Archive of Our Own ^beta

It's a normal lazy Sunday afternoon that finds Taehyung curled up with Jimin watching clips of animal friendships on his phone. Jimin is tucked into his side, head on his shoulder, giggling at the kitten sniffing the rabbit. It’s comfortable, warm, and relaxing. All the things Tae needs before returning to work on Monday, and he suspects Jimin needs it too.

Jimin taps him on his chest. "Play that one again," he demands. Taehyung flicks his thumb across the screen to go back and watch the short clip again. "Doesn't it remind you of Yoongi and Jungkook?"

Taehyung hums as he watches the curious kitten approach the rabbit cautiously only to curl up against the larger bunny and begin to purr. He chuckles. "I can see it, but I bet they'd deny it."

"They are so grossly cute together," Jimin sighs, draping his arm across Tae's chest and tucking his hand between Tae's back and the couch. "It was so obvious they were going to get together the moment Jin-hyung started bringing Jungkookie around."

Tae smiles, remembering the shy boy with big muscles staring at Yoongi-hyung with big eyes. Yoongi may have tried to play it cool, but Jimin and Tae caught the way he was instantly in tune with Jungkook's needs and quietly taking care of him throughout the night. Probably the only one who didn't see it coming was Jin. "Us when?" Tae repeats the familiar refrain shared between them.

Jimin gives an exaggerated sigh. "Us when," he agrees.

They continue to scroll through videos of dogs befriending sheep and mice playing with cats. Jimin grows quiet, not really reacting to the short videos as tae continues to scroll. Taehyung tucks his face into Jimin's bleached blonde hair, the roots dark and growing out. "Are we done?" he rests his chin on Jimin's head, his friend's hair tickling his lips as he speaks.

"Hmm?" Jimin hums.

"You just don't seem that into this anymore," Tae casually points out.

"Oh, I was thinking," Jimin says. He shifts and Tae lets his hand holding his phone drop to his stomach. Jimin tilts his head up to look at Tae. "Do you ever get kind of bored with the same routine?"

Tae's brow furrows as he watches Jimin's face. There's a mischievous glint in his best friend's eye, but he can't figure out where this is going. What routine? Working long hours at the photography studio and being too tired to pursue his own projects out of it? Sometimes. But other than that, he likes the weekly drinks with their friends, and his weekend cuddle marathons with Jimin. "I can't complain," he says, trying to stay neutral.

Jimin smiles and gives Tae a small squeeze. "Me neither," he says, "but I think maybe it's time to shake things up. Nothing interesting has happened in our friend group since Jungkook joined. I think it's about time we gave them something else to talk about."

"You want to invite someone new to Friday night drinks?" Taehyung's mind starts to think of people they know who might fit with the group. Seojun-hyung is nice, but he just got married. Maybe the new assistant at work? Or perhaps Jimin has someone in mind?

"No," Jimin shakes his head and shifts some more so he's propped up on his elbow to look down at Tae. The hand Tae had on Jimin's shoulder shifts down to his back, still holding him close to his side. "I was thinking of a little prank. No, social experiment!" His eyes light up as he talks and Tae can already tell that he'll be agreeing to whatever scheme Jimin is cooking up.

"Tell me more," Tae says. He leaves his phone on his stomach to reach up and tuck a loose strand of hair behind Jimin's ear.

"I think we should see if the group is really paying attention. You and I should subtly start acting all flirty and stuff. See if anyone notices?" Jimin wiggles his eyebrows.

Tae presses his lips together in a thin line. "That's it?" It seems almost tame for Jimin. Subtlety? Open ended goal?

Jimin huffs and rolls his eyes. "Okay, how about we make it a bet?"

Oh, that is more interesting. "I'm listening."

Jimin's smile turns into an impish smirk and Tae feels his heart race a little in his chest. He loves Jimin's competitive side. "We each pick a friend who we think will notice first. If we can get that friend to ask 'are you guys fucking' first, that person wins."

Taehyung laughs, trying to imagine the look of shock and surprise on any of their friends' faces to think he and Jimin are hooking up. "That would be hilarious," he admits. "Okay, deal. But I don't pick Jin-hyung!"

Jimin rolls his eyes and pushes himself up more to sit. Disappointed at the loss of Jimin's warmth, Tae forces himself to sit up as well. There's that weird rush of blood from his head as he scoots his ass across the cushion to cross his legs under himself and face Jimin on the couch.

"I'm going to pick Yoongi-hyung," Jimin says right away.

"No way," Tae pouts. "I was going to pick him." Well, he hadn't actually thought of it yet, but it seems like a safe bet. Yoongi-hyung is perceptive, but he can be quiet. Maybe that will be Jimin's downfall?

"Then you should have said so." Jimin childishly sticks his tongue out at him and Tae laughs.

"Fine," Tae huffs. "I'll pick Hoseok-hyung then!" If Hoseok is surprised enough, he'll blurt anything out. He can see that Jimin is starting to second guess his choice with the way his eyes narrow at Tae and he can't help but smile wider. "When do we start?"

"At drinks on Friday," Jimin says decisively.

"Oh, it's on," Tae says, holding a hand out to Jimin.

Jimnin takes his hand, giving it a firm shake. "May the best man win."

Already, Tae is coming up with plans to convince Hoseok of their ploy and the spark of excitement is refreshing. Maybe Jimin was right: things had settled and it was time to shake them up again.

Friday night, Jimin and Taehyung are standing outside their usual bar planning their grand ‘subtle’ entrance. “We can’t just walk in together,” Jimin is explaining. “We always do that. No, we have to do something different.”

Taehyung shivers, shoving his hands as deep into his pants pockets as he can as a wind cuts through their clothes. It’s hard to think when all he wants to do is duck into the warmth of the bar. People pass by them, opening the door and teasing them with a wave of heat from inside. His teeth clench to keep from chattering. He’d left his jacket in the car so he doesn’t have to keep track of it, and he’s already regretting it. “Like what?” he asks. 

Jimin isn’t shivering, but as he always says: bad bitches don’t get cold. Damn, Tae wishes he were more of a bad bitch. “What’s something small, but different?” Jimin cocks his hip and tilts his head, thinking. 

All Tae can think of is being warm. He inches closer to Jimin until their sides are pressed together. Jimin’s body heat is like a lure and Tae finds himself reaching for him. How can someone so small be such a source of heat? Tae’s hands slide around Jimin’s waist, one slipping into the man’s back pocket, as he buries his cold nose into Jimin’s neck.

“That’s a great idea,” Jimin says with a laugh. “This may be a little much, but a hand in a pocket. That’s subtle, but shows a level of closeness and intimacy.”

“What?” Tae breathes in Jimin’s warm vanilla smell and relishes in his warmth until Jimin elbows him away. He pouts, taking a step back and giving Jimin his space. 

When he goes to remove his hand from Jimin’s pocket, Jimin grabs his wrist. “No. Leave this,” he says. He turns Tae’s hand until he’s cupping Jimin’s ass. This… this is new. As close as they are and how easily they share each other’s space, Tae has never molded his hand to the curve of Jimin’s shapely ass. It’s warm and firm beneath his touch. He’s definitely feeling new things about his best friend’s rear end. 

“Um, okay,” he says dumbly. 

“I think this is perfect,” Jimin nods, moving into Tae’s side so he doesn’t have to stretch to reach that amazingly warm, soft, perfect ass - erm, pocket. “Let’s go.”

With his hand in Jimin’s pocket, Tae is led into the bar. It’s a Friday night, so it’s fairly busy. Stuck to each other’s side (easily done with his hand in Jimin’s skinny black jeans), they weave through the crowd to their usual table. Normally Taehyung would be peering over the heads of the other bar goers to check that their friends are there, but right now his whole focus is on walking with his hand glued to Jimin’s ass. The urge to flex his fingers is there, but he feels like that’s going too far. No one but he and Jimin will know it, and that’s not the point. This is for show, and he keeps reminding himself that. 

Jimin leads the way through the crowd and it’s not until they break through some tables does Tae realize they’ve staked a claim on a corner booth. Plenty of seats for everyone, but not the most convenient if someone in the deep corner wants to get out. “Hyungs,” Jimin calls in greeting, waving a hand. Tae makes sure to keep himself at Jimin’s side, his hand still neatly tucked in his pocket.

“Surprise, surprise. Look who is last to arrive,” Jin teases, scooting further into the booth where Namjoon and Yoongi are already sitting. 

“We’re not last,” Taehyung frowns, glancing at the group. “Jungkookie’s not here.”

Hoseok, who is sitting on the end of the booth opposite Jin, nods towards the far wall. “He’s playing pinball,” he points out.

Tae harumphs and follows Jimin into the booth, his hand slipping from Jimin’s pocket only as they file onto the bench seat. Hoseok always gets an end seat because the man has too much energy to sit still. He’ll jump up and start dancing with no rhyme or reason, and it’s easier to let him do that with unfettered access. Taehyung finds himself sitting directly across from his target. Perfect. 

“Ah, ah,” tuts Namjoon, who is sitting between Yoongi and Hoseok. “Last to arrive is first to pay.” 

Looking around the table, Taehyung finds everyone looking at him. “Me?” His eyebrows go up as he points at himself. “I got here at the same time as Jimin.”

