Archive of Our Own ^beta

When Taehyung breaks into tears after failing to act right on camera for the seventh time in a row, the managers finally decide that it’s time for a break in music video filming.

“Aw, is Taehyungie down?” Jimin kneels to cup Taehyung’s cheeks, smiling at him.

The other members slowly pull up to them, just as drained as Taehyung but always ready to show their support.

“Don't be down, Taehyungie,” Hoseok coos, ruffling his hair, while Namjoon lays a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Taehyung just continues wiping at his face as new tears spill out of his eyes.

Jungkook’s quick to scoop Taehyung up into his arms, lifting.

“Now he's up.”

Everyone stares.

“What?” Jungkook asks defensively, glaring.

“Thanks, Jungkookie,” Taehyung giggles, wrapping his arms around Jungkook’s shoulders.

Jungkool immediately melts, smiling back at Taehyung. “Of course, Taetae.”

And as all the members watch Jungkook preening at Taehyung’s praise for being so smart and bringing hyungie up, Jungkook kissing all over Taehying’s face and telling him he’d do anything for his best friend, they think that they’ve been too lax with raising Jungkook, and this social oblivion needs to stop.

Jimin, as Jungkook’s best friend, tries first.

“Jungkook, I need you to answer a question for me. Think about your answer for as long as you need, and make sure you really mean it when you say it.” Jimin looks into Jungkook’s eyes seriously before speaking very slowly and clearly. “What’s Taehyung to you?”

Jungkook furrows his eyebrows. “Taehyung’s my best friend. I don't know what you're talking about.”

“Do best friends usually kiss each other on the lips and sleep cuddled together? Think Jungkook, think. Do best friends really do that?”

“We do that, and we’re best friends,” Jungkook says defensively.

“Me and Taetae are also best friends. Do we do that though?”

Jungkook glares at him. “You better not. Taetae’s my best friend.”

“Aren't I your best friend too?”

“You are. You're my best friend, but Taehyung’s like my best, best, best, best friend. The most best. Bestest. You know?”

“People usually call that person their lover,” Jimin says patiently.

Jungkook scrunches his face in a grimace. “No, Jimin. A lover is someone you make love to, and both those terms are ancient so please don't ever say them in my presence ever again.”

Jimin frowns. “They're not ancient! People use them all the time!”

“I don't know what kind of people you’re talking about, but I think you should try hanging out with the current generation more often.”

“Don’t sass me you brat!” Jimin yells, before huffing. “And what would you even call Taehyung then, your boyfriend?”

Jungkook snorts. “Obviously he’s my boy friend. What, did you think he was my girl friend?”

Jimin facepalms.

“You know, Jimin, I think you had too much to drink. It’s the middle of the day, but I won't question it and just call Jin-hyung, okay?”

And Jungkook exits the room.

Namjoon clears his throat.

“So, Jungkook. How did you like the movie?”

Jungkook hums noncommittally, continuing to play with Taehyung’s hair strands. He’s been paying more attention to Taehyung in his lap than the actual movie, but honestly it’s Namjoon’s fault, he should've expected this when he suggested Taehyung join them. It’s just that Jungkook has refused every other time and the movie’s really good -

Namjoon must look particularly miserable, because Taehyung decides to take pity on him.

“I think it was good. What do you think, Jungkook? Was the movie good?”

“It was nice,” Jungkook responds. When there’s no follow up, Namjoon realizes it’s useless. He tries anyway.

“It’s funny how the guy was in love with the girl all along, he just didn't know, isn't it?” Namjoon winces at how fake his chuckle sounds.

Taehyung tenses on Jungkook’s lap. “I wouldn't say it’s very funny.”

Jungkook immediately snaps to attention. “What wasn't funny?”

“Nothing, Jungkookie.” Taehyung gets up and Jungkook makes a displeased noise. “I gotta go to the washroom,” he tells them.

Jungkook watches Taehyung leave, frowning as if he’s contemplating getting up and following him. Namjoon sees his chance.

“I was saying how it’s… sad that the guy loved the girl the whole time but didn't realize it. I mean, if he only considered her as more than a friend or searched deeper within himself, she would have been his a lot -”

“I think I'm gay.” Jungkook says.

Namjoon halts, trying to process that. Then his eyes widen. He's hit jackpot. “That’s great!” He exclaims, before realizing that’s not the right thing to say. “I mean, it’s good that you’re learning about yourself, and that searching within yourself made you realize this. I think if you reach just the slightest bit deeper -”

“No, I mean like, I'm gay so all this straight couple drama doesn't really do much. Like, it’s sad, sure, but I can't really relate to this dude suffering so much over some girl when his friend is plenty good looking and a lot more fun than that girl could ever be.”

Namjoon blinks.

“I’m going to bed now. If Jimin starts looking for me for some reason, I’m at Taetae’s. Good night.”

