Chapter Text
Dimmed lights only made the darker colours pop better. Low brightness and jarring shades illuminated his life like no other. There was always something in those colours that pulled it together for a sense of wise and aged melancholy. Namjoon never thought that he would ever identify himself with colours other than the bright and pretty ones. But here he was, looking at the various things around him. All of which screamed in colours of blacks, browns and greys. Gone were the blues, purples and yellows that made his life better.
The need to get them back into his life was strong. To have all of the seven colours he once had to be evenly distributed in his life. To be back as one, as whole with brighter smiles and everything nice. He wanted to be the carefree youth that wasn't afraid of getting his clothes wet as he danced in the rain. Fortunately, Namjoon knew what would help him on his journey of discovering the colours within him. The one that shined beautifully under the dreamy clouds he owned. He just needed to make it better with them. Needed to make peace with himself.
"Thank you all for your participation. And once again congratulations to all the graduated students of batch 2025."
The anchor ended the program, prompting all the students to throw their hats up in the sky.
But Namjoon didn't wait for that. He was too impatient to let the ceremony end on a right note. He had no plans on congratulating his classmates for the end of their bittersweet journey. Not when the family he knew as his own were waiting on him with eager smiles and awaiting arms. He ran towards the direction he last saw them. Traversing through the crowds filled with enthusiastic students and happy families, Namjoon finally came to a halt.
The cool wind blew through his locks that were half tied into a ponytail. His black coat fluttered under the effect of the breeze. The rolled up paper still in his hand, he wondered if he looked like the modern version of a warrior in a battle field, thirsty for justice and blood. But he was just fighting against himself. All that running away from them for the past 4 years led him back to this moment. This exact spot where he could see them 6 metres away from him. Everything he had done was all in pursue of this. Right here.
"Hi."
Namjoon whispered, soft yet grated around the edges.
He walked closer to them. The distance in between decreasing each second. His heart going fonder with each moment that pulled him towards his joy. Anxiety bubbling underneath his skin like a potion brewing in a cauldron. He could see how Jungkook had a lip piercing, Taehyung had grown taller, Jimin had silver highlights, Hoseok had blond hair, Yoongi had two more piercings and Seokjin had permed brown locks. He could see how they had all changed in different ways, yet stayed same in his eyes.
And in the next second, he was right in front of them.
Facing them with earnest eyes, he looked forward as they mirrored the longing six times more towards him.
"Joon-ah."
Yoongi muttered, coming a step forward to cradle Namjoon's sunken cheeks that were speckled with light stubble. His hyung's calloused fingers took him back four years back when Yoongi would brush through his hair as Namjoon laid on his lap. He was still familiar to the touch that grounded his insides.
"Hyung."
Namjoon mumbled back, stumbling his head forward as Yoongi did the same.
That point of contact between their foreheads calmed the nerves that has suspiciously settled in the pit of his gut. His body was more at unease today than ever with weird aches and tingles all over. And the reason was no longer the graduation that had taken place in the past five minutes. It was them. Was his intuition signaling the fact that he was finally reuniting with his home that he had variedly missed across the past four years?
Maybe.
"We missed you."
Jimin's voice echoed lowly, startling Namjoon who belatedly realized he was suddenly in middle of their group hug.
He had just closed his eyes for a second to soak in the warmth he craved for since four years, only to be held as their precious flower in the special sandwich hug of theirs. He couldn't care how weird it looked for every other stranger on the ground. Couldn't care less to explain why he was suddenly suffocated with the overwhelming urge to crawl in a pile with all of them. The icy cold within him clashed against the beautiful heat that ebbed through their fingers and words. Everything felt at peace and yet, his mind could only think of one response. It definitely didn't include speaking in a legitimate manner.
"I- I'm not imagining you?"
Namjoon whispered so softly that only the six of them could hear it.
He could feel his throat closing in like the walls around him on that unfateful day of leaving them. He could feel the tears forming with such intensity that he knew he would be reeling under a huge headache for the next ten hours. He could feel his legs tremble under the burden of knowing everything eventually led back to them. And them alone. He could feel his lips trying to form more words but to no avail. He could feel how his fingers twitched for more. More skin. More contact. More hugs. More them.
"Darling, we are here. Physically present just for you."
Hoseok spoke gently, squeezed his palm over Namjoon's knuckles.
"As much as I love an impromptu cuddle, I think it's better if we take it back to your place. Is that okay, hyung?"
Taehyung asked, getting a stiff nod from Namjoon.
One by one, everyone started to move away from their close hug that lasted a lifetime too short in Namjoon's world. Hands dispersed away from him and all he could think of is pulling them back towards him. He didn't want to weep so openly in public but the ghost of a touch really had him fucked. Jungkook took quick notice of Namjoon's frizzled look and entwined his fingers with the older's nimble ones. Twisting his neck in a flash, Namjoon saw the fond look in Jungkook's starry eyes. It was as if this gaze crafted for him and him alone. The world around didn't matter at all.
"Okay. I know we need to get back quickly, but I think future us would appreciate some nice pictures of the graduation. Then, we can book two cabs to get there?"
Seokjin suggested, taking in all of their faces, lastly settling on Namjoon.
"Uh. My apartment's just five minutes away. Unless you have huge luggages...?"
Namjoon responded, his voice sounding wet and raw from all the withheld crying.
"Alright it's settled."
Seokjin affirmed, before ushering Namjoon to stand in front of the entire rush to get a photo.
Jimin moved forward to style his hair neatly, while Taehyung flattened his lapels. With a few clicks and perfect precision, the photos came in wonderful. Namjoon had a red blush high on his cheeks and dimpled grin on show, even when his eyes looked like it were just waiting to burst. Then came the group photo, courtesy one of the parents who was thrilled to be taking a picture at all. He vaguely registered Nell and Dan at a distance each with their parents, for all he was focused on was going back to the comfort of his apartment and unraveling this baggage that laid heavily on his palms.
Namjoon could message in their group chat later.
The door creaked slowly.
The sound of dripping water echoed around the apartment. Namjoon hadn't expected to come back this early from the graduation ceremony, more not being drunk. To be honest, the party invite still hung in the air which was the original plan, but now they were here. All his plans were going down the drain in a second and Namjoon couldn't care less even if he tried. His chance to mend the loose ends and soak the affection to last a lifetime was more important to him.
The walk back home made his heart wrench out into the void. They were all being their usual selves, slightly joking about how Hoseok had to come for Jimin's help in getting a glass of orange juice on the airplane, because the younger was shy. And how Jungkook forgot the charger to his phone which thus, caused him to be fidgety without a constant source of simulation. Namjoon was tethering on the edges yet again, because fuck he had missed all of this. All of the chaos that they brought with them with hearty laughs and pure love.
