Chapter Text
"Okay, but can we talk about how Jimin didn't know we had a thermostat in our apartment?"
Hoseok's voice brought a bout of silence for mere seconds, before it was broken by a cackle by Jungkook and more attempts at explanation by Namjoon.
Taehyung had yet again crashed at their place with a backpack of essentials, meaning he was staying for the night. He had been wary at first for crashing in on their sacred space and time, but a stern rambling from Yoongi - which did indeed, make everyone else giggle quietly behind him- had Taehyung never bringing that guilt up. Any concerns were squashed before any formation by Seokjin's warm smile, as if he was a mind reader of sorts.
And so, here they were, all seven of them squished on couches and floors after a round of delectable snacks prepared by Jungkook, as Jimin defended himself.
"Not my fault, 'cause it is always covered by that damn coat stand."
"Hey, that was my first purchase of this apartment. And you disrespect it like that?"
Seokjin retaliated, making Jungkook rise up to occasion.
"Hyung, stop lying. Your first purchase was that rotating chair you have in your room. The one you use to game on your desktop and light-up keyboard."
"Which by the way, you hog onto when I'm not using it. SO, it is a collective purchase."
Seokjin narrowed his eyes at the accusation.
"That is not the point."
Jungkook said, rolling his eyes.
"Yeah, the point is Jimin not knowing that we had thermostats."
Namjoon muttered, knowing that any longer and those two would lose track of the topic, easily pulling everyone off it too.
"How did you think that the apartment was warm during winters?"
Yoongi asked, eyes imploring for an answer.
"I don't know. I never thought about it."
Jimin answered sheepishly, staring at his own sweater-pawed fingers.
This of course, brought a wave of adoration across, some visibly cooing for a seemingly mundane action. And all Taehyung could think of was how this Jimin he was seeing in front of him wasn't what everyone else made of him, back in the classrooms. He was grateful he could get a glimpse of the best of both worlds.
"Alright. Now, onto a little more serious topic, semester holidays are up in another week, is everyone visiting home?"
Seokjin asked, gauging for reactions.
And once again, Taehyung didn't know how he should feel as he was being included in their domestic conversations, as if he lived there with them.
It was the same way, they had added him to a group chat that intended on planning a surprise birthday party for Hoseok and Yoongi. Despite how much the others had wanted to give them separate celebrations, finals were up during the month of March and so, this was the best course of action. Taehyung had pitched in with getting the double tiered chocolate pistachio-cream cake.
It was an absolute delight seeing the duo's faces light up with bright smiles and twinkling eyes. Taehyung had captured it on his phone, hoping to immortalise this memory all in wishful hope that their friendship would last long enough to reminisce about it some day.
Taehyung had never felt like a stranger as he was actively put forth in their group and all it did was make him tangle further in their web of red strings. A beautiful mess of strings.
"I'm going home right that evening because my parents have planned a trip to Jeju."
Hoseok said, getting congratulatory yay's in response.
"Take pictures and post them please."
Jimin said, eager at the opportunity of living vicariously through Hoseok's vacation.
"Well, I'm just going home and nothing special as far as I'm aware of."
Yoongi answered, yawning right after finishing in.
"Same here."
Jungkook reiterated.
"Yeah, hopefully Soomin noona joins too."
Namjoon said, receiving few nods in acknowledgement.
"Oh, her break's in July right?"
Hoseok asked, curious and aware of how Namjoon's sister had gone to Australia for her master's.
"Yeah, but she's taking a week off sometimes to meet up with the whole family."
"Mine's just meeting extended cousins because they're dying to see me."
Jimin said, rolling his eyes annoyed.
"Wah, our Jiminie is famous, huh?"
Seokjin said, getting a playful punch in response.
"What about you, hyung?"
"I've got to attend a few weddings, two of my family and others of people I have no clue of. Only having to go since my parents can't stop befriending everyone."
Seokjin murmured in his whiny tone, which elicited a visibly fond Hoseok to reach over and pinch the older's cheeks.
"Are you going to get the 'you next in line, Seokjin-ah'?"
Yoongi teased, knowing very well that pissed Seokjin off badly.
And the result was immediate, as a couch pillow was thrown straight at Yoongi's head, aiming well enough except that Yoongi's reflexes had adapted even better across the time staying with these five rascals.
