didn’t just tell her you were interested in guys.”

Grabbing his jacket and keys, Jimin led Jeongguk out to his car. “Speaking of that club tonight though, Yoongi, Joon-hyung, and Hobi-hyung are performing and we’re all on the guest list so you’re coming regardless.”

“You can’t just force me to go.”

Jimin squinted at Jeongguk. “Gukkie, you don’t leave the dorm unless it’s to go to work or class. I’m surprised you managed to get to the café this morning. You’re coming tonight, no ifs ands or buts. Also Jin-hyung is dying your hair when you get home.”

“What?!”

Jimin laughed, his cheeks scrunching up and making him look frustratingly cute. “Lunch and then get your cute butt home.”

Stopping at a street food vendor, Jeongguk and Jimin ordered two bowls of tteokbokki before heading back to Jimin’s car to eat. Jimin, being co-owner, liked taking a few minutes for lunch before heading back to the studio to get paperwork done on his break. Getting tteokbokki was a long-standing tradition between the two and one that was bound to stay that way for the foreseeable future. Jeongguk can still remember their first outing when he had first moved into the dorm and was terrified of being around so many new and talented people. Jimin, knowing him only a few hours, took Jeongguk to get comfort food to calm his nerves and the rest is history.

“Jeongguk, you know I would never force you to go somewhere? If you truly don’t want to go tonight, I won’t make you. I just…I’m worried abut you. You haven’t been joining us for movie nights and we’re worried. What’s going on with you? We miss you.”

How could Jeongguk tell his best friend that he was having dreams from a different time, a time where Jeongguk had possibly met the love of his life? And that these dreams were fucking him up? That these dreams made him not want to be awake, when sleeping was so much nicer. And that it was all because of this out of world boy with a boxy grin.

“I’m not…100%, hyung, but I’ll get there. I’ll start coming around more. And I’ll start with tonight. I promise.”

Jeongguk could tell Jimin wasn’t satisfied, but the elder dropped the issue – for now. Back at the studio, the two said their goodbye’s and Jeongguk hopped on his bike to head back to the dorm.

Korea National University of Arts, commonly abbreviated to K-Arts, was Jeongguk’s life and had been for the past three years. Majoring in both Dance Performance and Choreography, a minor in Management, Jeongguk would be lucky to finish within the next year. Jeongguk and Jimin had been sharing a dorm room since the younger first started at K-Arts and they’ve been hooked to each other ever since, the Busan dialect connecting them to a home they left long ago.

Normally, Jeongguk came back from work to an empty apartment; Jimin always staying late at the studio. Today though, the force that was Kim Seokjin stood armed and ready in their small bathroom.

“Come on, Gukkie. Let’s get your hair dyed and your clothes ready.”

“Hyung, it’s only,” Jeongguk looked at the clock. “12:30. Why are you doing this so early?”

Seokjin crossed his arms. “Because I know you’re going to fight me. Whether it be over the hair color Jimin and I picked out or over your outfit that Jimin and I also picked out. I’m not letting you back out of any of this, but I know you, so I know you’re going to be problematic.”

Okay, ouch.

“Now, take a quick shower to get that sweaty mess off of you, then get over here and put this towel over your eyes and do not peek until I am done. Understand?”

Knowing that one could (and would) not win against Seokjin when he was like this, Jeongguk nodded his head. Grabbing a pair of old sweats, Jeongguk got the shower ready as Seokjin finished preparing the hair dye set up. Once he was clean and dressed, Jeongguk sighed and walked, albeit reluctantly, the short distance to his eldest hyung and grabbed the towel before covering his eyes.

Sitting down on the stool Seokjin grabbed from his and Jimin’s room, Jeongguk sighed at the feeling the dye start to get kneaded into his hair.

After several minutes of comfortable silence, Jeongguk had to ask, “Hyung, did Namjoon-hyung ever get back to you on the date thing?”

Seokjin’s hands stopped for a minute before continuing. “Of course he told you. Though I don’t know why I expected different. To answer your question, he did. He stuttered through the whole thing, but he agreed. Though I am guessing I have you to thank.”

“Why do you say that?”

“He was having a crisis before you showed up, then you talked to him, and all of a sudden he’s accepting the date. I don’t know what you said, and I don’t want to know. Just, thanks.”

Jeongguk hummed in acknowledgment before falling silent once more. His eyes, though covered by the towel, felt heavy and a headache started pounding softly, starting in the bridge of his nose and working its way up to his eyes. He was in for a long night.

“Okay, we’ve let it sit and now it’s time to wash. You still can’t see it though. You have to wait until you’re dressed so you get the final look all together.”

“Whatever you say, hyung,” Jeongguk chuckled slightly.

“Brat.” Seokjin’s voice was fond.

Time passed quickly after that. Jimin returned home and began whirling around the dorm like a bat out of hell, grabbing his outfit as well as Jeongguk’s. Seokjin left as soon as Jimin was back, threats to Jeongguk that he shouldn’t look at his hair on the tip of his tongue. Jeongguk just waved him off and plopped down on his bed.

“Is this really necessary?”

“Yes,” Jimin didn’t even look up from where he was head first into his closet.

“Do I have time for a nap? I’m super tired, hyung,” Jeongguk practically begged. He would need the nap if any of his hyung’s expected him out tonight and to be at least semi functioning.

“Fine…short though. I’m waking you up in an hour and a half.”

Jeongguk was out like a light.

The cook smiled when he heard the childish laughter coming down the corridor. The young prince was by far his favorite to cook and bake for, the child was always so excited. But though the child was laughing, there was a lingering sadness in his eyes that had not been there the previous night.

“How are you today, your highness?” Seokjin asked.

“I’m fine,” Jeongguk pouted, “I’d be better if you called me Gukkie though!”

Seokjin laughed, always ready to indulge the prince. “Well, we can’t have you upset. What would you like for a snack today, Gukkie?”

“Hmm,” the young boy thought. “Hangwa!”

“Hangwa it is…sit tight, Gukkie.”

As Seokjin got to work, Jeongguk took a seat at the high counter. “Hyung, can I ask you a question?”

“You just did.”

“Hyung!” Jeongguk laughed. “Seriously.”

“Ask away, Gukkie.” Seokjin chuckled.

“Do you know the boy with the box smile?”

Seokjin stopped working, his smile slipped off his face. “Why do you ask?”

The youngest shrugged. “I saw him in the corridor this morning and didn’t recognize him. He was…cute, I guess. I wanted to know who he was.”

“That’s of no concern to you, your highness.”

“Why are you back to calling me ‘your highness?’ Something is being kept from me and I don’t appreciate it.” Jeongguk crossed his arms, lips settling into a deep frown.

“He’s…He’s no one important, Jeongguk and it would be best to forget you saw him.”

“But…”

“No.”

“Come on, Guk. It’s been like two hours.” Jimin shook his best friend. “I was nice and gave you an extra half hour.”

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Jeongguk sat up before staring in horror at the outfit laid out for him. “No…not happening.”

Jimin’s eyes crinkled, mouth forming into something reminiscent of the devil. “You’re wearing it, Guk. You’ll look handsome and definitely meet someone. It’s a win-win situation.”

“For you or for me?”

“For the both of us!”

“You’re way too happy about this, hyung,” Jeongguk held up the harness – what the fuck – with his fingertips.