In those ten minutes of walk, he was left in silence, as he articulated the emotions within him.
"Uh. Welcome home."
Namjoon muttered, as he took his shoes off. The others entered right behind him with a awed look, glancing with wide eyes.
"Just a second, I'll get you some water."
Namjoon excused him quickly, not waiting for a response. Yoongi and Jimin had gone to the ground floor to get their 4 suitcases into his apartment after unloading it.
As soon as he reached the kitchen away from them, his shoulders slumped dramatically. The tears that were threatening to fall since the past 30 minutes stung the muscles. His hand shakily reached for the steel glass from the counter to pour in water for himself. Half way through, he choked slightly from the excess water he had gulped in a jiffy. Calming himself down, he let a quiet tear or two fall onto his own palms.
Distantly, he heard them whispering and admiring his painting on his wall. They hadn't changed as much as he had expected them to. He had changed vastly. He had quietened down, way more than what was expected of him. Lost in thought, he soon jolted back to reality, vaguely aware that it was already 5 minutes since he excused himself to get some water. Taking out six other glasses, he trembled to turn on the tap yet again.
"Namjoon-ah, stop."
A rough voice cut through the static in his brain. A slender hand was holding onto the same glass in his hand. Through a blurry vision, Namjoon saw gentle fingers pry the vessel away from him to set it onto the counter.
"It's alright. It's okay bubba."
Hoseok mumbled, before turning Namjoon to face him. With a frown decorating his beautiful features, Hoseok took off the younger's glasses and carefully placed it on top of the refrigerator. He simply engulfed the bigger boy into his embrace and soothed him with a low humming sound.
"Let's get back to everyone?"
Hoseok asked after a while of rocking their bodies. Feeling a small nod, he let Namjoon cower beside him too awkward to be feeling like this. As they reached the living room, everyone were as silent as it could get with seven people in a one bedroom apartment.
"Baby, come here."
Seokjin called and Namjoon didn't take a second longer to dive right into the older's arms. Scrambling to find his place with his long limbs, Jimin was right behind him to help situate his body into a small ball seeking comfort.
Maybe if he weren't clouded with everything, he would be embarrassed for acting this way. Acting like he couldn't live without them. But the truth remained that, without the six of them for the past four years, Namjoon found every breath taken to be heavier than the last. He found how touch starved he was for their warm hands and perfect bodies. He had survived it all, but no more.
Nineteen year old him was utterly wrong.
He couldn't last another day without them.
"Cry all you want, hyung. We're gonna be right here."
Jungkook voiced out, as Namjoon felt someone remove the rubber band that held his hair in a ponytail.
It was most likely Yoongi's fingers that were currently massaging his scalp. Namjoon burrowed his head deeper into Seokjin's broad chest, trying to hide away. His eyes had opened their floodgates and the sobs were as loud as it can get. Hiccupping his way through, he tried jabbering the words in his brain. Sensing it was mostly incoherent at this point, Taehyung shushed him by keeping a firm hand on Namjoon's arm. The warmth from all of them had Namjoon's heart beating in a soothing rhythm.
Soft crooning sounds helped Namjoon calm down slightly. The rumble from Seokjin's chest that was pressed against his wet and messy face urged him to take a deep breath. Constant hands on Namjoon's curled up body grounded his wandering and panicked brain. Everyone had fallen silent, putting their attention to the boy who laid limp in their oldest hyung's embrace. Soon, the sniffles died down to quite hushes of breathing. His hands that were tightly clutched around Jimin's own was slowly unfurled.
"Why?"
Namjoon asked in an almost whisper too quiet. He had slide out of Seokjin's lap and pressed his knees closer to his chest, away from the warmth that radiated from them. He knew it would be impossible for him to have this conversation if he was still buried under the love that that their arms still offered.
"What do you mean why, hyung?"
Jimin asked, looking a little worried.
"Why are you still the one who's waiting when I was the one who left?"
Namjoon questioned with peering sadness in his lovely eyes.
The silence that came by was even louder. Each of them had varied reactions to it, ranging from distress to confusion to hurt. Namjoon didn't know he had so much of unspent tears within him, even after all the sleepless nights where the pillows beneath him held the secrets of his longing. He could already sense the building tension behind his eyelids that were urging out. But not when several things were left unsaid. Not when it is all astray like behind that door closed from four years.
"Oh sweetheart. We would always wait for you. You are our family."
Yoongi mumbled, self restraining his hands that anted to reach out and caress Namjoon's tear-streaked cheek.
"Family? Family that hid the truth? Family that cut off contact for the past four years? Family that never expressed anything?"
Namjoon spoke back, his voice quivering with anger, all directed towards him and no one else.
None of them knew how to answer his question. All they could muster is a look of unexpressed words that only provided comfort and no reasoning to any of what he vilely accused himself of. Afterall, they hadn't planned this far. Their only goal was to attend his graduation and wish him on. Maybe hope he would say something for them to cling onto the love they had for him.
Except there was a vulnerable, almost unrecognizable Namjoon in their hold.
"Haha. I still make myself the one to be pitied, don't I?"
Namjoon laughed out, rubbing his eyes furiously.
A harsh clutch on his Namjoon's wrist pulled him away from doing more damage to his already reddened eyes. Opening his eyes, he found Taehyung soothing the grip he had on the older's limp wrist. Still so loving and warm.
"Hyung, I don't have answers. But I can try and speak for everyone here. Of course what you did back in Seoul was wrong. You knew you were leaving when we made plans with everyone included for every upcoming event. The only positive talk you've had after the revelation was with Taehyung. We didn't even send you off neatly. And then...you changed numbers, didn't tell where you got in and just dipped away."
Jungkook spoke, wringing his hands in his lap.
Namjoon couldn't help but feel even more miserable than before. It was as if the youngest of them was accusing him and holding him accountable for all the displeasure he had caused to them. They were true. He knew it. But he was still naive, young and simply dismissive of how much he needed them. He suffered from his own actions, more than they could imagine.
"But, you are still our Namjoon. Even with the thick-rimmed glasses and short ponytail. Even with the hundred mistakes you did, you are still my favourite hyung."
Jungkook continued, earning a pointed look from the others that was almost giggle-worthy for Namjoon.
"What he meant to say was, despite the minor errors that every human is allowed to do once in their lifetime, you are still the person that would bind us together. I know realistically to forgive your wrongs should be considered carefully, but that never crossed our minds. There are a lot of faults in the happenings, but for you to be the one who winds up like a lost puppy will never be the solution."
Jimin uttered, ending it with a squeak of his own that brought an instant smile on everyone's face.
"I don't know how to articulate better, but every mistake of yours will always be forgiven by me. By us. I can't think of losing a chance that keeps you away from us. Or of a chance that reminds of everything that's good in my life. You guys are quite literally the world to me."