Taehyung smiled seeing Seokjin's scrunched face, eyes squeezed as if he had like for the first time and cheeks pink with all the attention. And surprising himself, the thought he had upon witnessing it unfold was a tiny hope that Seokjin found someone who would kiss him silly when his shoulders were relaxed and face glowing with joy.
Yeah, that was most likely not something you thought of, as friends but before Taehyung could unpack all that, there were six pairs of eyes on him, urging him forth for an answer.
"Nothing to be honest, I might go visit my grandparents too and help with stuff."
With hums and nods, all of them looked back to their forgotten television which was playing the next movie already. The moment of silence was quickly broken by each of them giggling that evolved to laughing with heads thrown back. Being so engrossed in their conversation, they had completely disregarded the movie which was the reason for their night gathered together: a movie night.
The weeks leading up to the finals week were literal hell. From the multiple modules that were to be studied with notes, revised and revised again to last minute changes in study material due to anxiety-induced reading mistakes on his part, everything was a royal mess.
But his beacons of light came in the form of six angels who checked up on Taehyung. Made a conscious effort to host group study evenings, — which was way more than what his own friend group had done— made sure Taehyung was well fed by bringing more than just cup noodles— never mind that it was just the tiniest upgrade from my noodles to gimbaps on most days, but nonetheless appreciated.
"Tae-yah, c'mon we can revise this together later."
Namjoon mumbled, tugging on Taehyung's fluffy sweater.
Yes, Taehyung had quite the habit to fully yield to the finals' week pressure far beyond what was considered healthy. Yes, he was a nervous wreck during those days of the semester. And yes, no one except his family had really noticed it or provided support to help him out of that vicious practice.
And it was fair work that maybe people didn't really want to know him like that, an unnecessary burden to some, but his friends being so negligent with his presence in the group really did hurt. For all the effort he had put in to be part of that he realised with the days that they didn't hold the same sentiments about him. He was just another in their big group of 9.
Another limb of a system, a limb that was not quite useless, just ignored.
All that said for the past year, Taehyung didn't expect these new people in his life to be better and actually do better.
"Hyung, just —"
"Please, just listen to me, hm? We'll eat something and have a nap, then study all the parts where we are stuck. Together."
Taehyung couldn't argue with that, as he was pulled along to the dining table where the other four sat with droopy eyes, barely moving their hands to lift the chopsticks with food. Finals had drained all of them. It was evident in the black circles, tousled hair and unchanged clothes from yesterday.
"Where's Hobi hyung?"
Taehyung asked, noticing the absence of their personal optimist.
"Sleeping. We had to drag him to bed after he asked if the pencils were floating in the air or if it was just his mind playing tricks."
Taehyung giggled at Seokjin's explanation which had small smiles blooming on their tired faces. He ceremoniously filled his plate to devour the meat and rice, which was still steaming hot from the takeout containers.
And soon enough, they moved like parts of a well-oiled machine to clear up the table and make their way to the shared rooms. Taehyung was pulled along by Jimin to his and Hoseok's room which had the comparatively larger beds— not that it quite mattered in the bigger picture.
It was a little unnerving for Taehyung to see how easily they accepted him. All too quickly, all too neatly and all too happily. There was hardly any friction between them or on the added variable aka himself. Not one group he had met till date had been so chill over the turn of events being as such. And no, he wasn't the odd one to overthink this.
They were. For not thinking about this.
Wasn't it a little too insane for these six young adults to just make space in their beds for someone that didn't quite live with them or pay rent and yet, welcome him with warm and open arms?
But he wasn't going to question this luck of being found by them.
It was luck or fate or whatever magical treat that Taehyung had met Yoongi on his birthday which catapulted into others acquainting themselves with him until soon enough, he was in their home, sipping hot lemon tea as his mind quieted further.
He deserved friends in whatever form they came and this was an exceptional one, he wasn't losing out on it. Even if it made his mind wary with suspicions, walls ready to be up and running in retaliation for a forthcoming on slaughter, he was hopeful of the chances he had taken.
Taehyung would take all his heart's fill, all until it lasted, all to the very point of pushing the envelope.
"Okay so in epistemology part, the professor mostly focussed on the better half of creation and natural order at a very basic level. It was discussed on the first day, if you remember?"