“Yet you were the last to sit down,” Jimin smiles at him innocently. The betrayal! Tae pouts as he goes to stand up again. Jimin reaches out to pat Tae’s hand where he’s pushing himself up from the table. “I’ll get the next round.

The promise consoles Tae as he makes his way over to the bar to place the first round of drinks. He passes Jungkook on his way. His long dark hair is pulled back into a short ponytail, strands loose around his face as he bends over a pinball game in concentration. His lips are pouted and his brow furrowed as his eyes follow the bouncing ball, timing his taps on the buttons on either side of the machine. He’s so focused, Tae doesn’t want to interrupt him. 

It doesn’t take more than a few minutes to wave down a bartender and order a pitcher of beer, six bottles of soju, and Yoongi-hyung’s usual whiskey. “We’ll bring it to your table,” the bartender says as he swipes Tae’s card. His name is Wooshik and they’ve been to this bar enough times that he knows exactly where to serve the drinks. 

“Thanks,” Tae says, feeling a little bad to pull away one of the bartenders, even briefly, on a busy night. 

On his way back past Jungkook, he steps up beside the machine trying to catch the younger man’s attention. “Hey Jungkookie,” he says over the electronic pings of the machine. “Everyone is here.”

“Hey Tae-hyungie,” Jungkook says without glancing away. “I’ll come back to the table once I’m done here. I still have two more balls to play.” It’s impossible to guess how long Jungkook has been playing, but Tae guesses he’ll be at it for several more minutes. 

“Okay,” Tae says. “See you there.” And he wanders away back to the table, getting there before the server. “Drinks are on their way and I told Jungkookie we were all here.”

Taehyung slides back into the booth beside Jimin.

“Hyung was just telling us how prep for next semester is going,” Jimin says, leaning into Tae’s side as he sits down.

Namjoon shrugs. “It’s nothing much. I’ve taught this course before, but they are considering adding an advanced course. So I’m examining my past class data to see if that’s worth it or if I should just expand what I cover each semester.”

Taehyung just hums and nods. School was never really his jam, but Jimin helped him get through it. “What’s new with everyone else?” he asks, maybe not so subtly glancing towards Hoseok-hyung. As he does, he stretches before he lays one arm along the back of the booth behind Jimin. Not touching, but getting closer to him as he locks eyes with Hoseok. He tries to telepathically transmit: couple, couple, couple in his friend’s direction, but Hoseok is just smiling at him widely.

“I’ve got an audition with the JTN Art hall for a spot as a company dancer,” he says, excited. “It’ll be steady work and I’ll get to expand into acting.”

“That’s so exciting,” Tae says earnestly, easily forgetting that he’s supposed to be acting right now. “I’m sure you’ll get it.”

Jimin nods, wiggling in his seat in excitement. “Definitely! You’ve got this in the bag. I can’t wait to go see you on stage!”

Just then Wooshik shows up with their drinks. The glasses get passed around and the pitcher is placed on the edge of the table. Yoongi’s whiskey gets placed in front of him and he pulls out his phone. “Jungkook’s never going to come over here if I don’t text him,” he sighs, but it sounds more fond than exasperated.

“Thanks,” Taehyung says to Wooshik as he leaves some napkins on the table and heads back to the bar.

“If he’s playing a game, how is he going to get your-” Namjoon begins to ask, but before he can even finish Jungkook is bounding back over to the table. Hoseok immediately slips out of his seat to let Jungkook slide in against Yoongi before he sits back down.

“Yay, beer,” Jungkook cheers, wrapping his fingers around a glass and holding it forward.

Taehyung laughs and shakes his head. “Hyung’s got you,” Tae says, only being able to play hyung to Jungkook. He grabs the pitcher and starts pouring everyone’s drinks.

“How’s work going for you, Taehyungie?” Seokjin asks as Tae pours him a drink. “Last you mentioned there was a big project on the horizon.”

“Ugh,” Tae gives an exaggerated sigh, continuing to fill everyone’s glasses. “Don’t remind me. It’s almost done, but things have been stressful because of that. I’m too exhausted to do anything on the weekends, so stuff is building up around the house.”

After he pours Jimin’s beer, Jimin puts a hand on his arm to stop him. Then he takes the pitcher and pours the last of the beer into Tae’s glass. “Poor Tete has been so overworked,” he pouts, focusing on pouring the beer. “I’ve had to make sure he’s eating properly.”

Tae blinks at him, watching Jimin set the pitcher down and then smile up at him. It does something funny to his insides. It’s true that Jimin has been sending him food to make sure eats, and spending time with him as he unwinds on the weekends. But that sweet smile Jimin sends him has a little something extra and it takes Taehyung a moment to realize he’s putting it on extra thick. Then Jimin raises his glass towards Tae and throws him a wink before taking a sip.

The conversation continues around them, but all Taehyung can see is Jimin. All he can hear is his laughter. He looks so natural and Taehyung remembers that it’s what’s going to help Jimin win the bet.

The contest coming to mind, Tae shoots a glance towards Yoongi to see if he’s paying attention. Yoongi is holding his whiskey glass and his eyes look half-closed as he lets the conversation happen around him. He looks like he’s staring into space, so Taehyung can’t tell if he’s paying attention or not. Yoongi-hyung has been surprisingly perceptive in the past so Tae doesn’t it put it past him that he’s noticing everything as he sips his liquor.

Tae’s glance slips back to Hoseok. They’ve been drinking for about five minutes but already this hyung’s cheeks are already turning rosier as he sips his beer. Hoseok catches his eye and raises his gaze to Tae. Holding his glass up in return, Taehyung gives Hoseok a smile and purposefully slips closer to Jimin until their sides are touching. He then turns, holding Hoseok’s gaze until the last moment before he’s facing Jimin. He leans in closer so their faces are very close together to whisper in Jimin’s ear. “I think I’m going to win this,” he needles Jimin, a smile curling on his lips.

Watching Jimin’s profile, Taehyung can see his dear friend’s eyes widen even if the smile doesn’t slip from his lips. After a beat, Jimin turns towards him, their noses almost brushing. “We’ve only just begun. See if you can keep up,” he smirks before pulling back to drain the rest of his drink. He puts the empty glass down on the table with enough weight to make a sound and draw attention. “I need to take a bio break. Are we ready for a second round yet?”

“May as well put the order in,” Jin says, sliding the empty pitcher towards Jimin.

“Sure, hyung,” Jimin says in a sickly sweet tone. Then he starts sliding out of the booth, even though Taehyung is in the way. Their bodies press together until Tae gets the clue and slides out of the booth. He gets up, letting Jimin out next. As Jimin stands up and slips past him, he gently hip check’s Tae’s hip as he saunters off. Tae is left gawking after him for a moment, the warmth of Jimin’s body still lingering against his skin from where they were pressed together.

Taehyung sits back down, watching Jimin approach the bar with the empty pitcher and place the order. A chuckle over his shoulder has Tae turning towards the table. Jin is watching him before rolling his eyes, but no one else seems to be paying attention. Maybe Taehyung should have claimed Jin as his target?

“Hyung is teaching me how to Duru Chigi,” Jungkook announces proudly.

“You’ll have to have us over for dinner sometime,” Tae says. Honestly? Yoongi’s cooking is amazing and Jungkook is good at anything he tries.

“Hmm, ‘us’ is it?” Yoongi raises an eyebrow and Taehyung curses himself silently.

“Jimin would kill me if I hogged all the pork belly for myself,” Tae defends himself. He shoots a glance towards Jimin just in time to see him disappear towards the bathrooms. He smirks, an idea brewing in his head. He turns back to the table. He counts to twenty before announcing: “I’ll be right back.” He gets up from the table and slips towards the restrooms. It takes all his self control not to check over his shoulder to see if anyone (especially Hoseok) is watching him. He has to seem casual, forcing himself not to go too fast out of excitement.

By the time he’s walking into the bathroom, Jimin is already at the sink washing his hands. As the door swings shut behind him, Jimin glances over his shoulder. “Oh, hey Tae,” he says. “Maybe our bladders are more in sync then I thought.”

Tae laughs. “I don’t have to pee,” he says.

Jimin shuts off the water and goes to dry his hands. “Then why are you—?” Before Jimin can finish his question, Tae is grabbing his hand and pulling him towards a bathroom stall. “Tae, what are you doing?”

“Shh,” Tae hushes him as he pulls him into the stall and closes the door behind him, locking it. “In case one of our friends comes in behind me,” he whispers.

“Bold move,” Jimin nods in approval. “But my hands are still wet.” He then promptly wipes them on Taehyung’s shirt. Tae cries in dismay and Jimin just chuckles. “So, how long are we going to keep our friends waiting and guessing?”

Tae grabs the hem of his shirt, pulling the damp fabric away from his skin and shaking it a bit. If Jimin had done it to anyone else, he’d have found it funny. Hell, he still finds it funny but he tries to feign annoyance for at least a little while. “Well, what are we up to?”

“Blow job?” Jimin suggests.

Tae shakes his head. “I think that’ll take too long and be too obvious.”

Jimin laughs. “Thinking highly of yourself, are you? I bet you wouldn’t last two minutes with your cock in my mouth.”

“Maybe I’m the one blowing you,” Tae shoots back, glancing up from his shirt to Jimin. There really isn’t a lot of room in this bathroom stall and there’s barely a hand’s breadth between them. “I’d make you last, drawing it out until you’re begging to nut.”