Yoongi exclaimed with a sheen of wetness under the notes of his voice.
"You need to know that just because you left doesn't mean, you disappear from our lives. Everything back home reminds us of you. Oh, Namjoon-ah likes bulogi. Or how Yoongi hyung goes Joon, I got you a new CD to play atleast once every month and then, he realizes you weren't there."
Hoseok recounted, earning protests from the older boys.
"Or how any of the young ones say Namjoonie could accompany me there."
Hoseok added in with a giggle.
"As pathetic as all this sounds, we really missed you. We never thought that we wouldn't see your face for the next years to come. You never came home either or tried to contact us, which really broke me a little (not gonna lie). But it doesn't matter as much as it did before. I could never be angry at you, maybe a little disappointed, but never upset with you."
Seokjin muttered with great precision.
"You. You are my home. I missed you guys so much. I can't even explain myself that well. Not after you guys have told it all. But, I never want to feel that sadness ever again. Maybe I am exaggerating, but being away from you, tore my soul. I'm still sorry for that younger me who caused so much anguish for all of us."
Namjoon mumbled with downcast eyes.
"I don't ever want to hear the word sorry from your mouth. You deserve to be saying more beautiful words, worthy of art. Not silly stuff."
Yoongi declared, finally giving into the urge to wipe the tears off Namjoon's face.
"We will always wait for you. Even if you are the one who stood with his back turned, because we love you like that."
Taehyung finally broke his silence with his breathtaking smile.
"It was so cold and lonely without you. Made me want to lose myself. I just couldn't wait to be home. I thought I was hallucinating you at the graduation."
Namjoon expressed himself in hushed whispers.
Though omitting the various ways in which he wanted them to make him feel like he was still there. How he wished for their words to bury all those unwanted talks from within. How he wished their arms would hold him forever. How he wished for them to reassure him that he was worthy of their attention even after everything that had gone rotten. How he just wished to stay in this moment that could heal his wounds.
But as always, they were a step ahead of him.
"Namjoon-ah..."
The said boy relished the way in which his name rolled off Hoseok's tongue. This felt like home. The natural way in which the Hangeul sounded from a Korean had Namjoon melting yet again. Mostly because it was from his Hoseok.
Soon, the older boy realized how words weren't needed anymore. Not the fancy ones. Not the exquisite ones. Namjoon just needed them. He didn't need the chatter that could calm his buzzing thoughts. He needed them to just be wordlessly around him. And they needed him the same way, or maybe even more.
Jungkook got up from his spot on the floor, gathering all their attention on his next move. He gingerly sat next to Namjoon in that small place and gave a big bear hug. The taller boy was still a little shook as to how Jungkook was showing his affection so readily. Relishing in that hug, he let down the limbs that held him up. Sagging deeper into the warmth was impossible, especially when Hoseok took the other side.
That's when Namjoon realized that in the past four years, they had felt his absence just as much. He was as precious as to them as they were to him. None of them would ever feel complete with one of the six missing. It had taken long for them to come to this stage where their co-dependence had grown to this extent. Letting loose of all the inhibitions and simply enjoying the comfort had Namjoon smiling love-struck.
"How did you guys know of my graduation?"
Namjoon sniffled lightly. Taehyung had Namjoon's feet in his lap, slowly massaging his ankles. he recognized that this was more of a reminder to the brunette that Namjoon was physically there with them.
"Magic!"
Seokjin winked, making Namjoon blush a pretty pink colour.
"Ugh, ignore hyung. Your parents contacted Yoongi hyung asking if we could attend instead of them, since they had some emergency. We agreed on just Yoongi hyung meeting you, but then Hobi hyung got us all tickets with his money. So here we are!"
Jimin explained, ending it with big hand movements.
"Well, I am grateful you could come."
Namjoon muttered, as the tips of his fingers curled towards the palm, like one of a baby's.
rumble rumble rumble
"I suppose someone's a little too hungry."
Hoseok chuckled out at the bashful expression on Taehyung's face.
"I mean the last meal we had was over 13 hours ago."
Jungkook added in, probably hungry as well.
"We could go to the restaurant nearby. I don't think I quite literally have the groceries to prepare for the seven of us."
Namjoon spoke, appearing a little happier than before.
"Absolutely. Let's go."
Jimin voiced out cheerfully.
Namjoon didn't bother changing his dress pants from the graduation. He did wash his face with lemon-scented foamy face wash. Afterall, this meal was the first one he was having with his best friends after four years. Locking the door, Namjoon turned around to look at them all crowding the space with peeking eyes. After a moment of realisation that they barely knew the neighbourhood, he chuckled lightly before leading them to Yangs' restaurant.
The restaurant had a few families in, but not the usual heavy flow that was seen on Sunday nights. Namjoon belatedly thought of how the seven of them could appreciate a little bit of silence. The warm lit lights were just being switched on. He let his eyes wander back to make sure all the six boys were right behind him.
"Oh Namjoon, today was your graduation day, right?"
Mr. Yang asked, coming into his view with a smile.
"Yeah."
Namjoon replied with a timid nod.
The shorter man moved his upper body slightly to see the crowd that lingered close to Namjoon. It was unlike the younger boy to come with people, which raised a little curiosity within him. Before he could question him, a familiar voice piped in.
"Dolls!"
Mira shouted, before colliding her body into Jimin's legs.
A little taken aback by the sudden crash of a tiny body, Jimin gently pried her away from his own body. With an awkward smile, he looked around for an explanation, or more so a help out of the vice grip that this tiny girl had on his baggy pants. Namjoon let out a chuckle so loud that it startled everyone around, especially the six boys who looked on curiously at their beautiful to-be.
"Mira. Haven't we taught you not to run around?"
Mrs. Yang came around, wiping her hands on the checkered apron around her waist.
"But mumma, doll!"
Mira whined a little, pulling at Jimin's clothes yet again.
"Hyung?"
Jimin asked, seeing Namjoon try to hide the giggle that escaped yet again.
"Mrs. Yang, don't worry. I'll talk to her."
Namjoon conversed neatly in English.
"Mira?"
Namjoon called out, breaking her concentrated stance on Jimin and Seokjin who stood beside the shorter male.
"Remember I showed you a photo of my favourite people?"
Namjoon asked slowly, which received a mix of shy smiles and cooing out expressions from the six of them.
"Yeah. That day when you talked about the difference between home and house."
Mira recalled with her bunny teeth out.
"Mhmm. Well, these are the people in the photo. I mean, you did recognize Jimin, your doll."
Namjoon said, letting out a laugh at Mira's wide eyes.