Namjoon said, getting a nod from Taehyung.
The younger had been absent for a few days owing to a collection gallery where his art was put up as part of his project and this had him missing a few lectures as well. So, here they were with Namjoon sitting across him on the dining table, explaining those topics.
"Next was scientific approach to casual reasoning and these are the points that differentiate the two. You can retain it if you make a mnemonic of sorts, but mainly your focus should be on how one is based on empiricism and probabilistic working of the human brain."
Just like that for the next hour or so, they had covered most of it. A tradeoff between them, words exchanging and new methods to learn the words as such and Taehyung felt more ready to take on the exam than ever before.
That night which was guaranteed a mere 4 hours of sleep was spent at their apartment. It was the most fitful sleep he had gotten throughout the exam season. Sound mind maybe at play, even the fact that there were only 1 or 2 exams for each of them, but Taehyung knew that the reason for the same was that he was being cuddled by Jungkook and Seokjin from either side of him.
(He still didn't know how their natural progression from sharing home-cooked meals on the table had evolved to cuddling with arms open and breaths evened out, but he was definitely not questioning it.)
"All the best, Taehyungie!"
Hoseok had yelled just as he pulled up his sneakers.
"Same to you, hyung!"
"Oi, Tae. Don't forget to drop by after the exam ends today."
Yoongi exclaimed, following Hoseok out the door.
"Of course, hyung!"
The others had left in the span of the past ten minutes, all with variations of 'good luck' or 'you'll do well' on their lips. Only Namjoon and himself were left to leave and with Namjoon stumbling in with his bag and water bottle in his hands, they were set to leave soon.
Taehyung was confident in his preparations and performance, which was evident in his smile on his face as he walked into the apartment after 4 hours from leaving it at 11 in the morning. Jimin and Namjoon were the only ones in there, as Taehyung came along with things from his dorm. It was like this was his second home, possibly living there 6 out of 7 days after college.
And they didn't seem to mind that he was there, despite Taehyung feeling like he was leech. He did hope to clear some things up after the vacation. Sure felt like it was long due for some conversations among friends.
All of them.
"How was it, Min?"
Taehyung asked, as he placed his shoes away.
Soon springing up from the couch, Jimin made his way towards Taehyung. Namjoon just waved at him, acknowledging the other as he went on with his preparation of his finals in thermodynamics, the last one of the semester due tomorrow.
"It was easy. I didn't expect the professor to give that detailed short note on computer hardware architecture, but I had studied it!"
"Ah! That's nice, mine went well too."
Taehyung replied, dropping his bag to get a hug from Jimin.
It felt like all of the comfort from those soft-fleece blankets seen in movies were in Jimin's arms right at that moment, sweet and pleasant in all the nicest ways possible.
Swaying on the same spot, they only broke apart when the door opened to reveal the other four entering with grins. Taehyung, Jimin and Hoseok's exams were done but by tomorrow, all of their exams would wrap. As the others went on with the revision for the next ones, Taehyung took on to help Hoseok to prepare some food.
It felt so very domestic to be moving side by side with Hoseok, the once feared and esteemed dance captain, known across the campus. But above his reputation was the fact that he was cheekily feeding Taehyung carrot sticks in between.
He felt like he had struck a once in a lifetime miracle with them.
And so, it came as no surprise when the next day as they all sat with their luggages rolled out, except for Taehyung who would leave a little later from the dorm, he quietly mentioned about the days leading to the finals.
"Thanks for sticking by, no matter how much of a pain in the ass I was."
"Well, I guess it is more of letting me stick around."
Taehyung chuckled and that definitely got an approving yet conflicted smile from Seokjin.
"You are our friend. We don't consider as a favour or work to help each other up. Of course, we are bound to fail and fall. Pulling each other up isn't a task, but rather just innate empathy."
Seokjin's words had meant to ease Taehyung but as he climbed on the train to Daegu, he kept rewinding and repeating the same. Soon to be etched in his mind forever, those syllables had more impact on him than he would like to admit. And maybe, that would invoke the last confrontation to old ends as well.
It was a rather quick train ride from Seoul to his hometown, most of it spent watching the spring brightening the grasslands greener and flowers blooming colourfully. He had hailed the bus to his home which wasn't all too far from the main city. Stepping into the threshold of his home only made him happier as the familiarity of washed out wood and quiet green creepers along the walls pulled him in.