“Just get dressed and don’t look at your hair. Please, Guk, I don’t ask for much,” Jimin gave him the puppy dog eyes and anyone who says “no” to Jimin’s puppy dog eyes has no soul.

“Fine.”

Clapping happily, Jimin shoved the outfit into Jeongguk’s hands before grabbing his own and heading to the bathroom. Jeongguk stared in disdain at his outfit. Fuck my life.

Slipping into the pants took the longest, Jimin bound and determined to find the tightest pair that would fit Jeongguk. The shirt was easier, but the harness was a tool of the devil and took an embarrassingly long time for him to figure out. He was hesitant to admit he liked the final outcome though.

“Damn, Guk. I knew you’d look good, but this…this is a whole other level.”

Cheeks flushing, Jeongguk appraised Jimin for his look. His hyung always looked good though, so it really was no surprise.

“The others are already at the club since Yoongi, Joon-hyung, and Hobi-hyung are performing. Jin-hyung went with Joon-hyung so it’s just us two,” Jimin explained, looking at his phone. “You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be. Are we walking, driving or taking a taxi?”

“Taxi. I plan on getting drunk so it’s the safest bet,” Jimin gave a cheeky grin.

The club was already packed once they arrived. Though Jeongguk shouldn’t be surprised as it was the grand opening and it was owned by an idol who they were fortunate to know through three of the older members of their group.

“I’m going to go find the table reserved for our group. Jin-hyung is backstage with the others, helping them with make-up and nerves. I think the ho is with them. You got the drinks?”

Giving Jimin a thumbs up, Jeongguk headed over to the bar. Sitting down, already mentally exhausted and tense from being around so many people, Jeongguk waved down the bartender before placing a group order of vodka shots and several of whatever their special was – Jeongguk was too bothered to look at the blackboard to figure it out.

“Bartender, Sex on the Beach, please!” a deep voice next to Jeongguk shouted.

Caught by surprise, Jeongguk flinched backwards and would have fallen off the barstool had the mystery man not grabbed ahold of his arm. Eyes traveled up the arm to the face of the man who caught him. Jeongguk’s breath caught.

“My name’s V.” A boxy grin formed on those lips that Jeongguk had only seen in his dreams. A blush started to form on Jeongguk’s cheeks, spreading up to his ears and making them feel hot. V’s grin widened. “You are quite cute, tokki. What do you say? Will you let me buy you a drink?”

Jeongguk felt himself nodding without making a conscious effort to do so. V winked.

I am so fucked.

“Bartender, Kamikaze for my friend here,” V called out. The bartender gave a thumbs up and after sliding V’s drink to him, got started on Jeongguk’s.

“So, tokki…”

“Jeongguk.”

V smirked. “Tokki, what’s a fine guy like yourself doing all on your lonesome?”

Jeongguk promptly choked on the drink he had just received. “I’m, um, not alone actually.” Cue the other bartender dropping off a tray of drinks. “My, um,” Fuck. “friends are performing, and I was sent to get the…drinks.” V was getting closer to Jeongguk’s face, effectively closing in on the boy’s personal space and rendering all thoughts to fly out the window – fly was too calm a term, more like chucked out the window.

“Well, it’s not fair of me to keep you from your friends,” V pouted and wow that look should not make Jeongguk weak in the knees.

“Um, just throwing this out there, you don’t have to, I just thought I had to like bring it up because wow, you…you’re really attractive, so maybe you could come hang out with my friends and me?” You really gotta stop rambling, Guk.

V’s pout turned into a sinful smirk. “Now, tokki, I love that offer, but I have people to mingle with tonight.”

Jeongguk tried not to show his disappointment. “Ah…right…of course. I’m an idiot...”

Of course the hot guy from his dreams would have a life. Just because his own life was limited, and he had severe social anxiety doesn’t mean everyone else had his problems. A hand came down on his shoulder.

“Don’t worry, tokki, we’ll see each other again.” Lips pressed teasingly to Jeongguk’s cheek; painfully close to his own mouth.

And then V was gone.

Fucking poof.

Like some fucking wizard or some shit.

“Gukkie, there you are. We’ve been waiting…Jin-hyung and Mina are at the booth. The others are going on stage soon. Come on.” Jimin grabbed the tray of drinks and started making his way towards the booth where their oldest friend was sitting and trying to ignore Hoseok’s girlfriend.

Kwon Mina was the epitome of every horrible decision a person could make. She frequently went out and cheated on Hoseok, was constantly drinking or doing drugs, and her twin had an unhealthy obsession with Jeongguk. But while all these facts were true, everyone but Hoseok saw her as such. He was “in love” with her and nothing could be done, not for lack of trying either.

“Hobi-oppa looks so hot tonight, doesn’t he Jinnie-oppa?” Mina batted her eyelashes at the elder.

Seokjin grimaced. “They all look very good and I’m sure they will kill it on stage.”

Setting down the drink tray, Jimin slid in opposite Mina and next to Seokjin, leaving Jeongguk to take the open seat next to Mina. He was in for a long night indeed.

“Ah, Gukkie! I’ve missed you!” Reaching out, Mina grabbed Jeongguk’s cheeks and pinched them with her long nails.

“Hi, noona.” Completely deadpan.

Mina pouted, scarily similar to Lisa’s pout earlier that day. “Why don’t you love me, Gukkie?”

Jeongguk didn’t bother replying, causing Mina’s pout to turn into an angry frown. “Lisa told me what happened earlier. How you like men.” She scoffed on the word “men.” Jimin and Seokjin stiffened, eyes narrowing. “It really is disgusting, Gukkie. I know Minnie and Jinnie-oppa are already corrupt because of their relationships, but that doesn’t need to happen to you, Gukkie. Honestly, you should surround yourself with better influences, like me and Hobi-oppa. I know, let me call Lisa over and we can solve this mess.”

“Mina-ssi,” done being nice, “I am going to say this in the simplest way I know and then I am leaving.” Jeongguk turned his body to face her. “I am not interested. I like men. I don’t like you or your sister. You’re a bitch and I don’t know what Hobi-hyung sees in you.” He turned to Jimin and Seokjin. “I am going closer to the stage to watch the performance. I won’t come back if she’s still here.”

Mina was left gaping as Jeongguk downed his shot and moved out of the booth. Alcohol made him feel bold, and Mina’s constant passive aggressive belittlement made Jeongguk angry. As Jeongguk got closer to the stage where Yoongi, Namjoon, and Hoseok would be performing, the younger could faintly make out the dancing form of V.

“You’re a fucking asshole, Guk.”

Jimin came up behind Jeongguk, hands resting on the youngers hips. Leaning back was instinctual, something the two always did despite Jimin and Yoongi being soulmates. It was a failsafe for both Jeongguk and Jimin – Jeongguk because he was socially awkward and wanted creeps to stay away from him; Jimin because Yoongi didn’t often go out with them and he didn’t want people thinking he was available.

“You can handle yourself around her, hyung,” Jeongguk mumbled, eyes slipping closed and body swaying to the song playing.

“Yeah, still don’t need to leave me with her though. Jin-hyung is trying to get away from her but she’s complaining and won’t let him leave.” Jimin’s hand carded through Jeongguk’s hair.

“Everybody, welcome to the stage, Cypher!”