The smirk on Jimin’s face falters and Tae could almost swear there is color rising to his cheeks. It is pretty warm being this close in the bathroom, though. “So,” he says, taking a deep breath. “Impromptu make out it is.”

“Should we do something to sell it?” Tae asks, giving up on trying to dry his shirt and dropping the hem.

Jimin’s eyes go wide. “Like what?” he squeaks.

Tae presses his lips together as he looks Jimin over, thinking about how to sell this to their friends in a subtle way. “Like this,” he says. He reaches up and runs his fingers through Jimin’s hair. There’s enough product in the blonde strands that it keeps its shape but looks a little less perfect.

Catching Tae’s drift, Jimin reaches up and starts to do the same to him. “Nice,” he comments as he takes his hands back and observes his handiwork. “What about some hickeys?”

Hickeys? There’s something about the suggestion that makes Tae’s stomach swoop. “That isn’t too much?”

Jimin shakes his head. “Nah. We’ll do a small one on each of us. Maybe just around the collar? No hoover-attack bruises.”

It makes a sort of sense and Taehyung can’t think of a reason to refuse him. “Okay,” he agrees. “Um, who should go first?”

“I will,” Jimin shrugs. “It was my idea.”

Taehyung nods. “Alright. Um, do you need me to move or anything?”

Jimin hums and reaches up to tug at the collar of Tae’s shirt. “Nah, I think this will be fine. Just stay where you are,” he says thoughtfully. His fingers brush over Tae’s skin and it sends an unexpected thrill through Taehyung.

They’ve touched before, but there’s something about the way Jimin is looking at him closely that is making Tae’s heart race in a way it hasn’t before. He swallows and Jimin steps closer. Fingers brush Tae’s chin, tilting his head back to give Jimin access as he leans closer. His other hand comes up and hooks over Tae’s shoulder as if to steady himself. A warm breath ghosts over his skin before soft, full lips press over his clavicle near the base of Tae’s neck. There’s a buzzing in his ears as his heart pounds. A hot, wet tongue flicks over his skin before Jimin begins to suck in earnest. Taehyung clenches his hands to avoid grabbing onto Jimin and yanking him closer. They are already chest to chest as Jimin thoroughly sucks at his neck with the sole purpose of bruising the skin and leaving a mark. Tae struggles to steady his breathing, a heat stirring low in his belly from the intimate touch. His thoughts race with how it may feel for Jimin’s lips to linger longer, or travel farther.

Just as Tae is about to lose the struggle to keep his hands to himself, Jimin is stepping back. Cool air makes Tae’s skin prickle where Jimin’s mouth had just been. Jimin runs his thumb over the spot, wiping away any remnants of saliva, and inspects his work. “This should work,” he nods, fussing with the collar of Taehyung’s shirt. “It hits just where your shirt falls and could be mistaken for a shadow.” He smiles, looking up at Tae with a sort of pride. “Your turn.”

Taehyung blinks, heat warming his cheeks as he looks down at Jimin. “Yeah, got it,” he says, trying to force a casualness that he doesn’t feel.

Jimin backs up against the opposite stall wall and looks up at him like he’s daring Taehyung to close the distance. Never one to back down from a challenge, Tae takes the step between them to close the distance. Jimin lifts his chin, keeping eye contact with Taehyung and a small smirk plays on his lips. The lips that are cherry red from sucking on Tae’s neck.

Not sure what else to do with his hands, Taehyung places them on the bathroom stall on either side of Jimin as he leans in closer, ducking closer to bring his face closer to Jimin’s neck. His friend smells of vanilla, spice, and beer as Taehyung’s lips trail down his neck to push aside the collar of his shirt and find his spot.

“Wait,” Jimin gasps, his hands flying to Tae’s chest and pushing him back just enough to look at him.

“Chickening out?” Taehyung chuckles, raising an eyebrow.

Jimin rolls his eyes. “No, dummy. You need to do the other side or Yoongi won’t see it. Or are you trying to cheat?”

Tae looks at Jimin’s neck and realizes that he’s right. If he marks the side he was instinctively going for, it’s the side of Jimin that only Tae can see when they are back in the booth. “Good point,” he points out, shifting to the other side of Jimin’s neck. The shorter man tilts his head and pulls at his own collar to give Taehyung access to the sweet spot. The area where the shirt just might cover it, but will certainly shift as he moves about. 

Licking his lips, Taehyung ducks closer to Jimin to find access to the sweet spot. He exhales over the soft, enticing skin and he swears he feels Jimin shudder. Encouraged by his best friend’s reaction, Taehyung presses a small kiss to the base of his neck. “Here?” He asks, his voice deep and breathy. 

“Yes,” Jimin confirms, his own voice sounding a little broken. A small hand comes up to Taehyung’s shoulder holding him close. 

With his heart pounding in his ears, Taehyung presses his lips to the same appointed spot giving it another soft kiss. Then he flicks his tongue over the skin as if marking it for further exploration. Jimin’s body is stiff where Tae has him trapped against the bathroom stall, but he relaxes ever so slightly as Tae continues to gently explore. 

“Tae,” Jimin sighs and it makes Taehyung’s blood boil. “Get on with it.” 

Not waiting any longer, Taehyung nips at the skin gently with his teeth before sealing his lips around the spot. He sucks, trying to leave a mark that he secretly hopes everyone will see. Not just Yoongi. Jimin’s fingers twist in the fabric of his shirt as he continues to suck and lave his tongue over the spot. Jimin’s skin tastes fresh and clean, with just a hint of saltiness. He wants to explore more, but holds himself back.

After what feels like the shortest eternity ever, Taehyung pulls back with a pop and examines his handiwork. The spot is bright red right now, shiny with spit. He takes his hand from the metal wall and runs his thumb over it to wipe away the excess saliva. “This ought to do,” he confirms, eyes drifting up to Jimin’s face to find his friend’s cheeks warm with heat and biting his own lip. 

“I want to see,” Jimin says quickly. Without making eye contact with Tae, he pushes Tae’s arm away and exits the stall. 

Taehyung follows him back to the sinks to inspect their handiwork. They stand side by side, lifting their chins and pulling at the collars of their shirts. The mark on Taehyung is already less bright red, but he can clearly see where Jimin marked him. He adjusts his shirt so that just the edge of the mark is visible, but it may dip and be revealed if he leans forward. 

Next to him Jimin is poking at his neck and trying to adjust his own neckline. “My shirt doesn’t cover it as well,” Jimin says. “Which I suppose only works in my favor.” He twists to stick his tongue out at Taehyung, and for the first time (maybe?) Taehyung wants to capture that tongue and shove it back in Jimin’s mouth with his own. He blinks in surprise at his own intrusive thoughts and shakes his head. 

“We’ll see,” he says instead, tugging at his own shirt again even though it is already settled. 

“Come on,” Jimin says, grabbing Taehyung’s hand. “Let’s get back out there. The pitcher must have been delivered to the table by now. 

“To-together?” Tae stutters, looking at Jimin with wide eyes. 

“Hmm,” Jimin hums and tilts his head in consideration. “Good point. I’ll go out first. You count to thirty and come out after. Deal?” 

“Deal,” Taehyung nods, thankful for a moment to calm his raging thoughts. Thoughts of pulling Jimin back into that bathroom stall and leaving more marks over his pretty skin. 

“See you soon.” Jimin winks at him before turning and leaving the bathroom. 

Using his extra time, Taehyung leans over the restroom sink and splashes cool water on his face. “Get it together, Kim,” he mutters to himself. It’s all just a ploy, he reminds himself. He can’t trick himself into believing their game. 

After drying his face and hands, Tae assumes it has to have been at least thirty seconds since Jimin left so he follows out. Jimin is already sitting at the table, pouring drinks for everyone as Yoongi sips from his fresh glass of whiskey. Hoseok has gotten up and is lightly bouncing next to the table. The man seriously can’t stay still and Tae smiles to himself as he ducks around him to get back to his own seat. 

The conversation continues as if Tae had been there the whole time. “Then the fish ahjusshi insisted that fresh fish was supposed to smell that way,” Jin is saying.

“I’m taking you with me the next time I go to the fish market,” Namjoon says, shaking his head. “The whole place smells the same to me.”

“Hey,” Jimin greets him quietly as Taehyung settles back into the booth. “More beer?”

Taehyung smiles and slides his glass closer to Jimin. “Sure.” Their eyes meet briefly, and Taehyung swears there’s a spark in his chest before Jimin quickly glances down to watch his pour. Once the glass is full, Jimin settles in his seat next to Tae, but purposefully turns away from him. Tae frowns and glances around the table as he sips his beer. 

Yoongi does have a good vantage point to find the mark Tae left on Jimin, but now that Hobi’s standing Taehyung wonders if his own mark is as visible. He frowns realizing that their plan may not be working in his favor anymore. His mind buzzes, trying to figure out a way to maybe flash his mark in Hoseok’s direction as he watches his friend bop and dance in place next to the table. 

“Hey,” Tae says, inspiration striking him. He reaches out and grabs Hoseok’s wrist. He pulls the hand closer to himself while leaning forward, his shirt definitely gaping open at the front just a bit. He looks intently at Hoseok’s wrist covered in beaded bracelets of every color of the rainbow. “Is this a new bracelet?” He thumbs over one that is purple, black, and shiny silver beads. 