"Eomma?"
Taehyung called out, soft and unsure, despite very well knowing that they were at home.
"Wah, Taehyung-ah, you are home! I thought you had forgotten us."
His father said, hugging his son upon seeing him at the doorway.
Lips stretched with the widest grins as his mother came into view from behind him as well with bags of groceries in her hands. His father moved up fast to relieve her of that weight such that she got a chance to greet Taehyung well.
After a few minutes of enquiring on how the journey was, was it warm in Seoul, had he eaten anything and if he looked skinnier than the last time they saw him, they went on to the most important of all, did he want to eat jjambbong and galbi-jjim right now?
"Of course, have I ever denied that request?"
Taehyung said, eyes crunkling with mirth.
"Just a little less spicy."
"You are acting as if we have forgotten our son's preferences in an year."
His father rolled his eyes, as he walked to the kitchen to prep the ingredients.
"My taehyungie and his near-bland choices."
His mother added with a chuckle.
"Hey, it is just food, every other choice has been great."
Taehyung retaliated at being the end of his parents' teasing and all he could think about was how his family was perfect, the three of them.
"Now go on, wash up and come back for lunch."
With that, Taehyung walked back to his childhood room which was still maintained clean and neat, posters of his favourite wrestlers, actors, singers and albums on the wall. Everything was quite the same and it could easily be noted how much effort they had put in maintaining it as his little figurines and cars were still behind the glass, not a single dust particle on there.
Quickly washing up and messaging the group that he had reached— which had many thumbs up in response and even a smiley emoji likely by Hoseok, in response— he walked down to the dining space where the grill had already been set up.
It felt like he was 8 again as his parents grilled meat for him, putting extra juicy bits on his plate and sometimes even feeding him directly. They were treating him like he hadn't eaten for days and was starving for many more. Despite it all, Taehyung enjoyed the pampering, something he had missed being on his own.
(Though, his six new friends made up for some parts.)
"So, I assume your finals went well?"
His father said, munching on some cucumbers.
"Yeah! I did well like when I saw the paper, I instantly knew the answers. Let's see when the results come in. Might take longer."
"That's good, I'm glad. Either way don't stress out too much. I heard your Aunt Hyeon's daughter was going to therapy for anxiety attacks over studies. I don't want you to lose your health over this."
His mother added sternly, getting a firm nod from his dad as well.
"Yeah, I know. I'll not over do it."
Taehyung replied, affirming that he understood where her point came about.
"How is your roommate? By the way, did they give you another dorm? I don't recognise the same place from before."
"Oh, that...um, well I have got new friends, you've seen them I think? Seokjin or Yoongi hyung?"
"You haven't introduced them so no, bubba. But, if you have pictures?"
Taking that on, he retrieved his phone from his pockets to pick out a group selfie from last night when they had celebrated their exams ending with an ice cream run. Comfortable home clothes, easy smiles and a relaxed atmosphere all present as reminder of what a lovely night it was.
Taehyung showed those seven faces back to his parents who peered closer.
"You look cute, tae-yah. Wait, oh I've seen this boy in one of your calls."
His mother muttered, pointing at the one with a cat beanie on his head.
"Oh, that's Hoseok hyung! He loved big beanies."
"I saw these two the other day in the background. Are they your friends? What happened to that Minjae?"
"Okay, so that's Jimin and Seokjin hyung. These six boys are my friends. New ones I made after I had a rough day and slept at their apartment. They collectively pay rent as six and most days, I'm there because they invite me in. You know, college boys?"
Taehyung cringed slightly at his own explanation.
"Hm, are you planning on moving with them next semester? Or in the dorm?"
"I still have to ask, but yeah. That would be nice not gonna lie. Minjae and his group weren't this close with me. I don't know but I felt alone with them despite having 8 people around me. These six boys are way better."
Taehyung answered his father's question who just looked on and said the following in a soft tone.
"Talk to them. If they are inviting you so many times that you are practically living there then maybe, they consider you as their best friend which is very sweet."
"You will introduce each of them on our next call, okay? I'm glad you found your people which is rare but much needed as compared to your first group. But now, I need to know who is who and all your stories with them."