Jimin pulled away from Jeongguk and gave all of his attention to the stage where his boyfriend and their friends were walking on stage. With Jimin’s attention focused on the stage, Jeongguk’s eyes roamed until they found V. The other was dancing, if you could even call it that, with a group of people – mostly men, one or two women. 

“Guk, come on, let’s get closer,” Jimin grabbed Jeongguk’s hand and pulled him until they were standing right at the stage.

Yoongi looked down and gave a wink to Jimin, Hoseok and Namjoon giving the two a happy yet small smile. The trio welcomed their friend Shin Donghyuk – also known as Supreme Boi in the underground hip-hop/rap scene. The beat to their medley started and the crowd lost it.

Yoongi and Namjoon had started rapping as competitors in the underground scene, Hoseok dancing in a similar situation. All three had found each other in their university composition class and had come together to form Cypher. They mainly performed underground but every once in a while, a popular club would ask them to come perform. Zico was one of those people. Leader of the popular idol group Block B, Zico had opened a few clubs – this one, Ecstasy, was the newest in Zico’s franchise and was set up to become a massive hit.

Speaking of…

“Yo, JK!”

Jeongguk turned to face the rapper. “Hey, hyung.”

Clapping Jeongguk on the back, Zico led the younger over to a booth where the other members of Block B were sitting. And sitting directly in the middle of them was V.

“Jeongguk, you know the guys. And this,” Zico pointed to V, “is V. He is a very good friend of mine.”

Oh.

V smirked. “Oh, we know each other, babe. I met this cutie just a bit ago at the bar. Definitely made an impression.”

Jeongguk’s cheeks colored as Zico and the others laughed. Grabbing the shot offered to him, Jeongguk took it and quickly scowled. Tequila was by far his least favorite alcohol. Taking the seat being offered, Jeongguk took another shot to try to quell the embarrassment he felt.

“There is a reason I brought you over here, JK.” Jeongguk looked at Zico. “We have a comeback coming up and our choreographer…quit on us. We were kind of hoping you’d choreograph for us. We would have asked Hoseok, but you know how busy he gets.”

Of course, I’m the second choice. As always.

Jeongguk faked a smile. “Sure, hyung. You have my number. Just let me know when you want me to come in.”

Standing up, Jeongguk failed to notice the concerned glint in V’s eyes or the downward pull to his lips. Seeing that the set was over – and feeling properly pissed that he’d missed majority of it thanks Zico – Jeongguk headed over to the booth containing his friends. Jimin and Yoongi were wrapped up in each other, Hoseok and Mina were groping each other – much to the chagrin of everyone else, and Namjoon and Seokjin kept careful distance between them despite the promised date the following night. Jeongguk felt properly like a seventh wheel.

“Jiminie-hyung, I’m gonna head home.” He turned to face the two rappers paying attention. “I’m sorry for missing the set.”

Jimin immediately removed Yoongi’s arm from around him and sat up. “Is everything okay?”

Jeongguk did what he does best, forced a smile. “Of course. Got a job offer from Zico-hyung and everything. I’m just not feeling much up to partying tonight.”

“Okay, let’s go then.” Jimin made a move to stand up.

“No!” Jimin startled and a look of hurt crossed his features briefly. “No, it’s okay, hyung. You stay and celebrate with Yoongi-hyung. I’ll be fine. It’s not a terrible walk and the fresh air will do me some good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Waving goodbye, Jeongguk left the booth. He saw Lisa…dancing over by the bar. Though he was sure that whatever it was she was doing, it was not dancing. His nose curled in disgust. A flash of metallic silver caught his eye and Jeongguk turned just before exiting the bar. V was laughing and drinking with Zico, a hand on his arm. Sensing eyes on him, V’s head turned slightly, and his gaze met Jeongguk’s. A half smirk formed on V’s lips and Jeongguk could just make out the goodbye he was giving Zico. Not quite sure he wanted to be caught up in V again, Jeongguk hurried from the club and down the street.

“Tokki!”

Jeongguk could have cried. Against his better judgment, the boy stopped walking and waited for V to catch up.

“Where are you headed so early into the night?”

“It’s not early, V-ssi. It’s nearly midnight.”

Jeongguk ignored the mumbled and sardonic “V-ssi” from V. “It’s early for clubbing, tokki. Since you’re so keen on leaving, at least let me walk you home.”

“I don’t know you.”

“Let’s change that one step at a time. Let me walk you home. You don’t know how dangerous the streets could be,” V smirked. It’s like he knows the smirk makes me feel weak. He’s playing against my emotions.

It was a losing battle, especially with that smirk coming at him full force. Jeongguk sighed but nodded, turning to walk but not waiting to see if V followed.

“So, tell me about yourself, tokki,” V questioned.

It took all of Jeongguk’s self-control not to groan out loud. “I’m 20 and a student at K-Arts.”

V laughed. “You gotta give me more than that!”

Jeongguk stopped walking. “I really don’t. Like I said, I don’t know you…hell, I don’t even know your real name.”

V’s gaze turned dejected and he mumbled something too quietly for Jeongguk to hear. Looking back up, the elder’s smile was back in place but Jeongguk had enough to practice to see how forced it was. “Right you are, tokki. I apologize for imposing on your walk home. I hope you make it back safely and maybe we’ll see each other soon.”

V turned and walked back in the direction of the club. Before he disappeared out of sight, he turned and called back, “If you’re curious about anything, look up Vante. He might just help you clear up some stuff.” There was a teasing lilt in his voice that had Jeongguk raising his eyebrows in surprise.

Vante? Why was that name so familiar to Jeongguk?

Jeongguk’s drink idled brain pushed that thought off for a later time and he continued on his way home. The dorm, though small and often cramped, was a welcome sight for Jeongguk as the days events caught up with him. Not bothering to change, the boy slumped down onto his bed.

V.

As cliché as the saying was, V was the man of Jeongguk’s dreams. And though often said figuratively, Jeongguk meant it in the most literal way.

Vante. Vante. Why is that name so familiar?

Fishing his phone from his pocket, Jeongguk opened Instagram and started his search. A lot of fan pages appeared before he settled on one: @vanteofficial.

There were two immediate realizations that surprised Jeongguk. One, there was a picture of Namjoon, taken quite recently it would seem. Two, Vante was his idol – well, in terms of photography anyway. How had he not recognized the elder? Jeongguk had been following Vante for years…ever since the other was first starting off. There was an edge and realness to his photos that Jeongguk found refreshing and he’d been hooked ever since.

“Fuck.”

Jeongguk let his head fall back on his pillow. The drinks he had at the club made his brain pound and all of this new information didn’t make that any easier. Obviously, he’d seen pictures of the man before – usually a blurry picture or a silhouette. How he didn’t make the connection between Vante and his dream guy astounded him.

Jeongguk was tired. It seemed as if everyone in the castle was keeping some secret from him. Well…maybe not the whole castle. But it definitely felt that way to the 8-year-old.

Seokjin had taken to avoiding the boy, as if that made the situation easier. Namjoon would be avoiding the prince if he hadn’t such a huge role in the youngest’s upbringing. Hoseok, the head of the stables, never outright ignored the prince but he didn’t go out of his way to greet him like normal.

Jeongguk was sick of it.