Hoseok gives a delighted gasp. “Yes! Taehyungie has such a good eye!” 

Tae glances up to find Hoseok looking down at him with a big smile. See it, he chants to himself. See the mark. “Did you make it?“ he asks aloud instead, hand still grasping Hoseok’s and thumb running over the soft skin inside his wrist 

“Yup,” Hoseok says proudly. “Now it’s my lucky charm! I’m going to wear it to my audition.”

“That’s great,” Taehyung says honestly before an elbow digs into his ribs. He frowns, dropping Hoseok’s wrist to turn and look at Jimin. 

His best friend is glowering at him before reaching over to shove his beer into the hand that was holding Hoseok’s. “We should toast to Hoseok’s audition,” Jimin is saying, but his cheerful tone doesn’t match the sour look on his face. Maybe he thought Taehyung was being too obvious? Tae doesn’t think so, Hoseok is too tipsy already.

“Good idea,” Yoongi agrees, raising his glass. The rest of the table follows suit. “To Hoseok’s success to come.”

“Cheers,” the table cries, clinking glasses. 

The rest of the night feels pretty normal to Taehyung. He and Jimin lean against one another as they knock back the next few rounds of beers. Their friends laugh and share stories, just enjoying one another’s company. He tries to put the bet out of his mind and just enjoy this time with their friends. Focusing on it too much made it feel like work and not fun. Also, it made what happened in the bathroom feel more fun than work, and he didn’t need to think about that right now. 

As they finally call it a night, the group of them make it out into the late night air to scatter. Jimin hooks his arm around Taehyung’s as they bid goodbye to their friends and start their trek home.

“I think tonight went really well,” Jimin says, leaning into Tae’s side as they walk down the sidewalk together. They usually go back to Jimin’s after a night of drinking and they both know the path as easily as the way home. 

“Me, too. I think Hoseokie-hyung is going to pass his audition,” Tae says with a nod.

“That,” Jimin nods in agreement, “but I think we also did a good job of laying the groundwork for our little prank.“

Prank? Right … Tae swallows and nods. “Yeah, sure.” 

After that night, Tae and Jimin make sure to show up to any meet up together (though, honestly, that’s not that different than usual). Even if Hoseok or Yoongi aren’t present, they put in the effort to keep up the facade. 

Jin has a dinner a week later that only Yoongi and Jungkook can make, but Tae and Jimin make sure to show up at the same time. They even sit next to one another throughout the evening. Despite being attached at the hip, one will occasionally put out their phone to send the other a text. 

CHIM : Act like I just sent you a sweet text.

Taehyung reads it then glances at Jimin who is already tucking his phone back into his pocket. He gives a small chuckle and leans in to rest his head on Jimin’s shoulder. Across the table from them, Yoongi raises an eyebrow. 

The next thing they are invited to is drinks to celebrate Hoseok’s successful audition with JTN. Jimin agrees to wear one of Taehyung’s favorite shirts to the event, even though it hangs a little loose on his slighter frame. There’s something about seeing Jimin in his clothes that makes Taehyung a little giddy, but he remembers to properly congratulate their hyung. 

They avoid doing the same bathroom trick again, but when Hoseok gets up to dance with the jukebox, they get up and join him. Jimin is always so sexy and smooth when he dances, and Tae is accustomed to drawing people’s eyes when they dance together. He keeps his hands on Jimin’s hips as they move together. 

Normally he’d let someone cut in, but not tonight. Tae makes sure no one takes Jimin from him as they sway and grind together. It’s too easy to get excited with Jimin pressed against him. The memory of Jimin’s lips against his skin, or the way Jimin shivered beneath his kisses, float around in his head. Perhaps it’s a little dangerous to drink and prank, because all Tae can think about is ducking down and pressing his lips to the column of Jimin’s throat when he turns and presses his back to him. Tae buries his nose behind Jimin’s ear and breathes him in. Vanilla and spice makes his head swim as his hands hook around to link over Jimin’s belly. Are they even dancing, or just swaying together? Tae feels like he’s floating. 

Jimin’s hands slide over Tae's, holding him there for a moment, before taking his hand and spinning away. Tae pouts at the loss of Jimin’s body heat, but not for long when he sees the smile Jimin is giving him as he spins back close again so they are chest to chest. “What’s a handsome guy like you doing in a place like this?” Jimin teases and his hands slide up around Tae’s neck. 

“I go where all the pretty boys are,” Tae teases back. His hands rest on Jimin’s waist, moving together to the music. Jimin’s eyes catch his and Tae feels like he’s getting lost in the lights sparkling in their reflection. Their faces drift closer together. 

Hoseok comes up and throws his arms around both of them, laughing brightly. “See? Isn’t it fun to dance?”

“Dancing is the best,” Jimin chuckles and glances over at their hyung. 

Taehyung hums and nods as well. “I think I need water,” he says, now that the haze of their dancing has been broken. 

“Hurry back,” Jimin chirps and pats Tae on the ass. 

A few weeks later, Jimin is over at Tae’s place getting ready to go to a game night at Namjoon’s. By getting ready, the two of them are sitting on the couch killing time before they have to leave with the sole purpose of showing up together. They are curled up together, Jimin resting his back on Tae’s chest as they are both preoccupied with their phones. 

“I don’t know if this is working,” Jimin frowns, not looking up from his phone. 

“Wordle giving you a hard time?” Tae asks, glancing from his own phone where he’s reading a webcomic. 

Jimin is online, doing a web search, before he lowers his phone and twists enough to meet Taehyung’s eyes. “No, our prank. No one has reacted to the two of us sneaking off together, or being extra handsy.” 

Tae hums, wondering if they are being extra handsy, or if they are simply being handsy with a different purpose now. “Is it time to up the ante?” 

“Yeah.” Jimin sits up and turns between Tae’s legs to face him. “Let’s show up tonight with marks already.”

“Oh?” Tae has to swallow to keep his heart from jumping into his throat. They haven’t actually done anything since the bar bathroom that first night. “You think that’s the way to go?”

Jimin presses his lips together and gives a firm nod. “Yeah. Then, after everyone is there tonight, we should sneak away again. It’ll be more obvious since we aren’t out at a bar or club.”

“Sure,” Tae agrees. He always agrees to Jimin’s hijinx, and Jimin often goes along with his goofball ideas. It’s how the two of them have always got along so well. He starts tugging at the neckline of his shirt to give Jimin a spot to mark him, but Jimin grabs his hand and stops him. 

“We need to be a bit more obvious,” Jimin says, even as he’s leaning in closer. 

Jimin hovers over him and Taehyung finds himself sinking down further on the couch. Jimin gives him an almost predatory smile as he tucks his face into his shoulder. Taehyung tilts his head to give Jimin better access, his heart pounding in his chest. There’s something more intimate about being at home, practically laying on his couch, when Jimin’s breath ghosts over his skin. 

“You always smell so good,” Jimin mutters before pressing his lips to Taehyung’s throat in a kiss. 

Tae gasps, his arms coming up to grasp at Jimin’s biceps to keep himself grounded. Already the world is spinning and Taehyung’s breath is coming in heavier gasps as Jimin licks along his skin. There’s barely any space between them and Tae is certain if he were to pull slightly, Jimin would slot against him and they would fit perfectly. 

Yet, he doesn’t. He needs to maintain a friendly distance, or it’ll become too real. 

Too real as Jimin latches onto his throat and sucks, making his cock twitch in his pants. It’s a biological response, Tae tries to reason. It’s not because Jimin is sucking on his neck. It’s that there’s someone sucking on his neck. He bites his bottom lip to keep from groaning as Jimin releases the suction from his lips to drift farther up Tae’s throat closer to the sensitive skin below his ear. Jimin presses more open mouthed kisses over Tae’s throat before sealing his full lips once more to suck and mark Tae. That’s the end purpose here, the marks. 

Nothing else. 

And Tae keeps trying to remind himself that as Jimin enthusiastically goes to work. His fingers dig into Jimin’s arms and it seems to just spur his friend on. Jimin’s fingers thread through Tae’s hair and he grips the strands, pulling Tae’s head at a deeper angle to get access to fresh real estate and continue his journey leaving wet, sucking marks along Taehyung’s throat. 

“Jimin,” Tae manages to choke out. “Aren’t you worried this’ll be too much?”

Jimin makes a noise deep in his throat before relenting and releasing the suction of his lips on Tae’s throat to leave a small kiss over the freshly marked skin. “No,” he says, even as he sits back on his heels to look down at Tae. “We were too subtle before. Besides, just because we both show up with marks it’s not a given that it’s from each other. Right?”

“Right.” Tae’s heart sinks at the thought that people might think whatever bruises Jimin just left on his skin might have come from anyone else. No, he needs to make sure he gives Jimin just as good in return. They all need to know. 

Taehyung pushes himself up and catches Jimin by surprise. His friend gives out a gasp as Taehyung pulls him into his lap to bury his face against his neck. “ You smell like sweets,” he mutters against the spiced vanilla skin before pressing a kiss to Jimin’s throat. 