After a second, he introduced all of them to Mira and vice-versa. Mira was awestruck by all the boys who looked like living dolls— she stood by statement from before. The said boys could only stop their urge to squish the little girl's puffed up cheeks. She was a cheery kid who could lift up anyone's spirits. Namjoon had an unmistakable glint of pride behind those pretty eyes.
These six boys were his home.
"They came here all the way from Seoul?"
Mira asked curiously with a lisp around the city's name.
"Yeah. We came in for his graduation. It was a surprise!"
Hoseok conversed with a secretive wink towards the girl. Mira simply beamed up with laughter. Meanwhile, Namjoon stood astonished as the words rolled out in precise English.
"What? Didn't think I would speak so well?"
Hoseok teased, as he felt the gaze from Namjoon's eyes.
"No, no! Just that your pronunciation is so amazing. Maybe a bit s-word?"
Namjoon said, burning bright at his own confession.
This seemingly cracked all the six of them badly. Mira stood unaware of the discussion or the language, but she liked their company too much. They had pretty hair, meaning she can use her accessories on them. And they all wore makeup, light but still there which meant double the fun. She knew her parents won't allow her to disturb their guests, but this was Namjoon, her curious friend.
"S-word?"
Jimin repeated, hollering at what it insinuated. A word not so wise to tell in front an eight-year old. sexy.
"Wait, until you hear Yoongi speak."
Seokjin muttered, getting a fake-annoyed look from the feline-eyed boy.
"Umm...can we get a table for seven?"
Namjoon cleared his throat, not wanting to embarrass himself further.
"Joon. Joon."
Mira stage-whispered loud enough to grab everyone's attention except her parents. She wiggled her eyebrows crazy enough for Namjoon to get a clue as to what she wanted.
"Oh. Eight please."
Namjoon repeated, getting a little confused side-eye from Mrs. Yang. But nonetheless agreed to it.
As they sat at their table, there was a flurry of orders from the menu. A mix of South-East Asian dishes and a special dumpling order for Mira was given out. Namjoon had sent a reassuring look towards the Yangs as they seemed a little skeptical of Mira intruding a guest's special lunch.
"So Mira, what more did Namjoon tell you about us?"
Jimin asked softly, a bit of tease on the edges. His voice was rather deep than how he spoke in Korean.
"Oh! Joonie said you were his home. And that he misses you all!"
Mira chattered away, too into the fact that the older boy with pretty features was talking to her.
"C'mon...leave the kid alone."
Namjoon exclaimed, upon getting victorious smirks from the boys.
"Guess my wish on the shooting star worked."
Mira slipped out, getting a warm side hug from Namjoon.
Soon the plates were dished up with wonderful aromatics and hot pot preparations. They had decided to fill up their stomachs to the brim. Yoongi was in charge of grilling the meat, while Taehyung was on the duty of removing the meat from the lobsters. Namjoon didn't indulge himself in sea food and so, Hoseok had beforehand ordered for mushrooms instead. Though not a replacement to the taste, they were the expensive ones.
"This tastes so good. Ain't no food beating this."
Taehyung murmured, as he relished the flavours.
"Namjoon hyung, are you free tomorrow?"
Jungkook asked, as he slurped up the noodles.
"Yeah, why?"
Namjoon asked, sipping on his glass of coke.
"Take us on a tour around the city, please!"
Jungkook asked with pretty doe eyes on display.
"Of course."
Namjoon chuckled at the dramatics shown his way. Yet, a tingly feeling of being important and needed set in his chest.
The food was restocked on their table that was filled with small chatter of the various things they had come across on this new land. An hour went by too quickly for Namjoon's liking. Everyone seemed satiated enough with full bellies and empty minds. It would be a great time for a movie time which possibly ended 30 minutes later, with everyone having fallen asleep.
"Mira, enjoying your dumpling?"
Jimin asked, seeing the child munch away neatly. Getting a small nod, he ruffled her hair affectionately.
"Mr. Yang, can we get the cheque please?"
Namjoon asked politely.
As the cushioned tray with the bill arrived on the table, Namjoon was quick to put his credit card on it. This obviously caused a whole flurry of voices in protest to rise up All while Mira coloured her book on the table.
"Joon. Take off your card and let me pay. Oldest hyung orders."
Seokjin stiffly spoke, getting a 'no' as an answer.
"Okay then, it's mine. Afterall I bought the extra meat on the table."
Hoseok retaliated which was met with two upset soulmates.
"Hyung, we all ate it."
Jimin stated, receiving affirmation from all.
Taehyung nodded extra hard at the statement. Slowly, Jungkook tried pushing the few notes he had on the table only for Hoseok to pull away his wrist.
"You guys never let me pay, giving the excuse that I am the youngest."
Jungkook pouted, crossing his arms.
"Well, you are still the little one."
Yoongi pointed out, before pulling out his card.
"Yah. This is my graduation treat. I am paying nonetheless."
Namjoon declared, shutting them up all at once.
"Don't you guys have different currency and cards there?"
Mira asked as the quiet reigned in after Mrs. Yang took the tray away.
"Well, um...we changed it?"
Seokjin tried explaining.
"What he meant was that they converted their Korean money to America's own as they arrived here. And they got new cards for usage here. This helps them to use their money to get themselves things."
Namjoon continued in attempts to help the young girl understand.
"Oh. Are you going now?"
Mira asked, putting away her purple crayon.
"Yeah. We'll be back soon!"
Taehyung answered cheerfully.
With a muted nod and a goodbye bid, the seven of them walked back lethargically. Namjoon suggested that they could go to the nearby park for some outside walk. It would be unwise of them to just sit away after having their scrumptious meal. But what was supposed to be just a walk turned to a race. Courtesy of Jungkook.
"Last one there, has to buy everyone else ice creams."
Jungkook said, speeding away to the trimmed green bushes in sight.
Jimin and Taehyung chased right away, only getting a quick 'careful boys' from Hoseok who ran behind them. Seokjin and Yoongi, on the other hand choose to not join the race and simply walk up to the place. It was more of accompanying Namjoon who was moving slower than usual. His ankle was acting up again and that meant a hot water bucket where he could keep his feet dipped in. It was a recurring issue to feel that dull ache in the joints.
Namjoon belatedly thought of how he should have it checked out.
"Your legs okay?"
Hoseok asked, as the three of the older boys reached the park entrance. Jungkook had already zoomed off with the other two to play by the see-saw.
"Me?"
Namjoon asked, feeling three pairs of eyes look intently at him.
"Uh. Just a little pain. It'll get alright."
Namjoon muttered, before moving to the swings.
Swings were special to him, especially with all the memories he had of these wonderful additions to parks. As added benefit, he could rest his body while having fun. Swings were great, Especially with his best friends just by his side. He couldn't possibly ask for more. They were everything to him.