Taking off to the stables, fingers crossed that Namjoon wouldn’t catch him and that Hoseok was off somewhere else, Jeongguk was on a mission. Slipping into Nochu ’s – his horse – stall, Jeongguk was not surprised at what he found. Nochu was a fantastic horse, so Jeongguk was not shocked that the bedding that was rolled up in the corner hadn’t been trampled.

“Um…is anyone here?”

A giggle came from the next stall. A head popped up, a boxy grin flashing over the gate. “Hi.”

Jeongguk smiled. “Hi! I haven’t seen you since that day in the hallway.”

The boy shrugged. “I wander. I never stay in one place too long. Hoseok-hyung has been kind in letting me stay in the stables.”

“I feel like everyone is trying to keep me from knowing who you are…” the prince pouted.

“That’s weird. I feel the same way! Every time I ask about you they change the subject, it’s not fair.” The other boy stomped his foot slightly, a similar pout to Jeongguk’s forming on his lips.

“Well…we can always change that? I’m Jeon Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk bowed slightly before holding out his hand.

“Kim Taehyung.” The other took the prince’s hand. “Nice to finally meet you, your highness.”

Jeongguk woke up to someone – most likely Jimin – shaking his shoulder. Opening his eyes and squinting at the sudden light, Jeongguk just groaned and pulled his pillow over his face. A familiar weight settled on his stomach and Jeongguk had to try his best not to laugh – Jimin always did this if he felt the youngest of their group was feeling bad about himself.

“Morning, Gukkie.”

Jeongguk pulled the pillow away from his eyes. “Morning, hyung.”

“Heard what happened with Zico-hyung last night. Was drunk and came over to our table shortly after you left. Said he really wanted Hobi-hyung to choreograph for their comeback but asked you instead. I know it’s a great opportunity but I’m sorry it came to you like that,” Jimin frowned.

“Eh, it’s okay,” Jeongguk shrugged. “At least it’s a job.”

Jimin poked Jeongguk’s forehead. “It’s not okay. You’re so talented, Guk, and soon people will start seeing that and you’ll be first choice.”

Jeongguk flushed. “Thanks, hyung.”

Jimin giggled and proceeded to drop his whole body onto the youngest’s front. Jeongguk groaned but couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of him. “Now, get up, shower, get dressed, we’re heading to the café to meet Yoongi and Jin-hyung.”

Chuckling and pushing Jimin off him, Jeongguk headed into the bathroom and winced when he saw the eyeliner smudged under his eyes – he looked like a raccoon. A shower would definitely do him some good. Twenty minutes later, Jeongguk was dressed and running a towel through his wet hair.

“Jiminie-hyung, are you ready?”

Hearing an affirmative, Jeongguk grabbed the keys to his bike and an extra helmet for Jimin. Tossing it to the elder, the two headed downstairs and were then on their way to Espresso Patronum.

Upon walking in Jeongguk and Jimin took notice of the pun board - Where Have You Bean All My Life - continuing to stand proud and greet every customer that walked in. Seeing Seokjin and Yoongi at their regular booth, the two youngest couldn’t stop the laugh at Yoongi’s depressed and resigned look. Jimin instantly went to his boyfriend’s side and pressed a kiss to the elder’s cheek. Jeongguk followed at a slower pace before taking a seat next to Seokjin.

“Hey, Gukkie,” Seokjin greeted him with a smile.

Forcing one on his face in return, Jeongguk greeted as enthusiastic as he could. “Morning, Jin-hyung.” He turned to Yoongi. “I wanted to apologize again for missing most of your performance last night, Yoongi-hyung.”

“It’s alright, kid. I know how Zico gets so I can’t say I’m too surprised. Also, he should be fucking honored to have you choreograph for him. Hoseok thinks the same.”

Jeongguk just shrugged. “At this point, I guess I’m just happy he even considered me.”

Seokjin looked like he wanted to argue with the youngest of their group but one look from Jimin – he could be scary when he wanted to – made him close his mouth and keep his thoughts to himself.

Jeongguk played with the cup of hot chocolate that Seokjin got him and let his thoughts wander. Seokjin and Jimin were talking about the former’s date later that day and Yoongi was watching Jimin with a fond expression on his face.

The bell ringing on the door signaled a new customer and Yoongi got up to deal with them. Jeongguk watched him go, his eyes following the movement until they stopped on the newcomer.

Blonde hair.

Boxy grin.

As if sensing his eyes, V turned and found Jeongguk’s gaze. A smirk started to form but something in Jeongguk’s look must have tipped him off because V’s half-smirk dropped, and he was turning on his heel, quick to leave the café. Jeongguk raced after him.

“V! Wait!”

The boy didn’t stop, just continued pushing his way through the morning crowd. Jeongguk was starting to lose sight of the photographer so he pulled out his last resort.

“Kim Taehyung!”

V stopped, his shoulders drooping in what Jeongguk recognized as exhaustion. Catching up, Jeongguk was surprised to see the other’s shoulders shaking.

“I didn’t think you’d actually figure it out.”

Jeongguk startled. “What?”

V, or Taehyung…whatever his name was, gave a scornful laugh. “You have the dreams, right? What are they? A simple servant and his master? A prince and a runaway? A witch and his familiar? Or is it my favorite…the mobster and his prisoner?”

“I,” Jeongguk didn’t know what to say. “I’ve only had the prince one.”

His voice was unsure, and Taehyung picked up on that. “I honestly figured you’d only gone through one. Hell, I bet you haven’t even got to the ending. But me...I’ve had them all, kid. My whole life has been spent living these dreams.” The boy turned to face Jeongguk. “I found you a few years ago, ya know? You had no clue who I was. Didn’t recognize me at all. Met you a few times randomly after that – nothing too consistent because I didn’t want us to become close at that point - and still nothing. So I let it go. Not even a hint that you were having the same dreams. When I came up to you at the club, I chose to ignore the fact that you would never recognize who I was. I just wanted to meet you.”

“How come you’ve had them so long? Mine only started a month or so ago...”

Jeongguk watched as Taehyung shrugged. “I don’t know. But I’m done. We’ve met. That’s it. I’m going home and we’re going to forget we met and move on with our lives. Hopefully now that we’ve both met, and both had the dreams, they’ll stop, and things will go back to normal.”

Jeongguk felt powerless as the elder walked away from him.

“Gukkie?”

The youngest startled once more and turned around. Jimin and Seokjin stood behind him, and looking in the café, Jeongguk noticed Yoongi looking at him concerned from behind the counter.

“Hyungs, what are you doing? I was just getting some air.”

The lie didn’t sound convincing to his own ears. The two elders didn’t buy it either.

“Come on, Guk. Let’s go sit down and talk.”

Jeongguk sighed but followed the two back into the café. Yoongi had one of the newer employees take over and joined the three back at their regular booth. Handing Jeongguk a new hot chocolate, Jimin prompted, “What’s going on, Guk?”

“I don’t even know where to start,” the boy sighed.

“You can start by telling us how you know Taehyungie,” Seokjin encouraged.

Jeongguk’s head whipped around to face the eldest of their group. “How do you know him?!”

“He’s my half-brother. I know for sure I’ve mentioned him before. I’ve never brought him around to meet you guys because he travels so much. Never would have guessed you would know him though, Guk.”

“I don’t know him...not really anyway.” Jeongguk took a deep breath. “A month ago, give or take, I started having these dreams. We’re all in them. It’s like some alternate universe or something. But they’re so real and I wake up wanting to go back to sleep, so I can see him again.”