His mother said, urging him to show more photos as his father cleared up the dishes.
During his break of three weeks, a few things occurred.
His parents made him come along with him to the market and buy all sorts of seafood. Fresh and tangy from the beachside which was at least hundreds of miles away. Every morning would be a late one as his mother insisted his eye bags had gotten heavier and so it would be an easy ten hour sleep, breakfast skipped for a brunch instead.
He also visited his uncle's farms to pick on chillies and strawberries, ripe and ready to be eaten. It was refreshing to be between the growing crops as compared to the ever-flowing traffic in the mainland of Seoul.
Next, was that his finals results came in between. All results in first class distinction and so was his CGPA which had a whole celebration with danpatjuk and jeolpyeon. It was a sweet affair with red bean flavours and syrupy scents wafting through.
Visiting his grandparents was even better given that they matched his parents' sentiment of caring for him through food by hundred times more. He quite literally had to pull their hands so that he could speak to them rather than them spending hours in the kitchen, cooking up a feast.
Taehyung understood that their love language was food, something they were comfortable with now after having seen those periods of not having any. And so their instinct to feed him and give him blankets, hand sewn socks and sweaters wasn't strange and rather welcomed. But he would love it if they took it down a notch, not that he would ever complain.
He was grateful to be pampered for, having his family who genuinely cared for him.
And above all, the group chat was always blowing up with at least two chatting.
And if the occasion of seven of them being online ever graced them, then the phone was heating up. All chaos mounting up like no other.
~living our broke life in the giant's old shoe~
🐿️: < 5 images inserted>
🐿️: the sun's up high, baby!
🐨: please please please
🐱: nope
🐨: hyung, you didn't even hear me out !!
🐱: cuz, i know what you want.
🐱: we don't have space for more seashells in our apartment.
🐻: hobi hyung, it looks so beautiful!
🐻: ah joonie hyung 😂
🐹: ay, hobi you are making me feel jealous now.
🐰: enjoying that wedding, jin hyung?? 😏
🐹: just you wait, jeon jungkook. i'm gonna break through the screen and beat your ass for teasing me when you know i'm suffering!
🐥: people. people. calm down.
🐥: btw very calming scenery, hobi hyung!
🐰: why does he get to police us around?
🐥: cuz, i am older than you? what kind of question is that?
🐹: not older than me. i'm the oldest.
🐱: and yet, you act like you are younger than jungkook.
🐰: just 2 years difference, what big deal :p
🐥: just?? I've eaten 2130 more bowls of rice than you. I believe that should matter.
🐱: ...and they are back at it. AGAIN.
🐰: aw jimin-ssi i didn't think you would be this butthurt by my words
🐥: istg jungkook, cut it.
🐹: fight! fight! fight!
🐱: oh my gosh, stop instigating them. they're not even at the same place, wdym fight???
🐻: Jimin, can i borrow your blue shimmery jacket when I visit next time?
🐥: of course taetae!! ☺️
🐰: tone it down hyung. I'm gagging here🤮
🐥: you lil shit, I'm gonna get you when we get back.
🐱: okay enough with the empty threats, cuz I know you'll all be cuddling the moment you see each other
🐻: ㅋㅋㅋ he got both of you ngl
🐨: why do none of you care about meee?
🐨: i need some seashells pretty please hobi
🐹: get this baby some seashells hobi. i can't bear his whining.
🐨: i'm not whining !
🐱: sounds awfully like it. either way you're handling it.
🐱: i can't keep collecting them from underneath your comforters.
🐨: i promise. pinky promise!
🐻: you're so cute hyung!
🐿️: i'm back.
🐿️: god, how many messages have you guys left me?
🐿️: oh joon-ah, we just left the beach.
🐨: :(
🐨: i'm sad, can you see me through your screen?
🐨: *insert ryan kakaotalk crying meme*
🐰: hyung! my home's near the beach, i'll get you some don't cry.
🐱: you all yield to joon too quickly.
🐥: as if you don't, mister go-an-extra-mile-for-joon
🐱: I don't know what you are saying
🐿️: oh, you def know it 😂😂
🐻: someone spill, now i'm curious.
🐰: yoonie hyung went 8 miles away from our apartment to get a snorlax plushie that was cancelled last minute due to some shipping issue. it was for hyung's b'day and he went at crazy speeds to get it before joonie hyung reached home.