A little bit of tussling around and enjoying themselves, Namjoon found himself in close vicinity of Seokjin who seemed a little jittery for some reason. A wild Jungkook had appeared for a few minutes to push Namjoon's swing for a better 'ride' as quoted by the bunny boy himself. Hoseok was pulled along by Jimin for some devious planning, while Yoongi was nowhere to be found. The younger boy brushed it off as the jet lag catching up.
Well, he was wrong.
"So, Namjoon-ah. Is it okay if we stay in your apartment tonight?"
Seokjin asked, after noting how the crowd were a little out of hearing range.
"Hyung..."
Namjoon started off, a little disappointed.
"I mean, we were thinking of staying a week in here. But, we didn't get to ordering two rooms. Hobi and I will book it by tomorrow morning."
Seokjin explained further, looking a little off-place.
"Hyung. I want you all to stay with me for my last week in America."
Namjoon keened in a higher pitch. His lips had turned into a stubborn little frowny pout.
"Repeat that for me."
Yoongi spoke this time, having eavesdropped on half the conversation already.
The mischievous yet tiny button-nosed man had spawned out of nowhere.
"Stay with me?"
Namjoon asked exquisitely. He could see both of their jaws a little open with surprise.
"No. The latter part of that sentence."
Yoongi repeated, as his eyes bore holes at Namjoon.
"Um. For my last week-"
Namjoon said, before getting engulfed in a hug by Yoongi.
The crash of the older boy right into his body caused a little 'oof' to be voiced out from the taller boy. It was very unlike of Yoongi to be so openly affectionate, especially when he could be seen by a whole lot of strangers. Namjoon didn't question it one bit. The hug was rather too tight for Namjoon's liking, but it made him so melty and lovely that he didn't care. A cushioning around his large body only made him sigh in relief.
"Did I say something wrong?"
Namjoon asked, despite the warm fuzzy feeling in his heart.
"No, but you might have relieved Yoongi of his gnawing anxiety."
Seokjin chuckled, crowding closer to the other two.
"You will really come home?"
Yoongi asked wetly, having recovered from the previous mini-breakdown.
"Why not? I already applied for jobs in Korea."
Namjoon revealed, much to the shock of the older boys.
"What the...? When?"
Yoongi said, quite dumbstruck. Namjoon knew it wasn't a question to be answered.
"I'm so proud of you, baby."
Seokjin whispered against the back of Namjoon's neck, making him shiver.
His oldest hyung was always so open with his feelings and love language that it mostly made the other party shy. He was literally nick-named as the 'rizz master' by Jungkook. Touch was no stranger to him, though Hoseok was more affectionate with the kiss-giving agenda among all of them. Namjoon was swooning over them yet again.
The lines blurred again. Everything felt like before.
"Still your baby?"
Namjoon chuckled, ignoring the sudden burst of something unusual within him.
"Forever my baby."
Seokjin replied, looking at him with warmth filled eyes.
Yoongi cleared his throat, gathering their gazes back on him unintentionally. It was not to pull back their attention to him. Definitely not for that reason.
"Let me get this straight: You are staying here for a week. We are staying with you. It'll be your last week on the American soils. You are coming home-"
Yoongi was cut short by yelps by Jimin who jumped on his back.
"Who's coming home?"
Jimin asked, having only heard the last part.
"Joon-ah will come home with us."
Seokjin slid in, as Yoongi struggled a little to balance Jimin on his back. He put his arms below Jimin's thighs as the younger looped his arms around Yoongi's neck tightly.
"Wait. For real?"
Taehyung joined, not a second later with the sun-star duo right behind him.
The entire thing was explained again and was received with much appreciation. The two younger boys seemed the most excited of the news. But, it would be a crime not to notice how the others changed their demeanors. Hoseok looked like he was one moment away from doing something that could change them forever. Namjoon could see in the other's crescent-shaped moon eyes how the urge to put everything aside, just for him. Just for them.
Taehyung put his arms around Hoseok's waist, pulling him back a little into the taller's embrace.
Silent communication in those fond grazes and understanding eyes made Hoseok relax back.
Something that screamed soon.
"So, who's buying ice cream?"
Jungkook spoke up, sensing the weird tension that had fallen upon them. Jimin had gotten down from Yoongi's back after pressing a kiss to Yoongi's temple.
"Well, we three were the last ones."
Yoongi said, pointing out to Seokjin, Namjoon and himself.
"Rock, paper and scissors!"
Taehyung suggested, as he rubbed circles on Hoseok's waist soothingly.
It turned out that Yoongi lost, just by a second attempt with Seokjin. Seokjin had heartily laughed at his win, though everyone knew he would be more than willing to pay for them. This also meant that Yoongi would be paying for their tiny trip to the ice cream parlour nearby. Namjoon couldn't help but remember the last time he had ice cream in a joyful situation. Or any for that matter.
There were happier times, like when Taehyung had got a whole ice cream cake for Jimin's birthday, the first of its kind for all of the boys. Toppings of nuts and dried fruits with cascaded flavours worked wonders in their mouths. Jimin smiling with his pretty eyes closing in, Seokjin hugging him close while Yoongi behind the camera to capture their small celebration. Jungkook and Hoseok were neatly slicing the cake to be placed in colourful plates for al. Everything was better then.
But, the latest ice cream incident that had occurred with all of them in it was when the ice cream was left on the kitchen counter to melt away through its misery. It was the day when his truth was open to the world, leaving him raw and alone. After that incident, he had opened that miserable-looking vanilla ice cream tub only to find himself in the constant state of drowning.
"Joon-ah? You still here?"
Yoongi asked, brushing his knuckles across Namjoon's arm.
The younger boy didn't give a verbal answer, rather just nodded with a small smile.
"So, I just searched up for ice cream parlours in the area. There's only one and it's closed."
Taehyung stated, getting a grumbling huff from Jimin.
"We could go to the grocery store for ice cream? I've to get some stuff as well."
Namjoon provided them with an option that was easily accepted without a second thought.
Leading the way to the store which was around 200 metres away from the park, Namjoon noted how each of them made a point to be in his close vicinity. Most of which included physical touch in very subtle ways. He was sure if they did the same four years back, he would hardly notice it as much. But now, his nerve endings felt too exposed and sensitive to their fingers. Everything was tenfold.
It only came to him then that, they were simply trying to reassure their deluded minds of his existence as a whole. It couldn't get more painful than this. It just couldn't.
"Just go to the dairy aisle and choose your ice creams. Get me a vanilla one."
Namjoon said, before taking a handle carry basket to put his things in.
"Vanilla? That's so basic, hyung."
Jungkook pointed out, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.
"Hmm... just vanilla."
Namjoon replied, moving towards the snacks section.