“Him? You mean Taehyung?” Jimin asked.

“Yeah...I didn’t know that was his name until recently though. My dream hyungs did a pretty great job at keeping us from ever officially meeting so I never really knew what to call him. Then at the club last night, I met ‘V.’ It was the same smile and voice from my dreams and I could finally put a name to face, kind of. He flirted, bought me a drink, then left to go hang out with Zico-hyung. When I left the club he followed me and walked me halfway home before I snapped, and he left.”

“I’m still confused, Guk. When did you figure out Taehyung was V?”

“In my dream last night. It’s the only dream I’ve had where we were able to introduce ourselves.” Jeongguk looked down at the table, the cracks much more fascinating than looking his hyungs in the eye.

Neither of his three hyungs said anything for a moment and Jeongguk could feel his anxiety rising. He didn’t even realize how hard he was gripping his new cup of hot chocolate until Seokjin grabbed his hands and pulled them away and into his own larger ones.

“Listen to me, Gukkie. Let me talk to Tae. He’ll be staying with me for a few days, until his apartment is done being renovated. Let me talk to him and see where his head is and then I can formally introduce you two, okay?” Seokjin squeezed the youngers hands.

Jeongguk just nodded, not really seeing any other choice. “Thank you, hyung.”

Now he just had to wait.

Chapter Text

Turns out waiting was much harder than Jeongguk anticipated.

Weeks passed before Jeongguk even heard back from Seokjin on the whole Taehyung issue. Though, between classes and work, Jeongguk found his time suitably occupied. By the time Seokjin got back to him, Chuseok was beginning.

As per tradition, Jeongguk and his hyungs gathered at Seokjin’s as his apartment was the largest, and he was the oldest. Seokjin grumbled about it, but it was easy to tell he truly loved having everyone over.

Adjusting his grip on the songpyeon he made, Jeongguk knocked on the door leading to Seokjin’s apartment. The tradition of making the songpyeon changed each year, though it often skipped Namjoon as he was usually banned – with good reason – from the kitchen.

Jeongguk was wholly unprepared for who opened the door.

Taehyung stood there, head facing back in towards the living room, laughter echoing through the short hallway. That bright laugh choked off when his head turned, and he made eye contact with Jeongguk.

“What are you doing here?”

Jeongguk blanched. There was so much disdain in that one question. It left the youngest reeling. The boy stuttered “Seokjin-hyung” as he tried to not make too much direct eye contact.

“Taehyungie, who’s at the door?” Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Jeongguk could have sighed in audible relief.

Seokjin’s head popped up over Taehyung’s shoulder. “Oh, Gukkie! We were wondering when you’d get here. Come in.”

A loud chorus of “Gukkie” brought Jeongguk’s attention to the living room. Jimin and Yoongi were curled up on the couch, Namjoon reading a book in the love seat, Mina and Hoseok had apparently had a lovers spat and were resolutely not looking at each other. Seokjin had disappeared into the kitchen, taking the songpyeon with him. And then there was Taehyung. He was staring at Jeongguk with an expression Jeongguk couldn’t decipher.

“It’s been so long, Guk, where have you been?” Hoseok looked up at the youngest, as if he hadn’t seen him nearly every day at the studio.

Jeongguk couldn’t very well admit he was avoiding his hyungs, too torn up over Taehyung’s reaction to be social. It made him sound too pathetic. “Just been busy. Between classes and working at the studio, I’ve barely had time to breathe.”

Jeongguk ignored the look Jimin sent his way. Being his roommate, Jimin knew more about the situation than anyone else. Jimin could hear Jeongguk’s restless nights, hear the youngest rummaging through the dorm because he didn’t want to sleep for fear of dreaming.

“Well, we’re glad you were able to make it tonight,” the dancer grinned. It wasn’t his full megawatt smile, but Jeongguk appreciated it nonetheless.

“Dinner’s ready,” Seokjin called from the kitchen.

Letting his hyungs go in front of him, Jeongguk took up the end of their train. Jimin stopped beside him and wrapped his arm around the youngest’s waist. Jeongguk’s arm found its way around Jimin’s shoulders.

“You gonna be okay, Guk?” Jimin asked, concern heavy in his gaze.

Jeongguk nodded. “Of course. Let’s go before Jin-hyung gets hangry.”

Walking into the kitchen, Jeongguk was upset – though not visibly – to see that the only two open spots were between Yoongi and Hoseok or between Taehyung and Mina. Jeongguk wasn’t about to separate Yoongi and Jimin, so he took a deep breath before sitting between Mina and Taehyung. 

Table Setup

Yoongi :: Jimin :: Hoseok

Seokjin                                        Namjoon

Mina :: Jeongguk :: Taehyung

Dinner itself was a tremulous affair. Hoseok and Mina were as far from each other as they could get. Jeongguk and Taehyung were very obvious in their tense body language. This left Seokjin and Namjoon, Yoongi and Jimin, to try and diffuse the tension.

Though dinner wasn’t nearly as enjoyable as it was previous years, there was one tradition they had that was bound to get rid of any and all tension.

“Conjuring time!” Hoseok screamed.

It was hilarious that Hoseok was excited when everyone knew that not even 10 minutes in, he would be curled up on someone’s lap. They took bets every year to see who it would be. It looked like everyone was betting on Hoseok ending up on Yoongi’s lap.

Jeongguk leaned against the doorway leading from the kitchen back to the living room. Watching everyone find seats was always a fun experience. An arm brushed against his and Jeongguk looked up in surprise. Taehyung took to leaning against the wall opposite him.

“Taehyung-ssi.”

“Tokki.” Taehyung smirked. Jeongguk suppressed the shiver that ran down his spine.

Jeongguk frowned. Taehyung’s constantly changing moods were not amusing and left Jeongguk reeling. “Please don’t call me that.” No matter how much he secretly loved it.

“You know Jinnie-hyung tried talking to me about you and I brushed him off...I don’t particularly want you to know me better. I figured the dreams would stop, they haven’t. So let’s just agree to pretend that we’re not having dreams of each other? Deal? Awesome.”

With that said, Taehyung turned and plopped down on the couch next to his brother. Jeongguk breathed out, his shoulders dropping in relief. Jimin looked over the back of the couch and smiled at him, giving the ground in front of him a pat. Jeongguk chuckled and moved over to tuck himself in front of his tiniest hyung. He knew it wouldn’t be long until Jimin slid off the couch and hid into Jeongguk’s side. The movie started up, Jeongguk looking to the screen to see the quote that started the movie go by.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers on the dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

Jeongguk scooched down further into the ground and back of the couch, grabbing the blanket Seokjin handed to him. Horror movies weren’t his favorite, but he didn’t hate them either. Honestly, more often than not, Jeongguk tended to fall asleep during them. And the fact he’d gotten barely any sleep the last few weeks, this was bound to be his catch-up time.

“Your highness, where are you?” Namjoon shouted.

The boy, now twelve, chuckled and hid further into the bushes. Roses pricked into his skin, but he paid them no mind. He had to get Namjoon off his back for just a few hours.

“Your highness!”

Jeongguk bit his lip and continued moving backwards, coming up on what he knew was a secret path that would take him to the stables. Making a run for it, Jeongguk didn’t stop until he was in the safety of Nochu’s stable.