Well that was something.

Hoseok, for all his gearing up with conversation starters and planning, doesn't even have to seek Jungkook out, because he comes to Hoseok himself.

“Hoseok-hyung, are you busy right now?”

He’s standing in the doorway of the dance room, as Hoseok wipes away the sweat from his face.

“Nah, not particularly. Did you need something?”

“Yeah, actually,” Jungkook says, shuffling inside. “Could you teach me how to do body rolls?”

Hoseok startles, before squinting at Jungkook suspiciously.

“Why?”

“I think Tae likes it when I do them.”

Hoseok’s mouth drops open.

Jungkook’s just staring at him nonchalantly. Hoseok’s suddenly hit with the thought that maybe Jungkook really isn't as clueless as everyone believes him to be.

“Yeah, um. Okay. Just - follow my lead.”

Two hours later, and Hoseok fears for Taehyung’s sanity. Because those moves…

“Thanks, Hoseok-hyung. I feel a lot more confident now.” Jungkook smiles at him widely, before glancing at his watch. “I think I’ll head back, Tae's supposed to get back from vocals soon.”

Hoseok’s throat is suddenly dry. “Are-are you gonna show him? Like- right now?”

Jungkook slowly raises up from where he’s collecting his charger, humming in thought. “You know, that actually isn't a bad idea.”

Hoseok begs the Lord to have mercy on Taehyung as Jungkook exits the room with an anticipatory smirk.

When Hoseok ran into the dorms whisper-yelling ‘guys, I think they're fucking right now’, Yoongi has been relieved.

He and Seokjin were the only ones who didn't try talking to Jungkook yet, and frankly, he’s terrible at talking.

Unfortunately, Hoseok was wrong, and a few hours later Jungkook dragged Taehyung over to dance practice with the words ‘Tae wanted to know where I learned how to move like that, you’ll teach him too, right hyung?’, and all of the members were forced to watch as Jungkook tried to physically attach himself to Taehyung’s back so that ‘you feel my body move, hyung, and move with me’.

Now, Jungkook’s sitting beside Yoongi and looking at him expectantly.

Yoongi shifts uncomfortably in his chair. “So, um listen. I know that words are hard sometimes, that’s why we turn to music. Just, here.”

Jungkook takes the earbud, and Yoongi presses play.

He thinks that out of everyone, he spent the most time on his moment with Jungkook. It took him hours to create a playlist, some songs happy, some sad, some of which he composed, some of which Taehyung’s soulful voice is singing.

“It’s beautiful,” Jungkook whispers when the last song finishes.

Yoongi gulps. “Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”

“Yeah. It’s about love, right?”

Yoongi nods, staring hard at Jungkook to convey what he means. “Unconditional, friendly, romantic. He deserves it all.” Jungkook’s soft smile reads ‘I know’.

And Yoongi trusts that he does. Jungkook’s more like Yoongi than the other members believe, and it were never words he needed to understand his feelings for Taehyung. In the end, it was music that gave him the necessary push.

“It’s a great present for Taetae’s birthday,” Jungkook pats his shoulder, getting up. “I really have no idea what I’ll have to give him to out-do you.”

Yoongi freezes.

“Don't fear though,” Jungkook says as he moves toward the door. “I’m his bestest friend so obviously I’ll find him the best gift ever. Thanks for letting me listen though.”

Jungkook’s out the door before Yoongi can utter a single word.

Seokjin thinks it’s best to try a less head on method. Let Jungkook realize himself rather than push the idea onto him, as everyone else has been trying to do.

“Jungkook, do you want to help me make dinner?”

Jungkook doesn't even look up from where he’s typing away on his phone. “No.”

Seokjin’s face spreads into a Cheshire grin. “Don't you want to learn to cook for Taehyung?”

Jungkook’s fingers pause, before they're flying over the keyboard again, and then he’s putting it down.

“Okay.”

Seokjin feels like the most genius man on earth.

“What you must always remember when you’d cooking, is that in order to taste good, it must be made with love,” he starts.

Jungkook nods. “Okay. I can do that.”

“Just think about someth-someone you really love. More than anything else in the world.”

Seokjin holds his breath when Jungkook stills, but then he’s nodding his head in determination, and Seokjin thinks this is finally it.

Jungkook serves Taehyung first, which isn't anything unusual, except this time he doesn't start inhaling his food right away.

“I made our dinner today. Like, with Jin-hyung.” He blurts excitedly.

Jin’s almost offended at that, since he was the one who did most of the work, but he can't bring himself to be mad at the adorable sight of Jungkook watching with hawk-like attention as Taehyung takes a bite.

“Mmm, Jungkookie, this tastes so good.” Taehyung praises.

“Yeah,” Seokjin agrees. “He used the most special ingredient. You want to tell them what it was, Jungkookie?”

“Love.” Jungkook says, not moving his gaze from Taehyung.