Jimin’s hands grip at Tae’s shoulders as Tae trails the kisses from Jimin’s collar to below his jawline. “Tae,” Jimin whispers. Only then does Taehyung pick his spot on the side of Jimin’s throat. He gently scrapes his teeth over the soft, warm skin before sealing his lips and sucking. They’re so close he can feel the way Jimin’s breath hitches as Taehyung continues to suck and lick at the spot, trying to make it as red as possible. He was already getting hard when Jimin was marking him, and the small sounds Jimin makes as Tae returns the favor is only making his condition worse. He wonders if Jimin can feel Tae’s growing length beneath him, or if he’s politely ignoring it for both their sakes. 

A groan escapes Tae’s throat as he lets go of his first mark to drift his lips across Jimin’s neck to a new spot, sucking just as harshly. How easy it would be, with his arms wrapped around Jimin’s waist, to pull him down on his cock. To feel that magnificent ass, even through their jeans, and rut against him. That would be going too far, but Tae can’t stop his thoughts from straying there in the privacy of his own home. His best friend in his lap, Jimin’s breath quickening as Tae continues to lavish his neck with his attention. 

The sound of a phone ring drones out their heavy breathing and Jimin shoves himself away, sitting on his ass on the other end of the couch. They look at one another and Tae wonders how much they look like. Are his cheeks as flushed as Jimin? His pupils blown wide as wide? His mouth open and panting for breath? 

Their eyes lock between rings and then Jimin is diving for his phone that seems to have fallen between the cushions. He answers and Tae wonders if the person on the other side can hear how flustered he sounds. Or is it just that Tae knows? Knows him well, but also knows what they were just doing. 

“Hey, hyung,” Jimin says into the phone. He pushes himself to his feet and starts meandering around the living room. Tae stays on the couch, his eyes locked on Jimin as his own heart starts to calm. “No, we haven’t left yet. We can pick that up.” Whoever he’s talking to says something and Jimin nods, even though he can’t be seen. “Yeah, see you soon.” And he hangs up. He turns to look at Tae. “Namjoon would like us to pick up paper towels on our way over.”

Taehyung runs his fingers through his hair, pushing his fringe back from his forehead. “Okay,” he says and nods. “Did he ask for us to pick it up, or just you?”

“Us,” Jimin shrugs. “He’d asked if we were on our way yet.” 

Damn, maybe Taehyung should have chosen Namjoon for his target? “I guess we should get ready to head out since we have to make a stop,” he suggests. He does his best to adjust himself in his pants as he gets up off the couch. It’ll go down on his own , he tells himself. 

Changing his shirt for something a little nicer, Taehyung can’t help but admire the path of blooming hickeys that dot his neck. Normally he would put on a turtleneck, but that would defeat the purpose. Wouldn’t it? Besides, there’s a small part of him that doesn’t want to hide what Jimin has done to him. He only hopes his marks on Jimin are going to look as good. 

About forty minutes later, Namjoon is greeting them at his front door accepting the bags of paper towels. For a man as clumsy as him, he really shouldn’t ever run out. And maybe his eyes linger on the dark red marks already starting to bruise that mark Jimin’s long neck when he leans over to unzip his Chelsea boots. There’s no way any of their friends are going to miss it on either of them, and that sends a thrill through Tae’s veins. 

“We always tease Jimin that he’s late,” Hoseok is saying as they step into the dining room to join everyone gathered around the large table for board games, “but maybe it’s really Tae’s fault.” He laughs, pulling Jimin in for a hug. 

“It’s called being ‘fashionably late,’ hyung,” Jimin laughs. They take turns exchanging hugs with everyone as Jin leads the debate on what game to play for the night. 

“If we pick a fast game, we can play more than one,” Jungkook points out, pulling several boxes off a shelf of the bookcase co-opted for games instead.

“Or, we pick an epic game and get totally wasted as we play,” Yoongi counters, reaching for a larger box on a bottom shelf. 

Taehyung laughs. “Does that mean there’s beer?” 

Namjoon jumps out of the seat he just settled into. “I’ll get some.” 

“No,” everyone says. 

“I’ll go,” Tae offers instead and puts a hand on Namjoon’s shoulder, urging him to sit back in his seat. He walks through the room towards the kitchen, exchanging fist bumps and shoulder taps with his other friends as he goes. 

Slipping through the open kitchen door, Taehyung heads to the fridge to grab whatever beer is on hand. He opens the door on the fridge that is far too nice for someone who rarely cooks, like Namjoon. It’s filled mostly with take out containers, pre-packaged salads, containers of pre-made side dishes, bottles of water, and an entire shelf of six-packs of beer. Smiling to himself, Tae reaches to pull one out and an extra for each of their friends when he hears the door of the kitchen click closed behind him. 

“I’m coming,” he calls over his shoulder. 

Socked feet pad across the kitchen floor behind him. “No rush,” comes Jimin’s voice. 

Hands full of beer, Taehyung stands up and hip checks the door closed as he turns to find Jimin approaching him. “I’ve got it,” he says, holding up his bundle. 

Jimin closes the distance and reaches up to grab the beers and Taehyung’s hands and guide them to the kitchen counter. “There’s no rush,” he says, a playful smirk on his lips. “They’re too busy arguing over a game to pick. I doubt anyone has noticed we’ve slipped away, just yet.” With Jimin’s guidance, they set the seven beers down on the countertop beside the fridge. Jimin’s hands slip into Taehyung’s and guides him into the corner of the counter, crowding his space. 

Suddenly Tae’s lips feel very dry and he licks them as he gazes down at Jimin, who is looking up at him with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Tae’s eyes drop to the marks he left on Jimin earlier, already growing darker as they age. The heat of Jimin’s body pressing closer reminds him of how it felt to have Jimin in his lap. As Jimin’s hands trail up his arms, Tae’s own hands seem to gravitate towards Jimin’s waist. “What are you thinking?” he asks, feeling his heart begin to pound. 

“Shh,” Jimin hushes him gently and mutters quietly, so close it’s easy to hear him. Especially with the way Tae’s eyes are locked on the movement of those plush lips. “Just go with it.” Jimin’s hands slide up over Tae’s shoulders to lock behind his neck. 

Before Taehyung can think about what’s to come next, Jimin’s lips are pressed to his. All other thoughts slip away as Jimin leans into him, their bodies slotting together as easily as if they were curled up on the couch to watch videos, or cuddled in bed for a nap. But this time, instead of just arms, there’s lips opening to allow for the intimate press of tongue. The slick slide of their kiss makes Taehyung’s veins alight with electricity. His hands slide up over Jimin’s waist to run over Jimin’s back, the skin warm beneath the man’s shirt as he holds Jimin close. 

Where they are standing slips away, even with the way the counter digs into Tae’s lower back. Taehyung’s world is Jimin: the length of their bodies pressed together, the slide of their lips moving together, the way Jimin’s fingers tangle into the hair at the back of Taehyung’s head, the sound of his heart pounding in his ears and his skin growing hot. 

Taehyung isn’t sure how much time has passed before the kitchen door opens and the sound of their friends debating fills the kitchen and breaks them apart. Jimin jumps back, turning to look over his shoulder. 

Yoongi stops halfway through the doorway and blinks at him. “Need help getting those beers?” 

“Nope,” Taehyung swallows, shame making his tummy twist. He can’t believe their hyung just caught them. He reaches behind him and holds a beer up to show Yoongi he has them. “I’ll be there in a second.”

“Uh huh.” Yoongi arches an eyebrow and slips back out of the kitchen. 

Jimin giggles and claps as he steps away from Tae and does a little celebratory spin. “Perfect,” he cheers quietly. “I thought Yoongi would lose his patience the fastest.” 

Taehyung’s heart drops. “What?” He blinks, the blood that had been rushing to his cock starting to make its way back to his brain. 

“I had a feeling Yoongi-hyung would come to check on the beers first,” Jimin says with a self-satisfied shrug. 

Pain twists in Taehyung’s chest. That had been Jimin’s plan for coming in? The bet? Of course it was. “That’s cheating,” Tae pouts, turning his back on Jimin to gather up the rest of the beers. “We were supposed to be subtle.”

“I think we’ve given up on being subtle,” Jimin teases and playfully pokes Taehyung’s neck where the marks Jimin left only an hour or so ago sting at the touch. 

Taehyung hisses and shrugs Jimin off. “I still think that’s cheating.” He steps past Jimin, taking long strides across the kitchen. He’s so annoyed. Of course Jimin was playing the game. It’s not like he came into the kitchen to find Taehyung because he wanted to. Obviously it was for the game. The game that Jimin must be winning. That must be why his chest feels tight and his cheeks are burning as he steps back into the dining room. 

“Tae,” Jimin calls after him, but Taehyung doesn’t stop. He lets the kitchen door swing closed behind him as he rejoins the others. 

“Beer’s up,” he says, placing the six pack on the table and popping the tab on the seventh for himself. 

“Great,” Yoongi says, grabbing a beer for himself. “We’ve finally picked a game.”

Namjoon is setting up the pieces to play Catan, which is as good as any other game as far as Tae’s concerned. He’s not terribly in the mood for a game, but he’s here. So may as well. He sits down at a chair and takes a long drink from his beer. 

Jimin joins them, slipping into the group without a word as everyone grabs their drinks and settles. Tae doesn’t bother to look up when Jimin settles next to him. “Hey,” he whispers as everyone chooses pieces. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Taehyung says and sips his beer and reaches for the orange pieces. 