“Gukkie!” a voice quietly shouted, well, as quietly as the boy physically could.

Jeongguk groaned but couldn’t keep the smile off his face. “Hi, Tae.”

“Are you ready to head down to the lake?” Taehyung asked, his smile growing bigger.

The young prince nodded and the two linked hands before sprinting down to the lake. Making sure not to be seen, the two boys giggled as they took hidden paths to a little alcove down by the lake that surrounded the back of the castle.

A surprise was waiting for them. And not a good one.

Namjoon stood with Jeongguk’s father.

Jeongguk and Taehyung skidded to a stop, eyes widening in horror. A group of knights surrounded them. Jeongguk pulled Taehyung closer to his body, grip on his hand tight. Taehyung was shaking but wouldn’t stop glaring at Jeongguk’s father.

One of the knights stepped forward. “Kim Taehyung, by order of his royal majesty, Jeon Jeongmin, you are under arrest for treason.”

Jeongguk’s breath left him. Taehyung let go of the prince’s hand and moved forward. Jeongguk just watched in wide eyed horror as his best friend, someone he cared very strongly for, was taken prisoner.

Jeongguk startled awake when a high pitch scream sounded in his ear. Flinching, Jeongguk looked over his shoulder to find Jimin clinging to his shoulder, nails digging into his skin. A quieter and more subdued scream came from his right and when Jeongguk looked he saw Taehyung gripping a pillow tightly in front of his face, eyes peeking over the top.

“Whoever chose this movie is a fucking sadist!” Hoseok screamed.

“You chose it, Hobi.” Yoongi deadpanned.

Hoseok smacked Yoongi with his pillow, as best as he could considering he was perched on the elder’s lap. Jeongguk got an evil chuckle seeing Mina so put out.

“Guk, protect me!” Jimin shouted, diving into Jeongguk’s lap as the main characters wandered into the basement.

Jeongguk laughed and pulled Jimin into a more comfortable position on his lap. “It’s almost over, hyung.”

The last hour of the movie passed quickly for Jeongguk considering he had a person on his lap and a hand gripping his shoulder painfully. Hoseok had fucking claws.

When the movie was over, and everyone had stood up to stretch, Jeongguk couldn’t help but notice the tan expanse of skin that showed when Taehyung lifted his hands above his head. His staring – ogling? – came to an abrupt stop when he noticed the smattering of bruises on his hip and continuing up his side. Those were definitely too gruesome to be hickeys, and Jeongguk didn’t want to believe what he thought them to be. When Taehyung caught him looking, he glared and pulled his shirt back down to cover his stomach and sides. Jeongguk felt his stomach drop.

Please, don’t let those be from what I think they are.

Clearing his throat, Jeongguk stood quickly from his place on the floor. “I think I’m gonna head home. It’s been a…long day.”

Seokjin looked at the youngest, a concerned glint in his eyes. “Are you sure, Guk? You normally stay the night.”

Jeongguk couldn’t ignore the fact that Taehyung’s body tensed at Seokjin’s words. “It’s okay, hyung, really. It’s not too bad of a walk.” 30 minutes really wasn’t horrible.

Thunder rumbled.

Seokjin rounded on Jeongguk, eyes narrowed. “Either you stay, or Taehyung gives you a ride.”

Wait, what?!

Taehyung was much more vocal in his displeasure, causing Namjoon and Hoseok to look at the two in question with confusion in their eyes.

“I will not spend however the fuck long it takes in a car with him, and I will not be staying here if he stays.”

Jeongguk forced down the knot in this throat, his voice coming out choked and cracked, “Jin-hyung, it’s really okay. I’ll walk.” He shoved his shoes onto his feet before hurrying out the door, a quick “bye, hyungs” thrown over his shoulder.

None of them had time to stop Jeongguk before the door was slamming shut.

Jeongguk ran out of the apartment complex, regretting it immediately when he was met with a torrential downpour. Cursing his luck, Jeongguk opted to sprint his way to his dorm room instead of walking. Returning to Seokjin’s apartment was not something he was willing to do. He had really hoped Jimin was coming back with him, but his roommate and Yoongi were taking the train to Daegu in the morning to see the latter’s family for Chuseok, so it made more sense for Jimin to stay at Yoongi and Hoseok’s apartment.

As he neared the dorm a mere 15 minutes later – he thanked any higher power for the stamina he had – Jeongguk found tears making their way down his face. His chin quivered trying to hold in the sobs that wanted to be let out. With shaking hands, Jeongguk tried typing the passcode to the dorms in, failing each time. With a frustrated shout, the boy slid down the wall, hands holding his head as his cries were finally released.

“Gukkie?”

With a sniffle, Jeongguk looked up to meet the concerned gaze of his ex-boyfriend, Kim Mingyu. And fuck, if that didn’t make Jeongguk cry harder. God, he was pathetic. Crying over some guy who he barely knew.

“Guk? Come on,” Mingyu cooed, crouching down in front of the younger.

Mingyu’s hands reached out for Jeongguk’s, pulling them away from his face. Standing, Mingyu worked on pulling Jeongguk into a standing position. Jeongguk, worn out from crying and keeping all his emotions in check, collapsed in a heap into his ex’s arms.

With a sad sigh, Mingyu worked slowly to get Jeongguk into the dorms and up to his room. It was a whole new ordeal for Jeongguk to get his fingers to cooperate to put the passcode for his dorm room. When the door finally opened, Mingyu maneuvered Jeongguk to the bed before setting him down as gently as he could.

“Gyu,” Jeongguk mumbled.

A fond smile overtook Mingyu’s face. “Hey, Guk. How ya feeling?”

The younger shrugged before curling onto his side. A frown pulled at his lips and tears formed once more in his eyes, causing Mingyu more worry. He knew Jeongguk was sensitive and shy, and often times he pulled away from people – it’s the main reason the two ended up falling apart – but this was unusual behavior even for Jeongguk.

“Jeongguk, talk to me.” Mingyu sat down at the foot of Jeongguk’s bed. “What’s going on, bun?”

The boy chuckled mirthlessly. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

Mingyu’s brow furrowed. “Why wouldn’t I be? We’re friends, aren’t we?”

“But you broke up with me.”

“I broke up with you because we ended up being way too different. We weren’t compatible. But just because we didn’t work as a couple didn’t mean we didn’t work as friends. I still love you, Guk. Just, I love you differently than I thought I did.” Mingyu’s hand came down on Jeongguk’s calf.

Jeongguk sat up and shuffled forward as much as he could before faceplanting into Mingyu’s chest. Mingyu chuckled and wrapped his arms around the younger’s shoulders.

“You’re such an amazing guy, Mingyu…I’m sorry we didn’t work out.”

Mingyu chuckled and pulled Jeongguk closer. “Now, you gonna tell me what’s up?”

Jeongguk sighed and wiped at his eyes before explaining the situation. The dreams, meeting Taehyung, how the other seemed to hate him, how he felt like he was drowning.

Mingyu didn’t speak for several moments, instead he found himself staring holes into the wall opposite him. When he spoke, the quietness broke and Jeongguk startled. “Let’s date.”

A surprised laugh burst from Jeongguk’s throat. “What?”