He wouldn't admit it out loud, but with all that vanilla ice cream he had eaten over the past four years, it was only fit for him to taste it again, except this time he would feel that taste with better emotions. He would let it melt on his tongue with all of his favorite people beside him, unlike when he was only crowding by loneliness.
Yoongi and Jungkook met him at the billing counter. Others preferring to wait outside while they finished lining up. Yoongi went in with atleast 10 different types of ice creams, most thanks to Jimin and Jungkook who love ice creams. But as the cashier told the bill out loud, Yoongi asked him to add in the next customer's bill as well. Namjoon, who stood behind him hardly left any room to protest as Yoongi raised his hand, suggesting later talk.
"Hyung, why?"
Namjoon asked, struggling to carry the two huge bags of groceries.
If the seven of them are staying for a week, supplies were quicker to get depleted.
"Hyung had promised you many things. I couldn't keep up with them, so the least I could do is pay for a few stuff here and there."
Yoongi said woefully, and Namjoon distantly recognized how Yoongi had promised his first time drinking, driving, and many more.
"Well, if it's any consolation. I still haven't learnt to drive a car."
Namjoon answered, a teasing smile tugging his lips.
Jungkook chuckled behind them. Yoongi had grown quiet, but the ghost of a smile seemed to be ever present. Taehyung and Hoseok were quick to take the bags off Namjoon's hands, trying their best to relieve some weight off him. Seokjin, the ever quick learner, had already made himself familiar with the surroundings. Thus, making it easy for them to get back to Namjoon's apartment.
"Groceries later, ice cream now."
Jimin had announced, putting the bags by the kitchen counter.
Namjoon had settled down on the sofa, nestled safely in between Hoseok and Jimin, while Taehyung and Seokjin took the random chairs by the refrigerator. Yoongi and Jungkook, on the other other hand took to the floor as they all dig into their cup of ice creams- each a varied flavour from butterscotch to raspberry. The TV was switched on to some American show that Namjoon had seen atleast a twenty times before. But the others found it to be fascinating with the way they increased the volume and their eyes stilling on the coloured screen.
A bite into the vanilla ice cream.
The nostalgia that ebbed out of the rather simple flavour was enough for today's last breakdown. Or so Namjoon hoped atleast, as he tried to excuse himself before his dams opened to a rushed flood. But, oh the world seemed so against him running away. Their limbs too entangled to get past by, their words too soft asking him if he was okay, their eyes too comforting to look away, their reaching hands emitting enough warmth to curl in. Everything just too good for him.
"Joonie hyung, is the sound too loud?"
Jimin asked, as he let his fingers soothe Namjoon's hair. Promptly, Yoongi muted the television. None of them said a word against it. Their attention all on their lost piece.
"Nothing. Yeah nothing."
Namjoon replied, breathing down large amounts of air. The vanilla cup was far from his reach. Hoseok had taken it aside and he hadn't even made it past a single bite.
So pathetic of him.
"Dewdrop, you've gotta let us know something. Maybe not now, but whenever you feel comfortable enough. I can't bear to see you wither away."
Seokjin muttered, as his eyes focussed hard on the boy in front of him.
Seokjin had regretted a lot over the course of four years. If he only stepped up like the friend he was and let Namjoon set the pace for his secret. If only he had talked once in the ten days that were left, perhaps then they wouldn't be so miserably lost in joy upon meeting each other. Perhaps, Namjoon would've kept contact and they could visit on better terms. Perhaps, everything would be better.
Namjoon seemed distraught. Not by the inner struggle of the push and pull of deepened hurt away from them. But because, this was the most comfortable he had felt in all his life. Even if his throat clogged with unshed tears, even if the sweat under his clothes felt too much, even with the concerned looks of everyone in the room. Because it was them. The six of them were the epitome of joy, comfort and love for him. He could never be more comfortable to share the tug in his heart.
"I— I just missed you guys so fucking much. Everyday was such a struggle to get by. All because I was a damn stupid kid. Y'know how many times I saw the clouds and remembered Kook, or how many times I saw colourful brouches in stores and remembered Hobi? Everything I did everyday simply revolved around you. I couldn't go biking, watch any romantic movie, eat tangerines without thinking of how much i missed you. Sorry, it's just overwhelming to think that after all these years, you are here."
Namjoon breathed out again. He hadn't yet cried, which was a win.
This time, silence didn't crowd in like he expected. There were a few sniffles here and there. By the time, he let his eyes take in his familiar apartment, he could see how all of them had a sheen of wetness on their lovely eyes. It wasn't even evening yet and he had already gone through all the plot twists in his life. The orangish red light from the sun nearing its horizon illuminated the apartment wall. Another day going to end soon.
Namjoon decided upon something quite courageous at that moment.
He wasn't going to let any of them cry. Especially not because of him. Not anymore. He struggled a lot in the last four years, reaching too near to the point of no coming back. He lived and loved through that, even if he longed for six people across the globe. If the past him could do all that just for this, he will cherish this more than anyone can ever fathom. He was going to protect the bond he held specially for each of them.
He needed them. Selfishly and selflessly.
"Ah. You can't make us cry on your happy day like this."
Taehyung commented, wiping away the stray tears that clung on the apple of his cheeks.
They looked so biteable and squishy.
"Happy days are ones when you are here with me."
Namjoon replied easily, with great truth lying behind those words.
"Always the same here, cutie. But I'm still gonna say it. You did great for the past four years. Studied and passed all exams with such high grades. I'm, We're extremely happy and proud of your achievements!"
Hoseok said, hooking his chin on Namjoon's shoulders.
Jimin took the opportunity to nuzzle his head into Namjoon's other side. Jungkook clambered up in the small space for two, which already had three and hugged the taller boy with all his heart. Sighing with a sense of relief, Namjoon realise he was going to be ending this wild entry chapter of his. It ended with everything unimaginable, yet left a deep understanding that he could only ever be himself in his city, Seoul. The bright city of his nostalgic dreams.
"Joonbug! Where are the spatulas?"
Yoongi shouted from the kitchen.
The light shadows of the night had set in. Yoongi and Hoseok had volunteered to get their dinner ready. Some simple yet delicious stuff to fill up the seven stomachs under this roof.
"Right by the sink."
Namjoon loudly spoke over the sizzling of the onions.
He was looking through his phone, answering his parents' messages and other congratulatory words on the screen. Seokjin had gone out the balcony to attend a call. Apparently, it was related to his job where he had taken a week off. A few excuses here and there for the missed party were being typed off on Namjoon's phone.
The glass door slid back again.
"All good?"
Hoseok asked, from inside the kitchen.
"Yeah."
Seokjin replied, seating himself near Namjoon on the carpeted floor.
Fifteen minutes later and one big email sent as to how he will be looking into the situation later when he comes back, Seokjin turned off his phone.