“I like to be blue,” Jimin says, reaching to take the orange pieces away from Taehyung. 

“Then play blue.” Taehyung slides the wooden orange pieces away from Jimin and closer to himself.

There’s a sudden silence that falls over the table. “But, you and Jimin always play together,” Namjoon points out. “This is a six-player game.” 

“I want to play on my own this time,” Tae says stubbornly. He can’t help but notice out of the corner of his eye the way Jimin’s shoulders slump like he’s crestfallen. 

“Okay,” Jimin says and reaches for the blue pieces. 

“Yoongi and I can play together,” Jungkook offers, breaking the tension that was beginning to build around the table. “Right, hyung?” He smiles brightly at Yoongi and the older man seems unable to resist. 

“Fine,” Yoongi says. “At least that means I have a chance of winning if I’m on Jungkook’s team.” 

They set out the Player 1 and Player 2 markers and start the game, but Taehyung is only half paying attention. He drinks his beer and tries to ignore Jimin sitting next to him and trying to get his attention. Instead he watches Yoongi and Jungkook. 

The pair sit close to one another, whispering when it’s neither of their turn. They look cozy and an ugly envy twists in Taehyung’s chest. Normally that would be him and Jimin, but he’s too annoyed with his best friend right now. He doesn’t want to think too closely about why Jimin playing the game they set for themselves is agitating him so much. Somewhere along the way something shifted, but apparently that was only for Taehyung. He needs a hard reset to remind himself that it’s just a prank. Nothing more. And that he has to win. 

Just, not tonight.

Hoseok gets up to get the next round of beers and Taehyung grabs a second as soon as he drains his first. The bitter taste seems to pair perfectly with his sour mood. And with the way he’s miserably losing the game, but he just can’t be fucked. 

In the end, the outcome is predictable. Jungkook and Yoongi win by a landslide. Taehyung finishes his beer and stands up to congratulate them. “Good job,” he says, patting Jungkook on the back before shaking Yoongi’s hand. As everyone stands up, stretches, and shuffles about, Taehyung goes around the table to Namjoon, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Thanks for having me, but I think I’m heading out.”

Namjoon blinks up at him in surprise. “Already? We haven’t even ordered food yet.”

Jimin is watching them from across the table, but Taehyung doesn’t bother to meet his gaze. “Yeah,” Tae says. “I’m just not in a good mood and I don’t want to bring the party down. Next time, okay?”

“Yeah, of course,” Namjoon gives him a sympathetic smile. “Feel better, okay?”

“I will. I think I’m just going to quietly leave. I don’t want to make a fuss,” he says. “Thank you, though.”

Namjoon pats his hand and Taehyung slips away, heading back out of the dining room and towards the front door. As he’s slipping his shoes back on, Jimin comes rushing after him. “Hey, where are you going?”

“Home,” Tae says, standing up and reaching for the door handle.

Jimin grabs his arm, stopping him in place. “What? Why?”

Taehyung shrugs him off, glancing up to find Jimin’s eyes filled with concern. “I’m just not up to this tonight, Jimin. It’s no big deal.”

“Well, let me come with you, then.” Jimin bends over to reach for his boots. 

“Don’t,” Tae says. “I just want to go be alone. Stay. Play some games. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

Jimin stands up and huffs at him in annoyance. “We came together. Won’t it look weird if we don’t leave together.”

“Why do you care?” Tae can’t keep the taunting out of his remark. “You already made your point to Yoongi-hyung. You don’t have to sell it this hard.” 

“Tae-” 

“Good night, Jimin,” Taehyung says firmly and turns to leave. The door swings shut behind him as he makes his way down the hall. He finds himself holding his breath, listening to his footsteps over the tiled floor to see if a second set races after him. But it never comes. Jimin lets him leave and that just ignites the fire in his belly from a simmer to a roar. Fuck Jimin , he thinks to himself as he makes it to the elevator, but opts to take the stairs down to the lobby of Namjoon’s building. 

Marching home on two beers and an empty stomach starts to make Taehyung feel a little sick, so he stops at a convenience store for some triangle kimbap and instant packets of ramen. He eats the kimbap on his way, planning to boil some water and have a sodium-filled dinner once he gets home. 

It’s hard to clear his thoughts as he makes his way through the dark city streets. They’re muddled with thoughts of Jimin and his stupid fucking lips. The way they press against his neck. Or feel moving against his lips. The pretty lies they tell and the way he smiles when he thinks he’s winning their bet. It makes Taehyung’s hands clench into fists as he simultaneously wants to kiss those lips and smack them right off his best friend’s face. He’d never actually strike Jimin, but metaphorically. 

Taehyung gets home, kicking his shoes off at the door and tossing the packets of ramen on the kitchen counter before setting some water to boil. He feels sweaty from his energetic walk home and slips into the bathroom to splash some cold water on his face. It helps clear his head a little of the muggy thoughts that have been filling it, until he catches his reflection in the mirror. 

As much as he thought the marks he left on Jimin were obvious, the ones along his own neck are even more obvious. They form a pretty constellation of bitten bruises along his throat that makes his stomach churn in the same want he felt when he received them. And that just makes him angry all over again. He let himself get suckered into their own game and that’s his own fault. He needs the space tonight away from Jimin to get his own head on straight. 

Taehyung grabs the hand towel from the rack beside the sink and rubs at his face, trying to push the image of the hickeys out of his head before heading back to the kitchen. The simple task of putting together the ramen is enough to focus his thoughts, but it doesn’t last for long. 

As Tae settles on his couch and turns on the television of background noise, he realizes how empty his apartment feels without Jimin there. His quiet presence just helps fill the space in a way Taehyung only notices now that he’s gone. He slurps down the ramen as fast as he can, hoping that sleep will be the best respite. 

Washing his bowl in the sink, Taehyung nearly drops the slippery bowl when a pounding comes from his front door. A glance at the clock on the stove reads 11:36pm. Far too late for a visitor, and there’s only ever one person who would come. Taehyung’s heart pounds, hardly able to believe that Jimin is going to be at the door when Tae said wanted to be alone. 

He leaves the rinsed bowl in the rack next to the sink and goes to check. Already, he feels the heat building in his chest. He doesn’t want to turn his best friend away, but he can’t stand to see him right now. Not when he hasn’t got his head on straight just yet. 

Of course, when he opens the door, there’s Jimin standing before him. The marks on his neck are not the only color that mars his skin, as red flushes his cheeks. “Taehyung- ” he says without greeting.

Taehyung shakes his head, holding the door open just enough to peer out at Jimin. “What are you doing here?”

Jimin’s lips twist into a frown. “What do you mean ‘what am I doing here?’ You took off so fast. You looked upset. Did you really think I was just going to leave you alone?” He reaches up and puts a hand on the door to push it open, but Taehyung holds tight. “Tae, let me in.”

“No,” Taehyung says resolutely. “Go home, Jimin.”

Surprise makes Jimin’s eyes blink open wide. “Taehyung, don’t do this. Just talk to me.”

“There’s nothing to talk about,” Taehyung insists. He realizes their voices are getting raised, and he glances up and down the hall to make sure they aren’t getting any dirty looks from his neighbors. 

“Fine.” Jimin holds his hands up like in surrender. “You say there’s nothing to talk about, but you still won’t let me in? Why not, Tae?”

“I told you: I want to be alone,” Taehyung hisses, trying to lower the volume of their conversation. 

Jimin crosses his arms over his chest. “Well, I don’t. So please, let me in.”

Taehyung rolls his eyes. “If you didn’t want to be alone, then you should have stayed at game night. Everyone was there.”

“Yeah,” Jimin nods. “And everyone was asking me what was wrong with you . So, tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing,” Taehyung cries out in frustration. Then his heart drops that they are making a scene and about to be chewed out by Mrs. Choi across the hall. “Fine, come in. Do whatever you want, you always do.” He lets the door swing open and turns to go into the apartment away from prying eyes. 

“What does that mean?” Jimin calls after him as he steps inside, pausing long enough to get his shoes off once more. It gives Taehyung a chance to escape down the hall towards his room. He just wants to go to bed in hopes that Jimin will disappear from his apartment like a bad dream. “Why are you running away from me, Tae?” Feet pad down the hall after him as Taehyung slips into his bedroom. 

He goes directly to the dresser and starts pulling out sleep clothes, trying to ignore the energy of agitation Jimin brings into the room behind him. “I’m not running away,” he pouts. “I’m getting ready for bed, like I was before you got here.” 

“Tae, what’s going on?” Jimin reaches out and grabs Taehyung’s elbow, freezing him in place. “What happened between leaving for Namjoon’s and now?” 

Taehyung shakes off Jimin’s touch and turns around to face him, feeling trapped between Jimin and his dresser. “Nothing happened. I’m just kind of over it. Nothing’s wrong.”

“Over what?” Jimin asks, narrowing his eyes. “Game night?”

“Yeah, game night.” Taehyung twists his sleep pants in his hands. “Maybe I’m over our little bet, too.”

Jimin reaches out, putting his hands over Taehyung’s to keep him from ripping apart the pants. “Is that what this is about? Our bet?”

“No,” Taehyung shakes his head, but it feels too much like a lie on his tongue. “Well, maybe. I think I realized that I’m not going to win.”