“I’m serious, Guk.” Mingyu turned to face the younger. “We’ve both established we don’t like each other romantically. But we can pretend to date. It might prove to Taehyung-ssi that he needs to get over himself and then he’ll realize you two belong together.”

Jeongguk was skeptical and it was a thought he voiced.

“Okay, let me put it this way,” Mingyu continued. “Taehyung-ssi doesn’t like you. Don’t give me that look, Guk. From what you’ve told me, you know it to be true. There’s this guy I like, but he won’t give me the time of day – and trust me, I’ve tried. You’ve spent all this time focusing your attention on Taehyung-ssi, and I’ve focused all my time and energy on Wonwoo-hyung – again don’t give me that look, I’ll explain more later. If our attention is all of a sudden focused elsewhere, maybe, just maybe, they’ll realize that they’re idiots and actually give us a chance.”

“I don’t hate this idea, I just can’t see it working,” Jeongguk shrugged his shoulders.

Mingyu grabbed the youngers hands in his. “We’ll take it slow so it’s not so obvious. Maybe blow off a few hangouts with your hyungs and tell them you’re trying to take your mind of off Taehyung-ssi. They won’t think you and I are so farfetched because we have dated before. Do they know why we broke up?” Jeongguk just shook his head. “Good, then they’ll just think we reconnected and wanted to give our relationship another shot.”

“Okay, let’s do it.”

“Awesome. Now, do you want me to stay with you tonight or are you okay on your own?” Mingyu looked very concerned for Jeongguk’s well-being.

“I’ll be okay. Really, Gyu. You go, and I’ll text you tomorrow, so we can set up our first date as fake boyfriends.” Jeongguk laughed.

“You’re a great guy, Guk, and any guy who doesn’t see that is fucking stupid. I would know,” Mingyu winked on that last sentence, causing the youngest to burst into a loud laugh. “Night, Guk.”

“Night, Gyu.”

As soon as the door closed behind Mingyu, Jeongguk moved slowly to lock the door, thoughts swirling around his head. What if’s floating back and forth, a dull ache beginning to form right above his eyes.

The young boy startled when a buzzing sound came from somewhere on his bed. Groaning out a swear, he began searching through the copious amounts of blankets and pillows for his phone. Finding it with an “a-ha” shouted in victory, Jeongguk was surprised but also not at the texts from Jimin.  

Today 10:25 pm

Jiminie ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ

Hey babe

Are you okay?

I know Tae was kind of a huge ass

I can still come back to the dorms if you need me

Favorite Dongsaeng

Don't worry about it hyung

I'll be okay

Jiminie ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ

Gukkie

I don't want you to be alone

Favorite Dongsaeng

I wasn't

Alone

Jiminie ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ

What

What do you mean you weren't alone?

Jeongguk fucking answer me

Favorite Dongsaeng

...

Damn hyung

I mean I wasn't alone. Mingyu was with me

Jiminie ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ

Mingyu?

Favorite Dongsaeng

Yes

Jiminie ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ

Ex-boyfriend

That Mingyu?

Favorite Dongsaeng

Yes hyung

Jiminie ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ

Whatever it is you're doing

Just be careful

Favorite Dongsaeng

I will hyung, you don't have to worry

Jiminie ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ

I feel like I raised you, brat

I share custody with Namjoon-hyung

I'm always going to worry

Favorite Dongsaeng

♥️♥️♥️

Jiminie ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ

♥️♥️♥️

Get some sleep, Guk

Favorite Dongsaeng

You too, hyung

Have fun in Daegu

With that, Jeongguk threw his phone down, not bothering to charge it. Tomorrow was going to be a new day, and for the first time since the dreams started, Jeongguk wished that they would have never began in the first place. 

Chapter Text

Jeongguk woke up with puffy eyes and an incessant buzzing coming from under his body. Blushing, it took Jeongguk’s sleep addled brain far longer to remember it was his phone and not something else.

Fishing his phone out of his blankets, Jeongguk squinted at the screen, the sudden brightness blinding him slightly. Failing to get his eyes to focus without his glasses, Jeongguk suffered through the effort of searching his bedside table for said glasses, all while his phone continued to buzz. With a triumphant “a-ha” the boy slid the glasses on his face and turned his attention back to his phone.

Today 9:24 am

Mingyu

Good morning boyfriend

Hello?

Jeongguk?

Jeongguk

Hey

Yeah

So I may have forgot this was a thing now

Mingyu

lmfao

Figured we'd start simple this morning

You good to get a drink at Yoongi-ssi's cafe?

Jeongguk

You gonna pick me up boyfriend?

Mingyu

Who's to say I'm not already waiting for you?

I got here 10 minutes ago (^_−)☆

Jeongguk

Well aren't you something

Give me a few more minutes

I'll be right down

Mingyu

o(*^▽^*)o

Jeongguk laughed nervously at Mingyu’s excitement.

This is such a bad idea.

Grabbing a simple light pink button down to throw over his signature white shirt, Jeongguk paired the outfit with a choker and some ripped jeans. Deciding on keeping the glasses, he grabbed his timberlands from the shoe rack by the front door and, after slipping them on, hurriedly made his way down the stairs.

“Well that was quick,” Mingyu chuckled.

Rolling his eyes, Jeongguk linked his arm with the older boy. “Let’s just do this.”

The walk to Espresso Patronum took slightly longer than usual, not only because they were walking but also because Mingyu seemed to attract the attention of all kinds of animals as they were walking, and he demanded the need to pet (almost) all of them.

“Wait, is this a new thing? It’s been awhile since I’ve been in…”

Jeongguk looked to where Mingyu was pointing – the pun board. “Ah, yeah. Yoongi-hyung should know never to bet against Jin-hyung, it never ends well.” The pun today read I Love You A Latte.

“What was the bet? I mean, knowing Yoongi-ssi, I feel like he would have tried harder so he wouldn’t have to deal with the pun board.”

“Yoongi-hyung and Jimin-hyung had to go a whole day without talking.” Cue a mischievous smile.

Mingyu burst into laughter. “I can now understand why Yoongi-ssi lost.”

Dropping Mingyu’s arm, Jeongguk moved to walk into the café. Stopping abruptly, the older grunted as he collided into Jeongguk’s back. Mingyu moved quickly to hold the younger’s hand, especially when he managed to find what caused Jeongguk to stop, the sight of Namjoon, Seokjin, Hoseok, and Taehyung sitting at the booth closest to the counter.  

“Hey Guk, what can I get you and your friend?” a voice startled Jeongguk away from looking at the group of people.

“Um, hey Bin. I’ll have just a hot chocolate. What do you want, Gyu?”

“I’ll have milk tea, please.”

“Coming right up. Why don’t you two go find a table? We’re not busy so I’ll just bring the drinks to you,” Bin grinned.

Jeongguk could feel eyes boring into the side of his head, but he resolutely refused to look.

“Guk, babe, you need to breathe. Cause you’re like, starting to turn a reddish purple and it’s freaking me out.”

The younger just shot his friend a panicked look. Breathe? What is breathing when I can feel the stare of the guy, I’m pretty sure I really – really – like, and he 100% hates me?!

“Jeongguk, hey, what are you doing with Mingyu?” And here comes his hyungs.

Taking a painful breath, Jeongguk looked at Namjoon.

“Hey, hyung,” cue awkward hand wave, “um, Mingyu and I are actually kind of getting back together.” And now the awkward laughter. God, Jeongguk, get it together.