🐹: never seen my boy be so frantic for something other than coffee.
🐻: awww hyung, i knew you were a softie but this level of cuteness is just unfair
🐱: lies. slander. defamation on my name. don't believe them, tyong-ah
🐥:ㅋㅋㅋ ㅋㅋㅋ
🐨: ngl, you brought it upon yourself
🐱: after i did all that for you, seriously joon??>
🐿️: not to be mean, but after you denied him seashells he's bound to do that.
🐰: 1
🐹: 2
🐱: see if i'll fix anything for you guys. have fun with leaky pipes and broken hinges.
🐱: except taehyung, he's a real one for not YET laughing.
🐱: you're on thin ice, btw
🐿️: no hyung, who will fix my table? it's wonky.
🐱: should've thought about it before
🐥: don't worry hobi-hyung, i'll do it!
🐹: i would pay money to watch that shit unfold.
🐹: jimin will definitely be cussing up a storm the whole day.
🐰: I'll do you one better
🐰: frustrated, he'll throw his tool and then panic over it breaking
🐨: why are we like this?
Taehyung had never adored people like this. He had never fallen so easily in a dynamic filled with a back-forth bounce of energy. He had never built that trust of knowing that the other person got your back no matter what. He had never received the same level of care that he put from a person, much less six.
He was hesitant at how fast he was fitting into their little group of six, like there was always a space for a seventh there. He was a little scared if the pace if it would break them and the blame would then be on him, like every nightmare he had.
And yet, Taehyung couldn't stop his fingers from tracing the calluses of Yoongi's openly inviting palm on his thigh. He couldn't stop his own head that had made Jungkook's shoulder its own personal pillow. He couldn't stop his lips from stretching into a smile when he came across Hoseok in the university's hallways. He couldn't stop his eyes from being mesmerised every move made by Namjoon as they sat talking about the recent manga. He couldn't stop his legs from following the rhythm as Jimin guided his body with hands on Taehyung's hips, slow dancing to a song. He couldn't stop his arms that clung onto Seokjin's waist in a desperate attempt of comfort.
But above it all, was the fact that they never stopped any of his wandering displays of care.
Instead, encouraged his inhibitions to run wild. And it felt like they too wanted him to be a part of their more-than-just-friends-yet-unnamed group pf six.
So, it was no surprise when Taehyung was invited to their cookout— courtesy Yoongi, Jungkook and Seokjin.
This was his first time meeting them after coming back from the holidays.
His parents were of course, teary on seeing him go, but he promised to visit again and call a lot more. Taehyung even made the promise to introduce the other six soon which made his mother laugh. He had gone to his dorm room where his roommate had just entered as well.
"Oh, taehyung. Didn't expect to see you here."
Soojun asked, a little off by his attitude.
"Yeah, well it is still my room."
"Ah you know what I mean by it. You are hardly ever here. Thought you had dropped out or something."
Soojun said, ending it with a laugh.
And Taehyung, sweet, ever-giving Taehyung finally had enough with the audacity of his supposed friend. As if his birthday shenanigans weren't enough, Soojun tried to make a joke out of it.
"Aw, you were worried for me? Maybe you could message me? I mean, messages are free with data now, aren't they?"
Taehyung asked, a syrupy-sweet mocking tone laced along with it.
That did shut up Soojun quite quickly. Taehyung took to his own work and unpacked everything. He was still conflicted on what needs to be done, if he could give up the dorm this semester to live alone or perhaps with his new group of friends who had never mentioned discomfort at his long stays.
But, he wouldn't bite off more than what he was allowed to.
Though, the urge to be away from his old clique group was strong and he would risk it for a smaller, single room if given a choice.
The new semester had started and that meant a whole new lot of subjects to focus on. Which also had meant that he hadn't seen them, so when he arrived at their door with one big box of freshly fermented kimchi and another of sweet yumilgwa, he was welcomed with a surprised expression.
"Tyong-ah, so much food?"
Yoongi asked, helping him in with the plastic containers.
"My mother asked me specifically to give it to all of you. She's sort of set on making us eat all her trial food items."
"I swear, it is good though!"
Taehyung added with a hand scratching his neck as the happy laughs filled in the air.