"Joon—"
Seokjin called out, hearing a distracted 'mhm' in response.
A little confused at that, the older boy took in the unfolding events at hand. Seokjin watched as Namjoon's eyes lingered long at the couch which had Jungkook cradled in between Taehyung and Jimin. Both of their hands gently caressed the youngest's body. The maknaes were being their usual affectionate selves, but the air of something more wafted away. More love. Physically tearing his gaze away from them, he turned towards the long haired boy. There was a warm and familiar tinge tugging at Namjoon's forlorn smile.
A longing yet again.
Just a different kind, this time.
The three of them cuddling like this was almost a common sight for anyone in the dorm. This was because all the occupants of the said place has the same relationship with each other. Just like how Namjoon changed in the past four years, they too had changed. Their bond individually and completely together had undergone lots of strain with the dimpled boy's leaving. Everything was uniquely theirs.
It all happened on the beautiful night of Jungkook's 20th birthday.
Coke for the youngest and beer for the others. Maybe a sneaked in whiskey for the enthusiasts aka Yoongi and Jimin. One drunk confession of how Yoongi wanted them all to stay with him till he took his last breath changed everything.
"Yoongi-chi. You've had enough. Come on."
Seokjin spoke, though the red in his face meant something else.
"Why can't you take me for my word? I love you all. I want to grow old with you in a countryside mansion. I want to have you as my roommate. I want to have Hoseokie as my Holly's other parent. I want to tag along with Jimin when he goes shopping like those cheesy romantic movies. I want to watch dramas while cuddling up Tae, maybe sneaking some kisses. I want to take Guk on long drives. I want to drink my morning coffee beside Joon while simply enjoying each other's presence. Is that too much to ask for?"
Yoongi ranted out sluggishly. A lone tear escaped off at the mention of his best friend. His crush He knew what he wanted was unconventional, but the thought of anything else made him go crazy. He logically knew that most of these things could be completely normal friendships, but his heart longed for the kind of love spoken by gods, one where everything fits right, one where all the seven of them live together.
"Oh hyung. We...we love you too. But let's talk about this when you are clear headed?"
Taehyung answered, as he looked around the various faces of surprise and adoration.
The next day rolled in with memories of the past night clinging onto Yoongi like the discarded gum on the floor. Sticky and uncomfortable. But a whole day of coming to terms with himself and how each of them would need a little more time to sort their feelings, which were definitely not platonic to begin with.
A week later, with clearer thoughts and better depth of the emotions inside, they decided on trying this new way of living and loving. It worked well. Of course, the imminent absence of Namjoon that made them whole was blaringly obvious.
That was a year ago.
Heated kisses, secrets under the moonlight, quick nips on the flesh, candlelight dinners, warm embraces were all shared so lovingly and easily among them.
And right now, as Seokjin stared at Namjoon, he was reminded of the feelings that he still harboured for the younger boy.
"Namjoon-ah."
Seokjin called out again, getting the said boy's attention back on him.
"Y-yeah?"
Namjoon stumbled on his words as his cheeks flushed pink at being caught.
He wasn't sure if this would necessarily be called 'caught' but it felt like an intrusion on his part to be so shameless into wanting the same thing. Hoseok and Yoongi chose the same moment to come back to the living room after finishing up with the dinner. The aroma of spices lightly took up the space as its own. But, the sweet cologne of his favourite people was overpowering in the most gentle ways.
"Well, we didn't tell you something important that occurred in our lives when you were here."
Seokjin started off, trying to be as brief as he could.
Hoseok, on the other side of the room seemed to have caught on where this talk was heading towards. A little exchange of 'are you sure?' and 'never been more sure.' through the eyes had the oldest of them going ahead with his conversation.
"What was it, hyung?"
Namjoon asked, a little curious than what he showed.
Seokjin looked back at the couch, where Jungkook was already dozing off while the other two looked on with bright eyes on display.
"We love each other."
Seokjin blurted out and he soon heard someone's palm hit their forehead in exasperation.
Most likely Yoongi.
"Of course hyung. I love all of you."
Namjoon answered, not quite understanding the context behind.
"What Jinnie hyung meant was, all six of us are in a romantic relationship. We are together like a seven-way couple. We love each other in a not-so platonic way. We kiss each other. Go on dates and all that jazz."
Jimin completely explained with utter calmness while, Taehyung had a concentrated look on his face. The latter was keen on finding the dragon-eyed man's reaction to the said information.
"Oh."
Namjoon said, with no clear inclination for them as to what he thought.
He had learnt of masking it up perfectly throughout his stay here. Yet, his insides screamed for all the wrong assumptions he was treading towards. Did they announce it to let him know that he could never be part of their love? Had the four years changed so much as to they forgot to love him like he thought they did? What about the growing roses in his heart that had thorns all over again? Would he be the loner whose imagination led him to believe a paradise that didn't exist?
"I'm happy for you guys."
Namjoon mumbled, trying hard to swallow.
That wasn't what Seokjin expected of Namjoon. The latter was supposed to show at least an ounce of wanting to join, but it only seemed like he was returning to his own cocoon to misery.
"Joon-ah, are you really just happy for us?"
Yoongi asked, poking a little to get a verbal confirmation that their feelings towards Namjoon wasn't one-sided.
"All of you glow with the warmth of love. Good for you. I mean, of course you went ahead with a six way relationship where everyone's happy—"
Namjoon rambled off before being cut off by a pair of lips on his.
His eyes remained wide and confused, but his tongue peeked out to taste the caramel lip balm that Hoseok used. Hands held his face gently, as the perfect lips parted apart to have Namjoon's first kiss. The world around him seemed to tune out. Everything mushy and warm. And before he could chase after it, Hoseok was pulling himself back.
It was all sweet. Sweet sweet sweet.
Long fingers pressed against his dimple, making Namjoon giggle slightly. A little hazy after what had happened, he tried to pull himself to hear the next words. All of which were suspiciously too close to his ears.
"Baby, I'm not sure if we were clear, but we adore you just like how we do with each other. The romantic kind."
Hoseok muttered, moving a bit away to give Namjoon's his space. But everyone had moved in nearer to him. All in an arm's reach.
Well, except a sleeping Jungkook who was easily pardoned off. He always has a rough time with jet lag.
Namjoon blinked again. His eyes focussing on the strings of his hoodie. His vision getting blurry with happy tears. And of course, Taehyung noticed quickly.
"I hope we didn't read it wrong. We thought you liked us like that as well. Atleast an inkling?"
The younger boy asked hesitantly.
"No it's funny how I didn't imagine my life to turn around so much in a span of 24 hours. I graduated, you came here, then you tell me you guys are together. I was half spiralling thinking that all the longing i felt for the past years was only going to end up unrequited. But then, you kiss me and tell me you want the same."