Jimin cocks his head to the side, brown eyes roaming over his face as if trying to read a truth behind his eyes. “Is this because Yoongi walked in on us in the kitchen? I’m sure you could have pulled out something similar for Hoseok.”

“I don’t want to,” Taehyung says, the tension pulling tight between them like he’s navigating a tightrope walk between them. “I’m done, Jimin.”

“Done?” Jimin’s eyebrows draw together. “Done with what, Tae? The game? Or is it that you’re done with fooling around with me? Is that what you’re really done with?” The heat behind his words make Taehyung’s pulse race. 

That just makes the anger sharp in Taehyung’s chest. He gives out a sigh of frustration and pushes his way past Jimin towards his bed, throwing the pants down on the covers. “Well, congratulations Jimin. You’ve won!”

Jimin follows after him, not letting Taehyung put any distance between them. “What do you mean I’ve won?” he pushes. 

Taehyung turns around, throwing his hands up in frustration. “I mean you’ve won the game. I’m sure Yoongi thinks there’s something between us now. You did so well, you convinced me , Park Jimin. So, you’ve won and we don’t have to play this stupid game anymore.” 

“Tae,” Jimin gasps, his jaw dropping in shock. “It- it doesn’t really feel like a game anymore.”

Taehyung shrinks in his shame when Jimin doesn’t meet his anger with his own. The brown eyes staring at him in surprise makes Tae feel small. “I think it stopped being a game for me at some point.” 

"Since when?" Jimin stares at him in disbelief.

"I don't know," Taehyung admits, wanting to curl in on himself. "I think I just realized it tonight."

"In the kitchen?" Jimin guesses.

Taehyung nods, collapsing to sit on the edge of his bed. "When you came to find me in the kitchen it didn't occur to me it was for the bet. I thought, maybe, you felt the way I did." Elbows on his knees, Taehyung hides behind his hands. Suddenly losing the game feels like he's losing so much more. His pride. And maybe even his best friend. He's ruined everything.

Instead of reacting angrily or storming out like Tae expects, Jimin kneels down in front of Taehyung and puts his hands on his knees. "Tete," he says softly. "Let me see you." Those hands gently squeeze his knees. "Shh, you don't have to hide. Let me see your handsome face."

His heart stutters in his chest and he can't deny Jimin's gentle pleas. Taehyung lowers his hands and peers at Jimin through damp eyelashes. He's not quite crying, but he feels on the verge of it. The emotions are too big to hold back. He finds Jimin watching him with warmth and understanding in his eyes instead of scorn or repulsion and it makes his chest tight.

"There's my handsome best friend," Jimin says softly. He lifts a hand to cup Taehyung's cheek, a thumb brushing over the apple of his cheek. "I'm sorry I made you think it was just for the game. It wasn't." Jimin's voice cracks and he takes a deep breath. "I only said that because I didn't expect Yoongi to find us like that. I panicked because I thought you were still just playing the game."

"Really?" Taehyung gasps.

"Yes," Jimin says with a nod. "I think, maybe, the game was only ever just an excuse. Even if I didn't know it at first. You're my favorite person in this whole world, Taehyung. And I was afraid that maybe, one day, someone would come into our group again like Jungkook did with Yoongi, but this time I'd lose you."

"Oh, Chim." Taehyung sobs, feeling the tears finally spill down his cheeks. "You'd never lose me. You're my person. And I'm yours."

Jimin smiles, color rising to his cheeks and making him the most beautiful man in the whole world. "For always?"

"And forever," Taehyung promises.

Jimin's other hand comes up and cups the other side of Tae's face, thumbs wiping away the tears on his cheeks. "Can I kiss you, for real this time?"

"It's always been real," Taehyung chuckles at the absurdity of the question. "But yes."

Jimin's smile widens, his adorable crooked tooth on display and his eyes closing into little half crescents. His hands hook around Taehyung's neck as he leans forward to press their lips together. It's soft and full of so much warmth Taehyung feels a wave for pure affection wash through him. How could one person hold so much beauty and tenderness? His hands reach out to wrap around Jimin's waist and pull him into his lap, lips sliding together in a way that is both familiar and new. Tae could have told you the exact shape of Jimin's lips in the past, but now he can describe their plushness and how they taste against his.

Before Tae knows it, Jimin is straddling his thighs and pushing him back to lay on the bed. As their lips continue to move together and tiny nips turn to exploring tongues, their hands begin to roam. They've always been touchy friends, but now hands are taking new liberty slipping under shirts and running over warm skin. Taehyung slides his hands down Jimin's back and over his hips to cup his ass in both hands, filling his palms with Jimin's round cheeks. He's always been obsessed with them, and now he kneads the muscle relishing in the way Jimin moans against his lips as he does so. Jimin grinds down against him and Tae can feel how hard he is through his pants, his own cock straining against the fabric of his underwear.

"Tae," Jimin sighs between kisses and it makes heat swirl in his belly.

Taehyung grips Jimin's hips and pulls him further onto the bed, flipping them so he can settle between Jimin's legs. "Chim," he whispers, hovering over Jimin and gazing at his kiss-bitten lips and messy blonde hair. Taehyung runs his fingers through his hair and grinds down against him, letting Jimin feel how much he wants him. "Are we doing this?"

"Tae," Jimin gasps and lifts his head from the bed to press a quick kiss to his lips. "I've been fucking on edge all afternoon ever since you pulled me into your lap on the couch. You better take responsibility." He chuckles and Taehyung can't help but laugh with him.

"I'll take good care of you," he promises.

The smile on Jimin's lips soften as he runs his fingers through Tae's hair, pushing the fringe back from his forehead. "I know you will."

Taehyung smiles wide, feeling a pride swell in his chest that Jimin has such faith in him. Faith that he wasn't sure would be there, but they are getting here in the end. Taehyung ducks down to press their lips together again, feeling Jimin's fingers twist in his hair at the back of his head before he starts littering kisses down Jimin's neck. He presses gentle kisses over the marks he left there just this afternoon. Then he slides his hands under Jimin's shirt to push it up under his armpits to expose his chest. Smooth skin with pebbled nipples lay out before him and his mouth waters. He ducks down, pressing a kiss to Jimin's chest as his fingers trace over the black ink along his ribs where the word NEVERMIND is etched. He makes his way to a pert nipple before swirling his tongue around it. Jimin gasps, scrambling to pull his shirt the rest of the way off as Taehyung laves his chest with attention. Fingers twist into his hair, guiding him to the other nipple, and he goes happily.

“Tae,” Jimin moans, writhing beneath his touch. 

A smile quirks unbidden at the corner of his lips as Tae’s hand drifts down over Jimin’s taut belly to slip into Jimin’s underwear. His fingertips brush the hot, velvety skin of Jimin’s cock and the man gasps, bucking up into the touch. Tae wraps his fingers around Jimin and strokes him as he bit the nipple gently. 

“Fuck,” Jimin curses and pulls Tae’s hair to get him off of his chest. “Stop, stop.” Tae stops moving his hand, glancing up to find Jimin panting, his face flushed. “I’m going to cum if you keep that up.”

Tae chuckles and gently pulls his hand from Jimin’s pants. “We wouldn’t want that, now would we,” he teases. 

Jimin’s chest is heaving as he falls back against the bed, laughing. “Not yet.”

“Well, I have a promise to keep,” Tae says, scooting down the bed to undo Jimin’s pants and pull them off.

“And what promise is that?” Jimin looks down his body at Tae, but doesn’t stop him. 

“Remember what I said in the bathroom that first night?” Tae smirks, tossing Jimin’s pants aside. “That I'd make it last until you’re begging to nut.”

Jimin laughs, arms splaying out across the bed at his sides. “I don’t know if I’ll make it. I’m so worked up.”

Taehuyung runs his hands up Jimin’s legs, feeling the firm muscles in his calves and then his thighs. “Then cum, I don’t mind. It won’t ruin my fun.” He spreads Jimin’s legs to settle between them.

As he presses gentle kisses along the inside of his thighs, Jimin gasps at each touch of his lips. He makes his way to Jimin’s crotch where his cock is standing at its full length and flushed red, the tip shiny with precum. Impulsive to the last, Taehyung flicks his tongue out to clear the salty cum and Jimin tenses beneath him. 

“Tae,” Jimin whines.

“Shh, don’t worry. I’ll be kind.” Tae chuckles as he slides his hands under Jimin’s thighs and pushes them up, almost bending him in half to get access to what he really wants. 

Taehyung presses kisses over the generous curve of Jimin’s ass, listening to the man’s soft panting until he reaches the center. Then, mouth salivating, Taehyung licks between the seam over the puckered hole before him. Jimin twitches, crying out, but Taehyung doesn’t stop there. He licks again, over and over, coating Jimin’s hole in saliva. Hands reach out and grip at his forearms as if trying to ground himself and egging Taehyung on. He licks and kisses, spit coating his chin before he’s even teasing the tip of his tongue into Jimin’s opening. 

Jimin bucks up, crying out. “Ah!” Tae fucks him with his tongue, his own fingers digging into the backs of Jimin’s thighs to keep him bent in half and open for him. All the while he licks, kisses, sucks, and plunges his tongue deeper. “Tae, Tae, Tete, Tae,” Jimin chants in broken gasps. “Fuck, more. Please!” 