It’s so silent that everyone hears the way Taehyung’s breath hitches.

“For what?” He whispers, and everyone holds their breath.

“You.” Jungkook says, and Seokjin can feel his eyes welling up as he watches Taehyung’s whole face light up at the word.

He’s done it.

“You’re my bestest friend, afterall.”

W-what?

Seokjin sees the way Taehyung’s face drops, but he fixes it so quickly Seokjin wonders if it was a trick of light.

A knife falls out of Yoongi’s hand with a clang as he stares at Jungkook incomprehensibly. Hoseok’s mouth is hanging open, and Jimin’s glaring at Jungkook as Taehyung drops his gaze.

“Yeah, of course. Thank you for the meal.”

Everyone sits frozen as Taehyung picks up his chopsticks, starting to eat again. Even Jungkook’s still, looking at Taehyung with a frown on his face.

“Tae?” He asks.

“Eat, Jungkookie, or the food you spent so long making will grow cold.”

The whole room is hyper focused on the two, even as they return to eating. No one talks, only the sound of plates and chopsticks premenating the air.

Taehyung doesn’t finish his food. “I'm not feeling very well, I’ll go lie down.”

“Tae -” Jungkook starts but Taehyung’s already slipping away.

“Kook -” Hoseok calls when Jungkook gets up to follow him. Namjoon stops him.

“Let them be. We weren't in any position to meddle in the first place.”

Yeah, Seokjin thinks. After all, it was only ever Taehyung that Jungkook really listened to.

“Taetae,” Jungkook calls. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m just a little sick.”

A mild case of heart ache.

Jungkook doesn't look convinced.

“Do you want cuddles?” He spreads his arms invitingly.

“I'm good, just want to be alone for a while.”

Jungkook’s frown deepens, but Taehyung knows he always allows Taehyung to have his way. It comes as a surprise when Jungkook flops down beside Taehyung on his bed.

“You know,” Jungkook says, wrapping his arms around Taehyung, “I'm your best friend, and I can tell when you feel sad. You can tell me, you know. I'm here for you.”

Taehyung feels a sudden burst of vulnerability, making him open his mouth to murmur “it’s just sometimes it hurts to be called best friend when I think I’m something more.”

Jungkook looks lost. “What do you mean we aren't best friends?”

“Best friends don't kiss each other and don't share a bed.”

“Jimin said the same thing. But you are my best friend. Bester than Jimin, the bestest.”

“I am your best friend, Kookie, I never said I wasn't. I just think I’m also something more.”

“What are you then?”

Taehyung sighs tiredly. “I don't know. What do you think?”

“I’m your… Your best… Bestest…”

It’s hopeless, Taehyung decides when Jungkook falls silent. Then, Jungkook speaks again, voice firm.

“I’m your Kookie. Whatever you want me to be. And you’re my Taetae, right?”

Taehyung softens, eyes falling shut. “Of course I am, I'm your Taetae.”

Always yours.

“And I can be whatever you want me to be.”

Taehyung peeks at Jungkook. “Even if I want you to be my boyfriend?”

Jungkook tilts his head. “I don't think I could be your girl friend even if I tried.”

Taehyung groans, burying his face into the pillow.

“What?”

“Not that kind of boyfriend. I mean like, the romantic kind, the one who takes you on dates -”

“You want to take me on a date?”

“Yes, oh my god.”

When Jungkook just continues looking at him assessingly, Taehyung wonders why he even bothers anymore.

“I don't mean like a calendar date, I mean like -”

“I know what a date is, I’m not oblivious.” Jungkook tells him, and to Taehyung that’s like the joke of the century.

“To be honest, you kind of are.”

Jungkook frowns. “I know what a date is,” he repeats. “I’m just trying to understand. Does that mean you also want to have sex with me?”

Taehyung wonders when his life has become like this.

“Tae?”

“Yes, I do,” Taehyung mumbles from where he’s planted his head under the pillow.

“Oh, oh,” Taehyung hears Jungkook say. “That’s what you meant? Tae, oh my god, is that why you were upset at the dinner table?”

Jungkook turns Taehyung around to face him, eyes alight with awe.

“Of course I’ll have sex with you and take you on dates, why didn't you ask earlier? I would have never refused you, you know this.” Jungkook places a firm kiss on Taehyung’s lips. “I'll make it the best dates ever, way better than in any of those movies. Okay Tae? Just don't be sad.”

Taehyung sighs. “But it means you’re more than just my best friend if you take me on dates.”

“I'm yours, Taetae. Whatever you want me to be.”

Taehyung smiles. “I love you, Kookie.”

“I love you, too.”

Taehyung thinks it’s okay for now if the things they mean by those words are slightly different right now. In essence, they're the same.

“Tae,” Jungkook says as they're curled up together. “I love you, but just saying, I still can't be your girl friend.”

Taehyung groans.