Namjoon chuckled, bringing his own wrists to rub against his red-rimmed eyes.
"You do?"
Jimin asked with an innocent expression on his face.
"Of course, I do. I'm no fool to not want my entire life with the most important people of my life."
Namjoon said, reaching his own fingers for Jimin to intertwine with.
"Would you like another kiss?"
A whisper from his back almost had Namjoon turning his head a whole 180 degrees.
The smile that stretched across Yoongi's face was the last thing imprinted on Namjoon's brain, before the sweet feeling of another soft kiss took reigns of his gears. Plush lips, red and velvety put him in a state of bliss. Yoongi's teeth clashed slightly against his, causing them both to laugh quietly. Swirling feelings and everything at peace. His wringing fingers were pulled to Jimin's lap, who seemed to happy with everything that took place.
"Waited too long for this."
Seokjin murmured, nuzzling his nose into the juncture of Namjoon's neck and shoulders.
He could feel the chocolatey scent of Taehyung's moisturizer take his sense, by the time he turned his head. Glowering eyes with delight consumed him whole, leaving him more satisfied than he expected. Everything around amplified to his senses as all he could concentrate were the grounding presence of the people he loved most.
By the time, the clock struck 9, typical dinner time, Namjoon had gotten the best kisses of his life from all five of them. Each of them different, yet so gentle and loving. The affection oozed out through their words and touches like a never ending faucet of all good things. Tingling and buzzing with all the love he had received, Namjoon was sure another kiss was all it would take for him to burst into flames. Taehyung had apparently made it his goal to keep Namjoon in his lap with his two long arms looping around the older's waist.
Blissful and glowing.
"I can't believe y'all left me out!"
Jungkook grumbled, with his eyebrows frowned in the usual expression when he loved the taste of the food he ate.
"Well, we are sorry to assume that all those starstruck rants about how 'Namjoon was so awesome' meant something."
Hoseok snickered, beside the youngest who pouted further.
"Is."
Jungkook murmured, in between the slurping of his noodles.
"What?"
Jimin asked, a little confused.
"Namjoon hyung is still awesome."
Jungkook clarified, getting loud rumbles from all of them. Hoseok leaned over to press a small kiss onto Jungkook's soft baby cheeks.
"Okay okay. I know we all love each other. But the six of us had gotten over an year to explore our dynamic as such. And I want joon-ah to have the same, before he commits fully."
Seokjin spoke, getting enthusiastic nods in return.
"I don't think i would want any other option."
Namjoon replied. His dimpled cheeks still warm with all the blushing through the past hours.
"I know, darling."
Yoongi said leaning with his chopsticks to feed Namjoon some meat.
Coordinated hands worked quicker to clean up the kitchen later. A little bit of splashing of water and dishes on the drying racks were done with seven people in the small cramped space of the apartment. Namjoon could see how Jungkook was a bit off put with not getting his chance. Though, the thought of being so valued and admired by another human sunk in slow, he couldn't deny that he wished to feel the rosy lips that was adorned by the silver lip ring.
"I'll just wash up and come back quickly."
Namjoon announced, getting a big 'be back soon' from Jimin, who had switched on the latest Barbie movie.
Before he could reach his room, a small tug on his sleeve stopped him on his tracks. A shy and uncharacteristically small Jungkook–given that the youngest was almost as huge as himself– looked at him with doe eyes.
"You'll miss your favourite movie."
Namjoon said, smiling wide.
"I can rewind it anytime. But I can't get this with you again."
Jungkook whispered, standing chest to chest with the taller boy.
Just another second and they were onto each other by the hallway. Jungkook's hands entangled with the long locks of Namjoon which were swept to the back. His eyes closed peacefully to enjoy the feeling of what he had looked forward for. Namjoon placed his hands encompassing the youngest's perfect waist. Nothing too out of breath from the kiss, they leaned against each other.
"And I'll stay here. You can always rewind and come to me."
Namjoon chuckled, as his eyes lingered on the wet, glossy lips of his to-be boyfriend.
"Looks like someone had a detour."
Yoongi barked out from behind them. His hand holding a glass of water.
"Ah. Hyung."
Jungkook said bashfully.
The three of them returned after a while. Except all three had suspiciously raw, red lips while they "waited" for Namjoon to clean up. The others just laughed it off, before moving in close to form a huddled space to watch the said movie downloaded illegally. All thanks to Yoongi, who took joy in committing small non-offendable crimes and Jimin, who desperately wanted to watch the Barbie movie.
The movie started off with a small cheer.
"You should get a cut through the split ends."
Hoseok commented, as he brushed Namjoon's shoulder length hair with a brush, that looked like the one in the TV right now.
"Mhmm..."
Namjoon relaxed back against Hoseok's knees which bracketed around Namjoon's shoulders.
Taehyung and Yoongi were beside Hoseok on the couch, while Jungkook leaned his body against Namjoon's arms. Seokjin sat beside Namjoon with Jimin in his lap. All of them eagerly watching the screen, as sleep lulled in through, reaching for them one by one. Seokjin's large hand splayed on his thigh, while Hoseok's hands that worked magic on his hair into a perfect two-way braid had Namjoon unconsciously let a small exhale of ease.
Today was as great as it could get.
Maybe tomorrow will be better.
(Though, Namjoon doubts it highly. Nothing could possibly beat the fact that the six of them flew in just for him. Just to be with him.)
But for now, all Namjoon can think is the pretty things swirling in his head. Like how his pinky was wrapped in with Taehyung's and how his other hand was in Yoongi's deathly tight grip. Like how Jungkook had his long limbs over his torso like a baby panda and how his head was on something softer than pillow aka Seokjin's belly. Like how he could feel a familiar Hoseok-shaped hand reaching for him, even in his sleepy state and how Jimin was staring at him longingly.
Both of them sleepless in the best ways.
He knows the future that awaits is exciting. He will be leaving this place where he had his set of struggles. He might miss Mira, his friend group here and the beautiful landscapes. But, he would also be returning back to his flourishing land. Smell of the near and crisp air pulling back to the city he thought he once hated. He would meet his parents and spend the weekend lounging. He would get into his job and treat his loves from his first salary. He would try and reconnect with all of them, now even more mature and filled to the brim with love. He would finally give in to his urges and ask them to become his boyfriends.
But all of it will wait for the future, when he's awake. For now, he'll just slip into his safe haven of sleep. His red string is all entangled around him like a protective thread of fate. They were, are, and will always worth it.
'I shot a million stars to let you know
So many trivial thoughts are on the floor'
Except this time, the stars he shot had reached the destination of its course and the thoughts that he laid in for the past four years were gathered back in the arms of his loved ones.