When Tae lets go of Jimin’s leg, Jimin’s own hand is there to take his place. There’s plenty of saliva coating Jimin’s hole that Taehyung’s long digit slides in easily, reaching further than his tongue can on its own. Jimin is hot and soft around his finger as he crooks his finger, seeking that nerve-bundle. He knows he finds it when Jimin clenches down on him, groaning. 

“Tae, too much,” Jimin warns. And he’s right. 

If Tae wants to make Jimin last he needs to avoid pressing there too directly. So instead he slips a second finger in and focuses on stretching Jimin open, pressing deep and purposefully not aiming for Jimin’s prostate. His free hand caresses Jimin’s thigh to soothe him, but Tae also can’t stop touching him. They’ve always been so touchy, but this new exploration makes his insides quiver. The trust Jimin is giving him can only be returned with his utmost care. 

The more he works Jimin over, the more Jimin moves his hips to fuck himself open on Tae’s fingers, his tongue still licking and kissing at the rim. “Taehyung, please. I’m ready, I want you. All of you,” Jimin pleads.

Taehyung’s heart clenches. He presses one last kiss to Jimin’s inner thigh as he slowly pulls his fingers from him. As he reaches for his bedside table for his lube, Tae finds himself crawling up and over Jimin. They’re face to face as he blindly reaches for the lube. Jimin’s hands are busy caressing his shoulders and down his back. 

“You have me,” Tae whispers, feeling breathless and overwhelmed with emotion. “All of me.” 

“Tae,” Jimin sighs, one hand coming up to hook around his neck and pull him into a kiss. 

Somehow Tae manages to find the lube, but he’s reluctant to pull back. Instead he pulls all of his feelings into that kiss, trying to tell Jimin everything he hasn’t been able to say. The kiss deepens, tongues twisting together as Taehyung presses his body to Jimin. Their hard cocks slide together, making his pulse race. 

The kiss breaks and they are both panting for their breath. “I love you, Jiminie,” Tae utters. He searches Jimin’s eyes, watching them go wide and fill with warmth. 

“Then make love to me,” he says, giving Tae the space to sit back and slick his cock. He quickly does so, finding it unbearable to be apart from Jimin for even that long. 

As he settles back into Jimin, the blunt head of his cock pressing to Jimin’s entrance, he finds himself being wrapped in his warm embrace once more. Jimin holds him close as he slowly presses in, easing his length into Jimin. They both gasp, moaning in pleasure as he fills Jimin, his deepest love’s body opening up for him like it’s where he belongs. 

Taehyung may have joked about taking his time and making it last, but now it’s more than just that. Their bodies move together at their own pace, drinking in their moans and luxuriating in each other’s touch. Taehyung’s heart feels fit to burst and he's surprised to find Jimin pulling his face closer to gently kiss away tears on his cheeks. 

“It’s okay,” Jimin says softly. “I love you, too. I love you so much. You’re doing so well, Tae.” His little encouragements just makes Taehyung’s heart swell more and his gut twists in pleasure and pride. He’s making Jimin feel good in the way only a best friend can. Someone who knows you as well as they know themselves. 

Despite how much he doesn’t want to rush, Taehyung finds his pace picking up. His heart is pounding and he feels the need to drive into Jimin even more. To show him how much his body affects him, what his words mean to him, and that he wants to give him everything. Make Jimin feel as good as he makes Tae feel. 

Jimin’s legs wrap around his waist, ankles hooking at the small of his back, as Tae begins to pound into him. The sound of skin smacking on skin fills the room, but they don’t separate. They exchange kisses between heavy breaths and Taehyung can feel the way Jimin is beginning to tense beneath him. He’s so close and Taehyung wants to push him over that final edge. 

“Come for me, Jiminie,” Tae whispers against his lips. 

Despite how much eye contact they’ve been maintaining, Jimin finally throws his head back and cries out. His hot walls clench around Taehyung, so he drops his face to Jimin’s neck. Surrounded by his scent and feeling Jimin’s pleasure releasing between them Taehyung has coming as well. He thrusts deep, a groan pulling from the base of his throat as he lets go into Jimin. 

Taehyung collapses onto Jimin as they both struggle to catch their breath. Jimin gives a soft “oof, you’re heavy” and they both chuckle. As his cock softens, Taehyung slips from Jimin’s hole. Without that point of connection he rolls to his side, with his arms wrapping around Jimin to roll with him so he can still plant kisses over Jimin’s neck and face.

“Did I keep my promise?” Tae huffs, unable to wipe the smile off his face.

Jimin smiles between the kisses, running his fingers through Taehyung’s sweat-dampened hair. “No,” he teases. “You were too kind to me. Didn’t make me beg at all.”

“Ah, well.” Fondness makes Taehyung feel warm and fuzzy, hooking a leg over Jimin’s hip. “I guess there’s always next time.”

“Next time.” Jimin kisses him as if sealing a promise. “I guess the game is over.”

Taehyung nods, nuzzling his face against Jimin’s neck. “I think we both won.”

Jimin hums, a hand rubbing over Taehyung’s back. “Yes, I think we did. I guess now we’ll just have to surprise everyone with our news.”

Leaving a peck on Jimin’s neck, Tae lifts his head. “Yeah? Ready to make it official that you’re my boyfriend?”

“I’m covered in both our cum, I think that’s pretty official,” Jimin chuckles.

Tae smiles, pulling Jimin against his chest to kiss him deeply. When they break apart, Taehyung watches the way Jimin is smiling back at him. It’s his favorite sight. “I guess that’s fair. Let’s shower. We can worry about apologizing to our friends for blowing them off tonight later, and give them the good news.”

“I think they’ll forgive us,” Jimin agrees.

Now that things have changed, it feels both like it should have always been and exciting with its newness. Taehyung can’t wait to tell everyone, so he invites everyone out for drinks that weekend. They agree to meet at the bar that their game first started at. And, for a change, Jimin and Taehyung are the first ones to arrive.

They grab their usual booth and pre-emptively order two pitchers of beer (and Yoongi-hyung’s usual whiskey - the good stuff). In ones and twos, the rest of their friends show up, surprised to find drinks already purchased and their usual late-comers tucked into the corner of the booth waiting for them.

Jin, the last to arrive, takes a seat at the end and accepts a full glass of beer being handed to him. “To what do I owe the pleasure of not having to buy the first round?” He raises his glass and takes a sip.

“Tonight, we’re celebrating,” Jimin says, practically squirming in his seat with excitement. Taehyung is certain that if it weren’t for their linked hands under the table Jimin would be vibrating into the atmosphere, because he feels the same way.

Hoseok, opposite Jin on the other end of the round booth, raises his glass as well. “Great! What are we celebrating?”

Smiling at one another, Taehyung’s heart is pounding. He can’t wait to see the shock on everyone’s faces. Jimin is grinning back at him, the same spark of mischief in his eyes. Together, they raise their hands from beneath the table with their fingers intertwined. “We’re dating,” Taehyung announces proudly. He tears his gaze away from Jimin to take in the surprise of all their friends.

However, there’s a range of confusion and blank stares staring back at him. Namjoon, to Jimin’s right, raises an eyebrow and glances around the table as well. Jin, glass half-rasied as if to cheers, lowers his arm once more. Hoseoks is blinking, like he doesn’t understand what Taheyung just said. Jungkook is leaning into Yoongi’s side between his boyfriend and Hoseok.

Yoongi, not even looking up, sips from his whiskey. “I didn’t realize that was news,” he says, setting the whiskey down.

“Well, I know you caught us at Namjoon’s party, but that was before we started dating,” Jimin explains. “In fact, that was the very night we made it official.”

“That wasn’t even a week ago,” Namjoon says, his head tilting to the side as if trying to figure out some puzzle.

Taehyung smiles, squeezing Jimin’s hand in his own. “Yeah, but we couldn’t wait to tell everyone.”

Hoseok slowly raises his hand, leaving his beer on the table. “Um,” he says as everyone turns to look at him. “Am I the only one who thought you guys were already dating? Like, since college?”

Jin shakes his head. “Nope,” he corroborates and glances back to Tae and Jimin. “I thought you guys were going to tell us you were moving in together or getting a pet or something.”

The feel of excitement begins to sink and Taehyung feels his chest deflate. “Wait, really? You thought we were already dating?”

“Yes,” Namjoon nods. “You two are constantly attached at the hip.”

“And super touchy,” Jungkook adds.

“And radiate so much sexual energy it makes the rest of us uncomfortable sometimes,” Hoseok finishes.

“We were best friends,” Jimin says, the surprise turning back on them. “Don’t you guys have best friends like that?”

“No,” the rest of the table says in unison.

Taehyung feels a laugh bubble up in his chest and he can’t stop it from escaping. He starts practically cackling, falling into Jimin’s side. “I guess we were the last to know, babe,” he says through laughs.

Jimin begins to laugh as well, and everyone joins in.

“Cheers to the new-old couple,” Jin says, raising his glass. “And to Taehyung and Jimin picking up the first two rounds.”

“Cheers,” they all chant, clinking glasses.

It may have taken some time, but it feels right for them. Taehyung drains his glass, and puts it down, turning to find Jimin beaming up at him. Everything was just as it has always been, and should continue to always be.