Hoseok and Seokjin turned a glare onto Mingyu. Seokjin was the one to speak up. “Weren’t you the one who broke Guk’s heart by breaking up with him after nearly a year and half of dating?”

More awkward laughter. A throat being cleared.

“Um, yeah. At the time there were things about our relationship that weren’t working but we’ve been talking, and I think we’ve both grown, and I do love Jeongguk, so I wanted…to give us another shot.”

“I don’t buy it. You’re faking this,” Taehyung scoffed, a harsh sound that made Jeongguk flinch back.

Mingyu’s eyes narrowed. “And who are you?”

“Like Jeongguk hasn’t mentioned me. You know exactly who I am.” That damn smirk.

“I actually don’t. You see, Jeongguk and I haven’t spent a whole lot of talking about any of you really. You see, if we weren’t talking about our relationship and how to move on from any mistakes we made in the past, we were…celebrating, if you know what I mean.” Mingyu gave Taehyung a wolfish grin. Taehyung’s smirk dropped.

“Oh wait,” Mingyu continued, chuckling humorlessly, “you’re the dick who made Guk cry. I found him drenched from the rain – I’m assuming nobody offered to drive him home from wherever he was – and sobbing about how much this guy hated him. Counting as I know Namjoon-ssi, Hoseok-ssi, Seokjin-ssi, Jimin-ssi, and Yoongi-ssi would never treat him that way, it must have been you. You’re a real piece of work if you made someone as sweet as Jeongguk cry. What did he ever do to you anyway? Refuse to suck your dick? Wouldn’t let you fuck him? Huh? I bet that was it. You’ve probably never been rejected so when he did you just…”

Jeongguk saw the punch coming before anyone else did, and because he had this complex about not letting the people close to him get hurt, he threw himself in the way of it. Taehyung’s fist caught the side of Jeongguk’s face before it came even close to Mingyu’s.

“Guk!” several worried voices practically screeched.

Mingyu caught Jeongguk just as his knees buckled. Seokjin was ushering out the few customers who remained, promising discounts the next time they came in, and turned the open sign to closed. Hoseok was yelling at Bin to get some ice and the first aid kit and Namjoon was shoving Taehyung back and far away from where Jeongguk was sprawled.

“Shit, Guk, look at me. Fuck that’s a lot of blood,” Mingyu’s voice shook and then it was directed at the person who caused the injury. “Were you fucking wearing brass knuckles?! How is there so much blood?”

“Head wounds tend to bleed a lot because of all the blood vessels there. I’m pretty sure once we get the blood cleaned up, the wound will actually be really small,” Namjoon said, pushing Jeongguk’s hair away from where the cut was.

Bin returned as quickly as he could after finding the first aid kit, thrusting it into Hoseok’s hands. Handing the ice pack to Mingyu, Bin moved back to seethe quietly. “I want him out. I don’t care that I just work here, but I want this person out. He hurt Jeongguk and I don’t want to see him here again.”

“Taehyung, you head back to the apartment. We’ll talk once I’m back, but you need to cool off and get out of here,” Seokjin could barely look at his brother. He knew Taehyung had a temper, but it was different seeing it in person.

“Good news, I don’t think you’ll need stitches. Looks like Tae’s ring just nicked your temple. There’s a possibility of a concussion, but honestly, I think the hit startled you more than it actually caused severe injury. I think you’ll just have a pretty nice bruise and bit of a headache,” Namjoon spoke up, though he winced when Mingyu glared at him. “Please don’t look at me like that. I’m trying.”

Jeongguk just huffed in frustration. His head was killing him and really, all he wanted to do was go collapse into his bed. “Gyu, help me up, please. And give me the ice pack. You are literally no help with that. The injury is my temple not my cheek.”

Staggering to his feet, Jeongguk sighed heavily. Mingyu kept his hand on the younger's back to keep him steady but truthfully, Jeongguk was feeling smothered.

“I’m heading back to the dorms to sleep this off. I don’t feel concussed, but if it makes you feel better Namjoon-hyung, then Mingyu will stay with me and wake me up every hour or so to ask me questions. Okay?”

Namjoon just nodded his head. Seokjin looked like he was about to argue, but a quick shake of the head from his boyfriend had the elder backing down – quietly but not happily. Hoseok was the one to stop the two from leaving. “I know it’s not a terrible walk back to the dorms, but I’ll feel better if you let me drive you back.”

Knowing when to pick his battles, Jeongguk agreed. Hoseok was just as bad as Seokjin when it came to mothering the youngest in the group and it was better to just let him do what he wanted when it came down to their safety and health.

The drive back to the dorms was quiet. And not a comfortable silence either. Jeongguk was annoyed and no one knew if it was just at Taehyung or more of them. The silence was tense and Jeongguk only felt like he could breathe when he got out of the car and away from Mingyu and Hoseok’s overbearing stares.

“Take the next few days off, Guk. I’ll see if Yugyeom can take over your classes,” Hoseok said through the rolled down window.

“Sounds fine, hyung. I’ll see you later.”

Turning around and not waiting for Mingyu to follow, Jeongguk headed up to his room. Jeongguk liked working, loved the kids he taught, and Hoseok was blowing his injury way out of proportion. It was a small cut, yeah it bled a lot, but head injuries tended to do that. He had a headache, sure, but some pain pills and sleep and he’d be fine and ready to go.

“Guk, will you look at me,” Mingyu’s voice was timid from where he stood behind Jeongguk.

“I really don’t want to.”

“Please.”

“If I look at you right now, I will yell at you and I really don’t want to do that, Mingyu.”

A frustrated huff. “Why would you yell at me? All I did was defend you…”

“By provoking him!” Jeongguk whirled around. “You defended me by provoking him when you didn’t even know what he would retaliate with. So yes, I’m angry at you because you should have thought before speaking like that. And did you have to be so crude about it?!”

“I’m sorry, Guk,” Mingyu backed up, giving the younger more room to breathe. “I just, the way he was looking at you and how he talked, I let it get to me and I reacted in a way that I never have before. I apologize.”

“I’m not going to say it’s fine and leave it at that, but I will tell you I forgive you. Let’s just…avoid that in the future. Granted I don’t ever want the two of you in a room together again,” Jeongguk sighed, plopping down onto his bed.

“I promise to be behaved,” Mingyu chuckled, the tension finally lifting between the two friends. “Though he must like you at least a little bit because he absolutely hated the idea of you and I dating.”

“Because that makes me feel so much better.”

Mingyu shrugged. “It’s something. But yeah, he’s a dick. I don’t understand what you see in him honestly.”

“Gyu, neither do I.”

A deep, tired sigh left Jeongguk. Stripping down to just his boxers and then pulling on a pair of sweatpants, Jeongguk crawled under his covers. “You know where all my stuff is. Feel free to change into something more comfortable. I’m in the need for cuddles.”

With a low laugh, Mingyu got up to find clothes to change into. As the boy changed, Jeongguk’s phone buzzed once before going silent. Flipping onto his stomach, he looked quizzically at the message.

Today 12:14 pm

Unknown

I'm sorry

“Is everything okay?” Mingyu’s voice startled Jeongguk.

“Yeah. Everything is…fine.”

But something had shifted and Jeongguk wasn’t sure if it was a good or bad thing.