Walking into the kitchen where the flavorful aroma of meat did bring about a riot in Taehyung's stomach. But what did wonders was having Jungkook pour him a glass of beer and hand it to him with the softest smiles. More wonders came along as a hand, recognised to be Namjoon's, brushed against his back to bring his attention to the weaved-in moomin keychain.
"I made a few for all of you. Thought you would like it. It's not perfect but—"
"Aww hyung, no explanation needed because this is the cutest thing ever."
Taehyung answered, twisting his body to give the other a warm hug.
And just like that, their evening progressed with foods galore and conversations glowing with the background chatter of a show.
"The wedding pics look good, hyung."
Hoseok muttered, pointing at Seokjin's neatly tailored outfits with the most perfect good boy pose.
"Yeah, you look sophisticated."
Jungkook said, chewing the mushrooms.
"Well, thank you!—"
"Not like the wet rat from every day here."
Jungkook cut in with a giggle only to stop with a yelp as Seokjin pinched his thigh.
"That hurt! C'mon."
"Yeah of course, it did! You insulted my world class looks that has people fainting upon first sight."
Seokjin retaliated, pointing the chopsticks at Jungkook.
"Anyways, I got an opportunity to do an internship at this finance company."
Yoongi said, cutting through the duo's squabble effectively.
"Wah, hyung! You should've told us that first."
Namjoon said, smile till his dimples popped out.
"Wanted to wait until all of you were there."
Yoongi said, glancing at Taehyung who just stared back with a blink.
Did Yoongi mean him by everyone?
"Congrats, Yoongi-yah!"
"This calls for another round of soju!"
Jimin cheered just as Seokjin greeted the younger.
"Jimin, not everyone has the tolerance of a pitless well."
Hoseok pointed out, making Jimin groan softly.
"Fine, just me and the bottle then."
"Hey, i didn't oppose it. So pour me one."
Jungkook muttered with all-too bright eyes.
"Look at this brat. I'm older and asking me to pour. Tsk, what did you learn?"
"I learnt from my hyungs aka you, so pour me one now."
Jungkook said, mocking jimin who seriously glared at the youngest for a few seconds, only to break character soon after.
With more congratulations going around the room, few more drinks were poured in. Taehyung loose-lipped from all the alcohol, of course, slipped up about how he was thinking over about his accommodation.
"I...I was thinking of giving up my lease on the dorm room."
"Why? Is something wrong there?"
Seokjin asked, concern filling his words.
"Well, if we are being true. No wait right? transparent? Whatever that word is, my roommate reminds me of my friend group, the other one. Not you. They did not even try, y'know? Like I do not matter. Like they forgot me completely!"
Taehyung said, serious yet adorably messing the words at times.
The other six, some sober holding their alcohol well and others just as drunk seem to tune in onto Taehyung's vent rant with apt attention.
"So, what are you planning on?"
Namjoon asked, just as Yoongi pulled over a blanket across Taehyung's and his legs.
"I don't know, maybe a single room or..."
"Or us?"
Jimin added, having gotten a glint of what Taehyung intended.
"Don't. Let him—"
"I wanna stay with you guys. I mean, I already am here for half the time, but now I'll pay rent and help around."
Taehyung cut Hoseok's hiss of protest.
"You already help us with chores, hyung!"
Jungkook said, lips in a slight pout.
"So, um if you are okay?"
"Of course, Taehyungie. We have extra space for one more. We can also clean out that extra storage space for his items while you can use any of our rooms as the main space. Though, it might take some time to get the hang of having another person in our space of six, I'm sure we'll adjust well."
Yoongi said, smiling so softly that if Taehyung didn't feel so sleepy he would have melted off like gooey marshmallow on rich chocolate.
(Much later after Taehyung had been tucked in with Jimin on the latter's bed, Hoseok nudged Yoongi with a knowing smile and a fact on his lip. A statement, not a question.
"You knew it would last longer than just a meeting in that cafe. His future fate is tied across the plains just like our fault lines."
"Maybe his birthday was bringing in that wish."
Yoongi replied instead, as he placed two glasses of water by the bedside and walked back to Seokjin's and his room.
That night, Taehyung's dreams were filled with limitless grasslands, only bound by a distant horizon as he frolicked hands linked with his best friends. A childish imagination, yet one that had him smile unconsciously.)